Good Blogs

I've been blogging for years now... but my blogging started as personal and lengthy and has, with the "birth" of my business, morphed into something more succinct and "hot topic" -ish. My undergraduate degree is in English Writing (Masters is in Public Administration, randomiknow) so I've always had a passion for literature, reading, writing and sharing my thoughts - as random as they seem to be sometimes.

Lately, I've been drawn to blogs about business, social-networking, new-media and fashion. I love story-telling blogs also. And most of all, I love blogs that update frequently and have really great photos. Two keys to succesful blogs, if you ask me. I wanted to share with you a few of my most favorite blogs... the ones I check throughout the day - even when I should be more focused on other things. Cant wait for the unveiling of the "goodpaper" blog in January... mmmm goodness!

Lara Casey - All Business
A Rockstar in her field, social-media expert and overall joyful person - and from my hometown of Pensacola.

Style Me Pretty - Backstage
We all know and love SMP, but check out Abby's newest Blog - "Backstage" where she tells the stories behind her business, her day-to-day life and even her history as an invitation designer. Love it.

Meg Baisden Photography
Not only super good friends of mine, but real innovators in the world of photography. Check out Fusion Media also. If you're getting married, call them. All the cool kids do ;)

Sarah + Abraham
A very sweet small business owner whose had great success. Her blog offers great advice and frequent updates on her company.

DesignSponge - Biz Ladies
Super resource for women business owners - not to mention trend-watching.

Jack & Izzy

Another super sweet designer. Her blog tells a great story of a new business growing...

Sarah Jane Studios

One of the most inspiring stories of a small business owner taking over the world with her lovely artwork. my future child [one day... hold your horses]'s nursery will be decked out in Sarah Jane goodness

The Business of Being Creative

For the business side of us creative types - Sean Low is the brainchild behind the success of Preston Bailey. Read him. Follow him.

Zen Habits - Simple Productivity

Love this. Sanity = simplicity for me.

ETSY Storque - Quit Your Day Job

One of my newest favorites. Follow Etsy'ers as they tell their stories of turning their hobbies and dreams into full time jobs. One can dream...

Rainy Day Design

Welcome to the new ELP blog! Thanks goes to Ellie at Rainy Day Design. I found her on Twitter and she specializes in blog templates for the Blogger platform. I just love the new yellow look! Hi Design is designing a blog to match my new website set to launch later this year, but many thanks to Ellie for the updated design for the interim! I will definitely be working with Ellie on other projects. Any of you who are looking for super clean, modern blog templates - check her out. Her templates run between $20-$35 (super cute add-ons are available too). Thanks, Ellie!!

And for all you brides out there, Rainy Day Design also offers ADORABLE wedding blog templates for you to keep your friends and family updated with your story, wedding details, etc.

How to Hide the Blogger Banner

I thought this was interesting and wanted to share it with other bloggers, designers and friends! That pesky navigation bar that runs at the top of your blog can be hidden. Here's how:

To hide the Blogger Navbar:
1. Log in to your blog.

2. On your Dashboard, select Layout. This will take you to the Template tab.

3. Click Edit HTML. Under the Edit Template section you will see you blog's HTML.

4. Paste this code in the top before the word BODY: #navbar-iframe { display: none !important; }

5. Click SAVE.

Enjoy!