• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 17, 2016

The Other Side of Blogging

“I just want to make the pretty things and write all of the words!”

That was my lament to a group of precious blogging friends a couple of weeks ago when I was up to my eyeballs in issues with what we refer to as the ‘back-end’ of blogging. It’s the side of things that we very rarely talk about in blog posts and for good reason. It’s not pretty. In fact, a lot of the time it’s downright ugly. Kind of like my own back-end. šŸ˜‰

Years ago, when I began blogging, I had NO idea how much technical jargon would soon be apart of my life. It wasn’t long before words like HTML and SEO and cPanel were apart of my regular vocabulary and when my son asked ME instead of his dad to help him with an online coding class I knew that I had reached a new level. And I may have gloated just a bit.

The fact of the matter is that in order to be successful at anything we do, we have to put effort into learning everything we can about it. I really just want to do projects and write stories but that’s not all there is to this blogging thing. So, begrudgingly, I’ve had to learn more about the technical side. But, most of the time, it’s been a lot of trial and error. Actually, there’s probably been more error than anything else.

When we began blogging, most of our connections were with other newer bloggers and we were all trying to figure out this thing together. What we really needed was someone who understood the technical side AND was a blogger as well.

What we really needed was Lesley Clavijo and her new e-book ‘What the Tech?’.

boxshot-rendering-copy-2

 

Whether you are brand new to blogging or have been at it for years, you know that what you need most is for someone to demystify the technical side and put the power in your hands to manage your blog yourself.

Lesley breaks things down into very easy to understand steps covering everything from blog design to coding. And, as a blogger herself, everything is written in a language that all of us can understand. We cannot say enough about how much she has helped us over the years and how grateful we are for her wisdom and expertise.

There are 3 different packages you can purchase based on your needs; Basic, Advanced and Master. You can read more details about these packages here.

But today you can enter to win a FREE Advanced package worth $75.

The master package includes:
  • 280 pages of blogging basics, advanced blogging technical tutorials, branding, logo design, coding, resources and much much more. Plus lifetime Ebook Updates
  • 150+ technical, social media and blogging terms defined and explained. Written in a tone that is easy to readĀ and understand. Lifetime Glossary Updates.
  • 10 page Blog Essential Workbook which includes: password log, blog design checklists, blog set-up checklists, maintenance guide, Ā HTML cheatsheet and Adobe Illustrator shortcuts and more. Lifetime Printable Update
  • Access to the Exclusive ā€œWhat the Tech?ā€ Facebook community where you will have a supportive and moderated environment where you can discuss blogging technical questions. Membership in this group also gives you access to free live trainers offered periodically. These trainings will only be available to MasterĀ Level buyers. The Facebook group will be one of your most valuable resources. Lifetime Updates.
  • 15 master level tutorial videos
  • 5 blogging basic tutorial videos
    • Blogging Essentials
    • Buying A Domain
    • Set Up Hosting
    • Install WordPress
    • WordPress Basics

what-the-tech-Advanced-Package-Giveaway!

Enter here to win

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Making the pretty things and writing words from my heart are my favorite parts of blogging. But, oddly enough, I’ve often felt the most successful when I’ve tackled the challenges that are the most intimidating and conquered them.

And we’re so grateful that we’ve had Lesley to help us tackle those challenges! Visit her blog, Chaotically Creative, for more techie tips along with fantastic DIY projects, crafts and recipes.

(This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are 100% my own)

29 Comments Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: review

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Simple Easter Egg Tabletop Craft
Next Post: Girls Bedroom Makeover »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paula@SweetPea says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:37 AM

    My biggest challenge is time. I have ideas but since I work, very little time to execute them.

    Reply
  2. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:54 AM

    I sure wish I’d had this book when I started out, but I’ve found it to be a great resource for tending to some of those back end issues now!

    Reply
  3. Hope Williams says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:07 AM

    I knew there were things that go on behind the scenes that were not so pretty or fun! There always is in most anything anyone does. But once you learn how to swing at those curve balls, you are in the game! When you conquer hitting those curve balls, you can win the game! I have tossed around the idea simply because less than $700 a month on disability just does not cut it. The income would help us so much. But…… Kudos for not giving in and thank you for all you give. You both are a class act and I feel blessed for having found y’all! Blessings to you both, Hope

    Reply
  4. heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:49 AM

    The techie stuff is absolutely my biggest challenge! Thanks for hosting!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  5. Tracey B says

    February 17, 2016 at 5:42 AM

    My biggest challenge is getting started. I am so overwhelmed by the technical aspect (even though it don’t consider myself technically challenged) that I feel intimidated about taking the plunge. Content is not a problem – I just need to not feel like I’m walking in the dark!

    Reply
  6. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:17 AM

    “The unknown.” And seriously… stuff like coding and other technical jargon is pretty much the unknown for me. How I managed to set up a blog and run it all these years pretty much amazes me. God is good. I would love a resource that puts the coding info and details before me so I don’t have to search through “boards” and endless posts for my answers, always wondering if I’ve got it right. My fingers are crossed for a win.

    Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  7. Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:42 AM

    The technical part of blogging is definitely my biggest challenge! I am an older blogger (55 years old), and so I didn’t grow up with all of the technology that we have today, including computers. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  8. Sharon says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:57 AM

    My biggest challenge is photography

    Reply
  9. Heidi @ SimpleeThrifty says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:58 AM

    The tech stuff is mt biggest challenge because it’s so time consuming!

    Reply
  10. Mia says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:12 AM

    I realize there’s a whole ‘nother world out there in the technicalities of blogging that I know precisely zilch about– would love to read and learn. šŸ™‚

    Reply
  11. Emily @ Table & Hearth says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:20 AM

    I’ve been needing this very thing for so long now! So happy someone put it all into a book šŸ™‚ Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply
  12. Lesley says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:30 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing and hosting! You and your sis are the best! Good luck to everyone entering.

    Reply
  13. Deborah says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    The back end kills me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I entered but it only gave me ne option to leave a comment. I will have to o back and check to see if there are more ways to enter cause momma needs this šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 17, 2016 at 8:12 AM

      Hey friend! I just went in and added another entry option! I’ll be going through and letting all of the entrants know. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Regi says

    February 17, 2016 at 8:49 AM

    Hmmm….this sounds right up my alley. As a newbie to the blogging world, I find that the technical side is what gives me the most grief. I may have to check this out! Thanks for the referral!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    February 17, 2016 at 9:05 AM

    I’m debating the switch to WP so this would be a huge help!

    Reply
  16. Jaclyn says

    February 17, 2016 at 10:20 AM

    My biggest challenge right now is organizing my time. With 2 kids – 4 and 1, life is chaotic to say the least! I find it hard to sit down and focus on the back end of blogging, like getting the “perfect” look that I want for my blog. Trying to pick it back up after a long break, and I’m finding SO MUCH has changed in the past few years.

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    February 17, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    I could really use this so I stop bugging Vanessa with all my questions! šŸ˜‰ The hardest part is knowing all the tools to get visitors, subscribers, and subsequently advertisers and sponsored posts. Also, what to charge for reviews and ad spots is all confusing, as well as the legal info to put on the website.

    Reply
  18. Diane Mansil says

    February 17, 2016 at 1:39 PM

    New to the blogging thing and it’s all mystifying for now.

    Reply
  19. Beth Ann says

    February 17, 2016 at 2:25 PM

    I think my biggest current struggle is definitely the technical side! I have drop offs galore at my site, so I need to drop my bounce rate and keep them around!

    Reply
  20. Janis Stufflebean says

    February 17, 2016 at 2:56 PM

    I have wanted to blog for years. Just too intimidated by the tech “stuff”!!

    Reply
  21. Tammy says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:01 PM

    Going blog tech broke…I really could use a book like this.

    Reply
  22. Gillian says

    February 18, 2016 at 6:49 PM

    My biggest challenge is setting up my website! It is so much harder than I thought! This book would be such a help!

    Reply
  23. Sandie Luck says

    February 18, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    WOW!! What a resource for those of us wanting to learn the nuts and bolts of blogging!! Thank you for sharing!
    Joyfully…~Sandie

    Reply
  24. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:14 AM

    My biggest challenge is definitely the tech part….I have to hire someone to assist me….hey, I learned to type on a manual typewriter and have never had any computer training…so I am so tech challenged!!
    This book/source sounds amazing!

    Reply
  25. Judy E says

    February 21, 2016 at 7:05 AM

    I have tried, unsuccessfully, to keep a blog going. Frustration has stopped me every time. With this resource, I think I could do it, at least a whole lot better than on my own!

    Reply
  26. Maria says

    February 22, 2016 at 7:11 AM

    I am literally just starting out and my biggest issue is getting it all together.

    Reply
  27. Susan says

    February 22, 2016 at 4:56 PM

    My biggest challenge is just doing it. The technical stuff makes me a little anxious, but not nearly as much as just taking the plunge.

    Reply
  28. Peggy says

    February 22, 2016 at 9:44 PM

    The technical part is very challenging and so little time to try to filter what I really need to know just to get started would be a blessing.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. šŸ‚

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
ā€œAs the alluring song of September begins to whi ā€œAs the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.ā€ (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! šŸ‚

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls šŸ¤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, ā€œWhoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.ā€

Have you done any ā€˜watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ā€˜watered’ you in return?
ā€œMom, this is one of my favorite meals that you ā€œMom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.ā€ Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger šŸ˜‰*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ā˜€ļø

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ā€˜build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence