I really love the new design, I think that it is easier to read and I prefer the menu buttons across the top.

Here is $.02.  Wordpress (self hosted) is easier to organize than blogger.  I'm such a type-A person that the organization is important to me on my blog.  I'm saying this as a blog owner, not as a Smockity reader.  If you're like me I think you would enjoy that aspect.  Like I said, just $.02

 I enjoy your site, love the new look and wish that Blogher would advertise on my site. :)  Do you have any pull?

I don't think I have any pull, although I'll see what they say.  They have been very helpful with rearranging my layout so I could accomodate another ad, so who knows?  I'll get back to you...

I first got the ads because I clicked on someone else's.  There was a note that said, "We are not accepting new blogs now. Check back later." (paraphrased)  The next time I clicked they WERE accepting blogs for advertising, so I applied. 

I just contacted them, Kimberly, and got an automated message that everyone and their granny is in Chicago for the big BlogHer shindig.  (paraphrased~snicker) All emails will be answered next week.

do you design your own blog?

i am bothered by dark backgrounds and light text.

looks like you're getting good responses on your blog frog community. i'm having trouble getting people to respond to mine.

I don't like dark backgrounds either.  Depressing.

I did my own design.  It turns out that being The Queen of Cheap necessitates learning html code.

I like the desing too!  There is nothing more exciting than redesigning your blog.  I just love that feeling.  havent done mine in a long time probably because i love it the way it is! LOL

Love and Prayers,

Tim

Hmmm... Well I like your blog.

In general, too many flashy ads bug me. I am easily distracted and don't have alot of time at one sitting to read so if I'm spending all my time distracted by various large and animated ads then I don't get to read the actual post which irritates me. I do like to look at the ads- after I've read the post and I enjoy looking at smaller ads with nice soft colors and pretty graphics. The ones that blink and flash and are animated just draaaaaaag my dinosaur of a computer down to snail pace and distract me when I'm reading. Sometimes my computer freezes or overheats and won't turn back on.

I like it when people have a playlist so I can hear what music inspires them... BUT I like it to be off and I have to manually push play because if it's automatically on then it takes for-ev-er for the page to load and I have to go do other things while I wait. Or sometimes it freezes my computer or overheats it and it has to be rebooted which takes 10 minuites and by then it's time to get off the computer and chase kids. Worst case my comp won't turn back on at all and I have to wait for it to be over it's computer PMS and want to turn on, which could take days.

I like pretty colors and fonts (which could probably be guessed after a trip to my blog... Lol!) but the important part is the content, not how it's decorated. The most important part is what you're blogging about, not whether you have a big banner or popular categories or fancy buttons that all match and coordinate with your wallpaper or what. :)

I guess I never saw your blog before, but I think it's really cute!

now that I have my own .com (shameless promotion coming...) I am anxious to get mine looking less like a free blog. I will have to hit you up for tips!  ...keep an eye on www.peacefullylessstressed.com!