ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary

Goodbye

2010-11-17T22:57:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I realize that is has been awhile since I have updated this blog site. I have recently had several big changes in my life and have had much less time to devote to other things, one of them being this small blog design business and everything that goes with it. I hate that I haven't been able to devote the right amount of time to ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary and I haven't been able to give it my "all". Because of that, I have arrived at the decision to step away and close up shop. At this point in time I am unsure of whether this will be temporary or something more permanent.

I want to say that I feel very honored to have the privilege of working with all of you. I have exchanged countless e-mails with many of you and now even read many of your blogs. I consider many of you friends and I would love it if you kept in touch. Please still feel free to e-mail me with any blog-related questions and I would still be more than happy to change out any photos on blog headers. Thank you all!

October's Cause of the Month is Susan G. Komen for the Cure

2010-10-02T14:29:00.003-04:00

I want to start off by saying that I did not forget about the Cause of the Month for September. With moving, the beginning of the school year, and work September was a very busy month for me. While I didn't intend on taking a break from blog design during September, it turned out that's what I needed to do. Therefore, the Cause of the Month also took a break for the month of September. But now that it's October and things have settled down a little bit, the Cause of the Month is back!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought it would be fitting for Susan G. Komen for the Cure to be the Cause of the Month. Susan G. Komen for the Cure was also the Cause of the Month last year and, seeing as this cause is very near and dear to my heart, I am happy to have it for the Cause of the Month this October as well.

"Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world."

For every blog layout purchased during the month of October, five dollars will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. If you would like to make a donation without purchasing a blog layout, you can click the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar or you can donate directly through their website.

Locks of Love

2010-08-04T23:55:00.002-04:00

Wow, I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by! The Cause of the Month for the the month of August is Locks of Love. Locks of love is...

"...a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers."

Their mission is to...

"...return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need."

For every blog layout purchased during the month of August, ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary will donate $5 to Locks of Love. If you would like to make a donation separately, you can do so by via the PayPal Donate button at the top of the right sidebar. You can also make a monetary donation through their website here. Their website also provides information on how to donate hair and other ways to help.

July's Cause of the Month: Project Night Night

2010-07-10T22:33:00.002-04:00

Where I live, we are deep into the summer and have had sizzling hot high temperatures to show for it! I hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer season! Mine has been pretty busy, so I apologize that this post is a little late. The Cause of the Month for July is Project Night Night.

Here's a little bit about Project Night Night:

"Project Night Night donates over 25,000 Night Night Packages each year, free of charge, to
homeless children who need our childhood essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn, and
significant. Each Night Night Package contains a new security blanket, an age-appropriate
children's book, and a stuffed animal -- all nestled inside of a new canvas tote bag. By providing
objects of reliable comfort, Project Night Night reduces trauma and advances the emotional and
cognitive well-being of the children we serve.

Every child who receives one of our Night Night Packages leaves the shelter owning a book which
encourages reading and family bonding, a security blanket which can be cuddled, and a stuffed
animal which can become a cherished friend. We have one objective – to deliver our Night Night
Packages to every homeless child in the country who needs one."

For every blog layout purchased during the month of July, ScrapBlog designs by Hilary will donate $5 to Project Night Night. As always, if you wish to make a separate donation, you can click the PayPal Donate button at the top of the right sidebar or you can make a donation directly through their website. If you would like to donate items for the Night Night Packages, here is some information on how to do so.

June's Cause is Homes For Our Troops

2010-06-01T13:08:00.000-04:00

Hello, June! I had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend and I am so glad summer is here. For those of you that had the day off yesterday, I hope you enjoyed your long weekend. In keeping with the spirit of Memorial Day and honoring our veterans and current servicemen and women, the Cause of the Month for June is Homes For Our Troops. Here is a little bit about them:

We are Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004. We are strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to our country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries since September 11, 2001. It is our duty and our honor to assist severely injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and to coordinate the process of building a home that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently.

For every blog layout ordered during the month of June, $5 will be donated to Home For Our Troops. If you would like to make a separate donation to be added to our total and donated at the end of the month, you can click on the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar. Or, if you would like to make a donation directly through their website, you can do so by clicking here.

American Red Cross

2010-05-04T22:53:00.002-04:00

The Cause of the Month for May is the American Red Cross! I'm sure most of us have heard of the Red Cross or seen them in action but just in case you haven't heard of them or don't know what they are about, here's a little bit about them:

Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.

Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country, and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through nearly 700 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.

Some four million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. And the Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 186 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.

An average of 92 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

The American National Red Cross is headquartered in Washington, Gail J. McGovern is President and CEO, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter is Chairman of the Board of Governors.

If you would like some more information on the American Red Cross, here is a link to their website. As always, $5 for every blog layout purchased during the month of May will be donated to the American Red Cross. If you would like to make a donation without purchasing a blog layout, you may do so by either clicking on the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar or you can make a donation directly through there site.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

2010-04-03T21:48:00.002-04:00

The Cause of the Month for April is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is widely known and is one of the top wish-granting charities. In case you haven't heard about them and/or would like to know a little bit more about their mission, here is some more information about them:

"Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish^® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 174,000 children around the world.

Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.

A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.

As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish^®"

And here is a little bit about how they grant wishes:

There are four steps to granting a wish. Each step builds on the next to help create the amazing experiences that delight wish kids and their families. A wish experience is frequently a source of inspiration for children undergoing difficult medical treatments and a positive force that helps them overcome their obstacles. A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It’s the catalyst that rekindles their belief in themselves and the promise of their future.

Step 1: Referral -We rely on medical professionals, parents and children themselves for referrals. Children who have reached the age of 2½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral who have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization may be eligible for a wish.

Step 2: Medical eligibility - We determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.

Step 3: Finding the true wish - We send one of our enthusiastic wish teams to learn the child’s one true wish. These passionate volunteers connect with wish children and help explore their imaginations for the experience that will delight and inspire them.

Step 4: Creating joy - Our wish granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. It’s an incredible experience that enriches not just the lives of the children and their families, but often an entire community.

For every blog layout purchased during the month of April, Scrapblog Designs by Hilary will donate $5 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you would like to make a separate money donation, you can do so by clicking the PayPal Donate button on the top right sidebar or you can donate via the Make-A-Wish Foundation website. There are many other ways to help besides donating money so if you are interested, here is a link to find out more information. I'm looking forward to see how much we can raise during the month of April!

March's Cause of the Month

2010-03-01T00:41:00.002-05:00

March is National Women's History Month, so I thought I would stick to that theme and make the Global Fund for Women organization the Cause of the Month for March. Here's a little bit about the Global Fund for Women:

"The Global Fund for Women is an international network of women and men committed to a world of equality and social justice. We advocate for and defend women's human rights by making grants to support women's groups around the world.

We are part of a global women's movement that is rooted in a commitment to justice and an appreciation of the value of women's experience. The challenges women face vary widely across communities, cultures, religions, traditions and countries. We believe that women should have a full range of choices, and that women themselves know best how to determine their needs and propose solutions for lasting change. The way in which we do our work is as important as what we do. This philosophy is reflected in our flexible, respectful and responsive style of grantmaking.

The Global Fund makes grants to seed, strengthen and link women's rights groups based outside the United States working to address human rights issues that include:

Ending Gender-Based Violence and Building Peace
Ensuring Economic and Environmental Justice
Advancing Health and Sexual and Reproductive Rights
Expanding Civic and Political Participation
Increasing Access to Education
Fostering Social Change Philanthropy"

If you would like to find out about the work that the Global Fund for Women contributes to, please click here.

As always, $5 for every blog layout purchased during the month of March will be donated to the Global Fund for Women. If you would like to make a separate contribution, please click the Donate button the top of the right sidebar, or you can click here to donate directly through their website.

February's Sweet Deal

2010-02-03T10:30:00.005-05:00

Happy February everyone! In celebration of the sweetest month of the year, I would like to show you a little love with an opportunity for a discount! Here are the details:

In order to receive the discount, make a comment on this post telling me what is the most important part of a blog layout to you. Is it the header image? Is the color scheme or style most important to you? The organization or "neatness"? Or how all the elements look in your sidebar?

For commenting on the above topic, you will receive 15% off your basic blog layout fee and 25% off any additional add-ons you wish to purchase. Please note, this does not include the fee for the kit or the designer use fee...but it's still a pretty good deal!

When you e-mail me to purchase your blog layout, please let me know that you have commented and name displayed on the comment so that I can give you the discount.

And here are the rules that go along with the discount. These rules apply to everyone, so please do not contact me asking me to make an exception (I would love to make exceptions, but I have to be fair to everyone!):

This discount only applies to those purchasing a full blog layout.

This offer is only good for the month of February. The offer is good through February 28, 2010 at 11:59 EST. If you wish to receive the discount, you MUST have left a comment on this post and have e-mailed me by that time.

This offer is good for one per person. You may not comment multiple times to receive multiple discounts.

Happy blogging everyone! Have a fabulous February and enjoy the discount! Oh, and don't forget to check out the post below about February's Cause of the Month.

February's Cause of the Month: CARE

2010-02-03T10:15:00.002-05:00

For the month of February, Scrapblog Designs by Hilary will be donating $5 from every blog layout purchased towards the CARE organization, specfically towards their efforts to distribute aid to survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Here's a little bit about CARE:

"CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives."

And here is a little bit about CARE's response to the earthqake in Haiti:

"CARE is on the ground delivering aid to survivors.
On Sunday, January 31, CARE and other international aid agencies, the Haitian government and the World Food Programme (WFP) embarked on a massive food distribution effort in Haiti intended to reach 1.2 million people over a 15-day period. CARE is responsible for helping 1,700 families each day receive 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of uncooked rice in Delmas, one of the 16 distribution sites in the greater Port-au-Prince area. The rice, a stable food in Haiti, is intended to help feed each family for two weeks. By the end of the program, CARE will have reached almost 120,000 people in desperate need of food.

These distributions, like all of the ones we've carried out in Haiti since the earthquake, are orderly and calm. We are working closely with local communities to assure that everyone's needs are met, especially pregnant women, children, the elderly and disabled people. Only women are allowed into the WFP distribution sites, however, CARE is working with local community leaders to be sure that men in need are not excluded. At the first distribution, pregnant women and disabled people went first with assistance from CARE's staff. We noticed that a few men outside of the cordoned off area seemed frustrated byt there was no unrest. Several men were on hand to help the women carry the the bags "home." On the second day of distributions, some of the rice was provided in 50 kilogram bags so women will have to divide a bag.

In other news, as of January 30, CARE had reached more than 50,000 people thus far with the distribution of food, clean water and water purification packets, jerry cans, hygiene kits, mattresses and blankets and the installation of water storage systems. This figure does not include the WFP distributions.
This aid includes:

High energy biscuits to displaced families in Jérémie, which will provide enough calories per person for four days;
PUR® water purification packets;
Hygiene kits, with a special focus on the needs of women (each kit includes: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, detergent, shampoo, a comb, towels, safety pins, clothes line, sanitary napkins and toilet paper);
Mattresses were distributed, with priority given to families of pregnant women and women with children;
Blankets; and
Delivery kits to pregnant women to help them deliver safer in emergency situations (each kit includes plastic sheeting, gloves, a razor and gauze).

In addition, five water storage bladders were installed in Léogâne and Pétionville, providing potable water to 7,600 people daily through CARE water tanker deliveries.

What is in the works
We are in the process of acquiring and bringing in more supplies, such as jerry cans, tents, temporary warehouse structures, generators and high-protein food from distribution hubs in Dubai, Karachi and Nairobi.

CARE's long-term relief and recovery plans
The CARE team in Haiti has begun planning for our longer-term response to the earthquake in Haiti, one of the largest humanitarian disasters the world has seen in recent years, both in terms of the number of people affected and the magnitude of the damage.
During our relief phase, which started immediately after the earthquake on January 12 and will continue through April of this year, we are concentrating on the immediate needs of the 3 million people affected by the disaster by helping them access clean water, nutritious food and emergency supplies.
Beginning in March 2010 and lasting through January 2011, what we are calling the transition phase, CARE will add activities to strengthen health programming, provide economic opportunities, help people with temporary or transitional shelter, distribute school kits and furniture and raise awareness around prevention of gender-based violence.
Following the transition phase will be CARE's rehabilitation phase that runs from January 2011 – 2015. During those years, we will address communities' long-term issues such as earthquake-resistant construction and preparedness, rehabilitation of water systems, and reconstructing schools and health systems."

As always, you can make a separate donation without purchasing a blog layout, if you wish. You can do this by pressing the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar of the blog or you can donate directly to CARE.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T12:14:00.000-05:00

Wow, so I was just going through my posts and realized that this post was still saved as a draft and never got published on January 1st like I thought it had. I'm so sorry that this is 13 days late!

Happy New Year's! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I enjoyed spending time with my family the past few weeks. I can't believe 2010 is already here! 2009 seemed to fly by so fast. I want to thank all of you for helping make 2009 a successful year for ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary!

Since today is the first of the month, that means that it's time for a new Cause of the Month. This month, ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary will be donating $5 for every blog layout ordered in January to Compassion International, specifically to unsponsored children. Here's a little about Compassion:

"Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.

Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training.

Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 25 countries."

And here's how we will be benefiting unsponsored children:

"Want to help ensure that no child gets left behind? Your assistance unlocks the benefits of Compassion's program for children who have been registered but not yet been sponsored. Your gift to this fund also encourages parents and program staff as they see Compassion benefits at work for the children they love, even as they wait — and hope — for sponsors."

As always, if you do not want to purchase a blog layout but you still want to donate to Compassion, you can do so by clicking the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar to contribute to ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary's donation to Compassion, or you can make your own separate donation here.

And The Winner Is...

2009-12-11T11:59:00.002-05:00

...commenter #2, Hilldog. Congratulations! E-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com so we can get started on your blog layout! Remember, if you entered the contest and did not win, you can still get 20% off any blog layout purchased in December or January (that's you, Summaiyah). I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Only One More Day Left!

2009-12-09T15:34:00.003-05:00

This is just a reminder that there is only a little more than one day left to enter the blog layout giveaway! Even if you don't win, you can still get 20% off your blog layout purchase in December or January, just for entering in the contest! Please see the post below this one to see all the details and to enter for your chance to win.

Who's Up For a Holiday Giveaway?

2009-12-05T19:38:00.004-05:00

Anybody up for a giveaway? Since it has been awhile since I gave anything away, I thought I would give everyone an early Christmas present. Yes, everyone will get something for just entering in the contest and one of you will win the main giveaway! With the poor state the economy is in and with everyone trying to stretch every last dollar, especially during the holiday season, I thought that now would be a perfect time to do giveaway. So what's your present? For everyone that simply enters the contest and purchases a blog layout in the months of December or January, you will receive 20% off. The winner of the contest will receive a free basic blog layout with their choice of any $6.99 kit (designer use fee included) and 1 custom signature! Here are the rules:

To enter the contest, reply to this post answering the question: what is your favorite family tradition during the holiday season? Or, if you don't really have any traditions, what is your favorite thing about the holiday season?
You can earn 1 extra entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog. You must comment on this post again with the link to your blog post in order for the extra entry to count.
You can earn 1 extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway on Twitter. You must use @osubuckeye906 somewhere in your tweet so I can see it in order for the extra entry to count. Also, come back to this post and leave another comment so your extra entry will count.
This contest starts now and will run through 10:00PM EST on Thursday, December 10. I will close comments after that time and I will announce the winner sometime on Friday.
If you enter the contest but you do not win, you can still earn 20% off any one blog layout order in December or January. When you order the blog layout, please make sure to remind me that you entered my contest so I can give you the 20% off.

Operation Christmas Child

2009-12-02T18:36:00.002-05:00

Wow, is it already December?!?!? I can't believe the holiday season is already here. This is one of my favorite times of the year and I thought Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, would fit for December's Cause of the Month perfectly.

According to ChristmasCharities.net, Operation Christmas Child is "designed to provide charity Christmas presents to children all over the world. Participant donors are asked to fill a shoebox with toys, clothes, school supplies, and even personal hygiene items. Often, these shoeboxes full of gifts are the only gifts recipients will ever get as children in war torn and disadvantaged countries. Along with these shoebox gifts, children receive personal messages from donors, as well as a message about the meaning of Christmas and what it means to follow Christ. Gifts are designed for both boys and girls aged 2-14. To find out what items are appropriate and to find out where donations and gifts can be sent, visit their sponsor’s webpage at www.samaritanspurse.org."

As always, I will donate $5 to the Cause of the Month for every blog layout purchased this month. If you would like to make a donation without purchasing a blog layout, click the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar.

P.S. Keep a look out for a giveaway in the next few days!

The Ronald McDonald House Charities

2009-11-04T09:31:00.002-05:00

Happy November! It's time to announce the Cause of the Month for November: The Ronald McDonald House Charities. Here's a little bit about them.

Their mission:
"The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Guiding us in our mission are our core values:

Focusing on the critical needs of children.
Celebrating the diversity of the programs we offer and the staff, volunteers and donors who make them possible.
Staying true to our heritage of 35 years of responsible stewardship.
Operating with accountability and transparency."

Their vision:
"We believe that when you change a child’s life, you change a family’s, which can change a community, and ultimately the world.

We strive to be part of that change and part of the solution in improving the lives of children and their families. We extend our reach and impact by leveraging our 35 years of experience and strong relationships with local communities and people in the field to continually establish Chapters across the globe. We continually work to improve and expand our core programs, while also developing new services to address the unique needs of the communities we serve.

We don’t do it alone. We rely on our Chapters to identify needs and carry out our mission on the ground. We rely on our strong relationships with the medical community to provide access to health care. We rely on strategic alliances with organizations that have the knowledge and infrastructure to extend our reach. We rely on you – our donors, volunteers, staff and friends."

As always, I will donate $5 for every blog layout purchased in the month of November. If you would like to make a donation without purchasing a blog layout, you can either click the PayPal Donate button on the top of the right sidebar or you can make a donation on their website.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2009-10-09T13:56:00.002-04:00

Wow, I'm not sure about you all but the fall and the beginning of the school year is a very busy time for me! I didn't forget about October's Cause of the Month, I have just been very, very busy. Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I am proud to announce that the Cause of the Month for October is the Susan B. Komen for the Cure organization.

Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Five dollars from every blog layout purchased in October (so far, and in the future) will go to the Susan B. Komen for the Cure organization. If you would like to make a separate or additional donation, you can do so through their website to by clicking the PayPal Donate button at the top of the right sidebar. If you would like to learn more information about the Susan B. Komen for the Cure organization, please visit their website.

If you would like to suggest a charity, organization, or foundation for a future Cause of the Month, please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an e-mail.

The United States Fund for UNICEF is September's Cause of the Month!

2009-09-01T22:44:00.002-04:00

Wow, is it already September? It seems like summer was just getting started, and in the blink of an eye it's almost over! The new Cause of the Month for September is the United States Fund for UNICEF. Here's a little bit about the organization, posted on their website:

Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

Despite extraordinary progress, 25,000 children still die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood.

Five dollars from every blog layout purchased during the month of September will be donated to the United States Fund for UNICEF. If you would like to make an additional donation, you can click on the PayPal Donate button at the top of the right sidebar. If you would like to learn more about the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, please visit their website. As always, if you would like to suggest a charity or organization for a future month, please leave me a comment here or send me an e-mail.

On Vacation

2009-08-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, I hope you all are having a fabulous August! This is just a quick announcement to let everyone know that I will be on vacation for a week, starting tomorrow. I will still be able to respond to e-mails and take orders for blog layouts, but it might take me a little longer than normal to respond. Have a great week!

The Cause of the Month for August is...

2009-08-04T13:14:00.002-04:00

...Donate Life America!

Donate Life America, formerly the Coalition on Donation, was founded by the transplant community in 1992 to educate the public about organ, eye and tissue donation and avoid duplication of effort.

Donate Life America assists in mobilizing the transplant community to educate the American public on the need for organ, eye and tissue donation and motivating the public to make an actionable donor designation. The organization publishes brochures, program kits and other materials; provides technical assistance and referral services; coordinates the national campaign for organ, eye and tissue donation; identifies measurable best practices and leads the Donor Designation Collaborative.

To learn more about Donate Life America, please visit their website.

As always, I will donate $5 from every blog layout purchased during the month of August towards our Cause of the Month. If you wish to make a separate contribution, you can do so via the PayPal Donate button in the right sidebar, or you can donate directly to Donate Life America.

Suggestions?

2009-07-20T00:21:00.002-04:00

Do you have a suggestion for a Cause of the Month? If so, I want to hear it! I've decided that I am no longer going to hold polls for the Cause of Month each month. This decision is based mostly on the fact that I don't want to restrict people to just voting on one of three causes, but rather I would like to always be open to suggestions. You can make a suggestion by either e-mailing me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com or by leaving a comment right here. If you see a comment left by someone else suggesting a Cause of the Month that you would like to be selected, let me know! If you don't want me to know it's you that is suggesting a cause, feel free to leave it anonymously. I know that commenting or e-mailing takes a little more effort, but I really want these causes to be something that you all choose. So, please...suggest away! I will announce the Cause of the Month for August on August 1st.

July's Cause of the Month is...

2009-07-06T00:20:00.002-04:00

Doctors Without Borders! For every blog layout purchased in July (including any that have been purchased so far), I will donate $5 to Doctors Without Borders. Let see how much we can raise this month!

If you haven't read the post about the new changes and the giveaway, please see the post directly below this one. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Blog Makeover and a Giveaway!

2009-07-05T12:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July weekend or if you're not in the good 'ol U.S.A, I hope you had a nice relaxing weekend. The rainy cold weather canceled our plans of sailing, jet skiing, swimming, and cooking out but it cleared up just in time for an amazing fireworks show and some homemade apple pie.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have made some changes to this blog site. If you are a returning visitor, you have probably already noticed that I changed overall look. Everything is still in the same place though, so it should still be easy for you to find your way around. The major changes that came along with the new look are with the blog layout pricing and sign-up process.

Since the various artist that create the digital scrapbook kits that I use to make the blog layouts charge a wide range of usage fees and set their kits at different prices, I decided to change the way I price my layouts to reflect this. I have lowered the basic blog layout price to $25 and will still donate $5 for every blog layout to the Cause of the Month. However, this new price will not include the price of a kit or any associated usage fees. I have added kit prices and associate usage fees below each kit on the Kits page. Since the price of each blog layout purchased will be different depending on the selected kit and any add-ons requested, I will now be sending invoices instead of asking you to pay on this blog site. The payments will still be through PayPal. I will also be having customers pay in two equal parts, with the first part being a deposit to hold your place in line until I can start working on your blog layout. To see a fuller description of the new sign-up process, please read through my Sign-Up page. I have also decided to slightly increase the price per sidebar title by $0.10, simply because they are a little more work for me than I originally anticipated.

And now for the giveaway! My blogger friend Rachael has triplets that are turning two this Wednesday. In celebration, she is hosting a week full of giveaways. I have decided to sponsor one of those giveaways and will be giving away a free blog layout (with your choice of kit) along with matching custom signature and four matching sidebar titles. To enter, leave a comment on her blog in the post about my giveaway telling Rachael about someone you have met through blogging who has unexpectedly changed your life. Also, check out my portfolio and and let her know which one of my designs is your favorite. The contest ends on July 10, 2009 at midnight (CST). Make sure you check out the other giveaways!

Upcoming Changes!

2009-07-03T22:19:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone! I am currently in the process of making changes to this blog site, so payment and signing up for a blog layout has currently been disabled. As you may have noticed, I have made most of the changes to this blog's layout itself, but I am still making some changes to the sign-up and layout process. I should have all the changes finished by end of this weekend (if not, sooner), and I will post another update explaining all the changes at that time. In the meantime, enjoy the holiday weekend!

It's a Tie!

2009-07-01T18:57:00.013-04:00

Since there is a three-way tie in the poll (with only three votes total lol), I have decided to keep the poll open through the weekend. Before I go to bed on Sunday night, I will close the poll and announce the winner. Soooo....please keep voting!

Cause of the Month Poll for July

2009-06-17T02:07:00.003-04:00

The Cause of the Month Poll is now up for July. I apologize for it being two days later than normal. I moved back home on Sunday, started my summer jobs on Monday and somehow completely forgot to post it. Sorry! Here are the three causes I have selected for the poll and a little description:

The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund is America's foremost conservation nonprofit that protects America's most important landscapes, waterways and wildlife habitat. The Fund helps local, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations acquire property from willing sellers to protect open space, wildlife habitat, public recreation areas, river corridors and historic places.

The Invisible Children, Inc.
The Invisible Children, Inc. is a non-profit organization that establishes revenue generating programs to impact the lives of those in need in both America and Northern Uruguay. Donations are the main force behind this organization. Invisible Children, Inc. also focuses on educating and empowering the rest of the world to take action and drive change.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières
A Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 confirmed what aid workers have seen in the worst places on earth: Doctors Without Borders fearlessly delivers emergency and long-term medical care in regions devastated by natural or man-made disasters. The organization's critical initiatives include focusing the world's attention on humanitarian violations and providing mental health care alongside physical care. It also demands medicines for diseases prevalent only in developing countries. (Drug companies sometimes halt production of such drugs when it's not profitable, or make drugs too expensive for developing countries.)

I have put a new poll on the top of the right sidebar, so please vote and please tell other people about the poll too! The poll will close on Tuesday at 11:59pm EST and I will announce our Cause of the Month for July shortly after.

June's Cause of the Month is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!

2009-06-01T01:14:00.003-04:00

Receiving 100% of the voes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is our Cause of the Month for June! For the whole month of June, I will donate $5 for every blog layout ordered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Let's see how much money we can raise! If you don't want to order a blog layout but would still like to donate to the Cause of the Month for June, you can click on the PayPal donate button on the right sidebar (underneath the poll results).

We didn't raise as much money for the Cause of the Month for May (the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) as I would have liked, but we did raise some money. I think we can all agree that raising some money is better than raising no money, thought! Thanks to everyone who contributed to raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

I am now starting to take suggestions for the Cause of the Month for July and will continue to do so through June 14th. You can either leave a suggestion in the comments section in this post, or you can e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com. On June 15th, I will put up the poll for July. I haven't received any suggestions in awhile and, while I am still receiving a few votes in my polls, votes are dwindling also. Don't get me wrong...I still very much appreciate all the votes and if I receive any suggestions those will be appreciated too, but I sort of feel like I am choosing these organizations/foundations by myself. You all are the main contributors of the money we raise for the Cause of the Month, so I think it is only fair that you all have a say in where the money goes. That's the reason why I am open to suggestions and I put up a poll every month. If you all think that it would be better for me to just choose a Cause of the Month every month, then that's fine. However, I do like giving you all choices and as long as I receive feedback/suggestions and people are participating in the poll, I will continue to determine the Cause of the Month the way I have been. So, feel free to make a suggestion and keep those votes coming!

In case you haven't seen, I put up a post yesterday with several new ideas. Which ideas do you like? What do you think about them? Are there any you don't like? If so, why not? As always, feedback is very much appreciated!

New Ideas

2009-05-31T00:24:00.003-04:00

I have a few new ideas, but I would like some feedback before I decide to make any changes. I would really appreciate it if you would tell me which ideas you like or don't like and why. You don't necessarily need to have purchased one of my blog layouts before or purchase one in the future...really, I would just like some feedback! I will probably decide which ideas to institute based on the feedback I receive here, so please let me know what you think.

I often receive e-mails from people who have seen a cool feature or a neat trick on a blog and would like to know how to replicate it on their own blog. I am thinking about doing a weekly post series on tips and tricks for bloggers. If enough people would participate, I may even start a blog carnival where people can post their own tips or tricks on their blogs. They don't even need to be related to blogs....anythings, really! What do you think? Would you enjoy seeing weekly posts about blog tips and tricks? Would you participate in this blog carnival? What do you think the blog carnival should be called?
Have you ever seen a blog that uses a unique font in the title or text of their posts and wondered how you could get that on your blog? If you're not sure what I'm talking about, you can visit this blog and see an example by looking at the post titles. I have been thinking about offering this as an add-on. What do you think? Would you like to have a unique font for your post titles and/or the entire text? Or are you perfectly content using one of Blogger's default fonts?
Another add-on I am considering offering is a navigation bar below the blog header image on blog layouts. The navigation bar can be a simple one with just text that link to various posts or websites, or they can be several images that also link to posts or websites. A navigation bar with images would cost more than a navigation bar with just text. To see an example of a navigation bar with images, just look above this post below my header image. The images with Sign Up, Portfolio, FAQs, Kits, and Payment Page is the navigation bar that I am talking about. What do you think? Would you use this add-on? If so, would you want a simple text navigation bar or one with images?

Like I said, I would really appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks in advance! Oh, and just a reminder: there is only one day left to vote in the Cause of the Month for June poll in my right sidebar, so please vote!

June's Cause of the Month Poll Is Up!

2009-05-15T01:20:00.002-04:00

It's that time of the month again...let's start voting for our Cause of the Month for June! Here are the three causes I have selected and a little description. If you would like to find out more about them, you can click on the title of the cause.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God's love and can live and grow into all that God intends

Women for Women International
Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. Women for Women International envisions a world where no one is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalized; where members of communities have full and equal participation in the processes that ensure their health, well-being and economic independence; and where everyone has the freedom to define the scope of their life, their future and strive to achieve their full potential.

I have put a new poll on the top of the right sidebar, so please vote and please tell other people about the poll too! The poll will close on Sunday, May 31 at 11:59pm EST and I will announce our Cause of the Month for June shortly after. We are doing a great job raising money for our Cause of the Month for May, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Keep up the good work!

Cause of the Month: May... The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

2009-05-01T00:27:00.004-04:00

The Cause of the Month for May is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! For the entire month of April, I will donate $5 for every blog layout ordered. You can also contribute to the total amount we raise by clicking on the PayPal Donate button in the right sidebar. Of course, you can always donate directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation also. Let's see how much we can raise!

I really appreciate everyone who voted in the poll...it was a very close with only one vote deciding the cause. I am now going to start taking suggestions for a cause to donate to for the month of June and will continue to take suggestions until the night of May 14. You can comment on this poll with your suggestion or you can e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com. While I don't mind choosing causes for the poll on my own if I don't get enough suggestions, I really would like to know which causes you would like to see us donate to, so please feel free to suggest something. If I get more than three suggestions, I will choose the top three. If I have less than three suggestions, I will give one or two of my own suggested causes. On May 15, I will put up a poll with three causes and you all will have until the night of May 31. Thanks!

Cause of the Month Donate Button

2009-04-16T22:37:00.003-04:00

I have added a PayPal button on the right sidebar so that anyone can donate to the Cause of the Month (April is March of Dimes) without having to purchase a blog layout. The money will go into my PayPal account and I will combine it with the money raised from purchased blog layouts ($5 from each layout). At the end of the month, I will donate all the money raised to the Cause of the Month. Of course, you can donate directly to the cause as well! As of earlier today, the poll has been working so please vote!

May Cause Poll Is Up!

2009-04-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

We are doing a great job raising money for the March of Dimes this month! I have put up a new poll to determine which cause we will donate money to for the month of May. Here are the three causes you can choose from:
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation
If you would like to find out more information about any of these foundations, please click the links. The poll will close at 11:59PM EST on Thursday, April 30 so vote away! I really appreciate everyone voting and spreading the word about the polls, as well as those who contribute to our donations. You guys are awesome! Within the next day, I will have a button on one of my sidebars that will allow people to donate to the cause of the month without having to purchase a blog layout. I'll let you all know when that is up and running!

Edit: At the time I am writing this post (before it is set to publish), it looks like the polls are down. Hopefully, Blogger will get the polls up and running soon. If not, then I will find another way to put a poll up. If the poll is not on my sidebar when you are reading this, please check back soon!

Short Announcement

2009-04-09T23:41:00.004-04:00

From tomorrow (4/10) through Monday (4/13), I am going to be out of town and will most likely not have access to the internet during that time period. Please feel free to e-mail, but please understand that I may not be able to reply until Tuesday (4/14). This goes for new blog layout sign-ups as well...I am not ignoring you and I will reply to your e-mail as soon as possible. That being said, I hope everyone has a fabulous spring weekend (and wonderful Easter, for those who celebrate it)!

April's Cause is....

2009-04-01T17:49:00.004-04:00

March of Dimes (March for Babies)! For the entire month of April, I will donate $5 for every blog layout ordered. Let's see how much we can raise!

Thanks again to everybody that voted in my poll and spread the word. I am now going to start taking suggestions for a cause to donate to for the month of May and will continue to take suggestions until the night of April 14. You can comment on this poll with your suggestion or you can e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com. If I get more than three suggestions, I will choose the top three. If I have less than three suggestions, I will give one or two of my own suggested causes. On April 15, I will put up a poll with three causes and you all will have until the night of April 29.

Thanks again!

Thanks!

2009-03-29T23:17:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who left me a comment or voted in my poll! I really appreciate all the comments and e-mails letting me know that you would love for me to hold a poll every month to determine which cause we will donate to. I also appreciate everyone who has spread the word and has voted in my poll. I will keep taking suggestions for causes and holding polls every month as long as people continue giving me suggestions and voting in my polls. There's still two more days to vote in the poll, so please continue to spread the word. Thanks!

Cause Poll Is Up

2009-03-14T01:39:00.004-04:00

I have to admit, I'm kind of disappointed that I only received one suggestion for a cause to donate to for the next month. I took the one suggestion and I also added two more causes that I know a lot of people are passionate about, so the three causes on the poll are Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, March of Dimes (March for Babies), and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The poll is on my right sidebar at the top. I would very much appreciate it if you took the time to vote, and if you also told other people about the poll that would be stupendous! I know that I said that I would have the poll up early in the week and now it is Saturday, but I wanted to allow extra time for people to give me suggestions. The poll will be open until 11:59pm on March 31st, so that allow plenty of time for voting. I really would like to have as many people vote in this poll as possible so that I know that I am donating money to a cause that the majority of people will support, rather than a few. Since I am extending the poll and consequently starting to donate to a cause on April 1, I will most likely be changing the cause on the 1st of every month instead of the 15th (like I originally said). I am considering whether or not taking suggestions and making a poll to decide what cause I donate to is a good idea. I am still going to donate $5 from every blog layout purchased toward the month's chosen cause, but I am debating between making a poll every month or just choosing. If you would like me to post a poll every month, please let me know...because if there is a big enough response, I would love to continue with the polls. Anyway.....please go vote!

Help Me Choose A Cause!

2009-03-05T23:48:00.003-05:00

In addition to designing blog layouts, I also read a lot of blogs. I have noticed recently that many bloggers have started supporting some type of cause through their blog, usually something that has personally affected them. I would love to support each and every one of these causes, but that is just not possible. However, I would like to support some of these causes...and I would like you to become involved too!

So what am I planning to do, and how can you help? Starting March 15, I am going to donate $5 for every blog layout purchased to a cause nominated by all of you. From now until early next week, I will be taking suggestions of causes to donate to. I will then select three of the causes suggested and create a poll. I'll let the poll run until March 15, and then whichever cause wins the poll will be the one I will donate to for the next month. About a week before April 15, I will take more suggestions and create another poll. On the 15th of every month, I will switch the cause that I will donate to so that we will have the opportunity to benefit many different causes.

So what qualifies as "cause"? I would like the suggested causes to be non-profit, and for them to be contributing towards something that will benefit many people (not just one). Other than that, they really can be anything. They can be a specific cause, such as somebody fund raising for a specific organization (an example would be to donate to somebody raising money for the March of Dimes or somebody that is raising money for a cancer research organization while training for an athletic competition) or they can be general, meaning that we donate directly to an organization. Basically, it's up to you! To suggest a cause, please comment on this post with your suggestion as well as the reason you are suggesting the cause.

Anticipating Spring

2009-02-28T02:14:00.004-05:00

I don't know about all of you, but we have had a harsh winter here and I am overjoyed at the very thought of spring! Spring is finally right around the corner so in the spirit of spring, I just added a bunch of new spring (and non-spring) kits to my Kits page. I also added updated my portfolio. Go check 'em out!

Happy Birthday! YOU Get The Present!

2009-02-26T01:42:00.004-05:00

ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary is officially going to be one year old in March! Unofficially, I have been making blog layouts for a little over a year, but I didn't create this blog site until March 18, 2008. Anyway, I am doing something a little bit different than a regular giveaway because I just did a giveaway over on BBA...plus, I want to do something that everyone can enjoy.

In honor of ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary's first birthday, I am temporarily reducing the price of a basic blog layout from $35 to $30...five dollars off! But that's not all! In addition to the price reduction, you will also be eligible for two free add-ons with the purchase of a basic blog layout. This birthday special is running until 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, March 4 (a few hours shy of one week).

Here are the details: I have already changed the price of the basic blog layout on the Payment Page, so when you click the Add to Cart button beneath it, you will see the price reduction reflected in the PayPal shopping cart. In order to receive your two free add-ons, please let me know what you would like them to be when you e-mail me your completed blog layout form. If you would like to purchase other add-ons in addition to the two free ons, feel free to do so but please do not add the add-ons to your cart that you intend to request as the free ones. What add-ons are you available to choose from? You can choose two add-ons from the following list:
1 matching custom signature
1 matching sidebar button
1 matching custom sidebar title (you can choose this twice, if you would like both free add-ons to be sidebar titles)
1 Happy Face stick figure
1 Happy Face head only
Please note: The three-column blog layout is not an option to choose from for a free add-on

That's it! Please e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Contest Winner Posted!

2009-02-23T17:19:00.002-05:00

BBA has announced the winner of my contest!. Head on over to their site to check it out.

Baby Blog Addict Giveaway - Update

2009-02-20T19:05:00.003-05:00

I know a lot of you who entered in my giveaway contest over on Baby Blog Addict have been wondering who the winner is, since the contest ended on Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, at this time I do not know if they have picked a winner or if they have, who that winner is. I have send them an e-mail about this, and hopefully they will get back to me soon. Once they have picked a winner, I will make sure to contact that person right away and announce the winner (if BBA doesn't announce it on their site). Sorry for the delay!

Designer Spotlight on BBA...And a Contest!

2009-02-11T23:24:00.003-05:00

Baby Blog Addict has featured ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary in their weekly designer spotlight! Go check out their post and be sure to check out the contest details at the end for a chance to win a free basic blog layout!

Last Chance!

2009-01-30T23:55:00.004-05:00

Don't miss your last chance for both you and a friend to save $5.00 on a layout! There is one day left to take advantage of my "$5 For You and a Friend Deal", so don't miss out! Click here to read all the details.

News for the week of January 18, 2009

2009-01-18T01:26:00.003-05:00

Brrr....I hope you all are staying warm! Today is the first day in quite awhile that the low has been above zero. In fact, it is currently a sweltering 34 degrees (and snowing) here in Columbus! Anyway, I have a few tidbits of information to share with all of you:

For the next two weeks, you and a friend can both save $5.00 your blog layout purchase from ScrapBlog Designs by Hilary. Click here to check out the details.
For those of you who like to load up your blogs with lots of gadgets, I have added an option on the Payment Page for a three-column blog layout.
I will be adding a button to my sidebar soon along with the html code. Make sure to check back and grab the code so you can add it to your blog!
I just added a ton of new kits to my Kit page, so make sure to check them out.
I will be going out of town on Friday (1/23) afternoon and I will be returning late Sunday (1/25) night. If you purchase a blog in that time or send me any type of e-mail, please be patient and I will get back to you at the beginning of next week.

That's all I have for now. If you have off Monday for MLK Jr. Day, enjoy your time off (I know I will be)!

Big Change

2009-01-14T03:34:00.004-05:00

I have updated the shopping cart and the new base layout fee is $35 for both new customers and returning customers. The reason that I have to make such a drastic increase in the price of a basic layout is that I now need to include a commercial fee that will be passed on to designers at sweetshoppedesigns.com. This fee allows the use of their digital kits on my blog layouts. Even though this commercial fee policy has been in place for a long time, I only recently became aware of it (and that I was in violation of it) a few days ago when a designer e-mailed me. Consequently, I will be paying a commercial use fee for each of my blog layouts that I have made in the past directly out of my pocket. As a result, I will not be making a profit on my blog layouts for a long, long time because I will be working hard to pay these designers back every penny that they are owed. As you can probably imagine, this is a huge blow to my bank account...one that I am struggling to comprehend how I will even be able to afford. I am not going to directly ask those of you who I have made layouts for in the past to pay the layout fee for your layout (approx. $15/layout), because this was a (huge) mistake on my part. That being said, I have added a donation button on my sidebar in case any of you would like to help me out. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com.

Price Changes, again

2009-01-10T14:52:00.003-05:00

Due to uncontrollable circumstances that I will explain further in an upcoming post, I have to immediately increase the price of my layouts. The price increase will most likely result in an additional $15 per layout. Again, I will explain all this soon (probably tonight or tomorrow) but I am still trying to figure out if this is necessary. I have worked hard to try to maintain affordable prices, but there may not be any way around this.

PLEASE NOTE: I am keeping my "shopping cart" open and not changing the prices right now, but if the $15 increase is necessary I will be asking you to send me the additional $15 and you will need to pay it before I am able to send you any part of your blog layout. I am not changing the prices on the "shopping cart" until I find out that I definitely have to charge and extra $15 per layout.

Changes!

2009-01-04T03:39:00.004-05:00

I want to start of this post by saying that I hope everybody had a happy, healthy, and joyful holiday season! Now that the holidays are over and we are getting back into the swing of normal schedules, I thought I would announce some changes that I have made. If this isn't your first time visiting my site, I am sure you have already noticed the change in my blog layout. I have changed the buttons that were on my sidebar to right above my posts. I also have added a Followers gadget to my sidebar, so if you like to visit my site please "follow" my blog.

Another change that I have made is with my prices. I thought long and hard before I made this change, but it has just been becoming too hard to keep offering extra blog "add-ons" without being reimbursed for my time. The price for a basic blog layout (without any extras) is still $20.00 for new customers and $15.00 for returning customers, however if you would like me to create any extra customizations for you blog layout, it will cost you a little extra. These extra customizations include custom signatures, custom sidebar titles, custom sidebar buttons, and Happy Faces. To see the prices of these extras, click on the Payment Page button above. If you have already requested a blog layout from me or have been given a gift certificate purchased before now, I will still honor the previous prices.

That's another change! I am now offering gift certificates, so if you would like to purchase one, please see the Payment Page. I have now added a PayPal shopping cart to my site. This basically means that you can purchase several items at once, instead of purchasing items individually. Because of this, the payment process is a little different than what is has been previously. To request a blog layout, you will first have to purchase your blog layout through the Payment Page. After you have paid, you will be taken to a page where you can fill out a form and e-mail it to me.

Whew! I hope all of this make sense. Although I did sleep in, it is already almost 4am here and I am getting a little (okay a lot) tired. If you have any questions about the changes that have been made (or anything else for that matter), please feel free to shoot me an e-mail at hilary.keegan@gmail.com.

Introducing Happy Faces!

2008-10-31T01:07:00.008-04:00

Image from www.countryclipart.com

Happy Faces is a collection of faces and stick people clipart created by Original Country Clipart by Lisa. I have purchased the entire collection for use on my blog layouts. The collection includes single faces as well as stick figures of a variety of babies, tolddlers/children, and adults.

This is a cheap alternative for those who wish to use a clipart graphic/illustration on their blog header instead of photographs. Normally, high quality clipart or digital illustrations (such as the one displayed on the header of this blog) are hard to find and can cost upwards of $15/graphic. If you decide you want me to add Happy Face figures to your header, it will cost $1 per face or $2 per stick figure (if you go with stick figures, you do not have to purchase both the face and the stick figure because the face is included). Click here if you would like to view samples of the Happy Face collection. When looking at the samples, please note that I can mix and match the heads on the stick figures with the clothes. For example, I can create a stick figure with the clothes on the fourth person in row four and the head on the third person in row three. Also, you will not see individual heads apart from the stick figures in the sample, but I can use any of the heads on the stick figures individually (if you decide to just use heads).

After I post this entry, I will change the blog layout request form to add an option to include Happy Face figures in your header. If I have already made a blog layout for you and you want Happy Face figures to be added, please e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com with your request.

P.S. I am leaving Friday night to go out of town for the weekend. I will probably not be able to check and return e-mails until Monday evening, so don't worry if I don't respond to your e-mail right away.

Contest Results

2008-10-07T23:46:00.002-04:00

My contest ended about 45 minutes ago and we have a winner!

Here is the breakdown of all the entries and the numbers they were assigned.

And here is the result of the random drawing.

The winner is entry #11...Courtney of Courtneyology 101. Congratulations Courtney! Please e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com so we can get started on your new blog layout!

I'm very pleased with how my first contest turned out. I will probably hold more contests in the future, so keep an eye out. Thanks to everybody who participated!

Contest!

2008-10-02T22:58:00.006-04:00

I have decided to hold my first ever contest! The contest is simple:

The prize: a free complete custom blog layout designed by me
How to win: comment to this post answering the following questions. 1) What was your reason for starting your blog? 2) What is your reason for wanting a blog layout?
You must comment to this post (please do not e-mail me or comment to another post or else your entry will not count) and it must be done by this Tuesday (October 7) at 11 pm (Eastern Standard Time).
Your comment will count for one entry into the contest, but if you post about this contest on your blog you will earn two additional entries into the contest. If you decide to post about it on your blog, please let me know so I can come check out your blog and know to give you two more entries to the contest.
After I close the contest on Tuesday night, I will assign a number (or numbers to additional entries) and randomly choose a winner. The winner will be posted sometime Wednesday afternoon.
Enjoy my contest and good luck!

Update

2008-10-02T01:48:00.004-04:00

I just got done adding new kits to the "Kits" section and updating the FAQs. I updated my Portfolio section last week and I will have more to add next week. Be sure to check out the updates!

Image Problem Fixed

2008-09-09T01:33:00.006-04:00

As of a few minutes ago, I have finished e-mailing everybody with instructions on how to fix the images in their layouts. If I have not e-mailed you, it is because this image problem hasn't affected your layout. If there is something wrong with the images in your layout (your background isn't showing up, the image on my badge isn't working, your signature isn't showing up, etc.), and you haven't been contacted, first check your spam box to make sure I haven't already e-mailed you, and then e-mail me to let me know. Once again, I am sorry for the inconveniences this image problem has caused and I hope by switching to a more reliable image hosting website that this won't happen again. I want to thank everybody for their cooperation and understanding. If anybody is having trouble fixing their blog, please feel free to e-mail me. You guys are great!

Changing Image Hosts

2008-09-02T21:54:00.006-04:00

The website that I have been using to host most of the images used in my layouts has gone down, without warning. The website was down for a few days and seems to be back up, but not all of the images seem to be working. I have made the decision to switch to a more reliable image hosting website so that I will not have problems like this in the future. Sometime within the next week, I will be contacting everybody that I have worked with that this will affect, and will be explaining how I am going to fix the problem (it will depend on your specific situation). I will be contacting everybody at the e-mail address that I corresponded with during the time I worked with you on your layout. If you no longer use that e-mail address or need the image problem fixed right away, please e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com. I apologize on the behalf of the image hosting website.

E-mail Problem...Again

2008-07-30T01:17:00.006-04:00

Yes, I am having an e-mail problem again. I am very sorry for the inconvenience that this has caused. For some unknown reason to me (or anybody from the Help department at Gmail), some of my e-mails containing attachments have not been reaching their recipients. I can still receive e-mails and send e-mails without attachments. It seems like this problem is getting better because everybody that I have sent e-mails with attachments to within the past day or so have gotten them, but I am posting this just to let everyone know. I have been going through my e-mails from the past few weeks and I have noticed that there have been a few e-mails with attachments that I have sent and I never got a reply back. I have sent follow up e-mails to those people to make sure that they actually got the e-mail(s). If I was supposed to send you something more than a day or two ago and you haven't received it yet, please contact me and let me know or if in the future a day or two goes by and I haven't sent you something that I was supposed to, please let me know. Like I said, I think the problem is getting better but if this continues, I will have to think about alternate ways to send files. Sorry again for all the e-mail problems!

Changes!

2008-07-17T00:55:00.006-04:00

As many of you have probably noticed, I have a brand new look! I wanted to have a fresh look now that I have made a few changes to this blog site and I also thought my old layout was sort of dreary and didn't really reflect my personality very well. With the new layout, I have also added a "Kits" section and changed my sign up form around a little bit. I also have realized that I have been very bad at updating my portfolio. I am planning on updating it after I post this, so go check out the new layouts!

Changing to Charging

2008-07-01T23:20:00.008-04:00

As of July 4, 2008 I will start charging for my layouts. Anybody who has already requested a layout does not have to pay, whether I finish your layout before July 4 or not. Anybody who requests a layout after 11:59pm EST on July 3, 2008 will have to pay $20 for a layout. Please do not ask me for me to make an exception on your part, because I have to be fair to everybody and I am allowing more than two days for people to request a layout for free. As I stated, I will be charging $20 per layout for a first-time customer. This price is all-inclusive and will cover the cost of a digital scrapbooking kit used to make the layout as well as for my time. I will be offering a discounted price of $15 per layout for customers who I have previously created a layout for before. To be fair, I will not allow returning customers to request layouts for other friends or family members in order to get them the discounted price. In the next few days I will be changing some things about this blog and updating some of the information to reflect this new change. Please comment on this post or e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Away For The Weekend

2008-06-26T01:11:00.008-04:00

Wow! I have been overwhelmed with the number of requests for blog layouts that I have gotten lately and I am loving it! I get many e-mails of thanks and appreciativeness but I want to let you all know that I am very thankful and appreciative of all of you! Each time that I get a blog layout request, that person (or people) are allowing me to enjoy one of my favorite hobbies while being able to give back to the blogging community. So, thank you!

I'm also posting to let everyone know that I will be out of town for a few days. I am leaving tomorrow afternoon to go to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky and spend a few with family and friends on our friends' houseboat. It should be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to soaking up some sun, spend time on the lake, and enjoy the company of family and friends. I will be back Sunday night and will be jumping back into my blog layouts on Monday. Please feel free to e-mail me about anything blog layout-related but please keep in mind that I probably will have a lot of things to catch up on when I return, so I may not be able to answer your e-mail right away. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

E-mail Problems

2008-04-02T17:57:00.003-04:00

I have discovered that I have been having some e-mail problems. For some reason, not all the e-mails that I send are getting to the recipient. Likewise, I haven't been getting all e-mails sent to me. All e-mails that elicit responses, I will respond to so if you haven't heard from me after a few days, please e-mail me again because it is very possible that I just didn't get your e-mail. Also, if I don't hear back from you within a few days, I will e-mail you again to make sure you got it. So if you get an e-mail from me, please respond. Even if you don't have time to sit down and give me a full response right then, please at least let me know you got it and will answer me back later or else I will probably think that you didn't get an e-mail. I really hope that this problem with Gmail is fixed soon. It seems like most of the e-mails that are having problems are the ones with attachments. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Tuesday Night Update

2008-03-19T01:26:00.003-04:00

Since I have gotten a lot of requests for my PayPal account information, I added a link on the right. I also have added a "Sing Up For a Layout" section and I have added more to my "Portfolio" section. Tomorrow I will add a "Frequently Asked Questions" section and more to the "Portfolio" section. Stay tuned!

Finally!

2008-03-18T03:56:00.004-04:00

The site is finally up and running! It's looking pretty bare but I will get everything up within the next few days. Please bear with me as the site is still under construction but I promise it will make things much easier, especially for me! So far, I have added a Portfolio section but I still need to add the majority of my work to it. Coming soon will be a "How does it work?" section and a "Frequently Asked Questions" section so keep checking back!

Hilary's Portfolio

2008-03-18T03:01:00.060-04:00

Click some of the images below to see more. More coming soon!

Quilao Triplets

Frog and Tiger Make Five

Hilldog Teaches

Blessed

The Ketchledge Family

The Czeskleba's

Welcome to Quadville

Three Times the Giggles

Mrs. Neville's Kindergarten Class

My Life's Been a Country Song

Meet the McCools

EllaBug Designs

Livin' Life With Leslie

Good Things Going Around Cincinnati

It Takes More Than An Egg

Paigeandbrooke

My Sidekick and Me

The Pierce Twins

It's Not A Clown Car!

Jack and the Girls

The Farmer Cuties

Party of 5

Project 365: My Take

Always Abundantly Blessed

Welcome to Quadville

Shades of PollyEsther

Everyday Blessings

Twinfinitely Blessed

Four Little Fultons

Just the 5 of Us

Little Bits of Leslie

Jack and the Girls

Carleigh and Grayson

Pierce Twins

My Life As An Air Force Wife

Happily Ever After

Lauren Michelle

A Beautiful Day

Cure Cystic Fibrosis for Reilly

Average Abnormalities

The Life of Sean and Emma

The Morris Bunch

Classy & Fabulous

My Life As An Army Wife

Jeff, Becky, and Family

Courtneyology 101

Divine Chaos

This Little Light of Mine

Hoping for our own Peanut

Bringing Up Boys

The Bates Family

Welcome to Quadville

Just the 5 of Us

The Dougherty Family

Playing House is the New Black

A Beautiful Day

Blessings From Above

Divine Chaos

Three Times the Fun

All Because Two People Fell In Love

Hilary's Place in Cyberspace

The Neville Family

Tigers in Beaufort

The Brown Family Adventures

The Tucker Times

Cash Clan Chronicles

Average Abnormalities

The Brocketts Blog

First comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

My CF Journey With God

Sterling Acres Homestead

The Parden Family

Twin Tales

...On the east of Eden

Me and My Three Boys

Field Trip Fun

The Pfeifer Family Blog

The Coker Family

The Small Joys In Life

Blessed

The Ketchledge Family

The Goings On of the Grahams

Smarty Pants Mama

Bella Vita Photgraphy

Our Little Emma Grace

The Roney Rundown

The Fourth K-H

The Adventures of Ace and Ben

Fashionista's Journal

True and Real

And One More Makes Four

My Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping

The Dunham Diaries

The Cheese Stands Alone

The Guishard Gang

&.baby.makes.3.

Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

My Life, With You

According to Em...

Adventures in Holy Matrimony

The Sparks Family

...And Then There Were FIVE!

Carleigh and Grayson

Flip Flop Family Fun

My Life

Aubrynn's Asylum

Life's Little Occurences

Quintin and Carissa Sitting in a Tree...

The Hall Family

Savoring the Moments

Growing Like A Weed

Outside My Kitchen Window

Angry Brown Guy
(header only)

Modern Mormon Mom

Ellison Ever After

From My Perspective

The Bowerman Blog

Peterson Co.

One Big Brother, One Little Sister

The Tipton Family

Sarah and NASCAR

Our Very Full House

Happy Hiltons

Peterson Happenings

2 Fun Sons

Triple Heart Designs

The Unterwagner Triplets

Hansen Highlights

Together 4ever

Three Peas in a Pod

A Story of Two Little Birds

The Gosdins

Mommahood Musings

As My World Turns

The Shepherd Times

Me and the Boys

The Krumwiede Six

Two For the Road

Beautiful Day

Payne Family Craziness

Three Peas in a Pod

Everyday Blessings

The Payne Family

Twice the Fun

What ELSE Will Life Bring Us

The Pierce Briefing

Boyer's Blah Blah Blog

Pancakes and Pinesol

...And babies Make Five!

Ange Passé ~ "Angel Passing"

The Busy Buzz Bee's

The Stoots' Home Base

Four Silly Sisters

Three For the Price of One

The Creacy Crew

It's My Life

Micromanaging...Life of a NICU Mom

Double Trouble...Life With Twins

Our Blessed Life

Time Out

The Powell Pow Wow

The Wilkinson Quintuplets

The Life & Times of Spels & Her European Pups, London & Rome

Custom Signature

2008-01-04T02:13:00.000-05:00

Thank you for purchasing a custom signature! Please fill out the following form and e-mail it to me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com so that I can get started on your custom signature. When you e-mail me the form, I will let you know when I will have your custom signature to you.

Your blog address/URL:
Have I made a custom blog layout for you?
Would you like your custom signature to match the colors in your current blog layout or do you have another design in mind?
What would you like your custom signature to say?
Do want your signature to be a specific size?

Pricing

2007-08-05T20:41:00.003-04:00

After you have read through the Sign-Up page, you can begin the layout process by filling out the sign-up form and e-mailing it to me. In the sign-up form, you will need to specify the items you would like to purchase. Don't forget to add the base layout (the very first item)! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com

Basic Blog Layout: $25.00
Includes a custom header, background(s), all html coding for the blog layout, and detailed direction on how to put everything on your blog. This does NOT include the price of a kit or other images. To see those prices, please click here.

Add-Ons

Matching Custom Signature: $1.00
This is a small image that matches the rest of your layout and is posted at the end of each post as your signature. To see an example of a custom signature, please look at the bottom of any of my posts on the main page of this blog site. This price is for one custom signature only. If you wish for me to design more than one custom signature (for example, if you have multiple posters on your blog), you must purchase the corresponding number of custom signatures.

Matching Custom Sidebar Titles: $0.50/each
These are small images that are used to title selected sections of your sidebar(s) and are designed to match with the rest of your layout. To see an example of sidebar titles, please visit this blog.

Matching Custom Sidebar Button: $2.00
This is an image that your friends can copy from your blog to post on their own blogs. The image will match the rest of your blog layout and below it will be a box with html code to allow your readers to easily copy your image. To see an example for a sidebar button, please see the right sidebar of this blog.

Three Column Layout: $3.00
This option will add an extra sidebar to your layout (otherwise, you will have one sidebar along with a main post area). Unless otherwise specified, I will put one sidebar on each side of the main post area. If you are returning customer and have previously purchased a three column layout, you do not need to purchase this add-on again.

Custom Fonts: $2.50 for post titles, $2.00 for sidebar titles, $1.50 for post dates, $5.00 for all three
With the purchase of this add-on, you will be able to choose any font you want for your blog. Without this option, you will only have the choice of one of the six default fonts offered by Blogger. There are three areas of your blog that I can change the font for: post titles, sidebar titles, and post dates. Unfortunately, it is not possible for me to offer to change the font for post text at this time. There are some limitations to the fonts that I can use, so if you have a specific font in mind and aren't sure whether I can use it or not, please ask me. If you don't have a specific font in mind, I can use the same font that I use in your header.

Navigation Bar: $3.00, plus $0.50/image
This is a section added below your custom header, but above your post area that will allow you to link to specific sections of your blog. A navigation bar easily allows readers to navigate around your blog. If you would like a simple navigation bar with text only, the cost will be $3.00 (to see an example, look at the top of this blog site). If you wish for the link to be images that match the rest of your blog layout, the cost will be $3.00 plus $0.50 for each image. For example, if you choose for me to use images and you want to have four links titled Home, About Me, Contact Me, and My Family, then the total cost for your navigation bar would be $5.00 ($3.00 plus $2.00 for four images). To see an example of a blog that uses a navigation bar with images, please click here.

Happy Faces: $1.00 per face image or $2.00 per stick figure image
Happy Faces is a collection of faces and stick people clipart created by Original Country Clipart by Lisa. I have purchased the entire collection for use on my blog layouts. The collection includes single faces as well as stick figures of a variety of babies, tolddlers/children, and adults. To learn more about Happy Faces, please click here.

Layout Sign-Up Form

2007-07-11T00:13:00.006-04:00

Thank you for purchasing a blog layout! Please fill out the following form and e-mail it to me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com so we can get started on your blog layout. After I have received your completed form, I will verify the details with you and then send you an invoice for half of your total as a deposit. Before filling out this form, please read through my Sign-Up page so that you will understand my blog layout creation process. If you aren't sure what any of the items I have listed below are, please refer to my Pricing page for a full description.

Do you have a blog through Blogger?
Your blog address/URL:
Your blog title:
Any tagline/subtitle/phrase/description you want me to include in the header:
Do you have any photos you want me to include in your header? If so, please attach them to the e-mail.
Which kit would you like me to use? (To see the kits that are available, click on the Kits button at the top of this page)
Would you like to purchase any Happy Faces? If so, please tell me which ones you would like me to use (indicate row number and column letter). To view all the different choices, see the images at the end of this post.
If you would like to purchase a custom signature, what would you like it to say?
If you would like to purchase sidebar titles, what would you like them to say?
If you would like to purchase a sidebar button, is there anything specific you would like me to put on it (usually, I just put the title of the blog on them with some decoration)? Is there a specific size you want your button to be?
Would you like to purchase a three column layout? If you do no purchase a three column layout, your layout will be two columns.
Would you like to purchase the custom font option? If so, which parts of your layout would you like me to use the custom font for?
If you would like to purchase a navigation bar, would you like me to use matching images or text only? What would you like the links in your navigation bar to say?
Do you have anything else you would like me to include in your layout?
When I am done with your blog layout, I would like to add a mini-screenshot and a link to your blog in my "Portfolio" section of this site. If that is not okay with you, please let me know.

Happy face images:
(Click on the images for a larger view)

Kits

2007-04-06T12:07:00.010-04:00

As you may have noticed, most of my blog layouts have a scrapbook look to them. This is because I use digital scrapbook kits, made by various talented artists around the net (please read the note at the bottom of this page). Below are some examples of kits that I have permission to use. If there is not a kit that you like, please let me know what are your colors and style preferences are and I will try to find a kit that you like based on these preferences. The prices of some of the kits are different as well as the use fee associated with various designers. Please note the prices listed below each kit.

Not interested in using a digital scrapbook kit? Want me to use a character-type image in your header? I can use almost any background or image found on istockphoto.com for $1.50 per credit. I can change almost any hair or clothing color, but please ask me before just to make sure. If you have any questions or would like me to help you find something you like, please e-mail me (at hilary.keegan@gmail.com).

Happy Go Lucky NEW!
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Mariposa NEW!
by Julie Billingsley
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

All Aboard NEW!
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Dear Diary NEW!
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

These Days NEW!
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Bee Happy NEW!
by Melissa Bennett
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Good Morning Sunshine NEW!
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Cosmic Pop NEW!
by Melissa Bennett
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

When You're Smiling NEW!
by Traci Reed
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Color Me Crazy NEW!
by Melissa Bennett
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Rambunctious NEW!
by Julie Billingsley
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

All-Star

by Melissa Bennett

$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Frostbite
by Julie Billingsley
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Fruit Loopy

by Melissa Bennett

$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Live Your Life
by Traci Reed
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Heart Whispers

by Melissa Bennett

$6.99 plus $15 use fee

I Loved Her First

by Traci Reed

$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Holly Jolly
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.00 plus $10 use fee

Jack Frost
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.00 plus $10 use fee

Sweet Caroline
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Golden Afternoon
by MandaBean
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Freezin Season
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Daydream Believer
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Mr. Curiosity
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Already Autumn
by Heather Roselli
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Happy Ending
by Libby Weifenbach
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $5 use fee

Hope's Journey
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Falling Leaves
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Happy Go Silly
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

All About Her
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Wally World
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Tweet
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Joyful, Joyful
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Autumn Breeze
by Julie Billingsley
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

All About Him
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Jelly Belly

by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

In It Together
by Julie Billingsley
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Garden Party
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Pie Are Squared
by Libby Weifenbach
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $5 use fee

Maude 'N' Millie
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Scrumptious
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Swim Like a Fish
by Julie Billingsley
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Mayberry
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Old News
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Sunny Sorbet
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Home Room
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Summer Solstice
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Summer Time
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Wild and Craz-He
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Jungle Antics
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Blossom
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

All Summer Long
by Julie Billingsley
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Belly Flop
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Jen & Dean
by Libby Weifenbach
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $5 use fee

Seaside
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Acid Wash
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Blue Eyed Beauty
by Libby Weifenbach
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $5 use fee

What A Girl Wants
by Heather Roselli
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

What A Boy Needs
by Heather Roselli
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Here Fishy Fishy
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$5.99 plus $15 use fee

Icy Cool
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$4.89 plus $15 use fee

Sand In My Shorts
by Julie Billingsley
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Where Flowers Grow
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Spring-A-Ling
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$5.99 plus $15 use fee

In The Air Tonight
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Cherry Sweet
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Big Spender
by Heather Roselli
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Mud Pie
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$5.99 plus $15 use fee

Mommy Modern
by MandaBean
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Wish On A Rainbow
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Giggles
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$4.89 plus $10 use fee

Sunny With A Chance
by Julie Billingsley
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Vanessa
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Hip To Be
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Dude With A 'Tude
by MandaBean
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

Love Is In The Air
by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $10 use fee

What's Your Story?
by Heather Roselli
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.49 plus $10 use fee

Boy Crazy
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Girl Crazy
by Melissa Bennett
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Sweet On You
by Traci Reed
sweetshoppedesigns.com
$6.99 plus $15 use fee

Frequently Asked Questions

2007-03-20T03:51:00.007-04:00

If you have a question that is not answered below, please feel free to e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com

Who makes the images that you use on your layouts?
Most of the images that you see on the layouts come from digital scrapbook kits that are made by various artists on sweetshoppedesigns.com. You can find more information about the specific digital scrapbook kit used by clicking on the Kits button on my sidebar and then clicking on the image of the kit. Some of the images used are made by me and sometimes there may be an image that is neither from sweetshoppedesigns.com or myself. Each blog layout designed by me will have a badge that lists who made the images used in the layout.

What is your fee for a layout?
Over time my prices have gone up a little bit to cover the necessary commercial use fees implemented by the artists of the graphics that I use. You can always find the most up to date prices on my Pricing page.

How do I change the pictures on my header?
Due to the policies of the artists of the graphics I use, I am not allowed to distribute images in any format other than the "flattened" header image that you have already received. This means that you won't be able to change the pictures in your header yourself, even if you know how. However, I will gladly update pictures for you when the time comes for no extra charge. All you have to do is e-mail me and tell me that you want to update the pictures and attach the pictures to the e-mail.

Can you use a cartoon-like image on my header/layout?
The cartoon girl that you see in my header is a graphic that I paid to download from istockphoto.com. The image is called a vector illustration or cartoon. Many high quality graphics, such as the one I used, can be found on various stock image sites and can usually be downloaded for a price of $10-$20 per image. If you find an image on istockphoto.com that you would like me to use, the cost will be $1.50 per credit. If you are willing to pay for the download of a graphic to be used on a header, then I will gladly use the graphic in the header. If you want assistance in finding a graphic, just let me know.

There isn't a kit on your Kits page that I like. Can you use one I found on a different website?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the website where the kit is available for purchase and, more importantly, the designer that created the digital scrapbook kit. All of the kits listed on my Kits page are made by various graphic designers for which I have permission to use their products, as long as I pay them a use fee. If you find a kit by one of these designers that is not listed on my Kits page, I most likely will be able to use it. The only exception is if the designer created the kit with another designer, in which case I would need to get special permission. At any given time, there may be a few designers for which I have permission to use their products, but I don't have any of their kits on my Kits page at that time. If you are unsure if I have permission to use a specific kit or would like help finding one that you like, please e-mail me (at hilary.keegan@gmail.com).

How Does This Work? How Do I Sign Up?

2007-03-19T00:28:00.014-04:00

Hello and thank you for your interest in one of my blog layouts! Below I have listed how you go about requesting a blog layout and the rest of the layout process:
1. First, you will need to fill out the sign-up form, which can be found here. Please fill out the form and e-mail it to me (at hilary.keegan@gmail.com). Within the sign-up form, you will need to specify which add-ons you wish to purchase as well as the kit (or other images) you would like me to use.
2. After I have received your e-mail with all the necessary information, I will look over the form and e-mail you any questions I have. Note: please e-mail me the sign-up form with all the requested information, otherwise it will increase your wait until I can start working on your blog layout. After we have all the details worked out, I will tell you what your total amount due is and will send you an invoice via PayPal for half of this amount. This is your deposit and will hold your place in line for when I can start working on your blog layout. I will also let you know your approximate wait time until I can start working on your blog layout.
3. When it is your turn for me to work on your blog layout, I will send you an e-mail. I will also send you an invoice for the second half of your total amount due. This needs to be paid before I can start working on your blog layout. Please note that sometimes there is a very short wait, so there may only be a few days between the time I send you the first invoice to the time I send you the second invoice.

3. After you have made the second payment, I will start working on the first part of your layout and I will let you know when I will have that to you by. Usually, it will take me 2-5 days to complete the first half of the layout. I create the blog layouts in two parts: first, I create the header image, and second I create the rest of the blog layout (along with any add-ons purchased).
4. After I have sent you the header image, I will make any small changes requested and will let you know when I will have the rest of the layout to you. Again, this is usually another 2-5 days.

5. When I am done with the layout and other add-ons, I will e-mail them to you along with detailed instructions on how to put them on your blog.

6. In my instructions for putting the layout on your blog, I will give you instructions on how to put my badge on your blog. This used to be optional, but it is now required in order to give the graphic arists proper credit for their work (otherwise, we would be breaking their terms of use).

Note: When you change your layout to the one I have created for you, you will lose all your page elements. This is because the page elements are embedded in the HTML, and when the HTML is changed, the page elements are deleted. While you are waiting for me to send you your finished layout, I suggest saving any necessary information to a safe place on your computer that will allow you to easily add your page elements back after the new layout has been added.

$5 for you and a friend!

2007-01-18T01:12:00.000-05:00

For the next two weeks (through Saturday night, 1/31/09), you can save $5 on your blog layout order by referring a friend...and they will save $5, too! Here is what you need to do in order for you and your friend to save $5:

You both must purchase a blog layout by 11:59pm on Saturday, 1/31/09. You can through the Payment Page on this blog site.
After you purchase a blog layout, you will be taken to a page that has a form that you will need to copy into an e-mail, fill out, and send to me. At the bottom, please include the name of the friend you referred or the friend that referred you.
After I receive both forms (one from you, one from your friend), I will refund you $5.00.

Note: You may refer more than one friend, however you will have to purchase a blog layout for each friend that you refer (and then you will receive $5.00 off of each layout).

That's it! Please e-mail me at hilary.keegan@gmail.com if you have any questions!