New look: Aren’t I pretty???

Since my last post here, I aged into a new decade and decided to get some work done. Getting older made me realize I needed some updates, some refreshing, so for my birthday I got myself a redesign.

For the blog, people. For the blog.

My sweet husband gifted me with a homemade certificate to purchase a new design for this space. My free WordPress template, called 2010, was feeling a bit tired after five years. Back in my office career days, I oversaw redesigns of several of the publications I edited — a process that most newspapers and magazines need to go through every few years — so I relished this chance to give my own personal publication a fresh look.

I selected a picture-friendly, magazine template called Dicot. I like the way the homepage allows me to keep previous posts visible and keeps many of my favorite photographs on display. I also made updates to my sidebar, including a carousel of my first few posts after moving to Japan, and a more prominent search box. I’ve also tried to make it easier for people so inclined to find my Twitter and Instagram accounts. (Just click on the icons at right or at the page bottom.) I’m sure I’ll continue to tweak the design. I know I’d like to make my Publications page prettier to showcase my published clips and maybe create a Travel Tips page, as well, but all in good time.

I hope, dear readers, that you enjoy my new look. I’m always open to feedback and suggestions. (For the blog, people. For the blog.)