2 years and a new look! - thanks Ana

It's hard to believe it's been 2 years since I hesitantly tiptoed into blog world & signed up for a blog of my own.  2 wonderful years of meeting new people & seeing different parts of the world.  It has opened my eyes to how truly blessed we are in this country.  I have found it to be a place where I can be myself unobscured by the shyness I battle with, share my story, meet like-minded ladies who treasure their families & have a bit of fun as well. 

It was wonderful timing that a giveaway that I won coincided with my 2 year blogiversary.  You see I was blessed enough to win a giveaway by the wonderful Ana of Barefooted Blessings for a blog template. 

I have been reading Ana's blog for a while now & must say I enjoy it immensely.  She is such a creative lady with an amazing zest for life that flows through her blog.  I enjoy reading about her little spot in the world - Brazil.  Ana has opened my eyes up to many creative things that for a maths/science person such as myself, we need to be shown - we won't go & discover ourselves.    Well Ana worked hard on this beautiful template that she tailor-made especially for me - adjusting here & there to my whims.  I was able to ask Ana a few questions about herself & her blog template designing & thought I'd share what she had to say:

First of all Ana, would you please tell me a bit about yourself?

It is always difficult to talk about one-self, I sometimes get the feeling that I could only describe myself with 3 words, Believer, Homemaker and Admirer.

What has lead you to live in Brazil?

My husband, daughter and I came to Brazil because of a calling, we felt that God was clearly opening doors for us to make a life here to be part of the work that many missionaries are doing, we are "tent-makers" and divide our time between our daily jobs and the exciting work of sharing the good news with others.

Ana, you were so professional about designing my template, giving me step-by-step instructions for any steps I had to take, how long have you been designing blog templates?

I started designing my personal templates in 2006 but only began selling custom-made designs last year in 2009.

You are so very talented & creative, what led you into blog design?

I've always been a big fan of Children Illustration and I took one course where I soon found that graphic and web-design had also become a passion. I love creating in every way I can, cooking, painting... and that's why I became interested in this form of art and expression.

I've always wondered how much does a typical blog design cost?

A basic makeover done from scratch starts at $85 USD - That means that the client gets to chose exactly what they want, from color, to graphics and fonts.

 What is your favourite thing about blogging?

I love the community part, I am grateful that even in the midst of traveling and moving homes and countries several times I have found true friends that stick with me for long, that to me is just precious and it's what keeps me blogging.

I just want to say a bit THANK YOU to Ana for this gift - you are a blessing.

I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting Ana & getting to know her through both her blog & now emailing (yes - I titled my last one from your favourite Aussie annoyance - LOL).  Let me encourage you to grab a cuppa & go & visit her beautiful blog as well - you will thoroughly enjoy it!

Ana has just announced the opening of a template design shop - this is to raise money for a trip home from the mission field to see her family!

And as for me...well  I am officially back on line after a shaky/busy/hectic but fun month.... stay tuned for more regular updates!

Have a lovely day

Renata :)