Bloggiesta is billed as a fiesta for book bloggers who get together to accomplish some of the necessary work that needs to be done on their respective blogs. But do the words fiesta and work really go together?
In this case – yes. Although we are each alone at our computers, it was great knowing that I was not the only one devoting this much time to improving my blog. Having people stop by and tell me they noticed my improvements was definitely the fiesta part of the weekend.
A few unexpected things happened this weekend too – a couple of things that weren’t on the list. One was to learn some new skills. Thanks to Jackie at Farm Lane Books I learned to back up my blog. She also tipped me off to an alphabetizing plug-in. While in the plug-in world I discovered a plug-in for Top Commenter (see left sidebar) and a couple others I didn’t know I needed.
It took longer than I thought to accomplish my tasks. Why does that always happen to me? That meant I didn’t get to participate in many of the mini challenges or visit as many as I wanted.
But the bottom line is still the bottom line, i.e., did I accomplish what I wanted to this weekend? The answer is almost everything. Below is my original list plus a couple of things added in. I still have a few things to finish up but I’m going to schedule those for the week ahead. For the rest of the weekend it’s time to relax, read and have a different kind of fun.
Fix my header pictureClean out and organize my sidebarsFix my ‘About Me’ pageAdd Review Policy/Disclosure StatementFind and install a plug-in for alphabetizing my booklist – still need to use itAdd ‘Book List’ (alphabetical by genre)Move 2009 & 2010 Reading List to a subdivisions of Book ListFix My Challenges w/subdivisions for AgathaCreate a Favorite Places page– still need to do the linksCreate a Food/Recipe page– still need to complete the pageMake sidebar buttons for books, challenges, foodCheck my stats on Google Analytics- Check my blog rating
- Update book reviews on LibraryThing and Goodreads
- Catch up writing book reviews
- Clean up my categories on book review posts
- Brainstorm post ideas for the next month
Install plug-in for Top Commenter- Back up the blog
You have had such a productive weekend – and I love the look of your blog!
I really like the Challenge Progress section on your sidebar. I may have to copy that idea before today is over
Have a great week, Margot!
You did so well! I’m so impressed by your crossed-off list. Congratulations
Wow, you are amazing! There is so much to do on my blog, I don’t even know where to start.
What an accomplishment and a great list of things to work on. It gave me a lot of ideas for my own blog. Thanks.
It appears you truly *can* combine the words work and fiesta! It sounds like it’s time for the margarita celebration!!!
You got so much done! Great job!
What a neat blog
Well done you!
I hope you were well equipped with chips & salsa, a diet coke with lime and some upbeat music for this “Bloggiesta”… Looks like you did a lot of work, great job! Was it as satisfying crossing off your list via the computer? I love making lists and then love the joy of crossing completed items off! I really like the NEW “Food Talk” item, and the picture looks great! I’m looking forward to reading that.
Wow!! You did a great job of getting almost all of them done!! I’m glad that there are tech savvy people out there that are so gracious to help out a fellow blogger!!
Great job Margot
I think your blog looks great. I may have to steal a few ideas…
I wish I’d participated in more of the mini-challenges, but I did get a lot done.
Great Idea!
You did a great job updating your Blog. it looks really good. I just hope you still took time to walk outside and enjoy nature a bit too.
Nice Bloggiesta! You got a lot of personal tasks done!
I like your work! I enjoy changing my blog picture and my background colors occasionally. What I really loved was when I changed the template a while back. I love the way it looks now – it feels orderly and uncluttered to me. One’s blog is much like one’s house, don’t you think? I certainly feel this way. I try to make it welcoming and clear to get around. I’m off to click on your ‘complete book list!’
Look at all the items crossed off that list! I’m curious about the alphabetizing plug-in. My Book Review (index) is done manually, and I’m sure there’s a better way …
Congrats on all you accomplished – will you plan to come to the Bloggiesta in June? (I’ll be there, over by the bowl of guacamole and chips!)
Wow, you did a lot. Even caught up on book reviews? I’m jealous. I don’t seem to find the time to do mini challenges either-I only did one. But I learned a couple of things. I love buttons in your right sidebar, they’re perfect. Happy blogging in 2010.
I’m pleased to see you found some useful plug-ins. There are so many great ones out there that we don’t even know we need! Congratulations on getting so much done!
It looks like you had a productive bloggiesta! Good job!
Whoah! You are one ambitious lady! Congrats on everything you got done for Bloggiesta! Since I am just now making the rounds and visiting folks who participated, you may be able to tell that I fell a bit short with my goals. ;-P BUT, I am persevering and will accomplish more! It’s just going to take me a bit longer. hehe.
way to go mom! everything looks great, nice job with the better image at the top, I like the improved clarity, lends more sharpness to the blog.