Customize Your Blogger Blog

Using Blogger doesn't mean that you have to have a boring, cookie cutter blog. There are a couple of really easy ways to customize the design of your Blogger blog. Customize your Blogger Blog in 3 Easy Steps Remove the Navbar:  The Navbar is the tool "glued" to the top of every blogger blog. But it's really easy to remove, and instantly...

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Why Blogger? (Instead of Wordpress)

Because I said so. (Just kidding! Sort of.) I’ve been using Blogger for a long time.  And I’ve also been using Wordpress for a long time.  And I like Blogger better.  Way better. Here’s why: It’s free.  Wordpress.com is also free.  But there are many more options for customization on Blogger than Wordpress.com. And...

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What you Need to Know Before You Begin Blogging

Where do I even start? Six years ago, I was pretty sure that I could start a blog and become the next Pioneer Woman, just like that.  But it didn’t work out that way. The truth is, blogging is more than meets the eye.  There is a LOT that goes on behind the scenes.  Before you jump right in, you should know: Blogging...

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My Family's Farm: Non-fiction Children's Book about a Modern Turkey Farm

My Family's Farm: Adam's Turkey Farm from Katie Olthoff (If the slideshare doesn't work, download a PDF version here.) A note from me, the author: My Family's Farm has been a dream of mine for over two years, since I realized that there are very few children's books showing today's livestock...

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What to Write About and Who to Write For

  Blogs should add value to readers' lives.  Think back to your high school English classes.  Do you want your blog to be entertaining, informative, or persuasive?  Maybe all three? Some blogs are inspirational. Some focus on how-to's and life hacks. Some teach a specific skill, like cooking.  What do you want your blog to...

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Naming Your Blog

Blog names should be: Short. (On the Banks of Squaw Creek is a wee bit long, in my opinion.) Easy to spell. (Because some of us are never going to remember if there are two a’s or two v’s in saavy.  Or is it savvy?) Easy to remember. (Because, duh.) Not too cryptic. (What does it even mean?) Not...

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They don't care how much you know...

I’m a teacher by trade. And one of the most important (although often forgotten) parts of a lesson is the hook. Before anyone can truly learn new information, they have to be emotionally engaged. Teachers do this by getting students excited, trying to explain why the lesson is important, or by tying the lesson back to something the kids already know....

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