A New Look...and a Giveaway!

Fun and Fearless in Beantown is always evolving and changing.  This blog started out as a personal and private online journal and then turned into a food and lifestyle blog.  Through the blog, I've been presented with some wonderful opportunities and dining experiences, and I've also met some amazing people through the local blogging community.

Over the years, I've had several different looks and re-designs to the blog using free Blogger templates since I'm not the most tech-savvy person.  As Fun and Fearless in Beantown has taken a larger presence in my life, I've really been itching for a professional blog re-design.  In May, I won a gift certificate to April Showers Blog Design from one of my favorite blogs - Fantabulously Frugal.  My experience with April Showers Blog Design was one of the worst customer service experiences in my entire life.  After several emails in June describing what I'd like, I was promised a first draft by early August.  I never received a first draft in August nor an explanation as to why I didn't receive it.  After several follow-up emails, I was promised a first draft in October.  Again, I never received a first draft and no explanation.  After both emails from me and from Lisa of Fantabulously Frugal (who was so embarrassed by this situation and was so lovely in trying to straighten things out), I was promised a design by the end of the year.  Again, nothing was delivered and no explanation.  The emails I received from April Showers Blog Design were so unprofessional and I cannot believe a person can run her business in this manner.

Instead of letting this discourage me, I decided to move on and find someone else who would be happy for my business.  After tweeting about my frustration, I got a suggestion to reach out to Sarah Early of dodeline design.  I cannot say enough lovely things about Sarah.  From the first email, she totally got my vision of the blog and was upfront with me about estimated costs and time lines.  Sarah always emailed me when she said she would and her sincerity shined through in every communication.  I seriously recommend that you contact Sarah if you have any interests in re-designing your blog, new stationary or general graphic design work.  

So, it was great pleasure I introduce a newer and cleaner layout of Fun and Fearless in Beantown.  I've moved a lot of the sidebar items to tabbed pages and there is a wonderful new header using some of my favorite photos from the blog!  

In addition, redesigning Fun and Fearless in Beantown was #17 on my 30 by 30 List.  Since this is the first item I am crossing off my list, I'd like to celebrate with a fun giveaway!  As part of my Boston Food Bloggers Launch Party swag bag, I received a $20 dinner gift certificate for Aquitaine Bar a Vin Bistrot at Legacy Place in Dedham, Massachusetts.  I would love to offer this gift certificate to one of my lovely readers!  To enter, just leave any comment on my blog.  All comments must be entered by Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST and a winner will be chosen by Random.org!