Given that The Beauty Spyglass is nearing its 1st anniversary, I thought I would look back at how it’s altered over the past eleven months…
Since becoming self-hosted back in February, I’ve spent countless hours tinkering with the layout and colour scheme. Leaving the pink overload behind, adding new widgets or plugins, and tweaking anything which can be tweaked. Sure, we all have different ideas and perspectives on what works and what doesn’t but there is, however, one thing we can all be certain of in life – “everything will change”.
Following along with that theory, something is happening to The Beauty Spyglass, it’s evolving. I’ve stepped away from the blogger cliché fake marble backgrounds and changed things up. Don’t get me wrong, pink flowers aren’t banished forever, I may still use some seasonal blooms in my photos – when I have some at hand. Marble, however, is something I’ve gone off over the last few months, I’m tending to use a plain white background or a mix of colours now, and actually – I prefer it!
Blog Logo…
Something else I quickly become bored with is my blog logo. As you can see below – I used to have the tagline “A closer look at beauty” then later, I decided I wanted to include lifestyle posts along with beauty and so I added “lifestyle” to my tagline – giving my blog a new identity. Nowadays, I don’t think I need a tagline at all – I’ve ditched that too. Then I wanted “By Samantha” but that soon fell by the wayside. When I look back over the last eleven months and see where I started I just think oh dear what were you thinking?! Saying that, I didn’t know what I was doing and just limped along – hoping for the best.
Previously, I designed and created all the logos seen below using an app, but I was never really happy with any of them or their grainy/pixellated appearance, hence all the changes. These are just some of the versions I still had, yes, there are more! I’ve finally settled on my logo now and I’ve not tinkered with it in a while (that’s got to be a good sign) I designed it myself using an app, but since it appeared grainy I decided to have it reproduced professionally in the correct format by the lovely Sally – graphic designer and owner at Designbean.co.uk Have a look at her fab website!
#myinstastyle…
As for my Instagram grid – it’s changing too. Here you can see that I’ve also left my pretty pink theme behind. I’m going for a different look there too. I’m kinda over the “theme” situation and as soon as Autumn hit the streets, my grid took on a whole new look. I’m trying out different angles and segment shots, is that a thing? When I look at my grid as it was before I just see a blur of hazy-pink flat lays. I understand this new look may not sit well with everyone, but right now, It sits well with me.
My trusty ol’ blog prop box filled with ribbons, pearls and pretty bits and bobs has been made redundant. My daughter is gradually squirrelling away my “blog prop notebooks” to use for school bits and Harry Potter related doodlings.
I realise it’s not always a good idea to keep changing the look of your blog-brand as consistency is key. However, what I like now is far from what I liked when I started out, and since The Beauty Spyglass is my blog I’m doing what works for me. I like to think of it as a butterfly going through her life stages – beginning as an ugly chrysalis, evolving and growing into something beautiful. Let’s hope it lasts longer than a butterfly and her paltry life-span.
My one-year “blogga-versary” is looming ever closer, November 15th to be exact. I’m considering changing my theme or even going for a more bespoke look for the new year. Yes, getting a little tired of that too! Keep a lookout for my anniversary post and I may run a giveaway, I’ll share details nearer the time!
Is your blog ever-evolving? I’d love to know how.
Have to say, I thought your blog was several years old not 1 year old, as it seems so well established and styled. Happy anniversary! And I love this post and learning how you’ve evolved.
Author
Thank you so much. That means a lot to me. Really sweet of you to say so lovely x
I’m so happy I found your blog, as I love reading your post as well as following you on Instagram 🙂 I only started blogging a couple months ago, and I’m already struggling to keep up with it hahaha.. But I just tell myself that I’m doing this for the fun of it, and that I shouldn’t stress about it! If you feel like changing your theme, I think you should do it. But I’m also sure your subscriber love the look of you blog, as it progresses.
Author
Thank you so much! Really appreciate your kind words. You’ll be fine as long as you continue to enjoy it! I’d like to start posting three tines a week again but it’s not easy fitting it in around family life as I like to keep a balance. There’s all the social media to keep up with too and it does get a bit much sometimes! Good luck with journey blogging journey lovely x
Loved seeing how many headers you’ve had!! MY blog has been through a few changes, the biggest was probably going from Closingwinter to GollyMissHolly!! 😀 Even though it’s not for a couple of weeks, happy blog birthday!! 🙂 xx
Author
There’s been a few haha. I think I’m sticking with my current one now though. Closing Winter is a cool name but GollyMissHolly is equally good! It doesn’t hurt to change things – A change is as good as a rest! Thanks for reading lovely x
My blog is definitely always changing, I’m always wanting to improve – but it’s so nice to look back and see how far you’ve come!
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
Author
Thank you, yes I think we all like changing our blogs as we go along. It’s fun to look back!. x
Your Blog and Insta pages are beautiful! I imagine it’s probably easy to get settled in a particular theme or use of props, and I find it hard trying to make sure that my grid doesn’t all mingle into one big blur. Keep doing what you’re doing, as you’ve definitely inspired me in my very young blogging journey xx
I love your blog but agree, changing things up is nice too and kinda fun. I really want to change up my whole blog style and layout but need to get it professionally done as my desires are beyond changing and adding widgets! That said, I told myself that first I need to reach some milestones before spending the money so it might be a while yet.
Congrats on reaching the 1 year! And look forward to what the next year will bring xx
franklyflawless.com
Author
Yes adding widgets and plugins isn’t always enough. I might go for a bespoke look in the new year. Thanks lovely! X
No way have you only been blogging for almost a year Sam!!! When I first came across your blog, I genuinely thought you had been blogging for years! It’s amazing to see how a year can really make a difference. I’ll be blogging for a year in January, so it’s so strange to see the transition and your post has inspired me to do something similar for my 1 year! Your Instagram will always look amazing whatever theme you decide to go for and I can’t wait to see it in the New Year!
Jenny x
http://www.theconfessionsofanonlineshopaholic.com
Author
Oh thank you so much for your kind words! Yes just under a year. I’m going to do a post for the one year mark next month. Yours is coming up too! There’s a few that I know of with their one year coming up! Thanks again lovely x
Aww you’re very welcome! You’re doing amazing, I can’t wait to follow you on your journey! It’s so nice to be able to celebrate it with everyone and I can’t wait to see your post on it!x
I love this post, so interesting to see your site and insta evolve, I always worry that mine isn’t consistent enough, especially my insta, but I do want it to be a reflection of my varied life! xxx
http://www.juderivers.com
Author
Thanks lovely. Don’t worry about consistency, just share all the things you love! It looks fab anyway! Xx
Ah thank you!!! Xxx
It’s amazing to see growth in something you work so hard on, isn’t it?! Your blog is beautiful and so professional looking. Reading this post made me reflect on my own growth from blogging. It’s so nice to look back at where you started to now!
I love your blog gal!! It’s come so far in the almost year it’s besn up and running! You’ve inspired me so much with your blog and you should continue doing what your doing ?
Author
Ahh thank you lovely – I try!!
I love your blog and this was such a lovely post with a bit of insight into how you’ve evolved! I love your current logo and I always love your insta regardless of any theme! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for The Beauty Spyglass! I’ve always loved that name too
Ellie x
http://elliesbitsofbeauty.com
Author
Thank you so much Ellie. Really kind of you and thanks for all the support. We are all on a journey with our blogs aren’t we! x
I’ve always thought your blog and Insta look super professional, crisp, clear and very pretty. You’re doing a fab job xx
Author
You’re too kind!! Xz