Blogging and Design Inspiration

I love to write, hence the reason why I've had blogs for many years.  One of my favorite elements of blogging is checking out the designs that other people have created for their unique space online, and creating my own as well.  That's probably why I've transformed this blog so many times, and am constantly re-evaluating how I'm presenting myself, my ideas, and my images here.  So many bloggers and websites out there have influenced this blog, and have provided fresh ideas.  I wanted to share a few of those sites, so that you can check them out and hopefully be as inspired as I was.

Makin' Cute Blogs

I stumbled upon this fantastic resource about six months ago.  Makin' Cute Blogs features a number of tutorials (for Blogger, Wordpress and Photoshop) as well as inspiring blog designs that author Carolynn finds all across the internet.  Aside from the tutorials and resources, she also has a design shop where you can purchase backgrounds, design elements and her Blogger DIY Blog Design & Revamp Course.

Posts of Note: / Blog Design Inspiration: Watercolor / How to do Expandable Posts in Blogger

Kevin & Amanda

I've read Amanda's blog for years, and every time I read one of her posts, I am more and more inspired.  If I'm not drooling over the delicious desserts she's sharing or green with envy over her latest travels, I'm picking up tips from her photography and blog tutorials.  I've also grabbed more than my fair share of fonts from her free font website.

Posts of Note:  A Quick Guide to Understanding Your DSLR Camera / Shabby Chic Dangly Earring Display 

The Basics of Photoshop, Part 1: Layers / Must-Get Christmas Pictures Before the Tree Comes Down

Pioneer Woman

My husband and I bought a Canon Rebel XSI about two years ago, and I had no clue how to use it.  My husband jumped right in, and tried to explain everything, but it was still not making sense.  It was The Pioneer Woman's What the Heck is an Aperture? series that finally made it all click.  Author Ree Drummond posts fantastic articles about cooking, photography, and life on a ranch.  She's also created a fantastic set of free Photoshop and Photoshop Elements actions.

Posts of Note: Pioneer Woman Photoshop Actions / Pioneer Woman Photoshop Elements Actions / What the Heck is an Aperture? Part One / You Don't Need No Stinkin' Photoshop

Pugly Pixel

Katrina at Pugly Pixel is a huge source of inspiration.  She provides tutorials, freebies, and a great marketplace where you can pick up some ideas and templates to trick out your blog.  One of my favorite things about this site is that Katrina not only shows you how great something can look, but details how to make it happen in well-written tutorials.  She also writes some fantastic lifestyle pieces and shares some great photographs.

Posts of Note:  A Touch of Color / Create Your Own Post Layout Templates / Freebie: Blog Photo Layouts

What are your favorite sites?  Who has inspired you?