The Good Cause

When I first started noticing blogs I saw it as an interesting way to express oneself. Not necessarily to anyone in particular either. A lot of blogs I came across were for the purpose of self-expression, or a way to ventilate one's opinions on a particular topic or two that's crossed their mind.

I started this blog as a way to put down my feelings about taking on the next milestone in life. What was a journal and hobby has become a true joy an treasure. But what's better... I've met some of the most amazing people though blogging which I wouldn't have had the opportunity to come across otherwise.

I'm a journalist. And one of the things I pride myself in is doing stories that help and inspire people. Stories that move people to action. It's not me, but the people I meet and interview... The people in my stories that bring about the greater good in the world.

Just recently I've started to realize that same movement is visible... If not more so in the blogging realm. Never have I crossed paths with so many inspiration people trying to do good in such a short time span.

One example of this is with Danielle, the woman who re-designed my blog. She's offering her design services for free to a lucky donor who gives toward helping starving children in China.

You see... Due to limited resources, many government orphanages in China can’t afford to purchase formula powder. Instead, babies are given substitutes like sugar water or rice powder to ease their hunger pains. As many of you mothers know, these substitutes do not provide the nutrition a child needs, and the result is malnourishment, sickness, and underdevelopment.

I won't go into all of the details but I hope you'll consider going over here and donate what you can, no matter how small. One hundred percent of the money goes toward the New Day Foster Home's Formula Project! I'm going to give up one fast-food meal this week so I can chip in!... It'll be good for me, and these children. And hey... Your contribution could also get you a new free blog design!

Is it just me, or does like just seem so inspiring at times? I've always been a believer in the fact that people are good. And sometimes running into little things like this just go to show that! What other blogs/ people/ things inspire you? I love inspiration!!

The New Look and Special Discount!

What do ya think? I was liking my template before. I'm by no means a blog designer, but I like to think of myself as one. You know... Reporter by day, blogger by afternoon and wannabe blog designer by night.

Well believe it or not, I was getting sick of the pink. Not totally, but pretty much. And I began to feel a tad bit guilty "what if I have a boy and my blog has been pink all this time?" All of these things were going through my mind, so I made the decision to change it up.

I'm not gonna lie, I was really nervous about turning my baby--My project over to another designer. There were times when I thought "forget it, I'll do it myself!" But the trial and error was becoming too much. So I found Danielle.

Great woman, a future mama herself, and an awesome designer. I told her what I had in mind and we worked together 100% of the way. She was so fast and really honest (so was I). I felt so comfortable telling her what I wanted and well... LOOK! To be honest I was like "I like pink but I don't want too much pink" and she took it from there!!

If you're looking to get a redesign, or a design for your blog, or maybe a new website, check out The Design Girl. I didn't even know you could DO half the stuff she does on blogger! And get this... From now until the 28th this month Baby Makin(g) Machine's readers will get $20 off her basic and standard packages! Follow that link and you'll get $20 off your deposit ($15 instead of $35)! Just tell her I sent you :) So check it out! It's worth it being cute!

You can email her your requests or ask her questions at thedesigngirl@gmail.com

Things I'm Looking Forward to Pt1

The Nursery:
One thing I CAN'T WAIT to have is a nursery. I don't know why but I've always dreamed of having a decked out room for a little baby. I want a matching bedroom set with a really cute fancy crib, and a fun theme. I thought it would be easy to decide what kind of stuff I'd like but as I was Googling images to add here I realized how picky I am. One thing for sure... I'd NEVER be able to decorate on my own. I suck at matching things and I'll either have to choose a picture out of a magazine and order the complete package, or hire a designer. I think I have more of a sophisticated taste in design. I don't like a lot of frills or wallpaper design print stuff. I like stripes, argyle, and dark colored beds (using the word "crib" gives me the creeps unless it's regarding a house).

If I were to find something I like now, I'd choose something like this for a girl:
And for some reason right now I really like this hot air balloon room for a boy, although I think I'd rather do a sort of golf-related like the second one.
Of course in an ideal world I'd take one from the top and one from the bottom and squish them together in a room for twins...

Anyway, who knows what my taste will be like by the time I actually give birth?! Don't you love how I'm posting all this stuff about kids and I have no idea when I'll actually have one? I'm a weirdo, and obviously a tad bit bored.