and the winner is (+ important updates)

Before I tell you who the winner is, I'd like to mention a couple of things that have to do with CS Designs. I am merging this site with my main blog, because it is ten times easier to keep one blog rather than two. :)
If you'd like to read more information on my switch, head on over here.

The amount of entries was fabulous! I was blown away by the continual flooding of emails in my inbox. I wish I could give away more than one gift code. However, that said...
The winner is #89, Carrie! (Via random.org) Carrie, please shoot me an email at amanda@farmgirlwrites.com to claim your prize.

I don't know for sure if I'd purchase this or not, of course, but the Homestead Throw quilt is really pretty, and I might consider that: http://www.csnstores.com/Patch-Magic-THHMSTD-PMQ1817.html

Thank you, everyone, for entering! And thank you to CSN Stores, as well. :)

If you have a chance, check out my main blog. I just switched to Wordpress.org. Fun? Yes.

in which I surprise you (giveaway!)

Hello, my dear readers, stalkers, and anyone else who may be reading this. You've heard very little from me, haven't you, on this blog?
I'm sorry.
No, I really am.

Let me tell you about schoolwork... Actually, I won't. I will, instead, tell you about this lovely giveaway that CSN has partnered with me to pull off.
Does that make you all feel more loved?
Yes?
I thought it might.

CSN Stores, as you might know, is a huge store with 200+ sites that offer everything from toys to desks. Speaking of desks, I have one in my room that needs to be replaced... But let's not get off topic, shall we? (Although, I could replace it with an actual computer desk... or maybe an L Shaped Desk...)


CSN has generously offered to provide one of you with a one-time-use $30 CSN gift code! Are you excited? Let's get down to business...
How to enter: (1 comment per entry, pretty please...)
Head on over to CSNStores.com and tell me what you would purchase with the code... (1 entry)


More ways to enter, once you've finished the one above:
Follow CS Designs via Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
Follow farmgirlwrites.com via Google Friend Connect (link in the header) (1 entry)
Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. (1 entry for each venue...)


Get it? Six different ways to enter. For US and Canada residents only. Ends on the 1st of March, 2011 - 8PM EST.
Got it? CSN generously is providing me with this code. I am not being reimbursed for hosting this.
Good. Have fun!

Font Trouble?

(This issue appears to be resolved, at least from what I can see on my computer. If you still want me to transfer your files to a more secure server, just shoot me an email...)
If you have a blog design from CS Designs, and the custom post title fonts have disappeared, please shoot me an email at amanda@farmgirlwrites.com. I've found an alternate server, since the problem seems to be with Webs.com. Not all of you may be having this problem, but the IP addresses that belong to Comcast, AT&T and Bell Canada are blocking any username.webs.com addresses.

PS - this is also affecting the expanding/collapsing menus on many blogs right now...

New Packages

To give you a heads up - I've redone my packages. Everything is still free (don't worry there!), but I added two new packages, including some new elements in them. Make sure to check it out on the "Pricing" page!

Image Mapping in GIMP - Tutorial

Image mapping is very useful when you're creating a page menu. If you have GIMP, it's very easy to do. I've written a tutorial on it on the website WebUpon.
Follow this link to read more... If you like it, make sure to hit the "like" button at the bottom of the article! :)

Happy New Year!

Coming soon - another portfolio post. ;)

Blogger's New Mobile Feature and Why You Should Use It

A few days ago, Blogger debuted a new beta feature. If you can't find it on your regular blogger settings, log into your account using www.draft.blogger.com. Go to your settings panel, and click "Email & Mobile". You should see a section at the top titled "Mobile Template (beta)".

Why you should use this feature: a Mobile Template is what shows up when a reader views your blog via their mobile phone or other small handheld device. The regular web version of your template takes a lot longer to load on a mobile. This template cuts the loading time, and permits the reader to navigate your blog, without having to scroll to the right/left to find the buttons. Given the amount of people who use iPhones to view websites, having this template on is extremely advisable, in my honest opinion.

The cons: it does not show your sidebar, or your pages. Take a look at the link below. This is the mobile version of my personal blog, Farmgirl Writes.
http://www.farmgirlwrites.com/?m=1
However, there is an option to load the web version of your template.

Overall, this new feature is one I highly recommend. If you have any questions, just let me know!

(Coming up next - portfolio post, and a tutorial on image-mapping...)

Delay

Hi everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful time getting ready for the holidays! I just wanted to let you all know that I'll be a tad bit delayed with all blog design orders until the first week or so of January.
I've managed to, even though I'm done with school, get a part-time "job" working on the farm (Brrrr!). Friday, Sunday, and Christmas Eve are already full with piano-related activities, and I want to try and spend time with my family. The week after Christmas, I'll be heading up to Sight and Sound with my aunt and uncle, as a lovely late-birthday-present. Of course, the week after, I start school, including an AP class... but you didn't need to know all that, right?

Susannah and Hannah - I'm currently working on your designs.
Farmgirl - as they say in jousting - you're on deck. ;)

Merry Christmas!