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Dear Blogazine Readers,

Once again it’s that time of the year that we express our gratitude for the things we have. Some say we should be appreciative every day, and I am, but I really like the idea of having this day to make an extra effort to focus on what’s good in my life.

As I type this, I realize that I have too much to be thankful for. When I first started this blog in 2008, I was at the cross-roads: I had just lost my job at the bank and my music career had come to an end. I had a vague idea about what I wanted to do, but nothing concrete. It was a dark, depressing place to be and I desperately needed to let in some light. The Blogazine became such place of light: a creative outlet, a daily challenge, a second chance. Even though my first few posts generated modest attention, it kept me on the positive track; just knowing that someone cared enough to read gave me hope!

Fast-forward to 2011. For all its glorious victories and devastating losses, it’s been the best year of my life. Since my point of nadir three years ago it’s been a steady upward climb: I’ve never been more inspired, focused and happy. Every day I wake up with a huge grin on my face in almost-disbelief that I live in the most beautiful city in the world, run my dream makeup brand with people who awe &  inspire me every day, and have a loving husband & purring creatures to share my home with. In fact, in such state of dumbfound happiness, I sometimes wonder what the heck I did to deserve all this.

I also think about my family. I didn’t realize how close we were until I moved away — for the first time, I will be dining without them. (My presence at the dinner table will be strictly digital — Skype.) Yes, it’s going to be an Orphan Thanksgiving, but I’m hoping to make it just as good! Tonight, my friends who have no family in town & I are getting together so we can feel like we do.

Happy Thanksgiving, Deerlings!

A few weeks ago I secretly joined Tumblr. I didn’t want to make it public before it was exactly what I wanted it to be: an inspiration source for all things unusual, feminine and purple! Now I’m totally addicted to scouting the ‘net for the prettiest pictures and compiling them all in one place. But here is the twist: each image comes with an inspirational DO or DON’T statement! Can you dig it?

By the way, even though it’s called Lime Crime, it’s run exclusively by me.

Are you on Tumblr? Please join — the world needs more inspiration! http://limecrime.tumblr.com

This blog has been a bit slow lately, but in spite of what you may have thought I’m not dead — far from it! Ever since our move to LA I’ve been desperately trying to adjust to my new life/work schedule, which left little time for blogging. We can’t have that!!! I’ve worked hard to earn your attention and I’m not about to squander it! ;) I’ve decided to make a few adjustments to this blog so I can continue delighting with exciting content.

• Weekly glee, not daily fluff!

Just trying to have my cake and eat it too, really: since I can’t release daily articles like I used to due to time constraints, I will shoot for one inspired post a week. This may change depending on my mood — you may end up with 2 posts in one week or no posts for 2 weeks — but I promise it will always be a good one!

• No more commenting section.

At first it might seem like a bummer (oh no! she took it away!), but if you really think about it it makes sense. Just 2 years ago bloggers would get hundreds of comments; now they are now scrambling for a dozen. What happened? Our communication style has evolved. Instead of leaving long-winded responses, we prefer to tweet in 140 characters or simply click a “like” button on Facebook. I’m totally down with that! Even though I thoroughly appreciate the feedback you’ve given me throughout the years, I think this blog can still be awesome without the comments section. It also helps to keep those meanies in check!

Of course, if you need to get my attention, I’ll always make myself available to you on Twitter & Facebook.

• More personal narrative.

There are a lot of places to get good advice, beautiful tutorials, daily inspiration — but there is only one place on Earth you can get reliable information on Doe Deere (you guessed it: here!). From now on I will stay away from the magazine format and instead focus on letting you get to know me as a person. I will reveal more personal stuff about my life, expound on things that mean something to me, let you in on some of my secrets — basically, talk to you the same way I talk to my friends!

• No more Lime Crime.

Ok, that one’s not exactly true. ;) Lime Crime is my baby, so it will always have some presence on this blog — just not the focus. If you want to check out my tutorials or see what’s new with the brand, there is always the Lime Crime site for that. (Don’t worry, I’ll make exceptions for important announcements & big sales.) From now on, I’m keeping my personal and professional life separate, and you’re on the personal end here!

Well, I think that’s about it! I hope everyone’s Halloween was jolly, I was Debbie Harry! :D

As someone who has built a brand from the ground up, I know that simply creating a great product is not enough. People need to know about it before it starts selling like hotcakes, and it takes well-placed advertisement to push it over the edge. Doe Deere Blogazine is committed to helping small businesses just like yours gain exposure and build followings!

IT’S TIME TO SHINE, INDIE GEMS!

With an indie business owner in mind, I’m offering Small Business Ad Space on my blog — for a price everyone can afford!

Why do it:

• 267,000 pageviews per month
• 53% US readership, followed by Canada and UK
• 97% Female

In addition to the sheer volume of impressions you’ll get, my readers love to shop indie and to discover new things that allow them to express themselves & enhance their world! They are a smart, individualistic bunch. They don’t care about the latest sale at Macy’s, but their hearts start to beat a little bit faster when they find a cool new Etsy seller. In short — and I know this first-hand — give them something unique and they will support it wholeheartedly!!!

ADVERTIZE ON DOE DEERE BLOGAZINE

OPTION 1: INDIE GEMS (most affordable & fun!)

125 x 125 px button | $2/day

Perfect for start-up businesses, freelancers, makeup artists, bloggers, jewelry-makers, and everyone who wants to spread the word about their awesomeness! Claim your spot today for only $2 a day for as many (or as few!) days as you’d like. Your ad will appear on the sidebar under INDIE GEMS.  Go here to get started!

OPTION 2: MONTHLY BANNER (best deal)

300 x 250 px banner

Ideal for indie shops, the most bang for your buck! Have a sustained presence and get your message consistently into the minds of potential customers through a large banner. Your ad will appear on the sidebar under FEATURED PARTNERS. Email me at doedeere@gmail.com to get started!

1 month – $120
2 months – $220
3 months – $320

OPTION 3: CUSTOM DURATION BANNER (most flexible)

300 x 250 px banner | $4/day

Going away on vacation before the end of the month? Want to try it only for a couple of weeks? Not a problem! Display your large banner for any number of days for only $4 a day. Your ad will appear on the sidebar under SPONSORS. Go here to get started!

You’ve worked hard. You’ve created something you’re proud of. Don’t let it go unnoticed!

TESTIMONIALS

As someone who has built a brand from the ground up, I know that simply creating a great product is not enough. Customers need to know about it before it starts selling like hotcakes, and it takes well-placed advertisement to push it over the edge.

It is with an indie business owner in mind that I’ve designed ad space on my blog — starting at just $2 a day, so everyone can afford it!

WHY ADVERTISE?

• 267,000 pageviews per month
• 53% US readership, followed by Canada and UK
• 97% Female audience

In addition to the sheer volume of impressions you’ll get, my readers LOVE to shop indie and discover new things that allow them to express themselves & enhance their world! They are a smart, individualistic bunch. They don’t care about the latest Macy’s sale, but their hearts start to beat just a liiittle faster when they discover a cool new Etsy seller. In short — and I know this first-hand — give them something unique and they will support it wholeheartedly!!!

OPTION 1: MONTHLY BANNER (best deal)

300 x 250 px banner

Ideal for indie shops, the most bang for your buck! Have a sustained presence and get your message consistently into the minds of potential customers through a large banner. Your ad will appear on the sidebar under FEATURED PARTNERS. Email me at doedeere@gmail.com to get started!

1 month – $120
2 months – $220
3 months – $320

OPTION 2: CUSTOM DURATION BANNER (most flexible)

300 x 250 px banner | $5/day

Going away on vacation before the end of the month? Want to try it for a couple of weeks? Not a problem! Display your large banner for any number of days for only $5/day. Your ad will appear on the sidebar under SPONSORS. Go here to get started!

OPTION 3: INDIE GEMS (most affordable & fun!)

125 x 125 px button | $2/day

Perfect for start-up businesses, freelancers, makeup artists, bloggers, jewelry-makers, and everyone who wants to spread the word about their awesomeness! Claim your spot today for only $2 a day — yes, you heard that right! – for as many days as you’d like. Your ad will appear on the sidebar under INDIE GEMS.  Go here to get started!

❦  ❦  ❦
TESTIMONIALS