And here we are! That wasn’t so bad, was it? I’m still here. You are still reading (hopefully). And other than hail, lightning storms, and blackouts here in the northeast, things are pretty much business as usual around here.
So, what do you think of the new digs? Sort of cozy, don’t you think? A little less harsh on the eyes in my opinion.
It will take me a day or so to figure out how to get the images to work as I like them, but other than that I think we are ready to rock n roll.
The best part of this new setup is that I’ll be better able to comment back to you. In the comments section I have the ability to address comments individually, which sounds like a small thing, but it will make a world of difference.
So, let’s give it a try. Tell me what you think about this new format in the comments section. Are you having a hard time leaving The Coupon Goddess behind? It was really hard for me to watch the migration happen, but I really like the way things look over here.
It makes me happy.
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Hi Melanie! LOVE the new look! I’m very impressed with the set up. Having only really known you as “The Coupon Goddess” , it is a little sad to leave it behind. I am rejoicing in the fact that you are still writing and I can’t wait for your cooking blog. Congrats!
I’m sooooo glad you like it. I’ve been in knots over this for the last 24 hours. The migration was nerve wracking. I’m definitely sad for the change in some ways too. It’s hard to build something and then leave it behind. But this change is going to be good.
Congratulations on your new site! Looks terrific!
Thank you! I’m glad you like it!
I will follow you in whatever you decide to change! You are a great writer! Love all you do!
Thank you for that. It means a lot to me. Without readers, there is no point really.
I love the new site, although I am sad to see the Coupon Goddess go. I’m looking forward to reading about your non-couponing adventures!
Yup. I know. It’s going to take some getting used to for sure. But I think in the long run it will allow me to share a lot more of myself.
Oh~I will miss “The Goddess” but glad you are still writing. Love the new look, except the rolling featured post is driving me a bit crazy. I’ll get adjusted, just as you will and will still look forward to your recipes and your antics of writing. You write a great piece!
Jan- Yeah, the slider thing takes some getting used to, but did you see the instagram and pinterest boxes? I’m loving those!!
It looks great, fresh & modern. I like it!
Hooray for fresh and modern. I’ll take it.
Oooo! I like the new paint job!
The blue-green with the white, along with the pink accents, look very fresh and breezy.
So glad it went smoothly for you and that you’re up and running so quickly.
Best of luck!
;o)
- Lee
Lee- I was so worried that I’d lose content from TCG. It’s in the archives here, but I wasn’t sure it would all go smoothly. But it did, so yippee!
So glad your transition has been smooth. And I adore the look of the new site. Really fits your personality and your content. Makes me want to sit down with you and gab for a while. Hopefully soon! Congratulations!
Thank you Jessica! I’m glad you think it’s a good fit. My poor designer spent more time trying to get my vision for the design than anything else. I’m lucky she didn’t quit, lol. We’ll sit down together soon and catch up.
love the new digs! it’s cute and clean! (ie. clean is web design speak for great colors, graphics and typography). i’ve been hemming and hawing about transferring my blog over to wordpress for at least a year. kudos to you for taking the leap! hope you didn’t have too many issues!
hmmm… will see what you have posted over on pinterest!
Melanie- It was so great to meet you last week. Thanks for checking out the new blog. It was painless enough, but I can’t take any credit for that. My designer is amazing.
It was great to meet you too! After I commented last night, I spent some time living vicariously through all your Plymouth pics. I miss Plymouth so much (specifically the beach). My Folks still live down in Manomet. We’ll be heading there in a few weeks to celebrate my daughter and husband’s birthday. So fun to recognize all the backgrounds of places you take your kids.
P.S.
Your feedburner didn’t seem to carry over. Wanted to subscribe via email. Will check back in a few days.
That’s odd. It’s working for others. Maybe it will take a day or so to catch up. I’ll look into it.
I love the new look! The colors are very easy on the eyes and I really dig the layout….sorta reminds me of the beach. Congrats!
Krista- Yes! Very beach like, which is perfect since that’s my favorite place to be.
Thanks for the feedback.
Looks great Melanie! Personally, no matter the design, as long as you’re the author I’ll be reading.
Nancy- Thank you so much for that. My biggest concern was that it would be a hard switch for my regular readers like you.
I’ve been a reader of your blog and a follower for a long time. Your blog is on my list of Must Reads everyday. The Coupon Goddess blog was unique, both lookwise and the content wise. Your blog was the only one I followed that didn’t have the obligatory Deals section but instead had a fresh Melanie’s only take on couponing.
I understand WHY did you make the change but unfortunately I don’t like the look of this new blog.
This one looks very generic, like hundreds of other blogs on the net.
Alice- I’m sorry that you are disappointed. However, my voice is still my voice. Nothing has changed that way. The blog may look different, but not much else is going to change other than less coupon talk. It was not an easy decision to make, but it was necessary so that I can write about more topics that interest me. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
I love the new site and it loads instantly whereas The Coupon Goddess took quite a while. I think it is bright, refreshing, and happy. Great job.
I love your new blog! I know how you feel about being locked in to a niche. My blog is called Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms (because of my cookbook) but I rarely post any make-ahead recipes. I just don’t want to spend my time developing those kinds of recipes anymore but I’m afraid to change my blog name and url. Any advice?
I can’t wait to see your future posts! I love your writing!
Jane- Boy do I hear you. For me, there just came a point when I knew I had to make a change. Writing on TCG became pressure. Pressure to shop, pressure to compete with other coupon bloggers, just a lot of pressure. When it’s no longer a joy to write, you need to make a change. It is a HUGE risk because I could lose many readers, but in the end I knew that if I wanted to stay true to who I am, the change had to be made. Let me know if I can help you with anything or lead you to a good designer who can make the change less painful.
Thanks Melanie!
Hi Melanie,
Love the new set up! It is sad to say goodbye to The Coupon Goddess as we used to know it but it’s exciting to travel with you on you’re new journey.
After I discovered your blog a few years ago, my husband used to joke that since the name The Coupon Goddess was already taken, he’d call me The Coupon Nymph
Jen from Quincy
PS: Do you have any plans to start a Melanie In The MIddle Facebook page? I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d love to follow you there (I’m not a twitter person).
You should totally be the coupon nymph. It’s sexy.
And yes, I’m developing a FB page. I’ll get that up as soon as possible.
I love the new set up and site. I have been following you for over a year and look forward to my daily peek. I look forward to Melanie in the Middle..
Kris
Natick, MA
Kristine- Thank you for your feedback, but even more so for reading. It’s a relief to me that for the most part my regular readers are ok with this change.
I love the new colors, but I have to say my kids were like, “where’s those scissor-legs?”
I’m just glad that you are still writing. After my news fix, you are consistently my first check every morning. Other blogs have come and gone for me, but you will always be my #1!
Hope L from OH
OH, and I love your new “about me” section. It is nice to see an updated bio on you! (We are no longer mommy bloggers are we? Just good ‘ol Mom bloggers.)
Can I tell you how much I’ll miss those scissor legs too? I thought that was so clever way back in the way back. Sigh. I’m glad you like the new about me section. That sorely needed to be updated. I think it better represents where I am right now. Thank you so much for all the positive feed back!!
Congrats on the new blog
I love the sleek yet simple design.
Thank you! xoxo
So glad the change over went smoothly. I like the new look and I like that the comments don’t open in a new window. Strange thing but I like that I can scroll up to the post and read the comments in the same page. I’ve been reading for a while and your posts have been changing and migrating especially over the past year so a new blog look and title seems appropriate to me. Oh, and I’m looking forward to your cooking blog too!
Yes! I love that feature of the comments too. That pop up was a pain in the tush. Yeah, I was already changing with our without a title change, so it made sense. I’m glad you like the new look!
I like it! I started reading your blog for the couponing, but after having our baby, couponing fell by the wayside. I removed all the couponing blogs off my feed but I always kept yours cause you blogged about other things.
I still remember your post on the first day of school when you had a cocktail after all your kids were off. Even my hubby laughed at that one. 
Awww, thank you for not booting me off your reader, lol. And wasn’t that a great post? One of my neighbors thought I was nuts, but she doesn’t have four kids and she hasn’t been home for 17 years, so there’s that. Lol!
Very nice! The blue -is- a little easier on the eyes.
Thank you. I think so too!
Reading your new blog via Android and it looks rather plain but easily readible cannot wait to see it on the computer from the comments it sounds amazing Congrats
Agreed. I need to address the mobile app issue. It looks blah. I do think it looks snazzier on a regular computer or iPad. This whole site design is foreign to me, but I’m learning as I go!
updated I have viewed it online and OMGoodness it looks amazing I love the new color scheme, so inviting and crisp – very good look!
I echo most everyone else… I’ll be sad to see TCG go. I “follow” several blogs but yours is the only one I actually read word for word for word. That said, since you’re still writing, I’m sure I’ll keep reading. Your knowledge is invaluable and when I read your posts it’s like reading a letter from an old friend every time. You will continue to be that friend with a new face-lift, so to speak, on here.
Oh, that was a lovely comment. Thank you. It was so hard to say goodbye to that blog. But I really do think I have a lot to say on subjects that just didn’t fit over at TCG. Only time will tell, but I think it will be good.
Well Hello, New Melanie! :0)
I like the new changes, subtle but very fresh! Yay!! So excited for you!!
Well, hello Miss Sonya! I’m so very glad you like it. Like I said in an earlier comment, my biggest concern was that my long time readers would have a hard time with this. You’ve been here for as long as I can remember, so I’m very happy that you like it. xoxo
I love it Melanie! The colors are very calming!
Hooray for calming colors. Hooray for readers who stick by my side during change. Thank you!
Melanie its beautiful! The new look is gorgeous! I love it and I wish you good luck!
You are truly an inspiration to me, and I’m sure many others. I’m not much of a poster but I’ve been following you for a long time.
Linda- Thank you so much for commenting. It makes me feel so good when long time non-commenting readers comment. I’ve been really bad over the years at commenting back, but it’s something I’m focusing on now with this new commenting format. It adds some depth. Don’t you think?
I love the new look Melaine!!!!
Thank you Angie!
I LOVE it! and it wasn’t painful at all for me! Looking forward to your new blog. And it makes total sense to me. You blog so much more on non-couponing issues before. That’s actually why I love your blog! Looking forward to reading more and watching your blog evolve!
Thank you so much for that. I’m looking forward to evolving and seeing where this takes all of us. Thank you so much for supporting me. It makes this whole thing so much easier.
So I bookmarked Melanie in the Middle and deleted the Coupon Goddess bookmark. A bit harder to do than I thought it would be, emotionally, as change is always well, change. I started following TCG right after your accident and am truly amazed and delighted at how you have recovered so quickly and how you have gone down and shared with us your journey of self-discovery. Nothing like a near life ending accident to make you evaluate the things that are important to you. It definitely was not your time to go – the future is bright and you’ve got dark, sexy shades! Thanks for being who you are and thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Andrea- Bingo. After the accident I felt so paralyzed when it came to my writing. But it was because of that situation that I discovered that there was so much more to write about and explore. So, you’re right. That event changed me. Thank you so much for recognizing that and for your continued reading!
Melanie,
I Love it! You have done a fantastic job with the “transition phase”. Isn’t it wonderful to see your new baby in real life!
I will always be a reader, even if you change it to neons and write about gross bloody stuff that makes me pass out.
But please, don’t write about gross bloody stuff, cuz it makes me pass out. Every time.
The instagram and pinterest scrolly thingies are fab! I big puffy heart pinterest, it’s in a dead heat, head to head competition with freebie couponing….
Big squeeze,
Nada
Nada- Lol, no bloody stuff. I’ll hurl all over my keyboard. I just love those widgets too. SO much fun and it adds some real visual interest to the blog. I’m sort of a Pinterest nut, so this will be fun! I’m so glad you stuck around. Thank you!
Always for you sweetie!
I really like the new design here. I will miss your epic hauls and peeks into your cart but they are a small part of why I read your blog. Your blog, especially this last year, is the one that has inspired me to start my own blog. I had a set back with my schedule but I am starting to write again. I am hoping to go to blissdom this year if at all possible as I can drive to that conference. I can’t imagine you losing any readers as you are always bookmarked and left up on my iPad as well.
Pam- That is amazing. I’m so glad that I inspired you to start blogging. As soon as all the craziness dies down, I’ll come over to visit your blog. Blissdom is all shades of loveliness. Go if you can. I’ll see you there! Good luck! Oh, and one more thing. Try to force yourself to stick to a writing schedule. Forcing yourself to write is really helpful.
Hi Melanie!
Loving the colors of the new blog. I Get the RSS Feed, so today’s email was a bit different; it had links to all the other links in the past few days.
Either way, I feel like you’re part of the family.
Hope you survive the days before school starts again!
Valerie- Thanks for letting me know about the feed. I’ll look into that today. And the summer is flying by. My kids are actually tolerable this summer. Not sure what’s wrong with them.
LOVING the new look.
it just looks so fresh and bright. as much as i loved coupon goddess (that blog and the bloggess were my daily checks), this one will have great things too. i just know it 
you are awesome!
xoxo
Oh my. My name and The Bloggess in the same sentence? That’s heady stuff. Thank you!
I’m still here, looks great! The background color here is what I have in my house, it is a peaceful color, love love it
I’m so glad you are still here. It IS a peaceful color. Tiffany blue. Lots of good things come from Tiffany’s!
If you can change your website and design, then the least I can do is figure out how to bookmark “Melanie In the Middle” and delete “Coupon Goddess” from my favorites. (Oh, it makes me kind of sad to write “delete Coupon Goddess” ) but happy to not be deleting you! The new site looks great!
Chuckle, I hate changing bookmarks too. Don’t feel bad. My mom was grumpy this morning when she came on to TCG and it was gone. No one likes change. Not even my mom.
Melanie, of course I’ll miss the coupon goddess but I learned alot and enjoyed that part of your life. I’m looking forward to the new Melanie in the middle. The site looks wonderful. Beautiful, cheery color and very clean and easy to read. Beautiful job. I also like that you can personally comment. Bravo! Everyone is here for the ride!
Thank you Michelle. It’s been quite the transition, but you all have made it so much easier by accepting the choice I’ve made.
Yay! You go girl!
Melanie!! Love the new site! Tiffany blue is a beach side condo, calming color as you and your many loyal readers have stated above. I hope you keep the coupon resourcing stuff linked somehow, but totally understand the need for change and your journey of evolution as a person and a writer. Like everyone else I am just glad you are still writing and posting so I can continue to enjoy reading about your adventures and your insights on a daily basis. Good luck!!
Kristi- Well, I’m struggling with the coupon stuff. It might show up here and there because it is a major part of my life, but I really don’t love writing about it. We’ll see. I’m still trying to figure that all out.
Melanie,
You could always compromise with yourself and just write about a “hot deal.” That way you’re not spending a while writing about it, short and sweet.
Melanie (love your name, by the way)
I’ve been following you for about a year or so. I look so forward to your posts each day…no matter what the topic is, I can always find something to learn, laugh or pass on to others.
The first thing I noticed about your “new” site, is that I don’t have to look in my junk email folder for your daily post. No matter how many times I “tell” my computer to accept your address, it tends to dump it in my junk folder….until today!
Love the soft blue background and easy button/links at the top page.
THANK YOU for all that you do!
Regards,
Therese
Hooray for my email not going into the junk email, lol. I’m glad you like the colors too. That was very important to me. I wanted this space to be just a little more soothing than what it was. I’m really happy with the Tiffany blue. Thanks for the feedback!
I will always read your blog! That being said the only thing I really dislike it that the full posts are no longer….you have to click to continue reading. Drives me crazy!
Stephanie- It certainly is a switch. And I think everyone will need time to get used to the new site. With the truncated posts it gives people the ability to see more posts while not having to click on the older posts button repeatedly. I think with time it will grow on you. I hope anyway!
I had to look twice when I typed “the coupon goddess” and here it comes “melanie in the middle” with no pink! I miss The coupon goddess but I am excited for your new blog. I am looking forward to read more!
Melanie, I wanted to ask you. I know you are not going to feature coupons per se… but are you going to talk about a great deal once in a while or are you going to avoid the topic altogether? just curious
I’m not really looking to avoid the topic. It just doesn’t inspire me to write. I’m sure it will manifest here and there. How could it not since it’s such a large part of my life? I’m still struggling with how that will work. So I guess to answer your question, I’m not sure yet. But thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate your reading.
I just wanted to come back to tell you that I have continued reading your blog and I LIKE IT!
Keep the good work and have fun at BlogHer12
You aren’t serious…are you really going to respond to every comment? OMG, I’m going to be waiting to hear from you!! OK, I’ve been reading the Goddess for far too long to not hop over, so count me in! I just love your coupon antics so much, that I’m sure the other things will be just as entertaining. Yours is one of the few blogs I read every day, I wouldn’t miss your new journey for anything!! You know what would make me happy? If I finally won one of your giveways!! That would be the icing on the cake!! Congratulations on your new venture…we’re all here, following along and wishing you the best!
Lol, I’m trying to answer everyone. I figure it’s the least I can do. Thank you for reading my blog every day. That is like the greatest compliment. There are tons of giveaways coming up. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.
Thanks again for all of the positive feedback. I’m so glad that you enjoy my writing. xoxo
Best of luck with your updated blog. I never did read your blog for the couponing content but rather for its originality and your unique voice. Your writing style is engaging. Grabbing the reader’s attention is a gift, and you have it.
While I do agree that the new color palate is easy on the eyes, I think the old design was more striking and quite clever. No matter. I come here to read interesting, well-written commentary on many subjects, which you deliver. Thanks for that!
I look forward to the ride into new territory!
Christine- Thank you for that. I know the design is completely different, but I like the simplicity of this space. I was having a hard time writing on TCG and part of it was the design. As much as I like my legs, I got sick of looking at them after awhile, lol. Thanks for giving this site a chance.
The site looks great! I can’t even remember how I stumbled onto your blog years ago, but I kept coming back because of your positive attitude and great posts. I love the four different personas exemplified by those four sets of gams.
Lilly- Thanks for getting the header. That was exactly the thing I was trying to express. I’m so glad someone got it, lol.
WHEW! That wasn’t so bad, and it’s a welcome break from trying to keep up, for what it’s worth-thanks for the creative match-ups. I appreciate all that you do.
Thanks Rory. I let out a big WHEW too when it was done being switched over. Lots-o-stress!
Love the new site! I have followed your blog for quite some time. I am excited for your changes and look forward to your blog everyday! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Thank you so much for reading. It’s been my extreme pleasure to share my life with you.
Still going to be reading, I like your style of writing and honesty a lot!! I am totally excited about the change. I am one of those crazies that loves change!!
I love your attitude. Change is good. We can’t grow without it!
Go, Melanie, go!
Thanks Katie. 50% done. Now I just need to get my other baby birthed and we will be wired for sound!
I too am sad to see the ‘scissor legs’ go. I started reading your blog a few years ago because of the couponing but I love your blog and will continue reading it, couponing or no couponing, because I love your writing. You have made me laugh, cry, sympathize with you and generally come to care about your family.
However, I do have one question. Do you still have your ‘getting started’ with couponing anywhere? I’ve looked but cannot find it. My little sister would like to start learning how to do it but I am terrible at explaining and your ‘how-to’ was the best I’ve found and I was hoping to steer her in your direction. And the look of the new blog is great!
First of all, thank you. Hearing that I connect with you validates everything that I do here. That feed back is a gift. As far as the couponing stuff goes, if you use the search function on this blog and type in couponing, fundamentals, or stockpiling, those posts should pop up. It’s all here in the archives, but it has to be searched for via the search box. I hope that makes sense. If not, send her to hip2save.com. Collin does a fine job in her FAQ section.
The new site looks great – congrats!
Thank you Erin!
Love, love, LOVE the new site. I was reading your post on my phone and decided to check it out on my computer. I gasped out loud. It is truly beautiful!
Hooray!! I’m so glad you like it! I like it too.
Congrats on being brave enough to evolve your blog. People change, that’s what keeps things interesting. Great job also on keeping the old material available. Very happy I can still pull up garlic cheddar biscuits on my iPhone when I need a fix, as well as the battle of the unicorn undies when I need a reminder that mornings like that don’t just happen to me!
Giggle, that unicorn undies post is one of my favorites. Without my kids, I’d be lost. They provide 50% of my blog content, lol. I’m so thankful that you support my new direction. Thank you so much.
Love the look! I’d follow your blog no matter what you call it…it’s still you…and I so enjoy everything you write. Even when you were TCG, it was never just about coupons…so it doesn’t seem like a big deal to me. Glad YOU are pleased with it though…it’s always better when you are happy with what you are doing.