Finally, after more than a year of blogging under the WordPress umbrella, I finally mustered the guts to drop it and make it on my own.
As you all know, I started out under the name “Momhandsarefull,” mainly because my hands are simply full of things and responsibilities. I just used “The Momma Chronicles” as a heading to give an idea what the blog is all about. As I go through the blogging process, I realized how important name is – and not just for SEO purposes.
So, after much contemplation (and envy since most of the mom bloggers I met in the group have their own domain), I decided that blogging has to be taken seriously.
And there, the new and improved The Momma Chronicles. 
The process
To be honest, I was excited. I have so many ideas going through my mind as to how I want the blog to turn out. Since I don’t have a computer background and I’m married to a businessman, not a software developer or a techie husband, I figured I should just look for someone who can help me in the design process. I received a couple of e-mails from different web design companies but I’m not really comfortable working with non-Filipinos when it comes to these things. Plus, they might charge me at a higher rate, although I wouldn’t know since I have no idea what’s the average rate for this.
Then I saw the site of a fellow mom blogger and fell immediately in love with it. As I scroll down, I saw the name Joy Reyes and contacted her. I saw some of her sample designs (she even designed Dainty Ashley’s website) and yes, I actually loved it. She immediately responded to my email, told her about how I want the blog to look like, offered some suggestions and yes, she really delivered according to how I want it.
Since I also know nothing about migrating and designing, she did everything for me too. When I have trouble trying to figure out some things, she looked into it as well. In other words, she helped me in the entire process and after a week or so, voila, my blog is now live.
Thoughts on the new blog
As much as possible, I want the new blog to look simple, girly and pink – something that really reflects my personality. I don’t really like too many colors going on and I’m really glad Joy came up with this.
As to why I decided to drop the .wordpress, I really don’t know. Well, aside from turning on the inggitera mode (Lol!), I figured there are more opportunities when I have my own domain. I noticed that there are a number of affiliate programs who are not a fan of having Blogspot or WordPress in the URL, while there are ad opportunities that would go for those who have their own domain.
Why did I not maintain the “momhandsarefull?” I also don’t know. I must have been too sleepy to function when I signed up. Haha! Plus, The Momma Chronicles is still there so I guess readers will know that it’s still me – or not. Lol!
So, here I am. Still blogging but in a new and better home.
What do you think, mommies? Do you like the blog’s new look?
Note: If you’re looking for someone who can help you in the web design process, I highly recommend Joy. She’s very easy to work with and will deliver results as fast as she can without compromising the quality of her work.
Ayi is a stay-at-home mom of two. When her kids are in their best state, she keeps up with chores, work, and ensuring that her sanity is intact. Join her as she navigates through this rollercoaster ride called motherhood.
Congrats! I’ve always wanted to go on my own and get out of blogspot but I can’t. O_o
Thanks! Why not? 🙂
I hope I can have courage to have my own domain soon.
Of course you can, momma! 🙂
I got my domain only last year when my blog was about to enter it’s 3rd year. Congrats on your decision to take blogging more seriously. I love your colors!
Thanks 🙂 Actually I was still hesitant but I figured if I’m in it for a long time, then I need to have my own domain. So, here it is 🙂
Congratulations to your new blogging home!
I can relate because I was so happy when I bought my domain too. I want to have blog makeover and few months ago I inquired about the price but I was thinking if it is worth it because sometimes I’m lazy to blog.
Congratulations! More blogging success in the coming years! 🙂
Congrats for having a new home for your blog. Good luck on your blog! 🙂
Congrats on your new home! 🙂 I also started with wordpress and just recently got my own domain. It feels so empowering, doesn’t it?Hihihi
Yes mommy. Iba pala ang feeling :))
Oh em I have commented here a number of times na but failed to realize it was you pala! Don’t worry, though. I was on mobile so the entire blog doesn’t show up kaya not your fault haha. But congrats!!
No worries mommy 🙂 I didn’t maintain the old name kasi so I created some confusion :)) Thanks though! 🙂
Congrats on your new site! Love the design and am now checking out Joy Reyes’ site. Need a blog makeover soon. 🙂
She’s really good and very easy to work with 🙂 I highly recommend her 🙂
I guess I need Joy Reyes too next year. Planning to migrate my site too. Thanks for sharing
No problem. Just let her know lang she was recommended by me 🙂
Congratulations! I love the design and the colors!
I just started blogging last October and upon writing my first post, I thought of getting my own domain because it would really look better. I didn’t have money for a web designer that’s why I did all the work, and I’m glad it turned out fine. 🙂
It was a great idea that you had a web designer. It was hassle-free and your site looks amazing. 🙂
Well, I tried to do it on my own but I ended up not liking it. Plus, I have no background on web design so I just used the available themes in WordPress but there are limitations 🙂 So, I just figured I can ask someone to do the work for me 🙂
Anyway, thanks and I’m glad you like how the new site looks 🙂