Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Today is the first day of my new life. That is the mantra I have been chanting quietly to myself since I decided to make some life changing decisions recently.
And I wanted to tell you all about them.
For those of you who didn't know, I also had a day job. Had is the operative word here.
I have left my day job and will be flying solo as a self-employed individual. Entrepreneur. Whatever label you would like to put on it.
There were some changes in the works before this (like moving my site from Typepad to WordPress) but now there will be so many more that I would like to share.
Let's start with that blog move.
Actually, as we speak my web-designer is almost done with creating a brand new website, which will be a custom design and will encorporate the blog into a larger scale website.
The website will feature not only the blog, but will incorporate my photography, which of course will be for sale, and will showcase all of my travel planning and consulting services, which will be a major focus of my business, but was never highlighted to its fullest potential on the limited blog platform that I have now.
My travel services have always and will continue to include, custom itinerary planning for Paris and Italy- which could include everything from hotel and restaurant recommendations and reservations, private tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, market visits and one day foodie adventures.
But I will also be expanding to create travel workshops and seminars teaching others how they can travel to Europe on a budget or how to travel carry-on. Maybe an e-book or two eventually.
And of course, I will continue my freelance writing.
Whew, that's alot right? Hence the name Mélange, which means a mix of things.
So, what does this mean for those of you who are already regular readers?
Well, if you are already a subscriber (thankyouverymuch!) either through an RSS feed or through email (in the upper right side-bar)- nothing really should change. When the new site goes live, your feed should continue as usual- the only difference being if you click through to make comments or click through to the actual site- it will look very different. It will not be the current site that you see. It will be much better, I hope!
If you are not a regular subscriber (perfect time to sign up!) once the new site goes live- my domain (mymelange.net) will point to a home page, which will encorporate the blog and you will need to click through to a sub-page that will house the blog. Easy-peasy really.
And I have some exciting interviews and giveaways planned for the first week the new site goes live…so stay tuned for that!
One last mention. Since my primary focus will be on the business, from this point forward, the blog will continue to be updated on a weekly basis, but there certainly won't be posts 5 days per week.
I will still be doing my regular Travel Tip Tuesday and Travel Photo Friday columns. I will still post great recipes, photos, restaurant reviews and articles about where my travels take me and will be waxing poetic about France and Italy with the same passion that I always have- just with less frequency.
My goal is to continue with at least 3 blog updates a week- with a bonus 4th day thrown in every now and again. But I won't be sticking to an exact posting schedule- with the exception of Tuesdays and the 1st Friday of every month.
So, if you don't want to miss an update, now is the perfect time to subscribe! (once again, in the upper right-hand corner)
I will be letting you know when we are about to go live with the new site- so no worries about missing that.
And it goes without saying that I thank each and every one you, for continuing to read, support and inspire me to do what I love. As long as there are people who need me, I will always continue to help people travel on a budget, travel smarter, travel light, and travel to France and Italy!
I hope you'll join me on the journey of this scary, but exciting new chapter in my life.
I'm glad you'll be along for the ride!
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October 5th, 2009
Woohoo! Best of luck in all your new pursuits
October 5th, 2009
Thanks Michelle! You are one of the inspirations that lets me know it’s possible
October 5th, 2009
Yay can’t wait to see the new site!
October 5th, 2009
Good luck to your new adventure and I can’t wait to see your new website!
October 5th, 2009
Funny to read about your plans, I have just left my day job as a travel consultant and have plans unortunately not as defined as yours. Good luck, looks good already!
October 5th, 2009
Congratulations and Welcome to the world of women entrepreneurs.
I have enjoyed your stunning photographs, especially the recent
Vermont Trip and of course Italy!
All Good Wishes for continuing adventures.
October 5th, 2009
Evviva (lifting a glass of vino of course
That’s awesome Robin! Congrats! I know you’re going to do big things! Mwah!
October 5th, 2009
Best wishes!!
October 5th, 2009
Felicitations! Bonne chance et bonne courage, mon ami! xo
October 5th, 2009
in boca lupo!!
October 5th, 2009
Congratulations, Robin! I am envious. It takes real courage to take this step. I can’t wait to see your new website!
October 5th, 2009
Congratulations and well done, for taking that big leap forward. You will do so well I am sure, look forward to you new website
Best wishes Anne
October 5th, 2009
Lots of good luck to my friend and fellow woman entrepreneur. It takes lots of hard work and focus to not spend all day in your PJ’s drinking coffee. Get out and network, network, network. Join everything and anything you can to get your name out there. It is tiring, invigorating nad fun!. You will be terrific at this. BTW, Check out Immotion Hosting for your web service. They charge me $9.00 per month and are excellent.
http://www.caringisnotenough.net
October 5th, 2009
Congrats! And best of luck on your full-time endeavors! *Smooches*
October 5th, 2009
Congratulations!
October 5th, 2009
How exciting! Good luck!
October 5th, 2009
In bocca al lupo!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! I am sure it will be a success!!!
Gloria
October 5th, 2009
Congratulations on your exciting new venture! I hope to follow in your footsteps sooner than later.
October 5th, 2009
Good luck! Wish you all the best for your new your new life!
October 5th, 2009
Congratulations and good luck on this ‘journey’
October 5th, 2009
Yes, best of luck to you!
October 5th, 2009
Good luck! or should I say Bon Chance! I’m actually doing the same thing but your one month ahead of me. I hope to learn from your adventure. I’ll give you the living in France doing version, if you give me the living in the US version of doing it. Seriously, I wish you tons of success! Cynthia in the French Alps
October 5th, 2009
Taking that first step is scary, terrifying, exciting and momentous! Bravo Robin, you’ve got your plan, you’re on your way!
WOOHOO!
All the best for your amazing new ADVENTURE!
Frenchified Teena
http://A-Night-in-Paris.com
October 5th, 2009
Very cool move, Ms. Melange! Congrats!
I saw your “self-employment” tweet this a.m. but didn’t realize what was in the works!
PS Please let me know when you’re available to consult re: Typepad to WordPress transformation.
October 8th, 2009
Congrats! I can’t wait to see the newly-designed site! I’m so jealous! Why? Because you are a living, breathing example of “following your dreams!”
October 9th, 2009
Wishing you the very best of luck as you fly solo!! You have great ideas, and I wish you great success as you follow your passions! Maybe you can show me how to do this too someday.
Mary Ann Grisham
@enchantedtravel
http://www.enchanted-traveler.com
October 9th, 2009
And congrats and good luck from us as well!
October 10th, 2009
Best of luck!!! Best decision I ever made… and I’m sure it will be the best decision you ever make as well!
October 26th, 2009
Ok, so I’m a bit late commenting…
I am so excited for you and can’t wait to see the new website. You are truly inspiring, Robin!