Good morning! I have a quick and easy recipe to share with you to kick things off today.
I made a batch of chocolate chip banana muffins over the weekend that first appeared on the blog over two years ago as Chocolate Chip Banana Mini-Muffins. They’re practically identical, just bigger and better.
(Okay, the better part is debatable… but they’re pretty darn good!)
(Chocolate Chip) Banana Muffins
I put the chocolate chip in parenthesis because they are completely optional. (But please tell me you’re using them.)
%20chocolate%20chip%20banana%20muffins!)
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
1/3 cup natural (original) applesauce
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
***
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 20-25 minutes
servings: 12 muffins (in theory)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray, or line with cupcake liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine mashed banana, applesauce, brown sugar and egg. Stir (by hand) well.
3. Mix in baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Stir well.
4. Spoon into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes (or until muffin tops are light brown).
This recipe should give you 12 muffins, however, I got 11 for some reason.
I’m stumped on how to tweak the recipe to make an even dozen, so there you go. I apologize to those of you who like to bake in even numbers.
That’s just unfortunate…
Housewife Glamour Reader Survey
So, I have a little confession to make and hope you guys can help me out with some honest feedback.
I have been wanting to change the title of my blog and adjust the design for over two years now.
Basically, six months into writing Housewife Glamour, my focus completely immersed into writing about (mostly) healthy living. I feel like nothing about “housewife” or “glamour” describes the content I like to share on a day to day basis to an outside perspective or potential reader.
Or if it does, I don’t think it describes my style of writing or post topics. Maybe I’m wrong, but that has been my gut feeling for a while now.
I thought about changing it back in my first year of blogging, but didn’t think switching everything over would be worth the time, effort, and investment since it was all so new to me.
I wanted to see where blogging took me and if it was worth the trouble of me really diving into the business side of it (i.e. spending money and investing in my work).
As it turns out, it was and I have come to a cross roads, my friends.
I absolutely love the look of my customized theme I had a friend design for me close to three years ago. The problem, however, is that although I think it is pretty, it is so customized that it is not based off of a WordPress theme.
There are several simple navigational and aesthetic functionalities I have been wanting to change and incorporate that most people can with a click of a button. I can’t change anything I need to without a re-design.
With the decision to move forward with a re-design came the thought of pairing it with changing my blog name all at once to make the transition as painless as possible.
Don’t worry… Housewife Glamour will still very much up and running for a long, long time! It just might look a little different and be listed under a different blog title that makes more sense for my “brand”.
My goal is to launch the new site by my 3 Year Blog-iversary which is coming up in February. There will be some exciting aspects and giveaways attached to the switchover, and I can only hope you all are along for the ride when the time comes!
In an effort to get the process rolling, I would love to hear some feedback and welcome constructive criticism.
What do you like about Housewife Glamour?
What don’t you like about it?
What would you like to see change over the next few months?
To make it easy to answer these questions, I have put together a quick ten question survey you can fill out (anonymously) below.
I promise it will only take a few minutes for you to fill out, and I really and truly appreciate any type of feedback!
I might poll you guys again (if you’re up for it) down the road during the transition process.
The point in doing surveys is to give you guys what you hope to get out of reading and following this blog, so thank you in advance for helping play a part in the research!
You guys rock my world. Always!
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I say go ahead and change it! I’m glad youre focusing more and health and fitness–that’d what I love to read.
As for the muffins, simply add more liquid to make it 12.
Thanks, Linda! Ha… what liquid exactly? Probably more banana and applesauce. I just didn’t want to mess with the numbers and throw the taste off. Maybe I’ll repost it again later with the modifications!
I also say go ahead and change it. (Filled out the survey but figured I’d leave a longer note here!) As a former lifestyle blogger + current lackadaisical running blogger who also works in digital marketing by, I think you have built up enough of an audience to change it without losing your “branding.” I know some bloggers who have blog names that have done well in search engine results seem obstinate about changing it up because they might lose SEO value, but I think that’s very short-sighted.
Thank you Jess!! That was my main worry, and actually why I delayed changing it for so long. I was worried I would lose so much SEO. But, I am going to keep HWG for a long time and simply redirect it over when the new site arrives. Thanks for the honest feedback and for filling out the survey! 🙂
That’s really the best way to do it, and there are some great WordPress plugins for doing the 301 redirects these days! You’ll also want to resubmit your sitemaps to Google / Bing Webmaster Tools, all that good stuff. (Feel free to email me if you have questions about SEO or WordPress. I’d be happy to help!)
Wow, sounds like this isn’t your first rodeo! Luckily, I have a friend who helps me with everything on the back end, but if I have any additional questions I will for sure shoot you an email. Thank you in advance for the offer to help!
Those banana muffins look yummy and chocolate chips are never optional.
I answered your poll. I love your blog so any improvements is always great idea. I personally love your name, its what drew me to your blog. However, I realize it doesn’t necessarily fit into what you like to talk about so I completely understand the want to change. Excited to see what you might change it to!
Thank you Jen!! I appreciate your readership and opinions! xo
I am torn on this one! I really like the name Housewife Glamour, and feel you have managed to leverage it well. However, I think it is so important to love you brand name and connect with it. If you have the gut feeling then I think you should go with the change.
Thank you for your input Lauren! You are always so supportive! <3
Definitely making these muffins this weekend (WITH chocolate chips). They look delish and I love the ingredient list. I think I originally came across your blog by either googling “Half marathon blog” or by reading some other’s blog’s blog-roll section with yours listed. To be honest I was rather turned off by the blog name at first. It just sort of seemed kind of snobbish to me. (I guess in the age of all the fake, rich “Real Housewives” that’s kinda what I thought of). But that’s totally not you so that’s why I’ve stuck around and have read regularly for about a year now. Good luck with the updates!
Yay! Please let me know if you do!! Thank you for sharing how you found me and your honest opinion. I really appreciate it!! Your initial impression is EXACTLY what I have been afraid of, and just confirms that making the change is what needs to happen. Thanks so much for following my journey! xo
mmm, these look great and so simple to make!
They are ridiculously easy! Let me know if you give them a try 😉
I’m looking forward to seeing the new name and design!! I always get so excited for those things haha. And keep the surverys coming! I also find those fun as well { I’m a little weird haha }. And yes to chocolate chips! Those are a must in my book 🙂
Woo hoo! I am crazy excited for all of it to come together. Thank you so much for your participation and support! xo
Carla Birnberg (carlabirnberg.com) did an interview about rebranding at the Blog Well Summit on Friday. I did a mini recap of the summit on my blog today, but I think her interview is particularly pertinent to you…
The main thing that stuck out to me was this quote from Carla: “People come for your voice, people come for your message.” This takes the fear out of changing your blog name, re-branding, or even just changing your tagline. If you are confident and consistent in your message, then your readers/brand partners/etc will trust you.
You might reach out to her as well. She seemed very down to earth and honest!
Wow! That’s perfect timing. I will definitely check out your recap! Thanks for sharing.
I actually brought up this subject in a FitFluential Ambassadors Bloggers group months ago and Carla responded to me right away! She’s so helpful. Thank you so much for your suggestions and feedback!
Reader surveys are fun! I completed it. And I’d like to see more giveaways, because I want to win! 🙂
Thank you Ashely!! Woo hoo, me too! 😉
Okay, chocolate is NEVER optional. EVER. I love surveys like this, because it shows that bloggers actually care about creating good content – versus just throwing out rambles for the sake of posting something. I’m off to complete yours right now! 🙂
Hehe… AGREED! And thank you, I’m glad you are a fan of surveys too!
When I first found your blog the name didn’t confuse but I wasn’t sure I’d be into what you had to say but after reading now for over a year I get it and I like it. Who says Glamour can’t be healthy 🙂 I understand wanting to change though and I’ll keep reading whatever you decide to do! I will also be making these muffins in the very near future with chocolate chips.
Wow, thank you for reading for over a year Erika! That’s awesome! Let me know how the muffins turn out if you make them 🙂
Hi Heather! Congrats on creating a successful blog – and being able to brand yourself, create a following, etc 🙂 🙂 I think several things were soo great and important about your post!
1) You need to be able to make changes to your own website/blog (aka, wordpress)
2) Your name needs to fit your brand and you!!
3) Giving yourself a goal/deadline (Feb. 2015) for all the changes to be made is GREAT!! How motivating and exciting! Very happy for you 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the recipe. I have been looking for an easy slimmed down banana chocolate chip muffin recipe. When I found your blog I wasn’t sure what you blogged about based on your title, I do love following you!
Thank you for your readership Julie! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
One last suggestion! Don’t change your site layout TOO much…as those of us who love you and your blog love how easy it is to navigate. I remember when Camille Styles revamped her blog, and now I can’t stand it. Too much going on, too much clutter. =( Don’t change too much!! 🙂
Thank you for your input Kelly!! Don’t worry, I really won’t be changing much. The design will remain similar, but will be even easier to navigate with page drop downs and such. I have always been a fan of the clean cut look. The new site will be designed with all of that in mind!
I just took your survey! I’m a huge advocate for changing your name to something you feel is a good fit for you. If your gut tells you it’s off it probably is. I made the switch and survived! 😀
Thanks Erin! And congrats on your successful name change! 🙂
Survey taken! I like the direction you seem to be thinking of taking your blog–it always did seem to be more of a healthy living and lifestyle blog to me rather than “housewife glamour”-esque. Either way, I enjoy your blog and all the writing/articles/reviews/recipes, etc. you do so to improve with changing the name would only be better!
Thank you so much for your time and input! And also for reading! <3
I’m working on finalizing a very similar survery for my blog. Not for a redesign, but just to clarify the direction I should be moving in. Love it 🙂
Reader surveys are always helpful!
Ohh those muffins look delicious!! I totally understand the name change thing- I changed mine this past year– It used to be Gliz Glam Granola but that didn’t make sense since I no longer eat oats or gluten! Thankfully it was an easy enough change but it definitely feels better to be blogging with a name that’s representative of what you’re blogging about. Can’t wait to see what you choose!
Love it! And looks like it worked out well for you!
I miiiiight need to talk to you about this whole switch over because it’s something I’m thinking about doing too (switching the whole design and name of my blog) – then I have some questions for you! I’m really excited to see the future of your blog 🙂
I am still in the very beginning stages and am trying to figure out a lot myself! I would be happy to share anything I know. Feel free to email me: hwglamour@gmail.com 🙂
Your blog name initially drew me in as well, and I stayed a reader since I love the topics you blog about and your positive fun energy:). Maybe keep the blog title and put a subtitle expressing your point of view? But I get the need for change and we’ll all keep reading regardless:).
Thank you so much for reading, Ann!
I just found your blog last night and have read through about 50 posts! I just keep on clicking links! It has quickly become (in 1 day!) one of my favorite blogs! I’ll keep reading even if you switch, but I actually think housewife glamour fits! But then again, I think of being glamorous as actually having time to work out, look decent, and cook shit up! You’re totally such a glam housewife (well, I mean, you clearly do lots of work) and I’m a frumpy yoga pants wearing wife, haha.
Ha, well thank you Liz!! I’m so glad you found me. I appreciate you reading 🙂