I'll be honest, when it comes to the technical aspects of blogging, I'm completely lost. I could have never accomplished such an amazing layout without the expertise of Janice from TwoScoopz, who was amazingly patient with all my questions and confusion! AND she made a pretty amazing layout, in my opinion! You can check out her website HERE. Information about her blog services can be found under "design."
To celebrate the changes at The Hiding Spot, I'm holding a contest for all my wonderful followers! I'm nearly at 550, which I never dreamed would happen! Thank you all so much for reading! :D And since this is open to all my followers, it must of course be INTERNATIONAL!
Prizes:Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore (arc)
How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford (arc)
Fat Cat by Robin Brande (arc)
Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith
Details/Rules:
YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF THE HIDING SPOT! Of course, new followers are welcome!
There will be 2 winners who will each get to choose 1 book.
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. In the comment you MUST tell me one of these things (or more if you like!):
What you like about The Hiding Spot- What you'd like to see at The Hiding Spot
- What you don't like about The Hiding Spot
- Something else along those lines that will help me to improve The Hiding Spot
There are, of course, chances for extra entries!+2 for being an old follower (following previous to this contest)
+2 for following on Twitter (@thehidingspot) (Leave your @name)
+4 for tweeting, blogging, or FBing the contest (leave a link)
+10 for adding me to your blogroll/sidebar/etc (leave your blog link)
Contests ends June 4th! OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!
Jan is awesome! It looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteNot entering the contest but I love the new look!
ReplyDeleteI love that you live in Michigan like me!
ReplyDeleteI may like to see arc tours, but you for sure don't have to. There are plenty out there!
I don't like the goodreads widget on the side.
This is a great blog and it doesn't need to be changed.
Alex
alexreadsbooks at gmail dot com
Oh, nifty!
ReplyDeleteI really like your reviews. :)
Hmm more unique titles. I always LOVE that.
I don't particularly like those countdown widgets, they slow down my already slow computer, but that's probably just me.
Get rid of them, but then I don't want you to because you have them there for a reason (i.e you like them) so it'd be silly to get rid of them just because I don't favor them. Hmm that's not too helpful. Um just keep being honest on your reviews. Not good with the blog advice...
lcintocable[a]gmail[d]com
+2 for being an old follower
+2 for following on Twitter @tvandbookaddict
+10 for adding me to blogroll
I like the new look, the color chosen and the contests :)
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 following on Twitter (@sRy_)
+4 for tweeting:http://twitter.com/sRy_/status/13907924872
+10 blogroll: http://elultimoprimerbeso.blogspot.com
thanks! :)
I like your author interviews--they're always very detailed.
ReplyDelete+2 for being an old follower (following previous to this contes
jpetroroy at gmail dot com
Oh, great contest! I really like your new template. That may seem a bit cliche, but all of the details are lovely. I adore the foxes!
ReplyDelete+2 for being an old follower
+2 for following on Twitter (@celialarsen)
Thanks for the chance to win!
celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered your blog, it's really beautifull.
I would like to participate in te contest, I write here my anwers:
# What you like about The Hiding Spot.
I really like the desing of the blog, it's so beautifull. I have been seeing the blog and I like it very much.
# Something else along those lines that will help me to improve The Hiding Spot
A list with all the books that you have talked about, but I've seen that it's coming soon.
See you!
I really love the new layout - it's just so pretty. Not sure about all the countdown clocks on the sidebar though (although they do provide me with useful reminders!).
ReplyDeleteEntries to contest (which is awesome):
+2 for being old follower
+2 for following you on Twitter (@splendibird)
+4 for Tweeting (http://twitter.com/Splendibird/status/13929941160)
+10 for having you on my blog side bar (I don't have a blogroll but you were already on my list of Awesome Blogs)
I really like your contests! However, maybe you could use a form as the entry page. Entering forms is easier than writing it in the comments for me.
ReplyDelete+ 2 old follower :)
+ 2 following twitter (@faellie_lupe)
+ 4 tweeted: http://twitter.com/faellie_lupe/status/13931468423
xicecreamsjx@aol.com
Thanks!
I really like this blog. I really love the layout for it's really pretty, but i think it would be better if you didn't have so many widgets one the sidebars. They sort of clutter things up a little, but either way it's still a good blog.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, there isn't anything I don't like about your blog. The one suggestion I have is that you use a form for contests like this.
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
readinaddict63@aol.com
Reading Addict
I like pretty much everything about your blog and how your reviews are descriptive. Maybe you could do occasional polls/surveys to improve your blog.
ReplyDelete+2 Old Follower :D
Allison
hyperallison@gmail.com
LOVE your author interviews!!!
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 follower on twitter @bianca1946
+4 Tweeted http://twitter.com/Bianca1946/status/13950388312
LOVE the new layout. Pretty colors!
infinitemusic19 at gmail dot com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sara! Great new layout. I love your reviews and interviews. They give me just the right amount of detail. Keep doing what you are doing, lady! It is working for you! :D
ReplyDelete+2 Old Follower via GFC
+2 Twitter follower: @kghobbs
+4 Tweet: http://twitter.com/kghobbs/statuses/14003204156
+4 Sidebar: kghbookhunter.blogspot.com
+10 Blogroll: kghbookhunter.blogspot.com
Thanks for hosting! 8D
kghobbs(at)gmail(dot)com
I absolutely love your blog. The graphics on here are amazing!! It is very eye catching.
ReplyDelete+2 I am already a follower
+2 I follow on twitter @bangersis
+4 I tweeted http://twitter.com/bangersis/status/14025502603
Thanks!!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
Just wanted to say congrats on reaching the year mark (or a bit over) and love the new layout! It's really cute....and the details with the bear on the stack of books is adorable. ^_^
ReplyDelete(not an entry)
I love, love, love, LOVE your new layout!! It is so gorgeous! I adore the colours, Janice is A-MAZING. I just want to dust it with icing and eat it for breakfast. You know, because it's so sweet and lovely and... yeah, okay. *shuts up*
ReplyDelete#1. Other than your awesome layout, the main thing I love is your reviews. They're brilliantly written and genuinely do encourage me to want to go buy the books. Maybe because they sound great, maybe because you're so great at selling them! ;) Seriously, keep up the awesome reviewing! As with your interviews, great questions. I love the "hiding spot" question you usually ask.
#2. The only thing I could possibly think of that might be cool is if on some reviews you added your favourite quote from the book? That's not even a necessity, just something that popped in my head. I love reading a great quote from a novel I haven't read.
#3. That you have tainted your page with such a question! I can't think of a single thing.
#4. Ummm... now there's a hard question. I love everything you're doing already - so how to improve something that's already terrific? Sorry, not much help on this one!
+2 Old follower
+2 Following on twitter @peacelovevegan
+4 Tweeted - https://twitter.com/peacelovebooksx/status/14029440643
Awesome contest. Congrats on your followers!! Thanks :)
hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com
# What you like about The Hiding Spot
ReplyDeleteAll the great, honest reviews!
# What you'd like to see at The Hiding Spot
More contests! :)
# What you don't like about The Hiding Spot
So far, nothing.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
+2 for being an old follower
ReplyDelete+2 for following on Twitter @aikchien
+4 for tweeting the contest
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/14030971344
+10 for adding you to my blogroll
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Being a middle school teacher I'd like to see more reviews of middle grade books :) You're reviews are alway great - the right length, clear etc.
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 follow on twitter (justkeepreading)
+10 on blogroll http://owlforya.blogspot.com
foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com
As its my first visit to your blog but now you can consider me as a regular visitor at your site.
ReplyDeletepost free classifieds
New layout's very cute! :)
ReplyDeleteI really like your challenges and contests page - very user-friendly - it would be great if you had review archives, but I see you do have a page there as a WIP for review archives. Those are three of the main features I like in a book blog - I also like that in your contest page, it says when the contest ends, and who it's open to. That's SO useful for internationals like me! :)
+2 following on Twitter - I'm @phyntosia
+4 tweeted: http://twitter.com/phyntosia/status/14145250936
I really love your layout. It is very pretty and organized.
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 follow on twitter @throuthehaze
+10 blogroll:
http://throuthehaze-reads.blogspot.com/
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Well I just adore the new layout, it's really cute. And I like how easy your site is to access!
ReplyDelete+2 Old follower.
+2 I follow on twitter @booksobsession.
+10 Left sidebar at http://booksobsession.blogspot.com
Thanks! booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the variety of reviews and memes, and the new layout is adorable!
ReplyDelete+2 Old follower
+2 Twitter follower @whatinabox
+4 Tweet: http://twitter.com/whatinabox/status/14191978095
+10 Blogroll: http://bookishinabox.blogspot.com/
whatinabox at gmail dot com
What you like about The Hiding Spot.
ReplyDeleteI love your layout! :)
+2 Old Follower
+2 following on Twitter
@PheonixFire2
+4 for tweeting
http://twitter.com/PheonixFire2
+10 for adding you to my blogroll
http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/
tirachii@yahoo.com
I like your fabulous new layout! So pretty. :D I also like your fantastic reviews~ I don't have anything I dislike or think needs changing or improving. I like your blog just the way it is. :D
ReplyDelete+2 I'm an old follower!
+2 Twitter follower (@thegoodgonegirl)
+4 Tweeted: https://twitter.com/thegoodgonegirl/status/14262479952
+4 Blogged: http://goodgonegirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/wondrous-giveaways.html
+10 Added you to my sidebar: http://goodgonegirl.blogspot.com
Anna ♥
goodgonegirl@gmail.com
Great contest.
ReplyDeleteWhat you like about The Hiding Spot - I love the new layout. The banner is so cute.
What you'd like to see at The Hiding Spot - Paranormal book reviews.
What you don't like about The Hiding Spot - Nothing.
Something else along those lines that will help me to improve The Hiding Spot - More giveaways and author interviews.
susankmann(at)blueyonder(dot)co(dot)uk
Appart from the reviews which I really enjoy, I like the different features a lot. My favorite is cover evolution! There isn't anything I dislike.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love the layout :D
+2 Twitter follower @Entre_Libros
+4 Tweet: http://twitter.com/Entre_Libros/status/14333701446
+10 Added to my blogroll here: http://blogentrelibros.blogspot.com/
Thank you!
entrelibros_blog at hotmail dot com
Wow, your new layout is so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWhat you like about The Hiding Spot
I like your honest reviews, and of course, your new layout. It's really cute.
What you'd like to see at The Hiding Spot
International contest! hahaha xD
What you don't like about The Hiding Spot
Umm....I can't find something I don't like.
Something else along those lines that will help me to improve The Hiding Spot
I think you have improve a lot by changing the layout.
+2 for being an old follower
+2 for following on Twitter (@magabygc)
+4 for tweeting: https://twitter.com/magabygc/status/14423707312
magabygc AT gmail DOT com
Thanks!
I'd love to play please!
ReplyDelete- What I love about Hiding Spot is the lovely banner you have :D
- What I love to see more is more giveaways!
+2 old follower
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the new design especially the header and the colour scheme.
ReplyDelete+2 I follow on Twitter @EVA_n_essence
+4 I tweeted
https://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/14540592223
+10 I added you to my blogroll
http://evasblackspot.blogspot.com
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I love your new layout! It's too adorable! :) I'm new here. Would love to see more cool international giveaways like this one! :) Thanks so much!
ReplyDelete+2 for following on Twitter (@senaslc)
+4 for tweeting: http://twitter.com/senaslc/status/14622966030
+10 blogroll/sidebar: http://senalovescandy.blogspot.com/
sena.sagani [at]gmail[dot]com
I love how you participate in meme's like IMM and how you always display the cover of a book along with the summary if possible. I think that that makes it so much easier to form an opinion and get a feel for a book.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy the author interviews and corresponding reviews of their books.
As far as things that don't work/might need to be changed, I have no complaints. This is a fantastic blog.
+? for being a new follower!
I really like your feature "cover of the week", and of course all reviews and interviews :)
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 twitter follower (@brasir)
+4 Blog post: http://yavampirebooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/contests-around-blogosphere.html
- Sara
yavampire(at)hotmail(dot)com
Well first I do love the layout, it looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter your contest. :)
I just started following you, but I love the reviews that I've read so far, and the books that you've chosen.
Thanks for making the contest :)
I absolutely love your layout - and I follow a lot of blogs! It stands out.
ReplyDeleteI am follower and would love to enter.
lisa.2713 at gmail dot com
Love the layout!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
+2 twitter follower Totalbookaholic
+10 link on sidebar
http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/
great contest!
Totalbookaholic(at)hotmail(dot)com
Your layout is so cute!! If I ever need a real official website, I think I'd totally get Janice to do it. :)
ReplyDeleteI like that your voice is very approachable and friendly.
I don't like a couple of your fonts. I just find it a bit jarring when people change fonts midpost (but my eyes suck, so I'm really sensitive to all that stuff).
+2 Old Follower
+2 I follow you on twitter (@lainasparetime)
+4 Blogged here http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/2010/05/new-blog-layout-contest.html
+10 You're on my blogroll http://lainahastoomuchsparetime.blogspot.com/
Laina1312@gmail.com
I love the new look! I think I would like to see more memes and blog features but it's amazing ite now anyway!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
extra entries
+4 Added contest to contest page
http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/p/contests-around-blogosphere.html
Thanks!
callmeghostgirl[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au
Great site! I enjoy the reviews portion of the site and the bear is cute.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
I follow on twitter. @mbreakfield
I tweeted. http://twitter.com/mbreakfield/status/14987179015
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
What you like about The Hiding Spot?
ReplyDelete-I love the starry look of the blog and the fact that it is so well laid out!
What you'd like to see at The Hiding Spot?
-Maybe an easy link or access to the books you have reviewed compiled together under a heading like 'Reviews' or something :)
+4 I Tweeted-http://twitter.com/Debasmitadhar/status/14995688105
+2- I am a Twitter follower(@thehidingspot) (@Debasmitadhar)
+10 Added this lovely blog to my blogroll-http://bookaholicsoye.blogspot.com/
Thanks for such an awesome giveaway! I pray I win this!
frndz.debas@gmail.com
Very nice layout. The two of you did a wonderful job. The only thing I would change and only because I wear bifocals is the size of the print. I know that some of the health sites I visit have adjustable print size. A maybe the ink should be a tad darker.
ReplyDeleteThe only things I would change and it's because of sight difficulties. I'm diabetic and have floating objects in my eyes, that also comes with age but mine hit sooner due to diabetes.
Robin
Robbibird3@aol.com
I'd like to follow on facebook or twitter, do I look for The Hiding Spot or do you use another name? Thanks
The layout is pretty. It has this dreamy/nostalgic vibe for me. What I'd like to see? More contests! :)
ReplyDelete+2 I follow you on twitter @precious_shusky
+4 tweeting: http://twitter.com/precious_shusky/status/15054918309
+10 added you to blog roll: http://shusky20.blogspot.com/
precious_shusky@yahoo.com
*I love everything about this blog!
ReplyDelete*More contests and author interviews!
*I don’t dislike anything about this blog!
*Maybe next time with a contest like this, you should use a form!
+2 old follower
+2 twitter follower @KailiaSage
+4 tweeted-- http://twitter.com/KailiaSage/status/15067429899
+10 added you to my “Blog’s of Notice” since you don’t have a button!
Comment: I love your new layout, it not only looks beautiful but it is cute and original! and love the slogan too! :-)
ReplyDeleteI also love that your contest is international, thank you!!
I can't think of anything I dislike, Oh anyother thing I like: your sidebar dividers! so cute!
+1 new follower
+2 Twitter follower (@Stella_ExLibris)
+4 tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/15243585421
+4 posted on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000899165880&v=wall&story_fbid=115593731817273
+10 added you to my blogroll (www.stella-exlibris.com)
Thank you!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
+4 for tweeting, blogging, or FBing the contest (leave a link)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/AngelGoneMad/statuses/15267484384
+10 for adding me to your blogroll/sidebar/etc (leave your blog link)
http://angelgonemad.blogspot.com/p/blog-roll.html
I like the layout that you have and the colours and the little teddy bear sitting on top of the books are so cute.
To answer your questions, I always like personal content. It helps me know know more about who is writing. To me personal content is important, and it's fun. It would be great to get to know you more on your blog.
ReplyDelete+2 for being an old follower
+2 for following on Twitter (@bookshopaholic)
+4 for tweeting (http://twitter.com/bookshopaholic/status/15272985021)
+10 for adding me to your blogroll (http://thebookshopaholic.blogspot.com/)
-Dahlia
thebookshopaholic(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to win some of these books. Thanks for the contest and I do like the soft colored background of the new layout.
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 old follower on twitter
+10 you are already on my blogroll, but now I have linked to this contest on my sidebar
thelifeofateenlibrarian.blogspot.com
Now for the thing I love about The Hiding Spot... your excellent taste in books. It's always nice to be able to read your reviews and really come away with knowing what the book is like and who it will appeal to. I really love your reviews!
Thanks
teensatthelibrary[at]yahoo[dot]com
Hi, I'm a new follower! I don't think that I get any extra entries for being a new one, but I'm not sure. I love your creative layout and all of the witty things in your blog, which you have intricately detailed (example: I love that below 'Leave your comment' it says, "Make sure you whisper, I'm hiding!") I'm also drawn to your in-depth book reviews and your amazing contests. Keep up the good work : )
ReplyDeleteI like your very neat and comfy layout! and the very cute "buttons" / images for the pages and widget. cute pictures/cartoons/anything anyway!
ReplyDeleteI wuold love to see more international giveaways, and great book reviews :D
So far I either like or neutral with everything on your blog :D
Just keep up the good job! :D
There are, of course, chances for extra entries!
+2 old follower (following previous to this contest)
+2 following on Twitter (@FionaChan)
+4 blogged! http://fionalevesque.blogspot.com/2010/06/thehidingspot-new-blog-layout-contest.html
+10 added to your blogroll/sidebar/etc (http://fionalevesque.blogspot.com)
feeyonachan at gmail dot come
thank you! :D
Hi, I'm a new follower of your fantastic blog and although I'm not entering, I did wanted to say how much I loved How to Say Goodbye in Robot. I hope the person who wins a copy will love it as much as I did!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your follower stats!
Hi Sara!
ReplyDeleteI think I've come here before but don't really remember. Glad to drop by again and I've become a follower. :) Your blog looks good - love the header and the other graphics. They look cute and cheery in a way. That's what I like about the design.
Besides, you read a lot of YA. I love YA!
Thanks for the giveaway, do count me in.
+2 for following on Twitter (@josettebooks)
+4 for tweeting (http://twitter.com/josettebooks/status/15380239495)
+10 for adding me to your blogroll
Thanks again!
josettebooks[at]yahoo[dot]com
I really enjoy how your blog features a variety of books! Your reviews are also well written and thought out!
ReplyDeleteI really like the header, is very pretty and the background is really cute.
ReplyDelete+2 Old follower
+2 Twitter follower: (@Sparima)
+4 Tweet: http://twitter.com/Sparima/status/15450515936
+4 Sidebar: http://fictionkingdom.blogspot.com/
+10 Blog Roll: http://fictionkingdom.blogspot.com/
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
Omg, awesome contest!
ReplyDelete+2 old follower
+2 twitter follower
+4 blogging http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/p/contests.html
Total: 9
bookmac13@gmail.com
fingers crossed that I win!