4 hours ago
After I had kids I became concerned with how to balance blogging with protecting my kids' privacy online, but particularly when it comes to pictures of my kids. I actually wrote a whole post about protecting blog images here, and I describe some of the ways I do that.
However, one thing that kept bothering me was that I would get visits to my blog through pictures of my kids that showed up in Google Image searches. Not that anyone was searching for anything inappropriate, but it just made me uncomfortable to have pictures of them showing up in random searches. Because my kids are so cute, who wouldn't want to steal their pictures, right?
I actually disabled my blog with search engines for a while to try to keep that from happening. But after a while I felt the Lord was telling me to make it open to search engines again. So I did, but I still didn't like the picture thing.
Then one day I decided there must be a way to tell Google not to index the images on my site, so I did some research - and lo and behold, I figured it out! All you have to do is edit your robot.txt file to tell Google not to index your images!
Yeah, that deer-in-the-headlights look you probably have right now? That was my reaction too. But this is easier than it sounds.
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First of all, when should you do this, and when should you not? Good question. Here's what I think.
Do Use This Tutorial If:
1. You are getting visits through pictures of your kids using keywords that are inappropriate. I think you should definitely consider it in that case. There are weird people out there.
2. You are uncomfortable with pictures of your kids showing up in searches.
3. If you may have kids in the future and don't like the thought of their pictures showing up in searches.
Carefully Consider Whether To Use This Tutorial If:
1. You get a significant amount of traffic that is helping your site from image searches. If you have ads on your blog, you need to be aware that preventing your blog images from being indexed will affect your traffic in some way. If that is a problem for you for whatever reason, don't do it.
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Okay, if you are still wanting to ask Google not to file your images, proceed.
Take the following bit of code . . .
User-agent: Googlebot-ImageDisallow: /
Go to "Settings" on your Dashboard:
Then "Search Preferences":
Then click the "edit" button next to the words Custom robot.txt, select "Enable", and then paste the code into the box. Don't forget to save your changes!
And wolla! Your images won't show up in Google searches anymore!
I would like to note that you shouldn't expect the images to disappear from Google overnight if you didn't have your blog set up this way from the start. It takes time for Google's little bots to come crawl your site and see the changes. Your privacy settings for your image hosting site can also affect this, but that is probably a different post.
You should also be aware that any images that you post of your kiddos on other people's blogs, like for guest posts or linkups, may still show up in Google searches. It also does not prevent people from pinning your images, so they will still show up in searches from Pinterest.
It's not fool-proof, and some images are likely going to sneak through here and there. But I've noticed a big decrease in the amount of visits I get from image searches, and hardly any come through from pictures of my kids anymore.
This gives me a lot of peace of mind about posting pictures of my kids on my public blog. I do, however, still recommend watermarking and using other methods to protect your photos (and again, you can read more about that in the "Protecting Your Pictures" post I wrote).
You can read more about how to block specific images from searches here.
Any other tips for protecting pictures that I haven't covered? I always like to hear how you protect your images, or whether that's even important to you!
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I would like to note that you shouldn't expect the images to disappear from Google overnight if you didn't have your blog set up this way from the start. It takes time for Google's little bots to come crawl your site and see the changes. Your privacy settings for your image hosting site can also affect this, but that is probably a different post.
You should also be aware that any images that you post of your kiddos on other people's blogs, like for guest posts or linkups, may still show up in Google searches. It also does not prevent people from pinning your images, so they will still show up in searches from Pinterest.
It's not fool-proof, and some images are likely going to sneak through here and there. But I've noticed a big decrease in the amount of visits I get from image searches, and hardly any come through from pictures of my kids anymore.
This gives me a lot of peace of mind about posting pictures of my kids on my public blog. I do, however, still recommend watermarking and using other methods to protect your photos (and again, you can read more about that in the "Protecting Your Pictures" post I wrote).
You can read more about how to block specific images from searches here.
Any other tips for protecting pictures that I haven't covered? I always like to hear how you protect your images, or whether that's even important to you!
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I think all of us have at some point received unsolicited advice. It kind of goes along with being a person.
Most people love to give their advice on anything and everything, sometimes whether it is asked for or not. This is true for all life stages, I think, but it reaches a whole other level when you become a mom. Suddenly you are a target for people to shoot their advice at and everyone wants to take a shot, from the lady in the grocery store, to the brand-new father who is catering your family reunion, to the single girl who isn't anywhere near being a mother (not that I speak from personal experience or anything).
I've heard from a lot of people who hate getting advice from others when they weren't asking for it - and truth be told, I've had my moments where I have hated it too. But over the years I've learned a few things, and the unsolicited advice doesn't bother me as much anymore. Here are the reasons why.
1. I realize people care about me and are just trying to help.
Sometimes I decide to talk about a problem or a struggle with someone just because I want to talk about it. And when they start to try to "fix" my problem by giving me advice, there can be that temptation to feel annoyed. But most of the time they are doing this because they hate to see me struggling, and they want to help my sorrows disappear. So they give advice. When you realize they aren't trying to boss you around, they are just trying to help you, it becomes easier to take the advice for the good intent behind it, even if it's not what you were looking for.
Sometimes I decide to talk about a problem or a struggle with someone just because I want to talk about it. And when they start to try to "fix" my problem by giving me advice, there can be that temptation to feel annoyed. But most of the time they are doing this because they hate to see me struggling, and they want to help my sorrows disappear. So they give advice. When you realize they aren't trying to boss you around, they are just trying to help you, it becomes easier to take the advice for the good intent behind it, even if it's not what you were looking for.
2. I realize people are trying to connect with me.
Sometimes people will offer advice because they have been through something similar, and they feel a connection to me. They want to talk about our shared problems or experiences, and sometimes the easiest opening to make that connection or let me know they know what I am going through is to offer a snippet of advice! When this happens, take the bait. Carry through with the conversation and make the connection.
Sometimes people will offer advice because they have been through something similar, and they feel a connection to me. They want to talk about our shared problems or experiences, and sometimes the easiest opening to make that connection or let me know they know what I am going through is to offer a snippet of advice! When this happens, take the bait. Carry through with the conversation and make the connection.
3. I realize people are trying to impress me.
Sometimes people give advice because they are trying to show off their vast knowledge on the subject. This usually happens with acquaintances or new friends and is one of the most annoying kinds of advice to deal with. However, I try to look at it from the other angle - they wouldn't feel the need to "show off" if they didn't think I was someone worth impressing. That's kind of flattering! The best way to deal with this motivation for advice is to say something along the lines of "Wow, that's a really good point, is that what you do/did?" or "Interesting, tell me more", and try to take the conversation more in the direction of personal stories. Then you can share experiences and advice back and forth without feeling like you are being lectured.
Sometimes people give advice because they are trying to show off their vast knowledge on the subject. This usually happens with acquaintances or new friends and is one of the most annoying kinds of advice to deal with. However, I try to look at it from the other angle - they wouldn't feel the need to "show off" if they didn't think I was someone worth impressing. That's kind of flattering! The best way to deal with this motivation for advice is to say something along the lines of "Wow, that's a really good point, is that what you do/did?" or "Interesting, tell me more", and try to take the conversation more in the direction of personal stories. Then you can share experiences and advice back and forth without feeling like you are being lectured.
4. I realize people aren't necessarily trying to be a know-it-all.
At the same time, I don't assume every time someone tries to give me advice they are trying to show off. That can lead to unnecessary annoyance. The motives behind the advice are more likely one of the first two. I always assume it's one of the first two motives listed here until it becomes obvious that it's motive #3.
At the same time, I don't assume every time someone tries to give me advice they are trying to show off. That can lead to unnecessary annoyance. The motives behind the advice are more likely one of the first two. I always assume it's one of the first two motives listed here until it becomes obvious that it's motive #3.
5. I realize that any random advice given by strangers who tell me that some insignificant thing that I am doing is wrong is immediately up for dismissal, unless there is imminent danger or something.
Strange people you see in the mall really shouldn't be telling you what to do, unless it's along the lines of "You are blessed, enjoy your life!" (which is probably the most common stranger advice, especially when they see your cute babies). When Wyatt was a month or two old some lady at Joann's told me I was holding him wrong. But actually Wyatt was just trying to look at the lights (he's always loved lights). Annoying? Yes, this is probably the type of advice that is truly annoying with no real redeeming factors. But it's not something to dwell on. Your blood pressure will thank you if you just learn to dismiss it.
Strange people you see in the mall really shouldn't be telling you what to do, unless it's along the lines of "You are blessed, enjoy your life!" (which is probably the most common stranger advice, especially when they see your cute babies). When Wyatt was a month or two old some lady at Joann's told me I was holding him wrong. But actually Wyatt was just trying to look at the lights (he's always loved lights). Annoying? Yes, this is probably the type of advice that is truly annoying with no real redeeming factors. But it's not something to dwell on. Your blood pressure will thank you if you just learn to dismiss it.
6. I realize I don't have to take all the advice given to me.
People can give me all the advice they want, but in the end I pray about it, and I decide what's going to work best for me or my family. I'm not obligated to take any specific advice, especially the advice given by random people at the store. And those who love me are going to support me whatever I decide. That knowledge is freeing and makes the advice less frustrating. I've learned to listen to the advice, to consider it because a multitude of counselors is a good thing, and to have confidence in the final decisions I make.
People can give me all the advice they want, but in the end I pray about it, and I decide what's going to work best for me or my family. I'm not obligated to take any specific advice, especially the advice given by random people at the store. And those who love me are going to support me whatever I decide. That knowledge is freeing and makes the advice less frustrating. I've learned to listen to the advice, to consider it because a multitude of counselors is a good thing, and to have confidence in the final decisions I make.
(Free printable - click on photo to enlarge, then save to your computer.)
7. I realize sometimes that "annoying advice" is just what I need.
This goes back to the week we got back from our honeymoon. Someone who is close to me noticed that I kept correcting parts of the story when Derek was telling about the different things we saw on our trip, and they advised me not to do that and just let Derek tell the story his way. It annoyed me at the time, but two years later I read something that reminded me of that conversation, and I realized that person was right. It was silly of me to keep correcting Derek on things that didn't matter - it was disrespectful and sent the message that Derek was getting everything wrong. I vowed right then to listen to the advice that was given me in the future and try not to be immediately annoyed, because even if I disagreed at the moment the wisdom could become more apparent to me later.
This goes back to the week we got back from our honeymoon. Someone who is close to me noticed that I kept correcting parts of the story when Derek was telling about the different things we saw on our trip, and they advised me not to do that and just let Derek tell the story his way. It annoyed me at the time, but two years later I read something that reminded me of that conversation, and I realized that person was right. It was silly of me to keep correcting Derek on things that didn't matter - it was disrespectful and sent the message that Derek was getting everything wrong. I vowed right then to listen to the advice that was given me in the future and try not to be immediately annoyed, because even if I disagreed at the moment the wisdom could become more apparent to me later.
8. I realize that sometimes people are trying to be controlling or manipulative, and in those instances it's okay to respectfully disagree or disregard their "advice".
Some people are controlling. Some people are trying to push their agendas. Some people are insulting you personally and hide their insults behind "advice". I try to give people the benefit of a doubt, but I think if you suspect that this may be the reason behind someone's "advice", you should run their comments by someone you trust. If you feel like someone is being controlling or manipulative, it's okay to respectfully stand your ground and refuse to accept the hurtful words.
Some people are controlling. Some people are trying to push their agendas. Some people are insulting you personally and hide their insults behind "advice". I try to give people the benefit of a doubt, but I think if you suspect that this may be the reason behind someone's "advice", you should run their comments by someone you trust. If you feel like someone is being controlling or manipulative, it's okay to respectfully stand your ground and refuse to accept the hurtful words.
How did I come to realize all this? Because I've come face-to-face with the fact that sometimes I am an unsolicited-advice giver! I think everyone is at times without really realizing it. And I know the reasons behind my motivations when I give advice. This has helped me to search out and appreciate more the heart of those who are trying to give me advice - because I think most people are giving advice for pure reasons.
And you know what? I love that. I love that they are interested enough in me and care enough about me as a person to want to help me. I love that they want to connect with me and impress me. I love that I have people in my life who are willing to say the hard stuff because they want me to be "the best me I can be". I've learned when advice is just a different way of looking at things, when someone's advice is something serious that I should prayerfully consider, and when it serves no other purpose but to control or hurt. When I can distinguish that I can react in the appropriate way.
What are some ways you deal with unsolicited advice? Are there any things that have helped you have a more God-honoring perspective when it comes to all the advice-giving?
I'm excited to have the opportunity to review a couple more books from Thomas Nelson this month!
One of the ones I received was a children's book called "Everybody Can Help Somebody" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, which apparently is the kids version of a book called "Same Kind Of Different As Me". I can't speak for "Same Kind Of DIfferent As Me", because I haven't read it, but based on the kid's book I'm assuming it must be some sort of biography. If any of you have read that, please fill me in!
So "Everybody Can Help Somebody" was a nice book. It's actually a biography of the life of a man named Denver Moore, but it's adapted for kids. The book tells the story of Denver's life, first as a sharecropper when he was young, and then as a homeless man as he travels to the big city. It tells of different people who helped him, but especially a lady named Debbie who told him about the love of God.
This book doesn't speak about Jesus at all, but I think it does encourage kids to think about how God loves people and to tell people that. It also had a good lesson as far as how just helping someone when they need it can change their life.
It was an alright book - as a Christian mom, I definitely want my kids to learn to tell people about Jesus though. It's true that God loves people, but that is only the beginning of the story, and people can mean a lot of things when they just say that by itself.
John 3:16 says God loved the world and because of that He sent Jesus, so that if we believe in Him we will be saved. Believing in God and God's love doesn't mean anything without following it up with Jesus. He's the bottom line.
And unfortunately this book doesn't say a word about Jesus, so I felt it was too vague and ambiguous. I don't even know what the author thinks about Jesus. Which is okay if it's just a regular kids' book, but since this is a biography/testimony type book that talks about God's love, and from a Christian publisher, it kind of bothered me.
So that's one thing I wasn't crazy about. But I think it could be a good tool for telling kids about showing love to "the least of these". And if you're child already knows Jesus as his or her Savior, then I think this book is fine. But if you are still teaching them about Jesus, I say make sure they have a good foundation first and save this book for later.
Wyatt has officially dubbed this the "train book" - which cracks me up because there is only one small line about a train, and one page with a picture of the train! But he loves to turn to that page and look. It's cute. I clearly need to get him more books about trains.
Note: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
So I'm starting a little mini series on the blog today!
I wouldn't necessarily call myself a blogging expert. But I have been doing this for a long time. And I've been designing for myself since the very start. So I know how to do certain things, and it occurred to me that I should share my knowledge with all of you - hence this series.
First just let me say that this is going to be a very unstructured series. I'm not going to post on any specific day or at any specific intervals, just when I feel like it. And when I say the tips will be random, I mean they will be random. There's no rhyme or reason here.
I might do tutorials on how to do something in Photoshop Elements or in the template designer. I might share links that explain how to do certain things better than I can. I might share blogging resources that I think are useful. It's pretty much anything I feel like, and hopefully some of it will be helpful.
So first things first - let's start with my header. See the pretty gradient font? I'm going to tell you how to create gradient text (and shapes) in Photoshop Elements.
First let me just say that I learned how to do it by watching this video - and if you have any issues figuring it out from this tutorial, I say watch it, and hopefully it will answer some of your questions. But for those of you who don't want to stream a video, I'm going to explain it here.
First you need to start with a color scheme that you like, and you need to get the codes for the colors you want in your gradient. You can find those in the color box in PSE:
Find colors that you like together and write down the numbers. Once you have the color scheme you like, you want to create a gradient. (1) Open the gradient tool, (2) select a gradient style that you like, and (3) click "edit".
Then when the gradient edit box opens, see those little colors sliders? (1) Click on one, then (2) double-click on the color and type in the color code for the color you want in the color code box (see first image in this post). Do that for each slider and slide the color stops until the gradient looks the way you want it to. Then click "save" and name your gradient something you will remember. It should show up in the gradient drop down menu now.
Now go to "File" and click on "New", then "Blank File". Size this file so it will be wide enough to be your blog header (I made mine 1250 pixels). Create a text box and type in the words you want to use. Make sure the text is black. While you're at it, get it centered the way you want.
Now create a new layer either by clicking on "Layer", "New, and "New Layer", or you can press Shift - CTRL (or COMMAND) - N.
Select the new layer.
Click on the gradient tool and drag the gradient line from one side of the blank file to the other. I usually do mine corner to corner, but you can do straight across or whatever.
The gradient will be covering your text because the gradient layer is above your text. This is the way you want it.
Now go down to your layer box in the lower right-hand corner. Put your cursor between the text layer and the gradient layer.
THen hold down the ALT button (or the Option button on a Mac), and when you move your cursor between the text layer and gradient layer a little weird cirle symbol will appear. When it appears just click . . .
And wholla! The two layers connect and you have gradient text.
And finally, if you select both the gradient layer and the text layer and then go to "Layer" and click "Merge Layers", you can make your text or shape movable!
Now you can decorate it any way you want! You can also do this with shapes the same way as long as you start with the shapes being black. Then merge the layers just like I explained above to move the shape around.
I checked out PicMonkey and googled, and there really isn't a good free alternative to create gradient text, at least not that I could find. This is the best one I found, but you can only use their pre-set colors, which isn't ideal if you are wanting to make something for your blog design. I will let you know if I come across something better.
And if I can just put in my two cents - if you want to do your own blog designs or if you are into photography at all - I'd recommend Photoshop Elements. It really isn't outrageously expensive - about $80-100, and I hear with a little work you can do almost anything with PSE that you can do with the full Photoshop (which is hundreds of dollars).
It's definitely the best resource for blog design that I've used - you can do some stuff with PicMonkey, but you are definitely limited. Photoshop Elements has been worth the money to me. Photoshop isn't paying me to say that, I'm just an Elements fan!
That's it! Let me know if you have any questions and I'l try to help!
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