Nov 23
2009

Celebrating Moving Day!

in Uncategorized

I know that posting has been light around here, but for good reason!  For the past month I've been working on a "top secret" project—building a new home for LFM.  Moving day is finally here!    Today marks the switch from Blogger to WordPress and from having my domain name hosted through Google to self-hosting.  If any of you are still using my old blogspot URL for some reason, it's time to update! 

Making the switch has been a bit of a nightmare.  Initially the design process was progressing at a snail's pace due to my lack of familiarity with my new WordPress theme and CSS, but then the lovely Barb of Vino Luci stepped in and saved the day, helping my transition go a whole lot smoother and giving LFM a beautiful look.  The actual process of trying to transfer the domain name took FOREVER, since Google outsources their domain hosting services to other companies.  Trying to go through Google to find out how to go through these other companies' websites to take care of this, and in a timely fashion, has taken more time than originally planned.  In the meantime, I couldn't publish any new posts, because I had already transferred all of the data over from Blogger.  Once all of the proper parties had been dealt with, then I had to wait for six days for the domain name to actually be transferred.  If you notice any new bald spots on my head or dark circles under my eyes, now you know why.

To celebrate my new home, I've decided to give away a few of my current favorite things.  I've got a set of my all-time favorite measuring spoons to give,

Progressive Intl Measuring Spoons

and a copy of The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook by Jaden Hair.  Jaden has agreed to send the winner of the cookbook a signed bookplate (thanks Jaden!).

The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook

Comments are now closed and the winners will be announced on Monday (November 30th)!

To enter to win the measuring spoons or the cookbook, leave me a comment!  I will keep the comments open until this Friday, November 27th, 10 PM PST, and announce the winners (using a random number generator) on Monday (November 30th). Make sure you leave me a way to contact you. This giveaway is open to all of my readers (international included). 

edyB November 23, 2009 at 10:59 am

Congrats on the new site! Looks great! I always enjoy your posts so keep smiling and clicking!
Happy Thanksgiving,

edyB

eSusan November 23, 2009 at 11:00 am

Congrats on the big move, and right before Thanksgiving to boot. 

Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction November 23, 2009 at 11:01 am

Congrats on the move to Wordpress.  I use WP and I'm a huge fan.  The site looks beautiful! I've been working on a bit of a redesign myself, but it won't be done for a while. :)

David November 23, 2009 at 11:04 am

I love the new look.  Keep up the great work.
 

Jessica @ How Sweet November 23, 2009 at 11:06 am

Your site looks great! :)

Lizzie November 23, 2009 at 11:08 am

I noticed the new look but hadn't worked out that you'd Moved Shop!  The new Blog is great. Hope it continues to go well, now you've sorted the problems!

Jennifer November 23, 2009 at 11:10 am

Rachael, beautiful new home! Please skip me over in the drawing. I've got plenty of measuring spoons and Jaden's book too! Just wanted to leave you a hello and congrats note…and Happy Thanksgiving!

Debi(Table Talk) November 23, 2009 at 11:11 am

Looks great! Very soothing background colors~Enjoy your new home.

Paula - bell'alimento November 23, 2009 at 11:32 am

Yay Rachael! Congratulations on your move to Wordpress (I love it myself ; ) Everything looks fabulous & what a great giveaway! I think I might be one of the few foodies left who doesn't have Jaden's cookbook & I'd LOVE to have it!  Baci!

Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite November 23, 2009 at 11:39 am

Awesome – I love the new look!  Might have to pick your brains in the new year as I cotemplate that exact same move too!

Amy C November 23, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Congratulations on the new move and the look! 

wendy November 23, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Congrats on the new site… it's lovely!

Melissa Hodgen November 23, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Raving over the new look!  Sounds like it was a nightmare but worth it because it's fabulous!  Hope you get to take a break and enjoy the holidays!  The girls are getting more beautiful by the minute!

Eleanor Hoh (Wokstar) November 23, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Congrats on move, site looks great. Know how much work involved.

Gala November 23, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Wow! Congratulations on the move! I've been thinking about getting a domain but that process sounds sooo scary, and like you I lack familiarity with any other thing than blogger. So good job anyways!

Rachael November 23, 2009 at 4:45 pm

Gala– I’ve actually had the domain name for almost a year now, but it was hosted through a Google service!

Liz Anderson November 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Gosh – such nice new digs! And brave, too, putting this together right before the holidays. I'd be ripe for that cookbook, should the Random Number Generator smile on me. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

veredgy November 23, 2009 at 1:27 pm

I love your posts.
At first, because of the Blog's name I thougt you were Japanese and expected to find Japanese cooking, but nevertheless I learned you have German roots. Germany is my favorit place for holidays, especially the Rhineland were I will be heading  again next June with my husband and meeting my son who is a a student in Wisconsin. I loved your post on Stutgart and the place your family comes from and about your grandma.
Please can you tell me why did you select this name for your blog?
I am Israeli, so please forgive my poor English.

Rachael November 23, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Veredgy– I actually started this blog while we were living in Japan, right after the birth of my first child. I do blog about Japanese cuisine, but I also blog about a variety of other influences (for example, I lived in France for a while, so you’ll see French food on here too)! I selected the name because our apartment in Japan had a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji (which is also one of my favorite mountains), and because I became a mom under its watchful eye. The “La” is a shoutout to my time spent in France.

Gina November 23, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Thank you for celebrating by giving away prizes! Congratulations!

Jane L November 23, 2009 at 2:42 pm

Way to go !! Keep up the good work and wonderful recipes….

Barbara Bakes November 23, 2009 at 3:30 pm

I love the new site! Barbara did a great job! The measuring spoons look fun!

Barbara @ VinoLuciStyle.com November 23, 2009 at 4:50 pm

Well, I'm raving for another reason…can we say FINALLY? I am happy as you are to see it live and know you can get back to doing what you do best; sharing your memories and  your food! Thanks for being such a willing participant (OK, guinea pig); I know you'll not regret it.

Eileen Sanborn November 23, 2009 at 5:04 pm

 
Wow – incredible new site Rachael. Congratulations and good luck!
Eileen

Asha@FSK November 23, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Congratulations on the new space!! I actually bought a domain but the transition was just not happening, so decided to just stick with blogspot for the present… perhaps, I should think of moving again :)) and ya Barb rocks! :))
So, yes, I would love to participate in your giveaway and btw I am also hosting a book giveaway on my blog.. :)

Wynn November 23, 2009 at 5:13 pm

very very very nice website!!!!! Looks very professional and engaging… I think it's time you start a cook show soon… hahahaha^_^

Val November 23, 2009 at 5:13 pm

YAY! Enter me, please!! I am loving the new site. Great work! :)

Cameron November 23, 2009 at 5:17 pm

Congrats on the new digs, Rachael! The site looks great–your hard work paid off!

Rose November 23, 2009 at 5:20 pm

It was worth the wait. Thanks for the great blog!

Jess November 23, 2009 at 5:43 pm

I love the new look Fuji Mama! It looks terrific and was well worth the wait.

Craft Passion November 23, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Your new site looks great, congrats!!!! I know what you have been through, I was there 6 months ago lol…
Please enter me for the draw :) Wish myself "good luck" :)
Btw, I am having a giveaway draw in my blog too, please drop by and participate. May be you could be one the winners to walk away with the one-of-the-kind Kanzashi Christmas Tree.

trishket November 23, 2009 at 5:46 pm

Thanks for the giveaway! I love reading your blog, and giveaways just make it more fun.

Megan November 23, 2009 at 6:22 pm

I love your new look. It is so fresh and calming!
You're such a clever girl!

Angie November 23, 2009 at 6:52 pm

Dearest LFM,
Your website looks wonderful.  I enjoy it so much and have referred several of my friends to it.  Keep up the great work!
Love,
Auntie A

Stacey November 23, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Congrats on the move- I love the new look!

Jen @ Tiny Urban Kitchen November 23, 2009 at 7:12 pm

The new site looks fabulous!  I'd be really curious to know what you think of Wordpress.  I've considered switching but haven't been brave enough to take the leap!

Janet November 23, 2009 at 7:20 pm

It looks FAB!! So much work, but well worth the wait- awesome!

Irina November 23, 2009 at 7:20 pm

love the new look!!!

Katherine November 23, 2009 at 8:33 pm

I really enjoy your blog.  Congratulations on the new look, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Nate November 23, 2009 at 9:39 pm

Congratulations on the move!  I need help moving off Blogger too.  At least I got the domain name ready. But the nightmare for me is restructuring all 400+ posts.  *shudder*

Rasa Malaysia November 23, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Congratulations on the move! Beautiful and I love your comment plugin, I want I want now.

Penelope November 24, 2009 at 1:27 am

Congratulations! Looks great. And have a fun Thanksgiving Day with your family.

Sarah Asada November 24, 2009 at 2:40 am

I love the new site!! It looks great. I can't wait to see more of your great recipes!

Diana@Spain in Iowa November 24, 2009 at 3:47 am

Great site Rachael!  I'm scared now as I'll also be moving to Wordpress in the new year!  Transferring all of my info is what I'm so scared of!  If you need an extra eye to check out your code let me know ;) I'd be more than happy to help if you'd like to get that color to fill your sidebars and top nav centered.

grace November 24, 2009 at 4:32 am

don't worry–bald spots are easily covered by some creative combing. :)

mumay November 24, 2009 at 4:46 am

Congratulations !!!! welcome to your new home .
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family !

Lena November 24, 2009 at 5:48 am

Congratulations!  The new site looks amazing!  Oh, I tried those Asian Short Ribs you recommended a while back and they were SO GOOD!  My boyfriend ate like 6 of them! 

Gail November 24, 2009 at 7:07 am

Congratulations on your beautiful new site!  Thanks for the opportunity to win the goodies!  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 
Gail ([email protected])

Sarah B. November 24, 2009 at 7:35 am

Happy moving day…. your new digs are beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway, too!  sarahjane18 (at) hotmail dot com

LS November 24, 2009 at 8:18 am

Congratulations on your new home! I’m so excited to see you back, looking forward to you posting again, really missed your blog during transition time. Happy Thanksgiving!

wendy November 24, 2009 at 8:37 am

Yay!!! I love the new look… and it's good to have you back :)

slammie November 24, 2009 at 9:53 am

Congratulations on the new site!

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