The brand new design is here, just in time for Christmas! I just want to sit and stare at it all day long. And to be honest, I probably will. But first I need to show you around! Settle in with me for a tour of what’s new and what’s been improved.

Beautiful Beginnings

Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

You can now find all of Willow Bird’s social media platforms right at the top of the page. Join me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram — or subscribe to read the blog in your RSS feed reader or email inbox.

One of my favorite features of the new design is the slideshow of featured recipes at the top of the page. This allows me to introduce you to inspiring dishes I know you’ll love. Right now I’m featuring a handful of recipes that are perfect for Christmas breakfast.

The latest new posts show up right under the featured recipes. If the photo and teaser interest you, just click the “More” link to read the full story and grab the recipe.

Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

Pretty Posts

On the post itself, you’ll notice a brand new recipe format! This format includes cook/prep times, a recipe rating, and a print button that will let you print just the recipe with a thumbnail photo.

Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

Use the quick sharing buttons below the recipe box to share the recipe on social media or through email. For your convenience, a list of similar recipes you might like also shows up at the end of each post.
Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

Snazzy Sidebar

You’ve probably gotten used to ignoring my sidebar, but now it’s full of useful bits. Let me reintroduce you.

First, you can find out a little about me and snag another opportunity to follow Willow Bird on social media. Below that, you can see what recipes are popular on Willow Bird right now (coconut cake, anyone?) and sign up for my Willow Bird newsletter! My New Year’s resolution is to get better at sending this out. It comes out about once per week (never more!) and includes all the updates you might have missed from the blog and social media. Since Facebook doesn’t convey my updates to all my followers, the newsletter really is your best bet at staying on top of everything that’s happening around here. In the Instagram widget, you can get a sneak peek at my Instagram feed. Think food, pets, outfits, and beautiful things. Finally, there’s something a ton of you asked for: a search bar! Find the recipe you’re looking for in seconds.

Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!
Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!
Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!
Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!
Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

Fabulous Footer

Another space you’ve probably gotten used to ignoring is the footer at the bottom of the page. It’s now a hub of activity! Use it to brush up on what’s been posted recently, both here and on Willow Bird’s social media.

Willow Bird Baking Website Tour

Rejuvenated Recipe Index

This is another favorite feature! My recipe index now includes gorgeous galleries to inspire you. You can also click on the “see more” links to head to a full list of recipes.

Willow Bird Baking Website Tour
Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

Masterful Mobile

My new design is mobile responsive, so viewing on your phone or tablet will be much easier now! The page layout and font size shift to allow for easy reading.

Willow Bird Baking Website Tour

Celebrate with me!

Do you love it? To me, the whole beautiful site feels like a Christmas present. It’s just what I’ve been dreaming of. Thanks so much to magical Kristin and her team for making it happen!

I’m giving away a little post-Christmas dough (and I don’t mean gingerbread dough!) to celebrate. Enter below, and don’t forget to come chat with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram about what you think! I can’t wait to hear from you. Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

93 Comments on Welcome to the New Willow Bird Baking! (and a giveaway!)

  1. Kristin
    December 24, 2014 at 6:38 am (10 years ago)

    I love the new site! I love how fresh it is and how easy it is to navigate. But I adore how passionate and excited Julie is about it!

    Reply
  2. cori
    December 24, 2014 at 6:51 am (10 years ago)

    Love the pictures in the recipe index

    Reply
  3. Liz S.
    December 24, 2014 at 7:20 am (10 years ago)

    My favorite part of the new design is the header – but I do love all of the new design components!

    Reply
  4. blanche
    December 24, 2014 at 7:26 am (10 years ago)

    I like the part where you can print out recipes

    Reply
  5. EmilyRose
    December 24, 2014 at 7:31 am (10 years ago)

    Looks great!

    Reply
  6. Katie
    December 24, 2014 at 7:35 am (10 years ago)

    I love the updated recipe index!!

    Reply
  7. Lauren at Keep It Sweet
    December 24, 2014 at 7:48 am (10 years ago)

    Love the new site design, Julie! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas:-)

    Reply
  8. Sandy
    December 24, 2014 at 8:16 am (10 years ago)

    I like the simplicity. It’s a refreshing look.

    Reply
  9. LB
    December 24, 2014 at 8:17 am (10 years ago)

    Love the new recipe index! Such pretty pictures and so easy to use!

    Reply
  10. Alyssa
    December 24, 2014 at 8:38 am (10 years ago)

    I love it!! It’s beautiful.

    Reply
  11. Amy M. C.
    December 24, 2014 at 8:42 am (10 years ago)

    The clean layout looks great and I like all the added information on the recipes. Congrats on the redesign and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  12. Lee
    December 24, 2014 at 8:50 am (10 years ago)

    YAY!! The site looks great and what a perfect way to start off the new year!

    Reply
  13. Lisa McKessy
    December 24, 2014 at 8:53 am (10 years ago)

    The colors look great!

    Reply
  14. Nutmeg Nanny
    December 24, 2014 at 9:05 am (10 years ago)

    Your new site looks great!

    Reply
  15. Amanda
    December 24, 2014 at 9:14 am (10 years ago)

    I am SO excited for you! That header is just gorgeous and everything flows so seamlessly! It’s beautiful. And so functional. And beautiful! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Molly
    December 24, 2014 at 9:27 am (10 years ago)

    I love the header!

    Reply
  17. Maressa D
    December 24, 2014 at 9:56 am (10 years ago)

    The recipe index looks great!

    Reply
  18. Janet T
    December 24, 2014 at 10:11 am (10 years ago)

    I like the way to print out the recipes.

    Reply
  19. itzia
    December 24, 2014 at 10:24 am (10 years ago)

    I like the footer.

    Reply
  20. Chelai J.
    December 24, 2014 at 10:52 am (10 years ago)

    I like the overall feel of the new site. Very cclean. Looks good!

    Reply
  21. grace
    December 24, 2014 at 11:02 am (10 years ago)

    i like the recipe box, but it’s all awesome!

    Reply
  22. Jen M.
    December 24, 2014 at 11:21 am (10 years ago)

    Love the new logo!

    Reply
  23. Kristin G
    December 24, 2014 at 12:24 pm (10 years ago)

    Merry Christmas Julie! So pleased you are excited about the new site – it feels fresh and alive just like you.

    Reply
  24. lisa
    December 24, 2014 at 12:34 pm (10 years ago)

    The new site is laid out very nicely. I like the cook/prep times.

    Reply
  25. Lyn M
    December 24, 2014 at 1:27 pm (10 years ago)

    The recipe ratings but it all looks great

    Reply
  26. karen
    December 24, 2014 at 1:45 pm (10 years ago)

    Love your new logo.

    Reply
  27. Carol
    December 24, 2014 at 1:48 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the beautiful photos of the featured recipes at the top, but I also love the revamped recipe index. Well done, Julie!

    Reply
  28. Anton
    December 24, 2014 at 1:56 pm (10 years ago)

    This is a really beautiful site design! (Normally I grumble about site changes because then I can never find anything.) But this is amazing and functional and looks fantastic. I love the formatting on the recipes. Well done to everyone who made this!

    Reply
  29. Heather || Heather's Dish
    December 24, 2014 at 3:00 pm (10 years ago)

    It’s super intuitive, but I have to admit I think the new logo is STUNNING.

    Reply
  30. Sarah C
    December 24, 2014 at 3:47 pm (10 years ago)

    I always love new, clean designs. I like the featured recipes! I’m signing up for your newsletter. Once a week is a good amount!

    Reply
  31. Tricia
    December 24, 2014 at 6:41 pm (10 years ago)

    Great site…thanks for the wonderful recipes.

    Reply
  32. Jessica M
    December 24, 2014 at 6:49 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the picture recipe gallery!

    Reply
  33. Theresa Sea
    December 24, 2014 at 10:01 pm (10 years ago)

    Love the new header!

    Reply
  34. Elaine M
    December 24, 2014 at 10:30 pm (10 years ago)

    Nice new site setup. Keep up the excellent recipes!

    Reply
  35. Jenny
    December 24, 2014 at 11:09 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the new recipe lookup!

    Reply
  36. Camille
    December 25, 2014 at 12:30 am (10 years ago)

    I love the new logo!!!!!

    Reply
  37. Joyce
    December 25, 2014 at 12:35 am (10 years ago)

    I just found you! Looking forward to trying some of your recipes!

    Reply
  38. Christina Mendoza
    December 25, 2014 at 12:39 am (10 years ago)

    Congratulations! I especially love the watercolor dots on your new header – beautiful!

    Reply
  39. Kelly
    December 25, 2014 at 3:00 am (10 years ago)

    Love your new logo but my favourite is the search box. I often remember the story or a line from the story associated with a recipe so it’s often easier to do a search than to look at the recipe index. “That cake she did for her brother’s graduation.” Or “the one she did when she mentioned Mike finishing in 3 years and then working on his PhD”.

    Reply
  40. Margot C
    December 25, 2014 at 3:04 am (10 years ago)

    I like all the photos, it looks clean and bright! It also looks more professional (I know you wanted to hear that, but’s ture!)

    Reply
  41. Barbara Bradford
    December 25, 2014 at 3:47 am (10 years ago)

    I like the new recipe index… so cool!

    Reply
  42. Fran B
    December 25, 2014 at 6:06 am (10 years ago)

    I really like the logo. Please make sure there is a print icon. thanks!

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      December 26, 2014 at 12:59 am (10 years ago)

      Hi Fran! There has been for over a year! But now it’s easier to find 🙂 Right in the recipe box. Enjoy!

      Reply
  43. Jane
    December 25, 2014 at 6:37 am (10 years ago)

    I love how clear the new pictures are, and the colourful website. Although it was a nice website beforehand, this is now even more visually appealing! Congratulations and Happy Holidays 🙂

    Reply
  44. stephanie
    December 25, 2014 at 7:02 am (10 years ago)

    Ahhh!! Looks amazing! I love the gallery index.

    Reply
  45. kel
    December 25, 2014 at 8:30 am (10 years ago)

    Being able to print recipes

    Reply
  46. Ali
    December 25, 2014 at 1:13 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the header and the watercolor design.

    Reply
  47. Grace
    December 25, 2014 at 3:02 pm (10 years ago)

    I like how simple it is to navigate! Looking good!

    Reply
  48. Marcia S.
    December 25, 2014 at 4:45 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the recipe index and how bright and colorful the site is!

    Reply
  49. LauriM
    December 25, 2014 at 5:05 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the new recipe index!

    Reply
  50. Erin M.
    December 25, 2014 at 5:36 pm (10 years ago)

    I love how easy it is to navigate and how clean the layout is!

    Reply
  51. Jenn Scott
    December 25, 2014 at 6:39 pm (10 years ago)

    Wow, easily navigated and fresh!!

    Reply
  52. Kristen
    December 25, 2014 at 9:03 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the Featured Recipes section.

    Reply
  53. Jaimn
    December 25, 2014 at 9:54 pm (10 years ago)

    Honestly, it usually takes me a while to get used to updates! But it looks clean, not cluttered. 🙂

    Reply
  54. Kimberly C
    December 25, 2014 at 10:55 pm (10 years ago)

    There are so many great features in the new design, but I really like the sharing buttons so that I can share your recipes with others.

    Reply
  55. Christi
    December 26, 2014 at 12:54 am (10 years ago)

    I love the recipe I index!

    Reply
  56. steven weber
    December 26, 2014 at 3:57 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the recipe ratings and that you can print them out.

    Reply
  57. Elena
    December 26, 2014 at 5:18 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the colors and easy navigation

    Reply
  58. Heather Spooner
    December 26, 2014 at 6:25 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the new recipe index. Beautiful design. Thank you!

    Reply
  59. PJ
    December 26, 2014 at 9:34 pm (10 years ago)

    Great Recipe Index! I love the new site, easy to navigate.

    Reply
  60. superstitches
    December 27, 2014 at 12:30 am (10 years ago)

    Love your new site. I’m looking forward to being able to find recipes easily. Also love the new logo.

    Reply
  61. Kara
    December 27, 2014 at 8:59 am (10 years ago)

    I like the featured recipes!

    Reply
  62. Kelly D
    December 27, 2014 at 3:05 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the new set up of the recipe index.

    Reply
  63. Rosie
    December 27, 2014 at 3:14 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the slideshow of featured recipes at the top of the page!

    Reply
  64. Carolsue
    December 27, 2014 at 5:08 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the recipe index with the pictures of the recipes. Those are great pictures!

    Reply
  65. Calli
    December 27, 2014 at 5:18 pm (10 years ago)

    seeing pictures with each recipe!

    Reply
  66. Sara Zielinski
    December 27, 2014 at 5:20 pm (10 years ago)

    My favorite part is the recipes with more information.

    Reply
  67. Natasha Hudnall
    December 27, 2014 at 7:16 pm (10 years ago)

    The design looks fresh and clean….easy to navigate and the colors are nice on the eyes

    Reply
  68. karin
    December 28, 2014 at 1:01 pm (10 years ago)

    the recipe index!

    Reply
  69. Candice
    December 28, 2014 at 6:26 pm (10 years ago)

    It’s so crisp and clean (but fun!) I love it. 🙂

    Reply
  70. Carrie D.
    December 28, 2014 at 8:33 pm (10 years ago)

    I love, love, love that you added prep/cook/total times! Fabulous! The new site looks great! Congrats!

    Reply
  71. Renae
    December 29, 2014 at 10:40 am (10 years ago)

    I love the header! The watercolor design and clean, but unique typeface really adds a nice touch at the top of the site!

    Reply
  72. David Holder
    December 29, 2014 at 8:54 pm (10 years ago)

    I like the option to search for similar recipes to browse.

    Reply
  73. 1stopmom
    December 30, 2014 at 5:48 pm (10 years ago)

    I like how it looks it mobile. So pretty!

    Reply
  74. Enrique Herrera
    December 30, 2014 at 5:55 pm (10 years ago)

    I love the color scheme, so inviting! ;D

    Reply
  75. Dawn Keenan
    December 30, 2014 at 8:21 pm (10 years ago)

    Everything is bright and fresh. Love the recipe gallery!

    Reply
  76. Sarah M
    December 31, 2014 at 12:39 am (10 years ago)

    I love it! My favorite features are the mobile device friendliness and the search capabilities. Congrats, and well done Kristen!

    Reply
  77. Liren
    December 31, 2014 at 1:27 am (10 years ago)

    It’s beautiful, Julie! I love it all!

    Reply
  78. Katie
    December 31, 2014 at 8:09 am (10 years ago)

    Love the new site design! That new logo is gorgeous 🙂

    Reply
  79. Amy J.
    December 31, 2014 at 8:39 am (10 years ago)

    New recipe index!!! But it all looks great.

    Reply
  80. Lois
    December 31, 2014 at 8:58 am (10 years ago)

    Love the fresh new look! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  81. DianeMargaret Miller
    December 31, 2014 at 9:09 am (10 years ago)

    For some reason, the whole site just feels…softer!
    I really like it!!!

    Reply
  82. Ally
    December 31, 2014 at 9:33 am (10 years ago)

    I love the new logo! So cute & modern! 🙂

    Reply
  83. Cristina C
    December 31, 2014 at 10:25 am (10 years ago)

    I love the new look! It looks very polished and professional!

    Reply
  84. Leslie
    December 31, 2014 at 10:28 am (10 years ago)

    Very reader friendly. Thanks for your upgrades and for keeping me in awesome, easy to achieve recipes!

    Reply
  85. Sarah
    December 31, 2014 at 11:17 am (10 years ago)

    I love how light and airy everything is while still being open and welcoming.

    Reply
  86. Lori in NC
    December 31, 2014 at 11:41 am (10 years ago)

    Love the photo gallery in the recipe index – especially good for when I’m looking for inspiration, instead of a specific recipe.

    Reply
  87. Elizabeth
    December 31, 2014 at 12:20 pm (10 years ago)

    I’m going to have to rethink my New Year’s resolution to print fewer recipes…love the new design!

    Reply
  88. Julio A. Gonzalez
    December 31, 2014 at 1:04 pm (10 years ago)

    Love the new look!

    Reply

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