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Hi Judia,
Here is my initial evaluation of your site ...
First impression: it's very inviting and I really like the use of white space.
The colors etc., give a fresh, spa like sense of calm and peace. I like that - it makes me want to read more about what the site is about.
Here is a where a few problems come in from my perspective...
#1 - Your main navigation links are too similar to your header image design.
The links at first glance look more like a tag-line in the header graphic.
This makes the "navigation" disappear - not good.
#2 - the header(logo image) + the large image under it make your header far too large in my opinion.
You have 580 pixels dedicated to opening images in the header before your primary content is even visible.
There is a design principle that you want to be aware of when putting websites together ... the rule of 3rds. Take your page and split it into 3rds. The upper 3rd, especially the content visible in the screen without the need to scroll down, should be where you put your most important information.
At this size, your current header dominates the entire screen, forcing the viewer to scroll before they get to any useful information ... including your optin offer.
I would look at incorporating the lower image into the main header with the logo included in a unified image.
Next I would move the navigation down below the header and make it stand out more.
Perhaps using some decorative elements to make the links look more like buttons.
Something that makes it crystal clear that these are links you want people to click on.
#3 - OK, once you get to the main content I like your continued use of white space to break up the blog posts. But there may be a little too much. There is a substantial gap between the headline and the social icons and post excerpt.
Currently you have roughly 114 pixels of space dedicated to the post headline. I would try to get that down to at least half that which will make the headline feel more integrated into the post.
Right now it looks very disjointed.
#4 - You are using the full width page template in your theme for the individual blog posts. I would recommend you use a sidebar/content template instead.
Full width page templates definitely have their use, but this isn't one of them. You have a captive audience as your visitors read your blog posts. You want to make sure you keep your "offers" or list building elements in front of them.
Making your sidebar visible in your blog posts will ensure they have another opportunity to see your optin offer, etc., as well as access your social media connections., etc.
#5 - Overall those are the key things I picked up on at first glance.
The only other thing I would keep a close eye on is your optin offer.
First impression for me is that it's a little weak.
Building your list is one of the most valuable assets you can create for your business, so you want to make sure you are putting a super compelling offer in front of your audience.
That's my first take.
Hope it helps.
~Richard
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by judia andrew on Sat Dec 04, 2010 10:35 pm 
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