…and what a rocky 6 months it’s been, if I’m being honest. Allure Themes launched in April with the BEST of intentions and was strong out of the starting gate with multiple themes to choose from, as well as the ability to use them across different frameworks such as our own Allure Foundation, Genesis by StudioPress and Builder by iThemes. I was pretty excited about the early momentum I had going on over here.
However, the timing didn’t turn out to be the greatest in the world. Not that anyone could have anticipated what happened in my family during the months of April through July of this year. I am not one who likes to use excuses to explain away why I haven’t met one responsibility or another in my professional life, however, I simply had to turn my full attention and 100% focus on helping care for my Dad during his illness, and his subsequent death in July of this year. I regret how much it took me away from some promises that I had made and responsibilities that I committed myself to. I knew, that when it was all over, I would need to play some mighty catch up and deal with the consequences of spreading myself so thin during those months. In looking back, however – taking care of him and supporting my mother through it all was the greatest privilege of my life and I don’t believe I would do one bit of it differently.
Which is all well and good for me, right? But what about members here at Allure. You’ve purchased your theme membership here on good faith that I would deliver on the features that were promised and the number of newly released themes that were described upon your membership sign up. In those months, I did manage to convert all of our themes for use with the Genesis framework, some of the themes for Builder and managed to release one brand new theme – - but that’s not nearly good enough….not nearly…not even close.
I am happy to report that life has gotten back to some sense of normal around here – - life will never be the same, but at the same time, everything is OK. I am re-looking at Allure with eager anticipation on getting back on top of it and re-gaining the momentum that I had going prior to the issues that took my attentions away. I want to say a GREAT BIG thank you for, and huge hugs to, those who have, privately (and publicly), shown support and encouragement during this hard time – - in particular to my wonderful team over at iThemes whose friendship and support I could not do without, ever.
To that end – the month of October marks 6 months since Allure opened its doors here at AllureThemes.com. I’m am excited to announce that every Friday – starting this week – through the end of October, I will be adding a new theme to my Allure Collection. I do realize it’s a pretty lofty goal – - but I have SO much catch up to do, and so much I feel I need to make up for in my semi-absence here over the summer.
One theme, every Friday between now and October 28th, 2011. By the end of October, Allure members will enjoy the addition of SEVEN brand new themes – - as as I have been doing, converting them for use with Genesis and Builder, as well as our own Allure Foundation, to provide you with a rich choice of frameworks to use.
New theme release announcements will be made here on the Allure Blog, as well as on our Twitter and Facebook accounts – so be sure to check those out on Fridays between now and October 28th for the announcements and previews of the themes as they are released.
A theme a week for the next 7 weeks – - THAT should get me back on track over here!
In the meantime – speaking of themes – check out my latest post about my upcoming FOURTH Edition of WordPress For Dummies. It is scheduled for release in October (next month!) and with it – readers get access to 5 FREE themes for WordPress that you can download and start using immediately. In addition to updated content in the book (for the latest version of WordPress) and the 5 bonus themes – readers are also treated to 3 BONUS downloadable chapters (PDF) that cover topics such as Using WordPress as a CMS, Multisite Use and more.
Thank you for sticking with me and hanging in there. Onward, as they say!
Sounds like the best time to buy a membership. Good luck with all that work!
Thanks, Steve
If anything else, it will keep me off the streets and out of trouble!
[...] out my latest post over at Allure Themes about how I’m celebrating 6 months since opening. Hint: 1 brand new theme a week between [...]
Awesome news Lisa. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for sure.
@GrantGriffiths Thank you, Grant – - looking forward to digging into Headway 3, as well!
[...] 16, 20110 It seems everyone is taking on crazy challenges this week. Lisa Sabin-Wilson has committed herself to adding one new theme to Allure Themes each Friday from now until the end of October. This will [...]
[...] in a series of releases between now and the end of October, if you missed it – I’ve committed to releasing a brand new theme here at Allure every Friday through October 28th, 2011. THAT [...]
[...] seems everyone is taking on crazy challenges this week. Lisa Sabin-Wilson has committed herself to adding one new theme to Allure Themes each Friday from now until the end of October. This will [...]
[...] seems everyone is taking on crazy challenges this week. Lisa Sabin-Wilson has committed herself to adding one new theme to Allure Themes each Friday from now until the end of October. This will [...]
I like your WP for dummies book, It extensively covers both the freebie WordPress.com and the WordPress.org program.