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Host Sites

Blogger - simple, easy to use, newbie friendly

Wordpress - more difficult, more control over your blog

Templates

 If you are just starting out, you may want to start with a free template to see if this is a hobby that you will continue to pursue.  This doesn't mean that you have to buy a template to have a good template, there are some really good ones available for free.

How to install & personalize a downloaded template.

Free

   Some of these have repeating themes since they are directories to other sites. 

Design Crazed - These are my personal favourites.  They are simple but interactive.  

My Blogger Theme - Has a wide variety of templates 

Btemplates - Have a lot of basic and simple templates, if you are new at html it's a good place to start. 

CSS Author -  Have some pretty awesome interactive templates

Paid

Many bloggers make a living by creating templates for others and they will personalize it for you.  You are helping fellow bloggers and you can get some pretty cool stuff!  I have never used these, so buy them at your own risk.

Envy - A fellow blogger who sells templates for Blogger and Wordpress
Nudge Media Design -  Collection of designs on etsy.

Autumn Leaves

General Blogging Tips

ByRegina -  She gives amazing advice on everything blogging

Shop the Bar -  Great all around advice on blogging
Elle & Co. - Various aspects of blogging are covered here
Wonder forest - One of my favourite blogs
Blog Market - Lots of tips here
Sweet Electric - More
Career Girl Daily -  Collection of posts with helpful tips on making money
Autumn Leaves - One of the best sites for blogging tips

Programs

Pic Money - Photo editing
Pixlr - Photo editing 

*Photo by Daria Nepriakhina