gawkerverse

craftgawker favorites 05/07/12

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:23:54 -0700

Quell some Spring time boredom with the top five craftgawker favorites from this month:

Adorable magnetic closure bracelets made out of t-shirts. [via Henry Happened]

10 incredible ideas for DIY furniture makeovers. [via Babble]

DIY lace socklets add interest and can even make ill-fitting shoes more comfortable. [via Love Maegan]

Be inspired by mystifying paint sculptures made by sound vibrations. [via Enpundit]

Can beachy waves be accomplished by straight ironing braided hair? [via Oh So Pretty]

foodgawker favorites 04/22/12

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:32:13 -0700

Take a bite out of the top five foodgawker favorites from this month:

These s’mores cupcakes have both the flavor and texture of real s’mores. [via The Pastry Affair]

Spiked spaghetti (spaghetti with vodka sauce) makes a great romantic dish. [via 6 Bittersweets]

The best roasted potatoes you’ll ever eat. [via Jo Cooks]

A last minute scramble for homemade cinnamon rolls leads to this simple creation— Crescent Cinnamon Rolls. [via The Hungry Housewife]

Chew it over with a Twix cake. [via Raspberri Cupcakes]

Site Redesign

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:09:00 -0700

After 7 months of design, development and a lot of testing, we are extremely excited to launch the new look of the gawkerverse. We are starting out with foodgawker and rolling out the new design to the other sites in the next few days. The redesign adds some new features and a little more polish to the sites. It’s also a responsive web design, which means the layout adapts and optimizes to whatever device (mobile, tablet, desktop, etc.) you use.

We are going to follow-up this post over the next few weeks and give more detailed descriptions and tips on using the new and old functionality, but we want to highlight a few now.

Hover Bars

The first new feature is the hover bars on the photo cards (desktop browsers only).

The title is shown and you can now share the post via Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, etc., by hovering over the photo. We also added a magnifying glass icon for easier access to the post permalink page to see categorization and tags.

Customize

The customize feature allows you to tailor and save pages to your tastes and preferences. Custom pages are essentially saved searches without the need to enter a search term. Here are few examples of custom pages we created…

* Healthy, fruits and veggies <- vegan, fruit and vegetables excluding desserts

* Asian food <- posts from select bloggers who cook mainly Asian dishes

* Desserts, no vegan/gluten free <- desserts excluding vegan and gluten free

Pagination

We cleaned up and simplified pagination. Now you can enter the page number, hit the return/go key on your keyboard and go directly to the page you want.

Mobile

The responsive web design impacts mobile the most. You’ll see the desktop ads disappear, the navigation collapse, the footer minimize and the photo cards reduce to mini-cards. The layout out should work well whether it’s iOS, Android, Windows Phone or any other modern mobile platform.

On mobile, you’ll need to go to the post permalink page (tap on the magnifying glass) to view a larger image, categorization, tags and to share via Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and more.

You may notice the page numbers only change with every other page load. The page numbers match the desktop site page numbering, but we are splitting the desktop page (46 posts) into 2 pages (24 and 22 posts) on mobile. This reduces the length of scrolling and page weight on mobile for faster loading.

Other Changes

Match by keywords in search - when we launched advanced search, we implemented phrase matching to get better results on search terms, but we realized that it was too restrictive. Now a search for chocolate cake will return all results that have the terms chocolate and cake anywhere in the post title, description or tags. If you want to match exactly by phrase, just add quotes around your search terms, e.g. “chocolate cake”.

Fixed favorites sidebar bug - if your username had a space, period or any other odd character in it, the favorites page wouldn’t show the categories or your tags in the sidebar. This has been fixed.

Search Bar - search is still in the same location in the header. If your screen width can only support three columns of photo cards, the search bar has been collapsed. Just click/tap on the search icon to expand the search bar.

Thank You

I’d like to thank Maria, our designer, for coming up with a great look and feel. I’d also like to thank Sandy Sage and the Crowd Favorite team for developing and implementing the responsive design. I believe everyone is tired of my nitpicking and pixel pushing of the design and code. Thanks to the all the gawkerverse team members who helped out in user testing. It took us awhile to get the redesign launched, but I’m very happy with the results.

Enhancements

Even though we have launched the redesign, there are more refinements we want to make and will do so in the upcoming weeks and months.

Between the gawkerverse and the Crowd Favorite teams, we have tested the new design on 10+ browsers and a few dozen devices. We weren’t able to test across all mobile devices as there are just too many smartphones out there. So, if you see any issues or just have feedback, please drop us a note via our contact form.

We hope you enjoy the new design!

-Chuck

dwellinggawker favorites 04/04/12

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:27:54 -0700

Revel in the top five dwellinggawker favorites from this month:

Thought stairs were boring? Think again with this compilation post of inspirational staircases. [via Lulobird]

A quick tip to help hang or mount items without drilling unnecessary holes. [via The Harpster Home]

Spark your Spring cleaning creativity with a list of 25 beautifully organized closets. [via Babble]

National Geographic took inspiration from the Pixar movie “UP” and created a real-life flying balloon house. [via Inthrlld]

Check out this fascinating design that offers the illusion of a cut chair. [via 1 Design Per Day]

weddinggawker favorites 03/25/12

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:39:01 -0700

Celebrate with the top five weddinggawker favorites from this month:

An elegant DIY wedding in Nebraska for under $5,000. [via Le Magnifique]

A chic wedding in Portland, plus a tutorial for the bride’s retro-inspired hairstyle. [via Bridal Musings]

A DIY aisle runner that can serve as a memento after the ceremony. [via Oh Lovely Day]

What not to do: the top five fashion faux pas committed by grooms on their wedding day. [via One Wed]

A photo diary documenting one bride’s battle with cancer. [via Bridal Guide]

craftgawker favorites 03/20/12

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:21:07 -0700

Find inspiration in the top five craftgawker favorites from this month:

DIY glow in the dark jars are ethereal and simple to make. [via Poppytalk]

Tips for styling curly hair to avoid the “finger stuck in a light socket” look. [via Stars for Streetlights]

Gorgeous geography-inspired handmade wall art made out of string and nails that shows local pride. [via Cook Quilt Make and Bake]

Tired of your boring scratched up laptop? Customize it on the cheap with this fun tutorial. [via Fine and Feathered]

Snuggles the Penguin with his removable scarf makes a cute gift all year around. [via All About Ami]

foodgawker favorites 03/11/12

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:02:15 -0700

Sample the top five foodgawker favorites from this month:

French Crullers with honey glaze are surprisingly fast to make. [via Use Real Butter]

Crispy brussel sprouts with garlic aioli will convert any non-brussel eater. [via Savoring Life with Anna Costa]

Sunny side eggs contained in onion rings— a brilliant way to serve breakfast. [via Apron Strings]

Sausage and mushroom etouffee made vegan. [via Fat Free Vegan Kitchen]

Blueberry and custard tarts make a lovely preview for Spring. [via Butter]

dwellinggawker favorites 03/02/12

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:00:01 -0800

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the top five dwellinggawker favorites from this month:

A unique mountain resort in Germany where you can sleep in a tent hanging 6,562 feet in the air. [via enpundit]

Easy ways to use glass jars, bottles, and vases to decorate your home. [via Lavender and Ash]

Looking for a new headboard? Check out 37 of the most unique DIY headboards for inspiration. [via 1 Kind Design]

Balconies re-imagined as pools make the Aquaria Grande unique. [via inthralld]

A more feminine alternative to the man cave— the ma’am cave. [via Fab Housewife]

weddinggawker favorites 02/25/12

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:31:24 -0800

Rejoice in the top five weddinggawker favorites from this month:

Gorgeous ideas for how to incorporate sparklers into your wedding photos. [via Uptown Designs]

Be inspired by a real wedding featuring an enchanted forest theme. [via Ruffled]

A comprehensive guide to making mismatched bridesmaids dresses look great. [via Belle the Magazine]

Five great ideas for making a bachelorette party even more memorable. [via Bridal Guide]

A list of the best photos to have taken during your big day. [via Aphrodite’s Wedding Blog]

craftgawker favorites 02/19/12

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:24:51 -0800

Become inspired by the top five craftgawker favorites from this week:

What is cooler than DIY scratch off paint? Fantastic for invitations, cards, and even party games. [via Mister G and Me Crafts]

Lipbalm made with koolaid and vaseline, incredibly simple and surprisingly delicious. [via Just Lovely Things]

Friendship ear buds: bringing friendship bracelets into 2012. [via Crown Hill]

Crafters in need of organization will love this simple DIY rotating goal list. [via Cornflower Blue Studio]

Temporary hot pink (or any other color) highlights accomplished in ten minutes or fewer with pastels. [via Oh So Pretty the Diaries]

foodgawker favorites 02/10/12

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:18:15 -0800

Savor the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Easy leek and potato soup is a delicious smooth soup that can be easily modified. [via Greedy Gourmet]

Hidden vegetables add moisture to this rich chocolate cake. [via Kitchen Heals Soul]

Both gluten-free and vegan, this Garden Vegetable Medley makes a delicious light lunch or side dish. [via The Shiksa in the Kitchen]

Romantic red velvet cookies can even be made into “blossoms” with chocolate kisses. [via Rikki Snyder Photography]

Unique Rhubarb and Marzipan Muffins add variety to your brunch or dessert table. [via Zap]

foodgawker favorites 02/03/12

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:24:16 -0800

Chow down on the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Honey Glazed Baby Donuts make an adorable miniature dessert. [via Kokken 69]

Twice Baked Butternut Squash is baked and filled with quinoa and gorgonzola cheese. [via Naturally Ella]

Whole Wheat Cottage Cheese Pancakes topped with Mixed Berry Chia Seed Syrup would make a romantic Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch. [via Back to Her Roots]

Served over rice, Lentils with Coconut Milk makes for a healthy, comforting, and filling meal. [via My Kitchen Treasures]

Award-winning Snickerdoodles with white chocolate chips are some of the easiest cookies to make. [via Foodie Crush]

foodgawker favorites 01/27/12

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:07:52 -0800

Devour the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Rich Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup is good for the soul. [via Hungry Native]

Nutella and Cocoa Cupcakes are made easy by starting with a box cake mix. [via HowTo: Simplify]

Ever wanted to try to make your favorite candy bar at home? Homemade snickers are even better than the real thing. [via How Sweet It Is]

This Hearty Beans Hawaiian makes good campfire or everyday food. [via Munchin with Munchkin]

An assortment of tips to make the perfect mile-high biscuits. [via The Pastry Affair]

foodgawker favorites 01/20/12

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:49:41 -0800

Sample the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Adorable miniature cinnamon rolls are ready in under 30 minutes. [via Iowa Girl Eats]

Lu Wei, food braised in an aromatic brine, perfectly prepared for Chinese New Years. [via Yi Reservation]

What happens when you cross a baked potato with a grilled cheese sandwich? The uniquely delicious Baked Potato Grilled Cheese Sandwich. [via BS In the Kitchen]

A Kale, Cannellini Beans & Potato Soup that is similar in taste to Whole Foods’ Minestrone. [via Food Wanderings]

A sorbet designed for winter time, try this Winter Berry and Citrus Sorbet. [via Snippets of Thyme]

foodgawker favorites 01/13/2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:24:20 -0800

Dig into the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Trend setting oven-baked scotch eggs are a great breakfast or snack. [via Edible Ireland]

Rosemary-Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is perfectly juicy and tender. [via Handle the Heat]

Mediterranean Chicken Stew makes a great one pot meal. [via The Tasteful Life]

Individual baked creamy Mac & Cheese pots. [via Simply Scratch]

Mix up the usual burgers and fries routine with Salmon Burgers served on brioche buns. [via Souvlaki for the Soul]

foodgawker favorites 01/06/12

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:46:27 -0800

Nibble the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Flank Steak, Goat Cheese & Wild Rice Roulades pair beautifully with Cabernet. [via Domestic Fits]

Luxurious Lobster Newberg fit for royalty. [via Lost Past Remembered]

Vegan french toast makes a lovely, healthy breakfast for any day. [via Give Them Something Better]

Nutella Cream Pies: A new twist on an old favorite. [via Bakingdom]

Nutrient-dense and healthy Butternut Squash and Parsnip Soup. [via Healthy Green Kitchen]

foodgawker favorites 12/30/11

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:49:12 -0800

Sample the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Chocolate salted caramel pretzel pie- great to serve chilled or at room temperature. [via LemonPi]

Kicked-up Black Bean Soup makes the perfect spicy winter dish. [via Tadka Pasta]

The only thing better than carrot cake is healthy carrot cake, even when served with a not-so-healthy frosting. [via Love & Lemons]

Tracey’s most popular recipe of 2011- Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomatoes. [via Tracey’s Culinary Adventures]

Bacon and Egg Muffins are a great all-in-one breakfast or post-workout snack. [via Katie Did]

foodgawker favorites 12/23/11

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:32:50 -0800

Take a bite out of the top five foodgawker favorites of this week:

Chicken with Mushrooms is a versatile and quick recipe made in a clay pot. [via Rasa Malaysia]

Combine two breakfast classics into one with Bacon Strip Pancakes. [via Eclectic Recipes]

Egg-free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip is an irresistible dessert served with cookies or graham crackers. [via Sing For Your Supper]

Looking for a last minute healthy Christmas snack idea? These Christmas Pizza Bagel Wreaths fit the bill and look adorable on the table. [via Babble]

Macarons are made even more adorable by transforming them into snowmen atop a red velvet cake. [via Raspberri Cupcakes]

foodgawker favorites 12/16/11

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:08:29 -0800

Sample the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

Ever tried chili for breakfast? Served inside a sourdough bread bowl with scrambled eggs underneath, this chili can be served any time of day. [via Willow Bird Baking]

A unique holiday treat that would make a great edible gift: Whiskey, Caramel, Marshmallow and Bacon Bark. [via Endless Simmer]

A simple, elegant Roasted Vegetable Lasagna that serves one. [via Back to Her Roots]

Irresistibly chewy molasses cookies, perfect for the holidays. [via Always with Butter]

A gorgeous Bubble & Squeak made with leftovers. [via Verses from my Kitchen]

foodgawker favorites 12/09/11

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:00:36 -0800

Dig into the top five foodgawker favorites from this week:

A simple vegetable lentil soup, perfect to warm up with on a chilly evening. [via Potinues Y Fogones]

The Number Four: a unique, seasonal alcoholic drink spiced up with cardamom and black pepper. [via Joylicious]

Need an adorable gift or dessert for a holiday potluck? Christmas Tree Meringues are both simple and delicious. [via Bakers Royale]

Kale and Ricotta Stuffed Shells make the perfect meatless Monday comfort food. [via A Food Centric Life]

A deliciously spicy gingerbread cupcake topped with a cinnamon brown sugar buttercream frosting. [via Tidy Mom]