When it comes to your blog, design is important and first impressions do matter. While fantastic content can sometimes make up for poor design, most of us should strive to have a balance of quality content and a design that is clean and appealing. Here are a few links that will help you easily add some bling to your blog.

• Ever wonder how to get those customized icons next to your URL in the browser address bar and bookmark list? They’re called favicons and you can get your own right here.
• Want a badge/button for your blog so others can link to you?  Check out the Button Maker.
• How about some pretty icons for your feeds? You don’t have to stick with that orange button when you can try all these options.
• And don’t forget Widgetbox. From clocks to counters and music to messaging, Widgetbox has a lot of cool widget bling. Just don’t over-do it or your blog will end up looking like an arcade.

Next week I’ll discuss more on blog bling — where to find free themes and a couple ways you can customize them with minimal "techie" know-how.