Welcome to Thoughts for Thursday! Today is a fun one because Natalie (who host the link-up with me) and I were actually able to get together this week at the beach! For the second year in a row, her family flew from Maryland to Panama City, FL to vacation in Rosemary Beach. We were able to meet them for the day last year when they came and this year was even more fun because Madelyn was older and could actually play with the big boys! Plus, we didn’t worry about naps and they just got to have some fun in the sun all day long.
It was so much fun catching up with Natalie. This is only the second time we’ve been able to meet up, but it seems like we see each other so often (you know, because of blog world)! Her family is the cutest and they are so welcoming. We spent the morning at the beach and we had to beg the kids to go up and finally eat some lunch. We ate around the pool as the kids continued to swim all afternoon. It was gorgeous day and the Gulf was so calm, it made the day so much less stressful with small kids. After our meet up this time, it had me thinking and reflecting on blogging a good bit. I wanted to share some of that with you guys today.
First, I think it’s amazing to see the connections that are made through blogging. I think so many women love to read and write blogs because of the community. They may start out writing a blog as a way to express themselves and find a creative outlet, but I think they quickly find out what an amazing community it is. That’s why I love to keep coming back :). For all of you and for opportunities like getting to meet a special friend like Natalie.
I think it’s easy to burn out or tire of writing these blogs. I know I go through ups and downs of being really into it and excited and then times where I feel like I just can’t catch up and I have no time to write. Blog.posts.are.so.time.comsuming. I try to balance myself and not put too much pressure on getting a post out if I just don’t have the time. Some weeks it’s four blog posts and some weeks it’s one or two. This blog is fun for me, not business. And I want to make sure I keep having fun with it.
As for the business word, it has been fun being able to make small commissions here and there from sharing items with all of you that I’ve purchased and loved. I have always enjoyed sharing those things and was sharing them long before I ever made any commissions. I didn’t start this blog to make any money. I know some people don’t love this aspect of blogging these days and I totally get it. My commissions certainly don’t pay the bills (and probably never will). If I’m lucky, they go towards new swim suits for the kids :). I have been meaning to finish a post in my draft box explaining what Reward Style (the affiliate program that pays my commissions) to some of you that may not know. I think a few details about it may help people become more comfortable (Can you see what I purchased, that I clicked a link, what size I bought, did I pay more because you made commission, etc??). But regardless, you NEVER have to purchase from my links. I want you here because I hope to inspire you, relate to you, make you laugh, share some awesome new gadget with you or let you in on our weekend or holiday activities!
With that said, I’ve really noticed that some of the best interaction that I get from a lot of you is through Instastories. It’s so much fun receiving comments from new and old followers that may not comment on my Insta photos, but will send a message through instastories. So thank you if you’ve done that. Hopefully I have returned your message because I truly try to return 100% of them. On the contrary, I am horrible about responding to blog comments lately. If you ask me a question, I absolutely try to answer that; but I don’t get to return a comment to all of you like I would really like to do. I am sorry for that. But I can guarantee that I read all of them! So thank you for taking the time to comment. I love them.
When I first started blogging, I used to love going to other blogs and was really good about commenting. It was a great way to engage with bloggers and to find new blogs. I’m sad that it’s gone away from that a little bit with other social outlets, but sadly I just don’t have the time like I used to either. I still love reading blogs and am always trying to read them on the fly or whenever I have a free minute. There are so many inspiring women out there. I love it.
I know I’ve rambled a lot here, but I guess I just want to say thanks to all of you. It’s your connection that keeps me wanting to write and share more. I’ve recently had a few occasions that I’ve run into people around town that have so kindly stopped me to say, “I know you don’t know me, but I read your blog and I love it.” That pretty much has me smiling ear to ear for the rest of the day.
If anyone ever has questions about blogging, please feel free to ask!! If you’ve been thinking about starting one of your own, go for it! Start writing one because you love it. It’s a lot of work and for awhile, it might only be your Mom and Grandma reading it; but who cares?? You’re doing it for you.
Link up starts at 7 am EST.
Echo some of these same sentiments about blogging. So fun that you girls were able to meet up….at the beach no less!
You are one of the most relatable blogs I follow and one of my first reads each day. Love seeing your adorable family and great fashion finds (without feeling like you’re just dumping a bunch of rstyle links). Keep it up!
Thank you Sarah!! That truly means a lot. I try to write exactly like I speak, so it comes across like you might be sitting at a table having a conversation with me 🙂
I loved reading this post. As someone who is fairly new to blogging, I love getting new tips, tricks and insights. I can relate to this post so much. I share so many of your sentiments and goals. Happy Thursday.
I love reading blogs in the morning and the glimpse they give into others lives. It is so neat you and Natalie are able to meet! I’ve met a few local bloggers and it does feel like you know them. It’s also nice to have a blog as an outlet for times when kids don’t allow for more adult interactions. I cannot get on board with jnstagram stories. I love instagram (or did back when it was a little more “instant” vs curated and when they posted chronologically). If I have time at night trying to get the baby sleep I might browse through the stories. It definitely feels like I need to get on board with it – I’m missing out!
Talk about the cutest crew around! I totally agree with you about blogging….I’ve made dear friends from my blog, the ones I’ve met and the ones I need to meet soon (hint hint!), but even when I get into my slumps, I try to remember what a treasure I’ve created. To look back on the big and small things over the last 8 years is worth it for me to keep going. It’s fun and it’s basically my only hobby at this point 😉
I know!!! Meet up totally needs to happen ASAP! I love looking back at my old posts! Especially travel, holidays and weekend recaps ?
Your thoughts on blogging are so aligned with mine. Like this morning joining in on some link up parties is relaxing and fun for me. My blog is my happy place and I plan to keep it that way! Peace!
Cheryl Tucker
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Agree!! One of the best parts of blogging is feeling like I have “friends” all over the country – I love getting to know all of you girls through your posts 🙂 And while I do VERY OCCASIONALLY (lol) make a few cents on a shopping commission, my posts are mainly just a creative outlet – especially today’s about beer hahah!!
I don’t know why, but this is one of my favorite posts from you! It’s so so so relatable and casually written, and I can really sense your laid back, fun, and genuine attitude from it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks Erica! I appreciate that. I will try to keep it that way. I really do try to write the way that I talk and hope it comes across genuine.
That is so awesome that you and Natalie got to meet up!!
And you are so right, I had no clue how amazing the blogging community was until I started my blog two years ago. I absolutely ADORE the group of ladies who I have met, and it’s definitely what keeps me coming back for more as well.
Finally, I’m so jealous of your beach pics, but I”m SO excited because we will be down in PCB for our annual trip in just a few weeks! I can’t wait!
Thanks gal!! Have a blast on your trip. It really is the best and we have been having the best weather!
Two of my very favorite blogs, I just know you are both as sweet and genuine in real life as you seem behind your blogs! Wish I could meet all of my blogger friends IRL but that is absolutely the best part of reading blogs… interacting and connecting. I text with some of my blog friends frequently and feel like we have been friends forever!
I remember when I first started blogging, people said the community is amazing and you will meet such sweet friends. I couldn’t believe it then but now it’s SO TRUE. I agree blogging can be so much work and it’s definitely not a money maker! I love your thoughts, I think it’s how so many of us have felt :). xoxo ERIN #tribekoko
I LOVE that you girls got to hang again! That really is the BEST part of blogging!!