As bloggers we’re always looking for ways to better our blog. I tweak my own blog design on a nearly weekly basis to improve it, make it more appealing. As I read through many blogs, I notice on going trends that could make them more appealing, easier to navigate, and appear cleaner and more professional overall. These 5 tips are definitely not an end all, be all, but simply a few observations and tips I’ve come across to make my blog better.
So here goes: Continue reading
If you were to ask my what my first blog post was, I couldn’t tell you. I’ve been blogging since 2006, so I’ve been in the game a long time. I have had at least 4 or 5 blogs, but by far New Mama Diaries is the one I’ve dedicated the most time to and stuck with. When I first got into blogging, I was all about fashion, makeup, and beauty. I still have my fashion/makeup/beauty blogs, but they are dormant at the moment. My blogs used to serve as a supplement to my fashion/makeup/beauty Youtube videos, but I have since stopped making them. I still love makeup and all that, but just don’t wear it as often as I used to. I had to put a lot of that aside when I joined the military. I no longer wore makeup everyday or painted my names weekly. Plus, being in training, especially OCS, left me no access to technology, nor time. After a while I just kind of fell off the whole video and blogging bandwagon.
Hey everyone! I was recently tagged by one of my fave bloggy friends to Pay It Forward. It an awesome idea and had to participate and share it with you all. As I’ve mentioned several times before, I’m a firm believer in paying it forward and supporting fellow bloggers. Pay It Forward is an excellent platform to do this on, so read on and find out how you can Pay It Forward. Continue reading
I have plenty of blog posts that I’ve yet to publish. I use my handy dandy editorial calendar to schedule out all posts. The bulk of my editorial calendar is full of drafts. Looking at all my drafts, I honestly don’t see any that I would post. In taking a look through my archives, I can’t think of a post that I feel I shouldn’t have posted. I tend to stay away from controversial issues, but occasionally, depending on the subject matter I have written on a few stirring topics.
I a few days late on this prompt, because I decided to post some original content instead. However, I really wanted to do this prompt, because it is so applicable to me and the way I blog.
Before starting this challenge I posted pretty much everyday, so it hasn’t been a huge transition. I know there’s a lot of debate in the blogging community about post frequency. Some say you should post often, some say not so often, while others say just be consistent. I agree with the latter. Whether you post daily like I do, or once a week, consistency is key when it comes to what your readers expect.
I post daily, because it keeps me on track and disciplined with posting. However, if I don’t have anything good to post, then I don’t. It doesn’t bother me supremely to miss a day, but I know myself. It’ll start off with missing one day, then two, then three, and next thing I know I’ve missed an entire week.
Blogging is fun for me, as well an outlet. So, I honestly don’t see it as work, even with a newborn. I don’t have as much time to blog as I did when I was pregnant, because I’m constantly engaging or catering to my son, but I still make time to do it. Its those few minutes I can steal away for myself, to do something for me. As a mother they come few and far between, but I appreciate them. I love blogging and I’m so excited to see my blog grow and where it takes me.
What about you? – How often do you blog? Do you see blogging as an outlet or more as a task?
xxoo,
The lovely Mrs. Tee over at LoveLifeLaughter nominated me for me second Sunshine Award! How awesome is that!
I’m a little behind on accepting my nomination, with having a baby and all, but I never forgot about it. I’m totally stoked to have been nominated and be a recipient of the Sunshine Award. Its another way to give recognition to fellow bloggers and pay it forward.
Mrs. Tee vlogged her acceptance, so I decided to follow suit and do so as well. I really enjoy vlogging, and will totally be including more of it into my posts. In the meantime, lets get to that award:
Here are my 11 Blogger Nominees for the Sunshine Award. By accepting this award, you are building community, networking, and connecting…isn’t that what blogging’s all about?! So go ahead and slap that award on your blog and shine that ray sun on your blog!
1. Joy In The Midst Of
2. Mail4Rosey
8. Davenport DIY
11. Patience In The Jungle
♥Thank and recognize your Nominating Blogger
♥Give 11 random facts about yourself
♥Answer the 11 questions given by your Nominating Blogger
♥Pick 11 Bloggers Nominees
♥Post 11 questions for your Nominees (you can not nominate your Nominating Blogger)
1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
2. Do you have a pet peeve? If so what is it, and does it just drive you crazy or those around you too?
3. Summer or Winter?
4. Mountains or the Beach?
5. If you had a million dollars, and 24 hrs to spend it in, how would you spend it?
6. If you had to go one day without modern technology, how would you spend it?
7. Would you rather be hot or cold, and why?
8. What’s your favorite gemstone?
9. What’s your favorite beverage (alcoholi/non-alcoholic)?
10. If you could have your dream car, what kind would it be?
11. Do you prefer to cook or eat out?
I’m so excited to hear/see your answers, so be sure to let me know of your acceptance!
xxoo,
My writing space is usually anywhere in my house that I can get comfortable. Most of the time that means on the couch in my living room. I do the bulk of my writing on my laptop, occasionally on my iPad, and seldom on my phone. However, I have the WordPress app on both my iPad and iPhone in case I need to create a draft for a post idea or make a quick post. When I write, I typically have the tv going in the background or I’m carrying on a conversation with my husband. Since having my son, this has changed a little, because I’m having to cater to his needs. Fortunately, but unfortunately he sleeps during the day, so that’s my prime for writing.
You may think why I wouldn’t choose a quite, serene space away from everything and everyone. Well the thing is that I just don’t operate that way. I like noise, light, and at least someone around at all times. While I do enjoy alone time, I’d rather have some around, even if I’m busy. I’m the ultimate multi-tasker that way. I like to be stimulated visually and verbally, and on my couch in front of the tv, looking out my windows into the Virginia Highlands treeline behind my house does just that for me.
So of my best ideas come from what’s on the tv, a conversation with my husband, or gazing out of my living room windows. I have a little bit of nature, some human interaction, and some entertainment value all in my writing space. Its simply what works for me. – What works for you? Do you have a dedicated writing space or alone space that you go to in order to get your thoughts out?
xxoo,