What I've Learned About Blogging

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Over this past year, there are some things I've learned about this world of blogging.  For one thing, it ain't easy.


Not to compare my blog to others.  
My blog's not perfect.  Sure there are larger, more successful blogs out there, but I'm doing this for me.  I didn't start a blog to be popular or have people approve of what I do.  I simply wanted a way to document my home's progress over time.  I can post pictures for my family and friends to see and in turn learn a few things from fellow bloggers.  There are so many great ideas out there.  Instead of being envious of fellow bloggers, I'm inspired and motivated to be better.
Not to compare my home to others.
My home is exactly that, my home.  My family lives here and no one else's opinion matters.  I can't make my home look perfect and or buy expensive items just because I see them in someone else's home or magazines.  We have a budget and I try to stick to it.  There is some splurging but I can't play keep up with the house down the street.  I have to buy what fits my family's budget and lifestyle.
Blogging is hard work.
Blogging isn't my full time job and right now is just a hobby.  There are days where I don't post due to family time.  I don't want to take away from them just to get a post in.  Being a mother and wife are important to me.  Between completing projects, not forgetting to take pictures during projects, labeling pictures, loading pictures, typing posts, linking to parties, and responding to emails, this could become a full time job in itself.  I have to set goals and pace myself.  I constantly have to ask myself what I want to accomplish with this blog.
Blogging takes money.
This blog is real life for me.  Some larger bloggers are paid to blog, not me.  I have to fund 100% of my projects.  I don't buy stuff just to make a project so I can blog about it.  I'm not trying to buy my readers or do a project because so-and-so did it.  I only complete projects where the end result is something I will actually use in my home.  Until money starts growing on trees, I'm keeping it real life around here.  There are so many projects I would like to complete, but I know there's a price to pay.
   
I'm thankful for my accomplishments so far and hoping this next year is even better.  My readers have made it all worth while.

Don't forget to enter the Designer Pillow Shop giveaway here.

 

Comments

  1. Thrifty Crafty GirlJune 28, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    I am guilty of comparing my blog to other blogs and feeling jealous. I am totally guilty of being envious of other blogger's homes (including yours, it looks amazing!) but I try to curb that envy and just keep creating.

    Congratulations on one year... I love your blog and I'm so glad you started it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Julie June 28, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    I'm a new blogger. I've been blogging for about a month. I've been guilty of thinking "I wish my blog design was as cool as that blog's design." And I guess I could have that if I wanted to pay a lot of money for someone to design it for me. But I won't. I just decided to design my own! And I love it! I'll admit, I've put a lot of time into my blog the past few weeks but it's time to step away from designing it and get to work on my projects!

    I enjoyed reading your perspective on blogging. Congrats on one year. :) Have an awesome day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joanne | a.k.a JoJoJune 28, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    AMEN!

    Speak it, Andrea!

    Congrats on 1 year.... I am coming up on a year soon. And everything you stated is SO. RIGHT. ON!

    Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog, that is how I found your blog... that I am now following! This is an AWESOME REAL BLOG!

    xoxox
    -Joanne

    ReplyDelete
  4. Holly @ abakershouse.comJune 28, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Well said! Keep it up and just do what you enjoy. You have a lovely site!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tarsha @ SouthernGirl. CitySwirlJune 30, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    I am new to your wonderful blog and this post was quite timely for me! This was very well said!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 6, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    I only read and subescribe to blogs. Someday I do hope to have my own blog.. For now I am learning by reading other's blogs. Congrats on being 1 year olkd and thanks for your comments about blogging.

    ReplyDelete

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