Letting a Blog Breathe (Part I)

I've had this post dancing in my head for months now and it's going to be segmented into parts.  I have casually made mentions to specific bloggers, whom I admire, that qualities of their writing, posts, and their values that they express are aspects that I love about their blogs.  There's a sense of genuineness about certain blogs that stays with you.  It makes you want to follow them on Twitter and see their life through images on Instagram.  Their posts are a friendly invitation for people to get to know them better.  These are my favorite kind of blogs and have become a part of my blogging research.  This type of research has come from months of writing, dabbling in sponsorships, seeing my readership exceed 100 people, and coming to terms with being competitive in this blogging community.

For me, blogging has always been personal and about sharing.  Not everyone shares in this type of expectation, but that's ok.  There's a certain sense of delight I get when I come across a blog that is so open, fresh, and you could just fall in love with its author because she (or he) feels like a best-friend.  There was a point of frustration that came from months of build-up and you may have read some of those posts.  It was a breaking point that involved several realizations.  The first is that building up a readership without sponsoring other blogs and giveaways would be difficult.  It is hard to reach other people without putting in monetary value.  The good thing is that many bloggers seek out similar blogs in co-sponsorship for giveaways so if you like X Blogger, you'll probably like Y and Z as well.  However, for me that route doesn't feel like a good fit.  I've sponsored many blogs before but in order to receive real results from sponsorship, you need direct interaction with the host blogger.  That means they're tweeting about your posts, sharing information on you, having you as a guest post, etc.  The problem with that is those sponsorships are usually quite expensive.  If you don't see the results, you have to try again and try with other bloggers, which means more $$. 

As much as I love blogging, I can't justify putting in that much money each time to build up my readership.  It takes a toll on your budget and for some folks that's something worth investing, but for me I've also taken into consideration the state of the blogging community.  This is a fun place to be.  You have a variety of personalities that are fun, sassy, crafty, and some that make me wish Ryan and I were having a baby already.  Whatever you're looking for, you can find a blog to fit your needs.  However, I have noticed how financially driven it is and in order to be competitive with a large readership, you need to invest in it.  It's a circle where $ponsorship -> gain readers -> requires more blog posts (usually) -> review and giveaway offers -> more readers and it continues where you must feed the process in order for it to work.  It's not like I can invest in one or two, medium to large scale blogs, but I would need to invest in several and over several months.  Now that's a risk in which you need to have a secure relationship with the host blogger to ensure that you're getting what you've paid for and that you're receiving the results, either in page views or increase in readership.  There is always a button swap opportunity, however, I've found that does nothing.  In order to value your investment, you need that interaction and direct contact with their readership, not just standing idly in the sidebar.  That's just the first step to build up the numbers.  I could also invest in a giveaway and I am always appreciative of the offers to be a part of one, but at this time it's not for me.  Not that I don't like a giveaway, because I do, but at this point I've made a few decisions and I'll discuss those below. 

I've scaled back on my blog posts and their frequency because I want to focus on living.  I used to be so motivated to get those readership numbers up but I would rather have people here that want to read about the topics I've chosen and provide feedback.  Who doesn't love comments, but it's so much more than that.  I love the interaction, discussion, and dialogue.  Send me an e-mail, or comment on Instagram- I love that stuff.  For me, scaling back provides the opportunity to create quality blog posts on topics that I am not just interested in, but am passionate about.  Some things will be funny, random, and just fluff but I won't feel pressured to crank out 5 posts a week to build up readership.  Instead, I'm hoping that folks will have the chance to sit down with my posts and enjoy them, have time to catch up with me, and not feel pressured to speed read through them.  I've covered it before, so I won't dwell on it now, but I value quality blog posts.  I feel like there's an art to letting a blog breath; to give its readers time to actually enjoy the post instead of having to sacrifice quality for a need to keep spitting them out.  I'm almost certain that it takes time and experience to learn this and I'm still in the beginning stages.  I feel that by living, you maintain the integrity and quality of your posts- so that you don't have me getting in a tizzy over a glasses review by someone who doesn't wear glasses.  That point in the time, I was frustrated because I felt that there were so many aspects of this community that were either narcissistic or greedy.  But for me, I know that I am different than other people.  I'm a fun person, but I can also be very serious and I value honesty and integrity.  When I consistently saw lapses in both of these, I knew it was time for me to change my outlook on blogging and revamp my style to ensure I stay true to what I value.  This is when that blogging research came in and I found blogs that I just love.  I've deleted several and the main observation I've made is that we're just living two completely different lives or at two different points in our lives.  I may end up following those blogs again some day but at this point, I really like the direction I'm going in.

I want to share more about my life, what I value, and topics that I'm passionate about.  Jessica and I started a series about women because women's issues are important to us and we wanted to give them a personal spin.  This has always been an avenue for me to share and I want to show what life in Montana has been like and my thoughts on things going on that are affecting other folks.  Not only do I want to share more here, but I want to start a trend or a movement of sorts where when we see a post we like or comment on, that we share it.  That's the original concept of word-of-mouth.  If I like a post, I want to share it with others, not because it's an option in a giveaway, but because I think others would appreciate it.  Speaking of word-of-mouth, when it comes to reviews I stay with my policy that if I don't have experience with the product or I don't think it would truly benefit my readers, I'm not going to review it.  I have been in a position where companies have offered me something to review, but as a smaller blogger, it's usually "can you share this product in a blog post?" and I never actually get to review the product.  Whenever that happens, I explain to the company my stance on sharing products on my blog.  I don't have to receive free products to share them on my blog, in fact many of the reviews or things I even share on Instagram are things that I picked up and really liked.  I like to share things that have worked for me because I think others will like it too, but I value my integrity with these types of reviews and if you see something here, you're getting an honest review.  Not straight out of the box and I'm seeing it for the first time, but tried and tested.  The most recent one was with Shutterfly and instead of doing a review on phone cases, we found an alternative with products that I have used and chosen on my own.  That review will be on using Shutterfly for digital Project Life and I can't wait to talk more about it.  Documenting my life through this blog, writing, and pictures has been very important to me. I take pictures almost everyday through Instagram, but I want to take more everyday photos using my DSLR and point and shoot.  I need create realistic goals and I can't wait to have those down in writing to share with you. 

I've found blogs that to me are phenomenal and inspirational.  They could have thousands of followers or a couple hundred, but they have such charm and charisma. I plan on sharing them in Part II.  There are trends with what I like to follow but I also feel like it's created a formula in which I can find more blogs that I'm interested in.  Look for more of this in Part II.

If you like what you read, please feel free to share using the social media icons below or leaving me a comment.  Don't forget to sign up for the charm swap if you're interested in learning and sharing in the stories of other great women.  

The moment I became excommunicated

This is a rant and it's not meant to look or sound even remotely pretty.
You may even want to stop reading here.  Yup now because I'm sure I'll be covering some recent posts that even my favorite bloggers have written.

I have a few pet peeves with blogging.  I like to blog because I like to write.  I actually like to write and not just share random pictures of bottles of liquor or a skirt that can be used for two different outfits.  If people enjoy my writing, pictures, and anything else I share on here than that's awesome.  

I blog because it's a lot of fun and I really, truly enjoy reading the stories of other people.  But that being said, maybe I'm just not a cool kid.  I've been blogging for over a year now and am so glad to have the readers that I do.  I not only write for myself but on issues and things that I feel other people might care an ounce about.  However bloggers,  not excluding myself, care a lot about their self-appearance and branding themselves.

That's why it appears that some bloggers drink an obscene amount of alcohol and are in a constant haze of drunken stupor.  My question is, are they constantly that drunk?  *side-eye*  I mean that's one helluva a trip on branding your blog. 

This branding and levels of readership also quantifies absolute crap writing.
I talk about crappy writing a lot on this blog.  I'm sorry, I'm a content snob.

I have been invited to participate in buy-in giveaways and I have seriously thought about it but I am still not comfortable with the idea.  I don't care if you participate in buy-in giveaways because the prize is awesome and allows for people to discover different blogs. 

It's just not for me. 

I don't want people to follow my blog, Twitter or Instagram because I threw in money into a pot.  I've also seriously started to dread sponsoring other blogs for this same reason.  When I visit a blog, do I check out the sidebars...no.  If a blog can speak for itself, I'll find it and if they have quality posts then I become a loyal follower.  This week alone I found two blogs that I just love (A Beautiful Mess and Delightfully Tacky).  I want more readers but part of feels like if I can't step up my writing and posts, then the readership is an actual reflection of that.    

I'm at a stage where despite not having a "ton of readers," I do get e-mails.  What does that mean?  It means that I don't get free product, which is fine, but I get told about it.  So yes, I know about that fun clothing company opportunity that costs like $50 a month.  You don't need to go out and buy a new dress as long as you can subscribe to our dress rental membership. 

NO
NO
NO

I am always polite and considerate to people who e-mail me.  But I am not interested in an opportunity for you to overcharge me or my readers on a dress subscription service.  If I'm going to put down anything over $30 on a dress or outfit, I'm probably going to buy it from KiKi LaRue because I have been wanting to purchase a dress from there (plus I follow the company on Instagram and they always have great customer service).  There is no way on God's Green Earth that I am going to subscribe to rent a dress for the cost of a dress.  What are you smoking?

So I think it's safe to say that you e-mailing because you felt that I would be interested in an overcharged service was you making a wrong assumption. 

Speaking of sponsorships, I have consistently seen companies sending product to bloggers who have zero credibility for,  like sending children's products for a blogger to review who doesn't have children or glasses to someone who doesn't wear glasses.  Insert Mean Girls quote: she doesn't even go here.  As someone who studied marketing and advertisement, I'm going to tell you this, I am not going to trust the opinion of someone who doesn't wear glasses or contacts.  Why? Because they don't know the annoyance of finding a pair that does not consistently fall down the bridge of your nose or that the arms of the glasses go too far past your ears or that they look nice with the shape of your face.  I could go on and on because I've had glasses since fourth grade and not just for a tripod photoshoot.  The second "what are you smoking" moment.

Finally, assumptions made on bloggers.  When a blogger says that married life is difficult is because it is and that's no joke.  There are certain events of a young person's life that are difficult.  We all have bills and eat a lot of Ramen.  However, the difference is that you combine that with not just living with another person but being unified with that person.  You are sharing the same bank account and as easy as it is to share that in a sentence, it's a whole different enchilada when it comes to applying that in real life.  You share everything and not just an apartment space.  So those big girl and big boy loans become a shared asset and insurance, taxes, mortgages, etc. all become shared.  I did all of those adult style bills while being single and of course after I got married as well and I can tell you that it's significantly more difficult as a married person.  So when someone says that marital life is completely different than handling singledom responsibilities, they are telling the truth.  It's certainly not glitter and rainbows either way, but do not think that marriage is going to be this cake walk because you've got yourself a career and have doing the big girl thing for awhile now. 

I already have a post up but I just wanted to rant.  I needed to get this off my chest because despite trying to put out quality posts I see this nonsense up all of the time.  I like a variety of bloggers and I don't think we should all be the same because we're not.  However, somethings just don't make sense to me.

I'm not going to end this on a funky note though.  I did participate in Bout of Books' Read-a-Thon with Twitter chats called TweetChats and it has been a blast.  This has been a great way to discover different bloggers and people who just enjoy reading.  If you like to read, need an excuse to sit down and read, or have a pile of books calling your name, check out Bout of Books.  It was such a fun opportunity and that experience kind of showed me that I need to re-tailor my blogging experience.

Blog Changes & Too Cute: The Blu Wilhelm Edition

Before I go into the details of our adorable dog, I wanted to introduce a few changes on my blog.

The first is that I think I'm going to do "bedtime posting" (aka later hours).  I usually try to have it posted that morning of, but I find that I prefer to read through blog posts after work.  So expect more posting in the later hours and my next change involves sponsorships.  I still have my free ad space labeled the Falalala Friendship Ad. You can have your blog button (100x250) in my sidebar for FreeNinetyNine!  In exchange, I ask that you feature my blog through alternative social media methods rather than having my button.  Hey, if you still want my button, go for it! 

I've found that if you like my blog, we probably have a lot in common, including similar readership.  I would love to get to know more about you and your readers.  I have been invited to participate in mass giveaways to promote The Simplicity of Being Curious.  Honestly though, I appreciate all of your genuine comments and would rather not have someone forced to "like" my blog to win something.  I write for myself, but the blogging community is therapeutic and there are so many bloggers out there that I would love to meet!

Now I've left the "alternative social media methods" open-ended because I want to work with you and your needs.  If you would like to do Twitter shout-outs about my posts, Facebook links, feature me at the end of one of your posts, or have me come over and do a guest blog post--that's all up to you.  Those are just a few ideas, and I'm always game for anything.   

There is also a new sponsorship feature called: Weekly Shoutout.  On my Monday posts, I'll reserve half of it to showcase your blog.  Not only do you get a sidebar ad, but the opportunity to interact with my readers (who are pretty cool folks). I can't leave my sponsors hanging, so to top it off, I will also dedicate social media outlets to you for that week (i.e. Twitter, Facebook blog page, Instagram).  It's the perfect ad option if you're starting to invest in your blog and getting quality readership established and it's only $5.  If you want to get maximum ad exposure, I highly recommend the Granddaddy of 'em All ad space.  You are featured at the end of every single blog post.  Y'all know me, I love posting, aka you get a ton of exposure.  Not just that, but you get a guest blog post, sidebar ad, and social media blasts for the entire month!  It's also a really good deal.  That type of offer usually goes for $30 and here you can get it for $12. 

Now it's time for

P U P P I E S!

Have you seen the show on Animal Planet called Too Cute?  Our friend Hannah introduced it to us when they came to visit and see Blu, our new puppy.  Yes indeedy, we have another dog and his name is Blu Wilhelm.  I also call him Paddington Bear, Scrappy, and Little Man.  He is fricken adorable.

So in case you haven't seen the show, its premise is showing you adorable baby animals, especially puppies and kittens.  We saw Sharpei Puppies, Boston Terrier Puppies, Cairn Terrier Puppies and even an episode with itty bitty kittens.  I'm allergic to cats and so I'm absolutely lovin' the opportunity to ooh and ahh over anything that cute without getting itchy, watery eyes.

In celebration of a new dog in our home, here is Blu Wilhelm's edition of Too Cute:

 

It has definitely been an adjustment process for Holly, but she is doing a great job!  She has had to learn how to share toys, the space and domain of the house, and she is kind of adjusting to being a "momma" to him.  It's taken her a few days to understand that he's smaller than her so she can't play quite as rough.  With the assistance of a few time outs for both of them, they've learned to love playing with each other. 

He is an absolute joy!  He has longer fur than what Holly had as a puppy and it makes him look like a small bear, hence the reasons I call him Paddington Bear.  I call both of my dogs my baby bears and love nuggets...they're so cute!  He is basically potty trained and I can't stress enough how awesome that is.  However, with every set of good news is bad and we have had to reduce his water intake because he just loves drinking water.  Not normally a bad thing, but since he's developing an understanding of his kegel muscles, he occasionally "leaks."  It's not even a full on pee, it's just a few drops.  Nevertheless, it gets old really fast.  After taking him to the vet, the doctor basically explained my already existing thoughts on the problem.  He's perfectly fine, just a baby.  This does lead us to carry him everywhere in a towel, otherwise you risk the chance of getting pee droplets on you.  Awesome, I know.  This has quickly turned into the Too Cute, Reality Edition.  Tomorrow we're going to try a dog diaper on him, so that he becomes a little easier to carry around the house.  We've had troubles having him play with Holly on carpeted areas due those pesky pee droplets.  I also had to utilize dog wipes in wiping his belly and legs down quite frequently. 
Each of our puppies has had a unique issue while growing up.  Holly, when she was about a month older than Blu is now, used to pee & poop in her kennel and then stomp in it.  Ryan and I grew up with labradors and we had never seen that behavior before.  We had to wash her kennel out multiple times a day.  It took a trip to Wisconsin and a stay with several our labs back home to help her understand the concept of potty training.  So to say the least, I am incredibly happy that Blu is potty trained, I just hope his kegel muscles catch up with him. 

We learned so much with Holly.  This time around we're using a play pen and a kennel for Blu.  The play pen serves as his "home" and play area on the linoleum flooring and he loves it.  I prefer this to having solely a kennel for him because if he has to go outside, he cries (it's awesome that he understands that at a young age) and I can quickly grab him, the towel (you don't want to forget that) and take him outside.

Tomorrow I'll share some cute videos of his little adventures around the house and yard :)

Thanks for Reading!

Be sure to check out this month's awesome blog:

 

Criticisms from a Content Snob and Other Weekend Delights

 

This blog post is a long one and this weekend has been wonderful.

I'm going to talk a little bit about my weekend, the dwindling content of blogs, a rant on the social media intertwining religion into politics, and then rave about new tactics using social media and religion (gosh, talk about a double standard).

Let's get started

 

To have the opportunity to do absolutely nothing or everything has been such a privilege- I'm referring to the rare, yet beautiful natural occurrence of a chill weekend.  I have been stressing and working countless hours (and by countless, I've actually had to record them but that's another story).  So for me, this weekend has been sheer bliss.  I have my husband here and my wonderful roommate is actually in Vegas enjoying the holiday with her family

So I've had some time to go over my Google Reader account and update my blog.

Have you checked out my new header (yep, right up there)?  It took me a couple of hours but I actually really like how it turned out and I greatly disliked the one I had up previously, but we all have to make-do with our own temporary fill-ins every once in awhile.  I'm still updating my buttons and pages here and there so please be patient and kind with me :P

I've also taken a look at my sponsor page and I've made the decision that I don't want to charge people for being a "sponsor" on this page.  I was more than thrilled to have 37 Google Connected readers on this page alone, but I also believe that's due to investing more time and $$ (so literally investing into my blog) and I have been seeing the benefits.  

What I do want to emphasize, however, is that this is a lifestyle blog.   I craft whenever I have time, bake when I crave sweets (which basically every 5 minutes...the craving not necessarily the baking) and give reviews when I can.   Like how many others have started, this is an outlet for me.  You're not going to find a giveaway here for quite some time, unless some ridiculously creative soul decides to sponsor me, and I do feature the people who swap buttons with me but many of those bloggers are in the same boat as I am, and we're just adjusting the sails to the storm that is Blogger.  I do love reading other blogs and hearing the stories from the perspectives of interesting, often incredibly entertaining people.  Right now, I'm just in the mood to swap- so feel free to swap with me.  If you go to my sponsor page, I would love to have you as a guest and there's no charge or devious trick up this blogger's sleeve.  Simply put in the promo code and you're welcome to promote for 30 days on the page and to keep on promoting for months after.

...and here is where I become the content snob

Something I've noticed from the bigger, "granddaddy of all blogs" 

types is that their content is starting to waver.  

*Looks around* 

not that I'm saying it's the fault of any of the bloggers 

but seriously, the content is starting to lack in a negative way.  

I'm seeing a lot more fluff and not a lot of the original style posts that made me want to subscribe to those bloggers in the first place.  So I pulled out a friend flush.  I'm sorry, I would like to say I feel terrible, but it had to happen.  I'm seeing that these once awesome blogs are having 3000+ readers but are doing more giveaways than actual articles, more outfits of the day than what's really on their mind and that bugs me.  Going off on a small rant, outfit of the day posts bother me because I'm not entirely sure what their purpose is...other than to show people either 

a). how to dress b). what you have in your closet c). what you can afford

It's filler- and not very good filler at that (apart from dedicated fashion blogs). 

I wonder if the pressures of having that many readers, combined with sponsorships starts to degrade the quality of a blog.  People are busy and lives are to be had, not everyone can spend the amount of time it takes to run a highly effective blogging system.  

Nevertheless, my suggestion for revision on those types of posts would be to wear that cute outfit while doing an awesome activity.  In the caption, you can have the details of the outfit but the post itself will talk about something worthy of having your readers visit your blog.  

Single paragraph content also swims into this category as well.  I'm seeing a very small topic being stretched over a paragraph and that being considered a full post.  

I'm excited that Google Reader features one of my favorite blogs at the top of the page and then quickly let down as I read the "new post" from some of my favorite bloggers and it's a recipe or the entire post is dedicated to an invitation design.  Not that I don't appreciate a scrumptious meal that I can whip up in under 20 minutes or that your party theme is super adorable 

but gahhh you're killin' me smalls!

We follow lifestyle blogs, or at least I do, because you've invited us into a very intimate part of you- your perspective of your life.  Your ups and downs, glimpses of your partner and families, the things you're reading, heck, even the cleaning products you use. I miss the spontaneity.  I love Instagram, and I follow many bloggers through that social media.  The worst is when they say, I'm saving this for a post next week. Post, share, and let us envy you now versus in seven days. Where's the fun in that? ;)

We want the stories, so make them good.

In fact, your stories are already good...just keep posting.

\\\ back to our regularly scheduled blog post ///

 Rants, Raves, & Reviews

RANTS

I saw this on Pinterest

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it or how to accurately verbalize this, but I don't like it.

I'm a follower of Christ and something about this specific message rubs me the wrong way.

Honestly, I think it has something to do with how during this entire election season, one political party seemed to be using religious zealotry against a very politically divided country.  Mud slinging was occurring non-stop (from both parties) and I saw this message weeks later, 

after the election results occurred and that in itself also puts a bad taste in my mouth.

I don't consider myself all that religious but I do follow the teachings of Christ.

I know it sounds contradictory but I love God, I'm just not a huge fan of many of his followers.

He cared about everyone and forgave the outcasts of society and 

died for everyone's sins so that we could all be forgiven.

I don't feel comfortable associating him with the horrible things 

said and that still occur post-election season.  Post-election, people (not everyone) have been rude and to me seem very un-Christian-like.

I understand that not everyone may feel the same about this, but if you choose to comment, please keep it considerate, with thoughtful commentary.

But to switch up the bad vibes, let's head on over to my  

RAVES 

 cuz I found this totally amazing blog 

that has this link-up called, "Let's Get Praisy."

Jami Nato relates Bible verses to rap and pop song lyrics.

Say whaaat?

chyeaa and I absolutely love it!

Source: Jami Nato, The Nato's

Now everytime I hear these songs, I think of different Bible verses and I think that is awesome!

It's innovative, fun, and makes me want to teach CCD to high school students.

Well maybe not that far, unless they let me use the wisdom of Jami Nato.

You can find more links on her blog.  I need to contribute something- oh you fancy, huh?

I've also been dying to read a few books.  The first is Gone Girl and I have been seeing mad reviews for this novel and have yet to click purchase for Kindle.  I need to make the commitment.  The constantly mentioned plot's twists and turns are driving me to read this every single time I see it, either at Target or on Amazon.  I've also been wanting to read Junot Diaz's, This is How You Lose Her.  People are starting to quote it and saying it gives a realistic look on love (it is a fictional story, however).  I'm also interested in The Round House, which has been featured on Oprah's reading list throughout numerous magazines and e-mail lists (I get them all).  On a sidenote, I'm sort of obsessed with Oprah, I mean who wouldn't want to be the best gift-giver on the planet?  Last, but not least, I love the Young House Love blog! What an adorable family!  They've just come out with their first book and I've been all over their Instagram feed as they go to their first book signings.  I just love the vibe that family gives, they're awesome people.

 

Now that it's officially past Black Friday and as you saw in my last post about my home decor for the holidays, we finally were able to put lights up!  I love love love the holiday season and I am so excited to be able to spend this year's Christmas season with my husband.  Afghanistan will not have him this year, although that is not the case for many, so please have our service members in your thoughts this holiday season.  With my husband in tow, I am glad to be starting some of my favorite traditions, including Starbucks holiday drinks, Christmas music while driving to work, admiring holiday lights, finding the perfect Christmas present, watching holiday movies and so much more!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!