Things I've Learned From Blogging

     Over the last 18 months, my blog has gone through a few transformations, gotten a few facelifts, and tried out some content that just didnt quite fit. Though I don't peg myself to know everything about blogging (far from it!), there sure is a badge of honor (like a girl scout 'blogging' badge!) that comes with countless trial and tribulation of pouring your own free time into something and you begin to learn a few things. I just wanted to share some ideas in my head, maybe for you, maybe to remind myself, of the things I have learned along the way.

- Have a vision and stick to it. I knew I wanted a "Lifestyle" blog from the beginning. I love blogging about every aspect of style in my life, no matter what form it manifests itself in... home decor, gardening, clothes, photography, you name it.

- Providing your own content is key. I really can't stress enough how much I enjoy seeing someone else's photos so much more then a stock photo or a photo taken from Pinterest. Don't get me wrong, inspiration posts are great. But shake it up every once in awhile!

- Be Kind. I will never understand why someone would leave anyone a mean comment. People put themselves out there, we should uplift someone not knock them down. I also know that people have asked me for advice and I choose to give it out whole heartedly. This is a community, and I want to be a part of something positive. Someone helped me in the beginning, and I want to return that favor.

- Not everything works, and thats okay. I posted recipes here before just to get measly views and even less commentary. I wasn't truly interested in writing about food and my readers could tell. I quickly realized that tt was not my forte and moved on.

- Be Authentic. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but no one wants to read the same blog twice. Be inspired but don't just outright copy someone else. It is your blog, so it should be your ideas, your words, your style.

- Make yourself accessible to your readers. You share your life with them in your own words and photos, don't forget to connect with the people who make your blog a success. Return emails, reply to tweets, leave comments on other blogs, it really makes a difference!!!

- The only person you are competing with is yourself. I know I feel so guilty if I don't respond to emails right away, if I haven't taken photos for awhile, or if I don't have new content ready for the blog. And on the other hand, I feel silly if I am not wearing the newest trend or posting about having the 'best day ever.' And really, I don't think anyone stresses or cares about that but me. I have to take a step back sometimes and allow myself to live my life, and be myself, and then the creativity flows a lot more naturally.

- It's okay to say 'No'. I have had companies approach me to try things out or host giveaways, and sometimes I just had to say no. I want to be authentic and be able to really get behind something I am putting the effort into. I am never going to push a product that I don't honestly believe in or care for, regardless if I have to have zero sponsors one month. It is okay to feel an opportunity isn't quite right, and you are not rude or mean to say no.

- Constantly learn. I am always learning about new ways to edit photos, html codes, new websites and tricks to make my blog better. And I have fun doing it! Blogging is so much more then just "a blog". Some days I feel like a writer, graphic designer, photographer, editor, stylist, you name it. Don't under estimate what you can do, and what you can learn to do!