Can you believe it has been six months since I started this blog? Me neither. It seems like only yesterday…
I started this blog, because I wanted to write. And I thought, well, why don’t you practice doing that on a blog? And then I thought, what if I could make a successful blog? Wouldn’t that be something? Now, don’t get me wrong. My blog is nowhere near “successful.” But I guess it depends on your measurement of success. I measure it in quality of life. Writing on this blog everyday just makes me happier. I have met the loveliest people. Truly. I am so happy with that. Any time I get a personal email or a comment on a post, I feel so grateful. I cannot believe someone would take time out of their busy lives to write me or to comment. It really is awesome.
There are things I vowed to do when I started this blog:
1. Answer comments. Before I started this blog, I was a follower of other blogs. I would comment. If the blog’s author did not comment back (and the number of other comments on the post was not a lot), it would hurt my feelings.
For my own blog, I really want someone to know that I value their comments. I value them. Therefore, I will always respond to positive comments, especially with comments on a post under 50. I appreciate the time it takes someone to comment. They have to fill in more information than I do to comment back to them. I will never take that for granted.
2. Not write about random bad things going on in my life. You know, the petty fights with girlfriends, being mad at my husband, grounding kids, etc. Out of respect for the people involved. And really, who wants to read that?
3. Write a blog my kids could read. That my parents could read. Because at the end of the day, this blog is about my life. I want those people to be proud of it.
4. Not post angry.
5. Be kind.
Things I am probably doing wrong:
1. Um. A theme. Every article I have read about having a successful blog states you must focus on one subject. There is just no way I can or will ever do that. Every week, I put in one post about: Outfits, food, decorating, and littlest things. The other three days I choose whatever the heck I think sounds interesting or fun.
Randomness. I guess that is my theme.
2. Web design. This is something I keep putting off and probably will for awhile.
3. Tags. I know I am not doing these right. It is something I am working on.
Whilst I am not following the formula to have a successful blog, I am still having fun. And darnit, that is why I do this.
Goals for the next six months:
1. Continue to post daily. I like to babble on.
2. I would like to end the blog year with more viewership.
I have no idea how I am going to do that. And I will be honest, when I have a day with a lot of views, it kind of scares me. Just a little, because I know the more people who view my blog, well, there will be more people who don’t like it. And that scares me. And, yes, I will delete mean comments. Because like I said, my kids read this blog. I read this blog. My parents read this blog. I do not want the negativity in the space.
3. Continue to do giveaways. It is my favorite. It is fun to be able to show my appreciation to my readers. (There is a new one starting Tuesday.)
4. Set up an account on Etsy for my daughter and link from my blog. She is so amazing. And so talented. I think if she could sell some of her pieces of art (for her college fund), she would have more self confidence. She is awesome. Not that I am biased or anything. ; )
5. Do more Facebook posts. And when I say more, that should not be hard to do. I have been slacking. I still have not figured out this “Facebook thing.” I do not have a personal account. I am learning as I go.
Six months. Time really does fly when you are having fun.
Because, folks, I really am just flying by the seat of my pants here. A year ago, I would not let anyone take my picture. This putting myself out there, is just about the scariest thing I can imagine. But I am going to continue to do it.
Thank you so much Cassie, Lorraine, Brynne Poore, Sayaka, Gwen, Kerri, Stephen, Sarah, Auntie M, Cynthia, and Fellow Bully Fan for taking the time to comment or email me like you do! It makes my heart sing. I could not have gone on without your kindness. Thank you! Edited to add: and Debbie! How could I forget. Blame the wine! Thank you Debbie!
I also owe a tremendous amount of thanks to Roxy at Effortless Anthropologie. Without her, my blog would not get nearly the views it does. I am so very, very grateful! Thank you Roxy!
And thank you everyone who reads or stops by. And thank you for commenting. Truly. It never ever is taken for granted.
I am having a special giveaway tomorrow to commemorate six months of blogging by giving away TWO necklaces that I love! See you soon!
Also, just for fun:
My Top Ten Favorite Posts From The Last Six Months (in no particular order):
2. My friends’ favorite recipe: Chicken Pot Pie
5. I am partial to all of my posts to my children, in “Dear Children.”
6. My very first post, which I cleverly titled, “Kitchen/Family Room”
7. If there ever was a post that has all of my crazy, wacky sense of humor in one (you either “get this” or you don’t), it would be: My Crazy Obsession.
8. Ten Cents
9. My favorite outfit post: Princess Maxi Dresses
10. My favorite decorating post: Our Library Ladder
Have a great day! My giveaway begins tomorrow! See you soon! : )
Jenni!! You’ve only been blogging for 6 months? I thought it was way longer! What a success! Congratulations! Wowie zowie!
My head is spinning and I don’t know where to start… hmmm… okay – I think your theme is YOU! You are why I read your blog. Whether you are posting outfits, talking to your kids, redecorating, or any random thing – you have a distinctive, uplifting take on life – even when talking about your struggles and doubts. Your writing style is extremely engaging. Like a best friend. A best friend that you’ve had since 6th grade.
As only a 3 month old blogger I relate to a lot of what you are experiencing – I learned 2 days ago about tags. lol I am very overwhelmed with social media and panic when I get a lot of views. I am not going to stand for mean comments and plan to delete as well. I too want my blog to be a positive place that my family and friends are proud of.
I am in awe that you post everyday. I am still trying to figure out this balance and even what to blog about. It takes me forever to do a post.
Facebook has helped me with promoting certain posts and I have formed a few relationships on Twitter that have been helpful.
I would definitely set up an Etsy for your daughter. She sounds amazing. The blog about her saving the day for her brother’s school project is one I will never forget. And she did your logo, right? It’s awesome!
Your blog has been an inspiration to me! Thank you!!!
xo,cynthia
Aww… Thank you Cynthia! Your message is so so so kind. I very much appreciate it. I do try very hard to be positive. Sometimes I think I fail at that. But I have been on a personal journey this year to delete unnecessary negativity. The hard part about that journey is knowing my flaws and trying to just be better. I think I have finally found a good balance. But I used to be such a pessimist. I would find fault in so much. Then about a year and a half ago, something changed. And I just only want to see the good in things. Hmmm. Maybe I hit my head. ; )
I love your blog, too! I am telling you. Marcy is in my head. I swear I was just thinking of her this morning. You know how cats talk to flies? It is that weird clicking sound. Well, I saw a fly this morning and I thought, “Marcy would catch that!” I am all ready putting her to work!
Thank you so much! You are a sweetheart and I am so happy to have met you!
Jenni
Congratulations on your 6 months anniversary of your very successful blog. I think your blog is amazing and it is down to the points you list above. I think it is so important to answer comments if at all possible and unless you have a car crash, survive an earthquake or something really dramatic then it is best to write positive.
Every morning I wake up and wonder what cool stuff my friend Jenni was up to yesterday 🙂 even today in my amazing week in the country 🙂
I totally disregard that idea you must only blog on one subject. I always blog on random subjects. I think it is just harder if you right on different subjects. However it makes me a better writer and I think more interesting for readers.
I only got Facebook and Twitter a year ago and both are useful for your blog traffic.
I am going to end this now as my little iPod which I am writing with on holiday s hard to type on be my wifi signal comes and goes like the tide.
I can’t wait to see what the next 6 months bring 🙂
You are so nice Stephen! I was going to comment about your trip yesterday, but I thought. “Leave Stephen alone! His internet connection sucks. Don’t make him write you back until he gets home.” But then you went in wrote on my blog. Because you are just a very nice and kind man.
I wish you would have taken pictures of the antique shop! I was itching to see antiques in that small town! I bet they were so cool! You must describe the very best one to me. Pretty please. When you get back from your lovely trip.
You have always been so very supportive of me. And just a good person. That is what you are.
I hope you are having a wonderful time and that your cold has cleared up!
Jenni
Hi Jenni, I surely will as we are going back there in a day or two. I want to buy the whole stock of that shop but will settle for 1 thing.btw I saw the biggest gnome on my way here and thought of you!
Thanks for your kind words, you and your blog are doing just fine. I am going back to my seat now instead of standing in a corner holding onto a radiator to get my wifi 🙂
Oh Stephen, don’t go out of your way for me. Just, if you are there, a picture would be great. (Just don’t get in trouble). Oh! A big gnome! They just spread smiles! Thank you for sharing! : )
Have a great day tomorrow!
Jenni
I enjoy reading your blog everyday. I think you do a theme, a strong one in fact; it’s called LIFE! I relate to you on multiple levels and that is what I love about your blog. I am an Anthropologie addict, in the past year and 1/2 I have lost 50 lbs doing weight watchers and struggle with maintaining and I am a mom.
I have been reading your blog for about 4 months now and it is inspiring!
Thank you!
Hi Alissa!
First, congratulations on your weight loss! Doesn’t it just feel good? Good for you! And clothes is so much fun! Too much for me! ; )
And thank you so much for taking the time to comment and leave such a beautiful message to me. I very much appreciate it! Okay! That will be my theme! Life! I guess it is, huh? I like it! I wish you could see me now. I have decided that September will be my craft month. So rather than start on one, I started three. And now I am typing with a claw!
You are so nice! Thank you so much. If you ever need/want to discuss weight loss or are struggling, please always feel free to email me. My email is in my “About Me” page.
Thanks again! Have a great evening!
Jenni
Congratulations on 6 months of blogging! I am enjoying your posts and love your beautiful, fashionable outfits, great recipes and tips, your cool library, and of course your adorable 4 legged sidekick.
Thank you Barbara! You are so sweet! Thank you for the lovely compliments! And my four legged friends appreciate them, too. Although I often feel bad for Murphy. He does not get as much camera time. He can’t seem to sit still long enough.
I am so grateful for your readership! Thank you so much and have a beautiful evening!
Jenni
Jenni you are an inspiration keep doing what your doing….life is about imperfections and being real! So with that carry on be real and keep giving us something to be inspired about! Love you dear friend!
Thank you Kellie! I appreciate that. Especially because you are one of the most real people I know. I am thinking of you every single day. And just wishing nothing but positivity and goodness and happiness your way. You deserve it. You are so inspirational. I would love to do a blog post where you share how you used the meetings for your weight loss. Because I think there are so many people who would be inspired by you. I am.
I love you, girl!
Jenni
Jenni, I love reading your blog – you seem like such a chill kind of gal. I love your decorating (in fact it has inspired me in decorating our summer home) and your outfits. You’re cute as a button! Don’t let any negative comments bring you down; ignore the haters. Thanks for the great posts. Kara
Hi Kara! Oh my gosh! Thank you! I love that word, “chill.” And I am so flattered that my decorating inspired you. Truly. You made my night as I am standing over a hot stove cooking chili in this heat. Still in denial about this weather! ; )
Thank you for reading and for commenting. I feel so touched and grateful. Have a great rest of the week!
Jenni
I will tell you a little secret. I am/was a blog junkie. I would subscribe through Bloglovin to blogs that caught my fancy ~~ Clothing blogs, nail polish blogs, fitness blogs, cooking blogs, makeup blogs, home and decorating blogs. I found it was eating my time and making me dissatisfied with what I perceived as everyone else being able to do, spend, create, wear whatever they wanted. I unsubscribed from ALL of them months ago except your’s and my son’s. Your’s never leaves me with the “I wants” or a case of “the dissatisfieds”. I never miss a day of your blog because instead of doing those things, yours lifts me up, delights me and makes me smile. Thank you for being a part of my every day. Funny ~~ I started to write this to you several times. I am glad I didn’t as your post today was the one it belonged to.
So glad I stumbled onto you.
Brynne
Thank you Brynne. I love that you put it all into perspective. I also like that you saw something in your life and changed it. Not many people can do that. Really. That is a strong person. And I am so grateful! I really just want to be myself on this bog. And write from my heart. And also, most people have a budget. Myself included. It would be so wonderful if that were not the case. Although, I would probably be living with a house of gnomes, a zillion bulldogs and dressed in a hippie sarong. ; )
You are one of the reasons I feel so happy that I started this blog. I think you are such a nice, good person. And I am so glad to know you.
I hope you have a magical, wonderful night! Thank you! Thank you!
Jenni
Hi Jenni,
I first saw your blog name on EA a few months (?) ago, and was intrigued by it. I’m somewhat new to the blog world, and have just a few sites that I visit regularly, yours included. I felt compelled to comment (first time ever) because you exude such positive energy, and in a world where it’s so easy to be negative, I find it not only refreshing, but inspiring as well. I want to congratulate you on your blog as well as your weight loss/maintenance – that is so awesome! I recently became a full time stay at home mom myself – my youngest of two just started school full time – yay! – and it’s an adjustment after 5 years focused on mom hood. I also have been losing weight and am about 10 pounds from by goal weight. It’s hard, sure, but it also feels good to get healthy again. I look forward to reading your blog every day – I love all your outfits and photos! Thanks!!
Soo
Hi Soo! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! And thank you for reading. And for the nice words! How are you holding up with the youngest in school? I found that to be so hard. Well, I cried when both of my kids started school. But it feels like such a giant step. Congratulations on the weight loss! And ten pounds is no biggie. You can do it! It is just hard to say no to temptations (like me and Riesens and wine tonight. Who knew they still made Riesens?).
I hope you are adjusting well to both kids in school. And thank you so much for uplifting my spirits tonight!
Have a great evening, especially with two kids with an early bedtime (that is always my favorite).
Jenni
I am delurking here to say how much I enjoy your blog, and I don’t think you need a theme or to narrow down your subject matter. Your blog is you, and it’s beautiful. Also, as a blog reader, tags are not of any use to me. I guess if I am looking for a real-picture of an Anthro I remember you wearing, I might search your blog for it. but that’s about it. Thanks for all the posts!
Hi Jennifer! Delurking! I love it! Thank you so much for doing so. And your words were so nice and thoughtful. Truly! Thank you! I never know how my blog is really going over. And sometimes I feel like a bit of a dork. Which, truth be told, would be absolutely true. But knowing that you like it, well, made me so very happy!
Thank you for commenting. And for reading. And for the kind words! So very sweet!
Have a perfect Tuesday!
Jenni
Thank you so much for saying thank you to me in your entry! That was so nice. I really enjoy reading your blog. I was going to comment yesterday that I am glad I am not the only one who loses things and that my bully will lie beside NOT on her bed like Ollie did in his picture with your new green chest. I really enjoy the wide variety of topics you write about: fashion, food, decorating, book reviews, family, daily life, and your personally written short stories. I loved Happy Birthday Honey too. I look forward to reading your blog everyday and can’t wait to see what you write about next. I don’t think you need to change anything.
Oh, thank you! I have so enjoyed getting to know you these last few months. And I always appreciate your kindness.
It is also so nice to talk to a fellow bully owner, as they truly are in a class to themselves. Yes, he lays next to his bed. He also has a bed in our bedroom (which he will not touch). But I washed both of the beds and put them on top of each other in the living room. It is like an “ultimate dog bed.” He absolutely loves this! So, now he is even more spoiled, with not one dog bed, but two together.
Any time I put a pic of Ollie up I think of you! I cannot wait to post the ones I took this week! I would love if you could email me pics of your bully one day. I am kind of obsessed with the breed. : )
Have a beautiful evening! And thank you again!
Jenni
Six months – wow! Good for you. Really liked that you listed some of your favorites, I enjoyed reminiscing. Especially ‘Ten Cents’. Laughed all over again with ‘Happy Birthday Honey’ I totally enjoy your randomness, sharing your life. Great accomplishment, keep it up. Love you.
I absolutely love reading your blog Jenni!!! And I also love the fact that you (and Roxy) always make an effort to respond to your commenters. I know bloggers cant always answer each and every comment, but I think it is so rude when bloggers don’t respond to pretty much all of their commenters. You seem so down to earth. And I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your blog for the past 6 months! 🙂
Hi Sherry! Thank you so much! I very much appreciate the kind words. And I do truly always try to respond to comments and emails. It is really important to me. I try to do what is in my heart.
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a message and for reading! Have a happy Tuesday!
Jenni
Thank you Auntie M! I am always partial to posts about Grandma. I keep trying to write more, but have been too sad. Thanks for liking the birthday cake! I am tellin’ ya. I have never looked at birthday cake the same way, ever again!
Thank you for all of the support! Love you!
Jenni
This post was really timely for me because I’ve been thinking about a lot of the same things. I revamped my blog earlier this year because I was trying to compartmentalize fashion stuff from education stuff from regular everyday life stuff, and I just got bored with it. Now I just write everything all in one place. Sure, I don’t have a narrow focus or a strong theme or story, but I’m writing to document my life and loves and to share those things with other people. It’s nice to know these are things other bloggers are struggling with as well. Congrats on six months, and I hope you continue to enjoy writing and the community you’re building with your readers. 🙂
Thank you Liz! You are so sweet. That is why I wrote this post. To just say, look, what do we do with this darn formula? I think your blog is great! And I get bored reading the same stuff. I also get bored writing it. I am so glad I am not alone!
Thank you for the well wishes! Have a great day! And I am so glad to continue getting to know you!
Jenni
Jenni! I like your randomness. I like that I can never predict what you’re going to write about. I used to be kind of freaked out by the thought of sharing too much on my own blog, like “who would care”, was what I thought. And then I start talking about all the stuff that’s been happening with my play, and realise what an idiot I’ve been all along, thinking nobody would be interested in my silly life. All your comments really kept me going this past week, and I could have missed out on all that support and friendship! So yeah, I guess what I’m trying to say is, keep sharing your weirdness, we love it! 🙂
Also, my friend Marianne told me you can recommend your own posts on google + (which I always forget to do), that would be a way to get more readership. I recommend NOT getting facebook though, it’s an evil, time-sucking piece of crap. It might eat up all the time you use for blogging and writing. Just my two cents, though! 😉
And if you want your blog redesigned, remember Marianne fixed mine up all nice? I’d totally recommend her work, let me know if you want me to email you. I have no idea how much she might charge but probably not a lot, since she thinks of it as fun. 🙂
Thank you Gwen. I do love reading about what is going on in your life. You are such an interesting person. I mean, how many of us can say they are writing a play and starring in it? So, it is so cool to hear about your adventure. For me, I get tired of posing for the camera. I am not really comfortable in front of the camera, as it is. In fact, I hate getting my picture taken. So, I picked a great past time to be involved in. ; )
I checked out google + today and am completely overwhelmed. I am not tech savvy or blog savvy. I need to go back on a day when I am not feeling so manic (did I mention I started three craft projects today? And I don’t DIY. Go big!).
I will definitely keep your sweet friend in mind when I am ready to revamp my blog. If she is a friend of yours, then I know I will love her! I just am feeling very nervous about my blog right now. Which is weird and dumb. But I am second guessing everything I am doing this week.
Anyway, enough of my nonsense. Thank you so much for your tips and sweet words! Have a great Thursday!
Jenni
Happy 6 months of blogging!! Your blog is so lovely, cute and unique. I think it’s great that you are true to yourself and that your write about what you enjoy in life. It makes the blog so much more genuine!! Keep up the amazing job Jenni and I look forward to reading many many more fun post of yours!!
Thank you Sayaka! You have been so supportive! I love yourblog and I love when you include your beautiful children. I am waiting on pins and needles for your daughter and son to meet in the cafeteria. I cannot wait to hear what she says to him! : )
Have a treat day!
Jenni
Congratulations Jenni! I had no idea your blog was so young…I must have happened across it right when it was in its infancy without even knowing. I love that you started the journey with such beautiful and clear intentions and have kept them in mind. And I think it’s wonderful the way it’s challenged you in ways like having your photo taken but you’ve apparently been embracing it – feel the fear and do it anyway? I just get the feeling that you’ve grown through the experience? Here’s to the next 6 months. May they be full of interesting stories, fabulous clothes and other interesting discoveries.
XXOO
Thank you Kirsten! And yes, it has been a journey. My husband takes my pictures and I sometimes forget that other people are going to see them. So the fear is not evident until I actually start putting together the post and then I really do get sweaty palms. It is nerve racking having other people see my pictures! I feel like a dork. But it is all in fun. And hopefully, no one gets hurt! ; )
I cannot wait to share more stories and ideas. And I have so many outfits I cannot wait to put together. Thank you for being on the journey with me!
Jenni