December 13th, 2009 I started this blog. 11 years in this space. That’s so crazy to me. I joke that it’s still my longest relationship. I didn’t meet Andrew until around year 3. Today I wanted to do some reflecting on 11 years of blogging and how I feel about it. Stay tuned for a giveaway at the bottom of this post!
Reflecting on 11 years…
So when I started blogging this space looked VERY different. It was just a lot of ordinary girls like me sharing their days. I think in some ways it still has that aspect but it’s different now. It’s more business-focused instead of just doing it for fun. I am so glad I started when I did because I love that there was no pressure.
I never thought this was something that could be a career. In fact that I vividly remember at the first blog conference I went to say I didn’t need to go to the business track because this wasn’t a business.
I have met some truly incredible people because of this blog and gotten to go on some amazing trips. I have worked with dream brands and had amazing opportunities. I feel so thankful every day that this is what I do. I love what I do and it never feels like “work.” I am so grateful that I get to be home every day with my babies, and take Liam to school, and see all of Charlotte’s firsts. It is so important for me to be present with them.
A few lessons I have learned:
Comparison truly is the thief of joy.
You don’t have to do things just because everyone else is.
There is no one right or wrong way to do this. There is no road map.
You do NOT have to be a fashion blogger to be successful.
It’s OK to ask for help. In fact, ASK for help! Not everyone can do everything alone.
There is no right or wrong way to be private. Share as much or as little as YOU feel comfortable with.
Do not settle. If a brand is not right for you, don’t sell out.
Work hard, and be nice.
Thank you all so much for reading no matter if it’s been one month or 11 years. I am so grateful to all of you!
Now for the giveaway. There is a widget below to enter on. I am giving away a $100 gift card to Amazon! I will select the winner, announce, and email in a week! Good luck!
Congratulations on 11 years! I happened upon your blog and start my morning with your posts. All your posts are well done, informative, genuine, and inspirational (working out 6 days a week makes you my hero!). Keep doing what you’re doing! Here’s to 11 more years? 🙂
It is always amazing how time flies. I often look back on when I first started my journey into the life I have created for myself now and think, “Wow! I have come a long way and I am proud.” Thank you for sharing your lessons with us as many can learn from them even if they are far into their journey. Hard work definitely pays off!
I’m so happy for you! Eleven years is truly an incredible accomplishment and I hope to see that myself one day. I’m just over five years into my blogging career (though I started it with the goal of it being a job) and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. SUPER challenging sometimes, but also totally rewarding! What a great giveaway you’re hosting in celebration!
Congrats on 11 years! That’s amazing and you’ve learned so much in that time. I’ve learned a lot of similar lessons, too. It’s always nice to be able to earn an income doing what you love.
Congratulations on 11 years, that’s amazing and a fantastic accomplishment. I really like your tip of there not being one way to do this, it’s so easy to get caught up in the shoulds, but I believe if you write what you believe in it will hopefully help someone else. Congratulations again and I look forward to reading more posts.
Wow what a journey, 11 years! That so incredible. I think reflecting back on your journey, you can see all of your growth, accomplishments, and lessons learned. These are great takeaways and advice for those who seek to start a blogging journey.
Congrats on 11 years. That’s a milestone worth celebrating. As for what I would buy with $100 amazon gift card, I would put to towards the Nintendo switch my wife has been wanting so that she can play animal crossing. She’s also never played any mario game…so deprived.
Congratulations on 11 years, that’s amazing and a fantastic accomplishment. I really like your tip of there not being one way to do this, it’s so easy to get caught up in the shoulds, but I believe if you write what you believe in it will hopefully help someone else. Congratulations again and I look forward to reading more posts.
Congratulations on 11 years! I happened upon your blog and start my morning with your posts. All your posts are well done, informative, genuine, and inspirational (working out 6 days a week makes you my hero!). Keep doing what you’re doing! Here’s to 11 more years? 🙂
I’d love to buy a new pretty comforter for my bedroom!
I would like to buy a steam mop.
I want to buy a new mechanical computer keyboard.
Wow that’s amazing you have been blogging for 11 years! I have been blogging for 4 years and loving it! These are great tips/advice!
It is always amazing how time flies. I often look back on when I first started my journey into the life I have created for myself now and think, “Wow! I have come a long way and I am proud.” Thank you for sharing your lessons with us as many can learn from them even if they are far into their journey. Hard work definitely pays off!
I’m so happy for you! Eleven years is truly an incredible accomplishment and I hope to see that myself one day. I’m just over five years into my blogging career (though I started it with the goal of it being a job) and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. SUPER challenging sometimes, but also totally rewarding! What a great giveaway you’re hosting in celebration!
Congrats on 11 years! That’s amazing and you’ve learned so much in that time. I’ve learned a lot of similar lessons, too. It’s always nice to be able to earn an income doing what you love.
Happy blogoversary! books
Congratulations on your 11th year blogging! That’s an amazing accomplishment.
Congratulations on 11 years, that’s amazing and a fantastic accomplishment. I really like your tip of there not being one way to do this, it’s so easy to get caught up in the shoulds, but I believe if you write what you believe in it will hopefully help someone else. Congratulations again and I look forward to reading more posts.
Wow what a journey, 11 years! That so incredible. I think reflecting back on your journey, you can see all of your growth, accomplishments, and lessons learned. These are great takeaways and advice for those who seek to start a blogging journey.
Contrats on 11 years of blogging and many more to come! I also admire the life lessons that you’ve listed in your post.
Wowowow Congrats on 11 years! That’s amazing!
Wow 11 years is amazing!! Congratulations 🥳
Congrats on 11 years!
I want to get a new pair of boots.
I would use it for homeschool supplies.
I have been wanting to upgrade my laptop, so I would definitely put the Amazon gift card towards part of that purchase! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would probably grab an air fryer – but would be tempted to scoop up a sweater or two!
Congrats on 11 years. That’s a milestone worth celebrating. As for what I would buy with $100 amazon gift card, I would put to towards the Nintendo switch my wife has been wanting so that she can play animal crossing. She’s also never played any mario game…so deprived.
I would buy some baking dishes.
With being pregnant and not wanting to take the kids out much due to COVID, we buy just about everything on amazon!
I would for sure go for a new coat LOL!
I want to get something fun for my little niece (:
Congrats on 11 years! That’s awesome! I would use the gift card to buy an Instant Pot. Thanks!
I would invest in a new computer mouse.
I’d buy some clothes & shoes! Thank you!
a digital camera i really need something besides my phone .
Congratulations on 11 years, that’s amazing and a fantastic accomplishment. I really like your tip of there not being one way to do this, it’s so easy to get caught up in the shoulds, but I believe if you write what you believe in it will hopefully help someone else. Congratulations again and I look forward to reading more posts.