Hey Yall! It's been a minute since I've talked to you all on a personal level, sharing my thoughts and what's been going on with me lately.
First off, let's talk about how business is going for me.
That Blog Life
2018 has been good for me so far. Still, this blog has been able for me to work from home full-time without needing to take on an outside job. I think the reason for my success is because I started at the right time before all the saturation. Also, before brands found value in bloggers, so there weren't any sponsorships and brand ambassador opportunities when I started back in 2008.
Honestly, I'm grateful for not following in the trap of hustling so hard to make a buck from these brands; it's like a never-ending cutthroat battle trying to make money with them. Me, I just sit my butt on the sidelines while I'm earning money through affiliate marketing. Thank goodness I started through the affiliate program era when it began gaining popularity. Yes, it takes years before you see the fruits of your labor, but it's worth it, in the end, trust me!
Since my income is passive, meaning, I earn money throughout the day and night, I feel my life has been nothing more than a bore. As if I'm retired, and my life is just passing me by.
Blogging can be so isolating, spending the majority of my time in the house writing, picture taking, on social media, and so on.
I was speaking to Mr. M about how bored I'm becoming with blogging, thinking of taking on a part-time job. But he had to snap me back into reality about the reason why I blog as a career in the first place, to be full-on for our family, being able to attend events, and being able to travel whenever I want to.
Yeah, he got a point. But, I need a hobby or something. My girls are not babies; they're almost teens, so they don't need me as much as they use too. Thus, the majority of my time has been spent in my house by myself during the day. Blogging has been a blessing for all of us; I just got to keep on keeping on with it even though I'm a bit of an extrovert wanting to be around people and action.
And speaking of blogging, let me tell you what got me mad recently!
So, on my personal Facebook page, I follow some of my close high school friends to keep connected with them. I have a friend (maybe that friendship faded after high school) that models as well as, dabble in a bit of blogging herself for years. What got me pissed off is her comment about influencers. Here she is striking her modeling pose in a t-shirt (that anyone could have made I might add) one of her entrepreneur friends created, and in her post, she said she is super proud to support her gal pal, but don't get it twisted, this is not an influencer post, she doesn't have to get paid to share what she enjoys.
She said more than that, but I gave that post the hardest eye-roll! She doesn't have to knock down others just to get her point across that she is supporting her friend for free. Good for you girl, would you like a cookie, a gold medal? Seriously, if a blogger chooses to get paid to advertise a brand's product, so be it! She is a blogger her damn self, and I see her promoting products too, and that's fine she may not be getting paid, but don't knock other peoples' hustle down! Has she checked out the influencer industry lately? Brands are turning their marketing dollars to influencers because they have the authentic following and seeing a return on their investment.
But, she's known for throwing shade and stays patting herself on the back for likes. I said my piece to her and left it at that. Sometimes, you got to leave the past in the past, and quite frankly, I haven't seen her in person for over ten years; maybe it's time to hit that unfollow button.
Why Must My Girls Grow Up?
Parenting is getting harder and harder y'all! With my girls becoming teenagers, they are both an emotional roller coaster! And having two girls at this stage going through puberty is too much! One minute they are happy go lucky, the next, crying their eyes out!
Lauren and Michelle are such opposites. Lauren, she is so nonchalant, starting to dress in dark clothing, despise cutesy pink stuff, the queen of being sarcastic. Michelle, on the other hand, is Miss Popularity, bubbly, pinktastic, must look cute everywhere she goes.
At this development stage, they are learning of what they are becoming in life, so their changes are dramatic. Why can't they be babies forever?
If you noticed, my girls, especially Lauren are not on my blog much anymore. Lauren has been stricken with puberty, causing severe acne breakouts, and also suffering eczema flair-ups, she doesn't want this stage of her life plastered all over the internet, and I respect her privacy. Michelle, she still loves being in front of the camera, she is like the selfie queen, but she has been more behind the camera helping me with my photos. I may have a future blogger/vlogger on my hands!
Eventually, my girls may fade out from my blog altogether. Already, I'm not blogging mommy stuff as much anymore, doing more of what I enjoy as my girls are getting older. It's like my blog is going through phases as well, growing along with us. It'll be more beauty, events, travel, movies, cars, red carpet coverage, money-making opportunities happening here on the blog. I hope you all don't mind and still stick around.
Social Media Will Have You Feeling Like You Ain't Got Your Life Together
Social media, what can I say, I take breaks from it often. It's like is what I see on social media, especially Instagram even real anymore? Everything is so curated, picture-perfect, making you think your life is all wrong.
I know the saying I shouldn't compare myself to others, which I try not to, but sometimes it'll get to me, making me feel like I'm never doing enough. What I've been doing lately is stepping away from social media at times, that's why I don't post on Instagram as often anymore. It's draining, time-waster, and will have my anxiety going nuts. When I do post, I do appreciate that people are still there replying back which lets me know I'm not forgotten, that it's okay to step away. Social media detoxes is a great way to cleanses and help live life uninterrupted. And when I do these detoxes, it's crazy seeing how our society is so caught up in what others are doing online. People going about their day but with their heads turned down to their cell phones, not enjoying their current moments.
I Left Him Back in 2017
I know a lot of you have been following me for awhile, so you know about my thoughts about my biological father. I regret to inform you that I decided to cut ties with him. I'm tired of feeling like he doesn't want a relationship with my girls and me. Things seemed to change with him when suddenly I started to do well financially. I think he is feeling some type of way since he wasn't apart of my success, it makes him feel guilty.
I was the one taking the 6 1/2 hour drive to see him yearly, but he doesn't make time to see us. However, he did a few times when the girls were younger. Sorry, but this is a two-way street here. And it's no excuse he can't see us since he is retired. So, I'm done trying. I'm washing my hands clean and moving on; I don't need the added stress.
Things Are Going to Change Around Here
I know, this post is loooong, but wanted to share some things about whats been going on with me. I see you all as my internet family, and enjoy sharing a piece of my life with you!
Another thing before I go. I decided to cut back on my blog postings. As the saying goes, less is more. With me posting almost every day, you all might be missing out on seeing some of my posts because as soon as I post them, they get buried within a couple of days. I haven't decided what days I'll be posting, but make sure you're on my email list so that you won't miss out.
And another thing, next week I'm going on spring break so no blog posts all week. Make sure to follow me on Instagram; I'll be updating about our trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, San Francisco, and surrounding areas. I can't believe it y'all; I'm returning home after eight years! I'm going to be a ball of emotions reminiscing about my younger years!
Great post! About sharing and venting, I feel our readers as well as social followers do follow along, because we do keep it real and honestly I don't know of any other way, nor would I want it any other way!
ReplyDeleteI feel ya about the Shade part, I do a lot of free reviews, but why should I feel bad for taking a paid review or post? I'm still me, I still will only review a product or service I or we have tried or used and believe in and I am still only going to give my honest view of something, good or bad! So that shade can go where the sun doesn't shine! lol
Have you thought about focusing on travel? I really like how you post about travel or events, you have a way of telling the story of the event or destination that brings your readers along the journey with you!
Anyway darlin, you know I love ya and grateful to know you.
Many blessings 😘
You are so sweet Missy!!! I'm truly grateful to have you as a wonderful blog buddy!
DeleteMe, I also do free reviews, majority of my reviews are free because I believe in the products I review and they're worthy of sharing. However, I also do paid reviews as well, yet still stay authentic only reviewing products that fits my lifestyle. And, I always tell the truth, never sugarcoating my reviews. You're right girl, she can stick that shade where the sun don't shine. I hate people that brings others down, to make themselves look superior.
People have been saying I should focus more on travel. The only problem I'm having is my girls are still school-aged, and it's hard to just get up and leave for a trip when I don't have someone to watch them while I'm gone. Also, I don't want to take them out of school all the time, which will start affecting their grades. As of right now, I work around their school schedule when I plan travel trips, and only go as a family. That's why I always blog about family travel. I can't wait to share about my current trip coming up! Thank you girl for your suggestion.
Thank you Missy! I appreciate you, always! Peace and blessings to you! *Kisses*
Lou, we love what you do and the valuable information you always share. Thank you for all you do. Keep being your best self. Don't worry about others... our dreams are our dreams to cherish. Have a wonderful relaxing fun trip! Blessings, From My Big Eyes 👀❤
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Janet! I appreciate all your love and support! Yes, I try not to worry about others, but when I'm sitting at home alone during the day, then I hop on social media, it make me feel as if my life is passing me by. Or, I'm not doing enough. And you're right, our dreams are ours. I needed that reminder. Thanks girl! *Kisses
DeleteI am taking a break next week also. My kids love being online but they are still young I might do some blog posts on them as they grow so I can be more intimate and have that for them to look back on. I blog 3 times a week and if i have a sponsored post I do that but I don't get sponsored posts at all much these days lol.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could blog more about my girls, but I respect their privacy and will only include them if they want to.
DeleteI'm thinking of blogging 3 days a week for now. I've been told by my followers that I'm blogging too much, so I want to slow it down and they can keep up with my blog posts.
Thank you for sharing and I want to thank you for providing information that has been instrumental in some of my blogging success, not so much in affiliate marketing, but more so in education and training of others.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy some much needed rest and kiss the girls for me! Happy Easter.
Awww thank you so much Sis! I love to be a helping hand to others. I want to see everyone succeed in their dreams!
DeleteI am so with you on the 'influencer' diss. My husband's world is PR (after a long career in journalism), which means we often get that little side eye from people we know in those industries. I've taken to just nicely pointing out that anyone in PR *not* paying attention to the value of small influencers are going to find themselves as much left in the dust as print copy editors (which is what most of them *were*). Love these folks, but objecting to what you don't understand is unhelpful. (hah, guess I wanted to rant too!) Enjoy your spring break and thanks for all you do! :)
ReplyDeleteSo true! I don't understand why some PR ignore the smaller influencers? They need to realize that the smaller ones have a closer connection with their following than big ones. Also, they are more authentic. Hopefully, these PR companies will come around and see this.
DeleteI feel you on sooo many levels Lou. I don't post on social media much even though everyone says you should. I could care less at this point. I do what feels right to me.
ReplyDeleteI've also got bored with blogging and have been exploring finding a few hobbies of my own. I need to do a post like this myself!
From my experience as my life changes so does my blog. Those that care will stay for the ride.
I will support whatever you do! :)
Thanks girl! I never listen to the outside noise telling me what I should or should not do. And you wonder why I've gone so far in my blogging career. I do me! If people care for me, they'll stick around.
DeleteYeah, I need a hobby on the side ASAP! But, with the school year coming to an end I'll be spending a lot of my time running around town with my daughters. That will keep me busy.
Thank you girl for all your love and support!
Lou,
ReplyDeleteI really hope this isn’t your goodbye post. I’ve loved reading your posts over the years and you’re one of my oldest blogging friends. My BF recently told me this year we’re coming down to GA this year and I was hoping to meet you in person once we have the dates straight. Regardless, I’m wishing for the best for you this year girl.
No way girl! I'm not going anywhere. Just slowing it down on my blog postings. I want to make sure my readers/followers aren't missing posts.
DeleteI hope we do get to meet this year, that would be awesome! You're like my first blog buddy!
Thank you girly! That truly means a lot to me! See, you know how I feel. Being at home all the time makes me become bored, I got to be around people often. All of my previous jobs I worked around people so I've gotten use to that.
ReplyDeleteHowever, right now, things are picking up when it comes to events; that'll clear some of my boredom.