This was prompted by some not-so-nice things I read about myself and my family and this blog yesterday. At first I was upset. I felt misunderstood and definitely hurt. But, then I decided that I can't please everyone, so I'm not going to try. In the words of my wise friend John:
"Some people are just seagulls: They fly in, s*** on your site, and fly away. Don't pay 'em any attention."
That made me laugh when I was feeling a little sorry for myself yesterday afternoon. A lot of the comments were about the direction that this blog has taken since my blog turned into a career and I wanted to clear the air a bit and share my heart with you all. I also wanted this to be a disclosure of sorts since some of you are new here and may not know my blog from the early days. This is where I came from and where I'm going...
I started blogging nearly four years ago. Craig and I were newly('ish)weds at the time and I was having so much fun making our house a home - decorating, cooking, hostessing - that I felt inspired to start a blog. I read a few blogs at the time, but mostly I just wanted to have a place to store my inspiration and to document the projects I was doing around our house. This was my very first post a million years ago.
Back then I didn't even really know blogs were a "thing". I didn't know you could make money from a blog and I didn't realize just how large my community of fellow bloggers would become. I still remember the very first time a stranger (we later became friends!) left me a comment. I was elated, if not a little confused. I remember going to tell Craig, "Someone left me a comment on my blog today! Someone I don't even know!". And that was the beginning of something that was so much more than what I ever imagined.
So many of my closet friendships are a result of blogging. My career is a result of blogging. And a big part of my identity is tied to it. I blog because I love it. I blog because it makes me feel connected. I blog because it gives me an outlet: to vent, create or just be.
Now here comes the disclosure part - a few things you should know:
1. Sometimes I blog for love. Sometimes I blog for money. But, I'll always be honest.
While I still do love blogging, the fact is I also get paid to do this. As such, there will sometimes be sponsored posts on this blog. I will let you know when a product has been given to us or when I am being paid to write about a product, but I will always be truthful in sharing my opinions concerning said products. I get approached to share things often, but I only say yes to things that I truly like and/or use or that I think will be relevant or interesting to you guys.
Also, while this is my primary blog, I also write for Babble and Disney and as a contracted writer I have real deadlines, post minimums and traffic quotas. I typically write anywhere from 8-10 blog posts a week, not including the posts I write here or the videos I make. The schedule can be a little daunting to balance sometimes (especially with a toddler around) and as such I have to prioritize and my contracted work has to come first. I try really hard to still make sure that my presence here is strong though, because this blog really is my first love.
2. You're not always getting the full story.
I keep myself pretty open and honest on this blog, but I don't share everything, because well...the internet is forever and not every story is mine alone to share. Consider this blog a highlight reel, or a "best of" type of thing. Yes, I try to bring you doses of reality too, but no one wants to hear only downer moments. Plus, posts detailing the back and forth commentary of my husband and I bickering at each other aren't really all that interesting. Because of this you may get the idea that my life is 24/7 sunshine and roses, but I want to assure you that that is not the case. I really do have a very blessed life, but we deal with dirty laundry and snotty noses and the occasional name-calling from time to time too.
3. I can only share what I know.
Sometimes people get upset when I write posts that make it seem like I'm an expert on one thing or another (this post is a good example). I just want to set the record straight that whenever I share information about marriage or parenting or birth or health or whatever...I am sharing my personal experiences and what works for me and my family. Everyone is different and has different needs/wants/challenges, so I don't expect my tips and suggestions to work for everyone. In the words of the wise Ron Burgundy, "If you like it, you can take it, if you don't, send it right back." I also don't expect my content to be for everyone. If you don't like kids? This site probably won't be your cup of tea. This is a lifestyle blog and being a mom is a big part of my lifestyle currently. Does that mean being a mom is the only thing I have going in my life? Absolutely not. But, I love my kid so I'm going to talk about her. Maybe in another year I'll be bored of her and we can just talk about cute shoes (unlikely, though we can still talk shoes...), but until then this is who I am and what is important to me and I hope you'll understand that.
4. I am so thankful.
Professional blogging isn't something that I set out to achieve, but I would be lying if I told you it wasn't amazing getting paid to do what I love. I want you all to know that I feel so blessed be able to write my heart out every day and to have lovely readers like you actually take pause in their day to read the words I share. Sometimes it blows my mind that people actually even care, but I'm so thankful that you do. It is because you read my posts that I am able to work from home and spend so much time with my daughter. Unknowingly, by clicking on my posts both here and at Babble and Disney, you all have given me such a wonderful, priceless gift and you didn't even know it. So, thank you. Truly.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I just wanted to share what was on my heart today.
Lots of bloggy love,
Lauren
