Blogging: the good, the bad and the ugly.

If you follow us on Instagram or read Monday’s post, you know that we just got back from the EVO Conference, where we had a great time AND learned a lot.  BIG THANKS to Cutting Edge Stencils for sponsoring these crazy twins to enjoy the trip!! LOVE THEM!!  The theme for the conference was Changing Perspectives.  Most of you, if any, aren’t aware that Kelli and I drove to the conference with the title “Blogging: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and The GOODBYE” in the back of our minds.  We were ready to QUIT blogging… until we changed our perspective.  Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Good:   There are a lot of creative bloggers out there and we have met some WONDERFUL women who have become “in real life” friends that inspire us, that we can confide in and whose friendships we cherish.  There is nothing better than meeting someone who you connect with, who shares your same passion and creatively challenges you, am I right?  We are grateful for these women!  We attended EVO ’12 last week and were able to see some of them there:

Of course the free products we receive, social opportunities and paycheck are a HUGE perk of blogging 😉

The Bad:  Blogging is time consuming.  Unfortunately there is no way around that.  Between blogging, (thinking of a project, creating it, photographing it, editing it, posting it, promoting it, linking it up) social media, (FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram) and emails, (we’re currently a week behind!) it sucks up T I M E.  Whether you admit it or not, each blogger gives up something they love in order to blog, (playing with children, catching up on a favorite show, a nap, housework, working out, giving service, studying scriptures, etc.)  Simply put, blogging is a sacrifice.  Even if you “only blog” during nap time or bedtime, think about how many times each day you are on your phone in between checking email, Instagramming or etcetera.  And hello, going to bed at a different time than your spouse isn’t healthy.  (Yep, we are each guilty of these!)

We are tired of running out of time doing the things we want to do each day but getting our blogging obligations done instead.  Even when we use our time wisely (like not getting distracted on Pinterest! Ha!) we are putting things we enjoy on the back burner- like organizing Kelli’s craft room, creating projects with the littles, finishing painting Kristi’s barstools, etc.  We are ready to change our “To Do” list to a “DONE” list!  And dad gummit, we want to casually browse blogs and to become loyal readers to our fav blogs again!  Miss that!

The Ugly:  Blogging feels like a competition. We know it’s easy to compare yourself to so-and-so’s blog, to feel left out of a series or not be included in a round-up and wonder what your project lacked to not make it in.  I love this quote we heard at EVO from Allie @ No Time For Flash Cards: “Bloggers are your community, not your competition.”  This quote helped us realize the big fat line between bloggers vs. readers.  We’ve decided to focus our projects for our readers, not fellow bloggers.  We blog because we feel like we have creative talent and want to be able to share that with others, to inspire them to try something new and go outside of their comfort zone.  Check out Christy @ Read Write Think’s version of our interchangeable frame she emailed us earlier this week:

What a compliment it was to receive her version, thanking us for the inspiration to make one!  THAT is why we blog, folks!

Still ugly:  After attending a few conferences this year we were able to meet and observe some “bigger” bloggers who were, to our surprise, not that social outside of their circle.  We took a step back and thought about how we are perceived; we sincerely hope we don’t come off unapproachable to our readers or fellow bloggers.  We were disappointed at how some wouldn’t bother with even saying hello to us and we never, ever want to come off that way.

Even uglier:  Our homes.  Okay not all the time but sometimes there is complete mayhem behind the “picture perfect” photos.  If we’ve given you that impression of us, shame on us!!-we really want you to know we’re just like you.  We have dishes in our sink some days, neglected floors and crumbs under our kid’s chairs!  Between us we have 7 kids under the age of 9, and life can be chaotic.  Although the majority of blogging occurs when the kiddo’s are asleep, it’s still a mad rush to squeeze everything in between before they wake up!  Here’s a little peek at Kellli’s craft room that NEEDS some good organization, just so you know we’re telling the truth:

The Change:  We’re going back to basics: blog to create and inspire.  To craft when we want, not when we’re expected to.  We are taking our life back!  We, like The Girl Creative Project: Inspire, will be posting if and when we are inspired to do so.  Because it’s hard enough to create a project for our blog, we will be cutting back on guest posting, if doing any at all.  We are limiting our sponsors/advertisers/giveaways to products that ONLY relate to our content.  We don’t want to junk Lolly Jane up with cheap ads or products that don’t relate to our style of blogging.  We get that there’s money to be made in blogging, and that’s great for those who are “in it to win it” and want to make bucko bucks.  That’s not us.  Our awesome hubby’s are the primary breadwinners in our households.  They go to work each week to bust their A’s and we do not want to have to answer that we “blogged” or “chatted with perfect strangers who share a love of crafting like we do” when they come home and ask how our day was.  We will no longer put our children second to blogging.  As much as we love it, it is NOT more important than them and they will NOT see us tied to our phones,

computers or immersed in our craft spaces any longer.  We are moms first while our littles are still little and will enjoy.each.moment with them.  We are SO BLESSED to stay at home with them and want to do all the fun activities we’ve pinned that look so fun!  🙂

No more link parties.  A lot of you have commented and emailed WHY we’re stopping our link parties.  (I’m not sure if it’s a new trend to NOT have a link party but we’ve heard a few bloggers mention they are stopping theirs, too.)  At the EVO conference we kept hearing “blog for YOU, not for others.”  Although our Whatcha Got Weekend party has increased our traffic and is so fun to see what everyone has been creating, it’s exhausting to create, to choose “winners” to feature (we always hated picking them because we feel bad not everyone can get featured,) posting on an already tight schedule and to maintain them each week.  To be perfectly honest, we had our link party run throughout the weekend so we didn’t have to worry about posting until Mondays but griped when it was our turn to be in charge each week. Ha!  Now you know.  Hey, YOU asked! 😉

The End ….just kidding 🙂  Feel free to browse our tutorials if you get tired of waiting for a fresh post or subscribe to our RSS Feed so you’ll know exactly when we’re posting.  We appreciate our readers SO MUCH.  This is a decision we have put a lot of thought into and although we may get looked down upon or get judged for not managing our time wisely (while trying to balance blogging, family, church, school life, etc) it is what is best for each of our families right now.  There will be a time when we can post each day but now isn’t the time.  We’ve gotta admit, though, writing this post feels so liberating!!!  LOL

Love you gals!
XOXO

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107 Comments

  1. I know this post is super old, but I found my way here through your About page. I recently started following you on Instagram and am just getting to check things out a bit here! Anyway, this post is exactly what I needed to read today. I just went three weeks without posting and every day a little voice in my head reminded me and made me feel all sorts of guilty. Yet I still avoided my blog. I had nothing to share. It gets so exhausting when you are blogging about DIY projects, which means you actually have to be working on projects! I’ve taken a little break because I realized I was so focused on projects that I wasn’t taking any time to just relax. And just this afternoon I was thinking to myself whether or not it’s worth it to continue. But I love your idea to blog when and only when the inspiration strikes. And if they means some radio silence every now and then, that’s okay! Thank you for validating my thoughts! Lol. And I can tell that your philosophy has worked out well for you. Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. So glad you’re figuring it out! Blogging has been a huge blessing to us and we are grateful for the freedom it allows us, being moms first is more important than anything else! You’re doing graet, Erica!! XO

  2. I love this post! My blog is a year and a half old..and honestly I learned more then I thought I would! it taught me that Family comes first. I won’t be able to have my blog forever, but my family will be with me forever. I don’t have a set schedule to post (shocking i know!) and when I have tried to.. my posts aren’t that good and feel rushed. I stopped blogging for a month but i totally missed it! bottom line- i needed a good balance. do what you love, what is most important and everything else just falls into place. and now i enjoy the days i have set aside for projects because i really want to do them!
    Thanks for this post! Ihopefully we can meet someday! 😉

  3. This is a really great post, this will definiently help me as I continue to post online. I felt like I didn’t get the right start so i haven’t seen good results.

  4. There’s a lot of great stuff in this post – thank you! I was beginning to wonder if I was neglecting the most important things [my hubby and two boys] by blogging. It’s a delicate balance. I’m glad I found your post!

  5. Aaaah, it’s SO stinkin’ refreshing to see other bloggers – who really DO love what they do, and their method of sharing it – say, “NO” to what’s popular, and “YES” to what’s best! It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of expectations and comparisons, not to mention the desire to please people we’ve never even met, only to allow our joy of being with our loved ones get ravaged in the process. ROCK ON!! I clearly remember the Lord laying on my heart, “your blog is here to serve you…not you to serve it”. It’s hard, and yet so freeing, to get our priorities straight! THANK YOU!

  6. This is an older post and there are a ton of comments but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading this! I love blogging but I got really frustrated with it over the summer and then debated over and over whether or not I wanted to continue. I finally came to a peace about it and decided to move forward but only on my terms. I’ve seen so many other blogs grow a lot faster than mine or seem to get big breaks but I don’t even care anymore. I started blogging as an outlet for me – and it has really helped bring me out of some funky times. Anyway, I’m going on and on, ha! Your blog is great and I like that its yours! To me it feels real and down to earth :). I’m glad you decided to continue on!! Take care ladies!

    1. Thanks, Nat! It’s hard to walk away from social media sometimes. But they’re only little once. No regrets! Who cares if you’re the #1 blog? If your family never sees you, you’re really lost your way. XOXO

  7. Wow. This post so succinctly sums up exactly what I’ve been feeling of late … the blog was started to document my diy renos to our home and has morphed into something different while my home and my life has become a disorganized mess! I’m heading off to the Southern Bloggers Conference next weekend and I’m hoping it will remind me of why I blog and get me back on track to working on my house vs. blogging for other blogs and for parties …

    Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you found your focus again.

    🙂

    Linda

  8. Great decision! It’s ok to do what you want to do. I admire that about you two. I don’t always comment because….. it is time consuming, but I did want to comment that I loved this post. (I think it is funny the part about “bigger bloggers” keeping to themselves. Almost every middle to smaller bloggers say this in the their posts and the “bigger bloggers” remain the way they are. I’m glad you are as welcoming and awesome as you are!

  9. I am so far behind !! I kept wondering why I wasnt getting updates but I never realized you switched your blog feed so i am really really far behind lol !! I love everything you guys do – but you have to do what’s best for you and your families !! 🙂

  10. Glad to hear this. It’s my first time on your blog, but blogging should be for fun, not a job! This post helps to confirm the reason that I blog is for myself and to inspire others, not for advertisers, or competition. I’m sure it didn’t start out that way, but it can get ugly fast! Regrouping is always good. Together you will continue to have a great blog, just more focused.

  11. I am just starting out as a blogger (1 year on August 28th!) but I am already aware that I am walking a tight tightrope. I work 3 days a week, paint furniture, and blog. I am tiring myself out just reading this! But I decided that I get all house work etc done first, and make sure I have time for my kids before I start dong anything “bloggy”. Very liberating indeed. Good for you and your kids AND husband will appreciate it! I bet your creativity quotient sky rockets as well!
    Well Done!

  12. I am glad you girl’s wrote this. I agree with a lot of things you said in this post too. I think it is so important not to lose sight of who we are outside of blogging, and stay true to ourselves.
    One of my biggest rewards I got by attending evo was to meet you girls and have a great time! I am so looking forward to seeing you again someday!

  13. I just found your site Today and the only thing that I’ve read so far is your Good, Bad & Ugly post. I have to say that that was enough to make me become one of your followers. Sounds like your someone (the two of you) that is trying to become “grounded” in blogland and getting priorities straight. Good for you!! Now I’m going to go browse your blog a little and await your next post, whenever that may be. Have a fabulous evening! :0)

  14. Thank you so much for your honesty. I appreciate the perspective of 2 “seasoned vets” 🙂 of the blogging world. Especially as a fairly new blogger. Getting into all the social media to try and grow a blog is not only time consuming but frustrating. I’m realizing that if I am blogging just to blog, be prepared to be uninspired my friends. Thanks for the reminder of what is really important.

  15. Well said and bravo too.I’m a photographer who has had the same thoughts about my industry and has struggled with when to blog…how to fit it all in. For years I compared myself to others who blogged more often and seemed to have it all going on. I wanted to “compete” but frankly felt stifiled by the process.
    I was asked to guest blog for another blog and did o successfully for a while until one day noticed I was spending more time trying to get their blog entry up and not my own.. I had to quit ( the guest posting) and, to everyone’s surprise , did.
    I don’t blog as much (still feel guilty about that) but now have more time to research/find DIY projects for our home. Which ultimately brought me to your blog.
    I know it’s tempting to be in the “fast lane” of the bloggers world…. But it’s true…folks like me come to find good, creative, fun, decorative ideas for that 30 minute space we have to “get it done”….
    I’d much rather see the project your extending than the busy blinking ads down the side or the shameless comments that are written for their “line of fame” just to advertise their blog.
    Bottom line… Post your beautiful work….they will come!!!
    Turn around when your little one calls your name from your office door, tell them to come and give you a hug instead of “just a minute honey..mommy is almost done” and they just might run wondering where their real mom went….. (smile aka..lol.)
    Good luck…you are doing the right thing!!!!!

  16. I completely understand. I like having a life and not being tied to my blog. I used to blog daily and sometimes multiple times a day. Not so much any more. Being tided to my computer and other gadgets? I didn’t want that for myself of my family. There may be days where you’ll miss the busy work but I’m pretty sure that more often than not you’ll wonder WHY you ever stressed yourself out over making everyone else happy.
    Good luck on your “new” lives. You deserve it.

  17. You two are awesome, and I love your perspective! That’s what it all boils down to, and you’ve said it perfectly! Good for you for standing up for what’s important to you!

  18. I love you both for writing this. I’ve been struggling with this very thing before and even after EVO. I’m sure that won’t be the end of my dilemma but at least for now I’m more focused on the passion side of things and trying to wipe up more of the crumbs blogging has created. xoxo

  19. You have definitely spoken right to the heart of things I have been struggling with lately myself. I truly support and applaud your decision and will be ready for your next post via RSS whenever you are ready to do it 🙂

  20. Well girls… all I can say is “I commend you all” for the stand you are taking. Blogging does have lots of good bads and uglies. I so appreciate your truthful brutal honesty! I know I’ll be hanging around for the long run… even when posts are scarce! I know all too well how you are feeling and am feeling the same way! Please know you have a friend here, not the competition… and I hope you know that to many of your loyal readers you never felt so big that you were unapproachable. I remember long ago I wrote you and was suprised to receive such a lovely heartfelt reply back… I knew at that moment you were not like some of the other ‘big’ bloggers! Much love to you all, craft with those kiddos… and clean up that mess! {lol, just jokin’ as my house is utter choas too}

    Luv & Hugs
    Kim

  21. Great Post! I love your blog, and totally understand where you are coming from. I love your blog mainly because of your out of this world cute projects and home decore, so I am glad you will still be doing that! Thanks for all you do!

    Carlee
    http://www.ladybirdln.com

  22. Can I tell you how beautiful this post is? It rings so true and I am so so so happy for you that you have been able to identify what makes the two of you happy and what’s important in your life. Your readers will always be here and if they’re not, their loss 🙂 I LOVED meeting you two, you were among the most memorable parts of my Evo experience. I consider you both friends and am so glad we were able to meet in person. 🙂

    1. Awww thanks, Amanda!! We truly think of you as a friend as well!! (: You were so sweet and FUN to hang with!!!-so glad we met and had a chance to get to know each other. You’re awesome! We’re thrilled with our new outlook on blogging. It’s fun but it’s not a priority!! (:

  23. Hello wonderful ladies. I was thinking about you this morning and thought I would stop by. I loved reading through this post. I love knowing their are others out there who have been feeling like me and who are acting on it. I have to tell you it has been a little liberating since I have walked away from blogging. My decision to completely stop for now has a lot of factors that physically/mentally I needed to do, but I think mentally if I could have I would have just done what you are doing. You ladies really are a constant inspiration to me. Love ya! Thank you for always being you. For being happy and kind both on your blog and in person. I want you to know that is just how you come across in both places..

  24. This is Bull! I’m kidding. That was a well written post. Now can I be completely honest? The most inspiring crafts and home decor updates are the most functional and useful (for me). Not the stuff you had to cook up just for something to post. Don’t get me wrong, I like cute seasonal stuff too but I don’t always have the budget for it. I like when folks make do with what they have and get “creative.” That’s what inspires me and why I originally started to read blogs. I do appreciate you girls “keeping it reals,” and I look forward to your “new” blog and it better be good. I’m kidding 🙂 Keep up the good work.

  25. what a great read, my friend! i too miss reading my friends blogs…a lot!!! way to do what you want to do…i am so proud of myself, haven’t even posted today, and i’m just on my little laptop reading this while i cook dinner! it’s a tough road to navigate…i just love you girls, and so grateful for my friendship with you;)

  26. Oh my gosh! I adore you guys! And I know you mentioned this at EVO and I’m so proud of you for following through! Family first, family first, family first <— I'm chanting that, in case you couldn't tell. 🙂

    Yes, post when you want, snuggle with your kids when you want, sleep with your husbands when you want (well, when HE wants, ha!), and we will all be waiting around for the next brilliant idea you two girls come up with.

    Love your guts!

  27. Thank you for this simply honest post! I feel like I need to take a step back and look at the way I have been running my blog and my life. The 2 of you are an inspiration!

  28. I have been silently following you girls since I found your blog on KT’s blog side bar like 4 years ago or something……when you sold vinyl! I love your blog and ideas! I think it’s awesome you guys are doing whats best for you and your sweet families. Keep the great projects coming!! Tairi

  29. You are absolutely right, 100% and the feelings that we feel as our blog grows should not change. I am inspired, and have held off on doing a party, now I know the reason 🙂 That is exactly why I homeschool, play with my littles, create, and try to inspire is to get away from a little bit of the craziness of the world.

    Thank you!
    Hugs, Tanya 🙂

  30. Good for you for taking your life back! Love your blog, and always will. But I love what you stand for even more 😉 *B

    1. Thanks for your support, Jenny!! We’re not stopping completely, just slowing down (:
      XOXO, Kelli and Kristi

  31. Great post! I’ve always blogged for me, so I don’t understand many of these struggles BUT I can see how easy it would be to fall into all these traps. I AM a people-pleaser, so surprisingly this is the only area that it has not touched-haha. Maybe because I know I need it as an outlet and if it became a job, I would stop enjoying it.

    It makes me sad that there is some snobbery in the blog world. That’s just ridiculous.

    I’ll miss your linky party, but totally understand your decision. Love your blog!

  32. A lot of food for thought! I agree with you on most of the things you have written. However, have you considered that many of your readers are fellow bloggers (so it’s not so easy to distinguish between them)? It’s a pity you have stopped the linky party, though =)

    1. Hi Anja, of course we’ve considered that. But most bloggers are talented crafters as well who are capable of making what we make as they also share tutorials. We love our blogging community and would love to appeal to a broader range of readers so we can inspire some non-crafters too!
      We’re happy you’ll miss our link parties, it’s nice to know you care. There are a few hundred more out there so no worries there 🙂
      xoxo, the twins

  33. Bravo to you both!! This post is a fantastic read for anyone who not only is a creative blogger, but who might be thinking of becoming a creative blogger. When I started my own blog this year, I knew I’d never be able to keep up a blogging schedule like many bloggers I admire – like you gals. I just privately knew that I’d do what I can, when I could, and not let it get in the way of my business, or my personal life, or more pointedly crafting for fun, for learning, for discovering, for me. And yet, I have felt somewhat “different” than other bloggers when I see them supposedly leading way more busy lives than I am, yet blogging daily with gorgeous rooms, gorgeous projects, gorgeous tips, and gorgeous photos. LOL Thanks to both of you for validating what I’ve tried to keep front and center in the back of my mind. (Wait…that sounds really tricky to do…) Hope you both enjoy this weekend in particular, and many weekends to come! 🙂

  34. You aint getting rid of me that easy! 😉 You should do all those things you talked about! you are on track and love you all the more for it!

  35. What a great thought process and decision. Thank you for sharing. Blogging does take a lot of time and everyone has to do what makes sense for them. It’s awesome you are making some changes so you can still blog the way that you want and have time for life. Visiting from SITS!

  36. Wow! What an eye-opener, really! I’ve been blogging for one week now and although it is fun and does fulfill some need to create and inpire I have felt that overwhelming nagging feeling that this blog is coming first over what should be coming first…..enjoying my family and living the life that Heavenly Father has blessed me with! So, where is the balance? I’m already tired of linky parties! 🙂
    Good for the both of you for being brave enough to listen to the nagging feeling and be there, really be there for your children 🙂 Good luck to you and I’ll be following along!

    1. Glad you could benefit early on, Brooke! Enjoy your littles before they’re all grown up! XO

  37. I’m glad you guys decided to do things when and how you want. At Snap I got the feeling like Kelli was burning out so I’m glad you guys found something that works. I’ve totally been through a lot of this. Feeling like the big guys won’t even say hi to any one out of their little group (you guys have ALWAYS been awesome by the way no need to worry about that). And that I’ve lost the time to actually keep up with blogs I want to. I’ve kinda had a shift over that last year that helps me too. I don’t make up the projects FOR the blog but I use the blog to help motivate me to do the projects I really want done for myself. YOu are so right that when you drop the competition approach and trade it for community it’s so much better. My blog party is a newer thing for my blog but there was something nice about being able to see so many crafts without digging around, it’s funny how for you guys it seemed to drain you but for me it gave me back the browsing that I’ve been missing. And most of all if I don’t have time the blog is the first thing that gets neglected.

    I’ll be excited for when you post and hopefully it’ll become a pleasure again instead of a nuisance!

    marissa
    http://raegunwear.blogspot.com

  38. I’m so glad there are so many wonderful gals and blogs out there doing/feeling the same way I am!
    It has been so nice to let go of the “obligation” of blogging … and just do it when I feel like it!!!
    (Although it all began because of getting pregnant and having lots of complications and all of that … it has been such a blessing!)
    Anyway … such a great post, gals!
    Love it …and love you!
    ~Bec 🙂

  39. I can’t thank you enough for posting this. I just stumbled on to your blog via looking for linky parties. I started my blog a little over a year ago purely as a goal for myself to focus on the littles in life that make it BIG. I had quit a high-profile job in order to stay home with my children. Fast forward to today and I find myself in angst when I see others’ blogs and begin to feel that I’m not doing enough or investing enough time in the other “stuff” when that is not the reason I decided to stay home with my kids. I just wrote about how my To-Do list needed to be tweaked to include the To-Do’s in my life that would REALLY matter years down the road. Thank you for the reminder that I blog for myself and my family and to focus on that vs all of the other junk. At the end of the day I’ll remember the cuddles with my kids, not the linky parties I was a part of. 🙂

  40. Thanks for this post! I haven’t been blogging very long, but have noticed the time commitment and the competition from the very beginning, and it’s been hard to convince myself that I don’t need to post every day nor compare myself to everyone else. I’ve also been hesitant about getting sponsors and affliates because it all seems to suck up time, and with a full time job, there’s not a lot of time floating around. 🙂 Thank you for being a great role model for me, and for being a blog I can aspire to be! I don’t know you girls yet, but this has made me want to be your friend! ~ChiWei

  41. This is exactly how I feel about my blog. I would love to have a paycheck and acknowledgement from it, but putting my 2 girls after blogging is NOT what I should do.

    I love to do it, but if its taking them on a playdate, or updating the blog, playing with them will have to win every time.

    I don’t like linky parties and rarely do giveaways. I feel like sacrificing my life for virtual “friends” is not what I am going for here. I want to connect and build real relationships with other crafters and bloggers, but if Im not enjoying what I am doing, then why do it.

    thank you for this post!!!

  42. As much as I love your link parties, I totally understand why you’re cutting back. Blogging IS super time consuming and I hope you find joy doing things that you didn’t have time for before! Thanks for all the great parties and I’ll still be around, a loyal follower! (-;

    1. I just recently started reading your blog and I have to say how much I have enjoyed seeing what you create and do…but now I know that I really really like you girls for you!!!! This was perfect for me to read right now. It has become easy to get caught up in the numbers and the posting and to let the family go by the wayside. Thank you so much for your honestly and the insight that you have on this!!! I loved every single word in this post!!!

  43. I just love you gals and I appreciate your honesty. As a fellow creative blogger, I totally know where you’re coming from and I applaud your convictions. I’ll still be excited when your feed shows up in my inbox!

    Big hugs!!

  44. Kristi & Kelli. I didn’t think it was possible to love you guys more…but I do. This post was amazing. And it was just what I needed. I haven’t really posted in a couple of weeks…I’ve just been trying to enjoy the summer with the monkeys…but part of me feels guilty…and I shouldn’t feel that way. My kids are what’s important…not whether I can make the coolest thing from the items at the Dollar Spot at Target. I love that you’ve taken the time to write down just what I think a whole bunch of us have been feeling as of yet. Even though my blog is nowhere near as big as LJ, I’ve still felt the pressure…I’ve still felt like I have to come up with an amazing project…I’ve still felt like I’m not good enough to do this. And that’s not good. I, too, miss reading my favorite blogs…I, too, miss being inspired by the girls I adore…I, too, want to get back to normal.
    Thank you both for being so amazing…I really think you guys are tops…
    xoxoxoxo
    Mag

  45. Hey Twinners! Your party was totally one of my faves and I’ll miss it! But you are making a great decision for yourselves and your families. I admire your honesty and I can really relate to so much you have said. Enjoy your families and your crafting! I’m relieved you are not quitting all together. The creative blogging world would NOT be the same without you two there.
    Hehe I didn’t know you guys took turns picking the features (and griped about it…I thought that was so cute of you to share!). It made me wonder if my girls will work together someday and do the same!

  46. I love it! I agree completely. This is where I am right now, feeling like I was needing to compete with others to aspire to be great like their blogs. Honestly…I’m already great in my own eyes and the whole reason I started blogging was to do something I loved, inspiring others with my creativity. My thought was that if this eventually turned in to something more on it’s own then I could possibly use it as my full time job when both kiddo’s were in school. But honestly it is exhausting, even though I adore it and love hearing that people like my ideas or creations. I have had to relax a bit over the past couple of weeks because I was getting so upset that a fellow bloggers numbers were growing faster than mine, becoming jeolous…I couldn’t figure out what her’s had to offer that mine didn’t. Honestly though I haven’t sponsored, nor do I want to charge for sponsored ad’s yet…I feel weird about it right now. Maybe someday in the future, but not yet. I figure if my content is good, and my pictures decent (let’s face it they suck most of the time cause I’m an awful photographer), and if I’m genuine then the readers will come by word of mouth. Simple. So kuddo’s to you guys for being brave and standing up putting family first!

    P.S. I truly have enjoyed that you guys are one of the few bloggers that have always taken the time to comment back when I’ve asked questions or even on instagram. I love that your local to me and it’s the same with Lil’ Luna…all three of you are genuine bloggers in my opinion that aren’t snudy and really make others feel great! Thanks for that! Hope we actually get to attend some sort of event together soon and meet!

  47. LOVE it! thanks for being so honest! i’ve recently realized i can’t do it all myself, so i’m making some changes to adjust. LOVE you ladies (though i’ve only briefly met one of you…that MUST change), LOVE your talent and your genuineness. that’s a word, right? xo, Kimberly

  48. Oh how I needed this. Such a well versed post. I have been in a turmoil so much lately over my blog. Any extra time that I have away from being a wife & mother is SUCKED into this blog of mine. I get frustrated with the endless list I have to do for it. To think of new wonderful projects, do them, take pictures of them, edit them, & blog them. It’s never ending. I feel like I have to keep up this schedule & it really is overwhelming.

  49. Love you girls and I’m proud of you for standing up for your families. I could take a lesson from you!

  50. I heart Lil’ Lolly… I mean, Lolly Jane!! You girls are awesome. You know how much I love you and can related to everything you said. I hate how competitive and crazy blogging can get, and it’s always a great reminder to blog for YOU and to focus on YOU (and your family) and not other bloggers or their successes. I’ve found that when I’m doing things for me and my family and not for others I’m always happier. And as we just talked about – family first in everything!! Love you guys!! #lillollyforever ;D

  51. Glad to see more bloggers doing stuff like this. I started because I stayed home this summer and wanted to document stuff we do and progress I make with some behavior modification stuff. I am happy that there are other bloggers saying you don’t have to put every last minute of the day into it. Your families will be great full to know that you make a sacrifice for them.

  52. Way to go guys! Thanks for continuing to be inspiring. Finding the right balance is always an issue with me and always a concern. You guys are stepping up the standards and I admire you for it. Keep it up. I’ll be stopping by no matter how often you post 🙂

  53. I love you guys(gals if you prefer)! I am not a big blogger and I have a FULL time job. I took up blogging because my life was really missing that creative outlet and some connections. It really satisifies that!!! BUT I quickly got sucked into needing to post regularly, linking up, following blog etiquette, etc., etc., etc…
    I took a month and a half off to rethink what I was doing it for. I blog when I have something. I link up when I have time. I don’t force a post just to keep something new up. I love it. My numbers have not returned to what they were but my satisfaction with blogging has increased.

    Thanks for this amazingly honest post…maybe you will be paving the way for a new era of blogging authentically!

  54. Good for you! Honestly I’ve stopped reading several blogs that have become just one big advertisement for the products they were sent and paid to advertise. Glad you guys are taking a step back and realigning your priorities. I always say 10 yrs from now I don’t want my kids to look back and say they remember mommy on her phone or the computer more than she was playing with them. Best of luck and I look forward to reading when you post!

  55. Love this…I came to that realization this summer. I am finally finishing projects around the house for ME and my family and not choosing something that will bring in numbers. I feel free!!

    Thanks for sharing this!

  56. This is the first post I have ever read from you girlies and I gotta say it…you rock! I’m a new crafty blogger in this giant blogosphere and I appreciate it when bloggers keep it real and help me to regain my perspective! Thank you! I wish I would’ve gone to EVO this year so I could’ve met you girls, I think we would make great friends!

  57. I don’t think you realize how much I super puffy {heart} you girls! I have always been drawn to your style and creativity. Plus you girls look like you’re so much fun! I feel the exact same and have really changed my perspective on blogging over the last month. I feel like I became a sahm to cherish these moments with my kids, but sadly blogging has taken over those and within my marriage. And that’s going to change!
    I’m really glad you’re not quitting because even though I don’t always take the time to comment (shame on me) I honestly love everything you create. Thank you for being so honest and inspiring. I will continue to be a loyal reader and really hope to meet the both of you someday. 🙂

  58. Love this post. Love the honesty. Love not sticking to a posting schedule (I’m going to try that). Love yall!

  59. I loved this post!!! I think it is amazing and so refreshing to hear that others get overwhelmed with blogging. I was about to start a link party in the spring, then my husband ended up in the hospital, a family member passed away, then my daughter was in the hospital.
    That was a huge way of Heavenly Father letting me know what is important in my life- my Family!! Not growing my blog.

    Way to go girls!!

  60. AMEN sista’s! Very well written…… excited to get to play with my REAL LIFE sisters even more now 🙂

    ps… 10 days until your kiddos start school kel….. which means 10 days until we get serious about your craft room!!!!!

  61. What a fantastic post! I agree that blogging is about you and not competing with others. Your ideas are inspiring and I love reading about them. Megan

  62. I LOVE YOU GIRLS and this post made me love you even more! It’s good to hear these reminders. THANK YOU! XO

  63. I absolutely love each and every sentence you wrote in this post. I am really grateful…I needed to hear it as much as it sounds like y’all needed to write it. I will be coming back to read it over and over cuz there are lots that apply to my life. You continue to inspire me…thank you!! I’m so glad y’all aren’t quitting. You sweet girls are so talented, you’ve been incredibly kind to me, and you clearly LOVE your families. Thanks for ALL the inspiration….blogging and otherwise. Looking forward to reading more when y’all are inspired to post. 🙂

  64. You know that your blog is one of my very favorites! I told you that when I met you at the QBM at Snap. My blog is no where near the size of yours, but I can TOTALLY see where you guys are coming from!! I’ve scaled way back on posting this summer, and started to wonder if I even want to keep blogging. It is time consuming, takes SO much away from family, and it does feel like a competition (I’m not really sure why tho!). I think it is awesome that you guys are taking a step back and taking your lives back! That is a decision that you will not regret, especially the taking time for your families. Good Luck, and I will look forward to the times that you do post. BTW, I think it is inspiring to see some of the bigger blogs that I read do this. (Oopsey Daisy, Sew Dang Cute Crafts, The Girl Creative/Project: Inspire, and you guys!)
    ♥ Amy @ The Happy Scraps

  65. You girls are TOO CUTE FOR WORDS!! I absolutely loved seeing & chatting it up with both of you at EVO. I think this post of yours is refreshing, honest, and real. I am excited to see what is in store for you two and I am SO glad you aren’t quitting. {Selfish me, huh!} I was just starting to get to know you! I look forward to chatting it up at future conferences… and hopefully doing fun blogging things together in the future. 🙂 XOXO, Tara {www.thedatingdivas.com}

  66. YOU GALS already know how much I love and adore you both. I thouroughly loved your post, and honesty. Seriously there wasn’t a paragraphy or word I didn’t connect with or agree with. I still stick to my guns when I say that blogging can feel very political.. who you know… who likes you.. how big you are? it really does need to be “A community, and not A competition!” however, not all will see it that way, or go that route. That all said, it still is fun to learn, and share, and meet bloggers. Its a scale … up and down. 😉 Good for you lovelies to make a decision that is best for you both. LOVE YOU TONS. jen

  67. What a great post! You put into words exactly what I think. I wish more people blogged for themselves and not for “the numbers”. I lust found your blog today (rec. by fb friend) and will def. be a new follower 🙂

  68. Oh you guys are awesome! It is great that you came back with so much perspective from EVO. I love your honesty and you have put it all out there! I can relate to so much of this. I know that many times people think, oh I can start a blog and it will be awesome but as bloggers we know the truth, it is hard, draining and down right dirty at times.

    First, I have only met Kelli and I never perceived her as not being approachable . In fact we had chatted at SNAP about an opp she was presented with and she was so kind in saying she would be happy to mention my name to the person in charge of the opp. She also didn’t hesitate when I asked her if we could have a photo together! I’m sure I seemed like a stalker, too!

    I’ve been to 6 blogging conferences and I always have walked away with the affirmation of “I am in control of my blog, my blog doesn’t control me”. Meaning I wouldn’t share a craft, recipe, project, product review etc if it wasn’t a good fit for me or relevant to my readers. I’ve also walked away with figuring out who is real in the blogging community and knowing who is “snobbish”. Unfortunately, being in a community made up of mostly women, there will always be those dividers.

    I was actually a deal blogger for years and decided that it wasn’t for me, and I got out of the realm completely because it was so time consuming and way too competitive. But I loved blogging and I have been doing CleverPinkPirate.com for less than a year and I truly am happy because it’s what I LOVE to do! It’s that old saying “do what you love and love what you do”. I still get stressed when life happens and I can’t get something fabulous up on the blog but I know family comes first.

    I think you guys have some awesome content on your blog already and I can’t wait to see more when you post.

    Hugs!

  69. I LOVE THIS POST! Sorry, not screaming at you, just really love it. My bff & I have talked a few times about how big bloggers seem to do/have it all. I know there’s messes cropped out of pictures but more than that it was the TIME management I didn’t understand. I don’t do nearly as much social media for my blog/etsy shop as others do and it was overwhelming to me. I’m glad you aren’t shutting it down but glad for you to post when you want, about what you want. Good for you both!

  70. I love this post! It really says what a lot of us are thinking, but don’t no how to say or do! I have taken this approach lately, and it has taken so much pressure away. I actually enjoy what I am doing now. For a while there, I was blogging to keep up with other blogs, and lost my passion for creating. Now, I think of blogging just the way you said it. I am not trying to impress other bloggers, I want to help normal people with not so crafty skills learn to do something that they didn’t think they could. I even started a Fan Feature Friday a few weeks ago, where I feature a non-blogger’s creations. I get so many emails from non-bloggers with pictures of crafts that they have done that they are proud of, and it feels so good to let them have the spotlight. Not a big traffic builder at all…it just feels good! Thanks so much for your honesty!

  71. I really enjoyed reading this post. I am a stay at home mom and like you my husband brings home the bacon. During these hard economic times i started my etsy store to take my love of crafting and home decor and try to bring home a little of my own bacon. during my ever constant brousing the net for craft inspiration i found the craft/diy blogger cimmunity and love it so much that i started a blog. After a few months i was diacouraged and overwelmed by the amount of work involved. I commend you for staying with it but changing yoyr priorities so the blog fits your life instead of fitting your life into your blog. I will continue to read and be inspired, and one day hope to have my own blog again.

  72. I heart you both…a lot! Bravo for this post! You rock and totally hit the nail on the head! We will be awesome & not a “big” blogger together. I love all your creations and if it makes you feel any better, I will totally show you my craft room. It looks scary! Love you!!

  73. SO PROUD of you ladies!! Seriously – great post. I’ll be sharing it through my FB page because there’s a lot of wisdom for new and “old” bloggers. I appreciate your honesty SO much! I recently resigned from my teaching career because it was taking away from my family in ways that “a job” should never interfere. Now I have more time to spend on blogging, but it’s just made me realize that I could spend all day on blogging, and that’s not my goal either!! THANKS for the challenge and the reality check – look forward to hearing from you ladies whenever you are able…and only when you’re inspired!! 🙂

  74. Wow- I loved this post. I’ve been struggling with this same thing all year, and my blog isn’t even on scale with yours. I love what you say about “blogging for YOU”. Great reminder. Thanks for adding some more great things for me to consider.

    BTW- even though I am shy, I appreciate that the few times I’ve seen you girls you’ve been friendly and welcoming to me. Wish I lived closer so I could know you better.

    I’ll be reading whenever you post 🙂

  75. Good for you guys! Honestly, I have stopped following a lot of blogs because they have become one big advertisement or the projects/crafts are just way out of my league. I miss the old days when blogs were fun to read. I like stories about peoples’ lives, what they have created, what they reused or rearranged, decorating ideas (that aren’t sponsored because I still can’t afford half the crap in those rooms). I feel like most blogs aren’t real anymore. It seems very competitive. Oh and I look forward to no more link parties. I don’t participate in them and those posts just annoy me. LOL! I look forward to anything you post!!!

  76. As someone who stayed up to 3 am working on a guest post when I’d rather of been snugglin’ with the hubby….I so get what your saying! Blogging is waaaay more time consuming than I ever imagined it would be! I love you girls & look forward to seeing your blog take a new direction. 🙂 You guys are awesome! Great post.

  77. I love your blog! I read it daily and look forward to all your updates. I’ll be sad to see you both step back and not post so much, but I understand. I know the “other” blogs you are talking about and I find that they don’t relate to me. While I still love to read them, they seem too fancy and don’t do projects that normal people can. Good luck with your blog and have fun with your kiddos (they’re the ones that really matter afterall!).

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