Chit Chat: Making Time For Blogging

Last Friday I talked briefly about how busy this summer has been. While the busy days have been great and Jessica and I have been really enjoying our fun summer it has meant that we haven't been spending as much time blogging. It seems like we have barely been home this summer and when we are home many of our days have been spent entertaining friends or engaged in other hobbies we have picked up this summer.

We hadn't planned for our blog content to be so intermittent this summer but with our plates full something had to give. While normally I would have freaked out (I am kind of a Type A) by our lack of posts and by our lack of a regular blogging schedule, during the last couple months I decided that it was best to allow ourselves to have a break. Forcing ourselves to stress out or to try to create posts when time is limited didn't seem like the right thing to do.

Anyone who has ever blogged no matter how small their blog is knows that blogging and creating content takes a lot of time. While our blog is small it is our tiny little corner of the internet and we couldn't love it more. This summer we didn't want to force ourselves to create content just to have something to post. When time doesn't allow we have decided it is better to not post instead of sharing something we are not proud of or sharing something with you that we don't truly love or believe important.

With all of this being said now that Jessica is starting school again and my work schedule is getting back to normal we hope that we get back into our regular routine of posts.

How has summer been treating you? Have you been busy also?

image via: Classy Girls Wear Pearls

What Every Blogger Needs in Their Bag

I don't know about you, but I am constantly on the go. My weeks are filled with work, preparing work things for the next day, after work meetings, and trying to squeeze in things that I like. So during the week I need to be ready in my spare moments to plan for blogging and to catch up on all of my favorite blogs. For this to happen there are certain things that I always keep in my bag. What do you always carry?



ITEM 1 // Planner: This allows me to keep track of my busy schedule, plan for upcoming events, and to help me keep my blog schedule straight. I love an actual paper planner a lot more than keeping my schedule on my phone or iPad.

ITEM 2 // iPad or Tablet: Tracy got me this iPad for Christmas and I love it. It is so much more convenient than a laptop. I use my iPad to check out my favorite blogs, read articles, and to take a break with a quick game of bejeweled or word scramble.

ITEM 3 // Magazine: I usually have a magazine or book in my bag too. When a new magazine arrives I carry that until I find time to look through it. Most of the time I have a book about something I am interested in though.

ITEM 4 // Statement Necklace and Earrings: You never know when you might need to switch up your look in just a few minutes. Adding a statement necklace or earrings can be so easy throw on and to carry in your bag. The green earrings in these photos were Kate Spade inspired that we made for less than $3 you can find the directions here.

ITEM 5 // On the Go Kit: In my bag I keep a small pouch or wristlet as my on the go kit. It carries lip stick, a roller ball perfume, tide to-go stick, lotion, floss, and a hair band. This allows me to cover a range of emergencies that could pop up throughout the day.

ITEM 6 // Notepad and Pen: I always carry these so that I can jot down ideas whenever they come to me. Most of my best ideas come at times when I am not at home at my laptop. If I don't get them down when they come, I forget them.

ITEM 7 // Snack: With how hectic my schedule has been lately, I have taken to carrying some kind of snack and a bottle of water with me. I like these Nature Valley bars.

ITEM 8 // Phone: Of course, every time I leave the house my phone goes with me. This allows me to connect with anyone that I need too. Plus I love to take pictures with my phone of the things I see while I am out.

ITEM 9 // Sunglasses: I always carry these, especially during the summer when the sun shines so brightly.

ITEM 10 // Wallet: And of course a girl needs her wallet.

Chit Chat

Have many of us forgotten the golden rule?

I was shocked recently to read so much negative criticism of certain bloggers and to hear that so many bloggers receive hurtful comments. While I typically practice "if you cannot say something nice do not say anything at all" I will admit that constructive criticism is a good thing if given privately (like via email) and respectfully. However, lately I have read a lot of content about other bloggers that cannot be described as anything but mean and hateful. Many of these comments went beyond discussing blog content to passing judgment on the bloggers personal lifestyle choices, personality, and even physical looks.

I understand that by blogging we do in many respects put ourselves out there but that is no reason for anyone to act behind the screen on internet anonymity to attack someone on a personal level. We are all adults and can simply choose not to read blogs we do not like without hurting feelings and spreading negativity.

I have been extremely fortunate as me and Jessica have only ever received kind, helpful, and positive comments from anyone who has taken the time to email, comment our blog, or send us a tweet. Plus, everyone in this wonderful blogging community that I have ever reached out to including most recently Jackie, Raquel, Priscila, and Victoria have been nothing but open, insightful, and encouraging. This is the attitude Jessica and I hope to extend to everyone who reaches out to us and that we hope each of you experience.

“Always show more kindness than seems necessary, because the person receiving it needs it more than you will ever know.” – Colin Powell
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A Little Blogging Business

Just a little post to take care of a tiny bit of business this morning. As I am sure many of you have heard Google Reader is coming to an end on July 1, 2013. If you have counted on Google Reader to help you keep up with your favorite blogs we recommend making the switch to Bloglovin'. You can find us here on Bloglovin'. Also, don't forget to leave us a link to where you can be found on Bloglovin'.

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