More Thoughts, Fewer Ideas

Of course, when I write about possibly stopping writing . . . I all of a sudden have so much to say. First, I wanted to extend a big thank you to those of you who sent me comments and messages on this topic. That's the reason I've continued on as long as I have. This community is so supportive and kind. I have loved "knowing" some of you for the past decade, give or take.

It seems like you guys mostly understand where I am right now with blogging. I love writing. I don't love content generation. Also, I think some of you were confused when I wrote that I like watching YouTube and Instastories more lately. I don't mean I'm considering replacing writing with these things. In my experience, putting together videos for my YouTube channel takes so much more time and energy. Writing flows. I also don't have to get dressed or put on makeup to write. I suppose I don't need to do that to record either -- but you know, vanity.

The more thought I've put into the whole situation, the more I've decided that less is definitely more. As a writer and as a reader, I think this idea holds true. A return, perhaps, to the good old days of blogging may be my thing. A 2005-style (thanks, Chrissy!) of longer or at least more poignant narratives, less often. More of my thoughts and less take-home ideas (though I'm sure bits and pieces will spark things you may want to try for yourselves). A recipe where it feels right, but not testing and tooling for recipe creation's sake.

Obviously, I'll continue to share the everyday things I'm doing. Like how we're building a glorified kiddie pool with a filter (!!!) so we won't have to continually dump and refill all summer long! (By the way, if you've wondered where I've been on social media recently -- I've been digging and leveling.)


I've always been meaning to share more about my homesteading efforts, too. I just planted our garden for the year, for example, and I'm excited to start small.  I had all these sweeping plans to be much more impressive, but -- again -- the theme this year seems to be less is more.

A longstanding goal of mine is to grow more of our own food in the backyard. I have had many missteps along the way. But instead of forcing . . . sharing my tips and tricks, I'd rather just share the chronicles. Because I actually don't know what I'm doing! I'd rather write about my observation of the pesky robins and other birds who jump the fence I took a good hour erecting. They laugh in my face as they nosh on the would-be eggplants and peppers.


Somehow when I inserted that last image, it deleted the rest of what I had written. Several paragraphs. Fail. So, I mostly wanted to say that I appreciate there are some of you who still read blogs. Already, writing in this more narrative style versus TIPS and DIY THIS and PIN ME! It's just easier. It suits me more in this stage of life.

So, if you'll keep reading . . . I'd love to keep at it in this way. And if you read blogs that are in this style, please share them with me. I'd love to get back to more reading, too.

Let's begin this resurgence of old-school blogging. I'm all in!

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Who Even Reads Blogs Anymore?

Do you guys remember when blogs were, like, the whole world? I'm talking early 2000s to maybe about 2010-2011. I'd wake each morning and eagerly open my Google Reader to see who posted what, often reading for an hour or more before I officially started my day. Slowly, life started to take over. The hours I used to read became skimming or short bursts of catching up. And in more recent years, Instagram has almost completely taken over reading. I'll scroll through pretty pictures while nursing. And my new favorite activity is watching Instastories.

I'm losing steam when it comes to blogging. There are many reasons.

• I don't feel I have as much to say as I once did. I used to take on a much more expert opinion on matters. In my ripe old age of 33, I don't necessarily feel like I have much figured out anymore. Or at least I've learned to put my foot in my mouth whenever I think I finally have figured out everything. Because, ultimately, there are many ways to do things. All things.
• I don't have as much time anymore. Practically, I have to spend time where the money is, and that's freelancing for me. I make a modest living pecking out articles on medical matters. It feels much more stable than trying to hedge my bets on blogging as my main source of income. Unless you're part of a select few, blogging money isn't what it used to be. And I'm unwilling to submit myself to the sellout gods. I've experimented with sponsored stuff in the past . . . and I'm not saying I'll never take on sponsored posts again, but it's a delicate balance. Most people don't do it well.
• People just aren't reading as much anymore. I have a good number of devoted readers, and I love you guys. But it's hard to pour energy and thought into something when it just isn't reaching many people for whatever reason. There have always been hits or misses, but lately it's more misses. 
• And I think that has to do with stage of life. When I was in my twenties, I had all the time in the world to think about my fitness, eating, and personal stuff. Everything about adulting was so fresh and new and exciting. The sorts of people who are attracted to this space seem to care mostly about my journaling. My personal thoughts versus recipes, tutorials, or anything else. We know that planning the perfect birth/wedding/fitness plan/outfit isn't always feasible. That doesn't mean we don't try . . . but we'd rather read deeply personal accounts of life so we don't feel so alone. At least that's me.
• But as I've written in the past (almost a year ago, in fact), I'm conflicted about sharing too much. Because sometimes someone random will take your photos and pretend your children are actually her children. For years. You know, weird stuff like that -- and no, I don't feel like going into detail!

I don't necessarily think I'm done blogging full stop, but I may approach it in a new way. I may go down to posting just once a week with words. Once a week with photos. Something personal. Something of quality. Something that means something . . . rather than churning water trying to get the number of posts up.

And as I typed that sentence -- not meaning to be done with you guys just yet -- my teething 11-month-old baby is waking from her fitful nap. No, I don't like to blame the children. But when you deal with early wakeups, skipped naps, and overall crank for days weeks on end . . . running to the computer to come up with content isn't really what you want to do straight away. You sort of just want to stare at the wall for a minute, take a deep breath, and keep on keeping on. Or call a friend. Or your parents. Or do 10 minutes of Barre3.

I suppose I'll return with a part II. For now, I'm going to grab that apple ice teether out of the freezer and hope to goodness it does its magic.

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Weekly Digest, no. 2

/ / / / / / / / / / (NEVER)HOMEMAKER \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Easy Egg Bake (For 1) with AllWhites + Giveaway

Looking for another protein-packed breakfast option? Be sure to check out this super simple recipe using AllWhites (along with my review). Let me know what your favorite healthy fuel is for your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Chocolate Walnut Breakfast Cake

This recipe is awesome because it tastes like dessert but is healthy enough to make a balanced breakfast. Not only is this recipe vegan, but it's also refined sugar free. Seriously, you'll love this recipe. I pinky promise!

A Weighty Issue

The more I've written about my weight loss efforts, the more criticism I've received. I'm asking YOU guys if you weigh yourselves. Why or why not? And offering up my latest progress toward my 7-pound loss goal. Be sure to weigh in on this topic!

Grocery Budget: The Dollars and Cents

I have a new secret weapon for my grocery budget! I now shop almost exclusively at Aldi. If you're looking for a completely #unsponsored + unbiased view, be sure to check out this post. I was able to get the bulk of 2 weeks' worth of groceries for just $100.

Oh She Glows Cookbook // Chana Masala + #giveaway

I was excited about Angela's cookbook before there even was a cookbook to be excited about. Check out this sneak peek inside, as well as an awesome vegan recipe for a tasty Chana Masala that comes together in just over half an hour. (There's a giveaway, too!)

/ / / / / / / / / / WRITING CHAPTER THREE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Raiding My Husband's Closet

Check out the fun outfits I made by stealing clothes from Stephen's closet. I also give some tips for how to make menswear work for you (yes, YOU!). It's actually my favorite side of the store to shop. I get lots of great deals on quality clothing I'd otherwise be missing.

Stephen's 30th + Our Weekend

Yup. Stephen joined me in the age thirty club last weekend. Here are some scenes from our weekend along with a bit of a rant about winter. Sorry, I just can't keep it in anymore. I want spring!

10 Things to Never Say To Your Kids

I'm really interested to hear your take on this list. I found it on Parenting.com -- and I definitely don't agree with all of the "banned" phrases. In fact, I say/have said most of them and will likely continue to do so.

Capturing (More) Ada-Talk

It's been three months since I last shared Ada's cute toddler-speak. Some of her funniest and/or most commonly said phrases are on this list.

/ / / / / / / / / / ELSEWHERE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Winter Sport Calorie Counts

4 Ways to Eat Less Salt Without Losing Flavor

25 New Ways to Spice Up Rice

2 Juices That Are Bad For You (And 5 To Drink Instead)

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Ashley, Stephen, and Ada

Psssst: Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. More videos coming next week!

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