Blogging: Connecting with your readers after a hiatus



We have all had those days. Those days when we don't feel like blogging. We say we will do it tomorrow, and tomorrow comes and still no post. This goes on longer than you realize and suddenly it's been a month. Two months. And so on.

Blogging can be a hobby for some. It can be someone's part-time job. Blogging can be your only income, if you play it right. But truth be told, just like any other "job" blogging can burn you out.

Most bloggers I know also juggle a full time job, kids, and other life responsibilities. We let this space slip for life. We become absent. We are less consistent. What does that do for our readers? For our blogging community?

Last year I was one of those bloggers. I burnt out. I tried to fit more onto my plate than I was capable of at that moment. I would come on here and tell everyone I was great and was finally getting my shit together and to expect X, Y, and Z. Bam. Crickets. I didn't follow through. I wasn't delivering my promises.

I saw the decline in my daily numbers. I was no longer generating conversation on my blog. You lost interest. I lost your trust. You didn't believe me anymore when I said I was coming out with a new series, or a fun topic on this or that. You kept coming back to my crying wolf and eventually you just got tired of me. You stopped coming.

I was upset. I wanted to blame everything but myself for this blog not doing well. Maybe people just didn't get me? Maybe I needed more posts on this or that. The reality was, I needed to step back and re-evaluate what I was doing here. I wasn't being consistent because I was losing interest in my own hobby.

Since the new year started, I have taken some steps to get back to a consistent schedule and work on getting you interested again. In the process I have come up with some great tips to help re-connect you with your readers, as well as your blogging community.

Comment, comment, comment

I cannot say this enough. When you come back from a sudden hiatus without any warning, your readers may have moved on. They may believe you are no longer blogging, so they have no reason to visit your blog.

By visiting all of your favorite blogs again, or maybe they were even your tribe in the blogging community, will alert them that you are back. Slowly they will start checking your page again. It may take some time, but the more you show interest in what they are doing, the better chance they are going to take another chance on you.

You should also be responding to your own comments in a timely manner. If people take the time to leave you a comment, you should be returning the favor by responding to them. It really makes a difference. Your reader feels valued.

Be consistent

Now that you have everyone's attention again, you MUST be consistent. Show your readers you are back for the long haul, and you have some great content to share with them. If you say you will post tomorrow, you best post tomorrow. If you can't post tomorrow, shoot out a message on social media. Let them know there was a change in plan.

I continuously told my readers I was going to do something, and then never got around to it. I'm sure that made me look like a complete brat. I was asking you to come back, and to what? No post. No explanation. Just woops I once again forgot to follow through. Riiiiiight.

Be honest

Let's be honest, life sometimes happens. If you are going to take some time away due to unforeseen circumstances, let everyone know. I know again, as a blogger, we have the right to not dive to much into our personal lives, but that doesn't mean you can't simply just say, I will be away this week. I will return next week. And that's it.

If you go the route of, "this is my blog and I can come and go as I please and do what I want", I'm going to say you certainly can, but don't expect people to stick with you. I'm not saying everyone will leave, but there are millions of blogs out there, all competing for the same people to read them over someone else. If you aren't delivering, someone else will.

I am starting to look at my blog as a business. Not in a sense that I am selling something, or making money for that matter, but as a way to remind myself to deliver. To sell my product by interacting, by being consistent, and by being honest. I'm showing up for you guys.

If you do the same, you will see people come back. You will see people who value what you are writing. They will want to read your thoughts, and will appreciate your comments. The connection comes back, and you will be back to those relationships you lost, while burning out quietly.

I really hope this helps someone out there. I know how it is to completely burn out, become very uninterested, and all together stop being involved. I am finally at a place where I can say I'm doing better. I'm working on it.

Let's be friends again?


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Dare to Dream



I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want out of life. I tend to go through waves of this. Sometimes I think about this when I am in a rut. Sometimes it just randomly pops up and makes me think. I know I am the only person who can make these things happen. I am in control of where my life goes.

I was reading over some comments on my blog this weekend, and someone pointed out my tattoo on my foot. They wanted to know what it was. It really got me thinking. The tattoo is a Kangi symbol meaning dream. I got the tattoo to remind myself to never stop dreaming 10 years ago.

As I continue to get older, as we all do, I notice myself more and more daydreaming about the things I want to do. I see clear vivid visions of what I want to do and where I want to go. Then I question myself. Why am I not doing this?

It is really interesting when you ask yourself these deep questions. You really get into a moment where you are clearly thinking this through.

Yesterday I cleaned my bathroom. I scrubbed my tub until it sparkled. Something told me I needed to do that. It then opened the door for me to take a nice relaxing bath. I soaked in a nice detoxing bath and I was able to read, and enjoy the quiet. There was a moment when I decided to put the book down and just sit.

My dreams popped up again.

It once again reminded me that you can't ever give up. Your soul is searching for happiness and these thoughts are always in the background, waiting to break through.. It helps me get motivated to stay on track for what I want.

I think I am ready to start working on these dreams again. I have taken the time to really get in touch with myself lately. I have learned what my being is craving. I am going to work hard every day to get those dreams into reality.

I can't wait to share with you all some of these dreams. I am planning to post about this soon.

What are some ways your dreams push their way into the present to jump start you to get going? I'd love to hear your thoughts.



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My first Fix.. Stitch that is

Forgive me if I'm bad at this, I am not normally game for have photos taken of me. I finally decided to take the plunge and check out Stitch Fix. I have to say, for my first "fix" I was pretty impressed. I really did like everything my stylist sent me.

I went over to my bestie's house last weekend to help her pack, (she moved away this past week, booo) and she repaid me by letting me model these clothes. I had a dream the night before of how I was going to style each piece. I hope you like it! (Yes, I know my photos are all different sizes. I am sorry about that, but this week got nuts and I didn't fix everything as good as I could....)



First up is the Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse in XLP. This shirt reminded me of summer so bad! I had to pair them with my new bright LulaRoe leggings and Target sandles. I was hoping the weather was going to be nicer than it was (It was raining and in the 40's!) but you can't make the weather do what you want, so I braved it and got this shot. I really loved this top, but I was afraid I wouldn't wear it as much as I would like. RETURNED.



Next up is this beautiful Wilco Solid Quilted Vest in XL. I really wanted to love this. It was so pretty and would go with anything. Unfortunately when I had it on it felt to bulky. I am clearly not a vest person. I paired this with some Not Your Daughter's Skinny Jeans and a pair of brown riding boots. All ready for spring.. or fall right? RETURNED 


Next up is this gorgeous teal Aiton Grommet Detail blouse in XL. I fell in love with this from the beginning. I am a sucker for blue hues and this was right up my alley. I once again paired this with my NYDJ Skinny jeans and my boots. Looking at the photo now, I wish I would have belted this at the waist. Something to try next time I wear it.. KEPT


Next up is this Hilda Printed Aline Skirt in LP. I loved the fit of this skirt. It was versatile and could be worn all year round. I paired it with this blue quarter sleeved shirt and black flats. According to my hubby, this was his favorite outfit. KEPT


Last, but certainly not least was this Mink Floral Filigree Collar Necklace. I really love this necklace, but I could not get behind the price. I could probably find something similar for a better price. It went well with my outfit and it was very light, but I am sure I can find it elsewhere for a little bit less. RETURNED.

So there you have it. My very first fix! What do you think? Did I make the right choices on what I kept? Did my stylist do a good job in your opinion? I love that she sent me petite items. That really helps a lot! I can't wait for this months box to show up!


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Challenge me March..

Here we are again. We are at the beginning of a new month. A time where we all ask for a clean slate and new chances. We often blame a month for our misfortunes. But maybe we are looking at it all wrong.

Every night we rejuvenate our bodies, thus giving us a clean slate the next day.  We just need to learn to utilize our clean slates daily and be the best person we can be.

I am asking March to challenge me rather than be better. I need to start holding myself accountable for some of the "better" I want to see.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. I was baptized Catholic but haven't much practiced since I was a little girl. Today I am going to take the challenge of Lent to make myself better.

For 40 days and 40 nights I am focusing on my health and well being. I am giving up the foods I know don't agree with me, but I continue to anger my body with. I  also going to make it a point to give everyday.

I want to feel better in my body as well as in my choices. This challenge is not for selfish intentions. If I do not take care of myself, I cannot help those around me in need.

So challenge me March. Make me stronger.

What does your March look like?


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Monday, Monday..

I haven't done one of these in awhile, so I figured I'd tell you all about my weekend! Exciting right? Let me hear those ooooh's and ahhhhhh's.

I had absolutely no plans on adulating on Saturday for the most part. I wanted to become one with my couch, but the universe had other plans for me. I wanted to do a mini photo shoot with my first ever Stitch Fix box, because I needed to send it back today. I was putting on my face, when my phone rang.

My bestie who was moving out of state for a new adventure called me in an anxious mess asking me for my help. Of course I couldn't say no to a friend in need when all I planned to do was sit on my couch. We made a deal. If she took my photos for me I would be at her disposal. It was a win/win in my book.

Here's a sneak peak of one of the photos. She did awesome, don't you agree? Make sure to tune in later this week for the full photo shoot and first impression of my first ever fix!


It was a bittersweet day though. This was my last time hanging out with my bestie for awhile. She is off to new things 7 hours away. Thank God for Facebook video chat right?

Next on my weekend adventure was visiting my parent's in Pennsylvania on Sunday. They got a new puppy about a month ago and I still hadn't met him. I was so excited to meet the new baby. He was everything I could of hoped for, and more.

He was tiny and cuddly and just all around cute. What's not to love. he laid perfectly in his little bed and slept for a majority of the visit, but he was very shy. My parents reassured us that he was normal a destructive little machine. Maybe we will see that next visit?

In the meantime, here is a cute photo of the little guy.


So yeah that was my exciting weekend. Don't forget to go answer my pondering question from Friday for me. I need it for an upcoming project. I promise it only takes a minute and it will be very helpful to me.


Have a great week ya'll!

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