The weird thing about blogging is that it is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because I’ve met some of my dearest friends via my blog but is also a curse. It’s a curse because I’m always balancing on a thin tight rope of “is this going to offend someone I care about” or ”is this going to embarrass my children someday” or “OMG, I can barely take a shower and feed my kids, how will I update my blog.”
I started Baby Gators Den three years ago as a way to keep my family informed of the exciting life of nine-week-old Jackson. Since then, it has developed into a living baby family book. My kids have pitifully filled-out baby books, but I hope they can always turn to this form of writing to see our story. When I was a little girl, I loved reading my great-grandmother’s journal or poring over her old photographs. I hope that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to do this with my blog. I plan on printing it into a book form someday for a hard copy, but that day will probably be far away since I am *just barely* keeping my head above water with life and mothering in general.
Another aspect of blogging that I find hard to balance is the review/giveaway aspect. There is an entire niche of bloggers who proudly wear the title of review/giveaway blogger and while I think it’s great for them, still I’m trying to find a way to keep this blog about my family without morphing into a Joanna’s version of Oprah’s Favorite Things. I enjoy working with companies whose products I adore, so I only work with the ones that I use on a regular basis or feel my readers would also love. What I’m trying to say is I’m working on a way to keep my blog’s identity while sharing my favorite things with all of you.
Do you read any blogs that balance that aspect of blogging well? Thanks for letting me know, I’d love to check them out!
Well I think you balance it very well!!
melissa at filling our bucket recently wrote Heart disease is silent, know your numbers.
Oh yes, I know this struggle very well. As a newish blogger trying to grow my blog into something more, I am trying to figure out what hat ‘more’ is!! I don’t want to do a ton of reviews and giveaways. My blog is the story of me, of me, my family, and our adventures in life. It’s also a place for me to write — just write. In my opinion, I think you do a great job balancing — the content, the frequency. Keep up the good work girl!
Michele C. recently wrote A Very Special Valentine
You have the right mind set regarding balancing the content.
I think you do a fantastic job at balancing your content. Personally, I think three regular posts to one giveaway/review post is a nice balance.
I also think you do a really nice job balancing it all. I love reading your blog because I know I’ll mostly get stories about your personal life and family, and I enjoy those the most! And I know that the products you endorse are great ones, because you truly love them. I feel like I approach it the same way- I only want to write reviews or host giveaways that I can really stand behind and it’s just too much of a chore (and bore) to do otherwise. You’re balancing it all very well, mama!
jen recently wrote Thankful Thursday- Snow Edition
You balance it great! I am focusing more on personal posts- at least a few a week. In December, I resolved to myself that I want my blog to be an outlet for my writing and that was getting away from me for awhile. I love your blog:)
I couldn’t agree more! I am totally in the same boat. I think you do an excellent job balancing both! I think we all just have to trust our guts . .. we know when we’re starting to lean more one way than the other.