Hey Yall! It's been a minute since I've talked to you all on a personal level, sharing my thoughts and what's been going on with me lately.
First off, let's talk about how business is going for me.
That Blog Life
2018 has been good for me so far. Still, this blog has been able for me to work from home full-time without needing to take on an outside job. I think the reason for my success is because I started at the right time before all the saturation. Also, before brands found value in bloggers, so there weren't any sponsorships and brand ambassador opportunities when I started back in 2008.
Honestly, I'm grateful for not following in the trap of hustling so hard to make a buck from these brands; it's like a never-ending cutthroat battle trying to make money with them. Me, I just sit my butt on the sidelines while I'm earning money through affiliate marketing. Thank goodness I started through the affiliate program era when it began gaining popularity. Yes, it takes years before you see the fruits of your labor, but it's worth it, in the end, trust me!
Since my income is passive, meaning, I earn money throughout the day and night, I feel my life has been nothing more than a bore. As if I'm retired, and my life is just passing me by.
Blogging can be so isolating, spending the majority of my time in the house writing, picture taking, on social media, and so on.
I was speaking to Mr. M about how bored I'm becoming with blogging, thinking of taking on a part-time job. But he had to snap me back into reality about the reason why I blog as a career in the first place, to be full-on for our family, being able to attend events, and being able to travel whenever I want to.
Yeah, he got a point. But, I need a hobby or something. My girls are not babies; they're almost teens, so they don't need me as much as they use too. Thus, the majority of my time has been spent in my house by myself during the day. Blogging has been a blessing for all of us; I just got to keep on keeping on with it even though I'm a bit of an extrovert wanting to be around people and action.
And speaking of blogging, let me tell you what got me mad recently!
So, on my personal Facebook page, I follow some of my close high school friends to keep connected with them. I have a friend (maybe that friendship faded after high school) that models as well as, dabble in a bit of blogging herself for years. What got me pissed off is her comment about influencers. Here she is striking her modeling pose in a t-shirt (that anyone could have made I might add) one of her entrepreneur friends created, and in her post, she said she is super proud to support her gal pal, but don't get it twisted, this is not an influencer post, she doesn't have to get paid to share what she enjoys.
She said more than that, but I gave that post the hardest eye-roll! She doesn't have to knock down others just to get her point across that she is supporting her friend for free. Good for you girl, would you like a cookie, a gold medal? Seriously, if a blogger chooses to get paid to advertise a brand's product, so be it! She is a blogger her damn self, and I see her promoting products too, and that's fine she may not be getting paid, but don't knock other peoples' hustle down! Has she checked out the influencer industry lately? Brands are turning their marketing dollars to influencers because they have the authentic following and seeing a return on their investment.
But, she's known for throwing shade and stays patting herself on the back for likes. I said my piece to her and left it at that. Sometimes, you got to leave the past in the past, and quite frankly, I haven't seen her in person for over ten years; maybe it's time to hit that unfollow button.
Why Must My Girls Grow Up?
Parenting is getting harder and harder y'all! With my girls becoming teenagers, they are both an emotional roller coaster! And having two girls at this stage going through puberty is too much! One minute they are happy go lucky, the next, crying their eyes out!
Lauren and Michelle are such opposites. Lauren, she is so nonchalant, starting to dress in dark clothing, despise cutesy pink stuff, the queen of being sarcastic. Michelle, on the other hand, is Miss Popularity, bubbly, pinktastic, must look cute everywhere she goes.
At this development stage, they are learning of what they are becoming in life, so their changes are dramatic. Why can't they be babies forever?
If you noticed, my girls, especially Lauren are not on my blog much anymore. Lauren has been stricken with puberty, causing severe acne breakouts, and also suffering eczema flair-ups, she doesn't want this stage of her life plastered all over the internet, and I respect her privacy. Michelle, she still loves being in front of the camera, she is like the selfie queen, but she has been more behind the camera helping me with my photos. I may have a future blogger/vlogger on my hands!
Eventually, my girls may fade out from my blog altogether. Already, I'm not blogging mommy stuff as much anymore, doing more of what I enjoy as my girls are getting older. It's like my blog is going through phases as well, growing along with us. It'll be more beauty, events, travel, movies, cars, red carpet coverage, money-making opportunities happening here on the blog. I hope you all don't mind and still stick around.
Social Media Will Have You Feeling Like You Ain't Got Your Life Together
Social media, what can I say, I take breaks from it often. It's like is what I see on social media, especially Instagram even real anymore? Everything is so curated, picture-perfect, making you think your life is all wrong.
I know the saying I shouldn't compare myself to others, which I try not to, but sometimes it'll get to me, making me feel like I'm never doing enough. What I've been doing lately is stepping away from social media at times, that's why I don't post on Instagram as often anymore. It's draining, time-waster, and will have my anxiety going nuts. When I do post, I do appreciate that people are still there replying back which lets me know I'm not forgotten, that it's okay to step away. Social media detoxes is a great way to cleanses and help live life uninterrupted. And when I do these detoxes, it's crazy seeing how our society is so caught up in what others are doing online. People going about their day but with their heads turned down to their cell phones, not enjoying their current moments.
I Left Him Back in 2017
I know a lot of you have been following me for awhile, so you know about my thoughts about my biological father. I regret to inform you that I decided to cut ties with him. I'm tired of feeling like he doesn't want a relationship with my girls and me. Things seemed to change with him when suddenly I started to do well financially. I think he is feeling some type of way since he wasn't apart of my success, it makes him feel guilty.
I was the one taking the 6 1/2 hour drive to see him yearly, but he doesn't make time to see us. However, he did a few times when the girls were younger. Sorry, but this is a two-way street here. And it's no excuse he can't see us since he is retired. So, I'm done trying. I'm washing my hands clean and moving on; I don't need the added stress.
Things Are Going to Change Around Here
I know, this post is loooong, but wanted to share some things about whats been going on with me. I see you all as my internet family, and enjoy sharing a piece of my life with you!
Another thing before I go. I decided to cut back on my blog postings. As the saying goes, less is more. With me posting almost every day, you all might be missing out on seeing some of my posts because as soon as I post them, they get buried within a couple of days. I haven't decided what days I'll be posting, but make sure you're on my email list so that you won't miss out.
And another thing, next week I'm going on spring break so no blog posts all week. Make sure to follow me on Instagram; I'll be updating about our trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, San Francisco, and surrounding areas. I can't believe it y'all; I'm returning home after eight years! I'm going to be a ball of emotions reminiscing about my younger years!
Talk you y'all later!
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