I’m totally not sticking to my word of the year to “simplify” and I’m drowning over here… I have been up to my eyeballs with party planning, Sugar Bit trunk shows and travel for market, finalizing taxes, working on our Disney trip, juggling our family time, and I need everything to start moving in slow motion because I know I can’t keep it up much longer. Put it this way, I am waving the red flag and calling in reinforcement.
Cancer sucks… there, I said it. It has impacted way too many people around me lately, and I can’t stand hearing that word any more. Go away cancer.
Competition: why does everyone feel the need to compete so much with each other? Is it that bad to be happy for someone when they get a promotion or hit a goal or whatever it may be… empower your friends guys!!
I’ve been slacking on the skin care routine lately… so many products to use morning and at night and I am lucky if I shower daily. Basically, if I wash my face before hitting the bed, I call that a success. I know, I need to be better.
I had some “unknown” comments about sponsored content and wanted to address it head on. I get it, you don’t like a ton of sponsored posts… note taken. I will be honest and say that it is nice to work with companies on collaborations that I enjoy talking about. And yes, there sometimes is money involved which helps out in terms of blog design, updates, giveaways, etc… please don’t hold that against me, BUT having said that, I will work to make sure I’m doing a fair mix of original content and sponsored posts. Constructive criticism please. Any ideas on some fun topics you’d like me to write about or feature?
The beach is in 4 weeks and I have said for the past two months I would make it to the gym 3-4 times a week = complete fail! I’m lucky if I make it twice :/. Damn you lurking Easter candy, baby shower cookies and cupcakes and everything else I keep finding that includes sugar… and yeah that occasional champagne as well!!!
Apparently I am turning to a coffee cup collector…the more the merrier as far as I am concerned and I’m liking the way it looks in the cabinet. A little fresh change of pace for my normal, all white, type-A loving ways.
I haven’t been reading OR commenting on many blogs these past few months and I miss the connection between ladies and friends in the blogging community… hoping I can remedy that and be more present! To you blogging friends, I promise I’m paying attention, I’m just not being as “engaged”.
I need a date night out with my husband… like ASAP. We’ve been so busy with social and work and other obligations that we’ve let our monthly date night out routine go out the door. I sure do miss that one-on-one time with my Jeff. We have one coming up in a few weeks and I am counting down the days.
I get SO nervous when I post fashion features on the blog… maybe I overthink it and am too critical of myself, but I know I will never be a model, nor do I claim to be, BUT dressing up from time to time and showing off closet pieces sure beats a “normal” day!
Any confessions you’re just dying to let out???
I think your blog is great. Do what makes you happy as a blogger!
xo, Jess
blog: redwhiteandsass.blogspot.com
thank you Jess…that means a lot!!
I'd love to see a 'Day in the Life' post. I just had my second child and am always interested in seeing how other working mothers do it. I really enjoy your blog and your voice! đ
ohhh I have been wanting to do an updated day in the life post… noted and I will start working on one đ
Love you, your blog and of course SugarBit! đ
and I love you friend!
I'm a long time reader and as you mentioned I have noticed a lot of sponsored posts lately to the point where I almost unfollowed. I used to love your blog for outfit ideas that linked to the actual clothes at stores. I love you style and as a mom to two littles I don't have time to shop lately. I also love your birthday party posts with ideas I can use as my own. And house style ideas too. Basically I love your style and love getting ideas from you to use in my own life. I would love to see more of what the blog used to be!
Lindsey,
I TRULY appreciate your comment and will absolutely work to bring back more of the "good old days" blog content… it means a lot that you would be open to helping give me some constructive criticism and I hope to make it count đ
Your post yesterday with your juice on IG – you looked fabulous!!! I was sitting here in my pi's wondering if all the other Brentwood moms were that put together at 8:00AM. Still sitting here in my pi's now too! Also, thanks for offering more big girl sizes at Sugarbit! I have my eye on a few things for Evie! I LOVE this post – it is authentic and something everyone can relate to.
oh goodness gracious… heck no i don't look like that most days EVER!!!! i had an early morning meeting i had to make it to so that is why you saw the full on makeup… let's be real, right now i am sitting in my office in workout wear, no makeup, and hair in a pony… now that's the REAL workwear đ
Thank you for writing an amazing blog! Trolls will be trolls, and I enjoy reading the things that you write – so keep it up! I'd love to hear more about SugarBit and why you wanted to start a children's boutique. I love that you do it and when we finally have kids I plan on getting a whole bunch of things from there, but the why is always intriguing to me! Keep up the awesome blog! <3
you got it!!!! more Sugar Bit… funny enough, I have been hesitant to post business stuff bc I get nervous people don't want to read, but now I know đ
I love your blog! I literally visit it several times per day because I even love following all the "Blogs You Heart" too. I don't mind the sponsored posts, either — I'm grateful you don't have a million irritating popup ads and constantly playing commercials built into your design (and a lot of the time, you enlighten me to new shops and fun places I would otherwise not know about!). Favorite post varieties: your fashion posts (you have nothing to feel self-conscious about — you're approachable and real with the way you style things and I LOVE that!), your party plans and recaps (definitely reference them often while planning for my little bit or friends), your life/advice posts (everything from firing a nanny to being transparent about everyday life), and anything about how you keep up with your good friends from college/etc — especially with having a baby, it's a lot harder to maintain my relationships with couple-friends, so it's refreshing to see how other moms do it!
GREAT feedback Kelly!!!! I love so many blogs too that I sometimes get lost in them đ
Thank you for all the kind sentimenents and I appreciate your sweetness
I'm right there with you on the washing your face thing. I'm lucky if I even do it. Read…I'm a total slacker! I don't mind a sponsored post. I always love learning about new products!!
I SO need to be better about my skincare… such is life, right??
I can understand the comments about sponsored content. It seems that is what a majority of your blog is these days. I think as readers we gain a connection with bloggers when they first start out and just give us posts that are glimpses into their lives, but as time goes on and their popularity rises it almost turns into constant advertisements. Sorry if I sound harsh, I too just miss the good old days. I come back weekly hoping to find those type of posts! I hope you find a balance that works for you and your family. Best wishes!
I guess I felt like I had a good balance, but as I look back, I can see how the sponsored posts seem to fall together… I think I need to start using an editorial calendar to spread it out and I hope that helps!!
You don't sound harsh, just your perspective and I appreciate you letting me know… balance is key and I think I need to do a better job
I would love to see posts about your house cleaning routine – maybe more pictures of the inside of your house. I'm just nosy like that! Ha!
that's not nosy!!!! totally will work on it… and oh goodness, the hose cleaning routine… ummmm sweep everyday and tidy up nonstop đ
I absolutely adore your style posts and love having you introduce us to local boutiques (like The Mill- a new favorite of mine!!) I'd love to see some posts about your favorite spots in Nashville as I'm planning a girls trip there this fall đ Keep on doing you- it's fabulous!
LOVE IT!!!! there are so many new places i need to report on đ
I love your blog! It's because of you and your travels to Rosemary Beach that we booked a Gulfside trip to Inlet Beach, which is next door, last year. I fell in love with the area and we had a great trip (outside of the dumb traffic on the lone road to get to 30A and the stinging jelly fish! LOL. I also love following the blogs in your sidebar, you have great taste!! Day in the life post would sure be fun too! Us workin Momma's gotta stick together. ?
oh 30a love… i don't think i can go to any other beach now đ
day in the life post = consider it done!
As odd as it sounds I would love a post on the bunny! Is she still good with the girls, are they still loving her, is she a fairly easy pet, etc?? My daughter would LOVE a bunny and you're the only person I 'know' that has one!
that is a fantastic post idea!!!!
Carry on, Natasha! Your blog is always a fun read whether it's sponsored content or not. Hugs!
OXOX!!
I love this !!! I confess that I too am fed up with competition đ Stinking tired of women always trying to up one another. Your blog has always been my favorite and sponsored blog posts are very helpful, allowing me to learn about new products. Keep up what your doing….
good to know that the sponsored content CAN be helpful
I recently started a new skincare routine, so I've been doing a really good job the last week…I know that dedication will only last for so long, though!
keep it up!!!
I found your blog through the Five on Fridays and have enjoyed visiting it. I know some people would rather have blogs never change and stay just a narrative/diary of people's lives. I think it is wonderful that corporations have seen value in Blogs and so many Bloggers have been given opportunities to make a living or supplement their income by blogging – why would someone want blogging to take a step backwards! Carry on and I hope bigger and better opportunities are given to you and your website!
Brenda, that is so kind of you to say. I agree that I would like to document more of the "real life" stuff, but mixing in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle posts can be so much fun to get me out of my comfort zone and wearing a new "hat" of sorts đ
You're doing a great job. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
I think I'd like to see a "here's my workout" post. Maybe that will motivate me…haven't been to the gym enough lately either…sigh…
Love!! đ
me and you either friend!!! thank heavens for my 1/week trainer or else i would look like a total hot mess as we come into summer
Great real and honest confessions đ
Cancer does suck, it has affected all of us in one way or another and at almost 40, I'm working hard to prevent it as much as I can from affecting me. Health screenings next week!
I too am fed up with competition, I read blogs of so many women and I read a lot of blogs of married moms yet as a single, 39 year old, I don't feel the need to compete. I love that we're all unique.
unique = AMAZING
I just love your real self girl! You're the best for putting it all out there.
OXOX!!!! open book, always and forever
I love your fashion posts!! It's so nerve wrecking doing those… I wish I did them more. Can't wait to hear about all your trips coming up – the beach and Disney!!
i get SO scared to post… i am no typical "model" but boy do I like to play dress up
Um. Hello, I'm Erin and we are the same person. đ Seriously resonated with every single one of these confessions. Especially on the C-word, skin care routine front and fashion posts. Ugh. But on the empowerment front, YOU GO GIRL, you're doing a great job! Have an awesome weekend!
Erin, Attention to Darling
http://www.attentiontodarling.com
you are FANTASTIC and i appreciate you saying those sweet words Erin đ
Natasha- YOU. ARE. AWESOME. I've been a reader for several years now and I think you are great. My girlfiends and I love reading your blog and looking at new styles, products and your life. Seriously,'God has blessed you and will continue to do so as you are a shining light for Him!!
big hugs to you and your friends… little compliments sure do make blogging worth it!!! OXOX
Always a treat to read your blog lovely lady – and you can't always post content that is going to suit everyone! I'm with you on the "simplifying" part… Life is so crazy at the moment – all my confessions would include needing more time for me, for Jesus, for health and beauty, for eating and exercising, for kids and for my husband x
i love how you say husband last… i think mine gets thrown to the bottom of the totem pole here lately