Twenty Thirteen: Favorite Posts and Resolutions

I’ve been blogging for nine years and this was the first year I really start thinking about monetizing my blog. It’s my job and my hobby. It’s my jobby. (I probably shouldn’t blog early in the morning when I haven’t had any coffee yet, because I start making up words like jobby. Please forgive me).

I wasn’t sure where advertising would lead, and I was so hesitant to start it, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’ve made so many new friends and the money I’ve made has gone right back into my blog and supporting other bloggers—that’s a win/win in my book.

The thing is, I enjoy this. I wouldn’t still be doing this after a decade if I didn’t like it. My husband also knows how important this jobby means to me, so he scoots me off to cafes in the morning so I can get some “work” done; I’m so thankful for him. Offering advertising’s also made me get back into the swing of being
organized and structured again, which is something I’ve been longing
for. I’m loving everything about what I do now. I’ve gone over this
before, but I’m feeling more and more comfortable with my title as a
work-at-home mom (or an occasional work-at-starbucks-at-home mom).

I’m horrible at keeping resolutions—I love making and crossing off lists, but I never seem to follow through with resolutions. As far as blogging in 2014 goes, I’d love to write more engaging posts. I like the conversation that comes along with writing, and after looking at the past year I can tell that you I enjoy pressing “publish” on those real and heartfelt posts more than other filler topics. I realize I sound like a hypocrite since the last two posts were sponsored, but sometimes that can’t be helped (deadlines, holidays, etc.). What I will promise is that when there is a sponsored post, it’s something I actually want to talk about and would’ve liked to write about anyway; I also promise that I’ll always be honest—if there’s something I didn’t like about the product, I’ll tell you (like in yesterday’s post).

This month I asked my sponsors to reflect on Twenty Thirteen and share their favorite post with you. I didn’t ask for the most commented on or for the post with the most views, but rather their favorite, so I hope you’ll take a look and read what they have to say.

By the way, my favorite post from the past year would have to be the one where I shared what being a first time mom (in those early weeks) is really like.

“Favorite post of the year was this one about my son because
it so captures who he was at that age – I get a rush of emotions when I
look back at it.  But I also like this post about feminism and Christianity,
not because it was well-written or spectacular, but because I used my
voice and spoke up about something important to me.  (Isn’t it funny how
your favorite posts are not usually the most popular?”

“This is probably my favorite post, and once you’ll read it, you’ll know why.”