Friday, March 11, 2011

FBFF: It Takes Time

 Good morning, Sunshines!
Today's FBFF post is about finding a balance between blogging and... well, the rest of life. This is something we all struggle with, because blogging, for most of us, is our passion and our creative outlet. Katy posed some questions that I honestly think about, daily. I was glad to answer and also wonder what everyone else will say! I have a feeling most of us are in the same boat. 
 For more information about FBFF and to see this week's participants and their answers, check out Katy's blog, Modly Chic

I also want to shout from the rooftops, a big, resounding "THANK YOU," to my friends at The Clothes Hound, for featuring me as one of their "Real Women, Real Fashion... bloggers" today!
What an honor! 

  yellow tank: Filene's Basement (don't know the brand)
green cardigan: Old Navy
black slacks: Old Navy
herringbone peep-toe heels: Predictions, via Whitney
belt: J.Crew, via Whitney
drop earrings: House of Harlow, giveaway prize from Walk of Fashion!

{one}
When it comes to prioritizing your life, in what place does blogging fall? 
  Blogging probably comes higher on the list of my priorities than it should, honestly. I spend a lot of time and energy thinking about posts, doing photos, editing, posting, and trying my very best to stay in contact with my readers, as well as with the writers of blogs that I follow. Being a mom, a wife, working full time, and blogging are my top four most important things. The first two are in order. The second two might not be... That's up for you to decide.

{two}
We all wish we had more free time to dedicate to blogging and all it entails. What are your tricks for taking advantage of the time you do have to be as productive as possible? 
 Well, my husband works nights, so after I put my daughter to bed and while he's at work, I choose my outfits and organize my closet in such a way that I can grab an entire outfit in the morning. My husband takes my photos on the way to work and if he's not off that morning, I take them before I leave the house. I (usually) post to my blog first thing in the morning, when I get to work. Shh (and for all of you who work with me- it's not like you didn't know! ;) ) ... Staying in touch with everyone is the most difficult and time consuming part of blogging, but it's also the most rewarding. And that, my friends, is why everyone needs a smart phone. My iPhone keeps me in touch via facebook, twitter, and email, at all times!


{three}
Have you discovered any short-cuts that makes blogging easier or more time efficient? 
Is there really a valid short-cut to doing something and doing it well?

{four}
Do you have an editorial calendar or something similar that helps you plan ahead? 
I don't, but it's something I've been considering. I've been coming up with a lot of on-a-whim post ideas, but I lose them before writing them down, because I usually come up with things while I'm working. If I could jot everything down on a notepad and make a calendar, I think my blog would be a lot more organized. That being said, I also really like the feel of my blog and how my writing is conversational and about what's going on, literally, right now.... or last night... or this morning. You know what I mean? I think that's what's relatable about me, so I don't want to compromise that with a bunch of tutorials or editorial pieces that aren't necessarily my style. Does that even make any sense?

I do have some how-to pieces that I'm working on, though! And don't worry- they're very me! 


{five}
If time wasn’t an issue what you would be doing on your blog/for your blog that you aren’t doing now?
Absolutely! I would be networking a heck of a lot more! I would make the time to really (and I mean REALLY) learn Photoshop. I would scout out more photo locations, learn better tripod techniques, study poses, do my makeup and hair more often (but hey, that also wouldn't really be "me," would it?). I would probably live on Twitter (or do I, already?). I would try to do more question/answers on the blog, which is something I'm trying to put together right now. So, in short, yes. Yes, I would do a lot more!

In other, very exciting, news... 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEST FRIEND!
I love you!
27's not so bad, as far as I can tell... :)  

37 comments:

  1. Hello doll..LOVE your answer to #3......my thoughts exactly!!!
    These are some of the cutest pics of you...EVER!! The flowers in your hand...the cute little updo with your hair.....gorgeous outfit...you rock Kimberly!! I saw your feature and commented of course, congrats dear friend!! You soooo deserve all the good that is happening for you right now:)
    Mwah!!!

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  2. Oh wow I love the cardigan / shirt color combo and those flowers with it. amazing. and that belt. man i'm in love.

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  3. Yep, I love you. A lot. But you already knew that!

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  4. Awww, Colleen! So many nice things! Thank you!!!

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  5. I was worried you'd think I was nuts but those were my first reactions so I thought why not write it as a comment.

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  6. I hear you on wanting an editorial calendar, but from the looks of it what you're doing is working for you. I haven't been to this part of blog land before but rest assured I will be back.

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  7. Thanks, lady! I try to make it all work. It's definitely a juggling act. And
    if from one visit, you wanna come back, I'm doing my job, right?

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  8. Kimberly - I don't think an editorial calendar and planned posts have to necessarily take away your voice and personal style. It's all about how you do it. If you are just pumping out posts to pump them out and get one up every day, pre-writing 7 or 10 at a time that is when you are going to lose the 'you' quality. But a little prior planning, can almost help your voice become clearer. - Just my thoughts on the matter. - Katy
    PS. Totally jealous that you have flowers already in your part of the world. I can't wait till that moment arrives.

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  9. I definitely see how that makes sense! The thing I like most right now, is
    that when I write and post, you see what I'm wearing right now (like you can
    really see me through your screen... although I don't work in a field of
    daffodils), and I write what's happening in the moment. I know you can plan
    and prewrite those things. I've always just gotten stressed when I think
    about doing an outfit post a few days late. You know that about me, though.
    :) I definitely want to do a calendar for ideas that I have about things
    that keep coming up! Thanks for the tips!

    xoxo

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  10. You could write down your ideas and maybe map out the posts in advance just to help keep you organized. Find what works for you!

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  11. Just as a note, I [well, sporadically, but still] use listography.com to keep up with blog posts. You can create lists for different categories and just kind of throw ideas up, then go back later and put those ideas in an order of importance if you want. Plus it's free. :)

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  12. I agree with the priority thing. When I'm not slacking and actually working on the blog it kind of takes over but hey, you have to do something for you :) Glad I found your blog through FBFF!

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  13. Love this idea, girl! Thanks! I'm going to check it out!

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  14. This is my me thing! I love having it- and it's awesome to have people that
    understand how much blogging means to all of us! Glad you found me, too! :)

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  15. How cute are you with your flowers! you're all ready for st patty's w those colors :)

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  16. I have NO IDEA what I'm gonna wear on St. Pat's! Ah! Little S, however, has
    an outfit all planned!

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  17. looks like spring in your neck of the woods! waiting for warm weather.

    Love the j.crew belt

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  18. I thought of you this morning, when I picked this belt. It's kind of preppy,
    huh? :) Spring will come your way! It's actually quite cold here... in the
    40s. But the daffodils started to bloom when it was in the 70s for a hot sec
    a few weeks ago!

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  19. Love the colors of your outfit and look so pretty with the flowers. great background.

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  20. i love these shots. its like spring is really here!

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  21. Thanks! It's waivering back and forth, down here!! I can only imagine it's
    still pretty cold where you are!

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  22. hi i love your blog! you've got some seriously amazing style :) you're wearing the prettiest colors for spring i just love it!

    i'm a new follower and would love for you to follow me too!

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  23. What a cute little prop to use those flowers! You look so cute today!

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  24. I felt badly, because there were signs, everywhere saying, "Please don't
    pick!" But the ones in my hand were already picked, in a bundle by the
    tree... couldn't let them go to waste!

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  25. Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Lisa!

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  26. I loved your answer to number 3. When you take too many short-cuts you may be sacrificing the quality of a post or blog.
    My Heart Blogged

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  27. Very cute outfit. Great answers too.

    http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/

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  28. how did we get anything done before smartphones!?! mine is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping up with my blog so we have that in common. and we've got the top knot :) isn't it such a cute alternative to a ponytail? I love the colors you used in this outfit, and the matching floral props is an adorable touch.

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  29. Great point about the smart phones, Kimberly!

    I need to learn how to photoshop too.

    Thank you for visiting my blog.

    SSG xxx

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  30. Oh wow, I think you do a pretty good job, having a job, a family, kids, your blog!
    Thank you for visiting my blog! Have a great weekend,

    Kathrine

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  31. yellow is such a great colour, it goes with your face way so good!
    I really don't understand who you can possibly do SO much - hey, it's just 24 hours, not more.

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  32. An editorial calendar?? Wow, that sounds really serious and professional babe! When you have one, can you teach me how to!

    =)

    You've got to be the blogger that I personally know (and looove) that wins so many give-aways!
    Lucky pretty girl!

    besos,

    ML

    Join the Easiest Blog Project Ever at:

    Twenty York Street

    Twenty York Street

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  33. Speaking of which...I'm behind on my blog reading but I loved your answers (your voice!) and especially your EBEW polka dots outfit -- and of course Little S's too.

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  34. LOVE the outfit!! And that belt is amazing!!

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Just like Ke$ha (minus the craziness and whatnot), YOUR LOVE is my drug!