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... :)  

In a Broken Down Field

Have you ever had one of those days when you have so much to say that you're practically bursting at the seams, and then instead of spewing it all out, you vow silence, instead? I'm walking the fine line between those two extremes, today, and at this point, I still don't know which way I'm going to fall. 

What I will say, however, is that I received my girl scout cookies this morning and the Girl Scouts of America decided to change my FAVORITE cookie's name from "Samoas" to "Caramel deLights." My heart hurts. I'm frustrated with mind-changing after such a good run!

Well, looky there... I said everything I needed to say about the cookies and otherwise.

We had a nice weekend. Plans got changed, but it ended up working out pretty nicely! Husband and I took Little S. to the park on Friday evening and she was VERY upset to leave after what we parentals viewed as a "near death experience." Envision it: One adorable todder, running freely toward the swing sets. Two 10-ish year-old girls swinging high into the sky, pumping their legs like nobody's business. Toddler's head being approximately 2 inches from getting knocked out. Fother mucker, my heart... MY.HEART. Husband's heart. And the girl's mom? She acted like we were horrendous parents for not catching Little S. before she could have gotten to the swing set. Really, woman? Really? Your bum is over there, knitting, on a wooden bench, and we're running and screaming toward the swings. What is wrong with this picture?

*****

Welp, Husband found an awesome location, again. What can I say?

I'm blessed with a talented man.

navy cotton dress: Old Navy (gifted by Rochelle)

grey ruffle trim cardi: New York & Company

cork wedge sandals: SBICCA of California, via Ross

hand-painted Hatteras Lighthouse necklace: Tuckoo & Moo Cow

I'm looking at the beautiful wild daffodils, blooming out of such a broken down place.
It's truly a capture of how beauty can rise from the ashes.

Friends, I am SO excited to tell you that the lovely and talented Isabel of Walk of Fashion has featured me as her Girl of the Blogosphere, today!!! Thank you so much, girl! I am ecstatic. Know why? This exact feature is what introduced me to your blog in the first place, and caught me as a follower! It's kind of surreal to be interviewed for something that attracted me to your blog in the first place! Big, huge thank you!

Don't forget to enter my giveway! 

I think it's pretty darn exciting!

Giveaway ends Friday, March 4!