I'm Back...Again

Hello, hello!  It's been a few weeks since I posted last, which wasn't my intention.  I started writing a few times, then changed my mind, then I got busy, and blah blah blah, here we are.  I'm still in a bit of a blogging rut, and wondering if I should give it up for good.  But like my daffodils, I keep coming back.

I recently got a message from a friend (thank you, by the way), sharing that my blog has been helpful to her during this time of life.  That meant a lot.  I think we secretly hope that somebody is reading our words and getting value out of them.  Then Jill from Doused in Pink nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award, which is given to those "who are creative, positive and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community."  That's exactly what I want to be in this space, so it seems that the universe is telling me to keep on going.  

Jill and I started blogging around the same time, and I've always enjoyed her outfits, creativity, and kindness.  She's got eight questions for me:

1/ How did you first get into blogging?  I started five years ago, after contemplating it for several years before that.  One of my favorite shows was "Ugly Betty", and in the final episode she started a blog, which gave me the initial inspiration.  I love to write, I needed a place to vent, and blogging seemed so easy.  Ha.  Famous last words.  

2/ What has been the best strategy that has worked well for you to get more traffic to your blog?  Trying to keep up with all the things is overwhelming, so this year I decided to focus on growing my Instagram, which has helped a bit.  Next I'd like to work on Pinterest because everyone says that it's the best traffic driver.  However, my account seems to have been suspended (no idea why - probably because I haven't been on in a year?) so I'm working on getting it back.

3/ How do you motivate yourself to keep your blog going?  Clearly not very well, given my recent absence.  But the connection with amazing people always brings me back.

4/ How would you describe your personal style and is there a person who is your go to for fashion inspiration?  I work from home where no one sees me, so mostly I just dress for myself.  I'd say my style is northwest casual, on the more feminine side.  I love the style of all my TBB friends!

5/ What do you do in your spare time outside of blogging?  I love to read, travel, and spend time hiking.  

6/ What's on your summer wishlist?  Getting outside.  It was such a long winter and I'm ready to get out of this house.  We have a few trips planned, but nothing major.  Lots of family time.

7/ Has a stranger ever recognized you from your blog and stopped to say hi?  Nope, not even once.  That would be pretty fun though!

8/ What are your top 3 favorite brands?  Kate Spade, Loft, Old Navy for inexpensive, trendy pieces.

Thank you so much for the nomination, Jill.  It truly helped bring me out of my blogging rut!  And while I'm answering questions, it's also time for Laura's "3 Things".

1/  I'd like to get some flowers planted.  Help Thomas move home for the summer.  Undergrad is almost done - Vet School here he comes!  Spend some quality time with my husband.

2/  It used to be Spring Break, but once your kids move out you forget when that is.   Spring cleaning is always nice, and my closet especially needs some work.

3/ Deviled eggs, baked beans, scalloped potatoes.

I've decided to go to a twice a week blogging schedule, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Thank you so much for bearing with me.  I really do love you all and appreciate the support.