What I Want My Blog to be When It Grows Up {Happy Blogiversary to Me!}

Time sure flies when you’re having fun!!  It’s hard for me to believe I started my decor blog two years ago… I have a personal blog that’s been in place for a while and had an idea to start a decor blog that would complement my Willow House website and give me greater flexibility in content, posting, and interaction with my readers.  Woo hoo!!  Look at us now!  I love this little space I’ve carved out with our awesome new look (thanks Aimee at byAimee.com!) and variety of content.  But the best part about this little ‘ole blog has to be the marvelous people — readers, designers, Willow House customers, bloggers, encouragers — that have popped in, browsed, read, commented, and inspired me to keep inspiring you on your journey to make your house a home.  Thank you!!

I love that I continue to learn (sometimes unwillingly!) about this big blogosphere and the world of social media and connecting with other.  I’m a life-long learner — it drives me to discover and try to learn new things.  What challenges me is keeping up with how fast things (and technology} change and sometimes having to learn a bunch of new stuff before I’ve mastered what I was working on before (hello, SEO!).  Another challenge is balancing all of this out with my “real” job and my family, who sometimes need me more than what’s convenient (can you say teenagers/blended family?).

That being said, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  No two days are the same in my world (fondly known as Heidiopia).  I think that’s what God intended for me in the here and the now.

Decor & More is a fledgling space and I make new connections and friends here every day.  And my new friend Karianne threw down the gauntlet earlier this week.  Since I’m not one to shirk from a challenge,  I’ve risen to the occasion and have made a few goals for this little blog (and hence, myself).  How timely is her challenge?  What better time to through where you want to go with your blog then on your blogiversary?? 🙂

So, here goes… in no particular order.

• I want to attend a blogger conference.  This idea has been mulling around in my head for over a year.  In fact, I signed up for Bloggy Boot Camp last fall and had to bow out due to family obligations.  This year, I’m pulling the trigger on Haven, right here in my own back yard.  I’ve already cleared my calendar (much easier to do in the summertime) and can’t wait for the new information/friends/insight that will be coming my way.  Care to join me??
• I want to attract some advertisers– ones that are in keeping with my content and philosophy.  I would love for Decor & More to become self-supporting, but I have no idea how to get there.
• Have guest posters!!  I see this on all of my favorite blogs and for some reason I struggle with asking.  After all, my space is quite small and these bloggers blow me away with their DIY, writing, and design talents.  Lack of confidence is not something I routinely wrestle with, but every so often, its nasty little self rears its head.
• More Before/After features… of course, this means I actually have to finish what I start.  Lordy, lordy.  And that goes back to my goals for 2012 which are largely to finish  in progress projects.

One of the beauties of blogging is that there’s no real pressure where I am now.  I know that will change as I continue to grow — I’m a pleaser at heart and want my readers (you!) to be happy with what you find here.   But I’m never content to camp out in safe places for too long, sooo… onward!!

Now, lucky you, tune in on Monday for a sneak peek at my newest venture AND a GIVEAWAY to celebrate my Blogiversary and Willow House business birthday!  Have a great weekend, all!

If you have a chance, check out my post on Fancy Little Things about my love affair with Houzz... 🙂

Linking up…

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