Stuff And Things

Last night I posted this message on the Two Twenty One Facebook page (follow along if you’re not already):

You guys, I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of in a blogging funk. I’m also going to be honest and say that it’s becoming hard to come up with three blog posts a week since it’s just me who works on the blog (I don’t have contributors or assistants).

So, what are are some topics, projects, round ups, etc. you’re interested in me covering?

Thank you very much to those of you who took the time to replied. I got some really great comments and suggestions. And if you have more suggestions please leave them in the comment section!

A lot of readers have told me that they love my baby related posts, and I’m so glad you like them, but I know those posts don’t apply to everyone. I started the blog as a home and DIY blog, and I feel like I’ve shifted to more of a DIY and lifestyle blogger now. I don’t want to turn off certain readers who signed up for a home and DIY blog by posting baby stuff all the time thus labeling me a mommy blogger, so I try to limit myself to one baby related post per week.

I also received a couple of comments that made me feel better about not being able to keep up with everything like I used to. You see, before I had Owen I didn’t have a round-the-clock job. I had time to work my day job, do blog stuff, take care of our home, run errands whenever I felt like it, and be a wife. But now that we have Owen, I’m a mom 24/7 so it’s hard to keep up with everything else because the roles of mom and wife come first to me.

Countless people have told me to relish infancy with Owen because it passes by very quickly so I’m taking full advantage of that. I still can’t believe it’s been 5 months. Seriously you guys, the time zooms by. But I can say I’ve loved every second of it. Our master bathroom vanity is a hot mess (because of me– sorry Brad), and I can’t tell you the last time I dusted and polished the dresser in our bedroom, but I’m letting some things go so I can enjoy moments with Owen during the day and time with Owen and Brad when Brad gets home from work. I even went so far as to buy a new laptop for Christmas so I could at least sit with Brad and Owen in our living room at night while I kept up with blog stuff instead of being chained to my desktop computer in my home office.

I think as a woman, wife, mom, and blogger I want to be able to have it all. I’d love to be one of those chicks who goes to bed at 10PM, wakes up at 5AM, works out, has a balanced breakfast, gets her baby up, feeds, and cares for him, goes to story time at the library, followed by a trip to the grocery store– all while not wearing yoga pants. And then, while the baby naps, she answers emails, vacuums, starts a project for a blog post, and eats lunch. When the baby wakes from the nap, she plays with him until her husband gets home. While her husband watches the baby, she prepares a lovely dinner. See where I’m going here?

But you know what, I’m not one of those chicks. I’m rarely in bed before midnight. I’d rather snuggle my baby on the couch than wash the kitchen floor. I don’t wear make up every day. Some days I never put on real pants, meaning non-yoga pants. And if I have a little ‘me time’ during nap time I like to watch an episode of Downton Abbey.

Okay, now I feel like I’m blabbering. And I don’t really know where I’m going with this. I guess what I’m trying to say is my life isn’t perfect, and sometimes I get into funks just like anyone else.

Since the direction of the blog has changed slightly, I’d like to know what you guys like reading about. I feel like getting suggestions, feedback, and ideas will help me.

What are some topics, projects, round ups, etc. you’re interested in me covering? It can be stuff I’ve been covering or stuff I haven’t touched on before.

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73 Comments

  1. I love seeing updates about Owen! 🙂 However, one other thing I love when you cover is gardening. You seem to have good gardening tips and I would love to be able to be successful at that!

  2. Trust me I think every new mom feels the same way you do. We have this idea of what a perfect mom/wife looks like, but it’s likely not realistic. I’m sure there are some moms out there that can do all that and my hats off to them. We are much harder on ourselves than we should be. I say post as often as you want and about whatever you want. I read your blog because l like you 🙂 and you have some really great ideas and the most adorable little Owen. When he gets to moving around time will fly and it will be so hard to keep up with those day to day things. YOU ARE THE WOMAN for being able to stay up that late. I swear I wish I had the energy.

    1. Thanks, Ashley! It’s nice reading all these comments where you guys are saying you read because of me and not necessarily what I post. And I know what you mean. I’m kind of dreading the say he goes mobile on me. Hah! I stay up late (it’s currently 11:22PM), but I also sleep in (I follow Owen’s schedule). It’s a rarity for me to be up before 9AM.

  3. SallyJoJo says:

    I just finished turning a dresser into a tv stand using your project as my example, so the DIY stuff is something I enjoy. As a woman in her mid fifties, with adult daughters and grandbabies, the baby stuff is kind of a flashback for me 🙂 My suggestion would be to write what’s in your heart and your head. You can’t make everybody out there happy, so make yourself happy and in the meantime, we’ll just follow along.

    1. Thanks so much for your sweet advice! Yes! I saw your comment. Feel free to email me a photo your dresser TV stand– I’d love to see it!

  4. I’ve been a mom for 9 years and still haven’t figured out how to do it all. Babies grow up so fast so I’d say you are doing everything right by spending time with him. Love getting ideas from your blog but honestly don’t notice if you miss posting each week.

    1. Thanks, Abigail! I know most readers’ worlds won’t crumble if I miss a post each week but I’ve gotten some heated comments in the past when I’ve missed posts and that always stuck with me. I guess I’ve always just been worried that readers would write me off as inconsistent and hit the road. So it’s good to hear that a MWF posting schedule isn’t a big deal to some people.

  5. With a 6 month old I can definitely relate! It’s your blog and that means you get to express yourself however you want. I enjoy the decorating posts, maybe some DIY ideas for decor and baby posts! But I totally agree that you should put your family and self first. If there is time left we will be here to read your posts, if not enjoy your babe. After this short time you will have more time again but you will look at your little one who isn’t so little anymore and maybe wish he was! Xoxo

    1. Thanks so much, Liz! I know, I already want to keep him this age forever. I feel like he’s the perfect size. Plus, I kind of love that he isn’t mobile yet. Hah!

  6. Girl. I relate to this on so many levels. I don’t have a baby, but I’ve been in a funk since September when I started my new job. It’s so much busier and more taxing than my old job! By the time I finish the work day and attempt to exercise I’m just done. I had to take a new spin with my blog too and even then I don’t always post.

    All that to say I feel you. And I read your blog for you. So do what you can and what you want and when I’m catching up on blogs I will be there! 🙂

    1. Honestly, I don’t see how you 9-5 girls do it. There’s no way I could keep up with the blog and work a traditional job so kudos to you. I hope the new job is going well, even if it is faster paced!

  7. I read quite a few home blogs and the ones that are authentic and real are the ones I read most. Your life is changing….life is funny like that. If you are posting just to post for the sake of having 3 posts a week it will become evident quickly. If you continue to be real and post quality content less frequently peolple may not always relate to the baby stuff, but the good stuff is worth it. I have 2 girls, the oldest a week from turning 8 and I can’t believe how quickly we got here. I disliked having newborns, but we moved from that to 8 in what feels like seconds. Enjoy your son. Don’t stress about posts & numbers….the more you do that the more you will be tempted to post quantity and sacrifice quality. It becomes monotonous to read bloggers who do that and watering down the chowder (see Stephen Covey’s book for that reference) will ultimatley be counterproductive for you. I don’t need poats about babies, so I skip those, but if the other stuff is great the baby posts are worth sticking around to read….and my sisters having babies are likely to hear about your blog from me because the content is good!

    1. Thanks so much, Melissa! I totally get what you mean about quality over quantity and watering down the chowder. Thanks for passing along the baby posts to your sisters!

  8. I love your blog, no matter what you post! Like the other readers said, do what’s in your heart. I’m also glad I read these comments because I found Ashley’s blog (comment above) and love it. And I LOVE finding new blogs to add to my list. AND she is from Richmond which is right around the corner from me. SCORE! So, thanks. 🙂 If you ever really get stuck, you could blog about how to fix my out-of-the-box-boring-builder’s-townhouse. 🙂 Love your style!

    1. Thanks, Danielle! You’re so sweet. Awesome– so glad you found her! I’ll definitely keep your townhouse in mind. Hopefully you’ve found some inspiration with our boring builder grade house. 🙂

  9. I think you’re followers are following you more than a specific content, so please continue to write about you (and of course that adorable little sweetie pie, Owen).

    The struggle to find balance in your life will always ebb and flow. Some days it feels like you’ve got the world by the tail, and other days it feels like you can’t keep your head above water. Wish there was an easy answer or some amazing words of wisdom, but I haven’t found it. Just know that you’re not alone and that it will always be a lingering feeling, so better to be happy with what you have, than sad about what you don’t!

    1. Thanks, Courtney. I can’t tell you how nice it is to read all of these comments saying you guys read because of me more than the content I produce.

      I totally agree with you, especially about being happy for what I have, than sad about what I don’t have.

  10. I love the baby posts! If you want to stick to home related posts, maybe do a house tour? Kind of like YHL did? I also love detailed “day in the life posts”

  11. Irene Merm says:

    I am 70 year old Grandma who is young at heart. I love all your posts, particularly the family ones. It is like a stroll down memory lane. My youngest Grandson will be 18 on his next birthday but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying Owen.

    One of the things I love about your blog is how genuine and real you are. If you post three times a week…great. If you post once a month…great but I would miss you. The main thing to remember is you get to walk through life once. Turn around and you’ve missed it. So enjoy all you do with gusto. I am off to walk three miles and continue planning a seven week vacation to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary later this year. See what I mean? Don’t miss your life. Enjoy it all!

    1. Thanks so much, Irene! Great words of wisdom. Congrats on your upcoming wedding anniversary! I hope you’re traveling to somewhere amazing!

  12. I love your blog!!!!
    I am a mom to an 18 month old boy and he keeps me busy. I also work full time and I am so blessed that I get to bring him to work with me everyday. He STILL doesn’t sleep through the night (okay, maybe once in a while) but I get by on minimal sleep. I do the best I can to keep the house neat and tidy but I have help. I have a nanny that looks after my boy at work and I get a cleaning lady to help me out once a week at home. I generally cook dinner Monday – Thursday and sometimes my mom has us over for dinner (Thank goodness for moms). Friday’s we will either get some take out or go out to a kid friendly restaurant. Saturdays and Sundays are spent with our parents and siblings so my son gets to see them every week. I am rambling now but my point is that yes, the time goes by so fast and you have to do what you have to do to get by. if you can’t do the laundry today, oh well. If you can’t blog, that’s totally okay. And I totally haven’t worn real pants in forever either (l live in tights).
    Give yourself a break, you are doing so great, Love all your blog topics.

    1. Thanks, Claudia! I’m super jealous of your cleaning lady and living close to your family. I half-jokingly tell Brad that I’m going to hire a cleaning lady to come every other week to help with the deep cleaning. I wish we lived closer to our families– mine is 3 hours north and Brad’s is 3 hours south, but moving is out of the question because of Brad’s job. And I think real pants are overrated. I’m with you– yoga pants or tights/leggings (with dresses or tunics, of course) all the way.

  13. I have followed your blog since I started my blog back in 2011. I loved it then and I love it now, even though the direction has shifted a little. But, let’s be honest, I think the longer we blog, the more our blog starts molding around us. We blog about what comes natural to us. My blog has shifted several times and I feel the more it shifts, the more real it becomes.

    We are in the same boat. I am also a working mom and try to juggle it all. I don’t have contributors or anyone helping me with my blog either. Just little ole me. 🙂 Sometimes, I do great at it and other times, I don’t do so hot. But, it is ok. I am human.

    Keep up the good work because no matter what you talk about, I will be tuning in.

    1. So true, Kristin! I think it would be weird to have a baby and never talk about him/her. Hah! Good for you for working full-time, being a mom and wife, and keeping up with your blog! I don’t think I could keep up with all of that like you do!

  14. I hear you loud and clear! I’ve got a 7 month-old. Even my “To Do” lists are collecting dust. Let ’em. I don’t want to miss out on all the special “firsts” this year because I’m too busy online or sweating to make deadlines. You pick the right priorities for you and don’t regret a minute of it. We’ll be here for you, it’s a pleasure to read about your adventures!

    1. Congrats on your little one! It goes by so fast, doesn’t it? I LOLed at the to-do lists collecting dust. Thanks for being so supportive!

  15. Chelsea,
    I am in my 30s and I don’t have any kids. With that said, I enjoy pretty much everything you post. I read the blog for you perspective. I believe it is a natural transition for your blog to be a lifestyle blog with a focus on DIY/ home. Stay true to yourself. Spend the time you need on your family and blog when the time is right. I will be here for the ride! At the end of the day, you don’t answer to any of us. Your hubby and Owen are your top priorities.

    Thanks for all you do!

    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Sarah. I’m glad I’m still relatable to non-moms. Hah! It’s nice to know when readers understand where my priorities are and should be. It just stinks when I get negative comments from readers who act like I owe them something because those are the comments that stick with me the most– not the kind, understanding comments like you wrote. But reading all the comments on this post makes me feel better. 🙂

  16. Your blog is great because you are a real 3-dimensional person with a family, a career, and all that. I feel like some of my old favorite bloggers have become too into blogging and it just feels really tired. So keep up the good work! I really liked your post on iphone photography, I think you could do more with that. Like what are good apps, editing techniques, etc. I also really like your gardening posts. I have a 2yo and I think you will find so many organizing projects around the house that you can share with us as he gets older.

    1. Thanks so much, Lynn! It’s interesting what you said about your old favorite bloggers. I’ve been hearing that a lot lately. I think some bloggers get so wrapped up in blogging that they lose touch with their readers. One of my goals is to never to get so into the blogging whirlwind that I turn off readers.

      Get suggestions! I’ll definitely put the iPhone apps and editing idea on my list. And I’m so glad you like my gardening posts! I assumed people didn’t really care for them because I know gardening isn’t for everyone, so I’m glad you said that.

  17. Tells us what is inspiring to you and use that to help your readers aspire. I’d love to hear more about how you frugally fulfill your dreams, including the misadventures of things not going as planned and the inevitable juggling of your many hats. I hope to do the same and it’s encouraging to hear about others successes and attempts to make things happy and beautiful with limited resources.

    1. Thanks so much, Dani! I’ll definitely add those ideas to the list, especially the misadventures. I don’t feel like bloggers share those often enough.

  18. Hi! I have an 8 month old, and barely have time to read other people’s blogs — let alone keep up writing my own — so I can definitely relate. As a reader, I don’t really mind if a blogger doesn’t post exactly as “scheduled”. People get busy and have lives! In my opinion, you should definitely be spending as much time with Owen as you can! Those minutes are so fleeting. I like baby posts, and EASY DIY projects (since I don’t have any free time on my hands!).

    ~ Nicole

    1. Congrats on your little one! I’m so glad to read that a lot of readers don’t expect a strict posting schedule. I’ll definitely keep up with the baby posts and easy DIY projects! Have a great weekend!

  19. Every mom goes through a similar phase. I’ve found that things get a little easier when baby can sit and entertain themselves, then again when they are crawling and then again when they can walk and entertain themselves for a few minutes.

    I enjoy reading a variety of topics. Life is life and it’s fun to see your garden and DIY etc.

    1. Thanks, Christina! I’m glad you like a variety. I like being able to post about an array of topics so it’s nice to hear that readers like you enjoy that too.

  20. Thank you for sharing this! I have an 18 month old and use to blog 3-4 times a week before he was born. I struggled with working full time, blogging, and taking care of my guy(I also was running my Etsy shop and let’s face it the house needs to be cleaned sometimes too!) For the longest time I tried to be superwoman and I would feel so guilty when I saw other bloggers making it look SO easy! I finally faced reality & realized that the world was going to keep spinning if I didn’t blog everyday. Wait until your little guy starts walking, then you really don’t have time to do anything but chase them around. It does all go so fast , so enjoy it!

    1. Wow! That’s A LOT to have on your plate! I don’t blame you for cutting back. If only there were more hours in the day… and babies required more sleep. Hah! 🙂

  21. As others have written, I just enjoy your writing. As a new (and now back to work) mom, I’m learning the importance of cutting myself slack. It is not worth the heartache to emotionally beat myself up over things that are just not as important. (Of course, I still do … but I’m working on it.) I will continue to enjoy whatever you post. 🙂

    1. Congrats on your little one! I totally agree. I think it’s just hard because pre-baby we’re able to have all this time and freedom and then suddenly it’s not like that anymore.

  22. Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable! I have an almost 3 month old and totally get where you are coming from –I can’t believe you’ve kept up with the blog as much as you have with a little one! I love baby related posts but get that it isn’t the focus of your blog and doesn’t apply to everyone so aside from those, I love ideas and posts about organizing parts of the house while on a budget. Also easy DIY projects are always fun too!
    Keep up the good work –love your blog and will continue reading!

    1. Congrats on your little one! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I’ll definitely keep up the baby, organization, and easy DIY posts. Have a great weekend!

  23. Hi Chelsea, I enjoy your blog because of the frequent content, but certainly not only because of that. My youngest is 4 now so I enjoy your baby posts because they are a stroll down memory lane. I love to look at how you are figuring things out as a new mom along with running a household etc. As Owen grows, there will be more opportunities for DIY projects as you need to babyproof, expand storage, make ptojects/activities for him etc. I would like to know if you are doing anything memory keeping related for him, how you organize photos, maybe decor projects for a home with a young child? You are doing a GREAT job!

    1. Thanks so much, Audrey! I’m glad you enjoy the baby posts even if they don’t necessarily apply to you. And thanks for the suggestions– I’ll definitely add them to my list of post ideas! Have a great weekend!

  24. I just found you blog and I am loving going through the archives! We are about to buy a house so I am looking at all of the home projects and landscaping gardening posts. Totally understand how it could be hard to keep up with something like this but it is awesome how much you have already done! Good luck!

    1. So glad you found me and that you’re enjoying my older posts! Congrats on becoming homeowners soon! It’s such an exciting time.

  25. Jessica S says:

    I just had my first baby a week ago, so your baby posts have been really timely and helpful for me! I have been reading your blog for a lot longer, though. I enjoy your ‘voice’ though, so I usually like reading your posts even if it’s not something I’m directly interested in. I do like DIY projects and home makeover projects. A set posting schedule does not effect whether I would read posts or not as I use a blog reader, so I’ll just read whenever it shows up! Blog in whatever way fits with your life and makes you happy?

    1. Congrats! I hope you’re getting enough sleep and enjoying every second of your little one! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and getting their point of view. It’s also nice to read that many people like my voice– that means a lot! Enjoy your weekend!

  26. I really love room makeover posts but I also enjoy quick and easy DIY projects.

  27. Griselda Calderon says:

    I had a baby the week after you had yours! I’m a full time college student and I don’t work, so I stay home with the baby, and do all the housework, and anything else. One of my daily things is sitting down and reading a few blogs. I especially enjoy your blog. Somethings that I would enjoy reading would be how you organize your life. For example, how you set up your planner. I also enjoyed the recipes you post. Other things that I would enjoy seeing from your blog would be home decor, I personally enjoy reading beauty posts. And of course updates on your baby

    1. Congrats on your little one! It’s crazy how fast the time flies, isn’t it? Good for you for being a full-time mom and student! I hope to post more recipes this year, and I’ll definitely keep up the organization posts!

  28. Chelsea,

    I’ve been following your blogs since you were planning your wedding at the same time I was (and I was blogging then, too!). I agree with what many other have said. I love reading your posts, but don’t count them each week. Write when you want to and have something you want to share, but don’t force it or give up time with that precious little guy of yours! I’d love to know more about opening, maintaining and running an Etsy shop. I have made some graphic art prints for our home and am thinking of trying to sell them as digital downloads, like you do. I’d love to know more about the logistics, pros and cons, tips, etc. As always, write from the heart, and we’ll be along for the ride!

    1. Thanks for sticking with me this long, Elizabeth! In regards to the Etsy shop, mine is super low maintenance. Digital downloads are awesome because you just set everything up and people purchase them. I really only log in once in a month to pay my Etsy bill. I’ll sometimes get people who don’t read the description clearly and message me telling me they haven’t received their print in the mail, and I have to write them back, quoting the item description that it’s a digital download. Seriously, open a shop– it’s so easy it basically runs itself.

      1. Thanks, Chelsea! I appreciate the info and your insight. I’ve always been hesitant because the quotes on the art prints I’ve made aren’t originally mine. Any issues or concerns with that? Maybe just adding the author’s name to the bottom would solve it. Anyway, I appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

        1. I don’t think so. I use song lyrics in my So Fresh, So Clean print, and I’ve yet to receive a cease and desist letter. 🙂

  29. Hi Chelsea!
    i am following your blog both for what you write about and HOW you write it. it’s down to earth, fun, witty, emotional, ironic as only real things can be. Plus I love your pics! This is why i like the blog and wish to read more! 🙂
    I love posts about organization of the house and revamping rooms on a budget and would love to read about fun educational activities to do with babies and toddlers (you have alot of experince also thanks to your job :))
    Keep up the good work!
    a big hug from Milano, Italy

    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Ela! I feel kind of fancy having a reader in Italy. I loved visiting Venice and Florence in college, and I can’t wait to go back one day. I’m looking forward to doing baby and toddler activities– that’s definitely on my list! Enjoy your weekend!

  30. I have enjoyed all your posts so do whatever your heart tells you don’t just drop off the scene and leave us wondering if ….
    And enjoy time with your baby. They grow up so fast and you will never get this time back!

  31. Three things I’d love to read:
    First: I don’t remember when I last read about your entire home.
    Maybe a series of going through each room (one per week) – showing the room as it is and explaining what you want to change? Maybe even add some moodboards? (If this isn’t something you would like to write about I would at least love a new house tour!)
    Second: Posts about Owen, organizing baby life and all things connected to being a mom! I love these.
    Third: I also love to get new ideas about good items (like Andrea Dekker’s favorite things). And moodboards and things like that are also great for inspiration!
    I love your blog, and even if I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit different lately I know you’ll get your game back!

  32. Thank you for the post! I love the honesty. My little one is about to be a year old on Wednesday. I feel like I struggle to balance everything and it is good to see I’m not alone in this world.

  33. I have a 7-month old, so I lve your mommy posts! They are my favorites! I totally get that you don’t want to be pigeon-holed, but let’s face it….babies are now a major part of your life. Of course you want to write about it. I also like your gardening and organization posts.

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  35. I’ll be honest, I don’t know very much on the blogging topic. I came across yours while looking something up on pinterest two days ago and it’s the only one I’ve ever taken the time to read. In the past if I was directed to a blog I just clicked the back button. I am not sure what it was about yours that made me stay on the page. But I have enjoyed it. While it’s true not everyone has children, everyone does have a closet and that organized closet can be used for anyone. My youngest child is 24 so it’s nice to have something to look to for getting back in baby mode for the grandbabies. Let’s face it, a lot has changed since mine were babies. The things I have read thus far seems as if that idea could be adjusted to fit a project for non parents. And remember this….you will never get this time in Owen’s life back. You can have hundreds of jobs, hundreds of blogs, hundreds of posts….but you will only ever have one Owen.

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