On the 16th May 2014 I clicked publish on my first blog post. Apparently time does fly when you’re having fun. I opted for a fuss-free WordPress site because I just wanted a hobby that I could enjoy whenever I had the time. So sit back grab some hot chocolate if you’re in the winter months like us here in South Africa or some lemonade if you’re the lucky spring/summer ones and join me as I look back on my past year of blogging. Oh, and expect quite a few pingbacks (just saying).
If you’d told me a few years ago that I would have a blog, I’d have said; no way Jose! I’m a very private person and somewhat of an introvert so I really had to step out of my shell to start my blog. I wasn’t fazed by the fact that blogging was trending and that every Tom, Dick and Sally had a blog. I started blogging for me and I’m still blogging for me.
When I started blogging I didn’t set a schedule for posts, heck I didn’t even know you had to plan blog posts! I just posted whenever I had nothing to do or remembered that I had a blog which was probably once a week if I was on a roll. Yes I was a bad Momma. I quickly discovered that a blog is a very hungry baba who loves to eat. It has indeed been a learning process but a fun one. I mean what better way to overcome your inhibitions, document and watch your personal style evolution!
I’m not really one for those “I vow to start making changes” new years proclamations but at the beginning of this year I decided to change my blog’s name – same beliefs, different name. I also decided to take my blog more seriously. Having gone from my humble little Kodak digital camera to my Canon DSLR, I loved the journey of self-discovery my blog was taking me on and wanted to give it my all. So needless to say, posts are now scheduled!
I pride myself on having a tell-it-like-it-is approach so I shall continue to write my real talk rants, giving my honest opinion on the things I spend my hard-earned money on and bragging about the little road trips we take. I decided right from the beginning that no matter what, I was going to be myself. That meant not giving in to trends or following the crowd. If I want to rock my five year old sneakers and my grandma’s coat; I’m going to do it. I’ve learnt so much more about myself through my blog. A blog can get quite daunting at times. Make no mistake; it is hard work, especially if you make the decision to take it seriously. If I could dispense some advice, ahem (cue Baz Luhrmann’s Sunscreen song) I’d say don’t focus on stats too much and write a blog you’d enjoy reading and revisiting. Also remember that being you is more than enough and good enough.
I would like to thank each and every one who has taken the time to stop by my blog, read my posts or even just browse through it. It’s about the interest shown and I appreciate it. A special thank you to my long-suffering husband who (patiently) takes my blog pictures even though I’m sure he’s not always in the mood for it. I’ve also made a few wonderful cyber friends through social media and I’d like to thank them for always leaving an encouraging word or compliment.
I’ve got big plans for this little blog and I look forward to implementing them while continuing with my blogging journey and forming great connections along the way. Now before I get too soppy and ramble on forever, let me leave you with these words from rapper J.Cole:
This is my canvas and I’ma paint it how I want it baby
xxx Tulips & Phoenixes xxx
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Congrats!
XoXo One Stiletto At A Time
Thank you so much.