June 3, 2014

INSTAGRAM (SORT OF) LATELY.


I hardly ever post updates from Instagram (it's been almost a year, maybe?) so I figured that this was a much needed update. It may or may not also be because I didn't get a chance to take photos for another post (ahem).

To be honest, I was getting ready for bed last night and realized that I didn't have a post ready for today. I then contemplated taking a break from blogging since I didn't have any posts ready to go. But then I woke up, checked instagram (guilty) and decided to post a lame-o post just because. It's not that I feel pressure to post just because. I just decided to because it felt right and because the organizer in me likes to stay on schedule (I post on a M/W/F schedule).

So no, I'm not sure where I'm going with this except to say that you are the boss of your blog. You choose what to post and when to post, not your readers (even if they are your best friends!).

Do you ever feel pressure to post? Do you announce your blogging breaks? I'm thinking of taking a break from blogging once summer starts, but am not sure if I should post pre-drafted posts or not. Thoughts?

p.s. A special congrats to Susannah on winning the Coffee & Honeycomb giveaway! Thank you all for entering! 

21 comments

  1. Girl, do what you think is right for you! Pre planning a few posts might be a good idea if you want to keep your blog semi-active while you're on your bloggy vacay. I really love that you don't try too hard...you know? Your blog is very genuine and I know your readers value you, so they will still be here when you get back from your break. :)
    I love this post, by the way! The photos are great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally get what you mean about doing what feels right. I haven't quite decided which one I'll do because I tend to schedule my posts anyway, I just might not respond to comments right away (even though I hate crowded inboxes, haha) or not. :)

      And thank you! I'm glad that you see my blog as genuine and laidback. I want my blog to be welcoming and relaxed and feel like that's exactly what you've described--I really and truly appreciate that you gave me that feedback! :)

      Delete
  2. Hi Ms. Kiki! New reader here :)
    I wanted to ask, what kind of layout did you use to create this lovely post? or is just the normal photo layout for blogger? Hope your day so far as been fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Norkor! Nice to meet you! I love it when new readers say hello and I get a chance to meet them and connect, too. :)

      And I actually used a website called PicMonkey to create this collage. It's really easy (and free!) and I highly recommend it. I'm sure a lot of other photo-editing sites and software come with this feature, but I've been using PicMonkey for a few years(?) now and still love it. :)

      Delete
  3. I love that kind of blogging style - genuine and casual. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too! That's one of the first qualities I look for when reading and finding new blogs (and when I decide to keep reading a blog, too). :)

      Delete
  4. I love all of your posts and i agree with Jenna i think pre planning a few posts might be a good idea just to keep your blog kinda active, I would totally be willing to guest post a day if you wanted people to do that :) Just let me know!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks! And yes, I am actually considering scheduling posts during my blog break. I'm not quite sure if I'll actually take that break or not (since I schedule all my posts anyway) but I'm keeping it as an option just in case. I do know that I love it when people announce it (because us readers get worried about our bloggers/blogs!) because it just keeps us in the know, but we'll see what I actually come up with, haha. :) And thanks for the offer to guest post! I'll let you know if I need your help!

      Delete
  5. Hi! Linked over from Amy from Taking Steps Home. I love your space here. My two cents is that if you're taking an extended break (more than 2 weeks or so) then announce it just so now one gets worried. But if it were me, I wouldn't pre schedule posts because the whole point of taking a blog break is to NOT blog, and I would feel like I had to still respond to comments, etc. But like Jenna said, do what you want! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *no one (my iPad likes to be dumb)

      Delete
    2. I loooove Amy and am so glad you linked on over, too! And thank you! I love it when I get to know other bloggers and have actually heard of your blog so it's an honor to have you over here! :)

      Anyway, I agree with you on announcing absences. I know of a few bloggers who have lost readers because they took an extended break without announcing/posting and also know what it's like to be the reader of a blog who takes an un-announced leave. It's crazy how attached we get to blogs and their bloggers, right? :)

      Anyway, I'm not planning on taking a long break (maybe a few days) so I am leaning towards just announcing it. I agree with you that scheduling posts leaves me with comments to respond to--something that I know I would be guilty of doing. :)

      Thanks for your input! I love hearing and getting feedback on things like this from other bloggers!

      Delete
  6. oh girl i definitely feel pressured to post some times. granted it's all on me since i don't think people would have withdrawals if i suddenly disappeared. ;)

    also, i love that you've instagramed more recently, i love seeing little snips of your life - is that weird? whatever haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I disagree, Amy! I would totally have withdrawals if you suddenly disappeared! :)

      Delete
    2. Um, so I totally agree with Jess--I have serious Amy withdrawals when you don't blog. Don't ever think your absences go unnoticed! But I also get what you mean when it comes to feeling the pressure to post. It would be a lie to say that I don't ever feel that but I've been trying more and more to blog for me (but with the intentions of sharing with others). That probably makes no sense, but well, that's how I think/write, haha. :)

      Anyway, thanks! I've actually been trying to make more a presence on Instagram. I check it all the time so I felt like it was about time to start contributing more--even if they're all running and hiking photos!

      Delete
    3. oh my gosh, you and jess are hilarious!
      no withdrawals happening any time soon ;)
      and kiki that made perfect sense to me. it's all about finding YOUR VOICE and then seeing how it translates to other people!

      Delete
    4. Well, it's the truth. So nope, you can't take a vacation anytime soon, haha. :)

      And that's exactly how I see it! You really do have to find your voice and be genuine and true to yourself. I read or heard somewhere that before you can love others you have to love yourself and I've found that that translates to blogging perfectly!

      Delete
  7. I definitely feel pressure sometimes to post consistently and all the time. But, when I do that, I find that I can get burned out kinda quickly. I do schedule posts or write them in advance, but if I find that there is a square on my calendar that is empty, I don't freak out. I don't think we should have to announce our breaks or apologize for them. After all, it is our blog. I will find myself not blogging for a week sometimes and think wow! I didn't mean for that to happen, but sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy what is going on around you. Just like any other job, vacations are needed. :)

    I'll usually still tweet or instagram, just because those are my favorite of social medias. Speaking of, I love that one photo of yours of the neighborhood sidewalk. Looks like a great place! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I think about it, if I was going to take like a long break or going on a long vacation or something of that sort, then I would announce that. But, like when I don't post for a few days or weeks, those are the ones I don't announce. :)

      Delete
    2. Burnout is so real and I have that feeling all the time, too! I used to try and post 5 days/week and found myself exhausted and pushing out not-so-great content. I'm all for quality over quantity when it comes to blogging!

      And I agree, blogging IS a job (even if it's not paid) and it's also a necessity to take breaks from it all. I actually take breaks more often than it seems since I schedule all my posts at least a week in advance. I've found it to be a great system and it's really helped me get through working AND blogging!

      Also, I agree with Twitter and Instagram--you can never go wrong with those two. :)

      Oh, and thanks! It was a midday walk and the perfect way to refresh after a crazy morning. Gotta love cute neighborhoods, right?

      Delete
  8. I love how you arrange your photos! Mine are usually just one after the other. Great blog:) I will definitely keep on reading:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alex! It's actually just a collage of my photos, though. :) And thanks for stopping by, too! I love meeting other bloggers!

      Delete

© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall