Hi! We’ve just returned from a magnificent trip to Belize. While there, I had plenty of time to relax and reflect on life and this blogging journey. Can you believe that it has been 6 years since I launched my blog? Yep, it was January 2014 when I had this little idea to learn something new and share daily stories. There are 6 things that I have learned about myself while being a blogger.
Happy hump day! While on vacation, we figured out that Belize does not “spring forward” to Daylight Savings Time. This was an unexpected happy surprise especially since we were living on island time with no agenda or plans. The good news is that we never experienced that feeling of losing an hour because, well… we truly never knew what time it was. Brilliant!
That leads me to today’s blog topic. I’m sharing 6 things I’ve learned after 6 years of blogging. Some are personal and some are general observations. Random thoughts, if you will. I’ll be interested to see if you agree with me.
What I’ve learned after 6 years of blogging
1. Travel is no longer private (neither is my life). I guess I made this a choice since I’m a Lifestyle Blogger. Part of what I do is discover brands and destinations and share them through this site and on my social media. If you follow me on Instagram and watch my Instagram stories, you are basically on the trip with me. This is my way of sharing what I am experiencing in the moment but it also allows me to gather input from you which helps form the blog post. But nothing is private and I feel like it makes this career a job that is 24/7. Again, I made that choice…
2. I have to be “ON” at all times. By this I mean I have to have full make up on and a cute outfit when I leave the house (or travel). I made the mistake of running up to Nordstrom Northpark without make-up one time while quickly trying to pick up and online order. Additionally, I had on Nike running shorts and an oversized tee of some sort. You get the picture – slob kabob! Of course I ran into a follower who wanted to get caught up as I awkwardly was trying to make conversation while trying to remember if I brushed my teeth. GEEZ!
3. “Online Tanya” is much more aspirational. The downside to blogging and influencing is that it all seems perfect ALL THE TIME. The reality is that it is perfectly curated. A lifestyle blog is meant to inspire and to do that you have to be aspirational. Why in the world would I blog about my shitty day? You don’t want to read that. Nobody does! Heck, Pete barely wants to hear about it.
4. I dress better, feel better and therefore, look better! Since launching this blog, I’ve learned how to pull together looks and dress better. While my style has always been classic, I now embrace style trends and make them my own. I value brand partnerships that embrace this. I’ve also learned that if I veer too far off, it doesn’t resonate very well. It took me a while to figure this out in the beginning so if you go back 6 years in content (yes, everything is archived on this site) you might see some interesting style choices.
5. I honed my skills on beauty, skincare and aesthetic procedures. As far as BEAUTY content, nothing matters more that anti-aging for me. I can tell that you love blog posts where I share my latest injections, peels, laser treatments and skincare products. In fact, I am working on a PAGE for this site that will be the “best fo the best” for this topic. I love investigating these procedures and products and sharing what really works for me. Stay tuned for more on this front…
6. Being honest and genuine truly matters. Yes, I get paid to talk about brands and I do make commission off of some of the items I link on this site. While I absolutely LOVE what I do, it is a business. Taking brand campaigns that I don’t 100% believe in DOES NOT WORK. I learned that the hard way in my first year of blogging. Stay true to yourself and the rest will fall in place. I feel like this motto that I have adopted for myself and my site is a good mantra to live by in general.
Whew! There you have it. Did you discover anything you didn’t already know? Leave me a comment today and you might just get a little surprise in the mail…HINT, HINT!
While we are talking style, I’ve realized that I am a huge lover of animal print! This blouse is new and I’ve paired it back with my Mott & Bow skinny jeans. Everything I have on fits true to size. One can never have enough animal print! Check out this blog post and you will see a very similar look.
Thanks for stopping by. Make it a great day! xoxo – Tanya
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photo: Audrie Dollins
Tags: animal print, blogger life, casual, Mott & Bow, skinny jeans, Talbots
Tanya, Good to have another little insight in to your blogging career. I’ve followed you for a while and it never gets boring!
I refer to you as my “”virtual friend Tanya“ when I often share your stories and information with others! I will be emailing you soon to share with you how one of your posts really helped me. Thank you for keeping it real!!!
I’m so glad you made the decision to be a blogger!
Thanks for the insite, as I think serveral of us have thought about being a blogger at one time or another. However you just confirmed what I already knew, it is not for me! However I enjoy yours each day.
So glad your blog is going strong! I remember when you were starting it up. It’s been so fun watching and sharing your journey!
Tanya, congratulations on 6 years of blogging and building your business. Thanks so much for sharing what you’ve learned. You may not even have me on your radar at all, but as a fellow blogger who’s just been doing this for two years, you’re a role model to me and I love learning from you. I’ve learned many of the same things. I’ve also learned – and I know you have too – that this is a lot of work…and that I’m capable of doing more than I ever knew! Best wishes for another strong year!
I really appreciate the information you put on the blog. Your care and honesty come through!
My morning is not complete unless I check in on the blog and my IG is more cheerful when I see your stories.
I can tell it takes a lot of work to provide all of this for us. Thank you!!
So glad a friend posted your blog! I have lost touch since we left Dallas. Congrats on 6 years! The blog is a perfect fit for all of your talents. Love the breadth of products and destinations covered. I always look forward to checking in and seeing what you have discovered and shared. Hugs to you and Pete!
I would guess that the 24/7 gets old! Some days we just don’t want to put on makeup or wear a cute outfit! As a Realtor, I feel the same pressure to look put together and professional when I head out into the world – even to grab that one item at the grocery store. I can only imagine if people recognized me in the numbers that recognize you! Pete is a good sport to go along with all his vacations being documented for the world to see! Love your style and having a blogger to follow who is the same age. 🙂
Og follower here ♀️ I remember when you mentioned the idea. I admire people like you that put it all out there. I don’t know if i could do that. I may not relate to all of your post, but do at times. I definitely love it when you do yo Disney! Your first Disney blog post helped me a lot with my first trip with the fam! Also, I’m very grateful for you. I’ve gotten some new clients from your blogging and posting! Woo hoo!!!!! Xoxo
I’ve learned so much from your blog and am grateful. And, regardless if you’re made up or living your life at Northpark sans makeup, it shows so many women that it’s ok. Congratulations on 6 years!!
Congratulations on 6 years of blogging! I love following you and have learned about some great anti aging procedures, fun travel spots and have purchased many of clothing items you have highlighted! Love reading your blog!
I can’t believe you have been blogging for 6 years – it has gone fast! I love your blog – and I have learned and tried so many new things that I might not have without your blog! I realize how much time and effort it takes to have such great content and for that I say THANK YOU!
I discovered your blog a few months ago. It is refreshing to read a blog by someone who is in the same age bracket as me. I also like the new to me brands you often feature in your blogs. Congratulations on six years.
I enjoyed your retrospective.
I learned about the joy of the Nordstrom anniversary sale from the blog. #winning
#keeponbloggin
I have enjoyed your blogs!!
Congrats, friend! LOVE you!
Thank you for sharing and your continued honesty about what you blog.
Thank you for being honest. Your integrity in blogging is evident in each post which is one reason I enjoy reading. Love the candor in you observations! Here’s to another 6 years! Cheers!
Always enjoy your content! Congrats on the milestone!
Appreciate your honest assessment of life as a blogger/Influencer. Not sure how long I’ve been following, several years at least, time flies. Running out without make up is a bad habit which disqualifies me from the blogging life. My worst fear … running into my high school sweetheart in my ‘slob kabob’ state. Anyhoo … love your insights! xo
I have only been following you for about a year now, but have found that your style most matches mine more than any other blogger I follow. I love your classic style with a trendy pop from time to time. I dearly love a good animal print because it is a true neutral, and I know you love it too. You have introduced several great products to me and for that I thank you, so I look forward to following you for many years to come. Keep up the amazing work and keep the information flowing. Blessing!
Congrats on 6 years! Your style
Is inspiring & I can’t imagine you ever having a “fashion fail.” Your look is timeless & fun! I enjoy seeing the new restaurants & places you travel too.
Being “on” all the time would be tough. I don’t envy you. This blog is amazing though and all your time, attention to detail, and effort really shows! <3
Tanya congratulations on your 6 years and thank you for all of your sharing and caring. I feel like your my good friend sharing all the good things and I would also like to see the normal no makeup days!! LoL
Congratulations on 6 years of your blog. I admire you so much and I’ve always wonder how hard it must be to have to look put together every day. I started my instagram account to inspire midlife women to have an active, positive lifestyle and look their best doing it. Very quickly, after many offers came my way, I realized is not that easy, it is a job, time consuming and you really have to be onboard to commit and do it. Kudos to you and your commitment.
Congratulations on your six years of blogging. As you know, I take most of your recommendations and truly love your blog. You are honest and trustworthy. I won’t be purchasing your leopard blouse because I’m still wearing the one I got at Chicos that you recommended! Love your travel and all your beauty products. I realize all the work that you put into your blogs and I appreciate it.
Wow, thanks for sharing your experience. I’m one hundred percent sure that it’s really useful for many beginner bloggers. I hope that you will continue doing this type of content. Also, it will be very interesting to read your article about blog monetization.