Hi Everyone,
Today I'm taking part in a very exiting Link party called "What Does My Blog Want To Be When It Grows Up...."
When I read Karianne's (from Thistlewood Farm) post about what her blog would be like when it grows up, it got me thinking. Thinking a lot....
I truly love this new world of creative blogging and the fab people I have met and continue to meet, and the amazing blogs they write
I know I'm very new to blogging, with 16 weeks under my belt, it has been a great journey so far, but it can also be pretty hard work in terms of the more I learn the more I realise how much I still have to learn.
The future of my blog is super exciting. I have put in the initial work to get me started, now I can focus on how I want to move forward.... What are my goals, dreams, aspirations for my blog?
So... I have my list of 5 things....
1. I want to "Beautify" my Blog, you know, have a fab header, tabs, background etc. It may sound a bit silly for this this to be a goal, but I want to learn how to DESIGN my own stuff - and to have it look clean, fresh and inviting. There are some fantastic tutorials out in the blogosphere to help me achieve this - I just need to make the time to put in the effort. I have started a little here already.
2. Structure and focus - I want to put in a system to make my writing a little more structured, so it makes blogging easier and more enjoyable, for example - Mondays, write about a craft or project, Tuesdays, a story about my family, Wed- a link party etc.. You get the idea. I need to sit down with my notebook (yep I have started a little bloggy diary for ideas and notes) and figure out a routine.
3. I would LOVE to host a Linky Party. I know there are loads being hosted everyday and i do love visiting and linking. I have an idea for a party but am a little worried that it may be too specialised, so I'm having a think about it and even if I give it a try and it doesn't work out... That's OKAY too. My mom always used to say to me "You never know unless you try" Right? I may even partner with another bloggy friend... the possibilities are endless...
4. Improve my photography and of course my photography and editing skills. This is pretty much in line with most blogger's goals.
My sweet little point and shoot camera has served me well but started to show signs that it wont be making it much further. So, my darling husband (he is the BEST) surprised me earlier this week, when a package arrived in the mail for me. A new flashy camera! I'm so excited (he was so super sneaky about it bless him) and I've had a little play but I know I have a LOT to learn.
My sweet little point and shoot camera has served me well but started to show signs that it wont be making it much further. So, my darling husband (he is the BEST) surprised me earlier this week, when a package arrived in the mail for me. A new flashy camera! I'm so excited (he was so super sneaky about it bless him) and I've had a little play but I know I have a LOT to learn.
5. Of course I want to grow my blog. That is a definite aspiration, But I think what's most important to me is that I have fun, and that it is portrayed in my blog. I want people to enjoy themselves whilst visiting and leave inspired and happy.
So there you go - now you all know what my adult blog will be like.....
Now your part - if you would like to join in...
So there you go - now you all know what my adult blog will be like.....
Now your part - if you would like to join in...
Our lovely hosts:
Karianne from Thistlewood Farm
Kelly from Ecletically Vintage
Linda from it all started with paint
Karah from the space between
Andrea from The Cottage Market
Have invited you to write a post about the five things “You Want Your Blog to Be When It Grows Up” and
link it up at the party this Friday. Tell us your goals, your dreams,
and your aspirations. Tell all - we would love to hear from you...
Don't forget to grab the button and link up
Take care
xxx
I think they are great goals Natalie, and I love the little bits of design you have been playing with. Isn't it rewarding to work out this stuff yourself !
ReplyDeleteThanks Fiona - yep I def want to do all the little bits of design myself - its pretty frustrating at the moment - been playing all week and cannot get the look I want so I may take a break over the weekend before I go a little bit mad xxx Nat
DeleteHave fun is #1 on my list ...
ReplyDelete... and I'm struggling with the structure thing. Mostly because I just kinda follow my head's cues. You know, some days I just want to write. Some days I just want to take pics and edit. Some days I want to sew or paint or ... or ...
So I keep it flexible with whatever my daily passion is and somehow it falls into place!
Thanks so much for linking up to our party!
:)
Linda
Linda - I think the "structure" point may be a little more along the lines of "streamlining" and I also want to ge ta few pr-written posts done so when Im having a rough day/week - i can still send out a post. Thanks for popping by xx Nat
DeleteNatalie,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you came to the party! I love your list of goals and agree with everyone (I wish I would have thought of some of yours :) I know this post will be an inspiration to so many. Thanks for sharing your heart.
blessings,
karianne
PS Great idea on the blog structure!
Thanks Karianne - your ideas are great too and thank you so very much for your kind comment xx Nat
DeleteI have a blog review hop going on at my blog, if you'd like to join! You go and review 2 blogs anonymously and then 2 bloggers anonymously review your blog. It will give you some ideas as far as your blog layout and functionality, etc. Come on over!
ReplyDeleteAwesome - thanks Heather xx Nat
DeleteExcellent goals! I have been thinking about the whole "structuring" thing too. But I figure I will wait until I have enough posts to structure! I love your jewelry ideas. I see some of them in my crafting future....
ReplyDeleteOh goody -please let me know when you make some jewellery - I would love to see xx Nat
Deleteoh, and I'm a new LF friend!
ReplyDeleteAwesome - thank you xx
DeleteI would love to learn graphic design. I get to a point with the whole blog design that I have to get someones help. I would love to be able to do it. I love your idea about planning your blog week.
ReplyDeleteBristol
Thanks for stopping by Bristol xx Nat
DeleteNew follower here ... looking forward to following your blog and projects. Thanks Carrie
ReplyDeleteAw thanks Carrie xx
DeleteOh, dear, that photography thing again. I'm really going to have to tackle it.
ReplyDeleteSigh - yes me too xx Nat
DeleteI need more structure too! It's so hard to stay organized when so many ideas are flying through my mind!
ReplyDeleteYour goals are fantastic and I've already accomplished a couple (Linky party, in process of prettifying my blog). 2 down, 3 to go - we can do this!
Of course, I'm a new Linky follower too.
Kelly
We so can "do" this Kelly xx Nat
DeleteGreat goals! I have structure, but that's mostly because I crave it, so having a blogging calendar with posts color coded just makes me happy:) I'm with you on #1, taking the reins yourself to beautify this great blog.
ReplyDeleteOoh I may need to do a calendar... thanks for that idea xx Nat
Deletethanks so much for joining the party today. How exciting to see everyone's goals and see how we can help each other be successful. Congrats on 16 weeks. It will be a year before you know it!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Thanks Laura - Im enjoying it all very much xx Nat
Deletegreat blog I look forward to reading it your newest blog hop follower!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Debbie xx Nat
DeleteHi. Structure is so important, isn't it? I'm sure blog is going to be a success. I'm a new follower to your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteCas x
Thanks Cas - Im following you too xx Nat
Deletehaving fun is essential! i love that you included that - it's a good reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cassie - yep when its no longer fun - than you have a problem I think xx Nat
DeleteGreat goals! I think you are doing great! I'm your newest follower!! Here are my goals!
ReplyDeletehttp://iknowtheplansihave4you.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-do-you-want-your-blog-to-be-when.html
~jill
Im following back Jill xx Nat
DeleteI think your #1 goal is perfect, create the space you love and then the rest will fall into blog place. :) Structure is something I am constantly balancing...so many different aspects to blogging and hard to know exactly when I'm going to be inspired to write...or to turn a hutch into a tv stand. You know?!?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up!
Karah
Oh I know Karah - but Im thinking that with the structure - I may write and save the posts for when I need them - does that make sense? Im still finding my way - so we will see how I go lol xx Nat
Delete