At A Total Loss...
Happy Monday, Shopaholics! Hope you're doing great today and are well rested after a nice weekend!
For once, I'm at a total loss of words. I know, it's difficult to imagine; but it's true! :-(
Lately I have been thinking a lot about this blog - where it's been, where it's going, and what my readers might expect from me. Believe me, I realize I haven't been updating quite as much as normal...and honestly, I think it's because I haven't been shopping as much as normal.
You can pick yourself up off the floor now, and continue reading! :-)
It felt like I was "boxing myself in" on the blog...everyone was reading and looking for the latest and greatest sales, shopping tips, etc. I do LOVE offering those things here, but even for me - there are times when I don't shop much. I guess I feel like that's what you are looking for from me.....and I haven't been able to give it to you!
Am I correct? What would you LIKE to read about here? Do you really care about the other things that are important to me, like the fishing trips, Nanny's birthday, etc? Or is it really all about shopping? Should it be?
For those of you who are active on Facebook, you might have seen the photos of my closet (one of the closets anyway) posted on the Lilly Pulitzer page and Shopaholic's Preppy Closet (profile picture). Seriously - nothing else will fit, until I purge in a big way. I'm trying to clean out - selling stuff on Ebay and on Shopaholic's Preppy Closet on Facebook.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Of course I'm going to continue blogging, but often I wonder if anyone is even reading. I'm not getting many comments, unless I'm hosting a giveaway. I have gradually realized that many people seem to just read blogs to enter (and win) giveaways. Not sure what I think about that...
Anyway, have a wonderful Monday and a great week.
For once, I'm at a total loss of words. I know, it's difficult to imagine; but it's true! :-(
Lately I have been thinking a lot about this blog - where it's been, where it's going, and what my readers might expect from me. Believe me, I realize I haven't been updating quite as much as normal...and honestly, I think it's because I haven't been shopping as much as normal.
You can pick yourself up off the floor now, and continue reading! :-)
It felt like I was "boxing myself in" on the blog...everyone was reading and looking for the latest and greatest sales, shopping tips, etc. I do LOVE offering those things here, but even for me - there are times when I don't shop much. I guess I feel like that's what you are looking for from me.....and I haven't been able to give it to you!
Am I correct? What would you LIKE to read about here? Do you really care about the other things that are important to me, like the fishing trips, Nanny's birthday, etc? Or is it really all about shopping? Should it be?
For those of you who are active on Facebook, you might have seen the photos of my closet (one of the closets anyway) posted on the Lilly Pulitzer page and Shopaholic's Preppy Closet (profile picture). Seriously - nothing else will fit, until I purge in a big way. I'm trying to clean out - selling stuff on Ebay and on Shopaholic's Preppy Closet on Facebook.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Of course I'm going to continue blogging, but often I wonder if anyone is even reading. I'm not getting many comments, unless I'm hosting a giveaway. I have gradually realized that many people seem to just read blogs to enter (and win) giveaways. Not sure what I think about that...
Anyway, have a wonderful Monday and a great week.
I used to feel that way about my blog too. I would take long breaks because I felt boxed in to shopping and dresses. Which I love but are not constantly a part of my daily life. At some point I started talking about the rest of my life and I guess my blog sort of shifted over time. I still talk about dresses and Lilly when it comes up. But I talk a lot about food and friends and family too.
ReplyDeleteBut my best advice is to write for yourself. Your readers will follow along. You may lose a few but will gain a few more. That's just life I suppose. But don't focus on what strangers want to read. Write what you enjoy and the rest will fall into place.
Hi Sweets! I read your blog because of YOU. If you talk about sales, fishing, things that concern you...I will read :)
ReplyDeleteLove ya! Wendy
Hi Presh -
ReplyDeleteI haven't written in a while either. I find that my blog is mostly about emotional and personal stuff and most of the stuff I am going through right now, I can't write about because too many local people who know me read it...
I don't always have the time to post comments, but I am readin' ya!
(((hugs)))
Margaret
I love to read things about your real life more than I do shopping. I love it when people peel back the layers in their writing! I don't receive a lot of comments either, but I do have a lot of people tell me they read my blog regularly. Keep going! We love it!
ReplyDeleteI think you are adarable. Your blog was the first blog I ever joined and one of the ones that I will take the time and follow because of you! Lori- write about anything and everything that you want.. ofcourse you are more than just a shopper. I love your taste and your opinion and love to hear what you are up to-in the mall or not! You are also a true support to others out there who are trying to put themselves out there!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading! I've been reading since the summer, not sure how long you've been blogging. I just began my blog this summmer and it is hard to find my "voice" and i've noticed too I write alot about shopping but there is so much more to me too.
ReplyDeleteLori, I'm still reading! Truthfully, I like reading the stories about YOU more than the other stuff. I'd be heartbroken if I wasn't able to see your beautiful Gulf pictures, read about your family's fun outings and just get to see you any longer. xo xo
ReplyDeleteHi, I read your blog daily, but usually don't comment. Sorry about that, I'll try to be better! I like hearing about sales and new purchases, but I like reading about your life more! I love all the pictures you put up!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! I have the hardest time deciding what to write about in my blog, as far as just sticking to my products or writing about the things that really make a difference in my day to day life. I love your personal stories Lori. Your shopping tips are great as well. I'll be watching and reading regardless of where you go with the blog.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep reading your blog, no matter what you post!
ReplyDeleteI hear you! Those people who lurk around just trying to find a giveaway to enter (and probably don't even care about the prize if they win) annoy me... but I think your blog is great and I will read no matter what you write about! How about Real Housewives commentary? ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the posts you've written about yourself. Your writing really shows through on your posts about your hometown, the gulf, and even football! What I liked when you first started was how exclusive you were about picking people for your specials, etc. Blogs that just show every freakin special is annoying to me (not because I work at one, but just in general - but there's still some bias). I felt so honored you had chosen us, that we had garnered your gold star. I think you've got that ability to demand attention and respect and you do a great job of taking it to a next level. I've entered like one giveaway ever on a blog, but I do see how it could become someone's only reason for reading. You know, however, it's not mine. I think you're pretty damn fabulous Lori, and your life is really interesting. Even if you're posting for just the few of us, we're always hear reading.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think I'm one of the few people who read blogs to read blogs. I can't stand give-aways and "deals." I'm more interested in the real person. Tell us about your life:)
ReplyDeleteI'm reading! Not commenting, apologies. I think you should write about what makes you feel happy. If it's shopping, family, fishing, reading, sunning your self on the beach, it's all fun! xx
ReplyDeleteTotally understand!
ReplyDeleteI rarely enter giveaways anymore because I don't want anyone to think I'm only reading for those.
I can post something I think is awesome, whether it be about my life or whatever, and get 2 comments. Then I post a giveaway, and suddenly, all of my followers start commenting. It rubs me the wrong way actually, and is a big part of why I've gotten out of blogging as much as I used to. It's no longer fun to me when I know that 90% of my readers only follow for giveaways. It kind of ruins it.
Awww...sorry that I don't comment much. Love reading your blog and it is not just about the shopping or giveaways. Sometimes I only get a quick check on things while at work and can't comment! Love reading about your thoughts other than shopping. Love me some Lilly, but the pockets aren't deep enough for much! Keep blogging, in whatever direction you are led:)
ReplyDeleteI am with ya......since I started my new public blog I am not sure which way to go , lol.
ReplyDeleteMy private one is about my family but I don't shop (ALLL that much) but I sure do cook and eat alot...maybe thats the way I need to go, HA!
I'll read ya cause I love ya!
Obviously, I love shopping. But more than that I love reading about life events, something funny that happened, or even just sharing a day that has been awful - I encourage you to write about whatever you want to each day - from catching fish to an awesome new dress - I'm reading!
ReplyDeleteWell, who doesn't love shopping tips?
ReplyDeleteI just enjoy reading your blog, your thoughts and anything else you want to type in this space.
Thanks for always putting a smile on my face.
Have a great rest of your week!!
Love ya, kiddo. I always read it....even if I don't comment or enter the giveaways :) <3
ReplyDeleteHey sweetie - sorry this is short and sweet since I am on BB in Chicago, but we LOVE you and all you share with us, and I totally get where you're coming from...people love us for who we are, not the stuff we love and post about. And you gorgeous gal are full of so many wonderful stories and adventures, I would love to hear all about them!
ReplyDelete(BTW Spoke to Captain John on 10/8...two months, can you believe it? I'll email you when I get home this weekend)
Love and miss you! xooxoxo
I'll be honest... I usually don't comment when the post is about sales or shopping. BUT I always try to when you write about who you are, dearie, and what's going on in your life! I love those kind of blogs! But don't keep us in the dark about fun sales either!
ReplyDeleteI love reading all of your posts! I agree with all these other ladies, the shopping tips are great but I am much more interested in your life and the things that are important to you. I started my blog thinking I would not write about myself all that much and focus on products and brands that I could share with others, but it seems I am writing so much about what happens in my life, and am so appreciative of the advice that I am getting from others!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love reading about great deals (and who doesn't!) I like hearing what you and the dh are up to, how the oil is still affecting your lives, or general life happenings!
ReplyDeleteI go through the same thing, my blog is about my lifestyle but when I'm being a boring mother/wife I feel like people won't want to read unless I'm shopping or going to parties. Trust me, people are reading now cause we feel like we are all friends and part of community. So feel free to write, even when you don't shop
ReplyDeletexoxo
SC
Hey Girl! I love the posts about real life just as much as (if not more than) the shopping stuff. Not into the contest at all, just like to know what's going on with one of my favorite ladies :)
ReplyDeleteXO
Lori, I visit you at least once a week. I usually don't comment, but I am here! I love all your posts...every topic. Actually, there's plenty of Lilly out there, so it's fun to see other things,too. Keep up the great blog!
ReplyDeleteWarmly, Kathleen
Lori, I love hearing about your life - whether it's shopping, going to concerts, loving your Nanny or fishing with your dad! I'm sorry I rarely comment. I just don't always have it in me when I finish running after my 3 boys or trying to (once in a while) write my own blog. But rest assured, when I get a peaceful moment, I love reading what you're up to!
ReplyDeleteI don't always comment on every blog I read every day. Not enough time in the day...that doesn't mean your readers aren't out there lady. : )
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is wonderful and I love when you mix it up. I think including shopping deals and life stories is a great way to show both sides of you. I feel ya though, with the new baby here, I am on a shopping halt. The less I buy, the longer I can stay home with the little one. So no shopping has hindered my blogging topics. But I decided I would still post one deal a week. Something that I would buy if I could buy it. It is a little hard because I am always tempted to purchase it but my readers enjoy it and it is still fun to look for a good bargain.
ReplyDeleteYou have such wonderful giveaways that I am not surprised that you get such a huge response when you have them. You have by far the best sponsored giveaways I have seen on any blog. I know it is stressful when you have a giveaway and don't get a great response. It is so disappointing for the sponsor and for the blogger. So at least you can be thankful that you never have to worry about that! :) Keep up the wonderful blog. We all really adore it.