Clothed with Grace: Three Years

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Three Years

I just realized I've had this blog for just over three years.  It's been a lot of fun, but my approach to blogging is very different when I began. So today I thought I'd share a "Then" and "Now" post. It's been a fun journey.

Then: I posted content everyday....yes, everyday.  I did five outfit posts and two weekend shopping posts. It's hard for me to fathom the time I spent on this little space each week. It definitely didn't give me a lot of balance in my life.

Now: I post 3-4 times a week, and am actually thinking I might just stick to three posts now. Blogging takes a lot of time, and although it's fun, it's just a hobby.

Then: I wasted a ton of time trying to take photos during times that didn't work. Such as, when it's windy, too sunny, too overcast, too cold, etc. Seriously, it was pretty ridiculous.

Now: If it's too sunny, windy, or cold I don't even attempt pictures. I know I won't be happy with them, so why waste the time? I now set aside about a half hour on Saturday mornings to take a few pictures, and if that doesn't work, so be it.

Then: I literally followed and commented on about 100 blogs a day. I was super excited to read, see, and engage with so many other bloggers. I also read that the more you comment and share your website, the more the word on your blog gets out.  I never thought I'd be the next "Kendi," but I did want to grow my audience.

Now: There are very few blogs I read on a daily basis, and I'm now more of a "lurker" than a "commenter." I still like to read some blogs, but I don't at all comment and share my site like I used to. I don't ever comment in hopes it will bring readers of that blog back to mine.

Then: I spent way too much time outfit planning and shopping for the blog. I felt like each post needed to have something "new" in it. I ended up with a lot of clothes I hardly wore. I still had the same budget I do now, but pretty much every cent was spent on clothes each month.

Now: If I'm being honest, I now more often than not pick out my outfit for the day while I'm wearing my towel. I think I am more comfortable knowing what will look good together, but I also realize every outfit doesn't need to be a "work of art," it's just an outfit. Especially being pregnant, shopping is pretty much at a standstill. I have more than enough clothes and don't plan on buying more until after our little girl is here.

Then: I worried a lot about making sure I joined a bunch of link-ups and shared my posts on social media like crazy.

Now: I do only a couple of link-ups a week and really only share on Facebook and Instagram, which I kind of feel like have their own audiences.  It seems like most of my Facebook fans are non-blogging moms and although I have a decent audience on Instagram, I think very few people actually click over to my blog: seeing one picture on Instagram seems to be sufficient for them. I don't even attempt Twitter or Snapchat, I think I'm just getting to old to "get them" or engage with people on them in a meaningful way.

Then: I looked at my blog stats daily and was always working to increase my readership.

Now: If I'm being honest, since getting pregnant my blog stats have been pretty static without much growth, and I'm ok with that, pregnant women don't necessarily give an awful lot of fashion inspiration to all the non-pregnant women out there.

Then: I really didn't spend much time on my content, posts were mostly about explaining my outfit.

Now: I really work to create content that is meaningful and authentic. However, I sometimes wonder how many people read it when most of my comments say things like "cute shirt." I really want this space to be meaningful to those who take the time to stop by, so to those of you actually reading this, thank you!

My thoughts on the "Then" and "Now:" I feel like I have a lot more balance and perspective now on this little hobby.  Any hobby should be fun, but when it becomes too much of a focus it takes about from the other things in your life that really matter. Thanks to those who have stuck with me through this journey, and as long as it's fun, I'll be here!



Button down: J.Crew Factory same
Shirt: Target
Jeans: Target same / non-maternity 
Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same
Bracelets: Stella and Dot same
Shoes: Aerosoles c/o Chippmunk same

Linking up with:

14 comments:


  1. Congratulations on 3 years! It's fun to hear about how your blog (and approach) has grown and changed over the years!

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  2. What a great post! I'm happy to have been reading your blog for most of this time. It's also funny how I can totally relate to a lot of your then-and-nows since I started blogging about 2.5 years ago. Keep doing what you're doing!

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  3. Good post -- and I read you every day --- and I'm a 60 year old grandmother. Having a family is an amazing transitions time in your life....and certainly a shifting of priorities.

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  4. I like where your blog has gone over the years. I've been reading for almost all of that and originally started coming back because of the easy fashion advice I could gain from it, now I read and come back because I really like that you are an honest blogger who does this for herself and no one else.
    You also look great and I hope you feel great too! Growing a human is hard work!

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  5. I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for the inspirational posts and scriptures. I agree that hobbies should be fun and not work. Some bloggers have turned their hobbies into a side job and that works for them. Your perspective is great. I still like to see what outfits you put together now that you are pregnant because I'm 14 weeks pregnant and find another type of inspiration right now in that regard. You've helped me see that I can find things in my closets (actually two closets!) to wear without spending tons of money on maternity stuff. I'm sure a purchase or two of maternity pants is in my future, but I'm getting by for now. Congrats on three years!

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  6. Oh wow, three years is a long time! congrats! I've been blogging for a not even a year, and I totally get the photos thing. I used to take photos whenever, wherever when I first started! Now I've found a location inside that's safe from cold/wind haha.

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  7. Congrats on three years Ginny! I can relate to every single point you made. I feel like I should go back to commenting on new blogs, just to expand my readership but just keeping up with blogger friends is hard enough! I stopped joining link-ups after a long blog break and it feels nice not worrying about keeping up with everything. Here's to keeping our blogs as a hobby!

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  8. Love this post! You have inspired me to reflect on my "then" and "now". I do enjoy your content as well. Very thought provoking and meaningful Oh and by the way "cute outfit" ....lol. Had to throw that in there.

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  9. CONGRATULATIONS ON 3 YEARS, GINNY. This post was very nice and eye-opening, I read it all. I have had my blog for 5 years now but only truly been blogging for 3 and many things have changed. I am one of those people that usually comments on the outfit, but I do read your content - believe me. I really like this simple outfit. I need a classic black+white gingham shirt.

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  10. Happy 3 years! Time flies when you're having fun!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

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  11. Congrats! TBH, I subscribe to your blog for the fashion, not the scriptures, etc. so just know that when you receive comments like "nice shirt!" it's from people like me. Doesn't mean we don't read your content.

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  12. From someone who also has a blog as a creative outlet I am with you! I've slowly stopped commenting on so many blogs and really have worked on creating relationships with the ones I connect with the most! But hey girl being pregnant doesn't mean you can't give me some inspiration! Would love for you to read my latest!

    xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries

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  13. Happy 3 years Susan. I don't know how long I have been following but have seen your transition and enjoyed your content. I too come her for the easy fashion advice but have definitely been inspired by your new direction too. God gave you a gift so showing a cute outfit is just giving him the glory, right? Especially now. All the best to you!

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