Kari Skelton

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You are here: Home / Momlife / Six Truths From My First Year of Blogging

Six Truths From My First Year of Blogging

February 12, 2018 By Kari 9 Comments

First Year of Blogging

I can’t believe KariSkelton.com is officially a year old! Boy oh boy, has it been an amazing, crazy-busy year of ups and downs, victories and mistakes, and a massive learning curve. First off, I want to thank you for popping in, reading, commenting, sending me questions, and supporting this venture of mine. It means so much that you choose to make this one of your stops through the day. It’s exactly why I started this blog: to create a community of like-minded people who love to share ideas and great finds!

Reflecting back on this past year, here are six truths from my first year of blogging:

Many people don’t realize being a blogger is a “real” job: I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked, “Do you think you’ll ever go back to work?” Pardonne-moi? I say this with a smile on my face because I know some still don’t realize blogging IS a career that can generate actual money. Influencer marketing is still fairly new (and growing fast), so I give people a pass on not knowing that, in fact, this is my job.

It’s way more work than I thought: I’m game for hard work, but I didn’t quite realize how much was involved with being a blogger. I have a whole new respect for the profession. One of the promises I made to myself when I started KariSkelton.com was consistency. I always wanted there to be fresh, new, and exciting content when you popped in. That meant posting at least three times a week. I didn’t always make it there but I tried! To give you an idea of what’s involved in one of my blog posts…you come up with the idea, you explore options of potentially collaborating with a company on your idea, you plan out the content, you pick up (gather) the content, you take the photos, edit the photos, write the post, edit the post, and then promote the post on your social media platforms. All of those steps for just one post. It’s a LOT of work! Plus, the business side of the business. Emails, pitches, invoicing, analytics reports…but don’t get me wrong, I love being able to do this job while being a stay-at-home mom.

I Compare Myself to Others Bloggers All the Time: I’m working on this. I’m reminded often that I’m only one person, one year in on this journey, running this little empire and I don’t have a team of people helping produce content. Like with anything you love, I just want it to be SO fantastic, so I want to do it all.

I Don’t Miss My Old Job: I worked in radio and television for 13 years and I loved it, but much to my surprise, I don’t miss it at all. At this point in my life, I know I’m exactly where I should be, doing what I really love.

Sometimes I feel like a bad parent: There are days Wyatt watches TV all morning so I can answer emails, send out invoices, or edit photos. It happens. You have to do what you have to do when you’re a Work From Home Mom! In the moment it feels yucky, but we make sure he gets time outside, taking art classes, reading books, etc.

It’s a Supportive Community: I’ve been blown away by the support of the blogging community, especially locally. Everyone I’ve met is truly cheering for one another to succeed in this business. Of course, there’s a bit of healthy competition, but mostly just support. I’m happy and honoured to be part of it.

So, friends… I raise a glass and cheers to you for your love and support. Here’s to year two!

 

xx

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Filed Under: Local Love, Momlife, Projects

Comments

  1. Amy says

    February 12, 2018 at 9:52 am

    Great job babe! I’be enjoyed each and every one of your posts and applaud you because I know how much time and diligence is dedicated toward this venture! 💜

    Reply
    • Kari says

      February 12, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      Thank you so much, friend!!

      Reply
  2. Justine says

    February 12, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    Happy blog birthday, lady!! You have done such an amazing job with KS! I am so proud of you and love following along! XO

    Reply
  3. Amy says

    February 13, 2018 at 6:32 am

    Congrats Babe! You are doing an amazing job, both blogging and Mommin it Xo

    Reply
    • Kari says

      February 13, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      Thank you babe! xoxoxoxo

      Reply
  4. Loralee says

    February 13, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    Congrats Kari! You do such a great job. You are an inspiration to me. #bloggergoals #killinit

    Reply
    • Kari says

      February 15, 2018 at 9:35 am

      Thank for the kind words! Right back at ya! xx

      Reply
  5. Heather says

    February 14, 2018 at 11:14 pm

    Happy belated blog Birthday to you!! Super proud of you for following your heart and gut and even even happier you let us all follow along all while keeping it real and hip along the way. I always learn something, giggle and usually always relate to something when I read your blog so thank you.

    Reply
    • Kari says

      February 15, 2018 at 9:36 am

      Thank you, friend! That means the world! xx

      Reply

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kariskelton

fun finds | decor + organization inspo | style hacks
🌷
Mama 👦🐶🐶
Blogger ⌨
Doing it all from our heritage home 🇨🇦
Tap the link below for more tips 👇

Kari Skelton | Lifestylist
It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm de It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm definitely feeling it. Still processing much I've what I've watched, seen, and heard.

There's a lot to sift through online, but here are a few videos that are definitely worth the time - to bring perspective, some joy, and some love. I've posted some in my stories this week but wanted a permanent place on my feed. The links are all clickable in my bio. 

Watch @marielle.elizabeth's video "Being Healthy Doesn't Make Your Life More Valuable" https://www.instagram.com/p/CNoItr8ANtC/.

Watch @celeighcardinal's new music video which celebrates community, friendship, and all forms of love.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6wSWUXgXkg8&feature=youtu.be

Meet a remarkable family. The family of Rob White - the man who presumed drowned after trying to save a dog in the river last week - spoke on love, kindness and legacy on #RealTalkRJ. I was honestly bawling the whole time (starts at the 1:20 mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG7s3JsUT6Q

I'm also heartbroken to hear about another unnecessary loss. Daunte Wright. To the black community - I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this again. 

Hugs to you, friends. ❤
Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳 Alth Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳

Although this photo is from a year ago, the setting will be exactly the same for Ry's second pandemic birthday: cocktails 🥂and Crispy Crunch Cake 🎂. It's all you truly need, isn't it? Your family, delicious food, and fabulous cocktails! 😊

I won't get too mushy but I love this guy so much. He LIVES life to the fullest. Always bringing the fun, he cares deeply, and loves unconditionally.❤❤ If you haven't already done so check out his show Real Talk at RyanJespersen.com. 

Oh - and the cake recipe is at KariSkelton.com (link in my bio). Only three ingredients! 🕺🙌

.
.
.
#crispycrunchcake #cakegram #cakerecipe #easycake #easycakerecipe ⠀
#cake #crispycrunch  #yegfood #yegblogger #cakepost #canadianmama
Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In h Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In human years she's 19, and it turns out she's just like me at that age: wild, getting into all sorts of trouble, sleeping most of the day, and boy crazy (ball crazy for her).😅 Swipe for the latest Roe pic.

Do you celebrate your dog's birthday?

.
.
.
#newpuppy #labsofinstagram #labstagram #lovelabs #labsofinsta #yegdog #yegdogs #fab_labs_ #dogstagram #blacklaboftheday #dogofinstagram #labrador #retrieverstagram
Curious- how are you handling planning for summer? Curious- how are you handling planning for summer?🏖 I'm hoping we'll be at a place in this pandemic where we can road trip with friends, but I don't know.🤷‍♀️ 

Are you booking or have you already booked everything just in case and then will cancel if need be? 

Last summer we rented a motorhome and camped in Kananaskis and it was amazing!🏞 If you're still trying to convince your spouse that the family needs a trailer (like I am 😊), check out RVezy.com - an RV rental marketplace where you rent from private owners (kind of like Air BNB). We had a great experience! 🙌🤍

.
.
.
.
#kananaskis #camping #campalberta #explorealberta #explorecanada #canadianmama
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

fun finds | decor + organization inspo | style hacks
🌷
Mama 👦🐶🐶
Blogger ⌨
Doing it all from our heritage home 🇨🇦
Tap the link below for more tips 👇

Kari Skelton | Lifestylist
It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm de It's been a wild and heavy week, hasn't it? I'm definitely feeling it. Still processing much I've what I've watched, seen, and heard.

There's a lot to sift through online, but here are a few videos that are definitely worth the time - to bring perspective, some joy, and some love. I've posted some in my stories this week but wanted a permanent place on my feed. The links are all clickable in my bio. 

Watch @marielle.elizabeth's video "Being Healthy Doesn't Make Your Life More Valuable" https://www.instagram.com/p/CNoItr8ANtC/.

Watch @celeighcardinal's new music video which celebrates community, friendship, and all forms of love.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6wSWUXgXkg8&feature=youtu.be

Meet a remarkable family. The family of Rob White - the man who presumed drowned after trying to save a dog in the river last week - spoke on love, kindness and legacy on #RealTalkRJ. I was honestly bawling the whole time (starts at the 1:20 mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG7s3JsUT6Q

I'm also heartbroken to hear about another unnecessary loss. Daunte Wright. To the black community - I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this again. 

Hugs to you, friends. ❤
Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳 Alth Happy birthday @ryanjespersen! 🥳🥳 🥳

Although this photo is from a year ago, the setting will be exactly the same for Ry's second pandemic birthday: cocktails 🥂and Crispy Crunch Cake 🎂. It's all you truly need, isn't it? Your family, delicious food, and fabulous cocktails! 😊

I won't get too mushy but I love this guy so much. He LIVES life to the fullest. Always bringing the fun, he cares deeply, and loves unconditionally.❤❤ If you haven't already done so check out his show Real Talk at RyanJespersen.com. 

Oh - and the cake recipe is at KariSkelton.com (link in my bio). Only three ingredients! 🕺🙌

.
.
.
#crispycrunchcake #cakegram #cakerecipe #easycake #easycakerecipe ⠀
#cake #crispycrunch  #yegfood #yegblogger #cakepost #canadianmama
Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In h Happy second birthday to our sweet girl! 🥳 In human years she's 19, and it turns out she's just like me at that age: wild, getting into all sorts of trouble, sleeping most of the day, and boy crazy (ball crazy for her).😅 Swipe for the latest Roe pic.

Do you celebrate your dog's birthday?

.
.
.
#newpuppy #labsofinstagram #labstagram #lovelabs #labsofinsta #yegdog #yegdogs #fab_labs_ #dogstagram #blacklaboftheday #dogofinstagram #labrador #retrieverstagram
Curious- how are you handling planning for summer? Curious- how are you handling planning for summer?🏖 I'm hoping we'll be at a place in this pandemic where we can road trip with friends, but I don't know.🤷‍♀️ 

Are you booking or have you already booked everything just in case and then will cancel if need be? 

Last summer we rented a motorhome and camped in Kananaskis and it was amazing!🏞 If you're still trying to convince your spouse that the family needs a trailer (like I am 😊), check out RVezy.com - an RV rental marketplace where you rent from private owners (kind of like Air BNB). We had a great experience! 🙌🤍

.
.
.
.
#kananaskis #camping #campalberta #explorealberta #explorecanada #canadianmama
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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