This is really the million dollar question, isn’t it? Why in the world did I start blogging? Let’s see…well, I think that it actually started with Twitter. When I first signed up, I wasn’t really sure what to make of it. And, then all of a sudden, I found all of these mommy blogs out there. MomAdvice, Freebies4Mom and Northern Cheapskate are just a few that really caught my eye, saved me some money and introduced my to the world of blogging. So I started thinking, why can’t I do that? And I couldn’t come up with any reason why not, so I gave it a shot.

When I first started this blog, back in August 2009 (yes, I’ve been at this for just 6 months), my main goal was to share my journey with the kiddo, with family, friends, and whoever else is interested. Since we are all scattered across the county, it just seemed like the best way to stay in contact, without actually being in contact. I wanted to share not only the big events of our lives, but the smaller ones too. The everyday things that fill up our lives, that are near and dear to us. Those things that slip through the cracks and could be easily forgotten.

But soon after I started, I realized that blogging was more than just a way to tell our story. It was a way to share products that I love. I started doing this before companies even started contacting me to review their products (more on this in a future post). I was just passionate about the every day things that we use, that have made our lives easier, more fun or that are just plain awesome.

Since I’ve started it has slowly morphed from being just about our lives, to sharing our favorite recipes, our challenges with getting the kiddo to eat veggies, our weekly crafts, and my own personal reflection on my stay-at-home mom experience. Plus the usual funny stories, mistakes and any other stories that are just too good not to share. And when I can convince them to write, a special guest post by Dad-oo or the pugs.

Plus, a million years ago, for a short time, I considered having a career as a writer. Funny how life works out sometimes.

So, that’s a little bit about me, and how I started this little thing I call a blog. I’d love to hear your stories. It doesn’t even have to be about blogging, it can just be a story about how you started a new path in your life. Link it up or leave a comment. And if you link up, don’t forget to add my button to your post. That way we can all share in the love.

Why I Started Blogging is a post from: Alli 'n Son

A few weeks ago, I was at a point in my blogging where I was wondering if it was worth it. You know those days when you feel like you put your heart and soul into something, and you just don’t seem to be getting the results you hoped for? It was that kind of day. And then, out of the blue I received this email:

Hi Allison,

I recently stumbled upon your blog wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for your posts and to let you know that I’m definitely a fan. As a first time mom (also living in the Mid-West) I can relate to so much of what you’ve shared. And your series on becoming a SAHM could have been written by me. I nearly cried when I read your announcement that being a SAHM was what you had decided to do because I also feel the same way. Currently, we’re not in a situation where I can afford to leave my job yet (the economy in Michigan has been a challenge), but my husband and I are working on it, and your stories are an inspiration to me.

I’m also exploring the world of blogging (majored in journalism in college and currently work in PR but writing has always been my passion) and would love to hear about how you got started and how you make it work. Perhaps an idea for a new series for you?

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your blog and to let you know how much its appreciated. I look forward to reading more.

Best regards,
Kristin

Seriously Kristin, I can not tell you how much your email meant to me. You gave me the motivation I needed to keep going. You made me realize that people do read my blog, that people can relate to my experience, and that people find value in it. I don’t know how you knew it, but that is just what I needed to hear.

So, in honor of Kristin, I’m going to share a little about why I blog. Actually, it’s going to be a series. For the next few Saturdays I’m going to share one reason why I blog and some fantastic resources I’ve found that have helped me along the way. It has officially been dubbed the Blogging is My Passion series. Next week I’ll be talking about why I started blogging.

I’d love to hear from you! I know there are many lurkers out there, too shy to comment. Now’s your chance. What are your favorite things about my blog? What would you like to see more of? Less of? Has my blog helped you in anyway?

And because I love to hear other people’s stories, I’ll have a linky for others to share their bloggy stories. Tips, resources and simply why you love blogging. The more the merrier!

Don’t forget to enter my latest giveaways. LoveHandles by FusionBrands ends 2/5.

Just a Fan is a post from: Alli 'n Son