I’m not even going to pretend that anyone asked me why I’ve been posting less often. Wait, my mom did. Thanks mom (enter kiss face emoji).
Since summer began, I’ve been figuring out what rhythm feels right for our days and weeks. Along with that has come some changes in the way I blog and do social media. Like I’ve always said, this little slice of the internet is a sacred outlet for me, so leaving it behind is never an option. However, figuring out how to best manage my passion for this space while still fulfilling my other duties/callings (being with my family/staying home with the girls/getting going with homeschooling/trying to keep the house in some semblance of order <– currently failing hard at this) is, and will forever, be an ever-changing journey.
I’m already getting wordy, so let’s cut to the chase. I’m going to start blogging 3 times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Why? Much thought (and needless anxiety… because again, no one noticed, right?) has gone into it and here are my thoughts:!
1: My priority first and foremost is my family. I don’t want to just be the one to make them breakfast. I want to be the one to sit down and eat it with them, hear about their funny dreams and plan the day- not check my phone at the counter while they eat at the table. The girls are getting bigger. Hailey has quiet time from 1-2, and Kaitlyn will usually nap 1-3, but other than that, my days are filled with swim team, book reading, making meals, library trips, chores and other forms of being mom/wife/household CEO (<–laugh if you must but I’m proud of how I run this place).
2: When I blog I want to chat with you guys about real stuff. I’m talking quality over quantity. I certainly want to (and will continue to) share our daily life, but I also want time to tackle the longgggg list of topics I feel drawn to write about: parenting, feeding kids, finding meaning outside of being mom, planning for future goals, homeschooling, feeding a marriage, etc. Those posts take time to construct. Plus I want to allow time for me to read and digest your responses. I don’t know if y’all realize how much I enjoy the engagement with you via the comments and social media.
Speaking of social media, I’m on it! Well, I’m on some of it. And I’d love for you to join me and engage with me on platforms that interest you.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how I use social media:
Snapchat: Oh my, how I love me some snapchat. I use snapchat as a portal into our everyday lives. I share what we are up to, silly faces, what we’re eating, things I am trying/loving or simply what I’m looking at. It’s not curated in the least, which is why I love it.
Instagram: I still have a strong affection for the gram as well. I post a lot of our meals over there. I’d say about 70% of my pictures are food. I also share occasional pictures of the girls/our travels/etc if I happen to catch a good snapshot worth sharing.
Facebook: Such a fabulous way to interact and I love getting comments on posts I share because it’s so easy to respond. I also share content I’ve written in the past that is pertinent and recipes I love from way back when. I share posts from others that resonate with me as well as other tidbits, tips or quotes.
Twitter: I share my current posts, posts from others that I really love, and I check it daily to respond back to any messages/inquiries I get. However, for the sake of transparency, I don’t have the time I used to to follow conversations closely and log in multiple times a day.
Periscope: I really loved the platform but have deleted it off my phone. It was too much pressure and way too time consuming for me.
Newsletter — this is new! And I’m psyched about it! Thus the excessive !!!’s. Along with getting new posts sent right to your inbox, I’ll be writing a personal newsletter each week. I’m hoping to make it an extension of the blog, sharing behind the scenes talk and pictures, links to content that is worth sharing, recipes and more. If you’d like to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, click here!
The only constant in life is change, right? So maybe things will change again at some point. However, right now this feels like a good balance. I know how busy your lives are so I can’t say thank you enough for continuing to follow along and engage with me in this space.
If you have topics you’d love to see appear here on the blog, please leave them in the comments!
Some of my very favorite/most popular posts/conversations have come from readers’ requests.
What is your favorite way to connect with bloggers? Comments? Social Media?
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend (holiday weekend if you are in the US!). We have friends coming in town and I couldn’t be more excited to watch our kids run, roast some s’mores, sip some wine, splash in the lake, and maybe even catch some fireworks. HAPPY WEEKEND!
kaylee says
You’re so real it’s awesome! I’ll miss the daily check ins but I’m so happy you are finding a good balance that works for you and your family!
Allison says
I totally wondered what was up with your posting schedule, I just didn’t think you needed some crazy lady you don’t know IRL to harass you about it!! Balance is SO important, and totally understand about being present with your kids! It’s something I am really trying to focus in on too. I love your blog from the great tips you share about parenting, to the simple yummy dinner recipes, but more than any of that, I love all the positivity that you share! I love to read your blog in the mornings as I get my work day started to help get me off on the right track. Hope you and the girls have a wonderful summer!!
Jerrica says
This x10000. I didn’t hunk I had a right to comment on your posting because it is your right to post whenever you want! But I do read every. Single. Morning at 830 west coast time. A little healthy slice of life with my coffee gets me ready to tackle the day. I may or may not have referred to you as my friend the other day while suggesting your blog to someone. Creepy maybe but I’ve been reading for years! Anyway, you do you! We will still keep reading!
Heather says
I have been missing you, but I am so glad you are not leaving! I love your posts about any type of kid meals and also mindful parenting.
Kathleen says
I wondered too, when you didn’t post on a couple of Tuesdays! Glad you’re finding balance and enjoying the extra time with your family… I too, will miss the daily check ins but the newsletter sounds like an awesome new addition! Thanks for being such a positive way to start my mornings, even if it isn’t every morning 🙂
Rebecca says
I love your writing! I think it’s some of the best out there! I love your posts about parenting, recipes and all things kid related.
Jeannie says
I noticed!! I Will miss your extra posts but glad your sticking around still bc I love your content!
Jenn says
I would love to hear more about how you try manage it all. I struggle with trying to clean the house. Feel like on my house cleaning days I kindve ignore the kids to get it clean, then I end up feeling bad about the kids. I sometimes try when the younger two nap and set the 4&5 year up with an activity, or the TV, but an hour isn’t long enough to clean it. Just curious on what works for you!
Jessica says
Involving my kids helps this neat freak out a lot. 🙂 I only have two kids, but even 1-2 year olds seem to love to take a wet rage and “dust”. They can put toys away, “organize” etc. As long as it doesn’t make your chores take even longer it is some time for you to clean and good life skills for them.
I’m also insane and wake up extremely early, way before my kids to either get stuff done with food/cleaning to get ahead of the day or go for a run.
And easier said than done, but please don’t feel guilty. You can only do the best you can. Paying more attention to other things instead of your kids sometimes is GOOD for them. I think an hour is a good chunk of time to clean if you aren’t too hard on yourself about everything being cleaned perfectly. Hang in there, its really hard to balance.
So, my short answer: Involve your kids. Wake up before them. Don’t try to clean everything perfectly. xo 🙂
John J. says
Being aware, assessing, changing and adapting to life as it unfolds is a recipe for a healthy balanced life. You are a good role model for that. Enjoy this special weekend with your guests!
Tracy says
I definitely noticed!! I assumed it was a shift in your priorities which I highly respect! Always look forward to your posts no matter how often 🙂
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I’m so glad you are making your family a priority and enjoying time with your girls! You’ve gotta do what works for you, and often that changes in different seasons of life. And I hear ya on the housework- I can’t keep up either so I just try to maintain “good enough” when it comes to a clean house. 😉
Brittany Dixon says
“Good enough” has been the story of the state of my house for a while now 😉 Glad I’m not alone!
Melissa says
This blog is also a part of my morning ritual/check in..so I did notice. Hope you enjoy these summer days..looking forward to the newsletter!
Rebecca says
I definitely noticed! I found your blog a few years ago and love your thoughtful, open and honest posts. As a Southern girl who now lives in London, I also love a peek into your daily life–a world away from mine but in many ways exactly the same! I’m so pleased you aren’t closing the blog, I read every day and am reading a lot of your baby posts as my little one grows!
I love tips for meal planning with a busy family life. I return to work full time soon after taking a year off with my baby, and would love some more posts on how to cook now, eat later or meal prepping on Sunday’s to eat healthy, fresh food on busy week nights. I’d also love to hear more about how you and David are planning for your future (finance, career, homeschooling etc).
Keep the pictures of your sweet girls coming!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks so much for the kind words and feedback Rebecca! I’ll make note of the topics. Living in London sounds amazing! I’d love to take a peek into your daily life as well 🙂
Rebecca says
I’m sure it’s not that interesting! I’ll send you some snaps though 😊
Dana says
I too will miss the daily posting but completely understand that family comes first! I’m glad you are able to find a balance with it all. Thats why I love your blog…you are so real and honest and an inspiration to us moms out there trying to find that balance ourselves. Love love love your meal plan posts and healthy eating tips! I’ve gotten many yummy recipes from them! Enjoy the summer with your family 🙂
Karen says
I noticed as well and I figured it was the busy Summer. I was so sad on a few days when there wasn’t a new post but totally understand what your priorities are. Love your blog, your writing and your snaps.
Nikki says
I actually primarily follow you via Facebook. I see an interesting topic and I click. I can’t say I read every single one but at least 2/3. I bet you there are some like me who will click based on the topic so always keep that in mine. You are doing a great job as always!
Brittany Dixon says
I really appreciate that feedback, thank you! And thanks for the kind words too. I always appreciate it! <3