Dress:Â Shein // Bag:Â Amazon // Shoes:Â UGG (super old, similar here)
I’ve talked about a lot of things that have to do with blogging, and a lot of the good things.  I do have some things I would have done differently, or mistakes I wish I didn’t make in the beginning.  I think if I would’ve followed these things, I may have been able to make my blog full time by now.  Unfortunately for me, I’m just doing it as a hobby and don’t think it will be full time, just because of how saturated it is.
I should have never stopped in 2010
In 2010 when blogs first started to become a thing, I hopped on the bandwagon.  I loved sharing my fashion and life with the world.  It was a place where I could be myself.  My boyfriend at the time would get so mad about taking my pictures that he said he wasn’t going to do it anymore and that I should stop.  I should have never stopped.  I should have found a way to make it work.  I would have been one of the originals in a market that is booming now.
Research
I wish I would have researched blogging more.  That way, I wouldn’t have just been typing up random posts, and not knowing who my target audience was.  I wish that I would have researched photographers or how to make my photos off of my phone look even better.  I should have researched Photoshop and Lightroom before I even posted my first come back post in 2013.
Investing
If someone would have told me how much money I would spend, I would have been able to save up.  I wish someone did tell me because I’ve spent a hefty penny on this blog.  From memberships, to domains, to being self hosted, to buying designs.  Not to mention the clothes that I would have to buy to keep my blog current.  At this point, I’ve spent thousands on this blog.
Networking
I wish I would have networked more.  After a few months of blogging I went to my first blogging conference, that would be the start of a few, along with blogger meetups.  However a few years ago I started to become extremely busy, while trying to juggle a new relationship that I kind of fell off the radar with meeting up with fellow bloggers.
Not everyone plays nice
I’m a person who can be sensitive at times.  I wish I didn’t take a lot of things personally in the beginning.  I used to have this one person constantly commenting on my blog and giving constructive criticism that ended up turning into just a troll.  I tried not to take it personally, but I did.  When I would go to blogging conferences there were a few bigger bloggers that I followed that I was a huge fan of and some of those bloggers just brushed me off like I was no body and as soon as they saw how small I was they wanted nothing to do with me.  I remember the first time I met Element of Elis and Style Elixir, they were such sweethearts!  I did a total fan girl moment, but they took it as such a compliment and they actually knew who I was from commenting on their blogs or joining linkups.  It was so nice to be recognized by bloggers who had a big following.
Long distance Friendships
I have made so many friends through blogging, but most of them are so far away.  It sucks being able to connect with these amazing women, only to be in another state.  My blogger bestie (Ask Away Blog) is all the way in PA, 3 hours away.  I was actually invited to her wedding celebration.  My friend Shelbee On the Edge, who I just met, is only a state away, but it’s still too far.  There are a bunch of bloggers in NYC/NJ that I’m friends with, but it takes so much time to see them.
Time Management
I wish I was a little better at time management.  I have a full time job, two fur babies, a fiancé, and this blog.  At one point I also had an Etsy shop.  I legit have no time for anything.  I work full time, come home and take care of the dogs, cook dinner for my fiancé and myself, and by the time I’m done it’s about 8/9.  On most days I still squeeze in some time for my blog.  My Sundays are filled with blogging pictures and editing.  I basically schedule my life around my blog.
Basically, there are things I would have done a little differently, but I’m still proud of how far I’ve come, and how far this blog has come.  I may be an itty bitty blogger, but I’ve built so many friendships, I’ve gotten out of my comfort zone, I experienced California during a blogger conference, and I have a place to turn.  I am able to have a platform to use my voice.  Whether it’s to write encouraging and inspiring posts, or to just rant, this is a place where I can be myself.  I am so happy that I chose to start blogging again back in 2013.  I’m so thankful to have met all of you who read this blog, and comment on my posts.  I wish I could meet all of you in person to thank you for your continued support.
I also received this dress as a review from Shein, and I must say, I absolutely love love love the print.  I wish I wouldn’t have gotten white though, because it is slightly see through.  You can’t really tell unless you really look closely.  I wore this to my friends anniversary celebration, and loved it!  Super comfy too.
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**Please note, I received this dress as a review, however all opinions are my own.
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xoxo Monica
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Thank you for sharing your helpful comments. I am trying to do blogging on the cheap, but thinking about getting my own space. Maybe it is not worth all of the headaches? I have found so many bloggers (like you) who are helpful and generous. I have been blogging less than a year, and have learned a lot in a short time. It’s a pretty steep learning curve!
If you have any questions feel free to email me! It is a little bit of a headache, but at the end of the day I’m so glad I have my own space for my blog.
That’s an adorable, summery dress. Love the print. As far as blogging, it never ceases to amaze me how all the bloggers I visit online can make the time to get in as many posts as they do. I’ve had my blog for over ten years and I’ve never been able to properly promote it or keep up with a regular posting schedule. It’s so random, it’s ridiculous! Writing doesn’t come easy for me, so posts can take me up to two days to create. I totally can appreciate how much work goes into it. You definitely have to love blogging, be very disciplined to keep at it and be successful. Kudos to you for hanging in there.
Theresa
Hey Theresa!
So there are definitely days where I think “is this worth it?” Only because it takes so much time. I have to take outfit photos, edit them, and then create content. Writing is a 50/50 with me. It either comes easily to me or I have intense writer’s block. That also takes me time because I proofread so many times (and somehow still make spelling mistakes haha!). It’s definitely not as easy as it looks, but if you love it, at the end of the day it’s all worth it.
First of all, how fab is this look?! I love the tropical palm print- so sassy!
And your blogging tips are so spot-on, especially when it comes to not everyone playing nice. I have run into quite a few girls who will cheese to your face, only to snark behind your back. Or just blatantly not support you, while they are supporting everyone else in your niche- it’s just so weird…? Always good to connect with other like-minded boss babes. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I hear you girl! I got lucky and was able to meet more good than bad bloggers, but there have been some not so nice ones. I agree, that it’s totally awesome to connect with other like minded blogger babes.
You look amazing in your gorgeous dress. Besides that, I can’t fathom how you work full-time and manage a blog as well. ‘hats off to you’ as we say here in England xx
Aww, thank you so much Maria! Yes, it is tough, but I make it work somehow haha. Lots of long nights in front of the computer though!
Such a pretty dress & I love it paired with the black shoes & bag! I so agree with everything you wrote about blogging. It is definitely a labor of love especially when it isn’t your full time job. It does take so much time that if I didn’t love it it would be a chore. In regard to people, blog life is like real life…there’s good people & bad. Like you I wish there was more opportunities to meet the good people irl!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Thank you so much! It definitely is a labor of love just like you said. I know it would be much easier if I didn’t have a full time job, but unfortunately I need that job haha. Girls gotta pay her bills somehow hahaha!
I can totally relate Monika!! I almost feel like I wasted the first year or two of blogging, but then again it was good experience is the only way to chalk it up!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, the first two years or so I didn’t know much, nor did I do enough research so I missed out on a lot. I still don’t know everything, but I’m more keen on researching anything about blogging nowadays.
You look amazing in the dress and I love the heels you paired with it! I think you’re doing awesome on your blog. Your pictures are amazing, you work a full time job and take the time to answer comments! I started blogging but didn’t understand a thing about it. I wish I had done more research and gotten on instagram when i actually started blogging because it would have helped so much.
http://www.mylittlenest.org
I hear ya girl! I feel like my Instagram wasn’t up to par in the beginning of my blogging days. It’s still not, but at least I understand it more. And thank you for all of your kind words! I love your blog and your insta!
I am totally loving this vacation vibe dress! and those sandals look so chic with it!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
thank you so much!
So helpful!!!! I am so in love with this dress 🙂
Thanks girl!
Monica, this is such a cute dress! I love it on you! I love all that you shared. It’s so helpful! I completely agree about time management and money! I spend so much time and money on blogging. It’s crazy!
Sarah
https://wholeheartedwanderings.com
I never realized how much I was spending until I sat down one day in the first year and checked all of my expenses. I’ve since set budgets for myself, but it still isn’t easy sticking to budget.
This is such a cute dress and I agree that the print on this is amazing! Love the pair of shoes you wore with it – so pretty! I hear you too. I haven’t blogged nearly as long as you but I can agree on a lot of things that you mention. Some things are a true uphill battle since it toys with you such as building a community and finding those that really care. In real life I let my instinct guide me about who is there authentically and who isn’t. In social media, it’s difficult to gauge because we are screening each other behind a screen. Also I can relate to you and having a non supportive boyfriend. There’s a reason they are our exes now but my boyfriend back then when I was on my way to one of the biggest event of my life (though it wasn’t blogging) and bf decides to tell me a week before that he doesn’t want me to compete and all of my hard work is something he was pretty much against. Say what?! Lesson learned. I hope you are having a great Friday so far. I am trying to catch up on some blogging stuff while kiddo is asleep! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Maureen, I totally agree. It’s so hard to figure someone out over the internet. That’s why I love meeting bloggers in person because there are some I’ve made a real connections with (I was at my blogger bestie’s wedding reception, one of the biggest days of her life, and at another former blogger now entrepreneur’s baby shower) and some that I am somewhat close with. I wish that we could meet one day! Also, just like I said last time, I totally think you should do a throwback post and talk about your competition days. I think that’s so freakin’ cool.
Well this was such an interesting post. I’m glad Shelley pointed me over here (from the Blended Blog). I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on blogging. I’ve had similar feelings to a lot of this! I started in 2013 but was into blogs around 2010 and toyed with the idea of having my own but didn’t have the nerve. People who started early really did seem to have an easier time building and maintaining an audience just because of the lack of other options! Anyway, glad you shared your thoughts – it’s great to read how other people balance everything from the tasks to the emotions.
Gina || On the Daily Express
Welcome to my blog! I’m so happy that you liked this post! I definitely agree that the ones who started early had the advantage. I honestly get so frustrated that I didn’t continue blogging, but I just couldn’t with where my life was at.