Y'all, it's been a good week here (on the blog, that is). If you missed it, on Monday you guys made me feel a lot better about the fact that my kids (no I'm not pregnant) will probably be pretty spaced out (as in, time between them not, like, their mental capabilities), on Tuesday we gossiped about Juan Pablo and his girls, I aired some dirty laundry on Wednesday, and yesterday we had a *lively* discussion about c-sections... I'm pretty sure I broke every rule when it comes to "building your niche" in blogging, but whatever. I honestly love that we get to chat about the silly stuff and the serious stuff (usually with the equal passion) just the way old friends do over a bottle of wine at a casual dinner party.
To be honest, I needed this week. The winter is hard for blogging. It is hard to think of things to write about, and it feels like the whole world (myself included) sort-of holes up and hibernates after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is over. No, I don't blog solely for an audience, but I'd be lying if I told you that comments and conversations and readers don't make it A LOT more fun!
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So, with that in mind, I thought I'd pose a few questions to get to know YOU, my sweet readers, a little better and make this place even more "comfortable" in 2014....
Will you answer five simple questions for me about what you like about E, Myself, and I and where you'd like to see it go from here? I would be SO grateful.
*Heck, I'll even pick a random commenter (or two) and send you a copy of Shana Niequist's book Bread and Wine (I got a couple of copies this fall at Allume) just to say thanks!
Here are 5 Simple Questions for you... (Make sure you click "vote" after each one!)
I've been reading your blog since you were pregnant. I think you have a very authentic voice. Keep up the good work. I was a working momma until this past summer when our family relocated. Now I'm a SAHM - so all that to say I've seen both sides of the coin much like you as a teacher. I'm soaking up all the sweet moments with my two little boys. Thanks for the contest. I'd love to win Bread and Wine :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I love the "True Life of a Working Mom" type posts. I can totally relate. I really just like when you own yourself. You are smart and hilarious and a great mom, and I love when you write posts that recognize that. (Although, I also love when you laugh at yourself - usually I am guilty of the same thing.)
ReplyDeleteI love the variety your blog offers. Many blogs I read are mostly about life/mothering/parenting...You do a wonderful job of balancing writing about all different topics so well. I am always interesting in reading your blog because you change it up so well. Thanks for keeping this stay-at-home Mama in the loop with what the "cool" kids are up to these days :) Your family is precious and I wish you the best! meredith.cates@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWoohoo-- I love surveys!! I like how you can see the results of this one...I may have to investigate using them for my next poll! Hope you get some useful feedback. Also, I think that the 'what's your favorite topic of conversation' should have allowed multiple answers. It was excruciating. I think my final choice was 'personal stories,' but it was really a toss-up between that, confessions/humor, and pop culture gossip...OF COURSE.
ReplyDeleteThis is funny because I follow both of your blogs, and the whole time I was doing the survey I was thinking "She should use what Erika uses, because this having to vote for each question is obnoxious!" :) I seriously mean no offense by this... seeing as how I managed to deal with it to answer each question. I just thought it was funny when I saw this comment.
DeleteLove your blog, but have never commented.
ReplyDeleteI just think you're really funny. And I like the fact that you're honest - I think!? - about real life issues. Makes me feel like I'm not the only one when it comes to certain situations/things. Thanks!
ReplyDeletecarley42@hotmail.com
Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love that you ask for your readers feedback... it definitely shows you care about us readers! I think your definitely funny and I love the confessions and posts with humor, but I'd also love to see some more teaching posts too! I originally found you through a Teaching Tuesday post (I believe?) that was on pinterest!
ReplyDeleteLove the poll. :) As a teacher, I would also like to see more "teacher friendly" content. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your blog! I look forward to reading it on my Bloglovin! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI read your blog bc you are a funny, honest writer. I love the confessions, real life stories and reading about the Bachelor, which ironically I don't even watch...I just enjoy your commentary:)
ReplyDeleteI've been a reader for several months and love your honesty and whit. I personally love variety and think specialty niche blogs get boring.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog shortly before your son was born. I was pregnant with my second daughter at the time (spaced more than three years apart, by the way :)) I really love the variety your blog offers. Some posts make me laugh out loud, others get me thinking deeply, some give me great new books to check out, and often you make me feel like I'm doing ok at my job as a mom even when I feel like I've blown it. Not knowing you in person, you seem like a genuinely warm, kind person. Please keep writing--I'm sure there are many others like me that will keep reading!
ReplyDeletewanted to let you know, i chose "none of the above" for "What would you like to see MORE of here? " because i think you do a great mixing it up. xo
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others…you do a great job with variety! The only critical criticism I can give is to stop feeling like you have to apologize when you don't write often enough or about the right things. This blog is yours to have fun with and that shines through most when you're just writing about what strikes you when you feel like it. :) Hope that's encouraging!
ReplyDeleteI like the randomness of your content too, although my favorites were your monthly updates about your son. I read them all right after my daughter was born and loved them!
ReplyDeleteLove confessions!
ReplyDeleteI just love the things you post (well, except maybe the Bachelor stuff, but only because I'm jealous that we don't watch it at my house because of other shows on the DVR). Keep up the great stuff! I don't know how you find the time!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more teacher stuff: fun activities, classroom management, printables, whatever!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the "real life" stories. I also really loved your "Letters to New Moms" series a while back, because it introduced me to some other great bloggers! :) You are at your best when you are expressing your heart, whatever the topic might be.
ReplyDeleteI wish the 'favorite content' question had multiple answers because honestly, I love it all! You are really good about balancing the fun, lighter topics with ones that are a little more serious and deep. Being a new teacher I love when you talk about teaching things but I understand that we aren't all teachers so that isn't relevant to everyone. If you just keep doing exactly what you are doing I'll be happy. Your blog is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI agree about feeling "holed up" for the winter-- Jen
ReplyDeleteI'm a teacher and my husband and I are trying to get pregnant so I love the family and teaching aspects of your blog!
ReplyDeleteYour house seems so organized, or at least you have a place for everything:) I like your house posts!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I didn't comment on it, I really enjoyed your series for working mothers. As a working mom myself (high school teacher), I liked hearing those voices and feeling not so alone out there in the blogging world, which I always feel is dominated by SAHMs.
ReplyDeleteThe comment reply question - I don't think it's necessary to reply to every single comment, just the comments that seem to request one. Does that make sense? The "yay good job!" comments, nah they don't need a reply, but the longer ones (especially if there is a question), then probably a reply by email (and in the comments section if applicable to other comments)... I don't know. That's what I do but I don't get as many comments as you so it's been pretty easy to keep up.
ReplyDeleteE- I think you accidentally forgot to include in the "what should I write more about" section....writing more about your darliiiiin sister. I think the masses would agree that this is/should be on the top of the list. ;)
ReplyDeleteKeep doin what you're doin, sista girl.
How did you get or create your own personal template for your blog?
ReplyDeleteI love that you are a teacher, wife, and mom. It's a tough trio!
I enjoy bloggers who have authentic, real voices and I've enjoyed your blog for this quality. My biggest piece of advice I give to bloggers is keep it real, limit the filler/fluff posts, and please - for heavens sake - also limit the sponsor posts. I read blogs to keep up with *you*, the blogger. Otherwise, why do I care? Just my two cents. I really do love your blog, E. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteI love how honest and real you are about real-life issues. It creates a very comfortable environment here for people to take a deep breath and realize they aren't alone in the day to day stress that life can bring. I love your humor and I love the bachelor recaps too!!! Plus, it just makes me feel better about myself that I'm not the only one in this world that leaves dishes in her sink overnight or has to wash the same load of clothes 3 times :) Keep on bein real, girl!!!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't change any of the content. I love your humor with the confessions, seeing posts about teaching and hearing about Sam. (& seeing a fellow Roanoker doing great at blogging!) Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteYour post on organization, daily schedules, etc are really interesting and motivating! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I teach high school social studies and again love your post about organizing your classroom, management, etc.
I like the survey! Nice to see most readers are like minded. Looking forward to more posts soon.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your posts every time you update your blog, so keep up the good work! It was hard for me to pick just one favorite topic of conversation because I think you do a great job writing about lots of different things and I could have checked all the boxes from your first question.
ReplyDeleteThe only question I felt somewhat strongly about is the sponsored posts - you do not do them often and I appreciate that...I always skip over those whenever I see them on any blog. But I love giveaways and your blog is one of my absolute favorites to read! :) -Shannon
smassey85@gmail.com
E, your writing is amazing! I read everyone of your posts from start to finish. This is a BIG deal! The internet has trained me to constantly skim and scan, nothing holding my attention for more than a few seconds. Terrible. I know. Your honesty is comforting to a fellow mama and teacher. Your humor is, well, quite humorous! If you are ever in Denver, could we grab a cup of coffee and chat?
ReplyDeleteForgot to add this: amyjackson17@gmail.com
DeleteI've enjoyed reading your blog for several years now. It's one I come back to frequently. I like that you're real, your interests evolve and that you don't just stick to ONE topic. Blogs that only blog warm and fuzzies about ONE topic usually don't hold my interest for the long term. The book you are giving away is on my list of books to read this year. Fingers crossed! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for a few years and I look forward to every post! I love everything about family, kids, your teaching expertise, and of course, The Bachelor posts!! You are amazing, super talented and I love your style!
ReplyDeleteFirst off... I totally missed this post on Friday so THANK you for linking yesterday. I.AM.A.MESS. The combination of the flu epidemic in my house and 2nd term reports being due tomorrow... lets just say I am little bit overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you know I LOVE your blog and all your posts. I kind of felt like a winner pick after the poll each time I hit enter my choice was the number one choice...which kind of made me want to change my choice ...haha.
I love your blog! We have the same sense of humor and I can really relate to you!
ReplyDeleteLove reading your blog. Your family seems precious!
ReplyDeletegibsonsarewe.blogspot.com
I've been dying to read Bread and Wine, but just haven't ordered it yet!
ReplyDeleteI really like the mixture of content that you have on your blog. Keeps me reading and guessing what will the next day be on. In all topics, being authentic is the best thing you can do!
I love that you're interested in reader feedback! I don't think you need to feel obligated to respond to every comment, but I know a few bloggers who respond in the comment section, and I never see the replies because there is not typically a notification that a response has been posted.
ReplyDeleteYou are my real life friend and blog friend. I love your decor style and seeing pictures of your super cute house. I'd love to hear where you find things and your approach to everyday, event and holiday decor. Love you E! Keep up with all your great stuff!
ReplyDeleteI am your number one fan!! always have been, always will be!!! Your confessions are embarrasing!! don't know what in the world happened to you in seven years, but it is funny!! keep up the good work, honey!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a frequent reader, but rare commenter. I appreciate your honesty in both life and teaching!
ReplyDeleteAnother teacher here (love the ideas and printables, but also just your honest and funny summaries of teaching) . I would love to have more picures, can't tell you how many times a snap of your clean house or organized desk has motivated me to redecorate/organize/order something cute I saw on etsy! You have great style :)
ReplyDeleteJill
I read your blog bc you're one of my favorite people! And my favorite posts are your hilarious personal/everyday life stories. Xoxo
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