51 Some Bloggity Blog Chit Chat

Helloo dahhlings!  How is your Tuesday going?

Today I thought I would take a moment to get chatty about some blog questions I receive here and there.  Comments and questions that pop up from time to time, that I haven't really taken an abundance of time to address or explain.

I don't do these types of posts too often, but I think it's important to share some of the "whys" behind this second home of mine.

So let's dive right in before I get way too chatty and this post gets far too long.  It could happen.  Who am I kidding?  It has happened!

Question 1:  What's up with your sponsor posts?

Once per month I do a sponsor shout out post, which is just my way of giving back to those that keep these blog lights on each month, and showing them how much I appreciate their support of iHeart Organizing.

• My sponsors support this dream I am living and without them, who knows where I would be or what I would be doing.  They are allowing me to follow my passions and heart and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
• Although readers get to come and visit daily at no charge, it does cost money to run a blog.  On top of my time to write posts, answer emails, edit photos and stay connected with my readers socially, there are also many behind the scenes business expenses and costs to constantly be DIYing and projecting and drumming up new content.  Everything from accountants to branding to building a business and trademarking, it all comes with costs and it's the not so happy fun part that comes with blogging and isn't often spoken about.
• I wish I had the means to work for free, but I just don't.
•  I was raised to be thankful and grateful and I am just that when it comes to those that sponsor me and my work.

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• Sponsor posts now go up the last Thursday of each month, in the morning.  They will typically be followed by a second post later in the day, so if they aren't for you, you can scroll on by.  But hopefully you will take a moment to take advantage of their promos and find some incredible new companies.

Question 2:  What's up with your Giveaways?

Bottom line, I adore you guys!

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Giveaways are my way of giving back to you, as readers.  My way of saying Thank You for stopping by this happy space!

• Giveaways go live on Tuesday evenings.
• They are often times considered a "double" post day.
• I try to limit my giveaways to once per week, but occasionally, amazing companies contact me at the last minute with incredible opportunities, so I double up.  More goodies for you!
• I do not get paid for hosting the giveaways or taking the time to write up the posts.  I have no personal benefit other than knowing I am giving something amazing to those I adore.
• It is fun to support businesses and Etsy shops.  So many businesses are run by people like me, passionate about what they do and following a dream.  I would do anything to support and promote a company that I believe in, and love sharing their stories.
• My giveaway hosts set the eligibility requirements, which often times means that they are only open to US residents {due to costly international shipping rates}, however, I do look to work with companies that are willing to give to all my readers whenever possible.
• Giveaways and promos may come on a little stronger around holidays, such as Black Friday, Mother's Day and Christmas, as extra gifts to sweet peeps.

Question 3:  What's up with product reviews?

This one always seems to cause a little more buzz than standard giveaways for a few reasons, and I have been trying to set some guidelines for myself as my blog evolves.  I receive requests to review products frequently, and although right off the bat when I started writing, I would say yes a bit more frequently, it is something I have slowed down quite a bit.  Here are my thoughts on the subject:

• My first and most important stipulation is that any product I review, must be something that I would personally purchase, fits with the theme and goals of my blog and is something I would put on my own wish list.  I have received requests to review many different types of objects, even clothing, but what?  I am far from a fashionista and haven't blogged about my attire once... why would I review that?  
• All reviews are 100% my opinion and I am never paid or swayed to write anything I share here.  Reviews are compensated by product only, never by monetary means, which I will always disclose within the post itself.  
• Due to the nature of what I write about, I do personally purchase decor, DIY supplies and organizing objects, and will often times link to those items and share their sources {because if I don't, I will get asked}.  This doesn't mean that I was given those items or am being paid to use and share my experiences.  I will always disclose if that is the case within the post itself.
• I do not wish to review a product if I can not give the product away to my readers.

I believe that partnering with companies is an incredible way for bloggers to earn income and support their business, as long as it is always authentic.  That is the key.   If I am reviewing a product, I hope to always include some sort of organizing tip or inspiration within the post, so that there is still something to be gained from the post, and it is never my intention to let a post feel product pushy.

Many many opportunities have come my way through blogging, and I am proud to say that I have had incredible opportunities to partner with some absolutely amazing companies and meet some really inspiring people.

As of right now, the two companies you will see me teaming up with are Silhouette and Staples.  I have been a Silhouette user for quite some time and have been partnered with them for the past few years, and they are always extremely generous in offering my readers products and promotions.  I also just partnered with Staples.  Yes, pinch me and shake me and wake me up because the opportunity to work with one of my favorite companies is nothing short of dreamy.  And I obviously supported them and purchased from them often and long before this recent partnership came into play, so there is no hidden agenda, just a really great opportunity to work with a brand that I love and bring you some goodies too.

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Question 4:  What's up with Reader Spaces and Contributors?

They are pretty amazing aren't they?  I mean seriously, how do you come up with so much awesomeness and have the ability to leave me astounded week after week?

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I feature readers because:

• You Rock!  I have said it before and I will say it again, we are an endless ring of inspiration.  You inspire me and your ideas are what push me and give me ideas.  
• I can not possibly project every single day.  Readers and contributors allow me to feature REAL spaces that are not just plucked from a magazine.  They are all spaces created by real people with real heart and passion.
• It is my goal to limit the number of "filler" type posts and try to keep the posts project oriented and inspiring in some way or another every day.
• We all have different needs, homes, lifestyles, budgets and situations.  By sharing reader spaces and contributors, this blog can hopefully in some way, relate to everyone.  Not every post will be something that you can do or want to do, but hopefully by featuring an eclectic mixture of amazing talent, some posts will provide you with ideas and inspiration.
• I can not possibly think of it all.  To think I have a super power organizing brain that can problem solve every single design and organizing dilemma is just plain silly.  But by having an awesome team to turn to and to bounce ideas off of, or to share in the answering your questions, will hopefully give you different ideas and perspectives.  More brains are better than one.
• Do you have any idea how many over the top fabulous blogs I have found through my reader space features?  I wish I had more hours in the day to keep up with them all.  It's been a blessing to connect with so many brilliant people.
• Each contributor is so fantastically different.  Some share great tips about small space living, others focus on the design side of organizing while some are pros at repurposing thrifted furniture to create darling storage pieces.  I love all that they all bring to the iHeart Organizing table.

Question 5:  What's up with your posting schedule?

In case you didn't know, I live, breath, eat and sleep this blog.  OK, that didn't sound right, but it is basically true.  Everyday my mind is racing and I am anxious to begin typing up my next post.  I fall asleep with ideas spinning through my brain, what to write about, answers to questions I received, comments that resonated, big girl dreams that I wish could happen much faster than they do.... My brain doesn't shut off.  I write while I eat, while I am in the car and even when I am away on vacations, getaways or taking a weekend to breath.  I am constantly thinking up my next project and thinking all things blog, it has consumed my mind for the last three and a half years and I LOVE IT! 

So, some things to know about my posting schedule and our projecting frequency:

• I post when I have something to say or a project to share.
• I try to write a minimum of four days per week, but there are times when I get sick, the kids get sick, life happens, schedules and priorities shift or I just need a day to clear my blog filled brain. 
• As far as the time of the day I write, it comes down to when I can.  My schedule changes from day to day, so sometimes I write in the evenings when the kids go to bed, other times I write in the morning after they go to school.  
• I have always said that I wish blogging meant more hands on, more painting, more building, more crafting and creating.  But truth be told, I spend more time behind the ol' monitor doing all sorts of administrative like tasks.  #bloggingbummer
• My hubby works outside of the home full time, and even contracted part time, so our chance to project is late at night or on a weekend with an opening.   I am so grateful that he gives his spare minutes to help me with a project so I have something to write about.  He always has said he is my number one fan, but I still feel guilty asking him to grab his hammer when I know he just wants to sink in on the cozy couch after work.  
• I have rushed projects for the blog and lived to regret it.  Sometimes you see things change around here, faster than most change their underwear.  That is because I have made the silly mistake of rushing through something, for the sake of posting.  I am trying to reduce that from happening, and posting when things are good and ready.  That doesn't mean I won't still make mistakes, learn from them and share all those details here.
• The blog hat is only one of the many hats I wear each day.  I also run an Etsy shop {which I have huge dreams of expanding and growing}, I am trying to start up a business, I am working with some local friends and clients on their spaces and I am first and foremost, a family gal with three very busy and active boys and a super husband that I cherish.  The hard part is loving every hat so much, that I refuse to hang any one up.  But that may mean some days I need to take a day off of blogging to focus on other areas of my biz.

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I seriously can't thank you all enough for stopping by each day.  I wish I could hug and smooch each and every single one of you and your daily comments mean more to me than you could possibly ever know or understand.

Hopefully that clears up any cloudiness as to my way of thinking around here, back to regularly scheduled posts again tomorrow.