I told some other girlfriends the other day that I was going to pump the brakes HARD on sponsored posts. It's just not me. Penning a post that's like "My Favorite Mama Moment (Brought To You By This Hardworking Deodorant)" ... its just. not. me. These sponsored posts pay really well, but they are more work than I want to take on. Adhering to deadlines, guidelines, did I tweet this enough, did I put this on Insta already, I have to get pageview reports to the company, blah blah blah. It's nowhere near as fun as what I'm doing RIGHT this minute which is sipping on coffee and chatting with you.
By the way ... my newest coffee obsession is the Cafe Verona k-cup by Starbucks. It's a dark brew and it's delicious with the French vanilla creamer I get from Aldi.
I do have some post ideas for this month which I'm really, really excited about. I am going to dedicate one full week to home stuff -- selling a home, buying a home, big home updates, little (inexpensive) home updates that pack a punch. I'm pretty excited about that little series!
I'm off to check out the Lilly sale which began at 8am today HERE. It runs through Friday afternoon only. This sale happens only twice a year and is something I always check out. I love Lilly and 95% of my pieces have been bought on sale. I can literally think of three things I own, a pink puffy vest and two Elsa tops, that were purchased full price. Chances are, if you see me in Lilly, it was a sale find!
(click image to hop in the "virtual line" for the sale)
The bright colors just speak to me and are so cheery. I know not everyone loves Lilly, but they have a fan in me.
And if you also heart pink, green, and palm trees but your Lilly budget is more in the $15 and under range, you're always covered. :)
Let me know if you score some great finds! What's your fave Lilly piece? I have a knit dress with navy and white zebras on it that is one of my absolute favorite pieces in my closet.
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Linking up with East Coast Chic and Home of Malones ... two of my faves!
"by this hardworking deodorant" HA! seriously funny. you also just reminded me that i needed to buy some. ;) xo
ReplyDeleteI hear you about sponsored posts - I try to only take on ones or apply for ones that I know I can easily incorporate into my usual blogging routine!
ReplyDeleteI love your authenticity. As exhausting as it is to do the work for sponsored posts, it is equally as tiring for readers (me at least) to read them. Not you in particular, but many blogs that have morphed into almost full on sponsored content. It is not what gained readership initially, and speaking for myself, it is the sole reason I often quit reading them. I am happy to read you staying true to your content, while mixing in occasional posts that highlight products you believe in. Hope that all makes sense! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you and I understand EXACTLY what you are saying!
DeleteYes, yes, yes! I am not a blogger, but as a reader of many blogs, you are so refreshing. I have no issues buying products from someone's blog and regularly find myself reading your or others' blogs and "in the cart" something goes, but it's because I actually trust your taste. That trust gets lost when a blog becomes one sponsored post after another. Looking SO forward to the home series!!
ReplyDeleteOh good! I definitely am excited about that home series. And yes, I will greatly slow them down if not stop them altogether. I do promise that if I post one, it will be because it's a perfect opportunity to share about something I'm truly passionate about. Which, sadly, is not deodorant. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is why I continue to love you and your blog, April! I am really looking forward to your upcoming home post series!
ReplyDeleteExactly why I love your blog!! I have stopped reading all blogs that every other word is a link. Omg exhausting! I totally agree with Natalie's post... I pray that I am present with my baby girl and soak up the fleeting newborn moments rather than trying to capture them all for social media :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! That is why I love most about your blog. You keep it real, post sweet pic of your girls, good money saving tips AND no sponsored posts. That gets so old. I hate "like it to know it!" Just tell me what you are wearing or move along. Thanks for being genuine!!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I just read nats post and it really resonated with me too. I am SO happy that not alllll of my fav bloggers are turning into schilling (eek too harsh??). In any case thank you for staying try to you and providing interesting and relevant reads for this gal!
ReplyDeleteLove this post and your ideas about the sponsored posts! I hit up the Lilly sale this AM too and bought 2 dresses and 2 tops! Love a good sale - that's where the majority of my Lilly comes from too :)
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Thank you so much for your sweet words friend!! I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels like I need to take their blog back and be more real! It was actually a sponsored post that finally sent me over the edge. My kids were sick it was the holidays and I was getting bombarded with emails about social shares, post content, proper hashtags etc etc. I won't go into detail but I was like what am I doing, why am I stressed out about this when I should be enjoying time with my family and caring for my kids! You're one of my faves, I can't wait for the home series and I always love seeing those adorable girls!
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to read your home posts!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I LOVE that "drink hugger"! It's so stinkin' cute!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, you should love to blog & not feel pressured to write this or that. It should be fun & something you enjoy & look forward to do doing. :)
Have a great weekend!
I just wanted to echo others comments and say how much I appreciate your take on sponsored posts. I know many bloggers sole source of income is blogging, and I'm sure the sponsored posts can pay a lot, but there has to be a point of diminishing returns when sponsored posts costs you readers. I have quit reading many, many blogs as a result of sponsored posts. I think the occasional one can be okay if it's something that suits the blog and brand, but posts on deodorant, paper plates, or stores that it is clear the blogger never shops in will make me immediately quit reading. Just look at the number of comments you have on this posts compared to similar bloggers who do nothing but push Nordstrom and have at best 2-3 comments on a post (if that). Happy New Year and thanks for being one of the few bloggers I actually want to read!
ReplyDeleteI think Natalie's post hit home with so many yesterday. It was so refreshing and a reminder that we all have our struggles. This is such a supportive group and it was so nice reading everyone's feedback!
ReplyDeleteThis. Is. Why. I. LOVE. YOU. You are the real deal April :) xoxo
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