Kristy Seven Graces Blog
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Seven Graces

Motherhood + Style + Wellness

blogging, mama, mama life, Uncategorized ·

Blog Talk: Behind the Scenes

Have you blogging friends seen the Liebster Award circling around the blogosphere? It has been around for a while I presume, and many moons ago I was nominated by Erin at It All Matters Mom and Allie from With a Heart In Danger. Such sweet gals to nominate me, and I am so thankful they considered me for such a lovely award. I also was “nominated” by Jessica at Pig and Dac (not really, but she left an all-call open and I liked her questions…and she’s one of my faves). So what do you do when you “win” one of these things? You answer questions about yourself and your blog. Not awkward at all. But I love reading the “behind the scenes” kind of posts, so I’ll hop in and happily oblige. These questions below are a conglomeration of the ones I was given since I’ve been nominated more than once and had over 33 questions to choose from. Welcome to the blogging side of my life.

1. How did you decide on the title of your blog? 
You may be wondering where Seven Graces got its title. I explained why I started blogging in the first place in my very first post, but the name, the name is special. When I was thinking of starting a blog, I was attending a Bible study at the time with Beth Moore and grace and the number seven kept coming up. “Seven” is a special number in the Bible, and it’s always been one of my favorites. There are also seven days a week. Grace has always been a huge theme in my life, and I definitely wanted to incorporate that into my blog, too. I kept doodling different names when I was at each Bible study, and Seven Graces stood out. Grace seven days a week. That’s what it’s all about. I wanted to share my faith, my stories, my favorite things, and most importantly I wanted to write to help new moms feel like they were not alone. My life journal and conversations extending grace would be what I wanted this blog to become. Seven Graces seemed to fit.

2. What do you love the most about blogging? 
Gosh, there are tons of things that I love about blogging. When I first started, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but 10 months in, and I’ve found it to be my favorite hobby of all time. First of all, I love writing. It’s a passion that I’ve always had. I was always the long-winded one when it came to writing on birthday cards, and I taught English for heaven’s sake. Other than the writing part of it, I love the camaraderie that I’ve found from you ladies reading. I absolutely adore this community. I was really lonely for a long time when I first became a stay-at-home-mom, but blogging helped me feel like I was back at work, making a difference. You all are my people. You’re my co-workers. I write like I’m talking to my best friend, because I feel like if you’re coming to this space, taking five minutes out of your day to read what I have to say, then you are a friend. And you deserve my honesty and my personality as if I were talking to you while we were having a cup of coffee.

3. Where does your blog inspiration come from?
I see and hear inspiration all the time, from a quote that I see on a meme to an article in a magazine, I find it everywhere. But my biggest inspiration comes from that little girl who calls me mama. She is my muse. She makes me see the positive in every day and pushes me to find the little things in life to celebrate. Those things are what I love writing about the most.

The apple does not fall far from the tree. Monkey see, monkey do. 

4. In your opinion, what is the best blog post you’ve written so far? 

Hands down, my favorite thing I’ve ever written is 25 Life Lessons I Want My Daughter to Know. I actually wrote that post out of complete fear. I was about to go out of town for the first time leaving behind my sweet girl and hubs. And when you are a first time mom, your mind goes to crazy town quite a bit, does it not? I thought of all the worst case scenarios since I was about to embark on a two hour drive away from my life, and all I could think about was “what if” something bad happens to me. So I wrote my list of what I wanted my Charlotte to know should something ever happen to me. I know some people might think it’s a bit morbid, but they are honestly just reminders to me of what I want to teach my sweet girl. They’re also reminders to me about what I know to be true in this life. Some other favorite posts can be seen here. 
5. How do you find the time to keep up with all the aspects related to blogging (posting, reading, commenting, responding, etc)? 
I never feel caught up. I’m constantly trying to find a balance. Aren’t we all? Even though I’m a stay-at-home-mom, blogging could be a full time job. However, I do this as a hobby for now, so sometimes it gets pushed aside to the back burner. I never feel like I have enough time to work on the blog and do all the work it takes to keep it up and especially read all my other favorite blogs. 
The routine I have going on right now though seems to be working out pretty well. I only post three times a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. I could post more than that, but I would drive myself (and my hubs) crazy. My schedule regarding blogging goes something like this: before Charlotte wakes up, I share my posts to link parties and schedule social media posts. I read during nap time and try to comment and respond during nap time as well. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights after everyone is asleep, I write a new blog post for the next day. I rarely schedule a post a week in advance. I wish I could, but it’s just not a reality for me.

6. Does your family know about your blog and does this affect what you blog about? 

Yes and yes. My entire family, friends from my hometown, and everyone else knows I have a blog because I share it on my personal Facebook. My family are my biggest fans though. I have held back about some of the things I write because although I could write a book about certain events, some stories just aren’t mine to tell. Although, I think I’m getting braver about what I share. I do ask my family members if it’s okay to write about certain things and I respect their wishes. Although blogging is a very public endeavor, there are some things that I will keep private. But for the most part, I’m a pretty open book. 

7. If you didn’t blog, what would you be doing with that time? 
Sleeping. Ha! I probably would be bored and be a huge TV binge watcher. I bet I would read more books though. Now I just read blogs. It took me six months to finish the last book that I read!
8. Have you been in a blogging rut and how did you pull yourself out of it? 
I don’t think I can say that I’ve been in a rut since I’m still relatively new to the whole scene. I have been overwhelmed and stricken with the “why do I even bother” mentality. I pushed through that by reminding myself why I started blogging in the first place: to help people and to document life for my daughter. I also try to remember this quote: your story matters. It helps when I have the “but everyone has a blog” doldrums. 

9. Show some blog love: name another blog that you adore.

I have so many blogs I love. You can see my daily reads on my sidebar. I also named quite a few here. One of my best blogging friends I’ve made through this whole venture is Tawnya Faust from All of Life’s Little Adventures. I am so thankful we have become friends beyond the blog. She is a truth teller and hope giver, and that’s what the world needs more of.



10. What’s your favorite social media outlet for sharing your blog posts? 
For sharing posts? That would be Facebook. It’s easy and I share through my blog page and my personal page. (More on how to utilize Facebook next month.) But Pinterest drives the most traffic here. Two pieces of advice for that: vertical images and group boards. My favorite social media outlet for sharing period is Instagram. I’m a picture person for sure. 



11. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself since you started blogging?
I’m more positive than I’d ever thought I’d be. Not that I don’t have my bad days or obstacles to face, I just choose to look at the bright side. Blogging has forced me to look at situations through all perspectives, and I’m so thankful for that. It’s definitely made me more appreciative for what I do have. 

And that’s a wrap! Did I miss anything? Let me know if you have any additional questions.
I now nominate any fellow blogger who is here reading this. Feel free to use these questions as your template. Be brave, sisters!  Thanks so much for reading!

Did you miss my post from yesterday? You can find My Half Marathon Experience & The Best Running Playlist here. 

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Comments

    • Thanks, Kelly! I still think that one post is my favorite. I’ve even contemplated about turning it into a book, but we shall see. :) Hope you’re having a good week!

  2. I completely agree! I’m never caught up on my blog to do list, and for the past several months haven’t even attempted to cross much off of it. haha! I’m kind of in a blogging rut right now, but I think that is because I just feel so overwhelmed with everything I’d like to do. My little blog has definitely been pushed aside lately. So neat to hear how you chose your blog name! :)

    • I feel ya! It’s so much work, these blogs of ours.
      When I picked the blog’s name, it was definitely an “AHA” moment. I’m glad I finally wrote about how it happened. ;) Hope you’re doing just fabulously, my dear!

  4. Love you sweet friend. I’m so greatful for our friendship and blogging because of the connections I’ve made through it! I’m like you, I still consider blogging to be a hobby even though it can pretty much be a full time job. I’m a realist though and I know the reality it would take to monitize and I dont think its really for me :) I almost feel if I HAD to write I wouldn’t want to anymorw or I wouldn’t have he inspiration I need…

    Anyway I loved this post and loved peeking into your behind he scenes! That’s a mighty sweet assistant you’ve got there 😉

    • Yep. I would love to be one of those bloggers making six figures, but realistically, I’m happy with my best hobby ever. ;) However, I wouldn’t mind making a little here and there every now and then, so I do hope to get some sponsored posts sometime this year.

      And you know how much I love my little assistant. We are so lucky to have the best little girls inspiring us. :)

  6. What a great behind the scenes. I love the story behind the name of your blog. I’m still trying to create time to write a few posts a week. I have the time, I am just really bad about managing it haha.

    • Thank you! It’s such a struggle since there is so much more for me to do than blog. Haha. I do love it though, and I put my heart into every single thing that I put on here. :) Happy writing!

  7. I completely agree! I'm never caught up on my blog to do list, and for the past several months haven't even attempted to cross much off of it. haha! I'm kind of in a blogging rut right now, but I think that is because I just feel so overwhelmed with everything I'd like to do. My little blog has definitely been pushed aside lately. So neat to hear how you chose your blog name! :)

  8. I love reading the behind the scenes posts as well! I, too, have been nominated myriad times for the Liebster award, but have never taken the time to write the post. You have just given me the motivation to go do that. Thanks! And I love your blog, I will be back! Stopping by from the Peony Project.

  11. Love you sweet friend. I'm so greatful for our friendship and blogging because of the connections I've made through it! I'm like you, I still consider blogging to be a hobby even though it can pretty much be a full time job. I'm a realist though and I know the reality it would take to monitize and I dont think its really for me :) I almost feel if I HAD to write I wouldn't want to anymorw or I wouldn't have he inspiration I need…

    Anyway I loved this post and loved peeking into your behind he scenes! That's a mighty sweet assistant you've got there 😉

  12. I love this post! And your one about what you want Charlotte to know. So sweet. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the Beth Moore Bible study but traveled for work for over two years and then could never get off work in time last year. Maybe this will be my year!!

    ALSO, what is the link up? I’ve never heard of this before and am so intruiged!!

    xo

    Snapshots & My Thoughts

    • Thanks so much, Ailee!

      Beth is no longer doing her studies live anymore! :( Last year was her last one. But thankfully her studies are recorded and you can watch her and follow along with a certain study at any time. I still need to finish one I started this past summer. Maybe we can do one together?! I have the videos for her last Summer Siesta.

      Have you ever heard of blog hops, link-up parties, or things like that? It’s where certain bloggers host a place for you to share your post(s) to give you and your blog a wider audience. I truly believe this is where a lot of my followers have come from. And it’s also how I’ve found new blogs to read, too. If you look at my Network tab, you can see all the places where I share my posts.

      Email me or message me on FB about any of this if you have any more questions. :)

  13. What a great behind the scenes. I love the story behind the name of your blog. I'm still trying to create time to write a few posts a week. I have the time, I am just really bad about managing it haha.

  14. I love reading the behind the scenes posts as well! I, too, have been nominated myriad times for the Liebster award, but have never taken the time to write the post. You have just given me the motivation to go do that. Thanks! And I love your blog, I will be back! Stopping by from the Peony Project.

  15. I love this post! And your one about what you want Charlotte to know. So sweet. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the Beth Moore Bible study but traveled for work for over two years and then could never get off work in time last year. Maybe this will be my year!!

    ALSO, what is the link up? I've never heard of this before and am so intruiged!!

    xo

    Snapshots & My Thoughts

  18. I love reading more about the behind the scenes of a blog. And I love your story and how you came up with the name Kristy! Blogging really does take a lot of time and it has been a while since I’ve finished a book too, but it’s such a great community. :)

    • Thanks, girl! I love this space and community. So happy we’ve connected through all our bloggy friends! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  21. Thanks, Kelly! I still think that one post is my favorite. I've even contemplated about turning it into a book, but we shall see. :) Hope you're having a good week!

  22. I feel ya! It's so much work, these blogs of ours.
    When I picked the blog's name, it was definitely an "AHA" moment. I'm glad I finally wrote about how it happened. ;) Hope you're doing just fabulously, my dear!

  24. Yep. I would love to be one of those bloggers making six figures, but realistically, I'm happy with my best hobby ever. ;) However, I wouldn't mind making a little here and there every now and then, so I do hope to get some sponsored posts sometime this year.

    And you know how much I love my little assistant. We are so lucky to have the best little girls inspiring us. :)

  25. Thank you! It's such a struggle since there is so much more for me to do than blog. Haha. I do love it though, and I put my heart into every single thing that I put on here. :) Happy writing!

  28. Thanks so much, Ailee!

    Beth is no longer doing her studies live anymore! :( Last year was her last one. But thankfully her studies are recorded and you can watch her and follow along with a certain study at any time. I still need to finish one I started this past summer. Maybe we can do one together?! I have the videos for her last Summer Siesta.

    Have you ever heard of blog hops, link-up parties, or things like that? It's where certain bloggers host a place for you to share your post(s) to give you and your blog a wider audience. I truly believe this is where a lot of my followers have come from. And it's also how I've found new blogs to read, too. If you look at my Network tab, you can see all the places where I share my posts.

    Email me or message me on FB about any of this if you have any more questions. :)

  32. Love this post!!! I enjoyed “getting to know you” a bit better. I might not always have time to comment, but I adore your blog. I’m definitely an avid reader! Keep on keepin’ on mama!

  33. Thanks for sharing that with us. You little girl is adorable and I love the photo of her with her very own computer!

    -Renee cohost of the #shinebloghop

    • Thanks for stopping by Renee! The Shine Blog Hop is one of my favorites. And I love these pictures of her, too! She cracks me up. :)

  34. Love this post!!! I enjoyed "getting to know you" a bit better. I might not always have time to comment, but I adore your blog. I'm definitely an avid reader! Keep on keepin' on mama!

  35. Thanks for sharing that with us. You little girl is adorable and I love the photo of her with her very own computer!

    -Renee cohost of the #shinebloghop

  37. Thanks, girl! I love this space and community. So happy we've connected through all our bloggy friends! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  40. Thanks for stopping by Renee! The Shine Blog Hop is one of my favorites. And I love these pictures of her, too! She cracks me up. :)

  41. I love this! I love getting to know the blogger behind the blog a little better!! I’m with you about the blogging being a hobby that could definitely be a fulltime job. I think I need to step back and really think about how much I want to be posting, because it certainly keeps me busy!!!

    How cute is Charlotte with her little computer?!?! xox

    • Thank you! Three times is hard for me, but I think I’ve found a schedule that I can handle, but we’ll see how long that lasts. ;)

  42. I love this! I love getting to know the blogger behind the blog a little better!! I'm with you about the blogging being a hobby that could definitely be a fulltime job. I think I need to step back and really think about how much I want to be posting, because it certainly keeps me busy!!!

    How cute is Charlotte with her little computer?!?! xox

  43. I love this post; such a great idea!! Your sweet little girl is adorable with her computer too!

  44. Thank you! Three times is hard for me, but I think I've found a schedule that I can handle, but we'll see how long that lasts. ;)

  45. I love this post; such a great idea!! Your sweet little girl is adorable with her computer too!

  46. I love this post. I’m a new follower so I loved getting to know you better. I especially love the reasoning behind the name of your blog. And I feel the same way about blogging…it’s such a fun hobby and kind of like a replacement for my old job now that I’m a full time SAHM. Thanks for sharing! So glad you joined us for Tuesday Talk again! -Jess
    http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com

    • Aww, thanks so much, Jess! This was a fun post to do. Those are always the best kind, right? I am loving your new link-up. So fun!

  47. I love this post. I'm a new follower so I loved getting to know you better. I especially love the reasoning behind the name of your blog. And I feel the same way about blogging…it's such a fun hobby and kind of like a replacement for my old job now that I'm a full time SAHM. Thanks for sharing! So glad you joined us for Tuesday Talk again! -Jess
    http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com

  49. Aww, thanks so much, Jess! This was a fun post to do. Those are always the best kind, right? I am loving your new link-up. So fun!

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