My Purpose Here

So that’s a pretty deep title, but I wanted to try and put into to words what my purpose as well as my intent was here on this blog, website, Instagram, Facebook, etc. I’ve always loved blogging. I used to do it in a different sense before kids for a few years and then within the last year I’ve really found the passion for it again. Instagram was the ignition for the fire to start again. I started using Instagram in July of 2011 and I’d post pictures of the temperature in my car, then I posted pictures of my dogs, and after kids my feed was dominated by the little people I created. I turned my Instagram private after the kids were born and probably shared a photo every couple weeks. Then I began to start to follow various accounts that posted the most creative photos. I started to experiment with a public account by creating an account for our dog @K9WillieNelson. My husband challenged me to get Willie 200 followers in X amount of time and it started to be a fun activity growing a following. Meanwhile I still had a private Instagram and was occasionally posting there. The one thing I did love with my personal account was taking the time to come up with a witty caption. I loved the thought process behind that and wouldn’t post anything unless I had a decent caption. I finally turned my Instagram public and took off creatively writing captions and taking fun photos of my kids. I realized after awhile that I couldn’t just force my kids to take pictures for the purpose of my Instagram so this challenged me to get a bit creative and also get more comfortable with myself getting in front of the camera. I only take their picture if they’re willing.

I was beginning to create content and gather a decent following. I’ve always been someone that friends and family go to for suggestions on various things. Example: Where do you buy swimsuits? Do you have gift ideas for a 30th birthday? Where do you like to eat Italian? I generally get excited when someone comes to me for a suggestion and it’s one of the highest compliments- It means someone appreciates your taste. This is where I marinated my love of suggestions and content creation to what it is I’m doing today. I want to use this space to creatively entertain and share with you all the things I love. The word influencer is as pretentious to me as the word pretentious. I wouldn’t say I’m here to “influence” but more to create and share. I don’t want anything to ever feel like ads being shoved down your throat. I want you to always know I share with the best intentions (unless I’m drinking wine then don’t trust all my purchases/suggestions). I want to be honest and translucent. I won’t ever share specifics on the kids that they might not want their friends in high school to find. I’m all for embarrassing myself here though.

I’d love to partner with brands I use or brands that align with something I’d personally buy on my own. I enjoy creating stickers and t-shirts. Possibly someday I’ll add other merchandise. I love to write and want to do more of that. I also want to look for ways that I can give back through this space.

Thank you to friends, family and those I don’t know “personally” for sharing my blog, Instagram, buying stickers, “liking” my posts, commenting on posts. You all are the best, I don’t care what they say about you.