My Simple Steps for Balancing a Blog

People have asked me how in the world I can keep up with a blog while having 6 kids, a husband and lots of pets. Well, simply put... I have a routine. Much like every other aspect of my life, routine is key. Why? It's not rocket science its a blog! Absolutely correct but I wouldn't be able to juggle posting as much as I do, plus getting all my housework done, play time with my kids, reading time with my kids, pick up/drop off for school, homemade meals, you name it I get it all done. All because I balance it very, very well. 

So I've put together my top four steps I use to balance this blog.

Plan ahead

I made an insert for my Erin Condren life planner with a whole list of ideas for blog topics. I usually have my topics written down in my planner every Sunday for the week but If there's a day I don't know what to write about I go to that list and plan what I will write. If I already have an idea in mind I use my phone "notes" and I write down points, or key ideas I need to touch on in the post and it's ready for when I need it. Even this post I had to step away from the computer, grab the baby from my husband to nurse him for his nap and I finished this post - in my notes section on my phone while he nursed!

Blog while kids are in bed or at school

This is probably the best decision for me because even if my husband is home getting even half an hour of quiet on the computer to whip up a post doesn't happen all too often. So, when the kids are in bed or during the day while at school (if I happen to have a day where both little boys nap at the same time) this is when I can get posts written I need written. Even if I have to stay up an extra half hour to an hour at night to get what I need to done, I do it - but there has only ever happened once.

Save as draft

This is probably the BEST feature for bloggers. Saving as a draft to go back and finish later without having to redo work is the best because I simply can't predict when a baby will wake up, when I have more than just a few things to get done in a pinch or if something comes up. Saving as a draft has also come in handy when I'm writing one blog post and think of another one I can save, switch over and start another post and go right back to the previous!

Don't stress!

This has been something I've struggled with. If I have a review due, a giveaway or just something I need to get post I tend to stress and I had to tell myself, which all the above steps there's NO reason to stress. I have a note beside my desk that says "don't sweat the small stuff" which is a constant reminder because stressing about it doesn't help anyone. Breathe, relax and get what you need to get done!

So there you have it! Nothing spectacular but it's how I've been able to balance having a blog with motherhood, being a wife, household duties and tending to other daily musts.

Do you have a blog? How do you balance life while keeping up with your blog?

Five Amazing Blogs You Should Absolutely Read

Over the past 12 years that I've had blogs on and off there have been many blogs I've grown to love. Not all are still active today which is unfortunate because they were incredible. But I've found lots of new ones along the way I cannot go a day or two without reading.

Some of the blogs I'm going to share I haven't been following for long but have grown to love, and some I've read for years!

So here you have it, blogs you SHOULD be reading!

Spiffykerms - absolutely amazing. I've known Nancy for years online. Her blog has been around since 2003. Not only does she blog about beauty, fitness and fashion she also has really great reviews. She is an absolute must read.

Masshole Mommy - A newer blog I've started reading, but has been around a good while - She is one of my must reads daily. She always has great tips, entertaining posts and fantastic stories and photos.

GayNYCdad - I don't follow many dad blogs but this one is a must. He has interesting, and great posts. His son is around my oldest sons age so even my son gets a kick out of reading his site for all the latest and cool reviews, and info!

Carol Au Courant - Semi local to me Carol not only reviews hotels, posts amazing recipes and giveaways but her blog is just a great read! I love finding really cool local places to visit, and read her experiences, it's a must read!

Krystal's Kitsch - Stop everything you are doing and head to Krystal's blog. Want to find mouth watering recipes? Look no more. Krystal has it all. I'm absolutely obsessed with finding new meals, and fun dishes - she has the most incredible recipes and posts.

Well there you have it! 5 blogs I read daily and absolutely recommend if you are on the hunt for new blogs to follow along and read. I promise they are well worth it! Happy Reading!

No one said it would be easy..

There come's a time when people need to make changes. I needed some change 2 years ago when I quit blogging. Yes, I tried to blog again about a year ago but it didn't last long. I'm not too sure why, but so much was going on. I had just started a new work from home job as a customer care specialist for a cloth diaper company, Christmas was coming and shortly after I got pregnant with #6 so needless to say my blog just sat for a year doing nothing, not being used.

I decided recently that I wanted to blog again. Well, needed to blog again. I miss being able to say what I feel in more than 140 characters. I miss being able to interact with people who are over the age of 10.

So, here I am. Who knows how easy this will be taking care of 6 kids, working daily, 3 dogs and a husband but I am up for the challenge. I have tons of topics I want to talk about, I have tons of recipes I want to post. It will be great..

No one ever said everything was easy right?