A very Happy {almost} New Year's to you all! I can't believe how quickly this year went by, how about you?
This time of year usually brings about contemplation and refection in a lot of us, as we look back at the year we're leaving behind.
I have been doing a lot of thinking for the past few months, about this blog and some changes I would like to make, if I could just be brave. ;)
I have been doing a lot of thinking for the past few months, about this blog and some changes I would like to make, if I could just be brave. ;)
There is one change that makes me sad: My sister {Belle} is making the switch from co-blogger here at {Beautiful Nest} to an occasional contributor. She began homeschooling her two oldest sons this year, and has her hands very full right now. She's realized she needs to focus on that right now, and I completely understand and support her in this...though I will miss sharing this blog with her!
However this lead to an important question: What do I want to do with this blog?
It helped to step back and take a good look at who I really am, and what I am not. I know this sounds weird, but let me explain...
In just the last two and a half years, I have learned how to do things I had to ask my husband to do in the past- things such as installing bead board and using power tools! And it gives such a wonderful feeling of confidence and independence! To be able to say, I want to do this, and do it myself, on my own time table! I am still learning, and have so far to go, but this is such a big part of who I am and has allowed me to do so much on our little house! And it is addicting!
{Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens}
One thing that has been percolating since we started {Beautiful Nest} is a desire to show in-depth tutorials on how to do various home improvement tasks and projects. These things may be as simple as how to use a cordless screwdriver or as intimidating as laying a subfloor. I don't claim to be an expert on any of this~ rather I would be showing what I have learned, as I learn it.
Not every one will be interested in detailed instructions on how to install a faucet, however, so these will be available by clicking on a tab to bring up all the tutorials done on this. {Versus popping up as new posts on the main blog page.} You will be able to do a search to bring up certain projects, as well.
This is just one facet of what I want to do, something I want to add! There will still be posts on decorating, home projects, homemade cleaning products, crafts, and baking, just like before! :)
However this lead to an important question: What do I want to do with this blog?
It helped to step back and take a good look at who I really am, and what I am not. I know this sounds weird, but let me explain...
In just the last two and a half years, I have learned how to do things I had to ask my husband to do in the past- things such as installing bead board and using power tools! And it gives such a wonderful feeling of confidence and independence! To be able to say, I want to do this, and do it myself, on my own time table! I am still learning, and have so far to go, but this is such a big part of who I am and has allowed me to do so much on our little house! And it is addicting!
{Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens}
One thing that has been percolating since we started {Beautiful Nest} is a desire to show in-depth tutorials on how to do various home improvement tasks and projects. These things may be as simple as how to use a cordless screwdriver or as intimidating as laying a subfloor. I don't claim to be an expert on any of this~ rather I would be showing what I have learned, as I learn it.
Not every one will be interested in detailed instructions on how to install a faucet, however, so these will be available by clicking on a tab to bring up all the tutorials done on this. {Versus popping up as new posts on the main blog page.} You will be able to do a search to bring up certain projects, as well.
This is just one facet of what I want to do, something I want to add! There will still be posts on decorating, home projects, homemade cleaning products, crafts, and baking, just like before! :)
Also...For a while now, I have wanted to transfer over to Wordpress.
{I feel almost like a traitor writing those words out on a Blogger site...}
But, in all honesty, I love their clean and streamlined look, and just feel that making the move would be a good thing for this blog! My husband and son are working on moving everyone and everything safely over to Wordpress, so I don't leave anyone behind! :)
But I must tell you one more thing! I would like to change the name of this blog, but am worried over how you may feel regarding this! You see, neither my sister nor I ever truly loved the name we chose~ it was just a way to combine the names of the blogs we each had at the time.
I have a name and I think it fits very well, even better in fact...but what do you think of the idea of a name change? {I covet your thoughts on this!}
{This will not be a different blog, but rather the same theme, with a lot more content! And everything will be organized in a way that is easily accessible.}
So now I will wait on your feedback, however nervously! ;)
I hope you have a wonderful and very safe New Year's weekend!
Blessings to each of you,
Jenni
{Photos were taken by me, unless otherwise indicated!} :)
Happy New Year Jenni!!!!
ReplyDeleteWith the new year coming in, changes can be fun and good.
I love your ideas and what you are planning to do with your blog. Thats so wonderful that your sister is venturing out into homeschooling! I did that with my daughter for 4 wonderful years and loved every minute of it!
I wish her well!
I will continue to follow you in friendship wherever you go and look forward to all of what you have in store sweet friend!!
Id love to know how to do all those homey things with tools that I always ask my hubby to do! Lol
Cant wait to see what you have planned and to hear what your new name will be here too..Im sure it will be beautiful!
Love to you!!
Deborah xoxo
Buongiorno Jenni.
ReplyDeleteMeravigliose queste creazioni!!!!
Ti auguro uno strepitoso 2012, che sia magico come queste immagini ed un abbraccio forte forte, *Maristella*
I'm very excited about the prospect of learning how to install a faucet, honestly I am hehe. I dread adding one more thing to the list of things for my husband to do so if I can learn to do it myself I would be ecstatic. As far as the name change and switching to wordpress I say go for it! I would follow and support your efforts in that regard wholeheartedly. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us Jenni!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year ~ I look forward to the exciting changes in the new year ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Jenni,
ReplyDeleteChange can be scary and good at the same time. I'm excited for you for all the changes you want to make, and I think they all sound wonderful!
I think of your sister often and wish her well!
Happy New Year!
Nancy
We change and our blogs should always be a reflections of us or we will soon tire of them. You are such a creative person and that will always shine through. I am looking forward to the big reveal. Happy New Year! Patty
ReplyDeleteJenni, I too have been thinking about changing to Wordpress. I actually started there, but ended up in blogger...I am not sure, why.
ReplyDeleteI adore the content of your blog, and your sincere spirit, that's why I visit.
If you wish to change the title, I say go for it!
I did not find you through your title. I found you when you linked your beautiful yarn and crocheted wreath. (perhaps this fact could help you with your decision}
I think that your DIY tutorials are a wonderful idea!
I so enjoyed your Advent series.
My spirit was fed with each post.
I wish you and your loves, the best of Blessings and Joy in the New Year!
~Lynne
[w/L]
Everything changes Jenni. Life is all about change..Sometimes they are easy changes and sometimes hard ones.. I think our goal is to make each change that comes along, shape us into better people...I think you will do just fine..
ReplyDeleteI Love the idea you have for the blog....best to you in the coming months and year..
I really enjoy your blog and changing is a positive way to grow in every part of our lives. If you feel a desire to change the name, then by all means, I say do it! Everything we do and say is a reflection of ourselves, including our blogging! Be yourself! :o)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!! Change can be a good thing. I for one have LOVED your blog and I know that I will continue to LOVE it because it belongs to you!! Best wishes for 2012 and I look forward to following along again this year. ~ xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Jenni,
ReplyDeleteStay true to your passion in creating what you do best.
looking to 2012 and all that you inspire.
xoxo
Blessings into the new year
~Dore
I think if you are moving over to Wordpress and making over your blog, then it's the perfect time for a name change if that's what you desire.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all the changes....I will follow you wherever you go and under whatever name you choose. :)
Oh Jenni I think it's a grand idea!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Erin perfect time for a name change with moving to wordpress! Change is good it feeds the soul! Best wishes for you and your sisters homeschooling!
PS. New follower & I will follow you to wordpress too! ;)
Warm Hugs~Ginger
I am excited for you and whatever you do because I believe it is from your heart. I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us.
ReplyDeleteBe brave..be bold!!