Why I blog

About two years ago I stumbled upon the blog Tulips and Flight Suits, written by Mary (who is just lovely by the way) and I was hooked.  I loved the idea of having something personal to update and having a space on the internet that felt private, like a tiny community.  From there I found more and more blogs that I loved to read and soon enough I had a daily reading list.  When I made the decision to start Hair Bows and Smiles it was one that was not easily made.  A lot of hard work goes into writing a blog like this as well as a lot of decision making from how transparent you want to be to the content of the blog.  Regardless, Hair Bows and Smile was underway and I began seeking opportunities to grow the blog every day.  I thought about the reasons that I fell in love with the idea of blogs in the first place and it went back to that idea of community.  It was then that I began reaching out to the women on the blogosphere that I admired most.  At first, I thought I wouldn't get a single response, but I did, the emails were (mostly) returned and I remembered why I loved blogging in the first place....that sense of community.  Even though all of us are at different stages of life our blogs bring us together.  We are connected by what we do and with that our community is formed.

This week on Hair Bows and Smiles I am so excited to feature a guest post by Claire from Eat Well. Party Hard.  Claire and I are old college friends and while I am still completing my undergrad, Claire is off doing amazing things.  I've loved reading her blog and was so excited to welcome her onto Hair Bows and Smiles. Since we are trying to be health conscious on our end, I've asked Claire to develop a healthier recipe to put up on my little section of the Internet.  I'm so excited!  It's amazing to include Claire in the blogging community that I hold so close to my heart and I hope you all will welcome her with open arms!  Make sure to come back daily, but especially Thursday to give a big, exciting welcome to Claire!

A private moment

Sometimes when I go to write on the blog I just want it to be private.  I don't want to put it on social media so that people I know can read it.  I just want to publish it on the blogosphere for my readers and passersby to take a glance at.  Even though it has the chance of being seen by a ton of strangers, it still feels private.  As if all of you have stopped to have a quiet conversation with me.

The thing I love about this blog is simply that it's mine.  I have this outlet to share my opinions at all times.  In some ways I am still struggling to find my confidence and my voice, but this blog is teaching me much more than I ever thought.  It's teaching me to be loud, confident, proud, happy, strong and opinionated.  It's teaching me not to worry about other people's thoughts and stick up for myself.

And so even when I write something that feels private, I am learning that the best thing I can do for myself is put it out there.  If nothing else, it helps me get out of my comfort zone.

Happy almost Friday everyone <3

Do bloggers really need to pick a theme?

Everything I read about blogging in preparation for this journey tells me to stick to a specific theme with my writing.  If you like to cook, write about that.  If you are a mom, chronicle your families journey through life.  If you design, detail your ideas for readers.  What I am finding an issue for me is that I have a lot of interests...a lot of blog themes, if you will.  I love to cook and do often.  I can't wait to marry my boyfriend and eventually start our family.  I working for a fashion and beauty public relations firm so I am sure I will have my fair share of input on that topic as well.  I keep trying to find one word to describe this blog and everything I hope for it to be down the road, but I just can't do it.  What I can determine now is that this blog will be a meeting place of ideas.  For me and for you, my readers. Oh I so hope someone's reading.  

The thing is that for years I have admired other peoples writing, humor and zest for life.  I often found myself thinking that I could do the same thing.  When I tried the first time I found that my voice wasn't there, perhaps I wasn't investing the time in my blog that it deserved.  But I'm older now, a lot wiser, and perhaps in need of a therapeutic escape on the weekdays and weekends that allows me to talk openly about what life throws my way.  I think this will be fun and I hope that someone stays around long enough to enjoy it with me.

Happy Monday!  Hopefully most of you are off for the holiday!  Any thoughts on blogging and what has helped you?  I'd love the input :)