I have so much to say, so much to share and so many random thoughts about this blog. Stick with me a minute because… really… I mostly want to hear from you.
(Realizing this request might be easier with a face-to-face conversation).
Let me started.
Blogging, on top of owning another business, having two kids, husband, aging family, friends, etc. (you know, much of the same things you have), can be… exhilarating, relaxing and freeing depending on the day, and other times… draining, and frustrating.
To be honest, the what keeps is me going is you. I suppose it’s partially me because I so love to write, share and connect… but I wouldn’t be sharing or connecting if it wasn’t for you. Which brings me to my first point…
This community. Particularly on Facebook, I love our TMS (The Modern Savvy) sense of community. I love getting to know each of you, what you like and don’t like, and yes, I might creepily click on your profiles to get to know who you really are. Who hasn’t gone down that rabbit hole before? π
Community. It’s everything, and amidst the chaos of life, I love feeling it here. It’s why I started the (almost) weekly Facebook Live chats, Wine Down Wednesday, and it seriously makes my world when you chime in with questions and comments.
In 2018, I really want to increase the sense of community for those of you who read The Modern Savvy. I think many of us are moms, 30-40-somethings, perhaps trying to figure out who we are — like really who we are — our purpose, our joy, and need a tough love push to move toward that phenomenal person we know we are.
Do you want more Facebook Live conversations? Or do you like “hanging” somewhere else… or just prefer reading content?
I want to grow and strengthen this The Modern Savvy crew (tribe, posse, what are we…? We need a hashtag!), so we can inspire and motivate each other.
YouTube/Video. Ugh, I totally slacked in 2017 (and 2016) and I regret it. Video feels daunting to me and I’ve provided myself loads of seemingly valid excuses. At the end of the day though, I only have regret and I’m determined to change that.
So, what type of videos would you like to see? Random videos of me talking about real shit (excuse the language)? About Vent Sesh? Sharing some new style finds? What types of videos do you find yourself watching?
The Content. What brings you here vs. all the other sites out there? The blogging world is SO saturated that it can be challenging as a blogger to maintain and grow your audience, and I want to do so in a meaningful way where you feel like you’re benefiting from your visit. What content here resonates with you the most? And, what would you like to see more of? My family? My kiddos? Career motivation? Equally, don’t be shy about spilling if you want to see less of something.
I’m really interested in personal /professional development and growth, finding inspiration and living a more joyful, honest and authentic life. I say authentic because I am 100% me, but sometimes “me” takes a backseat to being a mom, a wife, a woman who needs to get a crap ton of errands done. I want “me” back and want to take time to find the real girl in here.
In January and into 2018 — without sounding insanely overdone, because it is — I want to focus on our wellness journey, particularly our mind. We as women too often push aside who we are to prioritize our roles as mothers, wives, professionals, etc. But who are you? Who am I? Let’s get there together.
I want to go on a wellness journey with you where it’s about mental health, confidence, and comfort in our own skin. I’m clearly no expert (though I have spent considerable time on a therapist’s couch!), but if I shared, would you read it?
Style/Outfits:Β I post these weekly on Wednesdays, but I’m thinking of switching it up to post them on Fridays for some fun lighter content leading into the weekend, and instead starting “Wellness Wednesdays” (ties in nicely with our Wine Down Wednesday… and I clearly love alliteration). π Do you find my outfits helpful? Do you shop from my looks? What’s the benefit to you?
By the way, I’ll be honest that it’s taken me years to feel comfortable being photographed. I’m so much more the girl behind the computer at heart. It’s funny, friends comment how I’m so photogenic. Umm, anyone can be photogenic when you take 75 photos and use 5. π #fortherecord
To make outfit posts more helpful, I noticed you guys really like seeing how other women also style an outfit or item of clothes (i.e. “closet staples” and “how to wear” posts) so I’ll start layering in that for you.
Instagram: Can I just be honest and say how frustrating I find Instagram? Sure I enjoy scrolling and watching Instagram Stories but really, I just like my cozy little corner over here. Most outside the blogging world don’t realize there are bloggers buying followers, likes and comments, and that — combined with algorithm changes — is so frustrating for the rest of us. I have 12Kish followers on Instagram… considered barely a following, yet I’m SO grateful for each of you. The hard part though: fake, inflated numbers get other bloggers more brand partnerships and increased rates. Why do some people have to ruin it for the rest of us? #ventsesh #rantover
Blogging in general. Man, I love it. I’ve had so many ups and downs. Times when due to, lack of time, I’ve debated closing up shop, but I can’t. You bring me such joy. You, when you email and message me with anything from a fun new blouse you’re wearing that you first saw here to even difficult emails about your struggles to conceive, remind me that this matters. Most of us have never met, yet I feel like I know you and I wholeheartedly, deep in my soul, feel like each of us have this incredible power to rise up to the phenomenal women that we are.
So, that’s that. My State of the Blog, you could say. Apologies for some long-windedness…. now that I’ve shared all this, comment below with your two cents on any of this, or any thoughts, musings or heck, your favorite workout song of the moment! I’ll take any of it.
Wishing you an incredible start to 2018!
Join the Conversation
laura
January 2, 2018 at 7:14 PMYou’re my hands down favorite blogger, Alyson. You’re fresh, upbeat, and REAL. You share your beauty and vulnerability with all of us and it’s always done in an appropriate and classy way (and often with a lot of humor that makes me laugh out loud). I don’t know how you always manage to strike the right note.. but you do! Keep up the great work – don’t ever give in to buying followers (wtf?!). Stay genuine, sister! xx
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:41 AMYou basically made my life Laura when you said I make you laugh out loud sometimes, LOL! I so appreciate this feedback. PLease always feel free to reach out with any content or posts you’d like to see here. So grateful for your readership!
Jess
January 2, 2018 at 11:32 AMI enjoy your blog. I’m here for the outfit post. I can relate to your style and find it easy to purchase same or like items and incorporate them into my 9-5 style or weekend wear. I’m not a mom, but that doesn’t mean I have all this time to put myself together (it just means I’m more well rested (wink face emoji)) and no matter what enjoy the extra wardrobe help from your blog post.
I don’t have a FB so I can’t comment on that , but I do enjoy your Instagram post and admittedly I don’t always have the patience for Insta stories. What works best for me is subscribing to your email list. I can (at my leisure) read your post, put things in my shopping cart for later and skip over the content I cannot relate to or don’t care for. Ive been a reader since TAGG and I appreciate all the hard work you put into your little space. It does not go unnoticed.
Although I don’t care for all of your post I am a 100% Alyson and recommend your blog to others and consider it in my top 5 faves to read. No matter what, your organic content will always keep you above the robots. Keep doing your thang girly!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:45 AMThis is so incredibly helpful to read… thanks, Jess! So glad the outfit posts and inspiration resonate with you. Would you like to see more “work” looks, or do you think there’s a good balance of style content here?
And, yay for being an email subscriber!!
Please do keep me posted if there’s content, a question or a post idea you’d like to see me address here. So grateful you take time out of your day to visit here. — Alyson
Jessica
January 2, 2018 at 12:17 AMWhat a lovely read. I love how geniune you are in your posts dear, and I really enjoy reading your entries. Im all in with your wellness journey. Cheers for more productive blogging in 2018!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:46 AMThanks, Jessica!! More wellness post tomorrow… so glad you take time to visit here. π Hope you’re having a great start to 2018.
Olivia Poncelet
January 1, 2018 at 6:38 AMLovely portrait !
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! π
Olivia Poncelet <3
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:47 AMThanks, Olivia… happy new year!!
Wendy Wiley
December 31, 2017 at 11:27 AMYou are the only blog I follow nowadays. I enjoy your honesty and real life opinions. Even though Iβm much older, I can still relate! I love the style tips. I still enjoy working and can wear any style to work. Iβm s hairstylest in So Cal, so we live in a similar climate. Keep letting us know what you think, how you feel and what youβre wearing! Happy 2018! Let this be a great year for us all!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:49 AMAbsolutely will do, Wendy… thank you! Your words mean so much and so appreciate you visiting here. π Definitely email or comment here anytime if you have any content you’d like to see my address in 2018. Wishing you a wonderful year!
Graesa
December 29, 2017 at 8:28 PMI really like your Instagram stories, FB lives and your blog!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:51 AMYay, so glad to hear… definitely reach out anytime if you’d like to see more of any type of content or topic.
Jennifer
December 29, 2017 at 12:06 PMI discovered your blog this past Fall and I immediate connected to it because of the REAL LIFE content. I also live in a warm-weather area (S CA) so I appreciate your posts on dressing for the seasons when the temps rarely dip below 65 degrees! Also, I am a 40-yr-old mom so I can relate to your style and practical lifestyle. (There are plenty of blogs with $1,000 4″ heels that mean nothing to me.)
Keep up the gret work! I look forward to your posts in 2018!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:53 AMHa, yes… can’t relate to the freezing temps OR those insane heels while shuttling around kids. How does that even work?! So appreciate your feedback on what resonates for you here. Wishing you a wonderful 2018, Jennifer!
Lauren
December 29, 2017 at 10:00 AMVideo is so daunting for me too. I don’t mind chatting on stories but something about creating actual video content seems so overwhelming! I love the idea of weekly Facebook lives! I love watching/reading about a variety of things. I’m all for random chit-chat, beauty, health, and fashion!
By Lauren M
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:54 AMWhy does video have to be so daunting? Really need to invest the time and move past my irrational fear of taking the time to create it. We can do it!
Morgan
December 29, 2017 at 9:33 AMYou are one of the only blogs I still keep up with. Mostly I just like the combination of things you bring to the conversationβmore of a holistic view of life than just βHereβs a dress or a pillow.β I also like that you donβt do sponsored posts that are completely off brand which is the reason Iβve stopped reading a few blogs that I used to enjoy a lot. Selfishly as well, your life seems similar to mine…two full time working parents trying to make it work. I just donβt really identify with bloggers who only blog. This is a long way of saying that I hope you donβt change a lot, and I love the Wellness Wednesday idea!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 10:56 AMDefinitely not changing anything, and yay… so glad you’re on board for the Wellness Wednesdays! So appreciate your perspective about what resonates here, and what has been a bit of a turn off on other sites — as someone who reads a few blogs, I totally get what you mean. Than you so much for taking the time to comment, Morgan. Wishing you a wonderful 2018!!
Sharon
December 29, 2017 at 9:22 AMI love your blog. I love how real you are and maybe it is because, I am 40 something but smooch of what you ay resonates with me… the whole ” trying to find me’ is something that I actually write down last night as one of my (lofty) goals for 2018. I just liked your FB page.. to be honest, though, unless they are closed groups, I do not tend to participate in FB too much as I hate that everyone can see/read what you said. Looking forward to 2018!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 11:02 AMYAY… how are you doing so far keeping up with trying to find you? Hope with that comes some grace, gratitude and permission to love you just the way you are. LOL, hope that doesn’t sound too preachy. π And, I’ve debated creating a closed FB group but trying to gauge interest. Will keep you posted!
Dana
December 29, 2017 at 9:09 AMI love your Alyson’s Obsessions posts, your Vent Sesh posts and your fashion posts the most, but truly enjoy all topics you cover!!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 11:02 AMGREAT feedback, Dana! Thank you so much… will keep all these things coming in 2018. π
Shelley
December 29, 2017 at 8:58 AMI love your blog because it is about real life and not paid advertising. I love your vent shesh and your Alysonβs obsessions. Your style is very Mom appropriate and I love it! Keep up the work!
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 11:03 AMThis is super helpful, Shelley… thank you so much; definitely keeping more VEnt Sesh, honest content and Alyson’s Obsessions coming in 2018, and email anytime if you have any specific content or questions you’d like to see me cover. Wishing you an awesome 2018!
Shira Rosenbluth
December 28, 2017 at 11:59 PMI’m excited to see what 2018 has in store for you! I hate what some of the blogging world has become but I’m thankful to have come across genuine people like you and other real, kind humans.
https://www.asequinloveaffair.com/
Alyson
January 9, 2018 at 11:04 AMAbsolutely agree — totally feel about you and the type of content you’re putting out in the universe. π