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Not that a subject like this requires its very own blog post, but I thought I’d clue you in on my new blogging schedule anyway. I’ve tried blogging with and without a “schedule,” and due to my recent lack of blogging, I think I need to put myself back on a schedule. I flourish with routine, and falter without it, in all aspects of life!

I had a long weekend (more on that soon) with a lot of thinking time on my hands, so I put some thought into where I’d like my blog to be headed, and how I’d like to get there.

Blogging 5 days a week used to by my faithful routine, and although I have a list a mile long of ideas that would fill my blog for the next 5 years, I just can’t justify the time that requires when I have 3 little bodies to take care of and a husband who is gone 100 hours a week. (That is one of the main reasons I began my blog). I’ve loved having something exciting in my life- a blog where I have allowed myself to daydream, to create, to motivate. This space has meant a great deal to me over the last couple of years! But as my kids are getting bigger, and my husband getting busier, I must constantly take a step back and have an honest moment with myself, making sure that I’m taking care of the most important things first. This blog has always served as a reward to me at the end of a hard day’s work. (Not that blogging is “easy,” because it is “work” too, but its fun work, something I really look forward to. Blogging is what I do to “treat” myself).

So anyway, in my mind, I have a clear path I’d like to take myself on this next year with the blog. I’m not pressuring myself to post something every day. I don’t like “forced” posts, the ones that are created just to have something to blog about. My favorites are the posts that come straight from life… something that would happen regardless if I had a blog or not. Of course there are a few things thrown into the mix (like Sew-vivor), that would never happen without a blog. I love that a blog can really go anywhere you want it to!

Right now, I have about 10 posts/projects that are ready to be published, but without a clear editorial calendar, I end up letting them sit as unfinished drafts and never get around to posting them! So here’s my new, realistic plan. And if I miss a day, I’m not going to beat myself up over it!

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Monday- Once Upon a Weekend
This used to be the name of my link party, but I have decided not to continue it. I had to cut down somewhere. Instead, Once Upon a Weekend will be more of a lifestyle/personal type of post… a recap of the weekend, an opportunity to ramble, discuss, share, etc. I’m excited about this!

Tuesday- Extra Day
Likely, this won’t happen every week. But its my day set aside for things like giveaways, reviews, sponsored posts, maybe a round-up, favors for fellow bloggers, business related types of things, etc.

Wednesday- Series
I have a lot of fun with series; usually I have something going on every month. Sew-vivor starts next week!

Thursday- Food
I’ve said it before, I simply could not have a blog with at least one day dedicated to food. 🙂

Friday- Project/Tutorial
I think I can handle this… one crafty/organizational/printable/sewing type of project a week!

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On that note, I’ll get started on my new schedule right now! This isn’t a huge project, but a fun one to do with kids.

For years, this has been my philosophy when it comes to passing out Valentines…. Wait until after Valentine’s Day is over, head to Wal-Mart, purchase several boxes of Valentines on clearance, save and use the next year. Totally cool with that, and always will be. I’ve never done hand-made Valentines for my kids to pass around… there are just some things that having a craft blog will never make me do, haha. I can’t justify the time, effort, and money put into creating something that will likely end up in the garbage. However, I do appreciate cute things, and my philosophy has changed just a teen tiny bit this year. With printables all the rage, I have no problem helping my kids print, cut, and attach a piece of candy.

I am completely obsessed with the “sketchy” look. When I found this girl on Pinterest, I immediately clicked to her site. After looking at every single thing she sells, the last thing I found were her Valentine Printables. They are so cute! They aren’t free, but they are on sale for $2.50 per file, which I think is a great deal, and you can use them forever. So I purchased all the files, and I’m so excited to have them! In addition to Valentine cards, I think these would make really cute lunch box notes or home decor.

So cute, right?!

We had them printed at Staples on cardstock, cut them out, wrote names on the back, taped them to a package of candy, and wrapped them in twine. Simple and cute!

Find the files here: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
ps- All links take
you to the site Vol.25. I am not being paid to say any of this. The
designer doesn’t even know I’m blogging about her work. I just really
love it, and think it deserves a mention!

Questions for you…
Bloggers- Do any of you have a blogging schedule? I would honestly love to hear about it!
Readers- Do you like blogs that follow some type of schedule, or do you prefer no schedule? Do you even care? lol!
What is your philosophy on Valentine cards?

Once upon a time…

I started a blog. This is a tale of my projects, goals, and dreams. Thank you for taking a moment to stop by. I hope you have a beautiful day.

xoxo, Rach H.

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