Why I wouldn’t be without my blog…
I haven’t written much on the blog lately – it wasn’t an intentional quiet spell, I usually try to update this little online space of mine two or three times a week but I guess life just gets in the way. And whilst I have missed it so it has actually been really lovely taking a step back and losing my evenings to a little show called Love Island (don’t shoot me).
And whilst I have been hiding under a blanket on my sofa it got me thinking about why I wouldn’t be without my blog. I was with a few friends a couple of weeks ago, the topic of social media came up and so the conversation slowly crept towards my Blog and Instagram. And so I thought I would answer a few questions I am often asked.
Why do you blog? When do you find the time to write? And does it make you smile?
Yes it makes me smile. This online space of mine allows me to be creative. It is a space for me to share what makes me happy. I work full-time in an industry that allows little creativity so in some ways my blog allows me to be me. And after four years my blog and Instagram are a part of who I am and who we are as a family. Both my blog & instagram are so important to me and whilst I hope they make my readers smile, help them in some way it also makes me smile. And for that reason alone I will continue to come back to my blog day after day.
Why…
It’s my online journal. I’ve always kept a diary or day journal for as long as I can remember – I have so many draws filled with little notebooks. One day I need to look back through them. When George arrived I wanted something more than just words, I wanted to be able to look back on our family photos, milestones and more. We all know how easy it is not to press print. When was the last time you printed photos? It must be nearly 12 months for me, I need to change that and update our photo wall. Pronto.
And so my blog was born although back then it was called ‘Mummy Hargreaves’. There was a small part of me that also wanted to share our story, or maybe even help someone that may have turned to google one night looking for tips on ‘how to potty train’ or advice on ‘ life with a premature baby’. Just like I did. This little corner of the World Wide Web is my place to record our journey as a family.
Within a year I rebranded and the name ‘Life As Our Little Family’ was born – it came about as I sat on a beach watching my boys paddling in the sea, the sun setting with a glass of fizz in one hand and my camera in the other. And whilst the direction of my blog is less parenting focussed these days and now equally spread across family, lifestyle and fashion it will forever be my space to share my little loves.
And to answer the question when do I write, in the mornings when I’m not training, on my lunch break, in the evenings, on weekends, on long car journeys. In my spare time really although I do try to keep weekends free for family time. I have to remember at times to switch off and step back when it all gets a little too much, social media can be a little addictive as can constantly feeling like you need to improve.
The sense of community has become another reason why I continue to write. Who knew that when I started my blog over four years ago I would find one friend let alone a whole community that I could turn to. Over the years I have met and made some really lovely friends that initially were fellow bloggers. Some from similar niches like family, travel and fashion as well as those that share my passion for photography and photo styling. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, travelled to London to meet bloggers, represented brands, chatted to so many familiar faces only known to me by their blog name or Instagram handle, took part in photowalks (yay for that) and so much more.
I am forever thankful that I have a handful of friends I can turn to that understand. Pamela, Jenny, Sarah, Colette, Karen and Darren are always there for me, to talk things through, offer advice, endless voice notes and WhatsApp messages, creative support and inspiration. Its something you’d expect from a friend of 10 years not necessarily someone who you initially met by reading their blog! True friends, peers and colleagues in an online world I love to be a part of but one that can be a pretty awful place at times. You need likeminded friends who understand.
And lastly…
Opportunity. I started my blog started just for me and over the years this space has created so much opportunity for our little family. It is now a business and one which I am so very proud of. I’ve worked incredibly hard over the years to carve out this little space and I hope to still be updating my blog in another four years.
My skills are evolving, I have found a passion for photography and constantly feel like I am challenging myself. I’m feeling ever so slightly proud of the end results of a recent campaign we have been working on and hope that this direction could be a new addition to my blog. I’m so grateful to all the brands that have chosen to collaborate with us, put trust in me and our little family to represent their brands but also be true to our followers in the content we crest and products we recommend. To inspire and create exciting content is something I am really passionate about.
Who knew just over four years ago when I pressed publish on my first post that someone would find comfort in my words let alone read my blog. It’s still a mystery to me but whilst you’re still reading I’ll continue to share. You see for me reading a blog or scrolling Instagram is just like reading a magazine. And whilst I know there are people and friends of mine out there that just don’t get it, I love this game and will continue to update this space with all my little loves.
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
I was nodding along to so much of this! It’s a tricky thing to explain to people who don’t blog, but it is all of this, it would be so hard to imagine not doing it. Thanks for sharing with #WotW x
Aww you were. Its such a tricky conversation as unless you are in the zone its hard to understand. x
Yay to another four years on the blog KA! I’m with you – I read blogs more like magazines, they’re the first place I turn now for info and advice xx
Thank you Gail. I agree, I do love a good magazine but IG and blogs just have something very real about them x
Aw I love this post and thank you so much for the mention, I am so glad we met and are friends as I trust your opinion and love surrounding myself with creative people as creativity is one of my fain inspirations. You have carved out the most wonderful space it is something you should all be proud of x
You are of course very welcome, thank you for being such a good friend and support network. Thank you for your kind words x
Beautifully written, thank you so much for the mention.
I know that I can talk to you at any time and that I am always there for you too.
❤️
You’re very kind Darren – thank you for being such a great support x
I love this post so much and am truly grateful that you are in my life too. Lovely read xxx
Thank you love for being such a good friend x
Ahh thanks for the mention lovely. Love right back to you too. I love your blog, you inspire me and motivate me just as much. I wouldn’t be without my blog and the amazing friendships and friends (like you) that have came along with it and will be in my life long after it. Keep up what you do it’s a beautiful thing both on here and social media.
You are so very welcome lovely, you have been a huge support to me since the very beginning x
I have been blogging for over 5 years now and it’s just a hobby for me but I can’t imagine not doing it.
Your blog is beautiful….
Thanks so much Kim
My ‘why is very much like yours – I needed somewhere more than Facebook to keep track of all my photos and words. I’ve only been going for two and a half years but I simply cannot imagine life without my blog. I really enjoy following what you get up to and am so very grateful for all the help and advice you’ve given me – thank you for being so lovely x
Aww is it? And you’re very welcome x
It’s always good to hear why people blog because I think for all of us it will be something slightly different. I’m passionate about writing and really cannot imagine not having this opportunity to craft words and create something of my own. I love reading other people’s blogs too and whilst many people don’t ‘get it’ which I find difficult from time to time, I’m not sure I’ll ever give up! Photo styling is something I want to get better at and you’re an inspiration KA! xx
I think its great that there is so much diversity in the reasons people blog and share their lives etc. I’m with you and find it difficult to understand why someone doesn’t get it. They understand why I exercise so why not writing on my blog? Aww thank you, I do love to style a photo, definitely makes me happy x
Lovely post. I’ve also been blogging for four years and your reasons for loving your blog are very similar to the reasons why I still love it after all this time. It is lovely to be able to record all those family moments and the blogging community is such a lovely one x #WotW
Thank you Louise, I think it’s important to love the things you invest so much time into. x
I really enjoyed reading this KA. It’s nice to get a little insight into why individuals blog and your reasons definitely translate into the content that you write. Here’s to many more years xx
Aww thanks so much Morgana, lovely of you to say. I hope you’re having a good week x
I couldn’t agree more!! I definitely blog for me, without it I would feel lost and wouldn’t be anywhere near as happy. It also happens to be my job, and what mentally keeps me stimulated and content to be at home with my babies. I’ve learnt so much over the past four years and wouldn’t be without my blog either.
Aww that’s so good to hear, one day I still hope that it will be my job but as the years pass sadly I don’t think that will be possible