We Both Need a Fresh Start: 80’s Jewelry Cabinet Rescue & Blogiversary Recap

One year ago today (happy blogiversary to me), I started this blog with the best of intentions. Little did I know how much WORK this blogging thing required. Especially for a girl with a full-time job and full-time life. Some weeks, especially when I was inspired by the holidays (Easter and Cinco de Mayo, woot woot!), I blogged daily. Below are some of awesome highlights during these up moments. I can’t even begin to describe the glee I felt every time another blogger or site featured one of my posts, and I give a big, fat ♥ every time I see one of my posts pinned on Pinterest. GRINNING EAR-TO-EAR SMILEY FACE.

And then there were the weeks…and weeks…okay, maybe months…where it was radio silence around here. Heck, I couldn’t even manage a daily Instagram post. SAD FACE.

Let us look at the reasons, shall we? Not that I’m making excuses. But, dang it, if I don’t identify my problems, how am I going to fix them?

Photography (i.e. the eye candy that keeps blog readers coming back for more) – I mentioned early on my photography shortcomings. Then WordPress changed the interface to Instagram, and my blog’s whole concept took a nosedive. Honestly, though, this turned out to be a good thing. I am now re-learning photo editing, and the quality of my photos should dramatically improve (no more relying on Instagram filters). And I’ve promised myself a new camera if I show more commitment to the blog this year.
Not measuring up – Every influential blogger tells you not to compare your blog to others. Well, I didn’t listen. Or at least not consistently. So I tried to Keep Up with The Bloggers, and I failed. This isn’t my full-time job…or even full-time hobby…so I need to cut myself some slack. I know that my blog quality will improve. But if not, I’m happy that I’m back to blogging for me.
And then…bam, boom, wham…major life change – With the news I received about my health this year, my diet has dramatically changed. With my diet change,my after-work evenings have also changed. Time formerly spent blogging is now spent in the kitchen planning, prepping, and cooking. Sadly, I can no longer eat any of the recipes that I posted above. It feels like I’m learning to cook all over again, and sometimes it feels like I have more failures than successes.

So. It’s a new year with new opportunities. I’m going to commit again to daily Instagram posts for my 365 Project. But my blog content is going to be (even) more real, true-to-life Karen. I’m going to be less concerned about themes and what the other bloggers are doing and more focused on my interests. I hope this results in more interesting and dynamic reading, because my heart will be in every post.

Take this jewelry cabinet. Yes, it is so 1980’s. But I see potential. In fact, I’ve been seeing its potential for about a decade now. I just can’t seem to make a decision about how I want to rescue this baby. Heck, the style may come back again, if I wait long enough. Or not.

I found the perfect place for this curved-line, potential beauty between my two closet doors. I hate the golden oak stain, but then again I don’t hate how it ties to the clock on the wall above. And I totally dig the rose pink velvet lining. Over the next couple of days, I will be mulling over my options. But no more procrastinating and unfinished projects! I promise both myself and this Material Girl that her makeover will be complete by the end of January. Maybe before…CONFIDENT SMILEY.