Yah. That. What is something every blog should have? What would the perfect blogger have? What would their blog be like? What would make people want to read it? Who is the perfect blogger? That is the question! The question I haven’t been asking you guys all along. The questions I should have been asking you all along. What do you guys want to see here on Liz Marie Blog? How can I make my blog better? What do you guys love that I do? What do you want to see more of. These are all questions I should have been asking you, but instead I was sitting over here trying to guess.
We had this wonderful speaker, Jon Acuff, speak at Haven this past weekend. To say that I laughed until I cried is an understatement. If anyone can make me laugh before 9am & before I’ve had my coffee, I would say they are pretty funny. I had been following Jon on social media for a while now. I find every tweet from him hilarious & oddly insightful. He is just a cool guy that has made mistakes along the way as a blogger so he is forging the way for all of us other bloggers. It’s great to learn from your mistakes, but it’s even better to learn from someone else’s mistakes. Remember that. Well, during his keynote speech this past weekend, Jon Acuff told us was “Start asking questions” & “Stop trying to guess what your readers want.” & “Stop trying to read their minds.” Ouch. I’ve never done that before & when he mentioned that I started to feel so guilty. Like I had been selfish here & not giving you guys what you want. On the other hand, it’s my happy place where I blog 4 times a week what I’m up to that day. I’m not one of those bloggers who plans ahead & has posts written for 3 weeks. I’m in the moment. I’m writing this right now at 11pm at night while sitting in bed next to my hubs & pups while we laugh at one of them snoring so loud we can’t hear each other, & the post will go live right when I’m done. So, maybe I shouldn’t be that candid and live? Maybe you don’t like that? It’s scary for me to ask this because I’m scared maybe you don’t like anything I do & that’s not easy to hear, but what do you guys want to see here on the blog?
I am so thankful for every single person that comes to read my blog & that’s why I was so mad at myself when he said that because I want everyone to be happy when they come to my blog. I want everyone to enjoy their time while here on my blog because this is my happy place. & here is some big news that I will be doing a whole post on soon, but in the near future Liz Marie Blog is going to go through a complete “rebrand”. The blog will look totally different, new logo, easier to navigate, easier to find posts, a whole new look & a whole new website. I guess now would be a great time to really ask you guys what you want to see here on the blog? I’m more asking what kind of posts? What would make it easier to navigate? What would you love to see on Liz Marie Blog?
Of course when I’m asking you this, I am asking for some positive changes. It’s a hurtful thing to say “I hate…” so maybe say “I would love if…”. Because that thing you hate might be something someone else loves. Let’s keep this a happy discussion & a happy conversation about how we can make our blog a happier place. There is always going to be some things that some love & some things that others love, so there will always be a mix because this blog is all things that I love. It’s from my heart. I’m not asking you to praise me or only tell me what I’m doing right, I’m asking you to tell me what I can change, but let’s not hurt anyone’s feelings. Because I love my readers & I love myself & I would hate for anyone to be hurt by the comments below. There is always a nice way to say everything.. remember that! But really what do you what to see more of? do you want to see more personal posts? More videos? More life updates, more makeovers, more tutorials? The ball is in your court & I’m excited [and a little nervous] to hear from you.
Oh, this lovely lamp you ask? Well, it’s new to our casa. I picked it up at Painted Farmgirl near my house the other day where I have a booth at. My lovely aunt, who also has a booth there, gave an ugly floor lamp a makeover & this is what she came up with. She painted the base a dark gray & waxed it with some gray wax to seal it & give it that two tone look. I love it. & then she made a lamp shade by covering the old one with drop cloth. It’s just so cute & perfect & it adds a little more charm to this corner in our upstairs living room… I’m a little obsessed. It replaced our metal Ikea lamp perfectly. Our little cottage has been waiting for a little lamp Like this for a while now!
So, what do you think of our new little lamp? & what do you want to see more here on the blog? What is one thing you have always wanted me to do? I would love to hear from you! & just know, no matter what the answer, I love blogging, I love you guys, & I’m always going to be doing something here that is creative & pretty because it’s just in me & I can’t stop. I will always stay true to myself because that’s all I can do, but I think making changes once in a while is good. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think. Let me know what you think in the comments below, find me on Facebook, & chat with me on Instagram.
Liz, I am all for change if there is a way to improve something, but sweet lady, you and your amazing husband have made this blog “My” favourite place to be! I have only owned my first home for a short while as my Army husband’s career of 29 years has moved us all over the world. (I wouldn’t change my life for anything!) I simply adore your home and your decorating style. You have been a huge influence in the decisions I make in improving my own home. Navigating your blog is a breeze, and I enjoy your previous posts over & over. Improve if you think you can, but I love you what you have created just as it is 🙂 x
I actually just love anything you do! You know the saying “she could wear a hessian sack and still look good” well your blog could be a hessian sack and still be good! Seriously you have a wonderful voice and a timeless style, what more could we want?
I’ve been enjoying your blog for awhile now. Watching transitions and changes. My favourite parts are your natural, candid, girl-next door posts. I love viewing “favourites” your favourite porches, favourite tap, favourite whatever. They are so much fun.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you for this post. First I want to say that I totally love all that you do. You work tirelessly to keep us engaged and have an amazing approach to design and life. In terms of improvements, I would love it if you responded to posts (specifically questions). I know you’re a busy lady and have many balls to juggle but it would be wonderful if you would respond from time to time. I know you do on Instagram but not everyone is on Instagram and while I love all of your social media channels, I’m in love with your blog and believe it feels very personal and “home sweet home”. Responding makes the reader feel all warm and fuzzy and we would love to hear from you. Of course this needs to be done within reason and I conletely understand that you would have to be selective. That’s my two cents.. Either way, I will continue to support and visit. Keep up the good work!
Hi Liz,
I honestly have to say that your blog is what i look forward to in the morning! I just want to thank u for always posting new blogs and keeping everything so up to date on your beautiful house and for sharing some personal updates with us as well. You put so much into your blog and its obvious. I love not having to wait a week or so for the next post bc im always so excited to see whats next. You are doing a great job!
love all the pics love your blog you got me!
The lamp is perfect!
I first stumbled upon your blog when I was searching for fertility support online a few months back. I’ve been dropping by all the time ever since, and I enjoy your Instagram accounts very much, too! I’m a new blogger, and you give me inspiration. From a fertility standpoint you’ve helped me more than I can say. When I’m struggling I think of you and your attitude, positivity, & perseverance. I love your candidness and honesty, it’s so wonderful! Also, I love your style! So please just keep doing what you are doing. And, I’m sure if you do make changes that they will be great!
Hey Liz Marie! There are a lot of blogs out there. Everyone of them is different and there are so many to enjoy. I would stay true to yourself and continue to blog the way YOU want to. I think we all love to see home decorating and to hear about people’s lives in a positive, encouraging light. And you do that! I hope I do too!
love and blessings~
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
I am over the moon for that lamp – it’s awesome! The drop cloth shade? Perfection. As far as your blog…keep doing what you’re doing, girl – your posts feel natural, honest and open and I love reading them. No complaints here! 🙂
I love your blog, I may have gone back and read every post….maybe. I do miss your Friday Features or favorites, it doesn’t have to be on Fridays but I liked seeing other things you found online that we should know about. I would it if you did more personal posts or an #AskLizMarie occasionally. It’s a small thing but when you redo the layout could you put the search bar at the top? That way it’s easier to find and easier to search for all your gems.
I like when you post about your PCOS battle because I also have PCOS and that resonates with me. I like when you post about personal things like your relationship with your husband and family. I like your style and love seeing the finished projects, but I wish you posted more photos of the actual project itself while it was happening. It would be nice to see a tutorial for how you paint things, not just photos of the finished product. It’s been years now but I really liked when you used to post reviews of the samples you received in your Birchbox. I related to that. 🙂 I love when you post things like recipes for homemade laundry detergent. I would love to see more posts from the heart, but you are creating a very beautiful home and I love stopping in!
I appreciate changing for the better. But, in my view you have one of my favorite blogs already. I love all your talents and I am inspired by them. One of my very favorite things is that you blog on a regular basis. So many bloggers allow too long of periods of time between posts. I know we are all busy but, what a disappointment to go to a blog to find out it’s been days, weeks or months. It seems they lose interest. So in all the things that mean a lot to me as a fan you are doing a great job. Thank you.
I love your blog and your blogging style 🙂 It is so relaxed and not overworked. You can tell that you’re giving us kind of a stream of consciousness style, which I love. Your pictures are gorgeous, and it’s so fun to see the projects you work on. I always encourage bloggers to stay true to themselves and not be too influenced by what blogging “should” be or what readers want (to a certain extent) because then it might lose the “soul” which is what you bring to it. I’m not sure if that makes sense. haha. But anyways. I’m excited to see how you rebrand, and I love everything you do.
I LOVE THAT LAMP THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WANT FOR MY HOUSE! haha.
Hi Liz, okay so I’ve never actually commented here before, but I’ve been reading your blog for several years now. A bunch of bloggers must have gone to that talk because I’m seeing similar blog posts to yours about asking what your readers actually want. To tell you the truth part of why I read blogs is for the enjoyment of stepping into someone else’s home/life for a few minutes, the other part is for inspiration. When a blog ceases to inspire me anymore I quit reading. I don’t make a big deal out of it, I don’t harshly criticize the blogger to make them feel bad or anything. I just quit reading. I’m truly sorry that you’ve had to deal with some meanies through your blog. I do understand your desire to want this to be a happy place. But I guess this particular blog post had me kind of irritated. As a business owner I’ve had to make several hard changes to my business over the years in order to continue to provide my customers with what they wanted. It may not have exactly been what I wanted, but I wanted to stay in business and keep making money even more than I wanted to do everything my way. I’m not sure if you use this as a hobby blog or if you make money off of your blog. But I was a bit offput by you asking for our feedback and then following it up with “please make them all happy comments” or something to that effect. You see what I found in business was that I may not actually want to hear the negative comments but they usually always lead me to a better and more successful place with my business. The happy commenters or the people that liked what i was doing didn’t actually help me grow. It’s wonderful to hear that you’re doing a great job from people, but does that actually get you to where you want to be? I’m not sure if you have thoughts about where you’d like to go with this blog but as a business sometimes you have to let your consumers drive the direction if you want to stay in business. Maybe this is a little wordy, but I was trying to say in as nice a way as possible, don’t ask for feedback but then put restrictions on how people can give you their honest feedback. Okay so I know I haven’t given you any specifics on what I would actually like to see on your blog. Honestly I would rather check in once a week for a great before & after, or tutorial rather than everyday for an update about one individual item that you added to your home. Since I really don’t want to spend too much time online everyday, I want that time to be efficient. I want to be inspired in a bigger way rather than a little tiny update. More and more I notice that I’m moving away from reading people’s blogs because I feel like the ones I’ve enjoyed for the several years are running out of content and just posting filler content. Pinterest is becoming my chosen form of inspiration because I know that I can truly be inspired quickly or move on without wasting as much time. So anyhow, I hope some of this was helpful, if not that’s okay too. And I do hope that your blog is still able to be your happy place even if you do decide to change things up a bit. ~thanks Liz
I would love if you varied the pictures of each project you do… sometimes it seems like they are repetitive – and/or, that you just don’t need as many. Though, they are all gorgeous projects! Or maybe more varied angles. Regardless, we love your blog!
Hi Alex! So good to hear from you and the changes you would like to see. I think I may have wrote that wrong & didn’t convey what I meant correctly I am clearly asking for ways to better my blog in the entire post & when I say “positive changes” I meant… This is my happy place & it is for others as well. The comment section is an open forum where people can read the comments so I really wanted to keep this a happy positive discussion such as “please do more videos” “please do less furniture makeovers” “love when you craft, but can you take more progress photos”. I think if I was offering a service or owned a brick and mortar store maybe it would be different, but I’m simply blogging my life here and what I’m up to with projects and decorating daily. I don’t think it’s ever wrong to ask people to be nice ever in life whether you are business owner or not. There is always a nice way to put everything & that is what I strive to do so that is what I was simply asking people to do here. By all means please tell me the changes you would like to see, but what I was asking is to not put anyone down while doing it. Thank you again & I hope what I was saying makes more sense. Again, what someone else loves might not appeal to someone else, & I don’t want any reader to be offended in today’s comment section that is why I asked everyone to be nice. xx
i really have to agree with a lot of what Alex said. Feedback is feedback, good and bad, otherwise it’s just praise.
I would also love to see fewer posts that have a tutorial or something more than just a daily post of “look at this new thing I got” and 15 pictures of that same thing.
I love your photos and your style, but posting so often with out much real “content” makes me want to just “skip” posts more often. So I would love to see fewer posts, and those post have a purpose, like a tutorial or room tour with a variety of pictures. It’s truly ok to post just 2-3 pictures of a room or project.
All that said tough, it’s your blog and you can post what you want. I’m not sure I really agree with “ask them what they want and only do that” If readers said I want lots recipes, would you start doing recipes just because that’s what they asked for?
I agree!!! I need to do better at that. Learning to do that! Thanks for your comment and encouragement!
I want to hear more about your booth at painted farm girl – the nitty-gritty-business type stuff. I’m thinking about starting one on my own and would love to hear how much time you put it in, how often you have to shop for inventory, and if you’re comfortable how profitable is it?
I love your blog and your style of writing!! I look forward to reading it in the morning with my coffee! I appreciate your candor about infertility and miscarriage….. all that happened to me too. Don’t change too much, cuz I love your blog as it is! Keep up the great work with sharing your projects and what’s going on in your life!
Wow thank you for that Shirley! It means a lot that Someone notices the work that goes into the blog… Seriously thank you & I appreciate that!xx
You just made Jose & I laugh.. Thank you for that! We needed it. Thank you!xx
Although you might have never asked the question I think you unconsciously have figured out what we want – because we keep coming back and I’ve seen your presence grow. I say keep on doing what you’ve been doing. I love that your blog is a mix of tutorials, makeovers, personal life stories and blogging info. Although personal posts about your angel babies don’t resonate for me, your posts about military life and retirement do, and I’m sure it’s just the opposite for other readers. Whatever the personal topic, it’s good to have a glimpse into what’s going on behind the scenes and motivating things in your life. My favorite posts are always quick DIY project tutorials and makeovers – but the variety is what keeps me coming back.
Like many others, I enjoy checking in on your blog each morning over coffee. Your style is simply beautiful and I love how you share your sources. I especially enjoy seeing the love that you and your husband share. I would consider your blog already highly successful, that means you are already giving readers what they want 🙂 Please don’t change much as you and many other of my favorite blogs are inspiring just they way they are.
All the best,
Melissa
I second this request – although then I’d be craving a flight from Alaska to go shop there! I’m considering opening a venue similar to TPF and would love to hear a vendor’s perspective on having a booth – what works, what doesn’t; what you might suggest they do differently or add. It would be helpful to know what practices keep both customers and vendors happy in that type of sales environment and just how feasible it is to go beyond just covering expenses.
I think you are right Jenna! And I think that’s the way I have always worked. Thank you so so so much for your insight & I agree with you on it all.. Whether it’s not relating to everyone it’s interesting to see a glimpse into someones life. & great feedback on the posts you like.. writing those down and adding them to the list.. thank you for sharing with me!! xx
Melissa your comment just made my day. That’s what I want my blog to be. a place to come in the morning and enjoy coffee & maybe get inspired… Thank you for affirming that for me. I truly want this to be a happy place & I hope it stays that way forever & ever. No big changes, just me being me & hopefully bettering myself from some awesome suggestions today. Thank you again.. you made my day so much better. xx
oooooo I LOVE that request! Writing that down. Thank you for the suggestion.. I will hopefully get to that soon. You rock! Thanks!! xx
Agree Suzanne! I think what Jon was saying was just find out what your readers like & dislike. I don’t know if you read my response to Alex or not, but I was trying to prevent anyone from getting defensive or maybe in a fight. Does that make sense? By asking such an open ended question publicly there is bound to be an argument. And I think you would agree that there are nice ways to say things and mean things. I was saying “Be nice”. If someone asks me “Do you like this sweater?” I could say “wow! that sweater is ugly and makes you look fat!” or I could say “It’s not my favorite, wear that blue one you wore last week. I like that one!” It’s being nice. I’m not saying “Please only tell me the things you don’t want me to change” I clearly said “tell me the changes you want me to make” but be nice! I really don’t know another way to say it. I hope that makes sense. Of course I’m going to stay true to myself, but hearing feedback like “take less photos” is helpful 🙂 So thank you! xx
Yes, yes, & yes!!!! Such great feedback!!! Seriously thank you… writing it all down! You are awesome & thank you for taking the time to give be that nice feedback… Can’t wait to do an #asklizmarie I’ve been meaning to do that for so long! thank you! xx
Kay! I totally agree!! I get so bad at answering comments & when I fall behind at answering comments.. I get overwhelmed & it doesn’t get done. Thank you for suggesting that. Hearing that makes me know it’s important & I need to work harder at it. Thank you! You rock & your comment seriously made me smile!!! Thanks for being you & taking the time to write me because I know it’s not easy & you have to do a math problem to send it… why does the blogger who hates math make people do math??? So mean! lol but it’s a must for spam comments.. sucky. Thank you again & you made my day!! xx
Your happy place it’s seems Liz is the place that so many of us come to because of that very thing it’s a happy place, certainly a space I come back to daily for lots of reasons – to spot any new coffee mugs because I secretly LOOOOVE them and I can’t seem to shake the obsession, I have sat down and cried reading some of your posts as I have no doubt many have – change is good it’s needed , so I will say this at the end of the trust yourself. Xxxx
Love that advice. Trust myself. Something I actually need to work on.. hearing that is refreshing. Thank you! & thank you for your kind words, it means a lot. & thank you for visiting my little blog. Makes me happy! xx
I like that your’s is the only blog that get that shows the entire content in the email and I don’t have to read 4 lines only to have to open it online to read the rest.
I like that you try to be yourself and share yourself with your readers. This is brave task.
I like that you include lots of photos. Can’t have too many photos.
This blog is for you so make it what you want it to be. The fact that people are reading it means that you are on the right track. I don’t necessarily agree that blogging has to be tailored to your audience unless that’s your goal and put yourself out the equation. But if you want to make this your happy place, then don’t veer away from that goal by trying to please the outliers. Best of luck!
I would also love to hear more about your booth. I’m opening one the first of August at the Caledonia Vintage Marketplace (I had looked into Painted Farm Girl but this one was a better fit for me) I feel lost on what I’m doing since I’ve never done anything like this before!
I love your blog so much, it’s honestly one of the few that I read on a regular basis. I love your tutorials on how to recreate or refinish things, as well as your room tours when you change things around and/or decorate for the holidays. I also really liked the posts about your skin care routine and your homemade laundry detergent. So maybe more of those type posts? Otherwise, don’t change too much because your blog is pretty great the way it is! I can’t wait to see how your new site and branding turns out, I’m a geek for that sort of thing! haha.
Thank you Alesha & I have been wanting to do an updated skincare routine & share other personal life hacks that I do.. so more of that coming soon. Thank you so much for the suggestions! & your comment made me laugh you are too funny. Thank you again! xx
I love your style and your honesty. I would enjoy more about your booth too. I would also like more posts about your two dogs. So I guess more personal stuff thrown in with business. Loved the Instagram tips!
I love your blog, I always look forward to getting it in my inbox!! I think you do a great job of making you REAL! I love knowing who you are behind the beautiful home! I love your DIY projects, your shopping finds, and hearing about your life. I, of course, would love to see more of the furbabies but that’s just because I’m a huge shih tzu lover! Keep up what you’re doing and being true to yourself!! I hope to someday be half the blogger that you are!
I have loved your blog for many years now, and just recently have REALLY fallen in love with your style as it has changed and developed. Your new home is lovely. I’ve always appreciated your very personal stories of trying to start a family and more. I think it’s very hard to open up so much especially in a public form. I appreciate how often you post, and regularly you post–even if it’s not very planned ahead, because it doesn’t come across that way.
I think if there were anything I’d like more of, it would be:
-more guest makeovers or home redoes; see into the homes of other average Joes or bloggers
-more step by step updates on your home; I feel like you do that, but any big changes in a room makeover, it’s fun to see your thoughts and processes along the way instead of getting one update–which you do, and maybe you do as much as you can, but in my mind I feel like there may be more of those baby steps we could see.
-maybe more of a day to day updates on you and what is going on. I love that you started your own Instagram account of just the random finds you’ve found–which I need to check out. But I would love to know more tid bits of your life. I love this blog, https://www.makesomethinggoodtoday.com/, so maybe something occasionally like that?
Honestly any of those changes wouldn’t make me want to come here any more or less–you’re blog is great! Keep doing what you’re doing! Thanks for asking us though 🙂
Umm going on Craigslist right now to find an ugly old lamp I can makeover like that! So freaking cute.
Liz, your blog is just so dang sweet and I know that it’s because it’s a reflection of YOU. I love your style and your honesty about life (infertility, moving, faith). I love before & afters and your honest product reviews (jute rugs, Ektorp). I love seeing how you’re constantly transforming the spaces in your home.
I think I would love to see more Liz Marie shopping posts, like on Instagram! Or also general decorating advice, like do’s and don’ts.
I think one small thing that might make it easier to read is shorter paragraphs. Not less words, just a space every now and then. I’m usually reading on my phone, and big paragraphs seem daunting to read sometimes 😉 My husband should probably leave the laptop at home for me, huh? 😉
Sorry for the super long comment but I just wanted to encourage you that you are doing a great job at making this such a welcoming and happy place! Xoxo
Hi Liz! I just wanna thank you for your blog! It’s inspiring, encouraging and reminds me with my blog to just be me! I struggle with man pleasing and I just hope wherever you go with this blog, you remain you and not lose the “happy place” that you have with this blog! I was just at my moms house and as she was cooking she told me “cook with your heart.. because if you don’t, it’ll show in your food and it won’t be good” and after she said that I teared up a little. She was so confused. LOL! But I told her that it meant a lot to me because it reminded me to do things in love. So I just wanna encourage you to keep doing what you love. And sure take feedback, for sure! Just don’t lose the beautiful heart you have in what you do. Cause I will tell you I see your heart in each of your posts. And I love your creativity but I think what we all love the most is the heart behind them. Keep it up girl!!
I wasn’t going to post to this… I didn’t think I had anything to add…. I stumbled across your blog a few years ago and since I’m a retired Marine living in Havelock, it felt like you were a ‘home girl’ and so I liked you on Facebook and I’ve been following ever since. (long sentence!!) Anyway… I read what you originally posted and I didn’t read, “only post positive stuff”!! What I read was, ‘be nice in your criticism’!!! Because yeah, sometimes people can be rude, whether intentionally or accidentally, and this is your heart out here and it would be nice if folks offered constructive criticism and not snarky comments… I get it! Personally I love lots of colors and for ME, all the neutrals would make me nutz – but I love it for you and I love seeing what you do with what you find! I even love all the neutrals for YOU and it’s fun to see how you do it.. Thanks for asking chick, but keep doing what you’re doing!! and ‘Semper Fi’ to Mr. LMB!!
Sigh, I know this speaker meant well but…can’t fix what isn’t broke! Your blog is well read, you seem to have lots of opportunities offered to you due to your talents and style and you seem really happy doing it…so I’m not sure why some outsider would think you need to change what the majority seems to really like! sure, minor tweaks and changes due to you growing and changing with life(don’t we all) but I like it the way it is. And I worry that all the blogs will become the same exact thing if we change what make each special and unique…and I hope this came across as supportive…that is my intent! Keep being you, special and unique!
I can’t respond inline but 2nd on info about the booth!! A lot of towns have stores like these and although I have been successful selling a piece or two in a friends booth, I dont know if I should take the plunge?? Tell us all about it!
Honestly I wouldn’t change a thing- you are perfect & such an inspiration to your readers and other bloggers! XO
I agree with Kay about responding. I fell in love with your blog from the first time I laid eyes on it, I love all your projects and I used to leave comments saying so… but I never got anything in return which made me feel like you didn’t care so I quit commenting… I almost quit reading too… I think replying is that important. I definitely don’t think you need to respond to every single comment all the time but once in awhile would be nice.
I hope you don’t take this as being too harsh, I don’t ever want to hurt anyone’s feelings because I know everyone is busy.
Tania
Hi Liz, I so look forward to reading your blog, it’s a lovely place to visit so I enjoy it as it is. Change what you feel you want, as we all strive for betterment, but you can see by the comments so many readers enjoy your style and honesty as it stands. As I am a novice decorator, I appreciate simple projects and tips that make me feel as though I can undertake some of these projects myself. Love your photos as they are so clear and provide lots of details. I wish I had a friend like you! Cheers.
You’re pretty brave to do this! It takes courage to be vulnerable. 🙂
I’ve never given feedback on someone’s blog before, so I hope I do it well! I don’t want to tell you what *I* think you should do, because that’s too subjective, and who’s to say I’m right? So instead, how about I just share what I prefer when I’m browsing blogs in general?
I love photos and yours are wonderful. Like another poster stated, it’s great to check out how someone else has decorated their home. Your style has such a clean aesthetic. I live for that when I check out design blogs. If there are many photos in a post, I like variety. I also like a blog that doesn’t have too much: too much content, too much sidebar stuff, etc. I like concise writing, yet nothing lengthy.
I hope this helps! And you should pat yourself on the back for taking such a big step. I understand where it would be scary!
Personally, I love your blog. You have amazing DIY stuff, and enough personal stuff that I feel like I sort of know you. The pieces I’ve gotten the most out of have been the pieces on how to’s for bloggers. I’m always up for more of those as I’m still getting the hang of blogging and some of these social medias. You write in such a way that makes those seem not so complicated
Hi Liz Marie, I enjoy your blog. It’s one of the few I did not delete when cleaning out my bookmarks!
I had a lamp like yours that I picked up at a garage sale when setting up my first grown-up apartment. I painted it black & added tiny gold stripes around some of the turned ridges, for bling (although we didn’t call it that back then). It was in front of a sliding glass door when a big wind came up & knocked it over. It splintered & while I was able to repair it a little, it was never the same. I had to let it go eventually. I was sad because it was such a classic farmhouse lamp. I hope you enjoy yours for many years to come.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and your style. I think you take beautiful photos as well. I think your posts would have more impact with fewer photos of the same object/view per post.
I really enjoy your blog & I like that I can anticipate that @ 3:30 it shows up in my inbox. I take a break from what I’m doing, find a comfy spot and start reading. The home decor posts are my favorite-I appreciate your style. I really like it when you share your finds from Antiques Fairs. I live in Michigan so it’s always fun to learn about great fairs/shops to search for treasures. I have to agree w/earlier statements about you not responding to comments. I understand that you are busy, but almost all of your posts ask “what do you think” or “do you like this”, etc. I have never received a response to a comment. Perhaps you could carve a little time into your day to respond. I believe your readers would appreciate it. I do follow you on Instagram and the new shopping Instagram is great. You’ve shared a lot of fun finds. I hope that all the feedback you get will be useful.
Hi Liz,
I am an older reader (could be your mom LOL) so not sure if my opinions count, but I understand what Jon was asking you to do. Blogging is a business and the blogger needs to understand her readers (customers). That being said, I enjoy your blog, love your photography and your writing style. The only suggestion I have is to help and educate your readers with decorating using your degree in Interior Design. You might say…..this works to add balance, proportion, color, symmetry etc. So not only are we reading, but LEARNING also. Hope this helps……stay your perky, fun self.
Julie
Hi Liz! I am a longtime reader and just LOVE your blog and decorating style. The girl next door vibe is great. I would say replying to comments when possible would be nice. Also, this is a very minor thing, but your writing style sometimes makes it a little hard for me to follow. The big paragraphs and heavy use of ampersands sometimes just makes my head spin and I scan over the text to get to the gorgeous pictures. I hope you don’t take it the wrong way… really just a personal preference, but it would maybe be nice if the text was broken up a bit? I do love reading what you have to say, and the pictures are just the icing on the cake. 🙂 Keep up the great work.
I Love your blog bot please please please bring back Favorite things Friday!
Oh Yes I’d love to hear this too!!!
I like this suggestion. I’m not a natural designer and trying to learn, so it’s always nice when the styling choice is explained!!
I love your blog-just love everything you do and all your decorating skills. You are very inspiring, don’t know if you change anything but if you do I know I will love looking at it. I do have a question-I want to buy the ikea sofa slipcover, they do not give the dimensions of the cushions on their website and I want to buy this for a sofa that is not ikea, so could you measure yours. I actually have a sectional and it looks close to the same size as theirs, thanks-I appreciate it.
Hey Liz!! First of all, thank you for being so selfless! It’s refreshing nowadays!!
You should know, and I am sure you do, you inspire so many people in everything you do. In your strength, in your weaknesses and through your courage to share. Personally, I have always had a dream to create and design. You inspired me to do it. To just, do it. I now opened my very own booth at an antique mall and have been extremely successful in my first month. My home is also clearly inspired by you! You have the exact taste I look for! I also follow you on all social media outlets (I’m not creepy I swear!). When you start pinning things that I have already been pinning, I just smile because it just reaffirms that I have awesome taste. 😉
Now most importantly, a close friend of mine lost her baby last January. When you post things about your personal loss, I forward them to her. She has cried and been touched by you numerous times. Your words are beautiful. God is using you in ways you can’t imagine. Thank you for allowing Him.
As for your blog, I love it (obviously). 🙂 I will say that I am with the lady on the importance of responding. You responded to me one day while I was actually in Michaels…. My boyfriend thought something was wrong with me because I was jumping up and down and smiling like a kid who just was tolf they’re going to Disneyworld. So thank you for that. Thank you for everything. Keep it up! I love the candidness… (Is that a word? It is now.)
I also loved the Friday Favorites that you used to do. When you mentioned that it became necessary to change them, I was stumped, and I wondered why it was necessary because i loved them just the way they were. Not to say I don’t enjoy you featuring other bloggers, because I like that too, but would like to see both. I love your blog either way, and I read it on a daily basis, so keep up the good work!
If the blogs are providing us a useful information then it means they are successful blogs. Blogger should need a clean and fresh environment to write blogs. Blogger should take care of their health because blogging is a sitting work. Go for a walk daily and do some exercises also. With these you can keep your body and mind fresh. If your body and mind is a fresh then you can think about new ideas etc.
By the way I love you blog so much. Thanks for sharing useful posts.
Thanks
Smith Corka
I think it’s such a great idea to ask for feedback, but you’re going to probably want to organize it so you don’t drive yourself crazy! Try to read as many suggestions as you can & categorize them into larger ‘ideas’. Then you can start to tally up the ones that are similar and get a big picture goal, list them by level of importance, and seperate the ones that negate themselves. If you have one person saying I love when you talk about home decor & another saying they don’t like it, you can ask your readers to take a survey to help you to understand what they like or don’t like about that topic. I’ve had to do this for my parish so I know it can be overwhelming to try to sort everyone’s ideas. Let me know if you’d like some help!
It was so good to finally meet you at Haven, Liz! And I totally agree with what some of these (but not all) commenters are saying. I would want nice but constructive criticism too. I think you are you and you do it well. And we love you for who you are and for your style. I think it’s great to adapt to change a little to suit the wishes of readers, but I also firmly believe that following your heart is most important. I think I’ve told you before that if there was only one blog I could read every day (which is often the case) it would be yours. You are sweet yet sincere, and you have a strong sense of self and faith. You are confident in your style, and that’s refreshing. As for what I’d like to see, I would love to see a post about a behind-the-scenes day out junking. I see your junking days on Instagram sometimes and they look so fun! So it’d be really neat to read junking tips and how you use your imagination to really see the diamond in the rough on those adventures. Also, several months ago I had my (very small group of) readers take a survey on Survey Monkey I’d made to give me some direction and it helped SO much! And I was able to ask multiple choice questions too, so I could make better use of my time and gauge what readers really wanted to see by looking at all of the collective answers/statistics in graph form that the site generates. Okay, this is way too long. Sorry. Just keep being awesome!
I agree with Kay, too. It would mean so much if you would respond to your commenters! We want to interact with you, not just read along.
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