Have you ever sat down to write a post and then hesitated, knowing the topic was well outside the theme of your blog? I have. Last week I read a great article from Cecily, Feeling Trapped by Your Blogging Niche? and yes, I’ve felt trapped suffocated by mine.

When I first started blogging I was an extreme overthinker. Does this fit into my theme? What does this say for my brand? I managed to pigeonhole myself in to such a tight corner that my inspiration ran dry and my blog (or, at least my attitude toward my blog) began to suffer. No one did it to me; I did it to myself.

Yes, my blog is titled Mommyfriend. Yes, I am a mom blogger but I’m more than just a mom. I have interests outside of playdates and percentiles. I love home improvement, dishing on love and sex, and documenting my failed diets. Continue reading »

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Spring is in the air; you know what that means?

It’s time to spring clean your blog! Because really, you didn’t feel like dusting baseboards and washing windows anyway.

With a little bit of effort, a fresher and faster-loading blog can be yours!

Check out these 7 simple steps to spring clean your blog to lasting and gorgeous results. Continue reading »

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Last week I schooled the internets on the 12 Things You Should Never Say to a Blogger because people can be so rude sometimes. And by rude, I mean stupid.

But for all the lameness out there, there’s entirely more good. Trolls aside, blog readers have this amazing way of showing blog love like no one else can. When we’re running on empty and blogging on fumes, sometimes reader support is all we have to keep us going.

This post is dedicated to all the thoughtful blog readers who take the time to show their love and appreciation for good blogging. Keep giving your virtual bear hugs with these 10 things bloggers love to hear: Continue reading »

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Each one of us has our own definition of blog success. Success for some might include fame, whereas for others it includes a free Dyson, a book deal, or maybe your very own column.

From day one of my blog I defined success as the ability to parlay my passion into a career (but a Dyson, a book deal, and a column would be pretty sweet too).

Every once in a while I get an email from a new blogger asking for my secret to blog success. After my head explodes from someone thinking enough of me to ask, I draft a lovely reply with the unsexy truth: The secret to blog success is hard work.

Quite honestly, there are no shortcuts. No Cliff’s Notes. Zilch. Nada. Continue reading »

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What’s wrong with people? I mean, seriously. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s verbal diarrhea.

I’ve written gobs of posts on what not to say to toddlers, pregnant women, moms of large families, moms of multiples, and adoptive parents so seemed only logical that I’d find my way to bloggers.

I wish I understood why (oh why!) curiosity seems to zap people of their common sense. Have you even noticed that? The more curious people are, the more entitled they feel to ask rude questions and make offensive statements.

I get that blogging is an interesting profession/passion but c’mon people! There’s a hard line between curiousity and rudeness. Continue reading »

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Earlier this week I had the amazing opportunity to share the proudest posts of 17 brave bloggers.

What I didn’t expect was what happened next. While the featured bloggers responded to our call for proudest posts, each one of them was genuinely touched to be included. So many sent personal notes of appreciation telling us how much it meant to have their heartfelt posts recognized by Babble.

While our contributing bloggers are busy thanking us, we’re the ones who should be thanking you!

Thank you for inspiring us with your brave and honest stories. While raw human emotion may seem scare in real life, the blogosphere knows better. Continue reading »

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Nichole of In These Small Moments said it best, “Blog posts are like kids — too hard to choose [a favorite].” Amen to that, sister.

While reviewing the titles of all 536 posts on my blog, I instantly recognized the titles published with pride, vulnerability, and bravery. How could I not, the deep stuff sticks. If I had to choose a proudest blog post, I’d choose Today I Quit My Job where I detailed the long journey toward quitting a job that never suited me in favor of my family, who always has.

I know you’ve blogged in the wee small hours of your quiet house while everyone you loved slept soundly. You shared the details of your painful past, your hopes for a brighter tomorrow, and the desperate fear that comes along with gratitude for how far you’ve come. You’ve blogged drunk, through tears, deep sobs, and blurred eyes. You’ve blogged in fits of anger and hovered over the “publish” button. You’ve told the truth. You’ve celebrated personal victories and felt the loving embrace of online support. You’ve cleansed your soul through writing. Continue reading »

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