Wednesday, February 4, 2015

WIWW: Me + Link Up


Sometimes I feel like a blogger failure. I see other bloggers that have outfit pictures up everyday. They have on a full face of makeup and their hair done like they are going to an glamorous event. They wear heels to the grocery store and take selfies like it's their job. I swear they order certain food and drinks because they photograph well, and they constantly are talking about the latest and greatest (fill in the blank).

Me on the other hand, well, I have a full time job attempting to change lives. Everyday I wake up at 5:45am and throw on that days allowed school t-shirt. I find my favorite pair of leggings or jeans and, usually, my red Toms. I put it all on, hopefully remember to brush my hair, toss on some powder and mascara, put on my finest specs, and out the door I go. I'm usually scrambling to find something semi-healthy for breakfast, and lunch is usually a mash-up of whatever I can find in the kitchen. I don't have the option to be late. I have 21 kids waiting for me. Late is not an option. I don't have the luxury of going out to lunch. I don't have the luxury of sitting on a nice patio, sipping green juice and chatting with my girlfriends. I usually eat with a couple ten year olds while we chat about fractions or rounding decimals.

The only break I get all day is from 7:55-8:45am. It is the most exhausting job I've ever had. It is mentally and physically exhausting. It is like multitasking times a thousand. You've got to keep up with 21 kids grades, bathroom breaks, when they are off task, who turned in their homework, who didn't turn in their homework, who went to the office, who went to the bathroom ten minutes ago and is still gone, oh wait, what was I teaching again, dang the phone is ringing, don't forget to tell so-an-so they are not riding the bus today etc.

I say all of this just to let myself know that it is okay that I get home when it is already dark and I can't take pictures. I say all of this to let myself know that I don't have to fake an outfit just to get a post up on a week night when all I want to do is collapse on the couch. I say all of this to remind myself that I blog because I love the outlet. I love the friendships I've made and I know whether I post a cute outfit, or rant about my not-so-glamorous life, I'll still have people here. I'll still have my Mom reading, which is why I started this little space in the beginning. I'll still have my husband sitting next to me, probably bothering me in any way he can.

I'll still have me. Me, the girl who would rather be in Nike shorts and a t-shirt than any other outfit I own. Me, they girl who drives the paid off car her parents got her in college after her friend totaled her car she let them borrow. Me, the girl who wants you to walk into her house and make you feel like you can kick your feet up and relax. Me, the girl who doesn't try to be who she isn't.

This blogging world has such a strange pull on a person. You see these "perfect" lives scattered around blog-land and you compare. I'm so thankful that I've never let it get the best of me. Anytime I think, "Hey! I want $300 extensions and fake eyelashes and $1,000 Loubs!" I am quickly brought back to Earth when I think about how the people that matter the most to me would react. I know that isn't me. I could fake it all day long. I can put on the heels, and grow my hair down to my butt, and cake on the makeup, but that isn't me.

I want the people who read my blog to know that I am who I am. I won't ever coax you into buying a "must have" item or try to make you click a link just so I make a commission. I could make a million dollars off this blog and I wouldn't leave my teaching job if you paid me. That is where my heart is. Chris is where my heart is. Time with Chris is where my heart is and if that means I don't have any pictures to show for it, then so be it. The moment spent away from this space was probably worth not hitting the publish button.

Sorry for the rant. I sat down to write a post about how I have nothing to post about and BAM, this happened.

Now, y'all link up those outfits so I have some inspiration for next week. You don't want another post like this, do ya? Ha!
Thanks to all of you who have been linking up! I do read them, on my phone, during that small break I talked about before :)

Now for the link up!

- All I ask is you link back to my blog and link to a specific post.

- Write about something fashion related!

Thanks for linking up and to see other WIWW posts, click here.

31 comments:

  1. this is wonderful to hear.. i feel your woes! i have been looking at other bloggers lately and thinking, "how do they do it?!!" i am a working mum with a blog and another 2jobs, i have a husband and a son and step kids who all have their own needs fore-filling too... life is a massic juggling act most of the time.
    But the main thing is, staying true to yourself and those you love. And also being happy.
    I have taught myself to not sweat the small stuff.. so what if i don't blog for a whole week.. nobody will ultimately care, and life will go on.
    You take care of yourself and your hubby and enjoy life lovely girl!

    Thanks so much for hosting.. i love your blog for your honest and relate-able style and writings!XX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy hosting and getting to read new blogs!

      Thanks for the sweet comment!

      Delete
  2. You are completely not alone. I totally have those moments and thought processes, but remind myself why I started blogging in the first place. I started blogging to have fun, to take care of me, and to document the crazy day to day adventures that happen. So what if we aren't "top notch bloggers?" As long as you are real and true to yourself, people will be more attracted to you. I love your blog, your honesty and will keep coming back just for that!

    Clare
    Understated Classics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen, sista!! It is such much fun when it doesn't feel like a job!

      Delete
  3. Even if I had the money to spend on $1,000 shoes I would not do so. You can often find me browsing the tops at Wal-Mart. I love my American Eagle jeans but that's the most expensive thing you'll see me buying. I do not care about brands. If I like it, I buy it. And I will rock my Wal-Mart shirt on an outfit post all day long. Why would I spend hundreds of dollars on a purse, when I can buy one of my kids an entire summer wardrobe for that price? Most people that read blogs are not going to be able to go out and purchase all of the designer clothes and bags. It's nice to look at and think about, but it is not realistic. If you can afford it and your priority is those clothes and bags, well then cool. But for many people, those things are not what is important. Who even has time to drink Starbucks twice a day every day? When do you sleep? Doesn't all that coffee give you diarrhea? Anyway, I guess my point is, I see your point. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DYING laughing at your last sentences. Too funny!!! Ha!

      You're awesome!

      Delete
  4. You are fabulous my dear!! Lots of people post glamorous photos all the time, but sometimes that is their full time job. You have an amazing full time job that you commit to every single day....and some ladies have fashion blogging as their full-time job. Their job is literally to put on makeup and a designer outfit and get photographed, and although it gets annoying when I compare what they are wearing to my yoga pants & sweatshirt outfit of the day, I just have to remember that's not why I started blogging. I used to follow tons of fancy fashion blogs, but I've changed who I follow now and now I know I like to read blogs of people who are more like me..... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Knowing it is their full-time job makes me feel so great about myself. Not that I wouldn't love hanging out at home all day, getting dressed up, but I get summers off and never dress up, so I know teaching is right where I need to be!

      Delete
  5. Amen, amen, amen! As a teacher, wife, and mom, I can agree to all of the above. I often see people's instagrams and blogs and think, is that real life? Is it everyday? Thanks for keeping it real friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the same. Then I think...how much time are they wasting out of their life having to get ready each day hahah! At least I know I'm only wasting about 15 minutes, lol!

      Delete
  6. I'm new to the blogging world but I know exactly what you mean. I think the key is to not compare your blog and your story with others. I think one of the things that has drawn me to your blog as a weekly reader is how down to earth you are and how genuine you come across! Keep it up girlie!

    www.lee-lee-land.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the honesty Sarah! You are precious....and I know a great blessing to those sweet babies. I am always so thankful for all the teachers that have touched my kids lives. I work out of the house full time too so I can totally relate to the blogpost challenge and I'm looking forward to it staying light longer. I have to remind myself every time I don't post that this is my outlet and it's suppose to be fun...and stressing over it is NOT fun! Have a super day..and thanks for hosting the link up!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can I just say that I love you Sarah! I feel this way all the time. I honestly feel like I must be the only full time working mom who has a blog. How does everyone else have so much time to teach/play/go on adventures/etc with their kids and still have a blog that rakes in readers and $? UGH! I have been having a really rough couple of days and this post was perfect! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is perfect Sarah! As a full time worker, mom to a 20 month old and wife, my life is not all glitz and glamour. i try to commit to one outfit post a week, cause lets face it, I don't have time to do more than that. I started blogging as a way to share my style. Even if it's just one a week. Keep being you! You're doing great! xo

    Crissy
    http://www.somevelvetmorningblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. And we LOVE who YOU are!!! I adore your sweet blog and commend you on doing one of the hardest jobs ever//molding our FUTURE! You're a rock star friend!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh lady, I understand that exhaustion. Teaching is the hardest job out there and I admire you for how much you DO post + do that full time (and then some) job. You're doing a fantastic job at life right now (:

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes! Thanks for the honesty. I love who you are and what you post :) And thankful for teachers like you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I guess this feeling is in the air this week because I wrote a similar post :) glad to know there are other real people out there! I love TuckerUp and will be back!

    Chelsea
    Ginger Side of Life

    ReplyDelete
  14. Absolutely loved your 'rant'! I work as a para in a self contended room with children with autism. I totally get having to be out the door early having eaten a 'healthy' breakfast and my lunch in hand! Since I'm trying to post a new outfit a day for the month of February, I've had to take several outfit pics on Saturday, where I used to get a couple of shots in before I left in the morning. The only upside is that I have outfits all picked out to wear for the week! Anywho, you have a lovely blog. Share what and when you can. No more.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I, too, am a teacher and blogger and I love how well you represent us all! It’s refreshing to hear your opinions on keeping it all together and remembering that your blog is YOUR space. Another reason I love following your posts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my goodness, how I LOVED this post. What I love most about your blog is that it is SO you! I love how real and honest it is. Keeping being you girl, because it's working :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. My favorite quote is "comparison is the thief of joy". I found myself doing lots of comparison and it was really sucking the life out of me. I was forgetting to enjoy what I have and what other people are probably praying they have in the search for a life I really don't want. At the end of my days, I may not have pretty pictures to show but I have 44 little hearts that love me and that I adore in return. You keep doing you my beautiful friend.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great post, loved it! I definitely get that "blogger fail" feeling. I just don't have the time/take the time to put posts up everyday (I don't know how you do that!!) then just plain having enough outfits to post a different one for everyday... Not even close! There are certainly times I just frustrated and feeling down about blogging but the times that I enjoy it and have fun with it outweigh that :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi, You totally got it right!! Blogging should come from the heart and be genuine. I have completely put it all out there - the good, the bad, and the ugly, for the whole world to see. It has been the most healing, learning experience of my life. I am glad that I found your blog!! Keep being you. XO Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think we can all relate to that at times. I also hold down a full time job (not with kids though!) that can at times be extremely demanding. I've been guilty of throwing an outfit together at 11pm and taking photos inside because I have missed all the daylight again and than crash into bed exhausted! I feel guilty for featuring the same items too often because I haven't managed to get to the shops to buy anything new (or funds just don't stretch that week!). It's often very easy to find yourself falling short when you compare yourself to what appears to be others "perfect" lives but it's extremely refreshing to hear that others have just as many struggles as I do trying to juggle everything and sometime not quite getting there. Great post!

    http://www.sydneyfashionhunter.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. It's easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, especially as a blogger. As long as we focus on staying true to ourselves, it will shine through in our writing and we'll have readers who enjoy the content as "picture perfect" or not as it may be. :) Keep doing what you're doing!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Man, you're so right. I just started blogging recently, and the first thing that hit me is how many perfect looking bloggers there are out there living perfect looking lives! It can be really discouraging (and even a bit scary). It hit me hard at first, because I knew I would never be like them! But now I've just accepted the fact that I won't, and I think it's actually a good thing :) You've got a lovely blog, so just keep doing your thing!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love, love, love you! And I am right there with you. Notice no outfit post for me yesterday? Because I wasn't even going to dare ask my sick husband to get up and take outfit pictures of me...no, I'm going to be at his beckon call instead and make sure he gets better. And if you ever get extensions and fake eyelashes, I'll go buy a pair of expensive heels (that I would NEVER wear) and hit you with them LOL. You're so lucky to have a friend like me ;) Everything about this is spot on. I always tell myself it should never be an obligation, but something fun.

    ReplyDelete
  24. After reading this post I like you even more! It's nice reading posts like this. We remember that you're a real person! And it's nice to hear about your values and that they aren't chagned at all by all of the bloggers who just jam products down your throat. It's great to hear that you aren't like that.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sarah, I loved this post. I feel your struggle...it's been almost a year since I've done a blog post and half of me cringes because I "feel bad" I haven't kept it up like other good bloggers do and informed readers of my VERY exciting life (not), and the other half of me says "who cares" because obviously nobody is missing it. 😁 I know it's so hard not to compare your blog to others but I love that you're original and don't have a blog that is just like the others. Don't be discouraged! You're doing wonderful things inside and outside of that classroom and your readers and friends will always be here whenever you can post, even if it's just weekends. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just now getting around to responding, but thanks for this sweet comment! Hope you're having a great week!

      Delete