Let's Talk Sponsorships

When I started this blogging thing, I had never heard of sponsorships, sidebar ads, buttons, guest posts, etc. It was such a fun adventure for me to learn the ins and outs of the blogging world. So far, my experience has been great. I have met so many great people and made some awesome connections. I have learned a lot about myself through this process. I have put so much of myself into this blog, even if I don't post super personal posts every day. I am so thankful that I have this blog to document this amazing stage of life that we are in.

It was so fun to start out small and see how this blog has grown. I never thought it would get to the point that it is now. I love receiving all of the wonderful comments and emails from all of the wonderful readers I have gained. I have also loved making connections through sponsoring other blogs.

As each blog in the blogging world grows, the author has to decided where to take it. Some times I feel so happy with where I am at, but sometimes I don't want to feel stagnant or like I'm not evolving. I like to be challenged and to learn and to grow. As blogs grow, many of them naturally evolve into taking sponsorships. I have given it a lot of thought over the last little while. I have been going back and forth with the decision to start accepting sponsorships. I really didn't want to start with sponsorships before I was ready. A couple of different things happened and made me feel like it was time.

I feel like I have a lot to offer anyone who wants to sponsor me. I want to challenge myself with this next step in blogging and I want to work hard to make this a success. I want to help other people grow their blogs. I want to make connections through sponsorships and get to know more people in the blogging community. I know that it will take some practice and some tweaks here and there, but I am excited to get the ball rolling!

If you hop on over to my sponsor page, you will find all of the information you need to sponsor Bell Bliss. I will still be doing swaps, but they will be first come first serve. I hope that you can find something that suites your needs and I look forward to working with lots of you in the future!

Be your "REAL"

We all blog for different reasons and our blogs take different forms. That comes with the territory, since naturally we are all different people. Some use their blog as a "private" space away from their real world to share their feelings and secrets. Some people give tips on beauty, fashion, or decor. Some people share funny stories or antidotes about life. Some people (me, me!) give a little glimpse into their life. Whatever it is you blog about, it's your space.

Lately I have noticed an upsurge in the term "real" blogging. We all say that we enjoy reading blogs that are real. But what exactly defines a "real" blog? It seems to me that most people think real blogs are the blogs that share insecurities, secrets, intimate details of their life. Posts that most people get scared to post. I've always appreciated these posts and admire those who are brave enough to share these things with the world.

At the same time, I don't think these types of posts are necessary to make a blog "real." People who are sharing these things have created a space in which they want to share these things and feel comfortable doing so. Not everyone's blogging space is meant for such personal details. Now, I am not trying to discredit the people who have posted so many wonderfully brave posts, but just trying to get all of us here in the blogging world to take a step back and think about how we define a "real" blog.

My "real" is not posting about things I have no business posting about. Make-up tutorials? Ha, trust me you don't want my help. Money saving tips? You are better off just googling that. My "real" is staying true to my original purpose. My "real" is only posting when I feel inspired or have something to share. My 'real" is sharing the good times in my life, but also the silly and hard things that make my life not so perfect.

Most likely you won't find me posting my secrets in this little space. Am I scared? No. Is my life perfect? Not by any stretch of the imagination. I have had my share of struggles in life and my day to day isn't always sunshine and rainbows. First, I don't think I could give my struggles the right words they deserve. Second, I don't really feel like that is what this space I have created is about. Sure, I share some things that aren't always positive and upbeat, like my struggle with the language barrier. I also have a few posts sitting in my drafts that edge toward the more vulnerable side. But in general, if you are looking for a blog that shares every insecurity or struggle I've ever had, you've come to the wrong place. Does that make me or my blog any less real? I don't think so.

So if you find yourself wondering if your blog is "real" or wanting to make sure it is, think about what "real" is to you and your space. Think about your original blogging purpose. Remember that each blog takes its' own shape and form and all types of blogs are needed and enjoyable here in the blogging world. Be your "real," whatever that may be.