Shh! I have a secret…
Well another one since I shared this way back when!
I have a secret blog or diary of sorts. More on that in a few minutes, I promise (I won’t drop a bombshell like this and leave you hanging for long).
Growing up, I used to keep a diary. It was pink (of course what other color would the pink girl have) with a lock and two keys on a pink fabric cord.
As a teen, I used to write in that and then when I filled that in, got a fancy journal book to keep writing in.
So, no surprise that I took to blogging almost 2 years ago now. I went, as many know, from blogging on Blogspot Blogger to WordPress.com to going self-hosted fairly quickly. For more on this, please click here and read my interview today with Billybuc on Hubpages.
This blog started out as a place to just share about my kids or family life and took on a life of its own.
See I decided to monetize. A decision, I didn’t take lightly, but we did indeed need a bit more income to be made to live with 4 people (even though two of them were indeed pretty small). Those two small people were more expensive then I ever could have imagined in the first two years of life with formula, diapers, wipes, baby food and more.
Let’s face it, only having one income after having two for some time with it supporting two people and then those same two people and one infant going down to one income supporting 2 adults, one toddler and one infant, was definitely a culture shock.
I love my family and as crazy as things get, I am truly so overcome with joy mostly that they are mine.
But I wanted and needed more. This blog totally helped me when I felt I was alone with these two little people as a stay at home mom for better or worse.
If you have followed my blog you know all about my origins again and how I got here with this blog. If you didn’t, please feel free to go back in my archives to read more.
The thing is this blog has truly taken a life of its in own in our house.
For the most part, I love it and am so proud that I have made something of my little space in the internet that I niched out for myself.
That said sometimes this space gets overrun by my money making and monetizing options. Not going to lie, this has helped out pay bills and save for a house (which I hope we will be getting in the not so far off future). Never in a million years did I think, I could make money doing this, but since I have sometimes I know that has taken a bit more priority on this space.
I haven’t forgotten my roots though and I always jot down my thoughts, ideas and happenings in our home daily to be honest with you. I have been with the use of my notepad on myiPad/iPhone able to do this. However, I have had some mishaps doing this, like when I was working here and lost all my notes.
However, sometimes I just can’t share all of my random thoughts here, because there just isn’t enough time in the day nor or do I think you would like to hear everything my kids said or did in a day’s time by having to read multiple posts from me.
So, I recently saw an idea on from Jen Kehl, how she created a blog just for her son Isaiah in this article here, where she shares all his daily doings, sayings and such (By the way if you don’t read Jen’s Blog, you are truly missing out!). I loved the idea and even told her I was contemplating doing this. Isaiah’s blog is public, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to make this blog public or not.
See, this blog is truly for me to chronicle the girls and their daily thoughts and musings. I am with them all day, all week and weekend long. So, I can’t help, but hear and see everything minus their sleeping and pre-school hours. Most of it still never gets old to me and I can’t help, but enjoy so much of it and thought I really don’t ever want to forget any of it if I don’t have to.
The upshot here is I decided to create a new blog. Yup, I am crazy, because I blog here all week long, still design and now I am blog on a completely private blog just for me. FYI..as I was writing this, I got a blog design request (J9 Designs Keeps Me Busy) in my inbox asking me for help, plus another sponsored blog offer, too.
Yet, this private blog is truly a diary of sorts as I shared earlier and is on the free WordPress.com. There are no bells and whistles of any sorts. Just a clean, friendly space that I can jot down stuff as it is happening. I post daily a few times a day (sometimes) and the posts are short and no longer then a few words each.
This blog here, I worry about photos, videos, stats/numbers, social media and comments. I also make sure posts are a certain length – not too long, but not too short either. This blog, I also am concerned about SEO and all things Google to boost my ratings for said Google Gods!
My private blog has none of these worries or concerns. It really is seriously is just as I said..a diary.
I may from time-to-time share a tale from over there and expand and embellish upon it here, but the thing is that blog is really just so cathartic for me and a place that I can give my girls when they are grown where they can read all their random thoughts and antics at this age or even for me to look back on when they are no longer these two little princesses and grown women.
Because let’s face it I wrote last week about registering Emma (my oldest for kindergarten) here and now I have acknowledged that both my girls are indeed growing up. As much as I want to slow down time, I just can’t, but maybe I can preserve it in a little private space that is all my own for better or worse.
And that is why I have a private blog just for me now. But I promise, I will always share the best of with you here whenever I can possible.
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massholemommy says
I tried the diary thing when I was a teenager, but I was too lazy and/or boring to keep up with it LOL.
My recent post Fourth Cliff
Janine Huldie says
I just needed a place to get my thoughts out I suppose and really loved it. So no surprise that I took to blogging, I guess! π
ginnymarie says
I think you do a very nice job of balancing the monetized part of your blog with the personal part! It's also a great idea to have a blog just for your daughters. I've always kept a journal of some sort for my personal thoughts.
My recent post Your Spin Cycle Prompt {week of 3/10}
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much for saying that. I try my best with not letting the monetizing part take over, but I also know if I shared every little thing my girls do all day long on here, people would probably get bored and I would sound like a bragging mom. So, the private blog idea just hit me and love that I can jot it all down and not worry that I have to censor myself constantly.
ashleyinnc says
Good for you Janine! I bet you will love having a space that is just yours! Like you said so well, not having to worry about pageviews or SEO or ad space or anything is a huge relief! :)-Ashley
My recent post Would You Rather: Only Be Able To Whisper Or Only Be Able To Yell?
Janine Huldie says
It really is Ashley and I still love this space and am not leaving it any time soon, but just nice to know that I can say whatever I want there whenever I want π
kathyradigan says
What a great idea! I'm sure it will give a of pleasure as well as some great ideas for future posts! Enjoy!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Kathy and I truly love that it seems to be a great tool also if I have writer's block of any sorts, because I am limitless posts I could possibly expand upon if I wanted to π
theseanamethod says
In a way, seems like you've come full circle. What a blessing the new blog will be to your children when they are older and want to look back and see what they were like. Hope this new venture brings you much joy!!
My recent post Making Change Happen
Janine Huldie says
Thanks for saying that and I know funny how life sometimes brings us right back to where we actually started π
April G says
I’ve considered doing that as well, but I never get around to it. I would love to have a snapshot of your day. I barely can blog, much less start a second.
Janine Huldie says
Trust me it is quite crazy here and I do most of my best work late at night, early int he mooring and when the girls are at school in the afternoons during the week π
Amanda Love says
I really don't know how you do it Janine. I can never keep up with you and here you committing to a third blog. You are truly phenomenal. I can't wait to read what you share with us, I know it will be amazing! Here's to a happy Monday!
My recent post NeatCheeks Now Available – Review Update
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Amanda and promise to share some of this here when I can for sure. Happy Monday to you, too π
Billybuc says
The interview is up my friend and I can't thank you enough for doing it. thank you, thank you and thank you some more.
Have a great day Janine!
Janine Huldie says
Absolutely my pleasure and for you, Bill anything, anytime! Wishing you a wonderful day now, too π
Sandy_Ramsey says
Lord, Janine! You must have superpowers or you never sleep! At any rate, I say good for you! It's great that you have built your blog into something lucrative and the design company, too. You will always be my go to girl for design!
My recent post Number One Songs 1984: The 80s (A Series)
Janine Huldie says
I truly don't have any super powers that I know of, but I have always wished I could be like Samantha from Bewitched and twitch my nose to do just about anything, but alas not so. But still just don't know how to sit still or turn off at times. That is just me and I will always be here if you need, but you are doing great and love how you have updated your blog recently, too!! π
Sandy_Ramsey says
Thank you! I just make the little changes and the white background was hard on my eyes, being so bright. I am getting ready to start advertising sponsors so wanted to make a little room. I wanted to let you know that I ordered my necklace this morning and am so excited to get it. I will be sure to send you a pic when I do!
My recent post Number One Songs 1984: The 80s (A Series)
Janine Huldie says
Yay and seriously can't wait to see it when you do get it. Tag me me if you post it up on Instagram π And I know a lot of people like the white, clean background, but as you can see from my blog, I like a little color in my life, too!! π
Rosey says
I think that's nice that you've started your own space for your personal feelings. The blog is a great way to keep things on record. I hope you love it now and always!
My recent post $10 for a Transatlantic Flight??!??
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Rosey and truly agree. Just so happy to have this little space for me π
Dana says
I think this is a great idea, Janine. Enjoy your new private blog and recording those memories with your girls!
My recent post Old Yeller
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dana and I really am enjoying it so much to be quite honest π
MelChi says
That's a great idea! I must be honest, I did notice the changes on your blog over the last few months, but I know what a success you're making out of it. I still love coming here to read about you and the girls, and what you and your family get up to π And I'm really inspired by how much you've made this blog grow, it's truly incredible and an amazing achievement so congratulations!! I love the idea of a private blog. I'm sure you're going to love it. Makes such a difference writing and not having to worry about things like SEO and all that stuff. Hope you're having a great start to the week! π
My recent post Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Things and Boost Your Productivity!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Melanie and I know that some may get easily bored or tired of two much of either my family or the sponsored posts, so I try hard to keep this space at a happy medium, but the other blog that is private is truly my girls 24-7 and hoping to be able to use that as a jumping point for articles here in the future that are family based and yes the sponsored posts are how I do make money, so I will not stop them here, but I try very hard to incorporate myself and family into them as much as possible, so that they still have us included. Hope you too are having a wonderful week so far π
katbiggie says
I'm so excited. I would like to guest blog anonymously sometime cause I have some things I really want to write about, but don't want my name attached to them!!! π
My recent post International Women’s Day
Janine Huldie says
Right now it is completely private and not viewable in Google searches and such. And I have limited it to my kids with funny, cute things they say and do. But if I am branching out with totally keep you in mind and let you know, Alexa π
mamarabia says
My mom has commented to me that my blog is not a "fun" for her anymore. It used to be all about the kids, but lately it's been more about me along with some sponsored stuff thrown in. I don't think I have the time (or even the inclination) to change it, but I admire you for doing it.
My recent post 10 Friends Every Woman Needs
Janine Huldie says
I totally understand and I am with you on this. I truly don't want to change this space, but so happy to have niched out a small place that I can let it all hang out on so to speak π
Judy says
Great post. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!:)
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure and thank you for stopping by. Have a great week now, too!! π
anothercleanslate says
Three blogs? Holy cow! But that is a great idea- maybe you can share with your family only?
Janine Huldie says
I totally share with Kevin and not sure who else would like to see, but would be up for sharing with them ,too π
day-with-kt.com says
So awesome that you have a place to record all of the fun (and sometimes not so fun) events of your girls. That will be a special gift later!!!
My recent post Open or Closed?
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kim and I seriously am so happy that I did this now π
stephanie2006 says
Indeed, your girls are growing up. I'm going to register Lily for 1st grade on Thursday.. And we just booked tickets to go to the States.. I hate spending so much money, stomach not happy right now!! But I bet once I stomached that, I'll be somewhat excited to go.. Maybe.. That's my secret for today π Have a great week, Janine!
Janine Huldie says
Totally exciting and can’t wait to hear all about your trip back here as it unfolds π
jenkehl says
Oh my gosh that is so awesome, I am so happy to have inspired you. Isaiah is such a showman he demanded that his blog be public. I understand why you would want to keep it private, that way it can be more like a diary. I basically post what he wants me too if you can believe that!
I think it's great!
My recent post Raised on the Radio – Kir from The Kir Corner With Harden My Heart
Janine Huldie says
I love Isaiah and so much more from what you said here tonight. And huge thank you again for inspiring me, seriously I cannot thank you enough π
tamaralikecamera says
Wow – lots of work but worth it! You will be so happy you have it one day, of course.
I love secrets!!
My recent post Why Is Kindergarten Such A Big Deal?
Janine Huldie says
I love secrets, too and I thought this was a great one to share here. And I know in my heart of hearts I will definitely be so happy to have this someday. And I will say each time I add something, I just can't but smile knowing I will never forget it, because it is there in black and white if that makes sense π
Nellie says
Love that you are going to have a space all to yourself!! so much fun!! I think its a great idea to have a private journal π Free to write without judgement.
My recent post My Boy Turned 5 & We Showed Our #DisneySide!
Janine Huldie says
I totally agree Nellie and will say that that I never worry when I hit the publish button, because it is indeed private and just for me, but love knowing that if I do what to build upon something or sure further it is there for me to to do so π
dishofdailylife says
I think that is a wonderful idea…great to have a place for the girls to look back on without having to worry about what anyone else thinks!
My recent post Slow Roasted Tomatoes with Cilantro
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Michelle and I truly hope they do love having this when they get older π
gigigirl says
So proud of you for making this blog so successful and providing some income for you. I know how hard you work at it. If you can handle it, the private blog sounds like a good way to preserve memories for the girls….and yourself. It's worth a try! All the best. Love, Aunt Gloria
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Aunt Gloria and I am truly just trying to do right on all levels here I suppose π xoxo!!
gigigirl says
You're doing a good job! xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Aunt Gloria again!! π xoxo!!
dianeroark says
Janine,
I am inspired and encouraged by all that you do. You are an amazing mom and blogger. I loved how honest you were about using this blog to make money. I feel like my site is getting more and more crowded from money opportunities which is good for me, but people may not like it.
I pray God will continue to bless you and your blog and you will get that house soon.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
My recent post Disney World Resort Tips & Reviews
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Diane and I now many days my blog does have money opportunities and truly not trying to lie or hide that fact here. Just wanted people to know that I am trying my best to do what is best for my family on all levels and not forgetting why I started to blog in the first place. π
pfchico says
I love your blog. I would love to read your personal on as well. I will have to check it out. I am WordPress as well, as you know. You rock, lady! I hope to make money some day as well. For now I am just a mommy with things to share. Hopefully people like what they hear & keep coming back. Y
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you and I love you and your blog, too. You totally rock as well and so very happy we have gotten to know each other through WordPress and blogging π π
mommifried says
I love your blog, too! And a blog should reflect whatever is important to YOU! π
My recent post When Penises Are Blue (Not Sad. Like Really Flippin’ Blue.)
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Crystal and you know how much I love you and your blog, too!! And yes I truly agree with you on this π
hillcountryprincess says
I had a diary just like that pink one!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks and I know that diary brought me back and then some!! π
notinjersey says
I have always kept a journal too and there are times I'd like to blog about personal things that I wouldn't share on my regular blog, so I definitely understand!
My recent post The Liberty Bell and Friends
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dara for letting me know it isn't just me. There is just so much I can share here being so out in the open with my name and such π
linkouture says
I think there is something to be said to write in such a way that is purely for you and your own benefit. I think that is great that you are blogging about your girls and hope that goes well!
My recent post How a chance encounter inspired jewelry for a cause: Part 2
Janine Huldie says
Thank you for saying that and understanding, too!! π
Brittnei Washington says
Good for you, Janine. I'm sure there are things that maybe you can't always share on here as well so it's nice that you have created this private blog journal for you and your family π
My recent post “The benefits just don’t outweigh the risks…”
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Brittnei and just happy that I can do this for my girls now!! π
coachdaddyblogger says
I've always felt you balanced it well. And look at all the followers you have. We definitely keep coming back.
Another great thing about you is your generosity. It's amazing to me you do all you do, and make time for the rest of us.
My recent post Guest Post: Stephanie of So I’ve Been Thinking, on Sports Parents Behaving Badly
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you so much Eli and your comment today made me smile so much after a long, crazy week here. You really are a wonderful friend and so very happy that we have gotten to know each other and indeed become friends through blogging. Huge thank you for that and so much more π
catherine gacad says
janine, early on my blog was private, then i decided to make it public and there was some backlash because some of my readers said i was less authentic now that my blog was public. but when it was private, i could totally be brutally honest without hurting anyone's feelings. there are pros and cons, of course! glad that you have both options π
My recent post Update: 31 Weeks and Bed Rest
Janine Huldie says
I truly love having both options and maybe you could also try a private blog, especially when the baby is born π