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BLOGGER MUSINGS, INSTAGRAM AND MORE

Thursday, February 02, 2012

First of all I wanted to invite you all to check out and read my interview on MoMoMod.  Thank you Chandra for interviewing me and featuring me on your blog. If you want to read a little more about me and my outlook on modesty, do hop over and check out the post HERE.

Over this last year, as Fashion-isha developed, I've discovered a lot about blogging, and like friends over coffee,  I'd love to chitchat about a few of my observations.  I'd love to hear your opinions and get your feedback! (Especially if you're also a blogger or active in the online world.)

So here are some of my musings:

1. Blogging doesn't make money. Okay sure we can get sponsors and work on promoting your businesses, but the amount of money I've made hardly covers my Starbucks card automatic reloads for the month (sad but true). Are you a blogger that makes substantial money? If so, please share some of your secrets!

2. So why do we blog? (And why are there so many bloggers?) Because we are a creative and passionate bunch. We may have a message, and blogging gives us a voice and an outlet. Is this enough of a reason to devote endless hours to our laptops? I ask myself this on a regular basis, yet I am compelled to keep on bloggin'.  Do you ponder the same questions? What motivates you to blog?

3. The emails are endless and time consuming. This is both a positive and a negative. We love your comments and emails, they mean the world, but I have to say that going through and answering my emails is my most time consuming activity on my laptop. After visiting a blog a few times I can tell who is friendly and interactive and who is not. For me, connecting with friends is one of the most important aspects of blogging so I try to answer every email and respond to every comment. And I'll like you and your blog better if you do the same. But honestly, I understand if you simply don't have the time to do it. How do you manage all your emails? Is being interactive important to you? How do you find the balance in all of this?

4. We may seem glamorous but we are really a bunch of tech geeks. I'll sooner get jealous of a blogger who knows how to use html code to create an amazing blog layout with cool widgets, then one who simply looks fabulous in a great outfit. Google is my teacher and I never know enough! (And why are so many of you still hanging onto your prehistoric blackberries? Can't give up BBM? Really??) Of course, I'm kidding, no offense intended to anyone!  So, my blogger friends, are you obsessed with technology too? How have you attained all of your blogging know how?


5. We never feel successful enough. How many of us have said, Oh I'll be happy at 500 likes (or followers). The truth is, we can be a needy greedy bunch and no matter how many people follow, like and share our blog it's never enough...we always want more! Well, like anything else in life, I try to take a step back and just appreciate and enjoy the 'success' I have today! Do you feel successful in your blogging? What is your determining criteria in being considered successful?

6. Finally, we love cool apps like Instagram! I have to admit, I was a little slow on this trend. When I first heard about all the hype, I downloaded the app and then thought, what's the big woohoo about this? Then I read an article about how, although people claim technology is causing us to be removed from the real world, some of it is actually making people stop and notice the beauty in everything. Instagram allows anyone to create their own personal art just by snapping some photos and adding cool filters. So I revisited the app and fell in love. Some relationships just take time... Do you use Instagram? How do you feel about it?

I'd love to hear your answers! Feel free to leave your thoughts in a comment, or drop me an email at ask.fashionisha@gmail.com. Don't worry, I'll stay up 'til 2 am reading them!

And what about the time I spend off my laptop? I'm actually out in the real world most days and I am grateful that my life is full with projects and events, not to mention a family and home to maintain. Here are some photo highlights from my last few weeks (in no particular order)...some using instagram and some not. Enjoy!

Gorgeous shoes on Instagram:
A pastel ceramic collection at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF)
Arcade with my daughter on winter break on Instagram
A fabulous bed display at the NYIGF
Some gorgeous textiles in my favorite colors at the Texworld Show
Gift tags I designed and made myself for my Fashion-isha One Year Anniversary Event
Rockefeller Center skating with my daughter on Instagram
Textural elements for decor at the NYIGF
Lot's of glitz from InStyle Magazine on Instagram
The new Fendi ad...I designed a dress exactly like this 2 years ago!
Colored water in jars at the NYIGF
Probably the WORST photo of Jessica Alba ever
Gorgeous tufted furniture at the NYIGF (check out the cool combo of velvet, lucite and rope!)
A super sweet room with a huge visual punch at The American Girl Place in NYC
Juicy on Instagram
Napkin ring heaven at the NYIGF
Such cool lighting at the NYIGF
More napkin rings! Can you tell I love bling?
A fabulous display at a small floral shop in NYC
The Chinese NewYear floral centerpiece (yes this is made out of flowers) on Instagram, at the Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ
Modern and updated carpet patterns at the NYIGF
A cool wine bottle chandelier at the NYIGF
A patch of NYC sky

Vibrant spring colors at Texworld in NYC
More fun from InStyle magazine on Instagram
A cool skirt at the F.I.T. museum on Instagram
Black and white flower prints on a distressed wall at a NYC floral boutique
Another cool chandelier at the NYIGF. I love the contrast between regal and rugged!
A fabulous architectural view outside the windows of MoMa on Instagram
Jewelry and beyond...at the NYIGF
And yet another caged chandelier!
Oh, I just slightly like chandeliers...can you tell?
Check out this fabulous mirror made out of crystals at the NYIGF
My morning view outside my bedroom window...on Instagram
A cool architectural design using natural elements at the NYIGF
Tulips at a floral boutique in NYC on Instagram
Up and down the NJ Turnpike I go...can industry be made into art on Instagram?
A cool and fashionable view of my iPhone screen on Instagram
Another chandelier at the NYIGF, rustic and roped, what do you think?
A beautiful display wall at the NYIGF
A fabulous focal wall idea at the NYIGF
And finally, some adorable glamour I 'borrowed' off a friend's facebook page and Instagrammed!

So go ahead and take a moment to notice the beauty in the details of your life. And never be afraid to create your own works of art!

Can't wait to hear from you!!

Until Next Time,
xo
Sharon

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20 comments

  1. great and very true post, i enjoyed reading it. love the photos ;-)

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  2. Thanks for this post! Alot of what you brought up here holds true for me as well esp. about being a tech geek. I have a minor obsession with tweaking my blog. I like your outlook on modesty as well. Sad that modesty is truly underrated these days.

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  3. You add more beauty in this world with every post and that make our lives more enjoyable, more pleasant and more exciting. Thank you for your consistent voice of joy and positivity!

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  4. Now I know why I don't blog! You are amazing for spending so much time just so that we have what to read :)

    Love the pictures..

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  5. This was actually a really profound interview about blogging- I couldn't agree more about the things you listed! I've only been blogging for around a month or two, and I find most of these things to be true... I love bloggers that are willing to interact and comment back and forth too :) As for the html.... I don't know if I'll ever really get the hang of that, but I love your layout!

    Lovely pictures, by the way.

    XX Kathryn

    http://lacoquettedelamode.wordpress.com/

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  6. He descubierto tu blog y me ha encantado su contenido. Desde hoy lo sigo, si lo deseas te invito a conocer mi blog y si es de tu agrado, me gustaría tenerte como seguidora en mi blog para seguir en contacto. Un saludo muy cordial.
    Manoli.

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  7. Ah, the eternal question...if we don't make money from it, why are we glued to our laptops day in and day out BLOGGING???
    For me, as you said, it is a form of expression and from that a business has grown organically...Of course I always want my blog to be better, more people to read it, and to enjoy it...but I do try to step back and enjoy the success...my business is only growing..and that is because of the blog...so I am thankful.
    We are still overdue for Starbucks...the cups of coffee our blogs can't pay for...LOL>
    C

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  8. Thanks for posting exactly what I was thinking in much better wording! :) I read your blog all of the time and I must say you are extremely dedicated. Your posts are really exciting! As a blogger you truly inspire me..Thanks for all the interesting posts and ideas. Being fashionable and modest isn't simple and you make it easy! xx. gigi

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  9. So much to see.....wow beautiful images!! Love the gift show highlights, bummed I couldn't make it this year.
    You brought up a lot of great valid points wtih regard to blogging, for me to feel its successful boils down to me having fun, as long as I am enjoying the creative process and getting postive feedback, thats all the validation I need. I have not yet looked to make money with sponsors or advertising but the time is fast approaching though I am hardly expecting any big pay days, lol.
    I do try to answer as many emails as possible though lately I have slacked with our move, but in general being an early bird (normally up 5ish) I try to answer all emails and do a lot of blog visiting at that time though its been more sporadic lately. Great post Sharon!!

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  10. Please from a very small town girl, totally intimidated with NYC, what does NYIGF stand for?? As the sun is setting our 7 little hens are scratching up thier last tidbits before bedtime in their coop. The wild white swans are flying over the house waiting to settle in, and the coyotes will be singing tonite. I love your descriptions, also your modest take on couture, thanks, small town girl-Washington state

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  11. Hi, Sharon! Chandra here! Well, I really want to respond to every question, but I will try to keep my input short and sweet.

    1. I'm always feeling as though my lil' spot on the web isn't good enough, grand enough, or modest enough. This year I've decided to be the best blogger I can be and stop comparing myself to other blogs. It sounds easy enough, but it's easy to get distracted and disillusioned by another blog's comments, their sponsors, and their popularity.

    2.It helps when other bloggers are kind and caring. Sharon, I am truly amazed at how promptly you responded to my emails about the interview. I figured you wouldn't give me the time a day; I was dead wrong. I know responded to emails can be time consuming and difficult, but I was so happy that you took the time to engage, promote, and support MoMoMod. Thank you. It speaks volumes about your character.

    3. Technology!! YES! I love technology! My boyfriend is a web developer so as soon as I hit a snag/get confused/want something--I know who to call. LOL If he's busy doing techy things I run straight to Google.

    Thanks for this post!

    Chandra
    More Modern Modesty

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  12. WOW...I savor each and every words!
    Know, I have to check out Instagram
    Thank you for sharing and taking the time...
    I love your blog!
    Have a fabulous Friday...
    Sonia xo

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  13. Mary Anne...it stands for The New York International Gift Fair...a trade show of fabulous wholesalers! Love your description of your small town life!

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  14. So many great pictures!! Loved reading your interview! It was really refreshing because I feel the same way about that stuff. Its nice to see someone who's in it to connect and not just make $$$

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  15. nice post! everything you said is so true. The first point for sure..I wish it was easier to make money to blog lol.
    Beautiful photos :)

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  16. Great interesting post Sharon. I think many feel blogging is not a big deal but those like yourself that do it right, it takes alot of time. I feel if at first you do not make a ton of money, if u stick to it and bring out quality, it will give you something in the end. I do have some perks after 2 years but actual income is not yet here. I enjoy blogging and photography so bringing that to others is fun for me. I do take it serious and if not on my phone or laptop, it is rare. I also enjoy all the new people I meet and especially the New Yorkers who I feel are so lucky to live in that great city! You have to have passion about what you blog about and the rest will all fall into place!!

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  17. I agree with all of the above. Blogging has become a creative outlet that has led to other things, such as making new friends, networking with businesses and companies, and so forth...There are days when I get stressed about balancing it with all the other things in my life, but I just love it soo much and can't imagine not doing it :)

    XX,
    Miranda

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  18. I agree with all the above, it's never 'enough', but somehow it all seems worth it...

    and of course the pictures makes me love and miss new york even more, that's something i'll be satisfied with, moving back. ;D

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  19. What a great post! I can understand the html envy :)

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