7 THINGS I’VE LEARNED ABOUT BLOGGING

TULLE SKIRT: Pockett Boutique  //  CROP TOP: similar River Island  //  NECKLACE: similar Wanderlust & Co.  //  SUNNIES: Karen Walker from Ditto  //  SANDALS: Steve Madden

It was exactly 52 weeks ago that I announced via my personal instagram that I was “giving this whole blogging thing a whirl,” and the last 12 months have been a whirlwind of excitement, learning and very late nights/early mornings spent feeding this giant side project of mine. In honor of Vandi Fair turning one, I wanted to share this fun, celebratory outfit along with 7 things I have learned in my first year of blogging. Happy 1st birthday, Vandi Fair!

First and foremost, I have to share the details on this adorable look, courtesy of Pockett. If you’ve seen any of my outfit posts over the last year, you’ll know that I love all things girly and a tulle midi skirt is the perfect piece for a celebration. What I love even more about the skirt is it features pockets on the sides too (hence the name of the boutique). I paired the tulle skirt with my staple white crop top, a sparkly statement necklace and some nude Steve Madden sandals to complete the party-perfect look.

And now in honor of the 1 year birthday of Vandi Fair, here are a few things this little blog has taught me not just about blogging, but about starting any new side project or business in the last year.

1. Write down achievable goals. Grab a new notebook and jot down some goals you want to accomplish in the near future and the far off future. What do you want to accomplish in a month from now? Where do you see yourself and your new hobby or business in five years? Keep the notebook in a safe spot and write down the things you do achieve over time, from the small to the large. It feels so good, and when you’re feeling discouraged, you can go back and look at all of the amazing things you’ve done so far.

2. Comparison is the thief of joy. No matter what kind of business or venture you’re starting, it’s important not to spend time comparing yourself to others. While paying attention to what’s trending in your industry is important, constantly measuring yourself against others will only bring you down and will take away from your own creativity, which leads me to my next point…

3. Be yourself. Whether you’re blogging or starting a new cupcake business, make sure you remain true to yourself. Take out that notebook and remember what is was you wanted your new project to be. Why did you start it? What does it mean to you? Embracing what makes you unique is so important. Sure, my love for Disney may make people scratch their heads and even turn them away, but it is a part of what makes me, me, and there’s no shame in sharing that.

4. Make new friends.  A community like the blogging community is so big and can be intimidating, but there are so many amazing, sweet people who are going through exactly the same things as you, having the same questions. Take advantage of the community you’re becoming a part of and make some new friends. You’ll suddenly experience a whole new world of collaboration opportunity, and have someone to bounce ideas off of and even vent to.

5. Ask for help. Old friends, new friends, family and mentors who have been in the same industry – don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll be surprised how willing and happy people are to help you with advice, assistance and more, and you’ll also be surprised at how you can help them in return.

6. Schedule down time. I am currently working a full-time 9 to 5 at a giant corporate company, planning a big wedding, and running this blog on the side. My mornings start earlier and my nights end later. I spend many weekends behind my computer screen. But I’ve learned that scheduling down time when I stow my laptop, put up my phone and take some time to relax or hang out with friends is so important. Never say no to girl’s night. 😉 And break out the bubbles for a relaxing bath every once in a while.

7. Keep on keeping on. Between juggling all of the things happening in my life right now, there are days when I want to throw my hands up and surrender this little blog I’ve built, but thankfully, I don’t. Discouragement happens to all of us. We get tired and busy and feel like we’ll never achieve those goals we set. I’ve had to learn to be patient and just keep chugging along. It may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel now, but you will. If you dream it, and it’s your passion, you can do it.

Fair-well xx,