My Blogging Story

I've been blogging since January 2011. 

When I started, I was passionate about personal development and wanted to write about it over on www.elisemcdowell.com. I called it 'The Inner Vibrance Project' and I championed the core message of practicing self-love and having a healthy body image (which  by the way I still whole-heartedly practice). 

But after a year I started to get burnt out. I was blogging almost every day, and although I had my topic, I didn't have a clear direction and I felt like I was running out of things to write about. Because how many times can you actually write "practice self-love" before you want to kill somebody?

The truth is, that's not what was really happening at all. On the surface, yes. But underneath? I was struggling with my upper limit problems. (Definition: An internal thermometer for how much success, wealth, happiness, love, and intimacy we’ll let ourselves experience. That’s our upper limit setting. Kind of like our success comfort zone.)

Because this is what was actually happening: My blog was growing traction, I had been marketing every single day, making new connections with other self-help bloggers, growing my brand and building a strong readership. My name was getting out there. I was selling affiliate products and had made several digital products including ebooks and e-courses, and they were selling like hot cakes (Mmmmm.. hot cakes). I was literally on my way to becoming a thought leader with a "business".

BUT, and it's a big one. I didn't know how to turn my blog into a business, I didn't know the next steps, and I felt guilty about the money I was making because it felt too easy.

And so I freaked out, sabotaged it all by getting sloppy, deleted a lot of my popular content, abandoned my readers and stopped blogging for TWO YEARS.

Because why not?

2012 to early 2014

During my two year break, even though I still felt stuck and unclear, I continued to study and read books on blogging and business, I invested in some blogging courses, continued to work on my own personal development and would read my favourite websites every day for inspiration and creative release. 

Lifestyle and DIY blogs became a huge guilty pleasure of mine, I'd always wanted to create one of my own. I actually did early on. It was called 'Pretty Delights', and it was soooooo homemade. I did the blog design myself, my photos were taken by an old camera and then heavily edited on PicMonkey for a "cool" sepia tone.

And to my surprise the damn blog started to gain followers! People started leaving more and more comments, asking for advice and sharing my posts. I was beside myself. And as it became more known, I again freaked out and completely abandoned it. I then eventually deleted it because I didn't believe it was good enough.

And I STILL couldn't see what I was doing to myself!

It wasn't until recently (this year) that I FINALLY connected the dots. That I was completely sabotaging my own success. And of course I was, I'd never known what true personal success was. I'd never made money on my own before. I'd never built something from scratch before. I'd never gained readers and followers who believed in my ideas before. I'd never built a business!

Yes,  I realized all of this even after I had started The Confetti Room.

*face palm*

So what do you do when you realize you've been cutting off your nose to spite your face (and nervous system)? You set up a fool-proof (or in this case, Elise-proof) plan to build a blog with the right foundation. Because giving up is NOT an option when you are passionate about it!

Because of all of that, I was able to do a lot of planning for The Confetti Room. I took into account all the mistakes I had made and all the things that had worked in the past and put it into my blog plan. I was able to get clear on the direction, the type of voice I wanted and my procedure for when I start freaking out and my upper limits start playing up.

And now? Things are going really good. The Confetti Room is growing slowly, but surely. If I start freaking out a little bit, I give myself a few days break and then come back in full force to pre-write and schedule several posts. I like how the blog is right now. I love the design (I am a recovering design changer) and I'm finally happy with the vibe the blog gives off. There's definitely always room for improvement, and I'll definitely be working on those things in the future.

So where to from here?

I've got big plans for the next few years. In June, I will be venturing deep into the Marlborough Sounds, pushing myself well out of my comfort zone through challenge in the outdoors with zero access to phones, computers, ipods, wifi or any form of technology (more on this later). When I return I will be returning with a purpose to focus heavily on building my personal development business (more on this later). Keyword: business.

I've found with any project I want to make successful, and rapidly, I literally have to pour 150% of my sweat, guts and energy into it. So The Confetti Room's content load may reduce significantly during this period.

But don't worry, there are bigger plans for TCR in the works. But for now, I'm keeping this space as a creative outlet solely focused on DIY while I build my business.

Next week I will be compiling a list of my best blogging tips for you to take away and use. Keep an eye out! And if you have any blogging questions you'd like me to answer, feel free to submit your question here.

But for now, what I'd really like to know from you is, what's your blogging story?


xo Elise

P.S - 25 ways to beat bloggers block

25 Ways To Kick Bloggers Block In The Ass

It came out of nowhere..

When everything was running perfectly and my little blog was gaining a lot of momentum. All of a sudden I didn't know what to write, I tried and I tried but no matter what I did I turned into a little rebellious teenager and ran away from the computer!

I'd procrastinate and switch topics constantly. I believed that if I just got 'clarity' I'd be able to write again.

I got tons of clarity and still convinced myself that it wasn't perfect. I went round and round in circles but I still persisted - which is kind of the main point here.

I'm not saying it's easy or it'll only last a little while, but as long as you persist and never freakin' give up, the clouds will clear and you'll be on your way again.

If you're seriously stuck, use these ideas to help you beat it!

1. Write a how-to post.
2. Write a letter to your younger self.
3. Re-write and improve upon one of your most popular posts.
4. Take stock & add your pictures.
5. Share something that scares you.
6. Write a letter to your future child(ren).
7. Start vlogging instead.
8. Create a new regular column or feature.
9. Create a character and write a story around them.
10. Start your bucket list.
11. Write about something you're insanely passionate about.
12. Set a timer for 10 minutes and just start writing!
13. Write a post about someone you idolise.
14. Make a list of your favourite blog posts.
15. Write about an upcoming event you're excited for.
16. Write a top 10 list of your favourite beauty products, dresses, bloggers etc.
17. Share a secret about yourself.
18. Interview a blogger you admire.
19. Just write 75 words.
20. Ask your best friends and family for ideas.
21. Write about what you were like as a child/teenager.
22. Tell a fiction story, fairytale etc.
23. Write about your favourite memory.
24. Tell us what you’re grateful for.
25. Never ever give up!

Are you going through bloggers block right now? How are you planning to kick it's ass?

xo Elise

2015 Goals & Plans

Doesn't 2015 feel like it's gonna be a year that puts out? Damn, it does! I hope you spent your New Years with people you adore - because you know what they say - what happens on NYE dictates how the rest of your year will go. No BS.

Now even if we promised we wouldn't buy into the resolution thing that comes along with the dawn of a new year, we still find ourselves quietly planning things we'd like to do. I'd like to share my non-resolution goals & plans with you. That cool? Awesome!

Blogging + Business

Get my butt back into blogging: I've felt so out of touch with blogging over the last 2-3 years. It's like being a uni student - you know what to do & how to do it, but you still procrastinate anyway. 2015 is the year I get back on it. Where's the proof you say? Just wrapped up my day of blog + business planning for the year. BOOM!

Stick to a post schedule: Friends, you gotta help me with this one. I aim to post 3x per week. Not too stressful to begin with and not too pitiful that everyone will condemn my widdle blog forever. You have full permission to kick my ass if I don't do it okay?

Collaborate more: The key is in collaboration, but moreso I just want to meet and hang with more like-minded bloggers and create some really awesome stuff together!

Build a community: This has been something I've been the most excited about. Getting to know you! It'll take time, but I swear I'm a keeper. I'll have your back in 'who did it' situations, make you chicken soup when you're sick - okay not make, but it's the gesture that counts! - and i'll patiently give you feedback from work via email on the thousands of online shopping items you want to purchase.

Increase number of email subscribers: 1000 is the goal baby!

Launch secret projects: One is set to launch this month! ;)

Life

Move to a bigger home: Scott and I are in a position where we're able to afford more space, and where we are right now we've outgrown. I'm thinking somewhere near the sea...

Get rid of anything I don't want or need: This is more about how much crap I've accumulated over the years. Crap I don't need, and some I don't even want, it's all excess, and no person needs to have this much. I'd much rather it go to a person who does need it and accumulate experiences & memories instead.

Become debt free: I don't have a lot of debt, but what I do have has been like a thorn in my side terrorising me in my deepest sleep for the past year. So I'm bringing it out into the light and tackling it bit by bit. I'll have it paid off within the year no sweat.

Buy only what I LOVE: This is going to be quite difficult. We all know a good deal when we see it, but for me I love bargain hunting. So when I see a great deal, I usually get it! But the thing is, I might not even need, like or want the item. Here begins the practise of making purchases only for what stands out to me and makes me go, "HOLY SHIITAKE MUSHROOM! I LOVE THAT!"

Build strong relationships with family & friends: This is the goal I'm most excited about. I'll tell you more later.

Visit to America with Scott: It's been Scott's dream since he was knee high to a grasshopper to visit the Americas. 2015 is the year we make that a reality for him. Bring on the Americation!

Philanthropy: I really want to start giving back. To begin with through regular donations, but eventually I'd really like to give my time. Volunteer at a chidren's hospital, raise a seeing eye dog for the Blind Foundation or help out at a soup kitchen over Christmas. *warm fuzzies*

Eat, eat, eat: Weird right? Shouldn't it be eat less? NO! I'm sick of eating sub-par meals that have no joie de vivre! I miss having an appetite for deliciousness, for gourmet, for pungent, for FLAVOUR. I want to eat real food instead of sticking to some kind of obnoxious meal plan that ensures I'll be healthy but miserable foreverrrr.


What are some of your goals? Are they the usual get fit, fall in love and make lots of money?  Or are they different, unusual, aligned to what you're really wanting? Tell me in the comments below!


xo Elise


Image from Sugar & Cloth

How to Survive Your First Bloggers Meet Up

Heart racing.
Temperature rising.
Palms sweating.
Convoluted thoughts about bolting.
"It could be a trap! A group massacre - like that couple on craigslist!"
Double slap to the face *Home Alone after-shave-scene style*
Self pep-talk.
Inhale.

At some point as a blogger you will need to slip on your big girl heels and walk the talk - meaning - step out of your virtual world and into the world of friendly, sociable réseautage (networking). It's not as intimidating as it sounds, as the result you get is making connections with other babes (& dudes) who are fanatical about the same weird things online as you are!

Needless to say, it can be gnaw-every-nail kinda nerve-wracking - especially when you think of the walk-in moment. I have actual panic attacks imagining the walk in. The close second is suddenly finding yourself alone, with no one to talk to pretending to look busy. Ugh, #girlproblems.

Image by Katerina Darling

Like for instance let's use today as an example. I attended my very first bloggers meet up (or as I should say #brunchclub) for a festive feast at Chuffed Coffee.

Created by Madi, Lizzy & Laura - who are three of the loveliest girls I've met - the brunch is an informal monthly meet up for bloggers to make new friends, drink coffee, chow down and swap blog tips & tricks.

As I entered the cafe - which instantly made me feel at home with it's country/panama feel to it - all three girls gave me a warm greeting without hesitation. I found a spot, nestled in and struck up a conversation with Kelsi who is the author of Katerina Darling.

As more and more people poured in, we found our place settings and began with a glass of champagne - naturally. The Christmas feast that followed was beyond words. The flavours, the freshness, the savoury & sweetness. As you can tell I'm not a food critic. But, if you want real wholesome food that most cafes don't serve anymore, you need to eat at Chuffed - like last month. I'm talking borderline better-than-Christmas-Day kind of food.

Image from Brunch Club

For those who are still trying to jump that hurdle of showing up to your first blogger event by yourself, here's 5 survival tips to make it easier on your sweet little cotton softs.

Get smart & rock in early: This is actually strategic action at it's finest. If you're early, you're usually one of the first there, which means you have ample opportunity to meet most people before it gets busy, secure a sitting post and start a conversation. If you show up fashionably late, it can be quite overwhelming walking in to a busy room full of people already partaking in deep conversation.

Snap yourself silly: You're at a bloggers event - probably the only place you have 100% clearance to whip out your phone, camera, ipad or laptop (kidding) and take snaps for a blog post you'll no doubt write about later *wink wink*. Try updating your social media in real time - it's a great distraction for when you're feeling a little awkward & don't know what to do with yourself.

Muster that courage, grrrl. Mingle! How else are you gonna meet other like-minded bloggers? Compliment those whose blogs you read often, find out about others you've just met. Learn about someones life, goals & wishes, crack jokes, find common ground - maybe someone else has a french bakery obsession. Be interested and you will be interesting.

Be a questions kid: Forget everything they taught you in school. Genuine unrelenting questions is how that courage gets channeled into action. When you're mingling, it's natural to talk shop and ask questions, but when you get stuck use these simple ice breakers. What's your blog about? How long have you been blogging? What made you want to start? What are your blog goals? Do you plan to monetize? What blogs do you read? You'll learn a lot about someone, but also start to form a slowly-but-surely friendship.

Also, wear something you wont sweat your butt off in. Just sayin..

Image from Brunch Club

At the end of the day, you've gotta push yourself out of your comfort zone. Yes, the initial anxiousness you feel beforehand could very well be worse than a first date - this is where you have permission to down a shot of your favourite spirit for a little liquid courage - but, it really is worth your while. You'll meet some amazing people with fresh, new and inspiring ideas like the ladies I met, and then you'll wonder why you even had a panic attack in the first place.

Exhale.

I wore this maxi, denim jacket & fedora (because Indiana Jones will always be cool).


xo Elise