So, have you noticed that the "changes are a coming?"

Yesterday marked one month since I wrote about making some changes. After looking over the list of goals I can now cross off #1. You can look at my archives and see that my blogging has become a daily event and I am getting back to the core of my original intent {sorta}. I did notice yesterday that I have not been "writing" much because I have been so busy trying to market the site. This means copying and pasting some deals for a quick post have become easier than writing one. That makes me sad. Thus, today I am writing down my thoughts!

Taking my blog to the next level means there are some changes that have to be made. I redesigned the header {again} and cleaned up the sidebar a bit. Yesterday I finally bought my own domain name {www.7onashoestring.com}! That was just the first step towards going "big time!" HeeHee! Next I plan on going to a self-hosted Wordpress format. Blogger has been great to me for the past 4 years, but I believe the time has now come to move on! I am praying the transition goes smooth and nothing is lost or broken in the move. {I have this same fear when we make a physical move. Hmmmm...} Anyways, look for those changes soon! I am such a big baby about spending any amount of money, no matter how small, so I am trying to justify the cost of self-hosting with money that my blog can bring in to pay for it. Every "one" must pull their own weight around here... this blog included! =)

Marketing has been a tough, but fun, job! Twitter has become my best friend and SuperDad and my kiddos think I'm crazy! I attend every Twitter party I can to gain followers and raise that infamous Klout score {my score has come up 37 points in just the past month which shows how hard I have been working}. Plus, those parties have brought me in touch with other great bloggers and who can deny the fun in winning cool prizes?! Just 2 nights ago I won a pass to the BlogWorld Expo in New York next week! How cool is that? I am looking for a sponsor for the travel and accommodation costs, but even if I do not get to go it was still an honor to win!

My Facebook page was given a bit of a makeover since I added a landing page to it last night. SuperDad was not thrilled with his picture being included but he is so awesome and just "goes with the flow." {Gosh I love him!} I am still trying to decide what I want to do across the top as far as pictures go, but I was pretty excited about getting the landing page up! Now to get more "likes" over there {**hint, hint**}.

And the most intense and toughest job comes in trying to "pitch" myself to brands. I am not one for talking about myself {you can read through my previous posts and probably tell that} but it has to be done in order to score some reviews and sponsors for the site. I have begun putting together my media kit and have a start on my PR/Disclosure page, but am waiting to get more demographics in before completing my full kit {there is actually a $5 Amazon gift card giveaway associated with just filling out the form}. It is actually pretty exciting watching numbers go up and down accordingly as I interact with others and get myself out there. The whole experience is truly pulling me further and further out of my little hermit shell. {Yay! I have been stuck in my own little world for quite some time!}

I am hoping to get more reviews and guest blogging invites {I have scored one with Our Milk Money that I am pretty stoked about} because they actually require me to write my own thoughts! When SuperDad and Prince W were reading my Loveable Labels post, SuperDad looks up and asks, "You wrote this?" Humph! Yes! Why? He then just smiled and said, "I know you can write. I am just impressed." Thank you? {It really is a good thing I love him!}

Nevertheless, the changes are "a coming" {why yes, I am from Texas} and I am pretty excited about them! I can't wait to see some of the hard work and sleepless nights pay off! My poor kids and SuperDad are missing me. My laptop and iPhone have become my constant companions and, again, that makes me sad. SuperDad says he understands, but I do not think my kids do {and shouldn't have to}. This weekend I believe will be all about my kids {at least when they need me to be involved... sometimes they are too busy for  me}. Keep watching this space because, yes, it is going to do something! =)


Blessings,