Happy Thursday all! So before we get to features today, I’ve got a discussion I’d like to start: balance in blogging.
Sometimes I feel like the Blog has taken over my life. I love the blogging. I might love blogging about desserts even more than I love desserts! But when I finally emerge from my blogging black hole each day, I’m finding an unkept house and a baby girl who’s growing up while I’m blogging! So I turn to you, fellow bloggers:
What do you do? How do you maintain balance and still keep up your blog? Do you have a system? A schedule? Does your house get cleaned and dinner cooked? What about mothering? Do you feel like you spend too much time at the computer and not enough with your kids? And the blog? What do you do to generate traffic and gain followers? How do you make it all come together for YOU?
Leave a comment and let me know, I’m really interested in your ideas!
Mississippi Mud Cake by Gypsy Heart! This just looks so amazing. Warm marshmallow-gooiness– yummmm!
This Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake by The Watson Kitchen (there are OREOS in the crust!!!):
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE Keebler’s Mint Creme Middles cookies. And So Domesticated made cupcakes with them! Cupcakes!
If you were featured make sure to grab a featured button from the Buttons page!
Let’s start linking!! Please remember to follow these simple rules:
1. Dessert-related posts ONLY!
2. Please follow Something Swanky on GFC.
3. Grab a Something Swanky Button from my Buttons page (up top) and post it on your blog– anywhere, I’m not picky!
Enjoy the party 
You are sweet to even host this week–so many thanks.
Hey look at that! I’m featured! Yay! Everyone needs to try that cheescake! Thanks for reaturing me! =)
How ironic. I JUST posted about this topic of time spent blogging on VoiceBoks. I am struggling with this too! I am on the computer practically all day and it’s getting to me. I’m feeling overwhelmed with writing my blogs (that’s my favorite part), bloghopping and following and trying to leave meaningful comments, and participating in the various writing and blogging groups. It’s just way too much, and what for? I know exposure is important, but really, what for? I actually have two blogs, my recipe blog and one where I just write. For the recipe blog, I have done all the networking. I have Twitter, a FB page, I have GFC, feedburner etc… I am on blog directories, food blog groups etc… For my writing one, I decided to do none of this. I don’t have GNC and i rely strictly on email subscriptions and comments from friends, family. and my writing support group. It is SO much simpler!! And honestly, the comments are much more meaningful there. I like focusing on content and reaching people who truly value my site. So….I don’t know the answer. I think creating a schedule is a really good idea and just knowing there are going to be times when you can’t keep up with it all. ??? I can’t wait to hear other responses. Thank you for asking about this! You are not alone!
You raise an excellent question and one I am trying to balance as well. For me, my blog is a hobby, so I take a bit of time each day to spend on it because I want to. Some days I spend more time then others, typically because I stumble upon one thing that leads me to another. I agree with Michael Ann above that scheduling is a key to it. And if it feels like it is too much, then it probably is. So take a little break and try something different the next day. I look forward to hearing other comments too. –Alissa
Funny thing is I was just wondering the same thing. I do try to spend my computer time when my kids are at school or sleeping, but then I feel like I don’t get anything else done all day. I feel like if I don’t get out there and leave comments then no one is going to stop at my blog. Some days it gets me down when I don’t get comments, but then I try to remember this is just a hobby and I am not doing it to make money. So why does it matter? I guess really it doesn’t. I have met some great ladies through blogging and it is fun getting to know new people. I am looking forward to hearing the responses too, so I can figure out what/how to balance blogging:-) Thank you for a great sweets party!!!
Today as my kids are off to school on their first day, my hopes is that the guilt will be less, and I can go to bed at a decent time. I have spent the summer trying to build my blog, and network, and now I want to go back to enjoying what I do.
1- I only create recipes to feed my family or friends, I don’t ever make something just so that I have something to blog about
2- I get up early to blog hop and leave comments
3- I stay up after the kids go to bed to write my blog post for the next day, and then schedule it (which is why it’s always posted at 7am)!
My hope is that now the kids are back in school I can get my blogging done in the mornings and spend the day doing everything else (cleaning, baking, cooking, shopping, etc). Great topic, thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to hear what others do as I am always open for ideas!
Hey Ashton…
I just recently struggled with this very same thing (doesn’t every mom?). I wrote a post about it (http://cookingwithchopin.blogspot.com/2011/07/little-hiatus.html) and was blown away by the awesome comments I received. You will be, too. I have so much more freedom now.
I’m never going to be the next Pioneer Woman and I’m OK with that (now). But I will always be everything to my kiddos (as long as they are under my wings and roof).
The bottom line is, you will never have THIS DAY back with your baby again. So if you feel like anything else other than motherhood is owning you, it’s time to tell it to “talk to the hand”. (Remember that phrase?!).
Cut back some. At first it will feel like you need to go to Blogging Rehab because you’ll have that nervous feeling of “I need to write a post” or “I should be out there commenting”, but soon that voice will subside and you will truly enjoy blogging more than ever. And if you lose any followers or “likers”, you didn’t need them anyway.
Now, put your computer to “sleep” and go play with that sweet baby girl.
Ginny
Thank you all who have commented so far! I’d love to respond to each one, but my REPLY button isn’t working
But thank you for your support and ideas!
I hear ya sister! It’s a challenge for sure. I try to do my blog posts while the girls are asleep and I get to reading other blogs and links for an hour in the morning, usually while they watch cartoons. Now that school has started, it’ll get a bit easier. Keep your chin up, you’re doing great!
I blog hop, link ups, and answer emails first thing in the morning with my coffee. I do bake in the daytime too and try and involve the kids in that. As far as blogging, I try not to take time from the kids and have the cleaning done first (mostly). Sometimes it takes an entire day typing a few minutes here and there to compose a post, other times I work on my blog when everyone is sleeping. I really don’t have a lot of followers yet, so I guess I am really not doing enough to generate traffic. I am interested in reading what everyone else replies now
Thanks for hosting this weeks link up! The featured items look wonderful…especially the cupcakes…yum!
I have linked up Orange Coconut Drop Cookies, Orange Balls, and Peanut Butter Pie. Thank you for hosting!
It is easy to let the blog consume you. It can become a sort of obsession/addiction instead of hobby. Maybe just a thoughtful “priority list” might help. Put the blog in its place and enjoy it in the time you choose to devote to it.
Oh my goodness! I’m struggling with all those questions too. Both of my kids are in school this year, so I’m hoping to get blogging done in the morning. When I leave to pick them up, I turn the computer off…no blogging, no e-mails, etc. That way, if I’m tempted, it won’t be easy to jump on.
When they are home, and maybe playing or watching a cartoon, I try to catch up on housework. Blogging is a hobby, so I’m not so focused on generating traffic. If they come, they come. 
Just have fun!
Sounds like you have a lot of sympathetic readers, here – and I’m another one! I’ve only been blogging for about 6 months, but I’ve already seen how overwhelming it can sometimes be. I haven’t worked out my own balance yet, but I certainly hope you can find yours. As Ginny mentioned above, these days with your little one are precious. If you feel you need to take more time for your family, your readers will understand (and those who don’t aren’t worth pursuing!).
You know, I often ask myself how other mothers and wives find a balance between life and blogging, but I’ve yet to come up with a good answer… And I’ve been blogging for years (before Blogger, I blogged on Myspace…).
For me, I take days off of blogging on my husband’s days off and I only blog when my kids are sleeping (or I have some down time at work, I know it’s not good, but I gotta find the time SOMEHOW!) It’s difficult to find a balance. Life passes by so fast, it’s hard enough to keep up, and I don’t want to spend my life on my blogs.
Good luck finding your balance! Thank you for stopping by Peaceful Wishing! I’m excited to be your newest follower (Loving the goodies and looking forward to reading more)!
I came to your blog after you posted on mine (onceuponapenguin.blogspot.com). Love this! I’m following on GFC now!
Oh my heavens sweet lady, do you know you are in such good company? I see here w/ previous comments from some of my blogging ‘buddies’ that they struggle w/ this too as I do….I work outside the home part time so REALLY struggle with this…but in the end when you have to ask if it is taking time away from other things that might be more important, it probably is….follow your gut…it is LIFE before blog, not blog before life. LIfe is short, do what brings YOU joy first. Now, with that said, I do not follow this all the time. I get a lot out of blogging – have met some great gals but also have decided in my heart that what I put on my blog is for me. I get more concerned w/ commenting on other blogs/parties so people know I am reading and interested…I know how much comments mean to me…I just decided to pick the ones that matter and stick w/ them…every now and then I will comment on someone’s I don’t normally but frankly the “big” bloggers..I don’t comment anymore..they get so much traffic and positive love and strokes, I would rather take my time and support a smaller blogger. I do a lot of blogging after bedtime but can also do it at my JOB…rough I know…:) Also, I do stick to a schedule and a certain amount of link ups. I post 2-3 times a week and link up to those parties that drive traffic to my blog. I don’t know if this helps or not, but just know you have a GREAT site here, I find it wonderful and a lot of support. You are not alone and in that you should find peace. Best wishes and big hug. TS
I have the same issues. Now that my daughter is in school all day, I feel like “wow I have so much time now!” but then at the end of the day I’ve blogged and baked, but my house is messy and I still have 100 things (blog and non-blog) on my to-do list. My goal is a schedule. I try to post 2-3 times per week. I’m going to try and photo edit on Friday, write on Monday,…etc. I also need to build in a housecleaning schedule. But then those things will pop up (like helping at school or someone wanting me to bake for them) and it throws it off. I’m really going to try though. Blogging is a hobby, BUT I really hope that some day it will be more than that. I don’t expect to be Bakerella, but a little ad revenue wouldn’t hurt!
Good luck! I love your site and all your writings. 
Oh My! I just saw so many recipes that look so delicious! I’m drooling! Need to check them out! Thanks for hosting!
Found you from #voiceBoks. and I’m so glad that i did . this post was exactly what i needed. I have been struggling with this same thing and your post and the lovely comments from your awesome followers! Thank you!
Pieces of Luv
PS. I love all the deserts.. I can’t cook but I absolutely love Baking! Excited to try some of these out!!