From the monthly archives:

December 2009

What have you Learned from Bloggers in 2009?

by Robin on December 31, 2009 · 4 comments

I have been contemplating this past decade, most specifically this past year.  That’s when I started thinking back on the things that I’ve learned from other bloggers in 2009.  Some of what I’ve learned are blogging/social networking lessons and some were lessons concerning monetizing or obtaining PR ops.  Perhaps the most lasting lessons though were those that effected my personal life.

Blogging Lessons

  • I learned to face blogging with a positive outlook, and to blog about what I love from Yaro Starak.  He is like a one man pep club.
  • I learned to utilize my stats to actually improve my blogging, through Darren at Problogger.  I have learned much more than that from his blog, but the assignments he gave in his 30 day challenge, that related to looking at what you already had, and finding ways to improve upon it, really hit home for me.
  • I learned to use Twitter to promote my blog from him also, but learned the true power of Twitter, from blogger/twitterers like @ResourcefulMom .
  • I learned to do my first PR related posts, though projects done through Twitter Moms.
  • I learned to take into account the companies that I hope to work with in the future, when selecting my new blog name and topic.  This was learned from an experience Consumer Queen shared.
  • I am learning more about the PR aspects of blogging all the time through the great group of bloggers in the MomDot forums.

 Life Lessons

  • I learned to cherish the health of my daughter and how truly compelling a blog can be from Britta of Britta’s Blog Spot.   Her beloved grandson was a picture of health until late September of this year.  I remember her reporting several hospital visits for him, with diagnoses such as constipation.  Then one day in early October Britta asked for prayers.  It had been determined that her soon to be 1 year old grandson Asher, had a brain tumor.   Asher came through brain surgery well, but now they have to take him out of state for 6 weeks of radiation, to treat his rare cancer.  To learn more about Asher and how to spot the signs of a brain tumor, visit the blog Britta set up for him A Prayer for Asher
  • Just a couple weeks ago, we all learned to hold our children a little tighter, and cherish each minute we have with them, when @Military_Mom lost her toddler son in a tragic accident.  This terrible event also taught us the power of social media,  for both good and bad.  In the end, it was good to see that common sense and compassion won out .  The Wednesday after Bryson was lost, over a hundred bloggers lit a candle in his memory, and posted them on their blogs. 

I hope 2010, brings you all happiness and health.  Make a resolution to hug your kids everyday.

Tell me what you learned from other bloggers this year?

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“Sugary” Cereals aren’t Necessarily so Sugary Anymore

December 29, 2009

We haven’t been big cereal eaters in my house the past year or so.  I grew tired of the “healthy” cereals and avoid bringing foods containing  High Fructose Corn Syrup into my home (although some do sneak through).  My 2 1/2 year old daughter was more interested in other foods, so her cereal intake had fallen off, [...]

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Free Blog Directory List for Mommy Bloggers

December 28, 2009

I’ve been working on my back links to directories recently.  The next Google Page Rankings will most likely be coming out mid January, every little bit helps.  Although you might not get approved by some of these directories in time for the next PR release, some will go through, and many will be linked before [...]

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Cute Gag Christmas Gifts to Make

December 22, 2009

Do you have a few people on your list who have been naughty this year.  These gag holiday gifts are just the thing for them. All are cheap and easy to make, and none of these Christmas joke gifts take very long to create.   You still have time to make them.
 
Christmas Poo Gifts
Christmas poo gag gifts have become [...]

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Free Christmas Paper Craft Projects for Kids

December 20, 2009

I have found some fantastic free Christmas printable paper craft projects on the web.  I decided to share some of my favorites with you.  Just the thing for a chilly day, inside with the kids.
ScrapbookScrapbook.com has a wonderful Nativity project, for you to do with your kids.  Just print, cut-out, color and assemble.  When completed you [...]

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Join the Warm & Fuzzy Campaign and Support Toys for Tots

December 17, 2009

1-800-FLOWERS.com has launched it’s “Warm & Fuzzy Campaign.  The goal of this campaign is to raise $5000 for ToysForTots.  If you would like to help raise this money for Toys for Tots, and assist in supplying toys for needy children, it doesn’t have to cost you a dime.
Just send a Secret Santa greeting though the Warm [...]

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A Candle for Bryson

December 16, 2009

As many of you already know Shellie (@Military_Mom) lost her beautiful two year old son on Monday, to a tragic accident.  Please join me in lighting a candle in remembrance of little Bryson Ross.  If you choose to post a picture of your candle for Bryson, there is a linky for sharing our candles, on [...]

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Alouette Cheese Review, Appetizer Recipe and Free Product after Rebate Offer

December 13, 2009

I recently received a free product coupon from SheSpeaks, to try the new Alouette Freshly Crumbled  line of cheeses.  It took me a little while to find this product in a local grocer, but I located it at a Stop & Shop this week.   Alouette Crumbled cheeses are available in 7 varieties, but the store only carried the Feta, [...]

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Spinach & Goat Cheese Pastries: Recipe

December 13, 2009

This recipe was developed because I had some thawed out frozen puff pastry on hand, when I was tasting some Alouette Crumble Goat cheese, for a review.  I only had about a half hour to spare, so I kept preparation simple. 

Spinach Goat Cheese Pastries
frozen puff pastry (pre-thawed)
frozen loose leaf spinach
Alouette Crumbled goat cheese
garlic
powdered chicken bouillon
2 [...]

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