There’s vanilla chai tea latte in my cup.With whipped cream. And caramel sauce. You can take the Starbucks out of a girl’s budget but you can’t take the love of a good chai latte out of the girl. Also, this stuff is way cheaper to make at home.
I want to chat a little bit about blogging and I’d love some opinions from y’all, because you read the words I put in this space. I know many bloggers say “Ultimately it’s your blog so what you say goes” but the truth is, for me this little part of the internet I own is community. There is give and take here and I appreciate that. If it weren’t for y’all, my words would be floating lonely in the vastness of cyberspace and I wouldn’t have learned things like about how it’s a good idea to wrap your Kindle in a ziplock bag if you’re going to read it in the bathtub.
I’d love to get your input on a few things and so if you wouldn’t mind leaving your thoughts in the comment section, that would be wonderful. And also, I’ll draw a name to win a $25 gift card to amazon.com in appreciation. <- Enticing, right? Click CONTINUE READING to read more, enter to win, and find out if you won last week’s giveaways because I have a problem with this thing called “being concise”
Monetizing this space allows me to both pursue my dream of being a stay-at-home-mom and fulfill our quarantine requirements. For the past few months I’ve played around with different options to see what felt like the most organic fit for me. I’ve found that I’m partial to the sponsored giveaway posts that I do in collaboration with BlogHer. They offer such great products for me to review and amazing prizes for y’all (Like $100 gift cards to places like Target!) They are fun for me because they are less admin work so I get to focus on the creative writing aspect of them. I try to keep them to 2-3 per month so that they don’t overwhelm my other content.
I’m wondering how y’all feel about sponsored posts and giveaways! I’ve seen some people write that they hate them and others say they don’t mind them at all. My inclination is to do away with the sidebar sponsor ads and just focus on what I enjoy. I enjoy writing. I don’t enjoy selling advertising. I love that BlogHer manages that for me. What do you like/dislike about sponsored posts/giveways and how can I make them enjoyable here?
My other housekeeping issue has to do with facebook. I have resisted having a fan page for this blog because of the simple fact that it’s called a fan page. That feels totally weird. Lately, however, I’ve been thinking it might be a good idea because in order to protect Scarlette’s privacy, I can’t use my personal facebook page for things like making plans with my local friends. As we embark on more and more playdates, I’m noticing that many people use facebook for scheduling things. I’ll see “Hey, we’re all meeting at Menchie’s on Highway X at 2pm!” on my wall and then I’ll quickly delete it because while I totally plan on going, I don’t particularly want people knowing where I will be with Scarlette at any given time. I’m pretty careful about instagramming/tweeting/fbing after we’ve already left wherever we are. It’s mostly just a matter of knowing that I am doing my best to keep her safe.
So I’ll be doing away with my current personal page in favor of this new public page. This way, I can re-join with a private personal page just for a handful of family and the moms in my real-life playgroup. Not much is changing, except that I’ll be posting my status updates on the new fb page. Honestly? Business-wise moving to the new page is a bit of a bummer because there are a few drawbacks to it but Miss S is my first priority and I can adjust some settings (like location stuff) better on a public page. I hope this makes sense, as I’ve always opened up my personal facebook page to blog readers in the past and I don’t want y’all to be like “WHAT?!” when I’m gone and think I went and blocked you or something! I’d love for those of y’all who I’ve added as fb friends to join me on the new fan page. ETA:I’ll still be posting Scarlette pictures and stories on the blog, I love sharing about her here. I’m a proud mommy 
Plus, if you “like” the new facebook page (or if you saw this on fb and already liked it), you’ll get an extra entry in the amazon.com gift card drawing. I am all about the incentives.
Speaking of giveaways, the winner of the BOON INC. Whale Bath Pod is: Entry #12, Lindsey B and the winners of the book 7 are Entry #22, Kim S. and Entry #79, Chris P. The winner of the $50 DaySpring.com gift card is Entry # 82, Jill P! Congrats, watch your inbox for an email from me!
And a little shout-out to swagbucks because cashing in my swagbucks for amazon.com giftcards is the way I’m able to do some fun non-sponsored giveaways like this here!
(I’m running this giveaway via rafflecopter so be sure to click I DID THIS! after leaving a comment or to note that you’re a fb fan. If you can’t see the rafflecopter box, make a note of that in your comment and I’ll manually enter you)
About Kayla Aimee
I personally don’t “Like” or join any fan pages on FB. I’m fine with it just on the blog. The ads don’t bother me and neither do giveaways….I don’t come here for them anyway so it doesn’t matter. As to your blog- I found it when a friend of mine told me about it after her baby girl passed away. Your blog gave her peace. And I’ve been hooked ever since. I’d miss the Miss S pics and antics but would totally understand if you stopped writing about it in public. And FB- I’m always checking my settings there. I don’t personally join the fan pages b/c I don’t know if that means people who also are fans or who like things see things on my wall then. So to be safe- I don’t do that at all!
That makes sense! Thanks for responding! And I’ll still be writing/posting about Scarlette on the blog, just not on a personal fb page!
I like having fan pages. I love seeing pictures of Scarlette, and I completely understand the need to have a private life, rather than everything being posted in public.
I like sponsored posts/giveaways to a degree, but have actually stopped reading a lot of the “mommy blogs” I first started reading a few years ago as the majority of their content has shifted towards sponsored posts, and I quite frankly read blogs for the content, never the giveaways. I’ll enter giveaways once in a while if they’re for something that really piques my interest, but for the most part I just really enjoy catching up on blogs that allow me to feel like I’ve curled up on the couch of a good friend with a mug of coffee to catch up. And that’s something I’ve always felt while visiting your blog. That said, I TOTALLY get the desire to make sure it still works for your family. And 2-3 a month doesn’t sound ridiculous.
I just love reading your blog. Don’t really give the other stuff much thought. The ads don’t bother me though, and occasionally, I will click on one but not often. My opinion is to make decisions that work for you. If you write, they will come.
KA, I’m right there with you. Constantly trying to keep family safe, first. I understand your wanting to keep a more private FB page! I actually just set up a “fan” page this week, also!! Love your blog and love reviews and giveaways!
I’m okay with sponsored posts as long as they are interesting to read and not just a blog version of an informercial. You do what you need to do for your family. I’ll keep reading blog!
I love keeping up on Miss S. So I don’t care where it is at. I am all about security so good for you! Have fun with your doll.
I don’t mind your sponsored posts as they are not too frequent. Love your blog and seeing what Scarlette’s up to.
I love reading your blog, sponsored posts, giveaways, no matter what. So, no matter what you decide, I’ll still be here.
I stumbled upon your blog about a year ish ago when I was busy pinning on pinterest. And I started reading all about Scarlette and I was hooked. Your writing style is what keeps me coming back every couple days(and the cute pictures of Scarlette!)to see if you have written another post and quite honestly I don’t mind the ads or sponsored posts, a girls’ gotta do what a girls’ gotta do to, escpecially since you make the sponsored posts interesting with added humor.
I began reading your blog as a paper arts enthusiast before the Mommy Blogging. I continue to read because I enjoy your wit and charm. Ads and contests do not bother me. I can easily skip them or participate in them because I am a great auntie with small neices.
I can honestly say I find all of your writing witty and entertaining, even when it’s sponsored posts. Also, I think that the type of stuff you review is really cool, so that helps too.
I can honestly say I don’t typically click the ads, and I rarely enter giveaways, but I enjoy reading your posts either way.
I know a lot of well-known bloggers have ended up going the “fan page” route — if the old way wasn’t working for you (and I can see why it wasn’t), then you’re totally making the right choice. I read your posts through Google Reader most of the time. I don’t always participate in the giveaways, but sometimes I do. Happy Sunday.
I think the quality of the writer and the quality of the blog dictate whether or not sponsored posts are tolerable. In your case, you have no issues there. Your sponsored posts are just as interesting and entertaining as your non-sponsored ones. That’s something for me to keep in mind as a writer. I’m currently working on starting up a blog on my web space (running into host-related WordPress issues – woot for waiting on tech support!), and I’ll be working toward making money with my blog as well. It’s so important to keep your tone and stay familiar to your readers, even as you utilize the business end of your blog. Success has a lot to do with approach…
I can totally understand the FB fan page. It’s too hard to keep everything locked down when you’ve got a lot of traffic. I don’t have too much traffic myself at this point, but sometimes I still find it pretty hard to manage everything! There’s a healthy balance between private and public life, and we just have to strike it.
Keep doing what you’re doing. I love reading your posts and keeping up with you and Scarlette!
I just love reading your blog, it’s been a while since my guys have been this young. I don’t give the other stuff much thought and the ads/sponsered posts don’t bother me.
i don’t mind your sponsored posts, sometimes i find items i really want and i love finding out about new companies.
so smart about your fb page. i too am so concerned about my privacy and i don’t even have kids lol!
also, since you mentioned it, how do you make vanilla chai tea latte at home?? please tell me so i don’t have to spend my life savings at starbucks:)
<3 Also- I buy Organic Oregon Chai in Vanilla (it's in a box w/a spout on the tea aisle) - pour an equal amount chai and milk into a pot and heat slowly. Then I use a frother (mine is from IKEA, it's like $3) to make it all frothy and blended together! If you want it to taste just like SBUX (I used to work at one) they use the Tazo Chai and they add a pump of vanilla syrup (not extract, actual syrup) to it :)
Thanks! I need to go to Ikea now:)
To be honest I started reading when you had Scarlette and I just have kept reading because I feel attached now…and I laugh when I read your posts. I don’t mind the give aways but sometimes the ads on the right hurt my eyes cause they’re so big
awesome- good to know! thanks so much for the feedback! And thanks for the sweet words
I’ve been having similar issues although my blog is mostly a family thing. I freak out anytime someone mentions the “creepies” that could be stalking. I LOVE writing and photography, and I’ve found blogging to be a great outlet…especially now that I’m a SAHM. Good for you for making this move with FB, etc. as it’s something that makes you feel more comfortable. I’m hoping I can figure this out for myself sometime soon…that is, to the point where I’m comfortable about what to share and not to share. Thanks for the insight! =)
Oh, whatever you want to do with sponsors will be the right choice. Like a PP said, even your sponsored writings are quite fun to read!
I don’t mind giveaways, as long as they’re not all the time … it seems like for some bloggers, you can read write through the reviews. I appreciate honest feedback and fun giveaways, but also like the other stuff – like cute baby stories and pics. And scrapbook/PL stuff, too.
I enjoy your sponsored posts and giveaways!
My fb page has always been private so when I started my blog I started a fan page right away. My families privacy always comes first and i wasn’t willing to change that. I love the way you write so your sponsored posts and giveaways don’t bother me. In fact because I do read everything you write I’ve learned about new products I’ve wanted to try.
I have to say that I love reading anything you write because 99% of it makes me laugh and who doesn’t like to laugh!?!?!? I comment sometimes in hopes of winning if I like it but if not I just don’t comment. So basically I’m saying, “yes! Keep doing the sponsored posts and giveaways!”
And, I totally don’t blame you on the whole facebook thing! It’s the right thing to do and I think it should be that way for everyone!
I do not have a Facebook anymore (Farmville was just too addictive) so I would not know. But the sponsored posts and giveaways don’t bother me at all!
J and I were watching Nascar last night and there was a Farmville car! We were laughing at that
Sponsored posts and giveaways don’t bother me at all.
KA,
I love following your adventures with Miss Scarlette. I follow you in my Google Reader, and when I see your posts, I usually click on over to read HERE. To be honest… I don’t click on ads on blogs. I just don’t. I don’t even look at them. However, I am not opposed to reading a blog post about a product you’ve tested. If it’s not something I’m interested in, I’ll just pass it by. But, I love to hear people’s opinions on nifty products — and a testimonial from a trusted source goes a long way in my book.
As far as FB… I’ll follow you wherever. Personal profile, or PAGE — either way. I LOVE your sense of humor, and the grace with which you handled all things SCARLETTE (in the early days) was so inspiring!!!
And okay, I’m not gonna lie… I love seeing Sweet Scarlette’s face every day. =D
I’m not bothered by your sponsored posts at all.
I’m not bothered at all by sponsored posts, and I like entering giveaways.
I don’t mind sponsored posts at all! I’m into entering giveaways.
Sounds awesome!
I’ve read a lot of different blogs that have had a variety of different sponsored posts. Sometimes the sponsored posts can seem really contrived, so I just stop reading those posts and move on. However, any sponsored posts I’ve read on your blog have seemed very genuine and real. I read them simply for the content, even if the give away doesn’t apply to me in my stage of life now. Its your writing, your sense of humor, your super cute kid, and the way you approach life that make this an enjoyable blog to read.
Thanks so much for the feedback! And the sweet comments. And mentioning how cute my kid is, because I can’t get enough of that.
Love the stories, but giveaways are great once in a while! I think you have a good balance going on.
I think your commentary on the sponsor giveaway. I think it is funny and I don’t mind them on your blog, especially since I know you must really like the product to write about it. Keep doing what your doing, cause you are rockin it. I admire that you have found a way to use your talents to support your family. Plus if you weren’t with Scarlett all the time we wouldn’t have nearly as much funny content!
I don’t mind reading well-written and funny sponsored posts. And I like the way you write so I have no problem with your sponsored posts. Sidebar advertising doesn’t bother me; you have every right to make a living. I’m a pediatric speech therapist, so I’m really here to read about (and delight in) Scarlette’s development!
And now to let me pick your brain, right? lol
Thanks for the work you do, I love our speech therapist so much and I can see so much progress in Miss S since we’ve been working with her!
I think you do a great job of balancing content and giveaways, for the record. The giveaways are written in the same voice as your other content and they’re worth reading for that reason even if the reader isn’t interested in the product (I hardly ever enter giveaways).
I love your site no matter what. Helpful, huh?
I think you do a super job with the sponsored posts you write. They are witty and entertaining and a few a month sounds quite reasonable. Sidebar ads don’t bother me but generally don’t interest me either.
Your blog was originally pointed out to me by Cherany back when we were friends on Livejournal. While I used to read sporadically, especially around the time of your wedding, I have been a constant follower since you were pregnant for Princess Scarlette. Your amazing sense of humour and charm keep me coming back for more, especially on days when I need a good laugh or a dose of sunshine.
Giveaways and sponsored posts don’t bother me in the least; I enter those that I am interested in and read every post that appears. As for the sponsors on the side, they don’t bother me either. I tend to visit those that look interesting.
I enjoy your giveaways. You still add your flare and interesting tid bits to it and we get something for reading
Sponsored posts and giveaways are fine as long as that isn’t the only content on the blog
I think I just commented? lol
As a non-FBer, what you choose to do with FB should be done with your family’s privacy in mind first. I understand that part completely.
The reason I come to visit your blog is because of your awesome writing style and funny stories. I first found your blog via the Peas, shortly after bringing my preemie twins home (though I wish I had known about it when I was going through all the nitty gritty way back when!). I’ve told friends of it, especially a friend who went through a 27 week birth of triplets earlier this year (which by the way, baby K is doing awesome now). Your story is inspiring to many, probably more than you could possibly know. Also, I was so proud to participate in your beanies for preemies project last year. Being a preemie Mommy, this felt so good to be a part of, though if it weren’t for your suggestion here, I never would have thought to do that. So, you do spread good for sure.
As for the advertisements, I think that with good writing, they are not bothersome to me. Yours are pretty well done compared to some I’ve seen that look way to big and flashy. I completely get it with your goal of remaining a stay at home Mama! As for a giveaway, bring it on. I am all about moderation and firmly believe that one here and there is ok. I won a great camera bag on a scrapping blog a year or two ago and since then don’t tend to enter the contests, feeling like I’ve received my share already. Though there are those folks that will do nothing but blog-stalk to simply win contests…can’t really avoid them I suppose.
Your funny stories and candid nature bring me back as a reader! Please just don’t change that part!
Thanks so much! And JEALOUS! I’ve been trying to win one of those fancy camera bags FOREVER, lol!
Hi! I really love reading your blog… most bloggers I tend to skip the sponsored posts, but yours I always read because you are always entertaining to read! I don’t mind how many sponsored posts you do.
And I joined your fan page- I feel better about fan pages than asking to ‘friend’ a blogger or someone I don’t really know on their personal page. You don’t know me at all, so you shouldn’t have to worry about what personal stuff I can or can’t see. 
I have a four month old baby girl (long awaited) and reading about Scarlette, the highlights and the things you struggle with are really helping me be excited about what’s to come- I know Allie will be very different from Scarlette (if for no other reason that at four months, she might just be wearing the same size clothes… *sigh* every mom has the things they worry about, right?) but seeing how Scarlette is changing helps me see how Allie might grow and change. And your honesty about the things you struggle with makes me feel less alone as a new mom who struggles with stuff from time to time. So thankyou for that.
I don’t mind sponsored post and love giveaways.
I can’t see the Rafflecopter (I’m at work and it’s blocked) but I wanted to comment! I like the way you do sponsored posts. They feel real, and I’ve discovered some new products I’m interested in that way. As long as you are writing your honest opinion I think they’re great, and giveaways are a bonus. I think you’re right to make the transition to a fan page on Facebook if you want to use it for blogging stuff. You just never know! (Oh and I will like your new page.)
Actually I think they are fun. & Don’t mind it (actually trying to figure out how to do more on my blog ha). Right now I am on a quest to actually try to and achieve the goal of being able to stay at home (& work) even though next week my youngest will start school. I’ve been a SAHM for the past 6 yrs. but I never intended it to be that way. Things happened in our lives that made it that way. (Our oldest little girl passed to SIDS) Now I have grown to love to be able to be here for my children & don’t want to have to give it up because they grow so fast, so do what you must darling. Being a SAHM is such a precious gift & I am so thankful to my husband works so hard for us. I’ve given myself till end of October to see if I can make some changes and see if I can keep my dream going.
I don’t mind your sponsored blog posts especially since it’s not like they’re taking over your blog. You’re still very active and sharing stories I love to read and even when you are doing a sponsored blog posts you relate it to your life and have stories to go along with it – which is really fantastic and I wish more bloggers would do. As for any advertisements on the blog, honestly I know it might bug other people when their blogs have ads but I don’t even notice it unless it’s something really weird (like all the HOT SINGLES IN YOUR AREA ads. UM. NO. DO NOT WANT.)
I am also liking your fb fan page! I think people have plenty of ways to access you, between here, instagram, and twitter, so I was surprised so many people wanted a fan page. But it is a nice extra to have.
I am not a FB person, so I have no opinion on that. I also don’t care about what you do to make money – you deserve whatever you can get since you keep us all entertained. If I really am not interested, I can just skip a post.
I am okay with sponsered posts and giveaways. plus, yours are always fun (and often with funny stories involved) like you, so it’s not like on other blogs where they seem like a really abrupt change from normal posts. also, who doesn’t like to win stuff?!
I actually really love giveaways – both entering and hosting! I think it’s because I love freebies… Just bein’ honest! I constantly enter sweepstakes, etc.
I personally think it’s great that you can help the family budget with the ads and giveaways. Anyone who might be offended seriously needs to get their priorities in order.
I love that you care enough about us to allow us to comment
I do not mind sponsored posts and long as the opinions are honest and legit.
I’ve just enjoyed your blog and your down to earth style. I haven’t thought much about sponsored giveaways, etc. BTW…so excited for the new bath pod! Thank you
I started reading your blog shortly after Scarlette was born, and have been hooked ever since. I LOVE the way you write and applaud you for caring enough to write well. Too many people these days don’t seem to know correct grammar or punctuation, so it’s an added bonus that those things are important to you.
I tell my hubby all the time about something you wrote about, show him pictures of adorable Scarlette and tell him I am certain you and I would be friends. I love FRIENDS, ( (“Actually it’s Miss Chan-nan-dler Bong!”) all things Kate M. and other things you slip in to your posts regularly. I love that it feels like you are talking directly to me, as I feel like I can relate on certain levels to you.
The ads and giveaways never bother me, though I rarely participate in either of them. Your blog is a chance for me laugh and (even at times) tear up at some of your “Dear Scarlette” letters. I just found out, from this post, that you had a FB fan page, so of course I had to go “like” it. Thanks for being so candid and sharing such a personal part of your life with us.
-Darla
I don’t have an issue with sponsored posts or giveaways as long as they don’t take over an entire blog. I feel that I visit your blog by choice and could skip a post if I didn’t like it for a particular reason. But, every sponsored post I’ve seen you do has been honest and interesting!
I love reading your blog! I don’t care if every other post is a giveaway, I’d still read
I don’t even pay attention to the side bars on a blog unless I’m looking to see if there is a link to older months. You have to do what works for your family!
i looooove giveaways. i won one once on another blog and you’d have thought i won the lottery, i was THAT excited about my gently used baby shoes for my then-not-born-yet baby girl. i agree, it shouldn’t be all about giveaways though…after all, you have a super-cute baby girl to brag about and i love reading about your adventures with her! i think it’s fantastic that you are taking the steps you’re taking to protect scarlette and your family…now that you’re famous in the blogger world and all
your writing is so great and like a couple other people have said, i feel like we could totally be real-life friends!
KA, I love your blog. Goodness, you sure know how to always cheer a girl up
. I don’t mind the sponsored content at all.
The sponsored posts don’t bother me because they’re usually still consistent with the overall feel of your blog, and they don’t overrun the content.
I’ve gotten used to the ads, too. I ignore them, but they don’t bother me.
I enjoy the sponsored posts, as long as we get your true feelings about the product.
family74014 at gmail dot com
I don’t do FB either so I can’t chime in on that discussion, but I don’t mind your sponsored posts/giveaways… they always sound like “you” and theyr’e not overwhelming! (:
You’re a smart and loving mommy and you have to do what you have to do. And while I “liked” your FB page, I’m also a blog reader so when you share what you share, when you share it, I’ll be there to watch Miss S. grow bigger and stronger and more beautiful!
I don’t mind the sponsored posts. If I have never heard of it, it gives me an idea how I can use it or if I already use it, you might give me an idea of a way I have not used it in the past. I am on FB and will be adding your fan page. I like your writing style and love the baby stories and your everyday life.
Sheila
I’m cool with your giveaways because they are relevant to me as a parent. Honestly, I don’t pay any attention to the sidebar and probably couldn’t name one ad you have on there.
I don’t mind sponsored posts or giveaways. Easy to skip over if it doesn’t apply to me. I enjoy your writing no matter what it is!
You know you’re only my friend because I’m a Cornell grad, so of course I had to drop my quarter’s worth of knowledge in the pot.
Like just about everyone else, I love your sponsored posts because you are still you – you still write up a post and that’s cool. Also, you keep it to stuff that I could totally see you using in real life. Which is why I’m confused as to why you didn’t do that Hpnotiq Vegas Girls Night Out sponsored post I saw running through the blogosphere. Guess you were busy that weekend.(smile)
Here’s where the Cornell comes in. I love your ad spots in the sidebar too. It’s a direct way for the lesser known brands and folks to connect with you (and by you, I mean me since I clearly stalk your sidebar). You should try Passionfruitads.com It is super painless for people to buy ads (it’s how I buy many of the ads I do for my blog), YOU (the blogger) get final approval over who is in and who is out, the set up is super easy and they manage everything for you. You don’t have to pay out of pocket, fees are deducted from the ad amount (so, a $100 ad, you take home $95.80 for just clicking “accept” and you get a lump sum payment, can set up multi month buys, etc.). Anyhow, super easy way to continue to monitize your side bar ads without the work and provide the little guys an opportunity to engage your readers. Note, I don’t actually use them to put ads on my own blog, I use them mostly to purchase space on other blogs.
Just a thought. Love you and your mini me no matter what way you slice it. Unless you truncate in my reader. Then I’m gone. kidding…kind of.
Bernadette
http://www.b3hd.blogspot.com
I don’t mind sponsored posts & I love giveaways!
I adore giveaways and reviews; they’re a great way to find new products and sample them too. I think they should be spaced between actual content and not clog up the whole site. I’m also not a fan of having too many hoops to jump through. I don’t mind following, fanning or tweeting but when we start getting into reblogging and too many extras, I lose interest.
(Michelle H.)
I love giveaways and reviews! This gives me an idea as to how the products work and whether or not I should get them! Thank you for the opportunity to read your blog and allowing me to enter this giveaway!
I don’t mind the sponsored posts at all (and who DOESN’T love giveaways?!?!). I’m so glad that you are able to have sponsors support you as a SAHM!
I love giveaways, and I don’t mind sponsored posts that are connected with them, as long as the product seems to be something the blog readership would be interested in (not just the blogger shilling for cash) and as long as there is the impression that the blogger really believes in the product and isn’t just copy-pasting a press release.