Hi friends,
I wanted to let you know that I need a break from blogging. In my opinion, a blog is a good indication of how you feel about your actual life. Where you are headed, who you want to become, etc. While I feel secure in my career and some of my personal life, there are other things I need to reflect upon.
I want this blog to be awesome. I want it to have some direction. I want it to be positive.
I especially want it to reflect my healthy lifestyle. If you’re a long time reader, I’m sure you know that I’ve struggle with weight loss and body image in the past. Recently, I’ve taken those topics by the balls and completely revamped my life. I’ve stopped snacking at night, I’m more conscious of the nutrients I feed my body instead of only focusing on the fat and fiber intake. I’ve become an avid reader of food blogs. Blogs that don’t focus on people feeling awful about themselves after eating some cake. Instead, these are people who, like I am currently, enjoy eating and don’t feel guilty.
What do you guys think? If I change the direction of my blog to focus more on health, fitness, and food, would you still read? Also, should I continue this blog, Wearing Mascara, or completely revamp and find a new name and a new domain?
Please let me here your thoughts.
I was talking with Danielle the other day and she said that if you look at something so long, it becomes unclear. You need an outside eye and an outside opinion. That’s why I need these couple of weeks off as well as your honest and respectful opinions.
Also, I joined Formspring awhile ago. If you want to ask me a question, feel free. It’s actually been a really useful tool for me. The questions I’ve been receiving have been allowing me to self-reflect.
See you in a couple weeks,
Julie
Hi! My name is Julie. I am passionate about being happy and healthy, all while doing Bikram yoga and wearing mascara. Email me: wearingmascara {at} gmail {dot} com
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
You know my thoughts on this, but here are my two cents. I don’t think you need to change your name, but it could help in providing a “fresh start.” People keep reading blogs because of the content. You’ve been going in this direction in a while and I think switching things up will help you gain new readers too.
And of course, I would still read your blog whatever its called!
.-= Julianne´s last blog ..Going Meatless For Lent =-.
Hey Hun… I think that you should do a blog that focuses on what you want to talk about.If that is health, fitness, more positive topics/outlooks then go for it! You know, I am a huge supporter of your blog and long time reader. I of course will continue to read your blog no matter what path you choose.
.-= Silvia´s last blog ..Real Housewives OC,NYC & NJ… Oh My! =-.
I’ll continue to read. From what I’ve read of your past posts, it looks like your blog was already headed in the direction you are interested in taking it. So go for it!
.-= Genevieve´s last blog ..Thank what? =-.
I’ve been feeling the EXACT SAME WAY with my blog! I LOVE reading healthy living and food blogs and sometimes wish that I had a blog like that. At the same time I don’t have near enough time to blog several times a day like those bloggers do. I definitely would like to take my blog in more of a healthy living direction too, though.
Oh, and I’ll definitely keep reading if you do that with your blog
I really enjoy your blog and if you want to take a break, I’ll respect that. But when you return, don’t change your name/persona. That would almost be like trying to negate your past, which isn’t who I feel you are at all. If you want to go in a “healthy” direction with your blog, I support that. I’ll read it. But I would think you’d still be wearing mascara….
I would say continue with this blog name if it still reflects you – if you change the focus to healthier eating and everything, and still feel wearing mascara still represents you – then keep it. But if not, get a new look/name and everything
Good luck! Changing direction is always tough!
.-= Margarita´s last blog ..New Beginnings, Strangers & the Time We Watched a Hockey Game =-.
I would still read. Although I do have to say I’m not a fan of “running” blogs as I’ll never be a runner. But, all of us can appreciate a healthy lifestyle and I would love to read baout your positive changes.
.-= Sara´s last blog ..The Story of Us =-.
It’s good to take a break sometimes – helps to clear your head and the air.
.-= Brit´s last blog ..tuesday shoesday =-.
Whatever you decide to do, I’ll still read your blog. I have 2 blogs now and I kind of find it hard juggling between the two.
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..Ending the Month with a Rainbow =-.
I will definitely still read regardless of what you do! I don’t know that you have to change your name – but it could be fun to incorporate wearing mascara into the new title if you were going to choose one.
.-= Becky´s last blog ..I’m running on empty =-.
I read this yesterday afternoon & marked it as “unread” so that I could come back to it when I knew I would have time to comment.
I had a ton of things running through my mind last night and this was one of them. We all have our own issues & focuses with our blogs. My health is important to me & weight has been an issue for me for the last year. Mainly because I’m uncomfortable & my clothes didn’t fit well. I also don’t carry extra weight very well. The other piece to my move to being healthier is that I carry weight in my stomach area which increases my personal risk for heart problems – I also have a family history of heart problems & strokes.
In an effort to become more healthy for myself & my family, I made the choice to cook healthier & look at things in a different light. How I’ve found success has been my path & I’ve shared some of what I’ve done & learned. I try to share my healthy recipes & not beat myself up over eating cake or ice cream or doughnuts.
I enjoy a variety of blogs, including a lot of the healthy living blogs that you turned me on to.
So, this long-winded comment is to say that I enjoy your blog. I loved learning about how rats make excellent pets, I love the stories you share of you & Dan, I’ve loved reading about your healthy life perspective. I’ll keep reading, no matter what.
I also love your blog name. I remember when you thought about changing it maybe a year ago & said then that I really liked it.
But all said & done, this blog is for you. It is about you & that is what makes it so compelling.
.-= Mrs. Potts´s last blog ..Top Two Tuesday! =-.
Girl, I enjoy your blog!!! It’s one of the first blogs I started reading. I think a blog that is about you is going to have it’s up and downs; because, we, as people, have our ups and downs. But, that’s what makes it real. You’re a real person behind that keyboard and monitor. I’ve found that I really enjoy your blog, and regardless of what you do with it, I’ll still read. Just do what you feel:)
.-= SouthernBelleJM´s last blog ..Answers Part Deux:) =-.
I totally understand a blog break. But I’ll miss you. Will you still be tweeting??
I say keep the domain. Sometimes people get confused about who the person is when the domain changes, we don’t want to forget! Totally focus more on health if that’s what you’d like, you’ve made some awesome changes to your lifestyle, live it up and share! I love hearing about it. Don’t take a break for too long!
Well, I’m a runner and found your blog through the healthy living aspect of it, so I’ll keep reading for sure! I say keep the domain name. It’s cute, we associate it with you and you can definitely be healthy WHILE wearing mascara!
If you feel that it is time to make your blog reflect the new and improved you, go for it! It’s encouraging to read about your triumphs over weight and food, so I will still read your blog! As far as your blog name, I would keep it the same. I think that you have learned how to be healthy and fit; all while wearing mascara!
I think that one of the best things about blogging, which includes reading other’s blogs, is that they’re dynamic and a reflection of what’s going on in their lives. If you want to change the direction, change the direction! You’ve always had interesting things to say on this site, and I have no doubt that even if you change the focus, you’ll still have interesting, insightful things to put out there
You should write about what you’re interested in and passionate about!
.-= Jenny @ Practically Perfect…´s last blog ..Old Shoes for New =-.
I’ve never commented before, but just wanted to say that I’d follow your blog where ever it went. In 2010 I’ve recommitted myself to eating healthier and exercising regularly…I found your blog really motivates me, and is really relateable (sp?).
First…I will always read no matter what you write!!! You were one of my very first blog friends and followers.
Now as far as changing your name I think you should do what you feel is best. I’m sure there is some way to incorporate Wearing Mascara into your new blog title but I know where you are coming from. I’ve comtemplated the same thing.
Can’t wait to see where you are headed and I’m on board this train with ya girl!!!
I <3 U!!!
.-= Gwen´s last blog ..Tonight I Feel…Random =-.
Julie,
Whatever you do, you do it “Wearing Mascara”!!! Change is the only constant in the universe, and the reason you have kept, as well as added, readers is because you are always enlightening them on your personal journey. I wouldn’t worry for a minute about the title, because that’s who you are, and your ever-evolving content is a testament as well as example to personal growth and change. What have I always said? When you’re done learning and changing, you’re dead. And darling daughter, you are very much alive and exciting and ever-changing. So just keep on keepin’ on!
I love you and think you’re great,
Mom
We were disconnected for a minute but found each other again and I plan to read your blog no matter what. I don’t know much about fitness or health myself and I myself are struggling with that situation but I say go for it. I think changing the name would be a good start if you wanted to start over and go in a different direction but if you like the name Wearing Mascara than keep it. I heart you girl so take some time and get your booty back here and who knows maybe your new blog will be the little inspiration this girl needs!
.-= Lil’ Woman´s last blog ..Mama Is Coming To The O =-.
P.S. Your mom’s comment is the sweetest thing I ever read!
.-= Lil’ Woman´s last blog ..Mama Is Coming To The O =-.
Hi Julie,
I think of your domain and your Twitter ID as your brand. It is totally ok, in my opinion, to let your brand evolve as you do. I would keep the name and domain.
I think I started following you because I knew someone else in DC who did. I have enjoyed reading about your move, your life, and your running. I think you can have all of that on WearingMascara without worry. It is about you. It is your voice and your thoughts that we all enjoy reading.
There are some great blogs out there combining personal life with fitness and healthy living. I’m sure you will make the new direction completely yours and unique, and I look forward to following along!
Donna
THe candy shop part of Sarris is open, by the ice cream part is closed for remodeling. The girl said it should be opened back back by Juneish! They’re insane, and will be losing so much money. I don’t get why they didn’t remodel over the winter!!!! I will keep you posted I live super close to it! Good for you to stop snacking at night! That is my serious downfall. I can do so good all day long and I absolutely lose it at night! If you want to focus on food and fitness go for it! I think you should keep your name it reflects who you are, and by changing your blog you aren’t changing who you are! Besides the name is too much fun to change!!! Hope you have a fabulous weekend girly!!!
Hey Girl,
I’m so sorry I’ve been M.I.A. lately. I’ve missed reading your blog.
I love your blog name…. it’s you. I would leave the blog name and address and write what’s going on in your life right now, if it’s health and fitness then GREAT! If it changes later, great. Your readers adore you and will read whatever you have say.
I would consider changing the blog name at least because you want your blog to reflect what you’re writing about!
I think change is definitely good and if that’s where you are in your life, then go for it.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Happy. =-.
I hope that you have a good break from writing! I will always read whatever it is you choose to write about – you’re one of my first blogging friends and I can’t imagine not checking in your daily comings and goings! I love your blog name – I think you could totally make it work into a new type of blog. Running, eating right, whatever….all while wearing mascara! It’s okay to be girly at the same time! Take care Miss Julie!
i love your blog and will continue to read no matter what you decide. love your mom’s comments. i remember once before when you contemplated changing your name…
i know whatever you do it will be great!
i’m having my first ever give*away if you are interested
hi! i have to respond to this post as a ‘hybrid’ blogger who – among other things – covers lots of healthy lifestyle topics (running, healthy meals, etc). i recently did a week of ‘food blogging’ and while that is not something i want to do permanently, it was fun for the time being!
my blog started as an account of life in medical school but has become a little schizophrenic over the years as i’ve incorporated more of my interests. while sometimes i worry that i lack focus, readers say that they LIKE the variety! so i think it’s possible to be all over the place, but still be fun and interesting.
i guess what i’m saying is — in with the new! but maybe not totally out with the old? you can be a health/lifestyle blogger AND keep your old identity and write about the things you used to write about. and i will say that i think the more interesting food/health bloggers are the ones that do that (rather than the ones that just post pic after pic of their eats).