I’m so happy to be featured in Hometalk’s bloglight today!
Hello to the new hometalkers over here, checking out my place.
Hi to my regular or non-hometalkin’ laundry loves too!
Sit down and let me pour you a cup
while I share a little bit of my blogging story…
I started blogging in 2010, when my twins were 8 months old. I was new to the stay-at-home mom gig and found myself with a little too much idle time on my hands during naps.
I decided to really fix up our fixer upper home now that I was actually home to do it and happened to Google something home related, landed on The Lettered Cottage’s Reading Room, which led me to Miss Mustard Seed…A Beach Cottage….Dreamy Whites, fell in love with this whole blogging thing, and days later, I was a blogger too!
Choosing a name isn’t easy, but I eventually went with freckled laundry.
If you look closely at unbleached, natural cotton fabrics like Osnaburg or antique hemp linen, you’ll find little flecks and speckles of cotton parts, sort of like freckles. I also happen to have freckles.
Combine that with my love of textiles = freckled laundry.
Back in the day, I used more freckled laundry in my decor, but nowadays I mostly use bleached white laundry.
I still have freckles though so I ain’t changin’ my name!
{intentional poor grammar}
That’s just one of the coolest things about my blogging journey.
I have discovered that I do have a style, not simply a love for decorating and DIY.
We all do.
My very first post creatively titled, “Welcome to my first blog post!” was nothing fancy, but still very exciting for me. I shared a couple of office chairs that inspired an antique swivel chair that I was working on. I got one comment and nearly flew over the moon! (And shame on me because I didn’t link to the original source in the second photo. Looks like Ballard Designs.)
Let’s take a look at my very first blog project.
I made a bib using repurposed denim from a pair of my son’s old jeans. The bib was made from the “freckled” fabric that I mentioned above. Now that I think about it, the denim would be cute on a kitchen towel.
The photography has certainly improved since then! (I watermark my photos now too.)
I’m still working toward magazine quality photos like my fancier blogger friends, but I no longer need to need to go outside to take a photo. Here’s my most recent {finished} blog project.
I’m still working toward magazine quality photos like my fancier blogger friends, but I no longer need to need to go outside to take a photo. Here’s my most recent {finished} blog project.
Ignore the blown out window to your left.
Jesus decided to visit just as I pressed the shutter button. ;)
On second thought, let’s just zero in on the holder.
In addition to a simple organizing solution or two like the wire and nail spice jar holder,
I also share…
painting projects,
repurposed laundry projects,
the occasional craft,
and pretty much anything else along my home and textile dream journey.
I don’t share a lot of blogger tips in my posts, but if you’re thinking of starting a blog (or are already a blogger), feel free to email me anytime. I am always happy to help…or at least try!
I also host a weekly {air your laundry} textile party
where you can share all of your laundry related projects and inspiration.
Writing this blog has changed my life. It has evolved into my brand and part-time business. I get by with a little lot of help from my blog friends (writers and readers) and it didn’t take long to realize that all of my little “someday I’d love to…” dreams were actually possible right now. The little opportunities that come from blogging will leave you speechless some days and dancing around your living room on others. I’ll actually be sharing my whole business story in a guest post next week, so I’ll stick to my blog story here.
I do want to say, that even with all of the cool little things that have happened, I hit a bit of a slump toward the end of last year. I think all of those rookie 3 a.m. bedtimes sort of burned me out and combined with a personal situation, there were moments when I actually considered not blogging anymore until my twins were in school. I think every blogger has that moment, and I’m so happy that I stuck with it and reconfigured some things, like my blogging schedule, because I cannot imagine not having my blog to run to when I have a project or something exciting to share. I’m even happier and grateful that most understood. Anyhow, I just wanted to say that should you be feeling a little overwhelmed too. It isn’t easy to balance the things we love…and it’s totally normal. Everyone is different so find whatever works for you and keeps you creative and smiling!
I was asked what my friends and family think of my blog and if they read all my updates. I hope they think my blog is cool! My aunt Virgie reads every single post. She hasn’t quite figured out how to comment on my posts but that’s okay. I light up whenever she sends an encouraging email like this…
I don’t think my mom or sisters read my blog. I really wish they did though…or would tell me if they do! I actually set my mom’s phone up to get my posts via email a few weeks ago, so maybe she reads it now. {Mom?} They see that I love it, but I’ve found that if you’re not tech savvy or a regular blog reader, it’s hard to see blogging for what it really is, and that’s totally understandable.
My mom supports me in her own little ways though. She’s my lookout. “Jami. It’s mom. I just passed a yard sale on the corner of such and such. They have old chairs that you could paint with your shabby chic style or whatever you call it.” ;)
My husband doesn’t read my blog, but he lives it with me…the messes I make and all! I talk about my readers like family so he definitely has the 411 on freckled laundry.
How I blog.
Do you stick to a strict posting schedule? How do you keep track of when and how often to post?
I write when I have something to share or say (Well, I always have something to say). I do like to post at least 3 times a week, which usually ends up being Weds., Thurs., and Fri. or Saturday. Sometimes, I only post once or twice a week.
What are your top 5 websites/blogs that you would recommend for home & garden/DIY inspiration?
Oh goodness. It’s more like 50, but these 7 authentic and amazing bloggers immediately came to mind…
What are your favorite posts to read/write?
My favorite posts to write usually involve repurposed laundry, but I also wear my heart on my sleeve and like writing posts that just share thoughts I’ve been thinkin’.
My favorite posts to read are actually lifestyle posts, like someone sharing an authentic experience, recipe, vintage find, project, or just thoughts in their little home wherever it may be…on a prairie, ranch, beach, in a small town, or in the city. Maria at Dreamy Whites lives the beautiful life on the ranch that she shares on her blog. Sarah at A Beach Cottage lives her beautiful life by the sea. I hope that makes sense!
In other words, I can look at beautiful projects all day long on cool websites like Pinterest and hometalk, but my favorite blogs tell a story and share their lives and homes like a good book, which is also my answer to What advice could you give to other bloggers that you wish you would have known before you started blogging?
Also, be your lovely real self and appreciate every little note and opportunity that comes your way. I might author my blog, but it takes someone else to read it and believe in my goals/dreams too!
That’s the skinny on my freckled laundry blog story. You can read more about my blog here. Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll stop by for another visit. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me!
Thank you so much to hometalk for featuring me in the “bloglight”!
For those of you who haven’t heard of hometalk yet, you can visit my page here. I’ve been loving since discovering it almost a month ago. Hometalk is full of eye candy like Pinterest but with the interactivity of facebook. It’s a great place to gather ideas, share pictures of a project that you made, show off a remodel, ask questions about a decorating dilemma…anything home & garden related can be shared. You don’t need a blog either. Check it out if you have a minute few hours. Let me pour you a to-go cup too!
Due to “scraper” websites that earn revenue by scraping feeds (like an automatic copy & paste) and stealing the creative content of others, I can no longer provide FULL blog posts via email subscriptions. I apologize that you now see a partial post and have to click over to my blog for the rest. I try to create lovely and original content so I appreciate your understanding. If you don’t, I am sorry to see you leave and thank you for being a part of my journey while you were subscribed. {Jami}
Jami, it was really fun to get a little insight into your blogging story! I wish I could remember how I found you – you’ve been on my fav list for quite awhile!
So excited to see your new stuff – I know I will love it!
Jami, I’ve said this before, your blog name is one of the most memorable ones out there. I read your post over a cup of coffe and greatly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!
Jami, I found your blog last week – I have no memory of how I ended up there, but anyways….! Reading your blog reminds me of racing through the hanging sheets on the clothesline as a kid. Thanks for the inspiration, I am planning a blog and may be firing off some questions your way! you know, since you offered….;)
Jami,
Thank you so much for sharing a glimpse inside your blogging journey. I am so glad you hung in there, it is an inspiration to those of us who are still in their first year, working out the kinks and finding our voice.
Hugs & blessings- Tanya
Jami,
I’m so happy to be introduced to your gorgeous blog via hometalk. Your style is amazing, and your photos ARE magazine worthy! Totally! Love that spice rack too. :)
You inspire me. Your projects and photography are not only incredible, there’s a special calm I feel when I read your blog. It’s beautiful in every way.
Thanks for continuing to tell your own story with us each week! :)
I loved reading more about you and your blogging journey, Jami :)
Jami what a great post here! So happy I stopped by and learned more about you! I adore your blog and style so much!
Jen
Lovely post and AMAZING blog! :)
xoxo
Evey
Just thankful to know you…you are an inspiration!
Great post! I especially love the part about your mom and the yard sales :)
–Elena
`a casarella
What a wonderful post….I’ve been a fan of YOU and your blog for a while now and love your style ~ writing, decorating, etc.!
Jami, I enjoyed reading about your blog and getting to know more about you. Congrats on the Hometalk feature!
I’m so incredibly blessed to have you as my friend! Clearly, the Karma Fairy smiled on me on that cold winter night when I reached out to your for advice. Thank you, girlfriend, for always being there to chat far too late into the night, to give an opinion, some guidance, or to just listen. I wouldn’t do this without you! xo
Congratulations on being featured on Hometalk, In The Blog Light! Way to go Jami! Enjoyed learning more about your blog and how you got started.
I always visit your blog and enjoy it so much. It’s my mini vacation…. my Moms-time-out spot. Keep up the good work and congratulations!
Terri
thethriftyneedle.wordpress.com
Your blog is so pretty. The graphics really set a mood and convey your personality and style. I’ve followed you for some time, but it’s nice to come visit today :)
This was so sweet and I loved the explanation of your name. Your blog is beautiful, and I love that it has changed your life too. Blessings, Barb
Congrats on your spotlight! Visiting from blogtalk. Love your style and wish I could duplicate it but with dogs and teenagers it’s not my season yet! And actually the dogs are worse than the teenagers!
Jami,
Loved getting to know you a bit more – I have twins too! My girls are almost 13 now! Your blog name, photography and style are fabulous and I look forward to reading more.
I remember starting my blog and begging family to like my FB page! I don’t think my mom every did either!!
Kelly
I don’t think I tell you nearly often enough, but every time I see you’ve added a new post, I hop right on over to read it. You are a delight, an inspiration, and after I read your posts, I feel like I’ve had coffee time with a friend. Blessings to you today. xo Rita Joy
Congrats on the feature Jami! I loved reading even more about you!
How beautiful! Love your story..love your photos.
Nice to get to know you! The very first blog I ever read was a Beach Cottage but I had no clue it was a “blog” or what a blog was – seems so long ago !!
Have a great weekend!
I am so glad to hear that I am not the only person whose mother doesn’t read her blog. Whew!
Hi, Jami, so nice to meet you! I know I’ve been by before, but it was fun to read your story. We all have a story, don’t we?! You have a beautiful blog!
Having been with you since the early days, Jami, it’s been such a treat to watch your delightful blog evolve with you. J x