Home Blogging Tips 5 Reasons Why I Will Never Make It As A Pro Blogger #Pbloggers

5 Reasons Why I Will Never Make It As A Pro Blogger #Pbloggers

by Author: Jade Lloyd

Have you got what it takes to go ‘pro’ as a blogger?

Now don’t get me wrong. I love blogging. Everything about it is keyboard-tappingly addictive, supportive, enjoyable. If it was my everyday world, I would be happy. But in earnest however may tips I follow, or lists I write, there is no book deal with my name on it.

Unless there is a market for, ‘how to eat a Jaffa cake in 100 ways’. Then sign me up Random House.

I am pretty much, altogether sure, I will never make it in the big leagues. And this is why.

My kid.

My son did not get the appropriate ‘adorable’ blogger child training. We did not get the manual. Probably because we came late to the party. His photo face ranges from shocked, to indignant, and then to constipated. Posing is not something he does naturally. Luckily Picmonkey have an airbrush tool to remove the snot that is often caked on his face.

little boy pulling funny face with sticky hands

 

When given lovely products for us to review his extremely uncreative side shines out. For example, we were meant to paint this box. He liked it plain, then sat in the garden in it singing the My Little Pony theme tune for twenty minutes.

Boy sitting in a box in the gardenFor Christmas he was given some clothes from Joules so I suppose all is not lost.

He farts on vlogs and uses non family friendly vocabulary such as, ‘dammit’.

My partner.

He is balding. He is mistrusting of sharing content over the internet and thinks Twitter is witchcraft. Don’t get me wrong this is the most understanding man in the upper hemisphere. After taking on the responsibility of her bitey offspring his girlfriend then locks herself away for 90% of the limited time they have together. My phone constantly pings under the pillow and I ugly-hysterical sob at the computer when reading other pbloggers emotive blog posts. In the car, at the pub, in the bath.

If I can wangle a free motorbike or beer perhaps he will warm better to the idea. That or I am going to have to get creative and write naked from now on.

family photo

Lets face it, we don’t scream ‘cover girl’.

My house.

Looks like a car boot sale. To be fair we are trying to move. I don’t own pillar candles and nothing is monochrome or matching. I don’t own a little dog, a chevron patterned footstool, anything from Laura Ashely and the only pictures I have on the wall are the cast of Only Fools and Horses.

Also my kitchen is 1 metre by 2.5 metres in size. It’s miniscule. You can’t fit two people in there, let alone a tripod.

My self.

Productivity is at one percent. My job involves working with victims of image based sexual abuse and cyber enabled blackmail. After six hours of harrowing imagery followed by five also harrowing hours playing superheroes with my son, the limited time I have to blog is often taken up by me staring at the wall whilst my brain tries to reboot. That, or I will watch an unscrupulous series about vampires on Netflix. The idea of attending blog events is more terrifying than a 32 hour labour. Who else is fearful of getting drunk on Prosecco around people with Facebook live on their phones?!

I DON’T KNOW WHAT A SEMI COLON IS FOR.

I AM ALLERGIC TO CAFFEINE.

This weekend I drank too many strawberry daiquiris so ignored Instagram because it hurt my eyes. On Vlogs I use non family friendly vocabulary such as ‘dammit’.

I have so much respect for bloggers that have shed ink, hashtags and tears to get to where they are, conquered the digital world through late nights and mornings so early the stars are out.

One day perhaps.

 

What does it take to ‘succeed’ in the blogger world? How do you rate your achievements and is being a ‘pro’ blogger something you want? If not, why not?

I got free cookies and counted that as a win.

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65 comments

Devon Mum 23rd May 2017 - 11:11 am

Love this. I’m definitely with you on all of this and hopefully I’ll see you at a Devon bloggers meetup soon? I’m going to my first ever one in June and i’m a little bit scared lol x

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Jade 24th July 2017 - 9:14 am

I havn’t made it to any yet (useless) but everyone seems amazing!x

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Devon Mum 24th July 2017 - 9:17 am

I’ve been to three now lol and yes, everyone is amazing ? x

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absolutely prabulous 29th March 2017 - 9:06 am

“And so after seeing the parenting jungle blog all over the place – and probably following it on Twatter but who the ruddy hell EVER remembers who they followed on that particular witchcraft platform? (I say particular because all those social media platforms are witchcraft to me) – Prabs finally took time to LOOK at the blog and promptly fell in blog geek love with the design and then…fell in total blog love with Jade from the very first post she read. This. This. THIS! #WhatYouSaid Shall we meet one day and cry over non caffeinated strawberry daiquiries together? x

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Susie at This Is Me Now 2nd March 2017 - 1:30 pm

Popping back from #StayClassyMama

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Wendy 28th February 2017 - 8:33 pm

Yes to a aaall of this! I have tried vlogging with my toddler a few times and it was a disaster! Also, my house is a tip and the decor is so outdated (not allowed to decorate) it definitely does not look like a stylish blogging home! Your blog is fab and I think more people enjoy blogs that are real and relatable anyway. Don’t worry about going pro..you never know what might happen xx #BlogCrush

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Jenny (Accidental Hipster Mum) 26th February 2017 - 12:39 pm

Hahaha I feel exactly like this (apart from the caffeine thing)! I don’t have a photogenic house unless I do hours of primping and toddler moves to fast to photo and my daughter is hostile and rarely agrees to let me take any. You’re pretty much a pro blogger the real mums out there xx

#Stayclassymama

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Susie at This Is Me Now 26th February 2017 - 6:37 am

I love this! Sometimes I think I want it/could do it one day and other days I completely despair and want to delete every trace of me from the internet. It’s such bloody hard work and sucks the life out of you when you when you compare yourself l to others and it feels such an uphill struggle. Then I think of the the online friends I’ve made and how much I’ve learned and I keep on. Think for me I have to regularly remind myself why I started it.

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Tubbs 24th February 2017 - 9:59 pm

I don’t want to be a pro blogger. A job is a job. With deadlines, demands and compromises …. I’m glad it’s not just me. I have a teenager. She now reads my blog and uses un family friendly language if she sees her photos on it. #blogcrush

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Angela Watling 24th February 2017 - 9:10 pm

This made me laugh so much, especially the big about your son sitting in the box singing My Little Pony!

There is no way I will ever be a pro blogger. I’m not a great writer and I’m not willing to share enough. I have so much respect for those who do and I love seeing the beautiful curated shots. But I also love seeing shots like yours because it makes me feel normal! #BlogCrush

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Lydia C. Lee 24th February 2017 - 7:55 pm

I love kids that play their own way. I went to an art class for kids and the parents were basically making the art look like the teachers – one woman even said “don’t stick too much on, you’ll ruin it” where as I was thinking, we’ve paid, you’re doing craft that I don’t need to clean up, do as much as you want – you’re picture, make it how you like”….so weird ‘rules’ on craft and play….#Stayclassymama

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jeremy-thirstydaddy 24th February 2017 - 2:33 pm

This is really funny. I was just saying last night that I can’t understand how some of these people with jillions of views find the time. It literally must be all that they do all day. Good for them, but I don’t have that kind of time ( or motivation ) #stayclassy

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 3:57 pm

Hehe neither do I, in the week I blog between 9-pm and 11-pm after work, I have a day off today which was filled with grand ideas of productivity and posts but instead I cleaned the house and got distracted by life stuff!x

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Rebecca 24th February 2017 - 10:51 am

I think I already read this when you first posted it… but I will say it again… Id say by the looks of the fact you are hosting a linky and are super open and supportive and a major part of the community you already ARE a pro blogger! you are blogging it up lady! <3 #stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 4:04 pm

Oh that is such a wonderful comment thank you lovely. I think because I only have time to blog between 9-11pm and when I am not distracting a small child at the weekend I get super down on myself for not doing more or being better. But I have met some amazing people blogging and the most important part is being their to support people in my clumsy way. xxx

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Anne 24th February 2017 - 10:05 am

I prefer blogs that write how it is and i think you’ve captured that rather well, in fact brilliant x
#BlogCrush

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 4:07 pm

Haha my mum saw the picture of the house and told me I needed to tidy up before nanny came online! I must checkout the #blogcrush linky xx

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Rhian Harris 24th February 2017 - 8:52 am

I love this, and I already think of you as one of the pros! Keep it up #stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:17 pm

Haha bless you I am just bumbling along enjoying it as much as I can, thank you for the lovely comment xx

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Fi - Beauty Baby and Me 24th February 2017 - 7:35 am

I love this! I couldn’t agree more – it’s hard sometimes, you end up comparing yourself to other bloggers and in turn it makes you doubt yourself. Keep doing what you’re doing – you and your blog are fantastic xx #blogcrush

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:18 pm

I have had a sucky day and this lovely comment just made me so happy, thank you my lovely means a lot as your writing is amazing!xx

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Jessica - A Modern Mom's Life 24th February 2017 - 12:08 am

What a great post! I think it people are reading your words, you’re a successful blogger! I’m with you though, on the small, untidy home; kids who won’t pose. or help with a review; and just plain old being tired at the end of the day. I think blogging should work for you, on your time, when you want to. If people are reading, you’re doing something right!
~Jess
#StayClassyMama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:20 pm

This is such a good thing to remember blogging must fit in with you and if you find it becomes really stressful then you just need to stop and be kinder, we as parents have so much we have to do blogging should be an escape and enjoyment rather than a burden x

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Amy & Tots 23rd February 2017 - 9:08 pm

What a refreshing post! It’s nice to see the reak side of bloggers! #StayClassyMama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:23 pm

I think bloggers can sometimes present as being completely organised and sorted, successful but like parenting it is good to show tat its not all fun, easy and people and homes etc are not always on it…we have to be realistic x

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Mrs Mummy Harris 23rd February 2017 - 8:37 pm

im so glad that im not the only one who has a non-instagram worthy house and a balding other half. he too is skeptical about this whole sharing our life with the world so i have to be a bit diplomatic and sometimes bend the truth to get approval to post stuff as i feel as i write about him, our life and our child he should get the chance to tell me if he doesnt like something im about to post. i also know his family read it so i will not divulge any sex related stuff – even if its highly hilarious!
to me, i may not make it big but my goal is to earn my current wage through blogging and any extra is a brucey bonus
#stayclassymama

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Lisa 23rd February 2017 - 7:59 pm

If your blog is what you want it to be ans you enjoy it then that’s all that matter, I try to ignore all the pro blogger stuff and just enjoy what I do and reading other blogs, if someone reads what I write then it’s a bonus xx #stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:32 pm

I think I am still trying to figure out what I want my blog to be, but I definitely enjoy it, I just wish I had more time to read and comment on other blogs, there are so many amazing parents out there and some amazing writers x

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Helen 23rd February 2017 - 7:37 pm

Haha! So funny. I love it. I’ve been thinking the exact same thing about my house lately. It’s full and it’s messy and ‘natural light’ is about as accessible as an iceberg lettuce lately. Ah sod it. I think you are successful though, defs. I’m not just saying it either- #stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:44 pm

I am not a fan of natural light…I am a fan of the dark…and filters! Thank you for such a lovely comment honey xx

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Peachy and her Mommy 23rd February 2017 - 6:53 pm

I think your blog is very successful. The obstacles you mention can easily be overcome. If you want it, you can have it. But you have to want it. #StayClassyMama

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Suchitra 23rd February 2017 - 5:26 pm

Haha..what a fun tongue-in-cheek kinda post. Loved it! I am right there with you for a few different reasons, but I am not going to be a power blogger or any one of those influencers who vacations in Hawaii while the affiliate money comes rolling in. Oh well…
#stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 5:46 pm

We will have to settle for Minehead and Eastbourne and the odd 2 pence from Google Adsense! xx

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Nursery Whines 23rd February 2017 - 3:45 pm

I think you have the best qualities I look for in a blogger – honesty. I have a messy house, a partner who thinks blogging and social media is witchcraft and a child who won’t sit still for photos too. And I also put my life before social media so I miss a lot of opportune promotional moments. But I love writing. Love reading your blog too. #Stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 6:00 pm

Honesty, passable wit and an inability to use punctuation. You have a great writing style and I think life does need to come first otherwise you get swallowed up as the internet is always on so you need to figure out when to switch off 🙂 x

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five little doves 23rd February 2017 - 2:49 pm

I love this and I actually feel the same way! As much as I love to write, our lives (and certainly not our house!) isn’t picture perfect and I’m not sure that I have what it takes to make it as a pro! #stayclassymama

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Rouge 23rd February 2017 - 2:46 pm

Love this post! I reckon you already are pro hun! Carry on being a superstar!

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WebMDiva 23rd February 2017 - 2:42 pm

Literally lol’ing at this post. Mostly because it’s like looking into a mirror.
Don’t change a thing about you or your blog…you’ll be a pro-blogger of epic proportions. I called it!

#StayClassyMama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 6:04 pm

This is such a kind and lovely comment, I think the only thing that will make epic proportions will be my waistline if I keep eating my sons chocolate but having the support of amazing people like yourself makes all the effort worthwhile xx

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Kirsty - Winnettes 23rd February 2017 - 2:06 pm

HEHEHE! I’m not sure I can be bothered with all the work. Plus I know Hubby would like me to rein it in sometimes but I think you are on to something with the naked blogging…. I won’t suggest it to him, I already know what he would say and I feel the cold. I wouldn’t like to vlog like that though 😉
#StayClassyMama

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Sinead (shinnersandthebrood.com) 23rd February 2017 - 11:56 am

I would TOTALLY read your book if it had more of your wit and honesty! Don’t rule it out! 🙂 #stayclassymama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 6:07 pm

Whoo win..sale number one…will call random house now! Thank you for commenting honey xx

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Jeannette 23rd February 2017 - 11:27 am

Love this. People expect bloggers to be pro writers, photographers, editors, time keepers, technies and a whole lot more. All I want to do is blog and have fun – when my life allows it! #stayclassymama

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Aleena 23rd February 2017 - 10:40 am

Hahaha I love this – I read this a few days ago and when I saw it on the link-up couldn’t wait to read it again, because I am with you on every point!! It’s a good job we do this because we love it, right?! #StayClassyMama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 6:28 pm

I do love it, the days I get frustrated and annoyed with it are the days I know I need to step back and remind myself why I am doing this that it is for enjoyment x

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Stephanie 23rd February 2017 - 10:14 am

I feel you on so many of these. My condo is often my biggest source of irritation for photo taking. I feel like there is stuff everywhere, ugly TV cables, etc. Also, the lighting sucks. Good to know I’m not alone! #stayclassymama

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MomOfTwoLittleGirls 23rd February 2017 - 9:25 am

Love this. Also love the ‘free motorbike or beer’ … great contrast of extremes but both equally acceptable!
#stayclassymama

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Alison (MadHouseMum) 23rd February 2017 - 9:05 am

I love this post! Partly because I now know what #pblogger means (I know, I know, I am slow). Writing is cathartic and for many people, that’s enough. That and knowing others may enjoy and be inspired by what we write. Your job must be incredibly harrowing, so I’m sure that blogging is a form of escapism for you in a way. Keep doing what you love, that’s my philosophy. Alison x #StayClassyMama

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 6:30 pm

Its a fantastic philosophy, I love blogging because its such a different thing from my everyday work, its about me being able to share feelings and challenges which is nice when I spend the days supporting others, its a good balance and there are so many amazing other people out there writing and commenting and helping its nice to feel not alone in the parenting world xx

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Sally 23rd February 2017 - 7:55 am

Love this post! Isn’t it about keeping it real! You may not have or do any of the things you mention above but you write damn well! Your blog has so much personality. Plus pro blogger is a made up term. We are all doing to same thing!

Sally @ Life Loving

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Jessicah 23rd February 2017 - 7:03 am

Oh my god! I can’t get my toddler to stay still for a photo let alone pose!! I’m passionate about blogging but I don’t think I’ll make it either. I feel ta girl!! #stayclassymama

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Pam lorimer 22nd February 2017 - 10:37 pm

Great post! Love the honesty and hilarity! I started blogging fairly recently and came at it with a certain naivety. I enjoy writing and making people laugh for me that was all I want to achieve. But…the creeping addiction of twitter and facebook and ‘views’ have taken over of late and I found myself uoset that one of my posts didnt get lots if hits. I had to sit down and have myself a good think and decided that really, at the end of the day if I have succeeded in keeping the kids alive, brought home the proverbial bacon, and am still on nodding terms wuth the hubby, then making a connection to even one person through my writing is a bonus! Il take that.
Carry on the amazing work you are doing. P.s your family are beautiful!
#stayclasaymama
Pam xx

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Jade 24th February 2017 - 6:39 pm

You do definitely have to balance the addiction! I saw a lovely comment today that if 50 people like a post then that’s like having you do a presentation to a room full of 50 people, and that’s pretty impressive :)nodding terms with hubby lol xx

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Mel Davies 20th February 2017 - 10:58 pm

I am in love with this post and its truly something I relate to! Your job sounds very stressful but I am sure it can also be rewarding and to be honest, I think I would have enjoyed singing My Little Pony songs myself.

Mel
xoxo

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Jenny Dunn 7th February 2017 - 9:28 pm

I don’t drink wine or coffee so I feel like I’m a fraud of a parent. Don’t worry! ! You’re doing a great job.

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Ali Duke 1st February 2017 - 8:35 pm

I am not sure if I will ever make it as a pro blogger, but I am enjoying finding out if I can. My house is kinda tidy, when I need to take a blog photo or video I tidy the bits that can be seen and that’s it lol.

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Crummy Mummy 30th January 2017 - 6:29 pm

If being a pro blogger means earning an income from blogging then I do, but it’s not my sole source of income and I doubt it ever will be. I’d love it if it was though! #thelistlinky

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Emma T 29th January 2017 - 11:31 pm

Ha ha, this is me too. Especially the bit about the OH’s view of the internet.

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RachelSwirl 29th January 2017 - 9:51 pm

We sound very similar in terms of how our house looks lol

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Sarah 28th January 2017 - 9:35 pm

This. This is everything. Is this written about me? 😉
P.S SEMI COLON IS FOR WINKY FACE. Hahaha

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Rebecca 28th January 2017 - 6:51 pm

I feel success is whatever you want it to be. The fact that you HAVE a blog and write on it is amazing! It took me AAAAAGES to actually pluck up the courage to figure it all out! <3 Id love for it to become my main source of income but I find it very difficult to gather funds from potential collaborators… mainly just gifted products which is a lovely gesture but not enough to make a living from! I work full time too so until I can afford not to do that I don't actually DO enough to write about or have enough free time to attend 'meet ups' and blogging conferences/events. Its just nice to be part of the blogosphere… everyone is so lovely, its like a lovely little community! <3 #thelist

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Lucy At Home 27th January 2017 - 2:09 pm

Hehe great post! My house is always messy too and my only reasonable photo backdrop is the decking in our garden but, being winter and living in the very rainy UK, this has been a tough few months, photography-wise! Haha. Just enjoy blogging in the way that you want to and don’t worry about being pro #TheListLinky

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Emma 23rd January 2017 - 9:34 pm

What the lady above said! This made me laugh because I would love a dog that I could Insta the shizzle out of. One of those labradoodles one. Also I have children that refuse to smile sweetly for Instagram most of the time. Hence why their photos are mostly from the back. Cunning! Finally, can I say how jealous of your Only Fools and Horses photo that that you have! Best TV programme ever.

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Karen | TwoTinyHands 23rd January 2017 - 8:49 pm

Yay for the free cookies!! Pro is overrated any way isn’t it? I’m not convinced it’d be any fun, stay in the ranks of the cool kids and just blog! X

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Katie Davis 23rd January 2017 - 8:45 pm

You are a success and i believe one day pro will be a doddle for you. You just need to get some more of your ducks in a row xxx
Love you x

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