Friday 28 July 2017

Hobby blogging

Hello. I like to tidy up my blog list on the sidebar from time to time, you will see it under the heading, 'Good blogs to read'. If someone hasn't posted for a while I remove them, you can't follow a blog when there are no updates. Ok, people might have a rest and start blogging later, in which case I will reinstate them. Some have been on my list for ages because I like reading them, and sometimes I fancy a change so I swap about, some go and some new ones appear. A bit like the friends and acquaintances you might meet in real life, people come and go.

I've added a new link to the list this morning.  Kate fits into the fugal, healthy eating, and needlecraft mold perfectly, and the plus point is that she isn't trying to sell anything. I can't be doing with blogs that are littered with advertising. I had a look at one this morning, found by me being nosy and clicking a link. Oh dear, praising herself up to the hilt, how she was making a ton of dosh from her blog, and if you pay her X amount of £'s she would let you into her secrets. I think we've all come across them from time to time, they pop up in the media with their rags to riches stories. No. I'm not jealous, it's just that I don't believe a word they say because they are being paid by whoever.

Anyway, that's the end of that gripe, each to their own as people often say. I've had a dabble at running a small business, twice, each time I didn't make much from them, just about covered my costs. I did enjoy running an introduction agency/singles club, it was fun. I also enjoyed buying in fancy goods and giftware with a cat theme and taking my mobile shop around the country to events. Hard work but enjoyable. Guess I'm never going to be rich, so I have given up trying.

I digress. Kate sent me an email, parts of which which I will copy here. I think she won't mind.

I just believe in sharing and it costs nothing to give away something that hasn't even cost me anything.  My blog is small, I don't have any sponsors not will I ever want any, I just blog because I enjoy it, and I have 'met' such lovely people from all over the world.  I have been so lucky in my life, I even have both my parents at 63 and until last year my husband had both his too, not many couples in their 60s can say that.  I'm giving up work in October, I only work part time but even that is more than I want to, I have enough contributions for a full pension when the time comes and until then my husband who is still working at 65 will pay the bills and I will live off my savings.  We are looking to downsize in a couple of years when he stops working (he loves his job teaching meditation courses) but until then it is more convenient to live where we are.  I'm seeing giving up work as a new challenge, I want to get fitter and change our diets (we are vegetarian but eat too much quorn and cheese), and there are so many needlecraft I haven't tried yet.  Sorry, I tend to ramble on a bit. 

Welcome Kate. You will find her blog on the sidebar, she is mainly about quilting, and other stuff, and if you get lost it is here. Smiles from Kate.  I like smiley people. Have a look and see what you think.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

20 comments:

  1. You got me excited there at the thought of a great new blog to follow until I realised that I 'd discovered Kate first! She's a lovely lady with a fun blog.

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    1. I haven't got time to read all the blogs, so I am a bit late catching up.

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  2. Well Kate sounds lovely and I shall have a look at her blog X thank you for bringing it to my attention X best wishes to you X col

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  3. I have been followingKaties blog for sone while now and find it interesting. I seem to learn something new about you Ilona frequently today was you running an agency I bet that was fun. Look forward to seeing more of your new sewing project.
    Have a good weekend.
    Hazel c uk

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  4. I'm not sure why more people dont "springclean" and remove very old blogs from their lists. It's annoying to spot something that looks interesting only to find they last posted 6 months ago.
    Lots of folk still have my old blog listed and I want to wave at them and say HEY I'm not there! I'm over here!

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  5. thanks for keeping my blog in the side bar Ilona. I will have a look around Kates blog this evening.

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  6. Thank you very much for adding me to your blog roll. My little blog's rather on the quirky side, but I have so enjoyed scribbling away these past few years and the contact it's brought me with fellow bloggers.
    Arilx

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  7. I believe I introduced you to Kate last year when I shared her sewing tutorial for a Christmas star. I love reading her blog and she always has something of interest to share :)

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    1. Yes, I couldn't remember who it was. I've had a shake up of my sidebar so she fits on there nicely now.

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  8. thanks for the heads up on Kate's blog...I don't care for blogs with advertising either...a tiny bit is one thing...I only do my own advertising on my blog...I design patterns for hooked rugs every now and then...and turn away all offers of a sponsored post...recently introduced my sister to your blog and you inspired her to retire!

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    1. I don't mind the odd advert now and again, but when they are plastered with them that's another matter. Good luck to your sis, I hope she has a brilliant retirement.

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  9. I have been arguing with myself over this issue. I would love to make a bit of money from my blog but it is about frugality and being sensible with money so I don't want to have loads of ads getting in the way of the text. I was reading a nice blog recently about money saving, when a Wonga ad popped up. What the hell?? Ilona - if you wanted to you could make stacks from this one :). I wish you would write a book of your money saving tips and stories anyway.
    Jane

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    1. It's difficult to find a compromise, Jane. A small advert which could be useful to the readers isn't too bad. But Wonga! Hell no.

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  10. I joined an introduction agency once Ilona - I had such high hopes at the time too.It was a well-known one-not sure if they are still in business x

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  11. I'm gradually weeding my bloglist...but there is always the hope that a good one will re-start...

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  12. I really admire everyone who blogs. I've tried it myself a couple of times but after a while I get tired of it, I find it difficult to keep up posting regularly. It is a big commitment. I do love reading about people's lives and interests etc. A lot of adverts can be off putting though, I agree.

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  13. Thank you for the links. I adore reading Cassie Stephens' blog - her enthusiasm for art and life is contagious! I collect miniatures and I have made (and even met) several new friends through their blogs. I am always amazed at bloggers who use their blog to ask for things (from their readers, shops etc.). Maybe it's a way to get "freebies", but I find it a turn off. You should write a book as suggested! You are resourceful and humorous all in one. Hugs from Barbara (Canada)

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  14. Thank you so much for adding my blog to your list Ilona, I've never had so many views, it almost knocked me silly(er). I hope I live up to your expectations.

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  15. I know exactly what you mean about blogs with a lot of ads. They turn me off and I come away so disappointed. Here in the US they call it "monetizing" your blog.

    I initially come across a blog that interests me on Pinterest because of it's content (either vegan cooking or gardening or crafting) and then follow the link and "voila" the blog is littered with adverts; so much so that it's almost impossible to read the article I originally went there to read because of the distracting ads and "pop-ups".

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