Last week I ended up taking an impromptu break from blogging. Between a nutrition seminar the Saturday before, and a Sunday spent cleaning all the messes left by our mouse visitor, I was left with no time to work on any projects or recipes like I usually do on weekends. (Although I did remember to take pictures of the Sweet Potato Hash while I made it!)
With a full-time job and two part-time jobs, plus regular physio and yoga, I am barely home long enough on weeknights to make dinner, unwind a bit and go to bed. That means that working on content for blog posts is usually reserved for weekends, or the rare weeknight that is free.
I edit the photos on my laptop while I watch TV and wind down at night. Writing is usually done in the last hour before I go to bed, and the editing is finished up while I eat breakfast at the computer.
Usually on weekends, I try to work on several projects or recipes. This is not only when I have the most time, but I also get natural light! It’s a bit easier in the warmer months, when we have light longer, but right now it is rarely light out before I leave for work or come home.
This may mean working on a couple of projects during the week, and then taking the photos on the weekend, or prepping a recipe on Friday night and making it Saturday morning. I love working on new content and I have to admit that I get most excited about these mornings when I get to get the creative side of my brain working.
How I Keep the Blog Organized
The only way that I can get posts done every week is by being organized. That means planning out what projects and recipes I want to accomplish every weekend, scheduling upcoming posts, and keeping on top of new ideas.
Everything to do with the blog is either stored electronically, or I keep it in this little notebook from the Martha Stewart Collection at Staples. I’ll do another post soon on how I store (and backup) everything electronically.
Inside the notebook, I keep a printed copy of my Blog Calendar for that month and the upcoming month. I update this every week electronically because things can change. I may want to move up the date for a certain post, or I may have a week like last week, where I only post once. This is also helpful to look back and see when I posted something.
DOWNLOAD BLOG CALENDAR 2013 TEMPLATE
Here is a template of the calendar that I use for 2013. I know that some bloggers like to have printed out calendars and write their blog post schedule on, but I prefer an electronic version for editing, and then just keeping a current printed version with me. I often highlight any projects that still need photos done on the upcoming weekend.
Having the whole calendar laid out also helps me plan out for the year. How soon should I start working on Easter ideas? Are there significant dates that I want to post about? Plan out pre-written blog posts for an upcoming vacation?
Inside the notebook there is also a handy little pocket. This is where I keep magazine clippings for some inspiration, recipes ideas (which reminds me that I still want to make those Salted Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!). I also keep a post-it note with supplies I need to pick up for upcoming projects.
Inside that pocket, I usually find many little scraps of paper with recipes scribbled on them. When inspiration strikes, I just jot it down on anything nearby, and then slip it into the notebook. Otherwise, I jot them right down in the notebook for a later date.
Even with all the planning and scheduling time for creating, taking photos and writing, there are still times when I just can’t get a post churned out in time for that day.
Hitting “publish” at the end of each post is incredibly satisfying and I feel so lucky to have this creative outlet, I just have to remind myself that this is a hobby and that I can give myself some slack from time-to-time. And just plan a bit better for the next week.
I struggle to find time for the blog with working and life in general sometimes. The winter months seem to be especially hard to fit everything in during the short days. I’m glad for the holidays during the winter months because they keep me inspired with ideas. I always love to see how other blogger stay organized. I prefer to organize electronically and jot ideas down in a notebook as well.
Thanks for stopping by, Kim. I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one that struggles with the balance, especially during the winter months.