2 Whole Years Of Blogging

Today marks Lamb & Bears 2nd ‘blogiversary’. That’s right, 2 whole years of blogging!

I can’t decide if I feel like I’ve been a part of Lamb & Bear forever, or if I still feel like a complete newbie – probably the latter if I’m honest.

I would say my second year of blogging has been much more successful. I’ve worked with fab brands, developed amazing friendships, and even launched my own Lamb & Bear children’s clothing line! How crazy is that!

Blogging is now totally integrated into my life. I don’t see myself giving up any time soon. I’ve recently heard of a few bloggers who I’m friendly with are giving up or have given up and I totally respect their decision – blogging is hard work. I may go quiet every now and then when I completely lose my blogging mojo, but after a little time off I come back fighting.

Since the middle of October last year I have been unemployed. I was made redundant without notice and went from working 3 days a week to being at home full time. I made the difficult decision not to look for another job due to being pregnant and having Lamb to look after. I just didn’t want the extra pressure on myself to rearrange childcare and find a company willing to take me on 12 weeks pregnant.

Since I left my job I’ve seen a huge increase in traffic to my blog. It just shows how much effort you have to put in to be successful – again, blogging is not easy. I now try to post something everyday, and if I can’t you’ll certainly find me on social media updating you on our daily antics.

I can understand why people find blogging so interfering and invasive to lives. I’ll be honest, there’s rarely a time where my iPhone isn’t close by, but this is my job now and I’m taking it seriously.

2 years of blogging has seen me grow into… well, I’m not sure really. I wouldn’t say I was hugely influential and certainly not professional, but I’d say I’m creeping that way. At the end of last year I made it into the top 500 blogs of the Tots100 chart (out of 9000 registered blogs) and for me that was a milestone I’d only dreamed achieving. I sometimes have to take a moment to think about how good that is. I know not everyone is registered; there are some amazing blogs who aren’t, and if they were they would definitely be ranked higher than me, but top 500 is incredible.

(I’m currently 509th but shhhh that’s close enough 😉 )

So what does 2016 have in stall for Lamb & Bear?

As mentioned earlier I’m at home full time (and 24 weeks pregnant exactly). I will soon be given 3 days a week (I suppose that’s like being back in employment) to work on the blog and my clothing range (while Lamb is at nursery and Grandmas). My blog is slowly taking a new direction with the added bonus of a pregnancy category, so I’m now able to work with some amazing maternity and baby brands that I haven’t been able to in the past. I have a few collaborations lined up for when baby is here so keep your eyes peeled for those – I’m so excited!

Earlier this month I signed up for the Suffolk Baby Show and will be selling my leggings there, along with an new exclusive mini collection. I had quite a few of you request Dinosaurs for girls/unisex… watch this space! After the show any stock left will of course be sold in my online shop, so don’t worry if you can’t get to the baby show.

I won’t say which yet, but in a couple of days my leggings are going to be featured in a national parenting magazine that I’m so, so excited about. I’m still pinching myself that I’m being featured in one of the biggest baby mags going!

I’ve just teamed up with Beebies Baby Club to be featured in their brand new subscription service. I recently reviewed the subscription boxes (which you can read here) and am super excited my brand is going to be featured as of next month. If you haven’t visited the Beebies Baby Store, you really must. So many amazing products available in one place.

Of course the most exciting thing about 2016 is the arrival of baby number 2. I can’t say how easy I’m going to find blogging with 2 kids, it’s going to take a lot of preparation and organisation, but I’m determined to keep you all updated with what’s going on in the lives of Lamb & Bear. Warts and all!

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank every single person who has read my blog, commented, interacted with me on social media, and even bought my leggings. Without readers I have nothing. Well not nothing, I still have my blog as a way of documenting our lives and something to look back on, but it’s really not the same if others aren’t enjoying what you write.

I hope you continue to enjoy what I post, promote and publish and look forward to the next year of Lamb & Bear.

Ax