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when this blog grows up – a link party

March 5, 2012 19 Comments

A few of my favorites (Cassie, Ange, among others) have been posting about what their blog will be like when it grows up. I’ve been blogging for a little over a year. I started this blog with no expectations other than to keep my friends and family updated on our renovations. I still have no real expectations. I will tell you what I do know…

I want to always be me. Those who are close to me in real life say this blog reads like I speak. Will it be the wittiest and most eloquent blog you have ever read? No, that really isn’t me. As I get older, I realize I don’t want to be anyone else. I want to be the best that I can be. 

Via 

I want to keep it real. Renovations cost money and take time. We are both working professionals who have never been handed anything in our lives. We don’t have endless funds so the list of projects for this house will be dragged out for years…not weeks. My house will never be perfect and that is okay by me. 

Via
I want to always be nice. I’m not a mean. I’m not catty. I don’t want to be jealous of others and their perfect lives and perfect homes. I want to stay happy for what I have. I am nice to everyone because I expect the same in return. 

Via

I want to have a clearer direction. For the most part, my posts are about my crafts and DIY renovations/projects. Sometimes I’m a bit distracted but I would like my blog to be more cohesive for the most part. I want my readers to know who I am and why I post what I do. 

Via
I want to make more connections. Not followers or hits. The numbers are nice but I would rather develop the actual relationships. Are you inspired? Do I make you smile? Does my post give you the confidence to tackle something? That is what I want. I don’t care that much about the rest. I want you here because you want to be here. 
Via

That is all. That is what I want and expect when this little ol’ blog decides to grow up. If ever does 🙂
Thanks for following Directions Not Included!

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Filed Under: blogging Tagged With: blog love

About Anna@DirectionsNotIncluded

Hi there! I'm Anna, the voice behind Directions Not Included. I'm a marketer, crafter, DIYer and lover of all things home related. You can usually find me covered in paint, cuddled with one of my pets or in front of a computer or other digital device. Thanks for reading Directions Not Included. I hope you stick around.

Comments

  1. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Perfect post and perfect reason to have a blog. I so agree. I just want to show my latest “whatever” that makes me happy and was fun to do. I can’t do everything and my home is so far from perfect, nothing grand, just real life living. I agree, the friendships I’ve made are the most important thing. I love that part the best. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  2. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    from my viewpoint you are already doing a great job with these goals! i agree about reality- chris and i are pretty much at a standstill with any bigger projects that will cost money…. my work situation has changed greatly since we moved. hopefully it will get better soon! 🙂
    anyhow, anna- i like you for you and come to your blog to see not only your projects, but the wonderful person behind them!

    Reply
  3. Smallgood says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Being true to yourself and doing what you love is fabulous. I think you’ll always be happy with your blog if those are your main goals. Keep on swimming! 🙂

    Reply
  4. jeanette from everton terrace says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Best version of me – fantastic.
    Good goals. I think blogging is different for everyone, we all get out here for varied reasons but the friendships, that’s the best reward in my book 🙂
    I could probably use a little more direction, like my thoughts, and my life, I tend to be all over the place.

    Reply
  5. Ange says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Wonderful post! That is exactly why people come here, because you are you! You are real and you aren’t perfect. At least that’s why I come. You are doing a great job of accomplishing your goals already Anna. So looking forward to meeting you in June! Only 15 more weeks but who’s counting? 😉

    Reply
  6. Kari Reynolds says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    Anna-

    You are absolutely perfect just the way you are. I love that you keep it real-DIY design and renovation costs time and money and it’s nice to not be the only blogger on a budget! I’ve loved getting to know you better and am excited for all the fun adventures you’ll go on in the future. Keep being awesome!

    Kari
    Newlyweds on a Budget

    Reply
  7. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    March 5, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Great goals! And I love your blog and what you write about! I hear you on being more cohesive! I definitely need to work on that too!

    Reply
  8. Rebecca @ Time to Organize says

    March 5, 2012 at 6:37 pm

    Very well put!

    Reply
  9. Eclectically Vintage says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    Love that you focus on the quality of your relationships – not just the number of readers! I’ve made some great friends through my blog – it’s the best perk!
    Glad to have found you – happy you joined our party – and your newest follower!
    Kelly

    Reply
  10. Tiffany Staples says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    What a great post! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and it seems to me like you are succeeding with the things you mentioned. Keep it up!
    Tiffany @ Pixie Pattern and Sewing

    Reply
  11. DecorandtheDog says

    March 6, 2012 at 2:30 am

    Great post! My favorite blogs are the ones that put themselves out there. You’re definitely headed in the right direction!

    Reply
  12. Lindsey {Simply Stylish} says

    March 6, 2012 at 4:36 am

    Hi Anna! I just visited your blog for the first time tonite. I just read your post today and I love it! You can only be you and that’s good enough! I sometimes feel the same way- no money tree in the back yard to pull from for every DIY project to crank out in one day. I just had baby #2 in November and I feel like its takes me FOREVER to complete anything. I am a brand new blogger and the learning curve is HUGE!! Thanks for such a great reminder that its okay not be able to do everything at once! Can’t wait to dig around your blog some more and now you have a new follower!! Also, I saw you have a Haven button- I will be there too!! Going with another blog friend (and “real life” friend) and it will be my first conference! 🙂

    Reply
  13. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 6, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    Thank you so much for linking up at the party. You have an incredible “voice” when you write and I am so glad that you are staying true to that. Thanks for the inspiration.

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  14. Homestyling101 says

    March 6, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    Thanks for writing a blog with that honest perspective! I love the quotes you included…must print out and post on my desk wall when I forget these monumental truths!

    Reply
  15. Bliss says

    March 7, 2012 at 5:06 am

    Nice goals and I especially liked the little positive reinforcement pictures to go along with the goals.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  16. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    March 7, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    Anna,

    Such lovely goals! I really like the “stay true to me” spirit infused in each one …

    … so very authentic. A very attractive blog trait!

    Thanks so much for linking up at our party!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  17. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    March 11, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    Anna – These are perfectly laid out goals. And so sincere…everyone is so genuine and heartfelt, I love the perspective.

    Thank you so much for linking up to our party, so sorry it has taken me so long to come check out your goals!
    Happy to be a new follower,
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog

    Reply
  18. Cheryl @ That's What Che Said says

    March 14, 2012 at 3:15 am

    Love this! That is all! 🙂

    Reply
  19. black caviar says

    July 28, 2022 at 8:10 pm

    I like reading your posts. very good blog! My web site: red caviar

    Reply

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dnirssyellow dnipinterestyellow dnifacebookyellow dniinstagramyellow AnnaDNI2014 Welcome to Directions Not Included. I'm Anna, the voice behind the blog. I'm a marketer, crafter, DIYer, and lover of wine and sushi. Oh and I love my husband Ray, too. I also seem to be a magnet for scruffy mutts and cats. Want to know more about us and what we are doing? Learn more here.

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Directions Not Included follows the DIY and craft adventures of two humans, three dogs and two cats as they take one old Florida home and make it theirs.

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