Sunday, January 29, 2012

Weekly Blogging Tip - How Helpful is Your Blog?

Why should readers come back to your blog? Does it have informative content? Does it provide inspiration? Does it give others ideas? Or is your blog full of random rants that are completely useless?

When my husband inquisitively asked me why should people take an interest in returning to my blog, I honestly had no idea. As foolish as his question made me feel, it did spark a thought: Why do I go back to certain blogs and websites myself?

AHA! Because they are helpful.


The more you offer your readers, the more readers will return.


Hence, if I want people to come back to The Girlie Blog, I need to have something to offer. I need to give readers helpful information.

Always willing to learn, I composed a list of traits from fellow beauty, fashion and lifestyle bloggers that seemed helpful to me. I hope they give you ideas on how you can make your blog more useful as well:

Beauty Tips and Tutorials

Do you grow tired of the same skincare and makeup routine? Wearing the same shade of taupe everyday gets boring. 

To jazz up my look, or to learn how to do something better, I resort to fellow bloggers' tips, tricks and tutorials. 

Not only do they give me ideas, they help me become better at something I am interested in.

Problogger.net is a great place to learn better blogging.


Outfit Ideas and Inspiration

One area I need improvement on is to dress better. Seeing other fashion bloggers in various styles motivates me to be more thoughtful about outfits, and find my own personal style.

Product Reviews

Are you curious about how certain products work, but don't want to shell out the money to try them yourself?

Product reviews by other bloggers can help you with this. Spoken from first-hand experiences, reviews let everyone know the in's and out's, likes and dislikes, of things others want to try.

If you have used a product, blog about your experience. I'm sure someone out there is just dying to know.

Interesting Facts
People generally like to learn. So if you know of any interesting facts about something, especially something within your niche, do share.

By the way, why do pores appear larger as we age? How does one's hair turn gray?

You get the idea.

DIY Projects

Weather you make jewelry or radio controlled gadgets, DIY projects are fun to learn about. You not only teach others something new, these projects are fun to do as well.

Feel Good Content

Have you ever overcome fear of heights by forcing yourself out a plane? Stood up to death by beating an illness? Or discovered yourself again -- and the fact that electricity is totally unnecessary -- by taking a month sabbatical in the jungles of South America?

Tell me your experience, and the life lessons that you have learned. Please inspire me with great stories -- big or small. 

Please let me know that there are worthier reasons to live than facebook, Chanel bags, 400-dollar boots, and being the prettiest girl in the bunch.

Problogger's blog offers daily blogging tips.


Girlie Blog's Next Goal

In last week's blogging tip, I talked about having goals. Now, I am making a new one:

To have at least two helpful posts a week.

Sure there are filler posts in between, but from now on, I will focus on providing helpful content to readers, so they get something out of returning to The Girlie Blog.


What type of blog do you find helpful?




85 comments:

  1. I totally agree with all the tips you have mentioned!
    I usually come back to visit a blog because for some reason I found it very inspiring and helpfull, so I'll come back to see yours more often ;)

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  2. Since I am a new mom, anything related to babies but I do love any makeup post.

    Mandy
    http://www.bunnygirlblog.com

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  3. amanzingly enough, it's true. At first of all everybody visits your blog, but if they dont find something what can help them and if you aren't changing constantly and thinking about what really things like you to share them with others, you blog start to come down. Sometimes it's very difficult to have imagination to put post, but you have to try it¡¡¡
    good luck darling from spain

    http://thetrendyfrog.blogspot.com/

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  4. i love a blog with amazing photography and great outfits :) i can't wait to see more from you <3

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  5. Wonderful blogging goal, darling!

    I find blogs with shopping suggestions/links to be very helpful :)

    xoxox,
    CC

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  6. These tips are very helpful and so true. I am usually coming back to a blog because of the inspiring photos and person's kind attitude. Kindness to me is a deal breaker. Even if I'm going to like the visual presentation, but through text there's an attitude, I won't come back. Thank you so much for this information because you just made me think about a lot of things :)
    Good luck!

    skinnymoonstick.blogspot.com

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  7. Great tips :) I find I gravitate towards blogs with information and helpful advice written in a fun way with good pictures.

    http://bowtiedbeauty.blogspot.com/

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  8. I like your tips and helpful guide. I do love your blog and anything w/ it also my inspiration. I personally start blogging and posting all about experiences of my life. I learn blogging last year but still now kind a slow and nothing happen farther with it but I am happy to stayed and send comment who truly care here. intentional meet new friend thats all I want.....

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  9. This is great advice! Thanks so much!! I find your blog helpful!

    www.jennafifi.com

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  10. I just found your blog, and I think it's very helpful :) These are all great ideas that every blogger can learn from!

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  11. Its true people return to blogs where they find alot of useful information (such as ur girlie girl posts hehehe), though I like to read rants and interesting stories as well! :P
    Stalker much?

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  12. I love a beauty blog with tons of product reviews.I really like trying out new products and reading other reviews helps me to trim down my make-up to buy list if I read bad reviews on certain products. But I find that actually reading reviews makes me what to try every single product out there because girls raved about them.Sigh. I call it the ''curse of being a beauty junkie/blogger. haha :D

    PS I can't wait for your helpful posts. :D

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  13. this topic is very helpful, thanx dear i will work on this

    www.mrs-ca.blogspot.com

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  14. this topic is very helpful, thanx dear i will work on this

    www.mrs-ca.blogspot.com

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  15. I agree with you girl! I'm gonna start soon some posts called lifestyle about cool gadgets and stuff like hair products/fragrances etc. It'll be helpful I think!!

    http://thewild-swans.blogspot.com

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  16. Great tips! I love going back to blogs with EOTD and reviews because they just give me ideas on new looks and what I should check out in stores. Thank you for this!

    casual-beauty.blogspot.com

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  17. grt post i love blogs with presentable photographs n product reviews

    m new follower i would lov if u follow back

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  18. Such a great idea!

    Www.allthingsbeautymake-upandshopping.blogspot.com

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  19. I love blogs that have outfit posts, it gives me inspiration to try mixing and matching what they did and incorporating it into my own wardrobe! Those are always interesting. Great post! xox

    http://fatal-fashion.blogspot.com

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  20. I like blogs I can get inspiration from. I love fashion blogs and blogs to teach me about makeup. Your blog gives me a bit of everything that's why I and so many other people adore it. xoxo

    http://nyorkeratheart.blogspot.com

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  21. I like blogs that share different experiences - like new restaurants or new tips or new holiday etc - its interesting and makes me want to vist that place or try something new myself!

    J <3

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  22. I love posts on fashion, beauty and lifestyle xx love your blog maybe we can follow each other xx

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  23. Love this post! The reason I kept coming back to your blog was you followed and commented my blog. Forever grateful!! Once a friend always a friend!

    I learned a lot from your post and it made me think about my blog in a whole new light.

    Thank you.
    <3 http://swbeautifullife.blogspot.com

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  24. Good idea! One benefit of blogging is that in order to keep your audience interested, we're constantly having to figure out ways to keep ourselves interested by exploring new topics and new things!

    One thing I really like about your blog was your exercise tips! You always had interesting new routines that help me a lot!

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  25. Great advice!

    Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I've nominated you for an award. You can see it on my blog.
    coffeebreakcrn.blogspot.com

    congrats =)

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  26. Great post!!! I should follow some of these tips too.

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  27. Love all of this! I've been looking to improve on the information I give my readers as well, and I've come to find out that tutorials for beauty and hair are by far the most popular. I think it's a great goal to do two posts per week that are helpful for readers. I know that I really find information like DIY, tutorials, and how-tos helpful as I look to expand upon my own creativity. Wonderful post! :)
    xo
    Missy
    http://www.popofstyle.com

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  28. this is lovely :) thank you!
    veronika
    www.livinginwinterpeg.blogspot.com

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  29. great post...always good to be reminded of these things xo we return to your blog to see your outfits, learn a beauty tip, see what you are up to and hump day hunk is always a bonus. xo

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  30. Happy New Year! I just scrolled down to see that you went to Thai Ginger for CNY! Love that place, I use to be in consulting and had a project in Seattle and would fly out each week. Loved the pacific place. You are absolutely right, if you are going to blog, your post should offer your reader something, if they've got 3 minutes to spare on your blog, give them the best 3 minutes you possibly can.

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  31. great ideas! Thanks for the post! I needed some tips!


    http://brightandsassy.blogspot.com/

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  32. WoW!!! I LOVE this post! Very interesting and motivational!!!
    I will do my best to use all those ideas to make my blog more useful!!!
    As to me, I love to read travel photography posts and fashion trends posts.
    I also love blogs about affortable fashion and personal style.
    Love your blog, dear. Very useful!

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  33. Amazing post! Really love the topic.Am defo following...And would really appreciate if you did the same. ;)
    http://lifewidmorbid.blogspot.com/

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  34. great tips! thanks for sharing! :)

    http://allthemarvelousthings.blogspot.com/

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  35. Amazing tips on great post!
    I LOVE this blog! and youre lovely :D
    ♡ xoxo
    wieczorama Fotoblog

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  36. It can actually depend on the day. I have blog cravings! I have had the same concern with my blog. Being a baby blogger you can get a bit sidetracked and end up going in one hundred different directions! I recently started a poll, during the countdown until my blog's one year anniversary, to help me pinpoint what is my readers like the most about my space... it's been extremely helpful! Great post Love!

    Love & Lollies... Jessa

    Confessions of the Cupcake Countessa

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  37. really interesting, my blog is mainly outfits|

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  38. i love u my dear, u have been passing on my blog, thanx in advance.

    keep visiting www.mrs-ca.blogspot.com

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  39. very insightful post, great tips too. I definitely will review my blog now and then to make sure it has something to offer to my followers. I like your product reviews and make up tips, they are very helpful!

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

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  40. I like to see DIY projects :=)

    http://rainbowgatherer.blogspot.com

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  41. This is such a great post! I find this helpful! I also go back to any types of blogs that inspire no matter whether it's fashion, make up, cooking ...

    Thank you so much for being so sweet and supportive to me ever since you've first landed on my blog I really appreciated and it means the world!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://www.fashionthrill.com/

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  42. This post is so helpful!

    xoxo, Oana

    http://genefalsesiprajiturele.blogspot.com

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  43. You have a lovely blog, dear.... the feel good factor is important for me...your blog covers this factor very well :)

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  44. Nice post and thats a very good list.

    What really stands out on your blog already is your genuineness and the gorgeous photography.

    I don't think you need to do more than a little tweaking to attract more "sticky" readers and followers.

    Now ... I have a question you can help me with ;-) I bought a pretty open weave white cotton button-front peplum blouse just 'cause I loved it. I still do, but can't find things to wear under it. Any suggestions from a fashionista like you would be welcome.

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  45. Great blogging tips. Every now and then I need to be reminded what blogging is all about. Readers looking for ideas, information, and inspiration. Thank you, Laura

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  46. I agree with your tips! They are great. I have been MIA because I have been so busy with school and things in life but I still find time to blog occasionally.

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  47. great blog!! take a look at mine and follow if you want! www.therollingpictures.blogspot.com <3

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  48. I dont think ive ever thought about it in that way because initially i just started blogging because i wanted to keep an online journal of my life! But i love seeing familiar people leave comments and having contacts across the globe or when people compliment certain things about my post. I always enjoy your lovely comments :D

    www.candypop-lamour.blogspot.com

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  49. this is an interesting break down.. I have never questioned about it and I prefer do it more as an interest and if it helps people on the way then it's a bonus for me :)

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  50. Very thought provoking post - and I really enjoyed your reader's opinions! Informative is great but I also need pretty visuals. I don't like anything too wordy! I love to be informed and inspired...

    Good luck with the new goals you've set for yourself - I look forward to the results!

    http://www.inherentstylela.com/

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  51. I enjoy DIY and fashion the best, but again that's what I like to write about.

    Stop by and visit me soon!
    http://eloquentenglish1.blogspot.com/

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  52. I like blogs that make me feel like they're open with me and giving me a peek into their life, while giving me helpful tips concerning outfits or makeup.

    Thanks for these tips! I'm going to have to take some into consideration when thinking about growing my own blog!

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  53. Very well said. Well I get bored with the blogs that have the same thing. I like post which are different and something to look at. Also travel advice sort of thing.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  54. I am totally book marking this post hun, probably one of my top faves of yours!

    It's true, sometimes there ar blogs that exists just as collection of random thoughts but if you want something more with subtance, you need to define where it is you want to go!

    Love it. Keep coming up with more@

    oxo.

    ML

    p.s. Thank you for always visiting Twenty York Street, I assume you like it right?

    =)

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  55. Great post!!! xoxo

    www.rockandfrock.com

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  56. Very helpful post =)
    i'm a new follower!
    byeee
    Memi

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  57. wow awesome post! you gave such great tips:)

    http://www.shellzdoll.com/

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  58. These are great tips. You're taking a very methodical approach to blogging, one that I am sure will pay off. Speaking of helpful; I enjoyed your fun Chinese NY facts!

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  59. Your tips are very true! Glad I stumbled across your blog; check mine out so we can follow each other!

    xoxo,
    Paris

    glitteratiandglamour.blogspot.com

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  60. I actually made myself the same question before I continued blogging this year. Alas, it is a bit of a mystery I suppose why people go back!

    I love reading some blogs that have insightful comments (preferably those like Garance Dore which make me laugh somewhat!)... beautiful photography and style never hurt anyone either!

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  61. What a wonderful post! I was just sitting down to think to myself about different posts, ideas, and what to do in the next couple of months when I may not be able to do outfit posts :) I love what you said and hope I can continue to bring readers in with something interesting.

    Red Soles and Red Wine

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  62. Great tips! I find blogs on personal style with outfit remixes that show different ways to style the same piece helpful and of course DIYs and blogs that offer tips on thrifting or finding great looks for less.

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  63. I got to blogs for different reasons. I have blogger buddies (like you) and I also like visiting their blogs because they have great pictures, useful posts, or fun finds. I definitely like a blog that has a mix of things!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  64. Cool post =]. I think photography blogs are helpful, because they somethimes give me a good inspiration =]! I mostly search for blogs like that =]!

    xx Katy ^^!

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  65. It's always interesting to see what post get the most hits on your blog. I def. see that DIY projects and outfit post get a lot of hits on my site. I like sticking with structure on my blog like "weekly articles" since it not only helps keep me focused and on a routine but keeps the blog cohesive. I like structure lol

    http://fashionistanygirl.blogspot.com/

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  66. Great post. I couldn't have said it better myself.

    I return to blogs I find interesting and useful also. I also follow those that are true to themselves and truly appreciate their readers. There are so many bloggers out there that forget their readers just because they made it big. You can tell from the ones that care from the ones that care only about themselves.

    And content is everything, I also agree with that. Thanks for this post.

    http://myminibag.blogspot.com/

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  67. Thanks for these tips! I definitely enjoy inspirational posts and tutorials:) You're doing a great job here:) -A

    Blurbs|Blog

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  68. This blog is great source of information which is very useful for me. Thank you very much.
    BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR GIRLS ON VALENTINE DAY..

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  69. So very true! It's great that you even mention about the Pro Blogger, because thankfully I read quite a bit of his tips before starting my own blog. So from the beginning I knew that I wanted to provide useful information at least most of the time; like you said, the filler posts are nice too.
    So far I mostly follow style and lifestyle blogs. Certainly I return to them because they're inspiring -and- because of their writing style. If the attitude isn't pleasant, I won't return, even if they have nice pictures...Keep up the great work!

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  70. thanks for this advice! Oh no. need to take a second look on my blog. :(
    it seems to be all about vanity there.

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  71. I love your site, it is very cute and full of great information. I have posted your blog as one of the sites I am following onto my website :) keep up the great work!

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  72. Great and helpful tips.
    Each Monday, I add feel good content on my blog. I suggest tips to recover from Monday syndrome.
    And each Wednesday, I share inspirational photos.
    Hope those help my followers.
    Have a Cupcake sweet week;)
    http://gonchagoncha.blogspot.com/

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  73. I'm visiting from Mongs and Thrifty Closet. Thanks for the tips.

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  74. I love the drawing of before and after followers!! hilarious and so true.

    <3 Marina
    Fashion.MakeUp.LifeStyle

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  75. Very good topic and tip!

    This is actually very helpful!!!!

    www.beautybyvanexa.blogspot.com

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  76. wow these tips are quite helpful! in my case, i like discovering blogs especially those about beauty/cosmetics and fashion! and i keep coming back to bloggers who keep on commenting on my blog.. it's a win win situation :)

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  77. I agree for sure and that's what I'm trying to do with my blog as well! I have a lot of interests and I try to put them all in my blog that is also a sort of diary for me :)
    I hope you can visit it a bit!
    thank you
    Chiara
    chiaweb.it

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  78. I love to write... to tell stories - it's my outlet. I guess if you are blogging to make a career out of it or get sponsored, you are dead-on! Yours is very entertaining.

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  79. These are such great tips. I was recently asked why people should return to my blog and I was totally stumped.

    http://www.lyzhang.com

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  80. Wow I loved the little paint :-) it is true..returning visitors are really less than the initials!

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  81. great post! very informative
    i'll definitely be coming back :)

    hope you check out my blog as well and hopefully find it helpful xxx

    http://sevenautumnleaves.blogspot.com.au/

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  82. Loved this post! Thanks for sharing!

    Come stop by!

    xoNS

    www.athoughtinthemindof.blogspot.com

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  83. Great post! I never truly thought about that because my blog started out as a creative outlet and fashion experiment. I think your blog is rather helpful, so I will definitely be back! -Jessica

    THEJESSICALBLOG.COM

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