love what you do desktop background

Blogging Checklist for Beginner Bloggers

I’ve been blogging for a while now (liiiike 5ish years?) which is totally crazy. Of course, Ampersand has grown and changed since the beginning (you should have seen the first version! totally different) & it was only in the past 2ish years that I became “more serious” about blogging (read: consistently posting/promoting my content). Even though I’ve been blogging for a while, I still don’t consider myself an “expert blogger.” I’m always flattered/surprised when new bloggers reach out to me via email/social media and ask how I got started/any advice I have. It sorta got me thinking that maybe I do know a little something about blogging & I’ve finally created a “blogging routine” that I think may help new bloggers get started. 

So if you’re new to blogging, 1. WELCOME! So glad you’re part of the blogging world and 2. here’s my blogging checklist aka the process I go through for every post. Of course, part of the fun of blogging is creating your own routine/process but use this as a place to get started. Still have questions? Comment below or shoot me an email!! I love meeting new bloggers :)

love what you do desktop background

blogging necessities 

Continue reading

The Truth Behind Being a Blogger

Real talk: I haven’t really been into blogging lately. Some time around the holidays, I just felt like I was running out of steam. All year I was really good about posting twice a week, I was excited about my content, I was enthusiastic about sharing on social media…but then all of a sudden, I started feeling a little bit blah about it. Maybe it’s a little bit of burnout or maybe it’s a lack of inspiration due to the grey winter weather (seriously, I hate the cold), but blogging isn’t really all that fun for me right now.

***BUT! Don’t worry. This isn’t me about to tell you that Ampersand is over. It’s totally not. But I always try to be honest & authentic here with you so I figured I’d let you know what’s going on. Also, I thought it would be a good opportunity to shed some light on what it’s really like being a blogger (hint: it’s not as glamorous as it seems). Of course there are some not so good parts, but there are a lot of great parts too. So read on to find out the real truth about being a blogger.

(Side note: Seriously though, thank you to all my dedicated readers who keep coming back here week after week. Even when I get frustrated with blogging, I’m really humbled that you guys read what I write & even like it!! So thank you thank you thank you. You guys are the best). 

IMG_7730

^ #tbt to when Ampersand had that look when I first started out!

Continue reading

Links I Love: October

It’s hard to believe it’s already the second week of October! I feel like this month always goes by super quickly, not to mention that it’s been nothing short of c-r-a-z-y for me (in the best way). Anyways,  here’s a roundup of all the links I’ve been loving from my fellow bloggers. Show these ladies some love.

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

pretty white pumpkins

Continue reading