Thank Goodness For Great Reads

I want to thank everyone for their comments last week, when I shared what I am going through. I have read them all and feel very blessed to have so many incredible blogging friends.
I feel bad I haven't responded to them all yet. Other than a few things here and there, I decided in needed to take a little time away from the computer for a couple of days.

I have good news to finally share. The drug treatment I have been on since Tuesday has been helping significantly. I already feel a night and day difference.  It's not 100%, but it's definitely a HUGE improvement. I'm even less cranky to be around, LOL which is definitely a plus I am sure more for others, LOL

Taking it easy, not working, resting mostly has been helping so much.
If things keep going as they have been, I will be able to move onto the next phase which is Physical Therapy and bringing back exercise into my life again soon.

I won't lie, I am getting a little stir crazy and have this incredible itch to get out and play in the snow. We've had 2 beautiful storms dump a ton of snow on us this past week and looking out the window now, looks like it's starting to snow again. That isn't helping curb my urge to get out any!

However, one benefit of being forced to lay around a lot, is getting to read a lot of books. I'm trying to mix up the reading a little, with different variations. Last week I read 4 books.

I really loved Unforgiven, but I was a huge fan of the Fallen series before this one. If you liked that series, this is the angel bad boy Cam's story.
Velvet, was one of those books that surprised me how much I just liked the escape read. It was sort of a cross between Twilight and Vampire Diaries, I didn't think I would like it, but I couldn't put it down. Dance of the Red Death, was a little darker story kind of an Edgar Allen Poe spin off. This was actually the sequel to the first book I read last week.
On the Fence, was recommend to me by a friend. It was a cute sporty romance story, and a super fast read. Definitely one of those beach/vacation reads.

Yeah, I wasn't kidding when I said I am reading lots. I'm not a huge T.V. person, so books have been how I've gotten through my days.

I did take off for a couple hours on Friday to run a couple of errands. I had forgotten my passport needed to be renewed. I wanted to get that done before it expires. I have no trips planned for it right now, but always best to keep it active just in case something spur of the moment comes up, right!

I've been looking deeply into what I want to do now that I need to change what I do work wise. I'm even toying around with the idea of going back to college and getting another degree to open up other area's of opportunities.

If not going back to school, I've been all over the place on other ideas. So many friends and family keep coming up with their own ideas they think would be fabulous for me to start into a new career as. LOL
I had already been looking, but that's all it was looking.  Now that it's inevitable, I am both excited and apprehensive.
I'm not in a huge rush, but I want to make some definite decisions in February. So we shall see, what happens there! Frankly, I have absolutely no idea which direction I am going next.

Yup, that's it. Pretty boring life right now I know!

So, let me live through you, tell me something fun you did last week!

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin today for their Weekly Wrap!

Who is Runaway Bridal Planner and Do I Really Want to Know Her?

Welcome all of my incredible blogging friends.  I have really enjoyed hosting the two hops over the past month, I really appreciate all your hard work and participation it makes everything  I have put into it feel so worthwhile!

I'll be the first one to admit that I am different, completely non-perfect, a little odd, strange or weird at times. But I am sure about a few things, I am happy, I love life, love adventure, enjoy the big and little things and I am more than okay with being me.

So I am going to introduce myself to you, in the form of a bunch of random facts, mixed with my favorite quotes with my own photography from places I have been.  Allowing you a little insight into who is the gal behind Runaway Bridal Planner and do you really want to follow her blog.

I am a runner, up until a work injury I received almost 3 years ago I had been working on a goal to run a full marathon in each of the 50 states & D.C. I am currently at 32 completed and I am really looking forward to finishing battling back from this work injury and getting back into it and finishing the last 19, because frankly it's just a fun goal, and I want it badly!
Yes, I have hope I will heal and one thing anyone can say about me is, I am a gal who never gives up on that hope!

My main job, I am a wedding planner/decorator. I went to college for Interior Design and took a little time after to figure how the best way to use my skills and degree.  7 years ago I went out of my comfort zone and purchased an existing wedding decoration company and through the ups and downs have built it up to what it is today. I employ some of the greatest decorating team members ever, we seriously do make an amazing team, we make our clients very happy and have such a fun time doing it! Even on the crazy insane wedding days!

I've run 39 marathons. About 7 half marathon races.  I lost track years ago on how many 10k's and 5k's, but I do know the combined number is well over 100.  I seriously love all distances, even if my race of choice is 26.2.

I love to travel, and if it's a racecation all the better. I also like to take my camera with me and snap away with it. Which is why I host a Travel Tuesday series on my blog, and showcase a new place to visit, hike or see.  I've already showcased over 60+ destinations, if you want to check them out you can visit the Travel Tuesday page. Let's just say, being single does have it's benefits when it comes to being able to up and travel anytime I want!

In all the marathons and races I have done. I've never had a serious injury from running.
Sure, I have had injuries (like the current work one) that have kept me from running, but all were done while doing other things, because sometimes I forget I need to be careful at work or playing around! (It's true, I forget to think before I act, I'll be the first to admit I have my dumb moments.)

I attribute being a mostly injury free runner to a couple of factors. First, I train old school the way my dad trained me.  I believe in putting the weekly training miles in 5-6 days a week and definitely understand the importance of all those long runs!
But mostly think it's because I haven't gotten into any of the newer training trends that have come out on the market for runners over the last 10+ years.  In my mind I figure if most marathon runners in the 70's-90's were pretty healthy and injury free, and it seems like newer runners trying all these "new" methods nowadays get injured all the time.  I figure the older ways are good enough for me and why change what works for me!

I am the (self proclaimed) worlds greatest aunt.  I am an awesome aunt to 8 even more awesome kids and when I am not working I am usually out playing with them. They help keep me young, and I can pass on my love for camping, hiking and running to them.

I ran my first race (1/2 mi.) when I was in the 2nd grade and I remember it in detail to this day. Because I was so mad I came in 2nd and only 1st place got these cool Coke trophy's. When I was upset about it, I remember my dad taught me a valuable lesson.  He was proud of my accomplishment but reminded me if I want to do better and I want the trophy's, I could get them but I needed to work harder at it.
He was right, and I thank him and my mom for passing down hard work ethics and goal oriented determination that has helped me have the work philosophy and success in my life that I have had.
I do believe one of the reason's society is so messed up right now is because so many think no matter the effort everyone is equally deserving.  But nothing teaches you better long term life lessons than learning to work hard to get what you want and not stopping until you get it.  I think that is why I love running so much!

I am weird, If I run the entire way in a marathon and I am talking about the race to others I will say "I ran a marathon."  However, if I walked in the race at all (minus a few steps at water stations if its forced because they are crowded. ) I will tell you is "I finished a marathon."  I have a story behind this, as to why I am weird this way but it would make everyone roll their eyes. FYI, believe it or not, my mind doesn't generally think this way when others tell me about their races, it's just a personal thing and frankly it doesn't even really matter so I don't know why my mind keeps on this way. Again, like I said above, I am odd sometimes... lots of times, LOL

I am a thrill seeker and I am a little fearless (yet still careful) when it comes to exciting things. These are a few of my crazier adventures; Skydiving, Shark Diving, Kayaking in a portion of the Bermuda triangle, Para Sailing, Cliff Diving, Repelling,Rock Climbing, Caving, Canyoneering, Bungee Jumping. Mountain biking Moab Slickrock and Alaska Glacial landing near Denali.
Sometimes there is nothing better than the adrenaline you get trying something that scares you a little, or something that you know not everyone would be willing to do. (FYI: for skydiving, I made an attempt to pick the highest dive so I could have the longest freefall, just over 60 seconds of freefall from a little over 18,500 feet. So AWESOME! - I recommend a long freefall to anyone wanting to try it!)

I tried an ice bath twice (the NYC Marathon and Little Rock Marathon), I didn't notice it did much for me other than reward my efforts with freezing cold misery.
So I don't do them anymore, instead I have found a mile walk or very easy short run/hike the evening after a marathon helps the healing process and swelling even better or just as good.

I know several runners beg to differ, but I mean I just ran 26.2 and gave it my all, why on earth would I want to sit in a tub of cold water and ice cubes as a reward?  No thank you, I would rather reward myself with an ice cold Pepsi and a juicy burger or fat slice of pizza and enjoy rather than freeze to death after my accomplishment.

Just a few of my medal bling pretties :)

I grew up in a family that hunted, but somewhere through the years I found I enjoyed shooting them with my camera far more than a weapon and so did most of my family. Now I take my camera with me hiking each time just in case I see something amazing and I have given up hunting (for now)!
On a side note, I am an excellent shot and as the guys in my hunters safety class back when I was 13 learned as do the few I meet at the ranges now. I am one girl, you definitely don't want to bet against, I rarely miss and always hit my mark!
You can just see me dripping in humble pie now can't you, LOL.  But hey, if something about you in life is true, good or bad, you just gotta own it right!

I only display my marathon finisher medals, and first place finisher medals (even as few 1st's as there are.) The rest are in storage boxes or scrapbooks, however, I have also boxed up all first place medals and ribbons from my younger years.  There is just a point where too much is too much!
Additionally, I'd also rather not receive finishers medal in shorter races, I would much rather fun runs go back to how they used to be have some fun creative swag I could actually use or a free race picture instead. (I am well aware I am in the minority on this, and that is definitely okay:)

In my perfect world, I would be camping at a different location every other week! Oh, and there would be a considerable amount of hiking and fishing thrown into that!  I might as well throw in, that marrying an incredibly gorgeous guy both inside and out would also be a great bonus to bring along to my perfect mountain loving world! (As for the last part, I am working on that:)

I love to read, I have read 45 books this year, however I haven't had time to sit and read since before Labor Day. *insert my sad face* Last year I finished the year with 75 novels read, and I am pretty sure this year I won't come close to that. But I am definitely looking forward to Winter by Marissa Meyer that just came out last week.  I have it on hold at the library and hopefully it arrives asap and I will make time to read that one!

Different than many runners (unless you live out west) I HATE flat marathon courses, they are too boring.  I actually enjoy hills. ( I know you are either thinking, she's nuts or rock on!)

I also like race courses that take you back into places where you can go miles and miles without seeing anyone other than the other runners. Sometimes I find its nice to allow your own thoughts to motivate you rather than cheer support and the ever annoying "your almost there" shouts.

I am a people person and can be found talking to complete strangers at any given time. Because hello, people are fascinating interesting and crazies in both good and bad ways.

However, I am NOT a people pleaser or one who joins in with the crowd. (Unless you hire me for your wedding, and then it may only last one day. LOL)
It's a fairly decent bet that if I am not okay with a conversation or something going on. I will be the one to stand alone against it and by the time I am finished, others will either agree with me or know there is no changing my mind!

The greatest running advice I have ever been given, was given to me by my dad just about every race I have run since I was 7.  If you are a runner and he has trained you or talked with you before or even if he comes in contact with you as he is dropping me off at a marathon starting line.  (Yes, I get the people person, talk to random stranger thing from him. ) He will share his famous yet excellent words of advice to have the best race possible. "Start out fast, pick it up in the middle and pour it on in the end." Quite great advice to race your best race each time!

So now you know a little bit more about me and I can say if you like what you read above, then you will probably enjoy my blog because I bring in my different passions for life into the subjects I write about and share on here.

Share a little Twitter Love, Click to Tweet

Who is @runwybridlplanr and do I really want to know her? http://goo.gl/r9nlB4 #blogging #camping #running #hiking

If you didn't like it, or can't relate, no worries.  That is the beauty about life and people, we all like and enjoy different things, and that is actually a great thing!  There are so many awesome different types of blogs out there, and I am sure over the past few weeks and tomorrow there will be others you do relate to and want to continue to follow!  You can learn more on my About Me page, but I am going to leave you with my mission statement.

My Blog and Life Mission Statement

I believe goals are meant to be made and achieved.

Dreams are meant to be big, bigger and lived.

I truly believe with all my heart, that absolutely anything is possible 

if I want it bad enough. But may only be achieved if I am willing to put in 

all the hard work necessary to get it! I also believe very little will naturally fall 

into my lap if I don't take the initiative to do what it takes to earn it!  

I believe I have the ability to learn how to do anything

and the sky is really only the limits I make it.

I don't believe quitting is for losers, because I understand goals may have to change.

However, I do believe quitting on things you are passionate about is a sure way

to miss out on a life of happiness.  Even if it takes the rest of your life working to achieve it.

I believe not everything you do should only be about yourself.

Being kind, charitable and showing awareness towards the needs of others 

will bring you far more happiness than the biggest dream you can imagine!

Now that you know some Random things about me, share with me something totally random about you! 
Oh, and if you want to know where I took any of the above pictures, just ask and I will let you know!

Also, if you are kind enough to leave a comment I use the Disqus comment system, it is pretty simple to use but if you don't have an account will you please leave me a link to your blog, so I can come check out your latest post too?

Stat's, Updates and Total Randomness

Life was a little slower this past week, I was finally able to catch up on a few things.  As for blogging, I was able to knock off the first 10 things on my to-do list and even though my list still has several more dozen on it, its definitely a start!  Additionally, I have the rest of my October posts (minus my Monday update posts) all created and ready to run for the month!

Which is awesome because it means, more time I can spend visiting other blogs!  I have a goal, to get most of November's posts created by Mid October... we shall see if that happens:)

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to take care of a couple of nephews and a niece while their parents are out of town.  We had ton's of fun, I love playing with those kids it always makes me feel young again:)  We had a slumber party and watched old Disney movies from my childhood, they loved them just as much as I hoped.  Apple Dumpling Gang, Blackbeards Ghost... Great times!
Ya, we are totally stretched out and relaxing in our camping trailer and maybe ate too many goodies!


A sweet friend returned from a spur of the moment trip to Paris, and brought me these beautiful coasters.  Aren't they pretty!  I think this is the first thing I own from Paris:)

OCTOBER GOALS & NUMBERS

So this is the first Monday of the month with my new series where I share my September goals, and how I did as well as my revenue numbers.  So here it goes:

Compared to my August numbers, my page views are back on their climb to pre-summer, which I think has helped me achieve a few things this month.  You can read about my September stats HERE.

Income earned: $159. Since my goal was $150, I did make it, just barely:)  I haven't been working on a whole lot of campaigns, but I do plan to increase this in the coming months.
My October goal: $200.

Twitter: Ended the month with 6,483 followers.  My goal was to hit 6,500, so yes I did miss this goal a little.  However, I did start the month with barely over 6,000 so overall I find this to be highly successful!  Why am I working on twitter?  Well Twitter is my #2 source of traffic second to Google. Because of this, it's a no brainier that I should work on growing this!
My October goal: 7,000 followers.

Instagram: I ended the month with 1,461 followers. Since I started the month with 1,306 followers this was a pretty good growth! Even though I did have a goal to hit 1,600.  So no, I didn't hit the goal, not even close.
Instagram is something I want to build to obtain some higher revenue advertising opportunities.
For me Instagram is the hardest to grow, but I have been discovering some new things that help so hopefully implementing them more, it will help it's growth.
My October goal: 1,550 followers.

My 3 Top Posts (per page views) in September

Fall into Fitness Giveaway Hop
Runners Etiquette, How to Not Ruin a Race For Others
Funny Questions Runners Ask

_______________________

Random About Me

It's been a while since I have done one of those, total random facts about me.  So today I decided to share a little.  I am always completely honest, so ya laugh on some if you have to!  I am usually the first to admit, I am occasionally weird and have my "dork" moments.

* I love the 2015 Disney Cinderella movie, I finally got my copy and ya I have watched it twice, it's just so cute!

* I have a goal this month to not spend more than $200 on myself, this includes eating out, clothing, movies, stuff with friends, spend on nieces and nephews.  Why? Because lately, I have been spending 5X's that, and lets face it, money would be better spent on trips and vacations!

* I collect key chains from everywhere I visit (I have several hundred displayed.)
But I oddly don't have an actual key chain with my keys, LOL  I have a rock climbing hook holding them together instead:)

* I am trying to cut down on how many times I wash my hair.  I know dumb, but I was washing it 1-2 times a day before.  I can now go 2-3 days thanks to dry shampoo:)  I wouldn't be going 3 days if I was working out, LOL promise!  On the plus side, as someone who has fine straight hair, after a few days with the dry shampoo, my hair looks super thick and luscious:)  LOL

* I went shopping the other day and bought 2 complete outfits for $97.  It was the first time I used all those mobile coupons that companies keep sending me in their weekly email blasts.  I need to take advantage of those more often!

* I will never leave my home or business if I have to pee, even a little.  I once was in a car accident, just before my friends and I left I decided I had to go to the bathroom, but I would just go when I got to the restaurant. After the accident, I had to be strapped down for hours while they determined if my neck was broke, and I had to pee the entire time.  It was awful, I don't even remember the pain from the accident, just having to pee, LOL  So ya now I never make that mistake before I leave anywhere:)

* If it is, "that time of the month" with the lovely painful "cramps" my girlfriends and I know, it's sort of an unwritten rule, that any of us can cancel plans at the last minute to lay around at home with a heating pad, Pepsi and painkillers instead:) and no one takes any offense to it, because we all, get it!

* I am enjoying Fear The Walking Dead, almost as much as I like The Walking Dead:)

* I no longer have the purple in my hair, I went back to my natural dark brown:)  But it was a fun month while it lasted!

* I want to go hang gliding or para gliding.  I was watching them fly off the mountain nearby me the other day, and it got me to wondering why I haven't done it yet!  It might be too late in the year, but I am really thinking if not this year, next spring!

*  I am itching to take a road trip!  Sure gas prices here are nowhere near as low as most of the rest of you get.  We are still around $2.69, but regardless I want to take a road trip.  Now all I have to do is find a way to fit one in:)

* I'm trying to cut out how much Pepsi I am drinking.  (I know I go through phases and have said this in the past.) But I have gotten up to 2 a day again, and this is not good!  I'd like to get back down to 1 a week!

* At work if people ask me if I watch any reality shows, I will lie and say I don't even if I do:)

* I wear running shoes with dress pants.  I know, the shame!  My sisters won't be seen around me when I do.  But because of the Achilles work injury I have had, it's has been a necessary thing to do.  But the oddest thing, it no longer bothers me to do it.  (I did buy an all black pair of Asics, not that it makes it any better.)

* I have never ran in one of those cute running skirts yet.  But I really want to get one!

* I would love it if someone called me up to go drive race cars around a track or out on the salt flats.  I would LOVE to go as fast as they'd let me!  That would be an awesome date!

* If I am not in the mood, I will put my phone on silent and leave it that way for an entire day, not bothering to look at it until the next day.  I know, not very business great, but that is what voicemail is for right! I should say I don't do this often, but maybe once or twice a month.
However, I am also known for not looking at my phone for 4-6 hours at a time, if I get busy!  My friends and family hate that I do that when they want to get a hold of me:)

* I am going harness my sewing skills and attempt a DIY project and make a Mermaid tail for my niece for her birthday in November.  It will be one that you can really swim in.  So many kids have them, but they are like $120+, and I have discovered I can get the Monofin, and the wetsuit fabric I need for it all for under $35 and I found the pattern/project details on Pinterest, and it looks only moderately hard.
The only problem, I am going to be jealous, and it's going to be hard not to make myself one, LOL They look way fun!

* I had fun watching the Supermoon and Eclipse last Sunday.  Here are a few pictures I took, while I was playing around with my camera while watching.

Okay, that is probably enough from me right now.


Tell me something random about you.
Do you set monthly blogging goals for yourself?

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and Mississippididdlin today for their Weekly Wrap!

Current Events and Random Facts

You may have noticed a little less blogging from me the past few weeks.  To be completely honest, I had just gotten a little burned out from the blog hop last month.  So I decided to cut back a bit for two weeks, so I could come back refreshed and still loving to blog.  Because for me, that is the main point, to keep it as a hobby I love.

I was going to give you a rundown of all my happenings the past few weeks.  But instead of giving you a really long post with lots of paragraphs and bore you all to death.  I decided to do it in more of a random facts post and just hit some of the main points.  

To keep it different, I will do random facts, mixed with current events.  So here it goes:

* I went to see the new Cinderella movie twice last week.  I love it, so much I could have hugged it if it was possible after.  Disney did a fabulous job with it.  I love that they didn't change the original storyline, but also made Cinderella smarter and I love that the movie was all about kindness to others. Such an important thing to remember in today's society!

* I saw the dvd case JEM from the "Jem and the Holograms" when I was working at the library, boy that brought back memories.  My sister an I loved that cartoon when we were younger, I can still even sing the theme song, LOL.  I almost wanted to check it out, but I didn't:)

* In high school and college I loved Beverly Hills 90210, watched it religiously and had 90210 parties with my friends when we watched it.

* Sadly I am only down 3 pounds in 2 weeks.  On the plus side, I am still down 3 pounds.

* I am addicted to the Kim Kardashian game, so is my sister (who hooked me) and my niece.... I know the shame... I have already been told by close friends I can never be the same in there eyes.  My only defense is it could be worse and I could be sending Facebook requests to all on my contact list on a daily basis like some of those other games do, LOL

* I need a vacation terribly, this is probably the longest in the history of my life I have gone without taking a vacation.  (Not kidding.)  I haven't taken a trip since last September.  I may actually go crazy if I don't soon!

* I don't drink alcohol, and if I enter a race that gives a free beer or wine at the end.  I always give my ticket away to a random runner who looks like they'd appreciate it at the finish line. (I know you want to see me at the end of my next race, huh LOL.

* I wear a lot of pink when I run!

* My weird pain I had in my foot that kept me from being able to walk, has left for the most part (hopefully), but it did flare up a little or the work injury in the other foot.  I have been dealing with it pretty good.  On the plus side, like always running doesn't seem to bother it so I have been able to keep that up. I am about back to where I was 3 weeks ago when I had to take a couple weeks of running again.

* I will be coming up on my 200th wedding soon.

* More often than ever before I am loving Dry Shampoo, Not Your Mothers Brand.  Let's just say if I don't have a day I go for a run, I get a tad lazy:)  FYI, I love that stuff, it also gives my flat hair so much more volume!!!

* When I cook, I have a horrible time following directions exactly.  I can't help but attempt to add my own new spin on it, even if it's the first time making it:)  Lets just say, they are not all fails:)

* I am starting a new business venture.  One that is really risky, going to be extremely stressful in fact some say those who do it have the most stressful job ever.  But if I could pick any dream job to go with my wedding company this would be it.  I am not ready to share what it is just yet, but you will definitely hear lots and lots about it in the coming months, whether you like it or not haha!

* I worked on my blog so much on Sunday, as well as created all this weeks posts.  That at exactly 8:44PM I had to say to myself "walk away from the blog, you can do it, walk away." So I am, and so ends this post! LOL

Okay, so now tell me some random facts about you or random current event facts.

How to improve your blog

We may love our blogs, and may have spent a lot of time and hours on them.  But if we are looking to grow our blogs, sometimes we actually need to take a look at a our blogs themselves.
How do they look?
Are we using a font that is readable on all devices?
Are we using too much color, not enough?
While, these are all things to consider.  I'm going to give you a few other idea's.

Their are 1,000's of blogs similar to yours.  Yup, it's true.  I know you probably think you are super unique and there is no other blog out there just like yours.
But the fact is, there is.  Every blog topic has already been done.  Every thought, idea or program has already been tried.
You may blog about Pink Elephants or Flying Donkey's, and to you that may seem strange and unique but the truth is, someone else is out there doing it too.

So how do you stand out, how do you create something that looks more unique than the others? Personally, I think this is the part where you keep it real, the real you.  That is the one unique thing that there is no one else exactly like.  YOU!

It's true, even identical twins are different and unique once you speak to them, or look closely at them.  Every single one of us is different and that is the key point to focus on when you create your blog posts and set up your blog.

WHAT CAN YOU WORK ON TO STAND OUT MORE?

YOUR ABOUT ME PAGE

When I am "friendly blog stalking" one of the things I do, to see if this new blogger I have found is someone I want to follow, I check out their About Me page or section.

You can learn a lot about a person on that page. You can learn if you want to follow them or not.

Sometimes I will read an about page, and I just know I want to read that person's blog.  You shouldn't fake who you are, and you shouldn't want to.  That is what makes you, you.  What will make others want to know you and possibly just the thing that will make them want to follow your blog.

I have to be honest, when I come across a blogger that seems too good to be true.  Too perfect to be real, I know they probably are.  Not everyone has the perfect house, high income, perfect children.  I like real people who have as many faults as they do perfections:) and I'm not alone.  People like to be uplifted that is why they generally read blogs, no one likes to read something and walk away thinking they are never going to be good enough.

Viewers like like real people, real stories, real personality!

CONSIDER YOUR  ABOUT ME SECTION

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE

This is your page, your time to shine, your time to show the world what you and your blog are all about.  Flaunt it baby, this is you, think of it as your blogs resume!

The page should flow with your theme, it could be a story, or a progression of stories.  It could be facts, it could be really anything.  But the most important part is, this is the one post you should tweak and edit and make shine above all others.
The best part about it, you can edit it as often as needed.  If you are talking about goals that you want to achieve in 2011 and it's now 2015, then I think its time to make some updates!
I personally like to edit mine at least twice a year, if not more.  Things change, life changes, goals change, you change!

WHAT YOU BLOG ABOUT

I really like it (and do it) when I read an about me page and they tell me what their blog is about. Right off I like to know.  If they like Pink Elephants and only blog about them, I want to know about it first.  Maybe that is my interest, maybe not.  But make yourself and what you blog about stand out.
Capture those potential new blog followers right from the start!  Give them a reason to want to follow you, to want to see what you have to say!

ALL YOUR FOLLOW OPTIONS

You just captured their attention, and most people only spend 1 minute reading a blog before going to the next page.  If they like you, make it super easy for them to follow you!
Make sure all of your follow options are right near the top, give them easy access to follow the blog they just found and think they'll love before they move onto the next and can't remember how to find you again!


A PICTURE

Is their a picture of you?  An actual picture of you?  This should be a picture that relates to you and the type of blog you have.  It should be you!
That doesn't mean you can't have a professional photo on it, you can.  Just make sure it's you and the current you!
If you blog about a great weight loss journey and you've lost 100 pounds and your picture is still from before, show off your accomplishment.  If your a family blogger and you talk about your 5 kids often, but your picture just shows you and your first three babies, it's time to update!

VISUAL APPEARANCE OF YOUR BLOG

Another great way to improve your blog is to make sure it is visually appealing.  I know you spent countless hours creating your blog and to you, you can't imagine it could look any better.  Maybe you spent days on creating your rainbow colored kangaroo playing drums and it's huge and bold and stands out:)
But one thing we have to remember is, what we may think looks fabulous and awesome may actually detour others from wanting to stay on our page.  If your goal is to grow your blog, then you are going to want to take others into consideration.

With that said, I also think originality and unique is also key.  But you can actually do this, and keep it visually pleasing to others at the same time.

To be completely honest the best thing I have found is to ask others.  If your not open for public comment, ask a friend or co-worker to take a look.  Just tell them to give you a short list of things that they liked and didn't like.  Let them know you are okay with constructive criticism, so they can feel they can be free to be honest.
Ask a few people if possible, and then take their comments to heart.  Maybe you make all the changes, maybe you just make a few.  That will be up to you, but wouldn't you rather know that the rainbow kangaroo your so proud of is making someone want to get off your page as quick as they got on it, before they get embarrassed at work by someone wondering what they are looking at?

Besides the key is to have a blog that others like, and a blog that they might be proud to share a link to your post with others.  They are less likely to do that if the images or appearance makes them uncomfortable!  Especially since most people go online while they are at work:)



Those are just a few things to give you some thought on what you can do to improve your blog, and in time possibly may help you grow your blog even more!  You are more than welcome to visit my About Me page or give me any suggestions you'd like!

You can always find all my blogging tips on my
Grow Your Blog Page

When was the last time you updated your About Me section?  

Have you ever asked anyone for constructive criticism on your blog?  

The "ME TIME" Tag

This morning I was hopping around visiting a few of my blogger friends, and I notices Press on & Run tagged me in the "ME TIME" tag.
Since I didn't already have a post planned for today, and especially since answering questions about myself can make for a quick post, I decided why not, and to join in the fun!
I just hope it was okay to use the About me image:)

1. What do you watch and read during "ME TIME"?
If you read my blog you know I LOVE to read, although I have a wide taste in books, I do enjoy Young Adult that are written for adults:)  I go through phases, and sometimes I like adventure, mystery, dystopia etc.. Right now I am going through a weird darker phase, and I have a bunch of books I picked up that are a little on the "darker" side.  So we'll see:)
I'm not huge into T.V. I can go days without it.  But I do have a few that I enjoy; Walking Dead, Survivor, Heartland, Arrow.  I also have a daytime guilty pleasure that I don't watch much, but when I can, yeah I watch General Hospital:)

2. What do you wear during "ME TIME"?
Anything comfy, I am not a huge lover of long sleeves so I am usually in a comfy T-shirt or something that is in nice soft fabric.  However, quite often if I am going casual I can usually be found sporting a fun color running hat.  I have hats in almost any color:)

3. What are your "ME TIME" beauty products?
I'm not really into much, but I do moisturize, and I will put extra moisture on my face and neck, never a bad thing to try to age well:)  But I don't spend a ton of money on things like that, because I find cheaper brands are just as good as the expensive ones.  Others can keep their expensive scented lotions that dry their skin out.  I love my Jergins lotion!


4. Current favorite nail polish.
I have over 200 colors of nail polish.  I kind of have a problem if I see a great color I will buy it.  Usually forgetting I have one very similar.  I love to paint my nails.  Although I think I should re-do them today, now that I am on the subject:)
I like OPI Sally Hansen.  But I have found Nail Aid makes a 3 minute top coat that when I put it on, I can go a week without a single chip and that says a lot because I am constantly handling books and wedding equipment at my two jobs!

5. What do you eat drink during "ME TIME"?
Pepsi, that's my sweet nectar or choice:)  As for food, if I am going to pick a favorite it's Pizza:)

6.  Current favorite candle?
Well right now I am enjoying a pomegranate candle.

7.  Do you ever have outdoor "ME TIME"?
Heck yes!  Sometimes I will take a drive and just go out exploring or drive through a canyon.  I will hike alone, but if I do its usually in a National Park or a very popular trail where its safer because your not really alone because of all the other people out that day.

8.  Would you ever go see a movie alone?
I do it all the time.  Well maybe like once a month:)  But oh ya, it's great.  The first time I tried it I thought it would be weird, but it wasn't.  If I go, I go during the middle of the day, only on weekdays.  I show up just before it starts... Besides, once it starts no one else cares.  Not only that, but usually there are 1-3 other people doing the exact same thing!

9.  Favorite online shop?
I guess I will go with Amazon, you can really get anything there:)

10.  Anything else you do during "ME TIME?
I can't leave out blogging!  I love it, it's become one of my favorite "ME TIMES" I really enjoy the friendships I have made through all the networking.
Plus, I love my blog, it may not be the biggest or best out there, but its mine and I have enjoyed cultivating it into what it is now, I find it's a great stress reliever and just a fun way to talk about things I love!