One Year Blog Anniversary
It has officially been one year since I started my blogging journey and that feeling when I pressed the publish button on my very first blog post for the first time is beyond words. To celebrate Little Miss Casual’s first year anniversary, I thought I’d share the story about why I began blogging and how Little Miss Casual came about.
A little over five years ago, I was faced with the dilemma of what to do with my life after my son was born. I had the option to stay at home, but I wasn’t completely on board. Not only did I loved what I do, but I liked the sense of accomplishment I received from my work and the friendships I had with my co-workers. After my maternity leave was exhausted, I made the decision to return to work and I was convinced that was end of story.
Except it was far from it.
You see, my job was an hour and a half away from where my husband and I lived. It sounds extreme, but I commuted to work by train and for the most part, it was very relaxing and enjoyable. I never had to deal with any traffic and beyond the convenience, the commute was forced down-time. It was the perfect opportunity to read, get lost in my thoughts or if I didn’t get a good night’s sleep, I used my commute to catch up on some much-needed shut eye. I found the time I spent every morning and evening on the train to be invaluable. In fact, I looked forward to getting on the train. But with a newborn, there was no doubt this commute will no longer be ideal. So, when my parents graciously volunteered to help watch the baby, it seemed like a no brainer. They lived 15 minutes away from my work and I didn’t have to worry about daycare. Basically, the baby and I would stay at my parent’s place during the week while I worked and return home on the weekend. It wasn’t the ideal solution, but it beat the alternative and I was desperate. My husband and I talked about it and while we knew it would have an impact on our relationship and change things, he was supportive.
During my time back to work, I struggled with a lot of guilty feelings. It was a weird place to be and I didn’t feel like I could really talk about it. So, I sought help outside of friends and family, I went to therapy. At the same time, I explored every angle I could think of to ask for a flexible schedule at work. I asked my boss if she would allow me to work longer days, so I can get Mondays or Fridays off or if I could work from home one day a week. Unfortunately, because my job required me to be in the laboratory daily, it just wasn’t feasible. Running out of options, I applied to two part time positions nearby my home so that I can hold on to this part of my life just a little bit longer. I didn’t get either job.
In March of 2015, I turned in my resignation.
The transition from being a working mom to a stay at home mom came quite a shock. Staying home was a major adjustment and the new role tested me mentally, physically and emotionally beyond anything else I have ever done. The isolation was simply overwhelming, and the hours were merciless. There were no breaks, no sick days and you work around the clock. It never stops. On top of that, my son was colicky and cried nonstop. From the time I got up in the morning to the time I went to sleep, all I did was feed, wash milk bottles, change diapers and rock him. Nothing about my day was mine and it was hard not to feel boxed in. I am not a crier, but I’ll be honest, I never cried as much since becoming a mom, let alone a stay at home mom. Between the endless sleep deprivation and the mundane daily task, it was tremendously challenging not to. Often, I wondered if there was something wrong with me, questioning who I am and on numerous occasions, I found myself longing for my old lifestyle of a child free-past.
To get out of my funk, I thought hanging out with other mom friends would help. After all, who can better relate than another mom, right?
So, my son and I attended multiple baby and me classes, story time at the library and I scheduled play dates left and right just so that my son and I could get out of the house, so that I can expose my son to as many things as possible and more importantly, so that I can feel like I have a connection to the outside world. I thought it would fill the isolation void, but it didn’t. Matter of fact, it only intensified my feeling of disconnect of me and society because when other mom friends and I did go out, we were so focused on our kids that we didn’t get to have a conversation at all or if we did have a chance to talk, it tended to be superficial and the subject almost always revolved around our kids. But I had a yearning for deeper connections that go beyond the daily life and struggle with kids and it wasn’t long before I eventually gave up trying to make plans.
It was during this time that I considered starting a blog. I didn’t jump in right away though because I had a lot of uncertainty and it was a scary endeavor. So, I put off starting this blog for well over a year. In a way, I thought the desire of starting a blog would eventually subside instead it only intensified. On September 5, 2017, I took a leap of faith and created Little Miss Casual.
Joining the blogging world has opened so many new doors for me and I couldn’t be happier. It has been such a blessing! Not only have I learned so much this past year about blogging, but I learned so much about myself. To say, it’s has been a roller coaster ride, is an understatement. It has been a lot of work, a lot of hours and a lot of trial and error. But the rewards are great. Creating this blog has given me a sense of fulfillment and an identity of my own apart from my status as a stay at home mom. For that, there are no words, just gratitude.
I can’t predict what the next year has in store for my blog, but I can only see good things from here. While I have been fortunate to work with different brands throughout the last year, starting this blog was never a business decision. Truth be told, I don’t look at my blog’s stats or ranking pages because I would keep doing what I am doing even without much of an audience. For me, it is not about the numbers but connecting with others. Being able to connect, engage or inspire even just one person makes blogging worth it to me. It is also the biggest honor I could receive, and the reason Little Miss Casual exist.
And so, as I celebrate this milestone, I want to say thank you for a wonderful first year of blogging. It was hard to see where the road was leading because becoming a stay at home mom was not a path I would have selected for myself and neither was blogging, but God placed me in this position for a reason and I am thankful that He did. So, whether you have been following since my blog’s inception or this is your first post, thank you for being part of the adventure with me!
Do you have a blog? Why did you start blogging?
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Jeanne | 27th Nov 23
Great post to read. When news agencies talk about moms and parents, there is so much that’s not talked about. Becoming a mom is not an easy transition for most, and in the US, almost everyone has to figure out their own unique path with little help or support. I don’t see how it’s going to become easier for the next generation either.
Eni Abeni | 24th Nov 18
Congratulations my dear!!!! Happy Birthdayblog!!!!
Have a nice day and don’t miss my latest post, now on my blog! Kisses from Italy and thank you for your visit,
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Trattamento Perla Nera di Mavex
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific | 20th Nov 18
Happy blogiversary! If you’ve made it this far, nothing can get in your way.
I loved reading your story and getting to know you better. The time you spent commuting is insane. Even though you can get lots of things done on the metro, bus, etc., I think that time is much better spent with family, specially when you have little kids.
I also started the blog when I wasn’t working. It was 2014 and I had quit my job to prepare a competitive exam to be a teacher. It’s not like I had much free time, because I had to study a lot. However, I’ve always needed a creative outlet and that feeling became really strong at that time.
Babita | 20th Nov 18
Happy blogversary!!! It’s so fun! I marked 1 year in July!!! Anyway, love that maxi dress on you!
Xoxo Babita
http://travelhues.com
Jen @ Skirt The Rules | 19th Nov 18
Happy belated blog anniversary and thank you for sharing your story!
xo Jen
Skirt The Rules
Mica | 18th Nov 18
Congratulations on your blogaversary! It’s great that you’ve seen so many benefits from your blog even though you’ve only been doing it for a year! 🙂
I found adjusting to motherhood tricky at first too! I’m glad I have my blog to keep a little sense of me through it all, and I’m blessed with the ability to do my role part time so I get the best of both worlds!
Hope that you have many more happy years of blogging ahead!
Away From The Blue Blog
Jamie | 17th Nov 18
Congratulations on your first year lovely! Such a great accomplishment. I love your first year anniversary pictures- so cute. I enjoyed reading about your transition and though I didn’t work after I had kids at all, I feel like I can relate to so much of what you wrote. Play dates really don’t count as downtime at all…I too started blogging for fulfillment and a creative outlet and two years later I haven’t looked back! <3 Jamie
Amy | 17th Nov 18
Wow! Such a fascinating story. My daughter had a colicky baby so I could so understand what you were going through. Happy Blogaversary. I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging one year. I’ve been blogging since 2008 and my blog has evolved and changed a lot since when I started. I originally started solely as a paper-crafting blog. A place to show my work and maybe sell my crafts. Now I’m a lifestyle blogger and blog about anything and everything. Even though my kids are grown and gone, I live alone in the country and blogging is a way to connect with people who have the same interests as me. I will probably blog till the day I die! ha ha!
Amy's Fashion Blog | 17th Nov 18
Congrats on one year of blogging! I started my 8 years ago from a place to share my outfit. I did take a small break from blogging when I was pregnant and got back to doing it this year. I find it so relaxing to blog.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
Tina | 16th Nov 18
Aw, Maureen! Happy one year blogversary! I love how blogging has helped you through your situation and you sound so much happier! It really is a rollercoaster ride, and I’m glad you found your voice and developed a brand. Here’s to many more years of success!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Nancy | 16th Nov 18
Happy anniversary
Katrina Rose | 15th Nov 18
Wow what a story Maureen! I am so glad that you found something you feel passionate about and that gives you that feeling of wholeness. I started blogging for a similar reason – I just felt like I was in a rut. I was just a mom who went to work, came home, did laundry, cleaned the house and wore sweatpants through it all. Blogging has given me a reason to get dressed, to feel pretty, and to connect with so many amazing women!
xo
Katrina l http://www.katrinagwenrose.com
Brooke | 15th Nov 18
My blog became an escape for me too when I started staying home with my boys mostly. There is no way to describe that stay-at-mom feeling to someone who hasn’t been there, my friends are like but you get to stay home all day, isn’t that great?! It of course has wonderful perks, but it is very challenging and lonesome. I’m glad you created this blog and I’m glad we’ve become blog friends!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
Chrissy | 15th Nov 18
Maureen, I loved reading this! So many women can relate to this…and need to know they are not alone when they find themselves so unhappy “at home” – at the start anyway. It’s definitely a tough choice to stay home or not, and one that each woman/family have to make on their own. I’m so glad that you joined the blog world – your kind, adorable and sweet. The world needs more of that!
Kelsey | 14th Nov 18
I enjoyed reading your story, thank you for sharing. I also started blogging when I was feeling a little lost: just married, living in a new area away from family and friends, and working as a substitute teacher without continuous goals and relationships at work. I found blogging to be such a good outlet and goal.
Edwige | 14th Nov 18
Awww happy anniversary beautiful lady! Wishing you more success. You look so lovely in that dress!
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
Annie | 13th Nov 18
Happy blogiversary!! That’s so exciting!
Amy Arnold | 13th Nov 18
Becoming a mom is so hard! I had many of the same emotions and difficulties as I switched from full-time to part-time. It sounds like you went through a lot! It is amazing how much these blogs of ours become out outlets.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Kelsey Bang | 13th Nov 18
fun sunnies! congrats on one year! super exciting!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Beth | 13th Nov 18
Congrats on 1 year!!!
xoxo…Beth
http://www.settlingsouthern.com
Ashley | 13th Nov 18
Happy blog anniversary, lady! Cheers to many more to come!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Ada | 11th Nov 18
Aww Maureen you are so sweet and I loved reading this post as you shared your honest, raw journey with us. I opened my blog about 7 or 8 years ago but It truly started the Spring of 2012 when I was pregnant with Vivian and I was living in the capital of Albania, She will be 6 years old soon and I have been both a stay at home mom and a working mom with her. Recently, a single mom too. Working with a young child (under 3) can cause us feeling guilty. Your story is unique and I can totally relate. I get that the very far commute by train was also your “me time”. Anyhow, I am so glad you started blogging because that is how I got to ‘meet’ you and you are one of the sweetest bloggers out there too. Don’t worry about the numbers. I have been blogging for almost 7 years and my numbers suck lol but my friendships and connections don’t. Plus, comparison is the thief of joy!
Last, you chose the perfect green maxi and festive accents for this special 1-year anniversary post. Love all the cupcakes!
I appreciate all the collaborations we have done so far and more we have coming, soon!
Take care dear sweet Maureen! Hugs Ada. <3
Lorna | 11th Nov 18
WOW! Maureen I didn’t know you have had your blog a year already! Where is the time going? Congratulations!! You look lovely as always!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom | 10th Nov 18
I worked when my kids were babies and then finally left my full-time job when my youngest was in preschool. I haven’t gone back and they’re 9 and 12 now! I love that my blog gives me friends (and some local!) and I also make a part-time salary with it! It’s def. an alternative lifestyle from what I had and a lot of people don’t consider blogging a job, but it works for my family right now and that’s all that matters! Loved reading your story and that cupcake looks AH-mazing!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Jessica | 9th Nov 18
Wow, time flies sooo fast! Happy Anniversary to your blog dear! Wishing you all the best and success. Cheers for more years!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Kate | 9th Nov 18
Happy blogiversary sweet friend! I went through the same struggle when going back to work after having lil’ miss, and it was SO hard. I’m glad we’ve gotten into our groove now but it took a while to get there. Wishing you many more years of fun blogging and the doors it’ll open <3
Green Fashionista
Shauna | 8th Nov 18
Oh my gosh, you are the cutest! Happy Anniversary and congratulations! Such a huge accomplishment!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Jeanne | 8th Nov 18
Glad you found an outlet through blogging! I started my blog after a job resignation as well, funny enough. Anyway, happy one year blog anniversary! Enjoy the blogging world and motherhood! 🙂
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
jess jannenga | 8th Nov 18
Maureen
This was very interesting to read. I had no idea you worked in a lab and that you had to commute that far to work! My mom did the same for many years, was an itinerant teacher and drove 1.5 hours to and from her schools each day. I thought that would be hard, but I understand that that was your quiet time.
I don’t have kids, so I cant relate to how tough it might be at first, certainly a never ending . Sounds like you evaluate what you need at the time, and so glad you started blogging! I enjoy meeting you, Happy Anniversary!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Rach | 8th Nov 18
Happy blogiversary!!! I loved reading your journey to where you are now. I always tell people, everyone has a story to share. Wishing you the best with your blogging endeavors!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
April Kusewicz | 8th Nov 18
Happy 1st birthday to your blog ! Keep it up girl ! So glad to connect with you in this space 🙂
Laura | 7th Nov 18
I resonated with so many parts of this wonderfully written blog post! It is so incredibly hard to be a stay at home mom and to have time to make the connections with other people that we need for social fulfillment. I struggle with that right now since we moved to a new area and I don’t know anyone. Continuing to blog and connect with others online has really helped for now. It’s crazy busy at times and sometimes I stay up late to finish a post, but I’d rather do that than quit because I really like my hobby! Congratulations on 1 year! I hope you continue as I love your posts and your thoughtful comments!
Jill | 7th Nov 18
Congrats on one year of blogging! I agree, it’s a lot of work but so fun and rewarding!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Shea | 7th Nov 18
Happy blog anniversary Maureen! I loved reading your story–I think so many women can totally identify with that. I always thought it would be a no-brainer for me to be a working mom–I never saw myself as staying home. However, when my son was born I also experienced guilt and unhappiness about working, and I think it was especially the case because I didn’t like my job at the time. Now I do like my job and have definitely found more balance, but I think it is so important for other moms to know that there is no “right” way and you have to trust your instincts and do what is right for you. It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Thanks for sharing this!!
Bojana Krienke | 6th Nov 18
Thank you for writing with such honesty. Everyone tells you what a gift it is to be a mom. How wonderful each day is. How rewarding, etc. All of those things are true but there is another side to it as well. The fear of doing right. The guilt of not doing enough. The fact that your own identity gets mixed in with all kinds of things until you might not recognize it anymore. Happy blog birthday! I am truly looking forward to seeing what else is in store for you this year.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Fonda @Savvy Southern Chic | 6th Nov 18
Congrats on your first year!
Chez-rama | 6th Nov 18
You are amazing Maureen. You are such inspiration and I hope you have more successful year coming your way in this field.
I am so happy to have you as a friend in the blogging business.
I connect in your blog in a way or another and I can see you grow from there
Happy one year to you <3
http://www.chez-rama.com
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies | 6th Nov 18
Congratulations!! It’s such an achievement! It’s crazy how many hours are behind running a blog. The cupcake looks awesome haha!! Cheers to years and years more! xx
Claire | 6th Nov 18
I enjoyed reading your blogging story, Maureen. I can’t believe it is only a year, your blog looks so professional and after a year my blog did not look as good as yours does. I love blogging too and I started mine as I was a stay at home mum and needed something to do for me.
Thanks for sharing at #CreativeMondays, hope to see you on Wednesday for our next blog hop 🙂
Elise | 6th Nov 18
Happy Blog Anniversary! Love your maxi, and that cupcake looks amazing!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Virginia | 6th Nov 18
It’s crazy how blogging can help you connect with people since to the outside world it looks like you’re just staring at a screen, but it does! Happy 1 year anniversary!
Virginia | More to Mrs. E
Anna Shirley | 6th Nov 18
Congratulation! It is very satisfying, isn’t it? I wish you many and many more years coming. And I feel you…. It is very challenging to change from a professional to a house wife. But you did it. You find your way.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Vanessa | 5th Nov 18
I love that green dress! It seems so comfy and fun! Happy blog anniversary! That cupcake looks so delish BTW!
XOXO,
Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
MELODY JACOBS | 5th Nov 18
this is so cool.. thank you for sharing with us all as always. Happy blogversary
This is a very nice post.
Thank you for sharing
new post
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
Kathrine Eldridge | 5th Nov 18
Happy one year blog anniversary! Love your dress and thanks for sharing your journey which is so inspiring.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Lyddiegal | 5th Nov 18
Congrats on one year! It’s a great milestone, and it seems like you’ve already come so far! I love my blog for the connections I’ve made with other bloggers, it’s always been the reason I’ve continued all these years.
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Mónica Sors | 5th Nov 18
Congratulations dear!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CORDUROY OVERALL DRESS
Julie | This Main Line Life | 5th Nov 18
My first was the same when he was a baby. He ate slept and screamed and it was so incredibly stressful and it can be so isolating. I think it gets better as they get older, but I thought it was tough when the kids were really young. Glad blogging is helping to fill the gap a little.
jodie filogomo | 5th Nov 18
I loved reading your story Maureen. What a fabulous reason to start a blog and it’s wonderful that it has been great for you!
Congrats!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jennifer | 5th Nov 18
Thank you for sharing your story!! Happy Blogiversary!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Mother of 3 | 5th Nov 18
Happy one year anniversary!!
Kellyann Rohr | 5th Nov 18
Congratulations Maureen! I am so glad you are blogging and glad to get to know you, you are no doubt a ray of sunshine in the online world! I worked after my first son was born and then stayed home after the second one came – it was the best time of my life for sure. I wish I had a blog back then! It would have been nice!
xo,
Kellyann