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Monday, October 29, 2012

The Good, The Bad + The Ugly of Being a Blogger



I sat across a young woman in the waiting room of the doctors office last week who recognized me from my blog and she came over after a few minutes of staring at me and asked if she could ask me some questions to which I replied "of course" she then went on to ask me about blogging, what it's really like?, if I am rich? (I giggled) how I made money from the blog? and if I could tell her how to get started and what to expect because she was afraid of putting herself out there for all to see. I answered most of her questions and since she isn't the first person to ask or email me about this I decided to take a minute and write about it.

On Being Judged

As a blogger we open ourselves up to being judged and we are going to get the good, the bad and the ugly from people. Everyday I get up to work a job that pays the bills and feeds my kids; I get dressed and before jumping in my car my husband takes pictures of me in whatever I am wearing that day and off I go. Bloggers deal with getting nasty or opinionated comments just like every other blogger who has a wide audience and most times it is best to just ignore it but let's be honest sometimes it is hurtful. I prefer to empower and encourage women and being a blogger is and always has been a "personal experience" which means the blog is about me, my life and what I love to do. I don't offer look options unless it is a specific post so being asked to show something "different" or that I should post more winter looks doesn't work for me because I wear my clothes/looks for  MY daily life, that's why it is authentic. So although we cant control what other people say and do we can control what we let into our spirit. For every bad moment, comment or nasty note you will get twice as many nice, positive and loving ones.

Time & Energy

Bloggers who do this everyday take this serious. It is not easy to keep up with a blog and no one is paying us millions to sit around and cut and paste pretty pics (okay well some of do make money off of our blogs but..) I spend 20 Min's snapping pics, 30-40 Min's editing those pics, arranging those pics, writing about it and 20-30 Min's finding links in case the readers wants to buy something. I sometimes spend up to 2.5 hrs on a single post and then I have to work my day job get off and take care of  my family. Bloggers are not fictitious characters that have nothing to do but take pics of themselves in pretty clothes (okay some might be). The thing is, I sometimes want to just stop all together and go back to the days where this wasn't a part of my life but I love what I do and therefore I just keep going even when I don't feel like anyone cares or is reading.


Self Obsession + Staying Relevant

This one kills me because honestly if I could wake up everyday and do nothing but blog I would and if I had access to models to wear my clothes I might use them and if I had the ability to gather celebrities to come kick it on my blog and do guest posts I would have them and if I had someone who wanted to work for free as a writer to give you all sorts of different topics to read about I would hire them but I DON'T. I am just a wife and mother who has to clean house and do laundry and wipe snot and vomit and scrap nasty stuff off the floor while trying to look pretty and feel like a woman who still has it and is not lost in the whirlwind life of being a mom and wife. I can only blog about my life because that is all I got. I can only show you pics of myself in the clothes because I am all I have. I can only show you my diy's because Martha Stewart is too busy to do a guest post, lol what else are "personal bloggers" supposed to show if not themselves? I cant afford red bottoms or to be draped in luxury designer brands but what I do have is a great sense of style that can be easily achieved on a budget. I can teach you how to wear it and I can teach you how to make it. That is all I have....Me ;-)


The "Business" of Blogging + The Truth!

Blogging is a business for some, especially when you cross a certain threshold. What I make off of my blog is not enough for me to ONLY blog, hell it may be just enough to get some new shoes every month and maybe a bag depending on that months stats (let's be real). The people who send me things to wear and post about are great and I appreciate having the ability to feature brands or that I have such amazing readers that support me but come on people think about it..... If a brand sends me a shirt that retails for $100 and I post about it and therefore the brands sells 100 shirts they just made $10,000 and I got a $100 shirt so you see it is NOT about the money! For me it is about having a place where I share brands I love, things I like and feel acknowledged aside from my mommy life; it gives me an avenue of expression that seems to reach people and motivate, inspire and encourages them. I get emails that melt my heart and make me thankful that my blog can help someone get outta bed and put on lipstick that day or go to the gym when they were going to skip it or buy themselves that pair of shoes that makes them smile because of something I posted or said that day.

Let me be completely honest here, I have never been the girl who has a lot of friends and is the life of the party because in actuality I am VERY shy. If I get put in a room full of people I don't know I am most likely to go stand in a corner by myself.  I have always been that way and blogging lets me open up, share and engage with all of you! I love the relationships I build with my readers and I feel responsible to you so I keep my blog as honest and "normal life" as I can.  So please know that I do what I do because I LOVE it and I get joy from watching you guys make a pencil skirt or come out of your fashion boxes. I love getting your pics and comments and I certainly don't  plan to stop but  I think that many times we forget that the people behind those computers are real, breathing people.

Blogging has it's benefits and I enjoy those benefits. It excites me when someone recognizes me on the street or when I get asked to participate in something because of my blog, I am thankful and appreciative and like any woman I like the compliments I get and if I ever feel down you guys lift me up and for all those reasons blogging has been great for me. My biggest lesson from being a blogger has been to be kind to people, be honest and most of all to be thankful that good, bad or ugly I am still relevant.

Thank you to all of my readers and fellow bloggers!

xoxo
Mimi G

193 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you! you may be the first man ever to post a comment ;-)

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  2. I love your honesty, humbleness and approach to this article. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. You are simply amazing and so inspirational. Thank you for keeping it real and styling yourself in awesome outfits that REAL people can wear.

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  4. You're simply fabulous, Mimi. I'm delighted I found you on Youtube. I liked you the minute I saw you. Everyday I look forward to reading your blog. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  5. Miss Mimi;
    just do you; you are inspiring a lot of ladies to sew;to do diys ;introducing them to do fashion.
    you are happy with what you're doing. I love your blogs; your tutorials.etc. Please continue doing what you love to do.

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  6. Love love love your work.
    please. Continue being you.

    ONE monkey don't stop no show.

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  7. This is so true! Bloggers work hard! With as many tutorials as you do I can only imagine!

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  8. Thanks for the awesome post! For as many tutorials, pics, etc you take I know it must be time consuming! Keep it...

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  9. I love this post. I recently started following your blog and I love it so much that I was going back to older post. I am just like you in that I am a mom and a wife with a full time job. It's not easy to be all those things and fabulous, so I applaud you and appreciate you sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much India! so glad to meet you ;-)

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  10. Great post Mimi, and yes, I read the whole thing! Just keep being you and sharing whatever you want! Your blog is refreshing!

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  11. I find you pretty inspiring and your words (and actions) with your blog have pushed me to try new things (with everything,not just fashion).Thank You.

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  12. OMG Mimi! I had to stop cooking dinner so that I could read and reply to this post. I'm so feeling you on this. And if I can add another point: just because you're a blogger and you open up certain aspects of your life, people think they know you. They don't and they need to remember that. You can have a sense of community without getting it twisted.

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    1. ooooo weeeee! can I get an Amen! (LOL!) Love your post Mimi it's the bomb digity!!

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  13. Well said sister, love your style. Continue to inspire others through your eyes....

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  14. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!

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  15. Thanks so much for sharing! I think you have some incredible skills and your style is impeccable! Keep doing what you do!

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  16. Bravo!!! Well said dear luv this post

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  17. Mimi, this post makes me love you even more! I stumbled upon your blog earlier this year and sat and read the ENTIRE thing in one night! You have inspired me to become much more open-minded with fashion and have encouraged my coworkers to step into the fashion world as well! I LOVE your blog and all that you put into it! Please know that you are in your reader's lives for a reason. Nothing is by chance. God bless...Sheilah

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  18. Amazing post! It definitely resonated on a personal level! What you're doing is incredibly selfless and you touch people in ways you'll probably never know. THANK YOU!

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  19. I agree with everyone above. Keep being you and bringing us what you love.

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  20. I recently started a blog and two weeks in I have started doubting myself. "Is anyone reading this? Does anyone find me interesting? But what I finally realized is that I blog for ME. It's my way of expressing myself and I could care less what anyone thinks of me or what I say. I say whats on my mind and in my heart. If it helps someone, so be it. So far, I haven't experienced any negativity but then again, I haven't open it up to complete strangers yet! I will say that you have inspired me to try my hand at sewing. If I'm not good at it, that's fine but at least I tried. Keep doing what you are doing and I will definitely keep viewing!

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    1. That is fantastic Pam, share your blog link with me so I can stop in ;-)

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  21. Let me say that you are incredible. I've often asked myself how in the world does she do ALL of this? And I only have one child. I cant be doing enough lol. I just started sewing because of you and I really enjoy it even though I tried to make pants and could not get it right at all lol. Thank you for inspiring me sew and save money.

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  22. Hi Mimi,
    I have been following you for a couple months and want to say you are an inspiration to me. I found your blog shortly after having an operation and being home on sick leave, at that time I had a longing to sew my own clothes and after coming across you blog I was so very excited. Since then I have made some nice pieces I am very proud of.

    Mimi I can totally relate to and respect what you wrote in this post; we take the good and the bad but in the end we are the ones who have to live with ourselves so we just need to live our lives and do what we love. Continue with the excellent work you are doing, you look fantastic and every blessings to you and your family.

    Greetings from beautiful Barbados

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    1. Thank you so much!
      I have always wanted to visit Barbados.

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  23. Great post. It inspired me to leave a comment, which I never do, to show my appreciation. Your blog is one of my favorites . I love that you sew and create your own clothes; this keeps you very original. Many of the fashion blogs are very repetitive and you notice immediately the companies that are handing out free products so those posts end up feeling like commercials. Keep up the great work!

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    1. Thank you so much!! nice to meet you ;-) lol

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  24. Mimi, I think that you are a sharp lady, definitely wise beyond your years! When I met you in person this past summer, you and your husband were very warm, and welcoming to both me and my husband Joe. To me you are a blogging sensation and celebrity. You have shared with us, your fan club, well I am a fan, a little bit of yourself, your family, your sense of style, and your spirit. I look forward to checking out what you are wearing for the day, how you are sticking with your commitment to quite smoking, your words of wisdom, etc. Quite honestly when you miss a day of blogging I am disappointed. Keep on doing what you are doing. Keep your head up, and God Bless You!!!

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    1. Thank you so much Patricia! it was great meeting you and Joe and cant wait to hang out again!

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  25. Great post Mimi! You, your work and your blog are so inspiring to many! All I can say for the haters is: Those that matter, don't mind and Those that mind, don't matter! Keep up the good work Mimi!

    Demetria

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  26. I like that you choose to focus on the positive. Thanks for your blog. I now spend an extra 5-10 minutes on getting ready and it makes a world of difference in my attitude. Thanks

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  27. Thank you so much for putting the whole blog experience into perspective! I hope people really understand what it takes to make it happen. I appreciate the sacrifices that you make so that the rest of us may benefit from your experiences and life joys! Giving of your time and expertise is just that 'A GIFT'. Perhaps people will carefully consider their remarks the next time they are compelled to be rude, snarky or just downright hurtful! Continue to be the AWESOME you that you are! I for one will be tuning in to what fabulousness comes next!

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  28. Mimi, love you, you are awesome!

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  29. I know how you feel as I am a blogger, I blog about nail polish. I love your style and I appreciate your tutorials. I favorited your maxi jean skirt and I'll be making one some day. :)

    Please add your follower button to your blog I'm sure you will get more followers. Go to your layout page, click gadget, then the followers button. HTH

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    1. Thanks. OMG I going to go check out your blog, I love nails!

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  30. You are beautiful inside and out. What I love most about your blog is that you communicate with us. I have read a alot of blogs and most bloggers dont respond to questions. YOU ARE AWESOME.

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  31. Mimi, thank you for sharing yourself, your knowledge and your family with us. You do not have to do what you do, but you do. I thank you for inspiring me.

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  32. Great post indeed. Only started following your blog a few weeks ago & because of that I have decided to purchase a sewing machine. I too am a mom, wife & work fulltime & thank you for your classy sense of style.

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  33. Extremely heartfelt. I love your openess and honesty. Keep doing what makes you happy. You are a true inspiration. Be bold. Be fabulous. Be you!

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  34. Beautifully written and keep sharing and inspiring.

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  35. Hi Mimi. I have been a faithful but silent follower of your blog for about a year now but today I had to come out from hiding and let you know how much of an inspiration you have been to me. I really love your blog and appreciate the genuine and fun feel of your blog. I brought my first sewing machine about 6 months ago and have been sewing away ever since. I have always wanted to sew but felt it was to hard and I just didn't know how to get started but then I found your blog. In a couple of months I read every article and watch every video on your blog and then took the plung and brought a used sewing machine. Now, I absolutely LOVE sewing and I'm getting my first brand new sewing machine for Christmas. All that to say... I read your blog everyday and you are a constant sorce of inspiration for me ;). I appreciate all your hard work. Thanks.

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  36. Mimi,
    I find you very approachable.....someone that is honest about who you are and who would help as many people as you can with the talents God has given you....

    Thank you.....

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  37. This was great, Mimi. Thank you so much for doing what you do and I am sure you know this already but you are an inspiration to many of us who follow your blog.

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  38. I just have to say one of the reasons why I enjoy your blog so much is because it's something I can relate to. It's great to see someone share her passion with others. I read it almost everyday even if I don't comment :)

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  39. I'm reading, I care!!! You have become a constant beautiful inspirational part of my days. I'm so glad I found you last year while living in Australia. I'm back on the East Coast and would love to fly out to meet you at one of your events.
    I have even added bright colors to my all neutral wardrobe, yay! Your true followers get you, love you and SEE YOU.

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  40. Mimi I love your blog, I follow a few bloggers and you are definitely my favorite. You have inspired a number of looks that I've tried lately. I don't usually post but know that I'm following closely. Keep up the good work.

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  41. Mimi, You are definitely my favorite blogger. I have a few bloggers that I follow and you have definitely inspired a number of my most recent looks. I don't usually comment on post, but know that there are many of us that love what you do, how you do it. Keep up the good work.

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  42. I love this post. It's awesome to read something so frank, honest, introspective... I've only been following your blog for a couple weeks and didn't realize you're a mom. The fact that you can work a full time job and be a wife and mother and still find the time and energy to look amazing and share so much of yourself is inspiring.

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  43. Thanks for taking the time out to write this post ! I enjoy your blog. And thanks for sharing
    Dawn Lewis

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  44. Hi Mimi,

    You are awesome....this post was so honest, and an inspiration. I can go on and on about how much of a wonderful woman you are. Keep doing you and know that your blog has definitely changed women lives all over the world.

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  45. Great post! Keep doing your thing its very much appreciated.

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  46. Hey Mimi!!!
    THanks for this post! Though I am not a blogger, I have wanted to do it, but time and patience is lacking on my part. Maybe someday. Anyhow, I really love your honesty. The things that you said could be true for just plain, old life and not just as a blogger. Life hands us all the good, bad and the ugly, but boy it is so rewarding when you hear someone else say what you feel about it. LOL!!! I love your posts and check it most everyday, though I don't always comment. I too am a wife and mother and your posts sometimes is a sweet escape. I have really come into my own with how I dress again. I had previously been overweight, but dropped about 50 lbs and now I feel spunky again. Your posts have taught me about adding a pop of color to clothes and about the right accessories and heels!!! Oh I love being back in BAAD heels!!!! LOL. Anyhow, I am one of many who appreciate you and the time you take to blog. I could say so much more, but I would probably make your head tired from all that reading. LOL!

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  47. I learned about your blog a month ago and it is a daily read for me. I love it! Keep doing what makes you happy!

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  48. Thank you for this post you are very inspirational I am glad that I found your blog I love to sew as well and reading your blog gave me the drive to start one of my own. I'm still figuring this out but I love that it's a piece of me to share with others so again thank you for sharing

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  49. Loved reading your post - as I always do. Thanks for taking the time to blog and share. God knows, I love my "Mimi G Pencil Skirt"! Keep on, keeping on.....

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  50. Thanks for Keepin' It Real, Mimi! I enjoy your honesty, generosity, and motivation. It is so refreshing to see someone be real, showing us your good and bad days. It allows us to be kind to ourselves on our good and bad days. I love you for being you, and appreciate all you have to offer. Because offering yourself is giving a hell of a lot more than what most people give us. Keep being YOU and doing YOU girlie! I continue to say this, YOU ARE THE TRUTH SISTER!

    Aisha

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  51. Mimi, I love your honesty, how you are passionate about what you do and how you do what you but still keep your family first. I am one of many that looks forward to your daily post. Because of you and your blog, I have started taking more risk and have stopped playing it safe with my clothes and fly inspiration from you to cut my hair. My husband loves the changes and so do our boys. Thanks for taking the time to do all you do!

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  52. I enjoy the fact that blogging is about the person and what they choose to share or not share. Your blog is about you but I see the styling that you have and enjoy your posts. I sew so I'm happy to share my skills with other but you're right. Blogging is something that I enjoy and am willing to share so I hope you keep blogging for as long as it makes you happy.
    You take the time to share with us all while being a full time Mom who also works.
    Take care of yourself.

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  53. You are the truth! I respect you even more so for keeping it 100! Keep up the great work.

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  54. Part of what makes you so amazing and inspiring is that you continue to give to your readers on top of all that you do in your real life. As another working mom of many, many children, I know how hard it is just to get through the day to day. That you have the energy and inclination to give to us in a way that always feels 100% authentic says so much about the specialness of your spirit. Thank you for doing what you do.

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  55. I'd like to comment with a string of fancy words that will melt your heart but have none! I love your blog Mimi, and I'm very much inspired by you. That's all :-)

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  56. This is my favorite blog!

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  57. Great post. I have been following your blog since you were featured in fashion bomb.

    Natasha

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  58. Thanks for you honest story. I enjoy reading your blog and watching your pictures. Your style is not always mine, but you're always great to look, especially because you have your own, unique style.
    The part I love most about your post is the bold phrase about trying to look pretty and feel like a woman. I totally agree and recognise. I think you do a great job!

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  59. Love this post and love your honesty! I only stumbled across your blog a couple of months ago but you are already one of my favourite bloggers and that's because you keep it personal and relevant. Keep doing you because you're doing a great job! Oh and I can relate to the being shy part. I'm a newbie blogger who's also quite shy so I totally get how blogging is a great way of getting things out there if you're normally a bit reserved.

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  60. I love your blog and think you are amazing!! P.s. you are gorgeous, your hubby is gorgeous, and your children are gorgeous!!!!

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  61. I love your blog and think you are amazing!! P.s. you are gorgeous, your hubby is gorgeous, and your children are gorgeous!!!!

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  62. Hi Mimi -

    Great post! Keep doing what you're doing! I look forward daily to your OOTD!!!

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  63. Mommy, I mean Mimi.....you're running my mascara! I hope when all is said & done, that yoy know how much you inspire us!!

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  64. Great post.

    I'm a blogger (beginner), mom and wife as well. But god it's hard. But just as you said it's fun..
    So we keep on going.

    iwearmystyle.site90.net

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  65. Thank you writing regarding what it means to blog or be a blogger. You provided a comprehensive insight to the time and effort it takes to keep a blog up and running. It does take time to take the photos and write a post. And yes sometimes the comments are not necessiraly positive;however the majority of the comments are awesome. And there is the benefit of meeting people and creating awesome friendships.

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  66. Thank you very much for blogging! I don't comment much but I have your blog on my google reader and get inspiration for styles everyday when I see your posts. Again, thank you!

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  67. Not much time to say anything now but I wanted to let you know (like the other posters) that I really appreciate all you do. Your blogging is truely a gift to all of us...Thank you.

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  68. I follow your post daily because you educate, inspire and make me smile. I can never compensate you enough for that but I can say thank you. So THANK YOU SO MUCH! ;O) Treasa

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  69. Hi Mimi! I have been following your blog for a while but I have never commented before. I just wanted to thank you for your awesome blog. You are such an inspiration. Keep up the great work!

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  70. Thanks for Keepin' It Real, Mimi! I enjoy your honesty, generosity, and motivation. It is so refreshing to see someone be real, showing us your good and bad days. It allows us to be kind to ourselves on our good and bad days. I love you for being you, and appreciate all you have to offer. Because offering yourself is giving a hell of a lot more than what most people give us. Keep being YOU and doing YOU girlie! I continue to say this, YOU ARE THE TRUTH SISTER!

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  71. That was a truthful read. SOMEBODY had to say it. lol

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  72. Just had to say that I really appreciate what a generous blogger you are. Some days I learn from you. Some days you inspire me. I always enjoy you. I really love reading about a slice of a different life than my own each day.

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  73. I first found your blog years ago from Pattern Review, and have always admired your sense of style and your amazing sewing skills! Thanks for sharing what you love!

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  74. I have truly been inspired since being introduced to your blog site. I don't know if I would be as intrigued if every outfit consist of some fashion model rockin CL and other high end pieces for a $5,000 outfit. As a single mother of 4, I am elated to know I to can look bold and beautiful on a budget. Thanks for taking time out of your day to share with us :-)

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  75. OMG MIMI....TRUE TRANSPARENCY.....I LOVE IT!!!!.....LUV YOU GIRRLLL :-)

    "WHAT REACHES THE HEART, COMES FROM THE HEART"

    I love that you chose to write this article.... especially these part, because I think so many of us women can relate.

    "I am just a wife and mother who has to clean house and do laundry and wipe snot and vomit and scrap nasty stuff off the floor while trying to look pretty and feel like a woman who still has it and is not lost in the whirlwind life of being a mom and wife"

    "I cant afford red bottoms or to be draped in luxury designer brands but what I do have is a great sense of style that can be easily achieved on a budget. I can teach you how to wear it and I can teach you how to make it. That is all I have....Me ;-"

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  76. Mimi: Thanks so much for sharing a slice of your daily life. I love that you are real and down to earth and that you share your vulnerabilities with us. I enjoy your blog soooooo much! You are one talented lady. Many blessings to you

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  77. Mimi I love your blog, love your style and your creativity. I think you are the best model for your blog... it makes it so very personal. Although I am a little older and a little wider (maybe more than a little, ha) I really appreciate your style and enjoy reading your post. THANK YOU!

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  78. Great post Ms. Mimi! I agree with the person who said...just "do you"! YOU are the person we love and why we follow! There is nothing those "Nay Sayers" can say to change that!

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  79. I'm so glad you wrote this post. People look at you and ASSUME that they know you. I don't know you personally, but I know that you put a lot into this blog. It's not like you just jumped on the blogging band wagon. You have been doing this longer than many of the so called experts who make money from blogging. You do it because you enjoy it...and that my dear is what matters.

    Your post are inspiring. I bought a sewing machine and fabric because you make it look so easy. I'm glad I did!!

    Keep doing you Mimi. Don't let anybody steal your joy.

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    1. Thank you so much! and so happy to hear you are sewing!!

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  80. You are the all American Woman!!!
    Thank you for sharing this with us, especially me, a mother of three BOYS a wife and Me TRYING TO KEEP ME TOGETHER!

    Thank you again MiMi for giving us hope that WE can DO it ALL!!!




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  81. You are awesome! I love how humble and down to earth you are, the more I watch your videos and read your posts the more I like you, keep up the good work.

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  82. I really enjoyed your post. One of the main reasons I check your blog is to see a "real outfit". I love the fashion blogs, but in most cases I will never be able to afford a full head to toe designer outfit. I have some nice pieces, but I can't afford to wear Valentino and red bottoms everyday. So, please continue to show us great outfits that we could ACTUALLY go buy and wear. ;)

    I LOVE your pattern reviews and tutorials. The items you sew look great and give me inspiration to my sewing machine out and sew something. :D

    Thanks so much for the time and effort you put in your blog. There are always people who are negative and just down right nasty, hopefully you will continue to shake them off and keep going!

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    1. Thank you so much! I appreciate the love ;-)

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  83. We are reading Mimi...at least I am! I definitely appreciate that you blog every day, because I know how time-consuming it is. I recently lost an editing client, because writing the blogs was taking up too much time and the client has other projects that need greater time and attention. SO, if I never said it before, I am saying it now: Thank you for posting everyday (even when you're sick) and thank you for sharing your closet with us!!!

    <3 AnJu

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  84. Hi Mimi,

    I too enjoy your honesty on your post. You don't have to share any of your skills or personal life with us, but you do.
    Thank you so much! You are encouraging me to learn to sew as well.

    Peace and Blessings,

    Kemice

    p.s. Your baby boy is adorable! Kiss his cheeks off for me too! Lol.

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    1. hey girl, i love seeing u and keep on doing what u doing. much luv!!!

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  85. Thank you for this post. This is so wonderfully honest. I appreciate your style, your candor, and the time you take to do this.

    We (your audience) may not respond daily, but we visit daily. I loved watching how you dress the past few days as Hurricane Sandy pounded outside my door. It's gray and dreary here, and I imagined myself somewhere else sunny - via your photos.

    Thank you.

    Your fan,
    Tiffanie

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    1. Thank you Tiffanie, I sure hope the storm has taken it easy on you. xoxo

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  86. I'm glad to have found you on pattern review. Blogging is hard to keep up, especially for me and all my travel. But your blog has inspired me to sew. I have made your maxi's and skirt....2 quick projects to keep people motivated. After November I plan to start sewing again (been on the road)...I will share some pics. Thanks for everything, your time and talent! ♥

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  87. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us. You are an inspiration in so many ways: as a mom who works in and away from home and as a creative being who is willing to teach others. Please know that you are appreciated!

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  88. Mimi thank you for being real and being living breathing proof that it's not about material stuff it's about uplifting the spirit. Xoxo

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  89. Never commented before amazing and I check out your site and copied many of your styles. God Bless

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  90. Your honesty takes my breath away - you have shared so much about yourself and have endeared yourself even more to me, if that were possible.

    Many of your observations certainly touched a nerve with me. I love your blog and look forward to learning more about you.

    Thank you

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  91. I love your blog because you keep it real and women can relate to that. I love people who are passionate - that's what you are. So glad you posted this. PS I made the pencil skirt - Love it! I'll send a picture next time I wear it.

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  92. I love your blogs and like you said it helps me add an extra bit of color to my day after being a mom and wife with a full time job. Keep up the good work.. you are awesome.

    Candy Mc.

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  93. What a wonderful post! If we post something other than who we are, then who are we fooling the most - ourselves! I often wonder what makes some people so sure that their ugly comments need to be heard. Are they so insecure that their only feeling of good comes from putting down someone else? I got to you from another blog but will definitely follow now. Bravo to you! You are one classy lady and I am happy to meet you. It also sounds like you are a good Mom - the greatest of our gifts, right? I bless all of you who sew and post about it. I have a collection of gorgeous fabrics that I swear is reproducing itself as I sleep, but I keep telling myself I will sew for me "when I lose weight". The fabric may rot by then and I will persist in feeling frumpy. I love clothes, I love fabric and patterns (why are they so expensive anymore?) but I guess I need to start loving ME again. I really feel that with reading a few more blogs like this, it will come.

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    1. Thank you Nancy! I send you love and hugs. Take care of you always!

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  94. Good for you - your blog should definitely be about the things that bring you pleasure. This is such a refreshingly honest, unapologetic post that I may just have to settle in and read all your previous ones now, because I really enjoyed reading this one! Thank you!

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  95. Thank you so much for this post - I enjoy your blog so much and love your style! I totally agree with your comments on Self Obsession + Staying Relevant...

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  96. Mimi, you NAILED it with this post... I agree 100% my blog is an expression of me & all I can do is give them me!!!!! But yessss behind the PC we are still human & have feelings. At the end of the day NOT everybody going to like what we say or wear but it should be RESPECTED!!!!!

    Thanks for sharing.... You are truly a beautiful person inside & ou! A true inspiration; continue to blog because folks are looking & listening you blogs help others get through the madness!!!!! Kudos to you!!!!

    Xoxo
    Lynn

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  97. That was what they call meat on a bone! Such wisdom!!

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  98. Thank you for the insight into you. I also blog and love it and am most likely h person standing in the other corner at a party.

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  99. Hunny!!!! If I could dress up everyday, I would! Work won't let me... I'm in the Navy so, I have to abide by their rules and wear a uniform... YUCK!!! LOL j/k about the yuck part... Whenever I get a chance to put clothes on, I try my best to stay true to myself and my style and I love blogs where fashion bloggers are true to themselves and even if you've never made THIS post, I already knew you were styling your own way! I love the genuinely of your blog, I love the sincerity and I love the style! Who doesn't love Mimi's style?!

    I sure wish I could post MORE pictures or even have more time to blog about fashion (I have the slightest idea about it- but my own personal style is just enough to write about) but in the meantime, I'll live vicariously through you. Continue to do great things styling and inspiring!

    V Renee

    P.S. there's an outfit I wore a couple weeks ago that was inspired by one of your posts... Red jeans and blue jean shirt!

    :)

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  100. You are so very inspiring. Thank you for opening up and sharing with all of us.

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  101. Hi Mimi! As a plus size woman, would I be able to follow your blog and create styles similar to yours? Also does your daughter have a blog that my 12yr old could follow?

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  102. Hi Mimi! As a plus size woman would I be able to follow your blog and create styles similar to yours? Also, does your daughter have a blog that my 12 yr old could follow? Thanks for your time and great fashion sense! Its great to have bloggers like you that encourage us"regular" 9 to 5 girls that we too can look like a million bucks!

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  103. Because you are you that's why you have so many readers. People love you for you and don't ever change that. :) So what your shy, I would have never known that lol. You inspire me and keep me motivated because sometimes after taking care of 4 kids, going to school full time, doing an internship while catering to the hubby I just want to wave the white flag, but you remind me that I can still do it and do it with STYLE!! Thanks Mimi you are the best, keep up the amazing work you do!! You are blessed beyond your years xoxo

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  104. Great post from a fellow blogger (nothing as glamorous as fashion, but real estate). I just came across your blog from a Pinterest pin with your DIY maxi-skirt that I adore. This post should be read as part of the "Terms and conditions" because people see your pretty clothes, your cue face and fly hair and immediately become jealous not knowing you. I too had a child early in life and already had the "Scarlet Letter" on my forehead even thou I wasnt promiscuous, i just thought i was in love with my first boyfriend. :) I too am very shy around people I don't know unless it's family or business then of course my alter-ego kicks in. I am SO happy to have discovered your blog and I can't wait to see the fashions you have put together. I hope at some point you will be able to do something in fashion full time and that it continues to make you very happy.

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  105. Thank you so much for this post. I am one of your followers that is coming out of the fashion closet. I feel like I'm able to try anything. You're an inspiration.

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  106. Mimi, I have only been following you for the past 3-4 weeks, but you had me at "don't look at your needle, it's not going to change anything". Keep doing what you are doing and being the authentic you

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  107. Mimi I have only been following you for the past 3-4 weeks but you are so genuine. You had me at "don't look at the needle because it's not going to change anything". I have more patterns than I need and I'm going to eventually make all of them. Keep doing what you are doing because you have inspired me to try new colors. You are genuine, unique and authentic.

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  108. Hi mimi, this my first time commenting on your blog but , I look at your picture everyday since I came across your pictures I look up to you a lot cause I see myself like you I love fashion and I love the fact that you inspired woman. This is a lot of work you doing on here it takes time and patient to do what you do and I admire you for that your passionate of what you do to write this was simpley amazing. Am not much of a talker but when I see this I had to make a comment on it your simple beautiful inside and out and you have a pure heart god bless you and keep doing what you do take care.

    ♥ Sherhone.

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  109. Hi mimi, this my first time commenting on your blog but , I look at your picture everyday since I came across your pictures I look up to you a lot cause I see myself like you I love fashion and I love the fact that you inspired woman. This is a lot of work you doing on here it takes time and patient to do what you do and I admire you for that your passionate of what you do to write this was simpley amazing. Am not much of a talker but when I see this I had to make a comment on it your simple beautiful inside and out and you have a pure heart god bless you and keep doing what you do take care.

    ♥ Sherhone.

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  110. I like you even more now:-) I have always loved your style, but this is one of my favorite posts from you because it is so honest, so real. I value that so much.

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  111. Very awesome post. I totally agree with you on lots of the points you hit-especially the part about this being your method of opening up. I too am rather introverted so blogging is my outlet away from the 'real' world.

    http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

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  112. I think your awsome and have followed you for some time now!

    Keep it coming!

    We love ya!

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Thank you for taking time to comment ;-)

xoxo
mimi g.