I almost forgot to write this post. I knew my blog’s sixth birthday was coming, but the date crept up on me and I realised I didn’t have anything planned. So I decided simply to write down what I’m thinking about my blog at this moment in time.
The last few months have been busier than ever. With Poppy taking her A-levels and Harry his GCSEs, my mind has been otherwise occupied. I’ve been busy with my house too. The kitchen, my bedroom and the dressing room all needed sprucing up, (and I upcycled my fabulous cocktail cabinet of course), something that took the majority of the Easter and May Day Bank Holiday weekends. Other than waiting for a garden shed, I think I’m about there now though with the house, (for this year at least). I returned to optometric practice more than six months ago now. I work two days a week and one in four Saturdays (today being that one in four). All in all, therefore, it’s been difficult to find as much time for my blog as I’d like to.
Time For Change
I mentioned in a recent “Life Lately” post that the content of my blog is changing. This is a natural evolution which reflects the ongoing changes in my life, both personal and professional. I’m increasingly focussed, (do excuse the pun), on eyewear and optometry. I’m also sharing more candid images than I have done previously. By that I mean those snapped with my phone, with my hair undone and just out and about doing what I do. Of course I’ll always choose those photographs that flatter the most and discard those that don’t. And I will always want to present the best version of myself. But sometimes, it’s nice to be a bit more natural and to save myself 20 minutes in a morning blowing and straightening my hair. Fear not though, I’ll never be quite so au natural that you’ll see me sans mascara…
I think my blog’s sixth birthday is a good time to look at what is happening in the blogosphere. It’s become a very saturated place and standing out among the thousands in my age-group/genre is nigh on impossible. I do think my optometry and eyewear posts set me apart a little though and that’s something I’ll continue to nurture until it becomes my niche. With that being said, my blog will continue to be about my life and style. It’ll just have (even) more about eyes in it than it used to.
It’s the same on Instagram really. I think a lot of my posts get lost in the sea of other 40-something women’s style accounts. Can I stand out more? Shall I change the aesthetic? Would it be better if my images were more curated? Will I get more engagement if I hop on the “try-on and return” bandwagon? Shall I post more selfies or is a more polished camera shot preferable? These are questions that I ask myself way more often than I should. And I never find the answers. So I think the best thing is to stop over-thinking and simply enjoy it for what it is. An app via which people share snippets of their lives in a photograph. Instagram has to be part of my “brand” and I’d be naive to think otherwise, but I don’t want it to become a dreaded chore. I have decided from this day forward I shall stop the worrying and just post whatever and whenever makes me happy. Just like I did when I started writing this blog
Thank you
Thank you so much for reading and for commenting; I appreciate it more than you could ever know. I do hope I share enough to give an insight into my life and loves but not SO much that you want to cover your eyes and put your fingers in your ears. Thank you to Ian who takes most of my photographs. He’s shyer than me, yet respects this frankly rather bonkers facet of my career. He is the most patient person I’ve ever met and he never ever resents me asking him to take photographs. Not only that, he has a great eye for what makes a good shot, he encourages, supports and champions me… and he makes me smile like no other. I couldn’t do it without him.
And finally…
These photographs were taken with my phone at Bolton Abbey last weekend. Sunshine, days-off and the best company in the world. THIS is What Lizzy Loves.
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”bolton-abbey” size=”large” title=”Style Notes…” show_product_title=”yes”] Disclosures:- I am a paid Brand Ambassador for STEPPER Eyewear - I am a paid Company Ambassador for MAC Eyewear - I am a paid Columnist and Content Creator for Optometry Today - I am an employed optometrist at Benjamin Opticians, Skipton. Like most blogs, some posts contain affiliate links (from which I make a small commission if you make a purchase). Such links are identified with an asterisk *- Gifted items and PR samples are identified as such either in the the body of post or in the notes section at the foot of the post - Shop my looks, eyewear and homeware here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/whatlizzyloves - Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.
19 comments
What a fantastic post, Liz. I’ve loved watching your life unfold and bloom via your blog (and WhatsApp!) since I first met you. The name of your blog is so perfect because you really do discuss the things you truly love and are passionate about on it– clothes, family, experiences, optometry, travel, etc. It is a joy to read your angle on everything from Spain to sunglasses to fashion. I’m so proud of all that you’ve accomplished and for the elegant and thoughtful way you walk through the world.
Ian is proving to be a world class Instagram husband. These shots are absolutely magnificent, and so perfect for a blogiversary post. Happy birthday to What Lizzy Loves! xx
Thank you so much for these lovely words Lisa. And yes, the name is simple, but it says what it does on the tin. I love everything that I write about and therefore it never feels like a chore. I couldn’t agree more about Ian. He really is a super Instagram husband and I couldn’t be more thankful to have met him, (and not just because he’s a great photographer!!) xxxx
I love reading your posts, Lizzy, and love your photos too – whether they’re super au natural or beautifully perfected lol. I’m looking forward to reading more in the coming years, on here and Instagram. And as someone who wears glasses, I am interested in those posts too!
Hugs
Suzy xxx
Thank you Suzy. I’m so glad you appreciate the glasses posts too. It’s sometimes difficult to gauge, but it’s what I do for a living so it’s the most obvious thing to include. Lots of love and thank you for all of your friendship and support over the years xxx
I’ve been following you for a year or so and continue to do so because you are ‘real’ you post about you and your life, family, job and Ian. I like it because it isn’t staged and is true to life. Please keep on doing what you do, snippets of life and real pictures are the reason I follow you! Sue x
Oh Sue, thank you so much. That is exactly what I want to achieve. Snippets of the very real life of a busy working mum of teens who loves her job and has found a happy ever after!! Thank you for following and for taking the time to comment too xxxx
Aw I so love your last line Liz. Honestly it fills my heart with so much joy. And I must say those shots with your phone are incredible, it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful phone images are now. What next, I wonder? Holograms?
Looking forward to seeing your wedding content on Insta 😉
Thank you Michelle. I feel so full of joy too. And I was so pleased with the phone shots. It works particularly well in bright daylight I’ve found. And yes, I’m smiling at the idea of “wedding content” 😉 xxxxx
As someone who was sent straight to hospital after having “a routine eye test” and subsequently diagnosed with a serious condition, it would be interesting if your ‘eye posts’ could include more about the conditions that can be diagnosed during an eye test. Symptoms to look out for, when an eye test is better than a visit to a GP etc.
Have followed your blog for a good couple of years and love that you are in such a happy place.
Hi! Thank you so much for commenting and for following too. I’m so pleased your eye test turned out to be so important, although it must have been a shock for you at the time. I do hope all is well now. And yes, I have a few posts in the pipeline talking about the things we look for during the eye test, both ocular and also those conditions affecting general health. Also conditions that people commonly present with such as dry eye. It’s good to know that you’ll find those types of clinical post useful too, so thank you so much for this. Have a lovely rest of the week xxx
And yes, I’m in such a happy place. I still can’t quite believe it! xxx
Oh my, what a wonderful post Liz!! I’m so glad to hear you’re going to just go with the flow and only write about and feature what you love (the clue’s in the name! 😉 ), it’ll mean your content will continue to be honest and from the heart. Talking of heart, how good are Ian’s photos? AND the life that you two have (and will have) together?! I couldn’t be happier for you, I really couldn’t… can’t wait for the big day!!
Happy blogiversary my love, here’s to many more I hope xx
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Yes, I think I’ve been over-thinking things (!!), especially when it comes to posting on Instagram. I am going to do what I find the easiest and the most natural which is to post as and when I feel like it and not when I feel I “should.” Ian’s photos are stunning aren’t they. I’m so lucky to have him, and not just for the photos! We can’t wait for the big day either xxxx
Hi Liz. Wow, 6 years. Time does fly when you’re having fun and that is what radiates from your photos and blogposts. I am happy to read I am not the only one just doing what she loves. It might be in the name…Love, Lieske
Thank you Lieske. Yes six years and they have flown by. I am so happy and I always hope that shows in my words and my pictures. And it might just be something in the name! Lots of love to you xxx
Such a great post and these photos are amazing! I often ask myself these same things about blogging…how can I stand out more in the sea of over 40 bloggers? For me, I just stay true to myself and share the things that I love. And that in and of itself has a natural progression of change for I am ever changing. Wishing you a very happy blogiversary and I look forward to seeing where your blog and all the others head! It is a wonderful community that I am proud to be part of and I can’t imagine my life without it.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Ahhh thank you Shelbee. Yes, I agree that staying true to oneself is the best way. I feel exactly the same about the blogging community too. It’s wonderful! xxx
I love reading your posts and look forward to seeing your blog evolving. As a life long short sighted person who doesn’t get on with contact lenses, I like the new focus on eyewear xxx
Oh thank you so much. It’s really good to know that you appreciate and enjoy the eyewear posts. There are so many stunning frames out there and I love trying them and styling them xxxx