Hey there,
Thank you to the readers, friends, blog supporters who want to continue to see me blog…err or just see pics of Bean. Either way, all the comments did make me smile and the support is one of the reasons to continue blogging.
Mila had the idea of just blogging 1x per week on average. I like that and may be something I’ll stick to. My guess is, per month, there will be one random ‘here’s what I’ve been up to’ post, 1 post on Bean’s latest news, 1 post on shoes (since I’ve yet to show you about 3 or 4 new pairs I’ve bought), and 1 post may be on a new recipe I’ve tried. How does that sound?
In the last post, I alluded to not fitting in the HLB community. First let me say, I actually do believe myself to live healthfully: I sleep 8-9 hours a night, I work out regularly, I eat well, I indulge for special occasions (or for Tuesdays 
), I try to take me time, I spend time with family and friends, I travel, I challenge my brain. All of those things, to me, make up a healthy lifestyle.
And there a good number of other HLBers who also live and believe similarly (from what I can tell).
But that’s just it, it’s only from what I can tell. What is portrayed, whether true or not, is not what I can relate to. So as to not be cryptic, I’m going to list them, but please know that this is not a personal attack by any means. It’s just me noting we may not subscribe to the same approach to healthy living.
Why I don’t fit in:
- I hate working out in the AM’s and would never (unless for some spectacular reason) sacrifice my sleep to go workout. Instead I work out after work (late afternoons) when I can burn off energy.
- I think almond butter is not all its hyped up to be. Give me PB. In fact, place a container of JIF in front of me, and I’ll be pretty damn happy.
- I won’t preach about HFCS and then eat a massive amount of froyo topped with candy toppings that include HFCS. Instead, I’ll just do the latter…and enjoy it
- I won’t overlink to my old pages for hits. For awhile I got way to caught up in the reader traffic. What does it all mean? Nada. I don’t blog for my job so it’s not like I’m dependent on hits for money.
- I won’t overlink to products. I will link to the few products that I truly love (e.g. Nugo before Nugos were popular) to give you easy access to the site or to a restaurant menu that I don’t want to recap.
- I will not market myself for tons of free stuff. I admit, it’s awesome to be sent items to review especially when the retailer sought you out. But whether direct or indirect, there is an amount of work that goes into getting that free stuff: links to their site, commenting on other people’s blogs about how much you love that product, soliciting them directly, tweeting them day in and day out, etc. I could spend that time with my baby or doing extra work at my job, that pays me, and then just buy those things the companies are sending. Right?
- I don’t subscribe to the crazy toppings trend. That is, when I eat oatmeal, it’s just water, oats, and some cinn (maybe some stevia), but no muffin crumbles or granola or PB or AB. Just oats. Same for my toast — it’s just PB on it, not PB with nectarine slices and granola on top. A few posts back I wrote about my sugar intake…well all those toppings are a sure fire way to have the sugar intake explode!
- I won’t ever post all my food. I eat oatmeal every morning with brewed coffee. I eat a relatively boring lunch and dinners aren’t that extravagant either. If anything is worthy noting, sure I may mention it. I assure you, my oats are not worth noting.
- I drink wine, usually a glass a night. I am surprised by how many HLBers rarely if ever drink/have a glass of vino with dinner, etc.
- I’m not always happy. I get down. I get frustrated. I get cranky. You get the point. I tell you that I’m in a funk and don’t or won’t put on a happy face. I think readers are getting a skewed perception of what bloggers’ lives are like based on what they portray. I’m glad others are happy, but I find it hard to believe that there is never a bad day worth a few sentences of ranting.
- I don’t run. That’s a biggie. Okay, it’s also somewhat of a lie. I run to get in a workout now and then (maybe 2-3x per month tops). And my run is maybe 3 miles. And it’s at a 9 min pace. And I feel like death afterwards. And that’s a-ok by me. I feel mighty left out at blog events that focus solely on running.
- I cannot devote even up to an hour of working out a day. I have a job. I have a baby. And sadly I require at least 8 hours of sleep so using more than about 45 minutes of my day to workout is not really negotiable to me (minus my weekly Spin class or an occasional Bikram, etc). Frankly, I like to get my workout done, then grab my glass of vino and watch bad reality tv.
Phew…okay that list got too long.
So the blogs I do relate too are the ones that share real aspects of their life, don’t call a 60min workout an easy day, generally have a job of some sort, are mommies (hey what can I say, I can relate), don’t use the same words as every other blogger, and aren’t caught up in all of the above. Caveat: some bloggers I follow, and truly like, do some of the things above, but also have shared so much more that I can relate to.
So there it is.
See ya in a week or so maybe
What’s funny, is the reasons you say you don’t fit in are the things I like about you. I’m the same way in a lot of respects, and I definitely wouldn’t consider myself to be an HLBer. My favorite blogs are the ones that don’t fit in perfectly with that category. They’re actual real people, that have lives and problems and such that I can relate to. I don’t have a problem with the people that blog for a living, I think that’s amazing, and kind of a dream job, but I don’t feel like I have anything in common with them.
So true, a part of me envies the open days to workout, blog, etc, but knowing me, I’d get bored in the end. So really it’s more that I think I want something that I really can’t relate to? Does that make sense?
Oh and that’s why I like reading you, my fellow wino..haha
I totally get you on EVERY point. I started blogging when I moved so that I can keep in touch with family/friends and as a hobby- since I can’t yet work. I get so fed up with these big bloggers that are on twitter/instagram 24/7, talking about all their free stuff and awesome trips and conferences…and the fact they all blog the same thing at the same time. Well said! (and I’m still totally reading your blog, so keep writing even if it’s once in a while!)
I think like Leah said above, part of it certainly is envy that bloggers get the free stuff and can tweet all day. But when it comes down to it, that’s not my life, so I feel disconnected from them.
I hope you continue to blog as your hobby — that’s the route I plan on going. Thank you for reading!
Ah Shanna, I love you girl! No matter what your niche is, you are still an amazing person and that is exactly why I keep coming back. <3 xoxo
Thank you for the kind words lady!
I clearly need to catch up on my reading. But I love your list.
And honestly, that’s why I think there are some of us who NEED to stick around. Someone has to be different and break the mold!
I laughed about the froyo comment. Hard.
I think the balance is what makes people healthy. (And interesting to read about, for that matter). Sure, I work out before work and eat salads for lunch almost every day. But I also overdose on cookie dough and drink myself silly from time to time. Life would be terribly dull if I didn’t have my “outlets”. The blogs out there that are “on” all the time and never have a bad day and all they do is love life and get their nails done and walk their dogs in the middle of the day because they don’t have a job… I can’t relate to them. So I stopped reading. Over the last year or two, I feel like there’s been a solid break out of bloggers like you or me- we’ve found our “niche” being the inbetween. Keep truckin’ lady. We need ya out there.
haha, yes! the froyo comment was my fave too!
Yes life *would* be dull without those outlets. I seem to have the best times when I stop living by the ‘rules’ and just enjoy myself. And frankly a lot of that might horrify some HLBs. I continue to read you because you share all the other aspects of your life and you obviously run because you like it, not because it’s “the thing to do.”
I’ve quit reading a lot of those blogs because of what I feel is a lack of honesty. The notion someone eats and lives that perfectly rubs me the wrong way, so I’m glad to see someone embrace the “dark side” if you will.
Hey girl, where have you been? Glad to know you are still out there.
I agree with your list 100%! i think that’s why i relate to your blog and have enjoyed your bloggie friendship! I need my sleep, i hate peanut butter in oatmeal, and running more than a couple times a month is torture haha. i have stopped reading many “big” blogs because i just can’t stand how fake they seem. especially with the multiple posts a day and apologies for missing a post, come on no one noticed. haha And the non stop plugs get annoying too. i like that you are just normal and real and even if you cut down on blogging, i hope that you still stick around!
Ditto for you Mila. I can’t even imagine posting multiple times a day. Believe me, I don’t have that much interesting stuff to say.
I just realize you might be on internal IM..hmmm
It’s funny you posted this because I was going to email you tonight! I saw your comment back to me about how my definition of healthy living has changed since I started blogging and I wanted to respond. When I started blogging, I thought being healthy meant eating the “right” food and working out for an hour or more a day (doing things you didn’t particularly enjoy). I’ve since changed my mindset completely, and in the past few months, my blog has been completely random – sometimes I’ll post about a new recipe, sometimes a new workout, but mostly stories and things that happen to me that make me ME! Life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine and balance is the name of the game – so I prefer to blog in a way that reflects my beliefs and not the beliefs of others.
I’m really proud of you for writing this post…I think A LOT of people will be able to relate – bloggers and nonbloggers alike!
I like the randomness…seems to mimic life more than a structured set of posts. Your blog has been great that way!
I love the honesty of this post, and you’re not alone. i don’t run or do yoga and Cross Fit. I actually don’t like nut butters in general and would die if I had to eat oatmeal everyday. I also eat meat and am not afraid to go to Krispy Kreme. It is your blog, so I say that you should write what you want and when you want. I’ll still be reading.
I’m a dunkin donuts girl myself (give me one of those chocolate or blueberry cake donuts anyday!)
Not just almond butter, but when bloggers rave about “nut butters” (in quotes because this also covers sunflower butter and other such weirdness). What happened to good old peanut butter? I’d take a spoonful of Jif any day over the other boutique nut butters that certainly aren’t any better for you. Why do people so often associate quirky/boutique foods with “healthy” living?
I had never heard of it being called “nut butter” until blogging and since I only eat PB, it’s just peanut butter to me.
And dangit, now I want a spoonful of PB…with some chocolate chips
The blogs that make me happiest (yours included) are the ones that grow/evolve over time, and aren’t these stagnant repetitive lists of eats and outfits. And I think that when you peg yourself as a HLB, it can almost become formulaic. So MAZEL TOV on your evolution and redefinition, fitting in is no fun anyway.
Agreed! And I like ones with witty remarks like yours!
Can I just say that I love you so much!? This post is so honest, well-written, and true. So true! I had started to write a post about what bugs me about HLBs but then I figured I was just being negative. You know what drives me bonkers? When girls take pics of themselves in workout gear but aim at the boobs and crotch. Like what is that?!???
Seriously laughed out loud at the last comment. I thought I was the only one that noticed that. I don’t mind a workout pic now and then, but the zoomed in shots, I can do without.
I could have written this! Except that I’d have to sub your wine for whiskey and diet root beer, and I love to run but rarely for more than 30 minutes at a time. As an engineer like you, I have a small window after work (~30 min) to workout and I don’t feel the need to do any more than that anyways. And no way would I sacrifice sleep! I need my 4 cups of morning coffee to even be nice to my coworkers.
I love some diet rootbeer now and then…mmmm.
Oh and yes, coffee is a must in order to be nice. Just ask my husband!
Heck yeah for good ol Jif peanut butter! I can only speak for myself but I have a hunch people love your blog because you are real! Not one of these “Stepford wive-esque” running, nut butter eating, oatmeal mixin’, cross fitting, clean living freaky deaks. Who are those women anyway?!?! You seem like a cool chick that people can relate to and I hope you do post an update from time to time and keep the bean photos coming!! BTW, a 9 min mile?!? You’re a speed demon girl!! I ran for 30 min at an 11 min mile pace yesterday and thought I was such a badass for even getting my butt to the gym!
Speed demon? Ha! Definitely not something I’m usually called. And I only run ‘that fast’ because Zach has long legs and I’m left in the dust.
Love the word choice “freaky deaks”…hahahaha
It’s hard for me to respond to this post, because I know I did A LOT of the things on your list in the past. Honestly, even I’m a little embarrassed when I look back on old posts of mine and see how I was just mimicking all the other HLB blogs. And yes, I do run and I do like almond butter, but I don’t feel the need to write about it everyday anymore because, really, who cares?! I don’t even care! I’d way rather write about all the diverse things going on in my life instead of focusing on the same aspects that a lot of other people are focusing on. My life is so NOT perfect and I definitely try to reflect that in my posts. I love that you speak your mind, Shanna!
I always felt a very true voice in your posts Lauren. And you’ve evolved very naturally. That and I think you’re a cool chick regardless
I love this post. I was actually wondering about the link thing. I didn’t even know it brought in more traffic (blog fail). I can agree though, I still don’t understand the difference between almond butter and peanut butter. I enjoy the plain peanut butter in my pantry.
Nothin’ wrong with plain PB!
Oh girl – I hear ya! I love my beer, but I still workout. I get sweaty, but I’m no marathoner. I eat healthy, but this girl looooooves her pizza. It’s all about balance, and we <3 ya for it.
You go girl!! I totally agree with you on everything. I have been wanting to start a blog since my little girl was born (8 months ago) but once I get home from work, I really don’t want to sit on the computer again. I am most likely going to become a contractor in the next few months so once I am home more often, I will try and start a blog but everything you said is totally true. I so enjoy reading your blog and think Mr. Sawyer is adorable.
Thank you! And congrats on your 8 month old. It’s amazing how priorities shift once a baby is in the picture huh? =)
Wait what is HFCS!? haha
Thank you so much for this post. When i started reading a lot of these types of blogs it only took me 5 months before i was bored. I got tired of too many silly pictures of bloggers in workout gear sweating and smiling for the camera, or so so many giveaways and ‘reviews’ on products we all know were paid for. As far as your blog, I still receive your posts to my inbox and enjoy reading them bc it’s different and you don’t try to imitate. Keep up the good work and congrats on your new baby! I hope other HLB’s will read your post and consider changing it up.
Thank you for your support! I don’t do well trying to be something I’m not
And thank you for the congrats!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
For everything listed in this post…the reason why I enjoy reading your blog & would hate to see stop blogging altogether
Thank you for reading Ky G
I can definitely relate to a bunch of the items on your list. And I think it’s ok to make your blog your own. I think a lot of us have a preconceived notion of what our blog is going to be when we start and it’s alright for that to shift (content-wise, frequency of posting-wise, whatever it may be). And look- most of us do this as a hobby, so it should always be a FUN activity, not something we feel obligated to do! We will read about whatever you want to write about.
And same for you girl. Plus you live in one of my fave cities!
I read this last week but haven’t had the chance to respond!
I loved this post so much. There are so many things that bug me about HLBers at times. Mostly the “mask” and perfection they portray. For me, it’s hard because my blog is in part a learning/motivation place I send my clients as well. So I talk about issues like sugar and GMO’s, digestion and things that bug me/need to be brought to light. And of course workouts too! But life is not all about that and that’s where moderation comes in–it’s important to show that! (I also don’t get how turning oatmeal into a sugar bomb is healthy either hahah)
On the other end, I am not perfect either. I also do NOT understand how HLBers can blog 3x a day about eating healthy and exercising and being perfect wives and mothers when they are on their asses blogging 3times a day? Just how??? I know when I was blogging 5 days a week it was the biggest time suck ever! Writing, photos, commenting on other blogs, tweeting, face-booking, etc, etc, etc…it just takes up so much time. I really don’t buy that they are giving their family full attention being on the computer that much. Once Ella was born I had to cut back a lot. I still struggle weeks thinking about whether or not I want to do it anymore so several reasons. But I do like sharing my experiences and keeping up a presence for professional reasons as well since it is my industry!
I get down, frustrated, cranky, etc too. It’s refreshing to read this. Bottom line, it’s you blog you just be yourself. That’s what I am trying to do. I am not going to worry about trying to please everyone. I will share my experiences and not change to target a certain audience. Do you and those who relate will read! I loe you girl…keep on keepin it real!
Yes! Blogging can totally be a time suck and with a full time job in work and as a mommy, I don’t have that much extra ‘free’ time. But on the flip side I can’t imagine blogging enough to make it a job.
I can appreciate that your blog is a platform for sharing healthy advice to your clients. To me, you are portraying a consistent voice professionally and also personally. But then you also keep it real, which makes it easy to relate to.
Wish we lived closer so we could have a gab fest =)
Haha Shanna, all those reasons are why I LOVE your blog!!!! You are seriously so awesome, and I love that you’re not annoying about “healthy living” because sometimes I just roll my eyes at the people that can’t enjoy a bowl of fro-yo without running 498 miles to burn off the ounce of HFC .Chill people.
When I got business cards made for my blog, it literally starts with “Almost-health food blogger” because I feel like it’s all about whatever balance works for YOU, you know?
Also, I’d totally enjoy a glass of wine with you every single night
Anytime you’re in Cali, you have an open invitation to join me for a nightly glass of vino. I promise you I won’t make you run off the calories..haha.
Just putting this out there…I’m not an almond butter fan, either. I’m sure others think it’s crazy that I’ve had the same container sitting in my fridge for over a year (I guess I should probably check the expiry after admitting to that lol). I feel ya on some of those points for sure. I like just being original and if that makes me a HLB then so be it, but if not, then I’m representing me!
Gasp! No almond butter? Meh, me neither.
I like your perception on being an HLB.
I love this post. I think so many people can relate…I don’t run. I work. At an office. And I have a child!
It’s great that you are so relatable Shanna…love that about you and your blog.
And you are wonderfully snarky and funny, which is awesome Ameena
I absolutely love this post! I’m totally sick of my twitter feed filled with giveaways and produce reviews of this and that…it’s too much. I want to read blogs that are realistic and relatable not full of the same boring thing over and over again!