Wrapping up 2014 With a Personal Note from Me, to You

What a year this has been for me and my family. There have been highs and lows and lots of in-between and to be honest, I’m ready to put it behind me and move on to 2015. Before I get to some of this year’s popular posts, I want to address the readers and PR peeps that support this blog. I know this post is longer than norm but if you’ll take the 5 minutes to read it, I’d greatly appreciate it.

First, I don’t know if you realize this but Feb. 2015 will be my eighth year of blogging. Crazy right?! The thing is, without y’all reading, encouraging, and supporting me and this blog, it literally would be nothing. I can’t even begin to thank you for your loyalty. I think most of you know by now that I lost my dad at the end of 2013 so 2014 was a HUGE adjustment in many ways. Not only are there emotions to deal with, there are so many things involved when you lose someone and for us, that included moving mom from Houston to here, getting her settled, getting her house sold, and much much more. It was extremely overwhelming for me early in the year but I can finally say, things are getting back to ‘normal’, at least as normal as they can be. You guys have had to deal with inconsistency, change, and total silence from me. And you’re still here…most of you anyways. From the bottom of heart, I thank you for that.

2015 – I’ve heard your thoughts and opinions and I want you to know a few of the things you can expect in the next year:

Consistency – I am going to try my hardest to be much more consistent with my posting. My goal is to have something to you every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If I can get more in, great but those are the three days that I want to get something out to you.
More of us – This is a biggie that I hear from you a lot, especially regarding my lifestyle (mom) blog, A Cowboy’s Wife. Y’all always tell me how you miss us in the posts. I have always been very personable and shared photos of me, my boys, the ranch, whatever and that’s one of the big reasons most of you started reading from the beginning. Sometimes we bloggers can lose track of the important things and I definitely plan to include ‘us’ more…
No fancy schmancy – Okay, so as a food blogger, you’re always trying to “keep up with the Jones’s'” so to speak and it can be a tough place to be in with all these amazing food blogs popping up everywhere. I kinda forgot who my demographics were and most of you will NEVER make those cute little reindeer cookies or sub sandwiches cut into football shapes. I got it. You want simple, fast, and good. I will quit trying to make Pinterest my focus and put YOU first.

Finally, I need you guys to understand something. My family depends on my income. This blogging gig?…it’s MY JOB and so you will see sponsored posts. But what I need you to understand, is that I have only ever accepted campaigns that fit me, my family, or that I know you will love. I never waiver from what I stand for. I’ll never lie to you just to promote something. I’ll always keep it genuine. But I’ve got bills to pay just like you and so if you come across a post here that you’re not into, don’t give up on me or judge me. Just skip it and wait for a new post, and remember that I’m a human being behind your screen, that has a family to support.

With that said, I hope that you continue to support and read me. I always welcome your feedback and I’d love stay in touch with you. You can email me any time – lori@mywoodenspoon.com You can also like, follow, subscribe at the following places:

Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Email Subscribe (delivered every Friday)

I have worked so many great brands/companies this year and I hate thanking each one publicly ’cause I know I’ll just forget someone, but I have to thank Fisher Nuts and their super awesome PR firm. I have had a long relationship with the brand and while I don’t know what 2015 brings, I hope they’re in it. Because of them, I have made you some delicious Texas recipes, met Chef Alex Guaranschelli, and experienced my first time volunteering at our local food bank.

WORK WITH ME

As 2015 approaches, I know all you PR folks are reaching out to bloggers for your next campaign and ambassadorship program. I’d love to hear from you and see if we’re a fit, and hopefully build a long lasting business relationship.

Having 8 years of experience is just one of the many reasons why you should consider me for your next campaign and ambassadorship. As a 38 year old mom of three boys (21, 18, and 8) and a wife of a real cowboy for 22 years, I’m certain that I can create an authentic story, around a product or recipe that we love, that is relatable to my audience. Having two blogs allows me to cover a multitude of topic ideas and is great for cross promotion as well. My food blog, My Wooden Spoon, has been featured in, but not limited to, the Taste of Home magazine and at Walmart.com. A Cowboy’s Wife is home, and where I can write about everything. Because of my quality content and genuine love for my audience, I have built a loyal community that includes thousands of email subscribers.

My experience as a blogger has allowed for multiple ambassadorships with companies like Panasonic, Walmart, Kraft, Fisher Nuts, and more. I’ve been featured in several books referencing my influence and often receive exclusive invites to blogger events, as well as, speaking opportunities at blogging conferences. Being awarded as a Texas Social Media Influencer and Top Power Mom (via Nielson Online), are just two ways I have been recognized.

As you make blogger considerations for 2015, please know that I would love to see if we can work together in creating custom content. You can email me to discuss future opportunities at – lori@mywoodenspoon.com or lori@acowboyswife.com