Image credit: Poppies for Grace Confettti Balloons
Hip, Hip, HORAY, NASD turns 3 today!!!
Well, I truly never thought I’d be writing this post to mark the third anniversary of my blog. You see, I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing when I started this blog back in 2012. It was my sister who suggested I start writing about my mothering experiences. We were both deep in the trenches of newborn fatigue and regularly exchanged war stories. Perhaps she was tired of me hearing me rant but I must thank her because what has followed has been an amazing journey.
I remember the combined excitement and nervousness I felt when I pressed PUBLISH and sent my post out to the blogosphere. I only had two readers who were the only ones following my blog at the time – my sister and loyal hubby! I confess I knew nothing about blogging and what it would entail. I gave little thought to what I would write about, and I didn’t pay any attention to the so-called “rules” required to establish a loyal following. Since then the terms ‘readership’, ‘messaging’, ‘traffic’, ‘hits’, ‘integration’, ‘widgets’, ‘engagement’ and ‘plugins’ have become part of my vernacular.
Building an audience was slow initially. It took a while for my readership to reach double digits but gradually it increased and I realised that people outside of my immediate family and friends were reading. The first time a stranger commented on a post I felt a surge of adrenalin. It felt good and I was eager for more. When I reached 100 followers I high fived myself and decided that maybe I wasn’t so terrible at blogging after all. I now have over 3000 followers, here and over on my other social media platforms.
3 years of blogging
In three years I have written close to 200 posts. Many of them are funny. Some of them are informative. All of them are honest. The most popular post by far is a post I wish I never had to write. It has been read by thousands of people worldwide and is the post I am most proud of. You can read All miscarriages matter here. And to lighten the mood, I am also sharing an entertaining post, The 5 most stressful experiences after childbirth. And here’s one that means a lot to me, purely because it’s where my mothering journey began, A story about conception.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I am so happy that you are reading. What started out as my creative playgrounds has become a community. Each and every comment from my readers means a great deal to me. In the blogging world it’s easy to get fixated on site stats, traffic and new followers. I don’t have huge numbers in comparison to the big fish , but, like most things in life, quality over quantity wins out every time. Mostly I blog to connect with you and share our stories, because a lot of the time, my stories are your stories, too.
elk winner
Congratulations Keryn Bradbury. You are the lucky winner of my elk giveaway. I will email you and arrange delivery of your $100 gift voucher. Happy shopping 🙂
If you haven’t already noticed, you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too. I am active on FB and IG and Twitter less so. I think that’s party because I can’t say anything useful in under 140 characters. But I love taking photos and I love the conversations I have on FB so do stalk me over there. And if you’re up for a monthly hit of parenting, baking, lifestyle and occasional crafting inspiration, sign up to my newsletter and I’ll combine all my best bits in one easy-t0-read newsletter. It’s as simple as entering your email address in the newsletter subscription box.
But wait, there’s more….
GAIA Skin Care Range
GAIA Giveaway
To celebrate NASD’s third birthday, the lovely team at Gaia Skincare are offering you the chance to win an $80 GAIA Pamper Pack. This blog is all about supporting and empowering mums and so I wanted to offer a prize that aligns with my philosophy of nurturing mums. The GAIA skincare range for women is just beautiful and I know one lucky reader is going to love it. All you have to do is tell me in 50 words or less what you enjoy most about reading Not another slippery dip. This isn’t an ego boost ploy, but more so I can deliver relevant content to you so my blog can live for another three years.
Competition closes on Sept 8 at midnight. Open to Australian residents only. You must like the NASD FB page to be eligible.
Thank you, my lovely readers. Thank you for making NASD so much more than a blog. You make it a conversation. You make it a community.
Michaela x
Well done Mich! This blog is a testament to your dedication, passion and connection with so many people. I’m not as frequent a visitor as I used to be but feel so proud for you for all you have achieved x
Thank you, Lindy. I always love it when your name pops up and you have played a big part in this journey of mine. Thank you xx
Congratulations Michaela, very much deserved. I obviously know how important your blog is to you. May you still be blogging in those “interesting” teenage years! x
Oh thank you, Lisa. If you haven’t already started your blog about those “interesting” years I will try to address all those issues. What do they say about kids? Little kids = little problems. Big kids = big problems?? 🙂
Congratulations on your third birthday – your posts are always a pleasure to read.
Thanks, Shari. That is very lovely to hear 🙂
happy birthday, what a wonderful achievement! What I enjoy most about your blog is that when I read it I feel less alone in this crazy world that is motherhood!
Thanks so much, Sarah. I am so happy to hear you feel less alone by reading my posts. That makes me very happy 🙂
Awesome work Michaela. Wishing you much love laughter and success for the next three years.i love reading your blogging journey.xx
Thanks so much, Nicky. And snap! xx
1st off congratulations your blog is great and quite interesting I am sure you have helped a lot of mums
Thanks so much, Deborah. I hope so 🙂
Congrats! What a huge achievement!
Thank you, Emily. Like parenting, I am feeling pretty proud I have kept this “baby” alive! 🙂
Happy 3rd Birthday. I am expecting my first baby (a blue one) in Decemeber and love the “realness” of motherhood you write about! Love it 🙂
Oh Tegan, that’s so exciting!! I am so glad you enjoy reading about my experiences. I try to capture the “realness” of motherhood, in all its glory! I’ll be looking forward to hearing when your little boy arrives. There’s nothing quite like your first. All the best xx
Happy 3rd Birthday NASD! I have loved getting to you and sharing our parenting journey together. To the next 3 years and beyond!!!!!!
Snap, sister! Yes, here’s the to the next three years and beyond. Thanks for your amazing support – on the blog, and in life! xx
I’m quite new to your blogs as I only found you on Facebook few months ago but how could I resist not following a fellow mum of 3 girls? I enjoy your posts because I can relate whole heartedly!!
Oh that’s ace that you found me, Kylee. And welcome to my blog. How old are your girls? So glad to know you are following, and can relate!! Thanks for commenting x
Happy 3rd birthday Not Another Slippery Dip! Xoxo
Thanks so much, Alexis. I love being 3 🙂 xx
Congratulations Sarah@theroutinequeen!! You are the winner of NASD’s Birthday GAIA Pamper Pack! Please PM me for details x
Seriously?! Yay!! I never win anything, thanks so much Michaela! I’ll PM you now x