This year is going to be one hell of a year!
And it is safe to say it is going to be the biggest year of my life so far!
Not only do I have to complete my final school placement, survive my last exams, graduate, find a full time job ready for September and probably some supply work in between, attempt to start tackling the crippling student debt, save up a deposit for a house and hopefully try to get a holiday at some point, but I have also made a vow to myself that this year is going to be all about my crafting and my Blog!
Phew I’m tired just thinking about it!
Luckily, sewing and blogging is something I am enjoying immensely - so despite the fact that it takes up a whole lot of time, it is something I can do to relax and wind down. I have big plans for this blog and I fully intend to see them through! From really connecting with not only my followers but the wonderful blogs I follow myself, to being more consistent with my posts and updates, even delving into new territory such as tutorials, recipes and features.
I truly believe that if I put my mind to it I can create a little corner of the big wide web all for myself that I can call home and truly be proud of. Of course I want to get the views and followers up – who doesn’t, plus it is kinda hard to meet people and chat about all things crafty if no one reads what you are writing, not to mention a little bit pointless if the only person who reads it is the hubby because he is bored at work (nah, he is super supportive really 
)
But what I REALLY want is to get to know like minded, creative people, learn much more and further my crafting skills, and gain more inspiration – oh my the inspiration! I have already gained so much from blogs and Pinterest, yet I know I simply haven’t even scratched the surface!
I just can’t wait. 2013 is going to be the year of the blog and I am going to love every second of it!
But like I said, it can be pretty time consuming and I have found I become rather easily addicted.
So I made a decision to GET ORGANISED!
If I am really going to put into effect all these wonderful ideas I have then I need a battle plan – something to ensure that my blog is not only organised and my posts are consistent, but something that will help me monitor my time and prevent me from staying awake until the early hours of the morning because I have no self control and can’t pull myself away!
This is where my Super Awesome Best Blogging Planner Ever comes in!
TA DA!!!!
Best Blogging Plan by Made with Hugs and Kisses
As you can see this is a weekly planner with space for me to plan what I need to do every day – and write in time allowances if needed! There are also several sections for notes (you can never have too many of these) and a space for a brief plan for that weeks blog post. I particularly like my section for checking up on various media sites such as Facebook and my emails. This way I have a tick list that I can check so I can make sure each has been updated at least once a week. These categories are changeable if you download the document.
Then there is an overview blogging calendar:
Best Blogging Calendar by made with hugs and kisses
I thought a calendar would be useful as sometimes you need to plan a little more long term, especially when you have ideas for a Christmas post in the middle of summer. This way I won’t forget all of my ideas and I wont have to panic about completing any lengthy projects in time. I have been a little sneaky with this calendar. Rather than create 12 separate sheets, one for each month, leaving me drowning in paperwork, I have left it blank so you can just print out the same sheet as and when you need it and fill in the numbers. I have found this way works much better for me, however you could easily make a few tweaks and add the dates before printing, it would take a matter of minutes really!
I am really excited to share these planning proforma with you – I feel like I am embarking on a New Years Blogging journey and I am sharing all the little details – it makes it really personal.
Of course feel free to download these plans and use them for yourself
To make it easier here they are as word documents:
Best Blogging Plan by Made with Hugs and Kisses
Best Blogging Calendar by Made with Hugs and Kisses
And as PDF files:
Best Blogging Plan PDF by Made with Hugs and Kisses
Best Blogging Calendar PDF by Made with Hugs and Kisses
I would LOVE to hear what you think – maybe you have some ideas for how these could be tweaked and improved. What sections would you add or take away!
Hugs and Kisses everyone, and have a very happy New Year xXx
Love that you made your own custom calendar! I’m hoping to do the same for myself, but I’m still trying to figure out what system works best. I’m trying something new this year and for long-term planning, I’m brainstorming projects by season (winter, spring, summer, fall)…we’ll see if that proves helpful. And I love the purple color you chose. I feel like it would make me happy just to see it!
Sounds like 2013 is going to be a big year for you! You have such a great attitude, I know you’ll take the tough spots in stride and continue to share your joy with the world through this fantastic blog. Looking forward to seeing more sewing and crafts from you, m’lady.
Cheers!
Every time you leave me a lovely comment like this one I get all smiley and then panic because I can never write back something so heartwarming – I just stumble on my words! lol.
My plan is only basic but for a small blogger like me, trying to expand a little, I think it is a good place to start out. I’d like to see yours when you have designed it and I like your idea about seasonal brainstorming!
I really do feel determined this year – I don’t think I have ever felt so determined in my life!
So a big fingers crossed, I will certainly be looking to you for more inspiration and motivation as the year progresses xXx
Oh, Hannah…I know that smiley-yet-panicky feeling because I’ve gotten it after reading some of YOUR lovely comments on MY blog. The irony! So, lets give ourselves permission to have “ordinary and unimpressive” comment replies. (“This is going to be ordinary and unimpressive” is a phrase my college theatre professor charged me to say to myself before every acting scene I presented in class; that phrase helped free up the perfectionist in me.) I’ve not thought you to be a word stumbler, and even if you were, I’d adore you just the same. So never fear! xo -Lauren
I think I am going to have to say that to myself a lot over this next year with everything I have on my plate – ordinary and unimpressive! What I great way to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed and put things back into perspective. I suffer from perfectionism (I think I have just made that word up) myself! As much as it drives me crazy sometimes, it really has helped my sewing as it drives me to make more and get better all of the time.
well here’s to some oh so ordinary and completely unimpressive comments – somehow I don’t see it happening really! Hehe
xXx
How cool is THAT??? Can’t wait to read all your new posts! Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing your creative blogging worksheets, they will be very helpful in the upcoming year. ;o)
You are very welcome. I certainly hope they will be of some use, or perhaps inspire other blogging plans xXx
Your blog planning sheets are awesome. Just what I need, I also struggle with wasted time. Your goals are very encouraging, I wish you the best of luck for the next year.
I’m glad I’m not the only time waster! hehe
I just wanted something nice and basic that will help me focus my efforts – I hope they will be of some use to you also
Thanks for stopping by
xXx
You organize like I organize. I love it.
I would maybe move the To Do at the top and then notes to the bottom (just notes) for things you think of to do for future posts. But that’s just how I think and it’s what I would do.
Thanks for the idea. This is the first official blog planner I have made and I can see it changing a bit over the year as (hopefully) my blog progresses. it is always fun trying out new things
xXx
Great idea! I’ve seen other similar but I like the layout of your weekly one. I’ve decided this year is to be growing my blog too, my dreams and goals sound a bit like yours. Best of luck with your plans for 2013!
Saw you sharing at Transformation Thursdays.
Debbie
Hey – thanks for stopping by! I’m going to pop over to your blog for a nosey around right now
I had seen many blogging plans around but it is all about finding something that works for you and this is my first attempt at doing just that. Are you going to be creating a plan to support your growing blog? xxx
This is awesome
I’m also hoping to be more organised with blogging this year so I totally need something like this. I look forward to seeing your blog develop!
Thanks – my planner is already proving to be a big help, but then I go an sew more dresses and have to fit in more posts! lol xxx