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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

A Major Life Change...



I am still in shock and a little terrified that I am writing this post.

Just over 4 years ago, I followed my heart and started this little blog of mine.  It has allowed me to share my passion and love for DIY and decor and has given me the creative outlet that my day job lacked.   I have been fortunate to work with some amazing brands and create incredible friendships with some very talented bloggers.  Most importantly, it has given our family financial freedom that I never in a million years expected. 

Christmas, Family, Christmas tree, Full time blogger

For the past 2 years, I have been working 32 hours a week at my day job (I am a licensed insurance representative for State Farm) then working another 3-4 hours a night on the blog.  I work every weekend creating, photographing, editing and writing for the blog.  I love every minute and aspect of blogging, but working two full time jobs has been incredibly exhausting and something had to give.
Christmas, Family, Christmas tree, Full time blogger
I have been extremely blessed to be able to make a full time income from the blog (Crazy, I know!) and decided after 10+ years to "retire" from my day job to blog full time.   To say I am a little frightened and anxious is an understatement, but I know in my heart this is the best decision for our family.

Christmas, Family, Christmas tree, Full time blogger
My last day at my full time job will be December 22nd then after a short break (if I can stay away from the blog, ha) I will be back next year full time.   It hasn't actually hit me that I will be a full time blogger and just typing those words feels so unreal.
Christmas, Family, Christmas tree, Full time blogger
Your support and encouragement is the only reason I am able to follow my heart.  I can't thank you all enough for following along and sharing in my love of thrifty decorating and DIY.  Your comments, e-mails and kind words mean so much and myself and my family can't thank you enough.
Christmas, Family, Christmas tree, Full time blogger

I can already tell 2018 is going to be an amazing year and hope you will continue to follow along and enjoy the blog.
     
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!


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Would you like to comment?

  1. Congratulations! From one fellow blogger-entrepreneur-superwoman to another, I am so happy for you!

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  2. Way to go! What a tough decision it must have been but it's so awesome that you're trusting your gut and pursuing something that nourishes your soul like blogging does. I'm actually feeling so inspired because I only just started a blog myself (after years of wanting to do it) and I've felt all nervous about it too. It feels so validating to know that others feel scared to make big changes in their lives as well, but that it's really the right paths for us to take. Good luck and I'll definitely keep following along on your journey. I find your posts so great!

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  3. Congratulations to you Katie!

    I am an Omaha-based fan who discovered your work a few months ago. I've made several of your DIY projects, from the wood bead garland and Christmas burlap wall art to the vintage dice and shelf and the harvest pumpkin sign.

    I am a publicist by day and a DIY addict by night with hopes to delve further into my creative side in the New Year.

    Wishing you continued success and Happy Holidays!

    Sue Maier

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  4. Good for you!! Excited to see what you blog about in the new year- I am new here and love it:) Congratulations on making a hard decision and I'm sure you will be happy with your new found time. Thanks for all you do!

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  5. Super excited for you Katie!! I've been a longtime follower (though very silent one), but your blog is a beautiful, inspiring, happy place for me. As someone who took the leap a few years ago from a steady job to my own business, I know the fear, but nothing is more rewarding than doing what you love, creating something that is your very own, and spending time with your family. Best of luck in 2018!!

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  6. Since subscribing to your blog I am a constant follower of yours and have enjoyed all that you posts. I wish I could get to the Dollar store quick enough to follow through on some of those crafts. I wish you the best and know new doors will open for you as a result of your decision. Have fun and enjoy this new upcoming experience. Best wishes to you and your family.

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  7. I was able to work from home when my children were growing up and they were the best years of my life.... You will be so happy doing this, I wish you the best of luck and super happy times :)

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  8. I'm sure it is scary, but it will all work out.

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  9. Congratulations on stepping out and following your heart!! I applaud your courage. It must be frightening and exhilarating at the same time. You are a beacon of light to those of us (me) who have always wanted to walk away from our day jobs and pursue our passions but haven't been able to bring ourselves to do so. May God bless you and your family richly as you live your dream!

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  10. Congratulations! I've enjoyed following your blog for the last couple of months - so thankful to have found you. Best wishes in 2018!

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  11. Wishing you all the success in the world! Good luck-

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  12. Congratulations! That's so wonderful! You won't regret it and will love the flexibility!

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  13. I love your blog and I think you took the right decision! Congratulations and success! :)

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  14. Congratulations!! I can't wait to see what you do in 2018!! I've been following your blog for a couple months and I always look forward to your posts.

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  15. I have never commented before, but I want to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your blog.
    Congratulations on your hard work in making your dream come true. I am going to be passing on your blog info to all of my girl friends - I've been meaning to share with them for a long time now and the timing seems perfect. Happy holidays to you and your family and best wishes for your ongoing success.

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  16. I am a neighbor of your parents and found out at our neighborhood holiday party that you have this blog that I have already been following! Who knew?? Best of luck on your decision to stay home and blog full time. I enjoy following you and love your ideas. ❤️

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  17. Awesome! Congratulations! I love following along and can't wait to see where you take your blog.

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  18. Congratulations! I love your blog and can't wait to see what your posts will be about in the new year.

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  19. I think you are going to be amazingly successful! I follow a lot of blogs and you quickly became one of my favorites. Your ideas are original and never break the bank. Congratulations on this big, important change in your life!

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  20. Congrats on a decision that will positively benefit your family as well. Time with your kids & family to boot! I really enjoy your blog & appreciate the continuous time & creativity you put into it.

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  21. Congratulations! I am so happy for you AND your family. I wish much success and happiness for you in the new year.

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  22. Congratulations, Katie!! That is such a huge step to take and what an accomplishment to be able to do it and make a dream come true! I with you much success! I hope to be able to do that someday!

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  23. To say I am SO EXCITED for you is an understatement. I'm actually all misty, as I sit here, feeling so happy and joy-filled for you! Congrats, Katie! You are an inspiration to me, as I hope and pray that the Lord will give me the desire of my heart to do the same thing... As I look forward to hitting the 'publish' button in the next week or two! Again, congrats! Just thrilled for you!

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  24. Yay!!! So excited for you... can’t wait to read even more awesomeness. Merry Christmas!

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  25. Well done Katie! I love your blog and you have inspired me to up-cycle 10 pieces of furniture in a month while working and packing up our house for our big move! Like you, I am obsessed. You will continue to do an amazing job. With love all the way from Australia, Lou x x x x

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  26. How wonderful! Congratulations!! I have been reading along for a while and had no idea that you weren't a full time blogger already! :)

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  27. Congratulations!! Love your DIY tips and decorations! Can’t wait. Merry Christmas and Happy new year.

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  28. Congratulations dear lady! Much happiness and success in the New Year....

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  29. What a wonderful Christmas gift for all of you! Great news.

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  30. Congratulations, Katie! I love your blogs and wish you and your family Merry Christmas.

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  31. I am a new blogger and just discovered yours recently. I totally fell in love with your Christmas House tour! Love your Blog. Congratulations!

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  32. I know I'm late in responding to this but I love your little family and your blog. I think you are great at it and if you never make the leap of faith you will never know. Congratulations, I know there are great things to come for you.

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