A Memo to My Loyal Readers | Comments Disappeared

Hello, darlings! I'm writing this post for you, my loyal followers, to first let you know how much I adore you guys!  I truly appreciate those who have read my blog and most importantly left a comment on whatever post you deemed worthy to leave a kind word.  You guys just don't know how much it means to me. To log on and see new comments on my posts instantly makes me smile... BIG wide smile at that. Your comments let me know that my posts are reaching an audience who cares about what I have to share. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Another reason I write this post today is to address the issue concerning comments that have disappeared from my previous posts.  While trying to revamp the blog, I noticed my blog traffic trending a slow but steady increase.  Although traffic was increasing, I noticed comments were marginal at best.  This led me to do some research.  I came across another blogger's post  5 Surprising Reasons Visitors Leave Your Blog.  I was enlightened by these 5 reasons people leave a blog. 

One of the reasons indicated was a reader may have actually enjoyed your post but they are unable to comment... They get all the way to the end, then suddenly they're prompted to log in to an account to comment. 

 "We often forget that our readers aren’t always connected like we are, or they may not be connected in the same ways.  They’re not always bloggers, they may not know what OnSugar is and may not have a Twitter or WordPress account.  So why make it difficult to comment?"

At the end of the day, I want to interact with readers from all backgrounds, platforms, and walks of life.  While I am ever so disappointed about losing comments on previous posts, I'm still learning as a new blogger.  Word of advice to anyone who's listening, read the fine print. Had I done so, I would have known that opting to use Google+ as my commenting option only allows persons to comment using a Google account. 

For the four other reasons visitors leave your blog, follow the link above. Thanks for reading!

Peace and love,

Kishina

Why I Started Blogging and 5 Tips I've Learned Along the Way

Blogger:  derived from the term weblog (a journal written on-line and accessible to Internet users); one who maintains a website containing written entries of one's own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other websites.

The past few years have been pretty rough.  I, like a majority of Americans have been suffering from the economic downturn since June 2010.  I remember it like yesterday.  I lost my job, my home, several vehicles, my drive, ambition, strength...the list goes on.  Fast forward to August 2011, new baby, still unemployed, second address in five months.  December 2012 still unemployed, evicted five days before Christmas, now living with family. March 2013 part-time job, living with family (who is so ready for me to get my own place at this point).  2014 has not been a great start either, sad to say.  Today, though, I reflect on the turbulent periods I've had over the past four years.  It has not been easy and truth be told I'm still recovering from economic hardships.  I'm actually moving again....for the fourth time.  This has been extremely tough for my family, especially my kids.  I pray to God all the time to comfort them and help them understand that He has a plan for our lives.  I thank God, everyday for their resilience in this situation.  See my babies below... *inserts kissy-kissy*

Which brings me to why I started blogging...   I love reading and writing, they were my most favorite subjects in grade school.  I decided to browse the web one day just to ease my mind about all the issues I was having.  I came across several blogs about fashion, body confidence, and self-love.  Since I love fashion so much I opted to start my own blog about all things fashionable and my personal style.  Hence, the birth of Kishina's Kurvy Korner!  After deciding on a blog theme I struggled, and still do, with finding my own voice in the blogosphere.  As you will notice, I blogged my first entry HERE. Yep, February 26, 2014! You will also notice I didn't blog another entry until July 2014.  Yep, there's some inconsistency there... I'll address that later.

At any rate,  I've learned some things along my blogging journey that I wanted to share.  I still consider myself a newbie at this and I know in due time I will develop a writing style that is unique to my personality.  I also want to express a huge thank you to those who follow me.  I promise not to bore you and I'll offer as much fresh, new content as I can.  Here's 5 tips I've learned along the way.

1.  Be YOU!  The absolute, number one thing I have learned is to find, develop, search for your own voice in this blogosphere.  There are millions of voices out there.  Excellent bloggers at that.  I've learned that I am the only one who is best at being...well, ME!  Honestly, I'm still trying to be the best me.  We can all find things that we want to better about ourselves, thought, right?

2.  Be consistent!  I am the world's worst for starting a project and stopping mid way because *inserts cough and excuse* I got distracted, lost my head, life happens...get my drift?  I can't count on one hand how many blog entries I've read about being consistent when blogging.  One thing to help with my consistency is setting a goal of 2-3 posts weekly.  I will try to post them around the same time weekly so my readers will know when to look out for new content.  Stay with me my loyal readers, I'm working on it!

3.  Offer blog content with substance!  If you're gonna blog about something, ultimately people will read it.  Don't blog something all willy-nilly, just because you ran out of ideas.  The internet offers a plethora of blog topics for any type of blog..use it! Finding your own voice and being consistent with your postings is one thing.  However, I've learned quickly just from browsing other blogs, that sometimes you run out of things to blog...hence writer's block.  Everybody has times in their lives when the need to be inspired and rejuvenated.  I vow to do my best in offering content that will engage my readers, evoke an emotion, and encourage interactions with me. I love all my loyal readers!!

4.  Always be open to change... I mean really, I learned at a young age that change is the only thing that is constant in this world.  When I refer to change, that means learning new things about blogging.  For example, I know you guys see the new template, right?! I got rid of the old design and opted for something with a clean background and fonts that are easy on the eye.  How do you like it? Let me know in the comments, please? I spend countless hours researching ways to offer the best blog experience ever for you guys!! Which brings me to this...ugh! Rant: Google+ should not punish me by removing all my comments because I no longer use their comment box.  When checking some analytics about traffic sources, I noticed I was getting increased traffic but no comments...bummer! I want all my readers to be able to comment without having to sign into a G+, Facebook, Twitter, Disqus or whatever...  I enjoy interacting with all my readers, so if Anonymous from Kalamazoo decides that they like what they read I need to know about it.  I don't want to have to force them to create an account just to comment on my blog...not fun!! So, I'm sad I lost all of my lovely comments since opting not to use Google+ as my comment box. Shame on you G+!! Rant over...

5.  Interact with other bloggers who share your interests.  This is simply one thing I love about blogging.  I love meeting new people and drawing inspiration from them.  One way I love interacting with bloggers is by participating in weekly linkups.  I enjoy exploring new blogs that interest me and also I gain new followers this way as well.  Linkups are a great way to increase your blog traffic.  These are some of my favorite bloggers that I look forward to linking up with each week :)

Whitney James ~ Personal Style Monday

Paige Wall ~ Stylish Tuesday

Carylee ~ Manic Monday

Green Dots

"My eyes are green, 'cause I eat a lot of vegetables. It don't have nothing to do with your new friend..." ~ Erykah Badu

Hey y'all! Yes, I'm a southern girl..lol. Can't you tell? Anyways, I'm loving this green knit top I found at Cato's Fashion (on sale of course).  I'm trying to add color into my life...besides pink. It's my favorite.  I added some black denim jeans I scored at an Ashley Stewart store closing sale.  Decided to keep my accessories minimal with orange and gold bangles and a coral colored lipstick.  I'm always on the hunt for something different or a rare find.  I like how the sheer polka dots add interest and texture to the overall look.  However, I do think my outfit could have used a few more accessories since it is such a basic look.  I'll keep that in mind for the next time I style it.  Thanks, for stopping by and reading my blog posts.  Leave your comments below. I enjoy reading each and every one. I do encourage feedback.  Until next time....

Peace and Love,

Kishina

Houndstooth

Although leopard print is my all time favorite print, ever... I think my second favorite may be houndstooth.  This is such a classic look and it transcends several fashion eras.  Houndstooth checks originated in woven wool cloth in Scotland, but are now used in many other materials.  I decided to wear this dress to church a few Sundays ago and really loved the way it fit and flattered my curves, as well as the print.  I see many ways I can style this dress.  For instance, adding a brightly colored crop top to this can create a whole new look for me by giving the illusion of seperate pieces.  Thank you for checking out my blog! 

Link-ups:

Whitney James ~ Personal Style

Yellow Jumper

A blogger that I follow recently inspired me to get back to posting. To be honest, like her, I  haven't had much to say lately I sometimes wonder if I'm cut out for this blogging thing. I follow so many amazing bloggers and I'm like, "Wow! She's amazing. That could never be me. I wish I had her guts, her candidacy, transparency, etc..."

Truly these insecurities are all tricks of the enemy,. He harps on being able to beat me on this battlefield called the mind. But, I've decided to no longer give him the space. I remind myself that while I'm not those amazing bloggers that I follow, I am beautiful. God created me in his image. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

I admit, I haven't been up to putting on clothes and taking mediocre photos to post on my blog. (Oh how I long for a personal photographer...lol). I was excited to welcome spring into the atmosphere. Sadly, spring has met me with a plethora of disappointments and left me in a place of feeling incapacitated. I have prayed long and hard about some things that just aren't coming to pass for me. Which has led me to believe that sometimes what we want in life is not always a part of God's plan for our lives.

So, now at this point. I've decided to let go and trust God. He is my rock, my provider, my strong tower. He never fails me. Even when no one is there to wipe my tears, I rest a little easier knowing that He is and he has counted every one of those tears. I'm aware that what I feel the enemy has stolen from me over the past 4 years, that God is able to restore. Not only restore, but I may just get lucky like Job and receive double for my trouble.

Whenever I'm feeling down, I love to wear a bright color to uplift my spirit. I felt this yellow jumper would do just that. Of course, by now if you've been following my blog you know that I'm a bargain shopper. I would love an endless budget to purchase fancier things but I'm not necessarily a "label whore" as I've heard it stated. If it looks good and I can fit it into my budget I wear it...lol.

Well, enough of my rambling...lol. If you like this outfit, I've left details below. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Until next time, be blessed :)

Jumper ~ Rainbow

Floppy hat ~ Wal-Mart

Sandals ~ Wal-Mart

Earrings ~ Local flea market

Most of these items were purchased off season making my complete outfit a whopping $36 total. Can you say winning?!!

Linking up with:

Whitney James ~ Personal Style

            

Bohemian Flow

Well, I was finally able to wear something light and flowy on this day and I just fell in love with this!  A simple outfit that is comfy yet still feminine is what I live for. Don't get me wrong, as a female I love to dress up. But, being comfortable and looking fabulous while doing it is my aim. Yeeeess!

Of course as usual, I love a great deal. So when I find this tunic at one of my favorite bargain spots I couldn't help but try it on. The top was only $12 and the white jeggings I found at Wal-Mart for about the same.

I opted to wear my new headband that has sadly been retired as it broke recently. I kept my other accessories at a minimum with simple gold bangles and donut shapes earrings.

Would you believe I was told this ensemble makes me look like a "big pumpkin"? Haaaaa! I laughed in their face and simply replied, "Good thing I don't get dressed to impress you, and I think it makes me look like I'm ready for a fun relaxing day". Yeah that shut them up real quick.

So glad my confidence level has improved ten times over. I will never let anyone dictate to me what I can and can not wear. While I realize everyone won't approve of my choice of dress it's okay. As long as I like it is all that matters.

Linkups:

Whitney James ~ Personal Style

Sheer Polka Dots

I came across this post sitting in the queue and wondered why I hadn't blogged it yet. Well, I figured that out and came to this conclusion. It's simply not one of my favorite outfits. 

While the color palette of this sheer button down blouse is beautiful to me, I don't feel it is the most flattering to my shape. We all have a few things hanging in or closet that doesn't get much wear right?  Well, this happens to be one of my items that just kind of hangs in the back begging to get some play time.

Maybe next time I decide to wear it I will consider adding a skinny belt to cinch my waist and create a more curvy silhouette.

I do love my Lane Bryant boots though. I've had them for years. They fit my thick calves perfectly and the heel is my ideal height for strutting down the street like it's a runway... haha! Although this is not one of my favorite outfits, I still own this look fiercely... lol. I feel confident in knowing that clothing and accessories don't define me, but the content of my character does.

Have you ever worn something that isn't your favorite?  Leave me a comment and let me know!  I love interacting with my active followers :) 

Linkups:

Whitney James ~ Personal Style Monday