I haven’t written much recently, as my head has been a little all over the place and blogging has been the last thing on my mind. A few weeks ago I had some bad family news. My funny, active and full of life grandad had a heart attack during his weekly game of badminton, thankfully he’s pulled through and is on the mend but it was touch and go. During times like these I just tend to throw myself into family life, forgetting all the household chores and just play in the moment with my little girl.
Phoebe has also needed that extra bit of attention as she’s been suffering badly with teething again. Those nasty molars are causing her so much pain to the point she has actually bitten the inside of her cheek, resulting in two huge ulcers, a swollen mouth and loss of appetite (most unlike her!). It doesn’t stop there, we’re also getting some textbook teething nappies along side sore lady bits, making nappy changes very challenging. Therefore, when I have been lucky enough to get those Phoebe free moments, I’ve been using them for me time, reading a good book, doing some yoga or just listening to CD anything other than blogging and you know what, it’s felt nice.
At first I got annoyed at myself for not blogging but after a particaular stressful parenting day, I sat down and made a list of all the things I had planned over the following weeks. Looking at the list it suddenly dawned on me, I had so much on my plate that really needed my full attention maybe I should take a mini blogging break just while I organised everything. Once I made that decision, I embraced the break plus it meant I could plan my friends surprise baby shower (post coming soon) with ease and enjoyment.
By stepping back for just a couple of weeks, it’s given me a whole new lease of life for blogging but made me realise I need to strike a healthy balance between family life and NJP. Over the break I was able to create a managable, weekly/monthly schedule for blogging that will hopfully mean more writing and less faffing. Now I have more of a structure with my blog I’ve also been looking at my time management and given myself set times to blog including a cut off point, as well as setting weekly and monthly goals.
My bloggers Journal, Lets Squawk Collection – from Paperchase has been my new best friend, getting back to good old paper and pen is sometimes the only way. Prior to my small break, when flipping open my mac book, logging onto let’s say Twitter, I would almost get overwhelmed by all the invitations for the linkies that were running that day, feeling like I MUST join in with them all and somewhat like a bad blogger if I didn’t. So I ditched the laptop during the break in favour of my journal and found my creative juices flowing freely again. Paperchase have pretty much thought of everything a blogger would need to plan and organise their blog without having to spend a lot of time, energy or money doing it.
So, even though I haven’t been writing I’ve been working on things behind the scenes at NJP, remained active on social media, used my time to connect with other like minded bloggers, local brands and finally created some much needed new pages, which you can check out below.
I enjoyed my break but it’s so nice to be back sharing our adventures once again. Are you on a break from your blog? Let me know your reasons below or if you’ve recently been on a blogging break and just come back how did you manage your time whilst away and did the time away help?
Linked with the following blogs:
Not Just Phoebe 
Oh I’m sorry to hear about your Grandad but glad he’s pulling through. It’s moment like this that do make you stop and think about what is really important in life. Blogging is great fun but we do still need to live in the real world and sometimes blogging does detract from that. I had a wonderful three day break in Paris last week and took a break from blogging – really was the best thing for me to pop everything into perspective. Gorgeous pictures by the way #ablogginggoodtime
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Aww thanks, my gramps is at much better and now at recovering. I really needed the break just to get my head back in the game, and it really helped and daddy pig is happy with the new blogging routine. I hope you had a nice time in Paris, how wonderful. Thanks for popping by X
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First of all I hope gramps is much stronger now and that his health continues to improve. Scary time make you reevaluate but I for one am very very happy to see you back!!! I have a schedule too and it has helped me reevaluate but I keep cheating and doing extras, naughty, must stop. I know what you mean by linkies, as a linky host I sometimes feel obliged to take part in other people’s especially when they do mine. But there just aren’t enough hours in the day. So glad you linked this up with #ablogginggoodtime I really appreciate your support and I am absolutely over the moon that you listed diaryofanimperfectmum.com as one of your favourite blogs. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough but I am so happy and grateful! ❤️ #ablogginggoodtime
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Aww Catie thanks for your kind words and gramps is on the mend and getting better every day! I’m finding that sticking to it hard but actually better overall as I’m not making silly mistakes as tired and just wanna get the post done. I’m taking more time and making my posts count! And no worries about blogs I love it’s true! Thanks for hosting and all the sharing love X
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What a shock for you, I hope Gramps is feeling better now. I am a firm believer in letting your heart tell you what is best to do and when something like this happens, you have to take a break and be kind to yourself. Sounds like it was the best thing to do 🙂 I’ve also spied that journal in Paperchase and think I’m going to have to get one – organisation is a real downfall of mine at the moment. Thanks for sharing such an honest post x #ablogginggoodtime
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It was a total shock. I had my phone on silent charging in the other room when I just had this weird feeling I had missed a call, no I had missed 5 and lots of texts from my mum…always a worry. then after I spoke to her I just cried,a lot 😦 but he’s doing good and is recovering well 🙂 having the break was just what I needed on so many levels. It was the perfect time to just concentrate on me and my family and put the laptop down! The journal has been great at getting ideas down and planning, I would highly recommend it. Thanks for reading and your kind words X
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I had no idea you could actually buy blogging journals! We’re going on holiday the week after next and I’m planning a blogging break then #ablogginggoodtime
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I also didn’t know until I stumbled upon it, so beautiful I just had to get one! I didn’t use it properly at first but since having the time off I’ve used it for planning and general organisation. Have a good break, thanks for popping by. X
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I got depress late last year which caused me to stop blogging. I am wee bit okay and I think that I needed that break to feel okay. This is such a lovely post to read and I need those blogging journal! #ablogginggoodtime
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Thanks Merlinda, I’m sorry to hear about your depression but as you say sometimes we just that break to feel okay and ready to tackle the world! I hope your on the mend and good luck, always hear to chat X thanks for popping by X
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I think we all need a blogging break now and again, if it’s not for personal reasons, then just to give your brain a break… Although I absolutely love the blogging community and get so much from it, sometimes you just have to indulgd yourself once in a while; read that book or watch that TV series! 🙂 xxx #ablogginggoodtime
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Your poor Grandad, I hope he’s feeling better soon. Sometimes a break can be good!
#ABloggingGoodTime
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He’s getting better and yes the break has been so good but nice to be back! Thanks for popping by X
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Life has a way of getting in the way of our intentions sometimes. Sounds like you have your priorities right and will find the proper balance, it can be tricky sometimes. Hope your grandfather has a speedy recovery. #bloggingoodtime
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It really does and getting the right balance is key! I’ve given myself a good plan going forward so fingers crossed it works. My grandad is getting there, thanks for your well wishes and for stopping by
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As a complete newbie I find these posts about blogging fascinating and invaluable. I didn’t even know blogging journals existed! Thanks!
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Aww thanks Hunnie. I go through phases where I’m super active and feel totally on top of it all then one thing needs more attention and boom my whole blog is out of balance with life, so the break helped to give me more direction and the bloggers journal is amazing! I’ve realised it takes a bit of time to seem where your blog is going and once you find your style and voice as it were it just flows and is easier to plan( if that makes sense) well in my case! Good luck and I’ll go follow you X thanks for popping by
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I think a blogging break can do wonders for your writing and creativity! Or that’s my excuse anyway for taking a lot of them!! I hope your grandad is on the mend and you’re back to speed soon. #TheList xx
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Totally agree and it’s really helped me focus my writing and given me my mojo back and realising that’s it’s okay not that take part in everything all the time is another big lesson of mine. Thanks for thinking of me grandad, he’s getting there X
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It’s great to have a blogging break now and again to refresh the batteries. Spending time with the family especially the little ones is so important and a delight. #ABloggingGoodTime
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Yeah it’s really given me that spark again and spending time with my family and crazy toddler is of course the most important thing! Thanks for stopping by X
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Thanks for the inthsig. It brings light into the dark!
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My pleasure x
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Åh så fint det blev Cissi. Gillar vikninen och med en bit fastsatt med en brads. Det måste jag testa någon dag.Underbar tags!Tack för att du är med i Scrapbutikens julkortsutmaning.kramHelene
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Glad to hear your grandad is on the mend and v impressed that he was playing badminton….hope he gets back to it soon! That notebook from Paperchase is super cool – I had no idea you could buy these things x
#TheList
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Aww thanks. He’s a super active gramps and never stops, but I think this make him realise he needs to slow down and stop eating so much cake!! The journal is amazing and has really helped me focus my blog and get me organised! Thanks for popping by X
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I’m sorry to hear about your Granddad. Blogging is for me so I break when I want to though it doesn’t happen too often. I’ve recently reduced the amount of posts I do to relieve some pressure and that’s made it more enjoyable. I hope it all goes well. #marvmondays
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Thanks, he’s getting there. It’s nice to enjoy it and take that pressure off like you say. I’m hoping by giving myself set times to blog, I either get it finishes or if Phoebe needs me I’ll finish it tomorrow, no buggy. It’s just learning the get the right mix. Good luck I hope it’s helping X
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Sorry to hear about your grandad. Sometimes we invest so much into our blogs and it can become a bit of a burden. I think a blogging break is necessary occasionally. #MarvMondays
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It’s really nice to hear that it’s not just me that gets a bit burnt out by it all, I’ve found a nice balance so hopefully going forward I’m not over doing it and enjoying it more! Thanks for reading and my gramps is going good X
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What a great journal. I bought my daughter the pencil case and notebook in the same range. Sometimes other things become more important than blogging. We’re off on holiday soon and I’ll definitely be taking a break to enjoy some down time. #marvmondays
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The paperchase range is so gorgeous, so happy I found the journal, I think I need more! I’m going to do a separate post on its as its received so much love. It’s so nice to hear that other bloggers also need that break, it’s a healthy balance. Oohh enjoy your holiday, gotta wait until September for ours, came wait though. Thanks for stopping by. X
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I’m really sorry to hear about your Grandad. That journal looks amazing, I didn’t know they did blogging things. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
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The journal really is amazing and it was such a random find but so happy I found it! I’ve since found lots more but I still love mine, as the cloth cover can be used again, winner winner all round. Thanks for hosting and my RT X
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We all need to get away sometimes – I’ve actually felt similar to you recently with the imminent arrival of baby #2, I go between worrying that I won’t be able to keep up with blogging and trying not to worry that I’ll have to take a break. Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. Kaye xo
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We really do and I want to enjoy blogging not worry about how many posts I wrote last week and why didn’t anyone “like” it!!! You’ve going to be totally in love and that’s all that matters X not long now!! Good luck hope it’s going ok X thanks for hosting X
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I took an unexpected break last week as well, although my phone buzzing with social media might not count as much of a break, it was lovely and now like you, I’ve came back with plenty of ideas. Love the journal! #marvmondays
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It really helped but like you still had my phone in hand tweeting away!! I actually found just concentrating on my sm got me reading more posts, has inspired me and made me connect with local like minded bloggers, so all good! Thanks for reading and I hope to read some of your new posts soon. X
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Lovely photos and great post…thanks
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