Hey friends! Summer is officially in full-swing! I hope you and yours are enjoying these long, slow days and maybe grabbing some extra family time.
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you probably saw that our family spent a little time at the beach about 2 weeks ago.
I am sure our family vacation photos aren’t of much interest to every reader, but I know there are some of you who get a kick out of seeing some pictures of my kids every once awhile—so for that bunch, here are a few pics from our week in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The beach was a big hit with our kiddos, so that’s where we spent about 75% of our time. I was surprised at how quickly all 3 of my boys took the water, even though the waves knocked them around a good bit! There was really no fear in them at all, which can either be a good or a bad thing!
We had the pleasure of traveling with another family, staying in one big house together and letting all of our kids (yep, there’s 7 of them total) run amok together.
Going on a trip “with friends” was a First for our family–something I’ve always wanted to do, but could never work out.
Vacationing with this awesome family was a true gift, both for my husband and I as well as for our kids. I’ve waited about 10 years to find good friends like this–I feel really blessed to have had this fun experience together.
And can I say a big “Thank You” to all of you as well?? This trip was largely funded by my business, and probably would not have been possible without the profits from Lost & Found.
So to all of you who read my posts, visit my sponsors, buy Fusion Mineral Paint, and shop at my antique booth–you made this happen! Thank you so so much for supporting my business and allowing my family to have this fun time together 🙂
In other news . . .
As the summer approached, I started thinking through how I was going to manage the responsibilities of this growing business while my kiddos are home over the school break.
After taking a hard look at my schedule and talking with my husband, I’ve decided to take a few steps back from the blog over the next 2 months.
The biggest result of this decision will be that after this week, I will no longer be co-hosting the Friday’s Furniture Fix Link Party.
The party will continue on though in the very capable hands of Lucy and Susie, and I plan on linking up to it whenever I have a project to share.
The other change is that basically my posting will be less frequent. I have lots of projects I’m working on and so many things to share with you, but I haven’t had time to finish any of them!
I’ve been trying to keep up with a 3 post-a-week schedule, and it’s just not leaving me enough time to do the other work of my business that needs to get done.
So for the next 2 months, when I finish a project and am able to photograph it, then I will post. That may be once every 2 weeks, once a month, or maybe a spurt of posts then nothing for awhile . . . I’m just not sure. I know that I can’t maintain the schedule I have been keeping though.
My hopes are that in freeing up my physical and “mental” calendar a bit I can catch up on my DIY home projects and some of my duties as a Fusion Mineral Paint merchant. My display at the antique mall needs some attention, and I am really tired of looking at my half-painted kitchen cabinets!
So I hope you continue to stick around, and I appreciate your patience with me. I long to one day grow this into a “great” blog, but that time is not now.
For a short time the blog is going to be bumped down the list of priorities, in hopes that one day I can put more into it again.
I’ll see you all soon . . .
I can totally understand. I’m in the same position retail repping a chalk based paint, working semi full time, not able to walk down my hallway or get through any room in my house without running into a “find” that needs to be painted, etc. opening up a Roofing division at work. Eh gads-how do us girls do it? And…..hold your breath-I will be 69 in September so don’t have the spunk I used to.
Look forward to seeing your posts and good luck with you mini vacation from blogging.
Your vacation looks amazing Melanie! I’m headed to the Jersey shore over the 4th and I’m so looking forward to some beach time, and your photos make me even more excited about my upcoming trip. As for the blogging, I hear you. Sometimes it’s a little crazy how much time it takes up. I hope you’ll have a few finished projects to share with us over the summer though!
I understand but sure will miss you! Have a great summer!
Great family vacation pictures. Looks like you had a great time.
I so understand your decision to step back from the blog. Though I’ll miss reading your e-mails on a more regular basis, I look forward to see what you have been working on. Also, you have tons of information on your site and your break will give me time to go back through your posts.
Have a wonderful summer!
you made the right decision mel we will still be here when you have time enjoy your family and your physical work xx
Melanie, totally understand – unless you have written a blog, which I do (sporadically, lol), one may not understand how time consuming blogging is. Taking a step back was most likely a tough decision but I support it 100%. Enjoy your summer and can’t wait to see your projects.
What a blessing to have friends you can travel with!! And it sounds like vacation was a good way to think through some stuff.
I will miss your posts in my inmail, but like another commenter said, it’s a good chance to catch up on some of your older posts.
I for one am making the switch from chalk paint to fusion paint. I already used the two colors I bought from you and I love the way they go on and their ultimate look once finished. So you will see more of me in your “orders” zone.
In fact, I’m getting ready to buy several more in the next week or two.
Take care and I hope you get those cabinets finished!!
How fun to travel with friends! My family along with my parents, 4 siblings and their families are going to share a house for a week in Orange Beach next summer. All 23 of us!!!! The beach was the draw for us…..free entertainment!! I’m glad you are taking the time off of posting…..your family is definitely top priority and how can you have fun with those boys when you are worried about deadlines. Enjoy your summer!!!
A true blessing to find friends you can travel with and enjoy. Enjoy your summer and will look forward to your posts as they come. To me you’re doing the right thing all the way around!
Thank you Kim. I appreciate your encouragement 🙂