18 years. How can it be that I’ve been blogging for that long? It’s time for another blog recap and a look back at 2024. I had another great year of blogging financially and I’m so grateful to the Lord for that. He’s definitely blessed my business for over 10 years now of making a great living writing this blog. Mark and I had a good year as well and traveled to Europe twice last year. It’s been so fun to slow down and take this all at the pace that is comfortable for me. I don’t have anything to prove to anyone, including myself. I’m so grateful that I was placed in the position to run this blog and social media all those years ago and so thankful that God has blessed me so much. It really has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. This year, however, might bring some changes. The winds are blowing in that direction on the internet.
I’ve always relied on my email list, which isn’t that big anymore, to send out my new posts to you all and it brings people over to my blog. But, things with Google, Pinterest, and other factors have really contributed to the loss of traffic over the last few years. Each year, my traffic declines a bit. I’ve watched this happen, not knowing how low it will go and that’s still up for debate. As of now, my traffic the last 6 months has declined by about 45%, which means my income is also going down, since the main way I make a living doing this is by writing this blog. You all come and visit my blog and the ads that run on here are how I make a living. I have a great ad network, Raptive, and I’ve been with them for years. They do a great job of monetizing our blogs and negotiating with advertisers for space on our blogs. I’m grateful that I’ve been with them so long and it’s been very lucrative for me to have them. I just get a paycheck every month from my ad network.
Again, the last 6 months has seen a sharp decrease in traffic. It’s not just Google search traffic, but also Pinterest and even email traffic. It’s very sad to see, but it’s something I knew might happen eventually. It seems that this year is going to be a lot different from past years unless something flips and starts going back the other direction. At this point, I don’t stress about it, I just have to take it as it comes. I may make less money, but I’m still going to continue on. I have loved writing this blog for so many years and it’s something that can continue on into my retirement years, as long as you all are interested in reading about our lives.
Last year, we traveled more extensively than we have in the past and it was so fun to take 2 trips to Europe: Italy and France. We loved those trips so much and this year we have more travel planned. We’ll be heading back to Italy in April and we’re both excited about that. Right now, we are on a Caribbean cruise on a Celebrity cruise. This wasn’t a comped cruise, we paid for it. I really love to travel (Mark goes along, he’s not the planner) and I hope we can travel even more the next 10 years, while we’re healthy and can afford to go.
House wise, we only did one big project in the house this year. We finished the last bathroom renovation, an Art Deco beauty that we are so proud of. We’re so glad to get the big projects out of the way and enjoy the home we’ve made together, one project at a time. God has certainly been good to us and blessed our lives so much. We still love our house and where we live and we don’t plan to move until we have to one day.
We had one loss in our family last year, Mark’s sister, Kim passed away in August from cancer and we sure do miss her. It was really sad at Thanksgiving and Christmas for her to be gone and the entire family misses her greatly. My dad is doing ok, he is hanging in there healthwise and the community he lives in does a good job taking care of his needs. I’m so glad to have him close by our house. That gives me so much peace of mind. It’s been over a year now since mom passed away. We miss her a lot, but are grateful she is out of pain now and that we had her for so long.
My focus this year is on my health even more. I’m in good health, but I do have some issues that need addressing, so I’ve been going to a functional medicine doctor/chiropractor and we are working on some things. I also have pretty severe arthritis in my hips and I think this year will bring a hip replacement for me. I’ll start with one and then probably do the other one later. I’ve been dealing with hip pain for over 10 years and it’s gotten to the point that I don’t want it to ruin my quality of life. I’ve got too much I want to do! I will write a blog post about health soon, next week in fact. I’m sure I’m not the only one dealing with medical issues at our age. It’s a journey to figure these things out and how to get better. Oh, the joys of getting older! {insert sarcasm emoji}
I’m hopeful for our country this new year. I for one am happy about the election and what we have in store this year. I’m looking forward to a brighter day for our country and for all of us. A return to common sense can’t come soon enough. There’s been so much unrest and chaos going on in our country and around the world in the last few years. It’s hard to ignore it all and not worry, but God doesn’t want us to fear or worry, so I choose to trust God in all this. I’m so sad about the destruction in NC with the floods, the hurricanes in FL and this month, the fires in CA. So much grief and sadness going on right now, but I know God is still in control. I look forward to what the new year brings. Some of you might not agree with my opinion, but we all have the right to say what we think.
Blogging wise, I still plan to continue, but social media will take a backseat as it has the last few years. I still see the hamster wheel that’s going on with Instagram and the “influencers” there are always scrambling for views and reach, constantly putting out content that’s consumed so fast and then discarded. It’s only good for about 24 hours and then it’s time to feed the beast again. I can’t compete with that, nor do I want to. I like the pace I’ve been at for the last year or two, still having a presence, but not working very hard at it. That goes for Instagram and Facebook. It does feel more and more like a competition, but I don’t want to play. The people who work hard and grow are the ones who are rewarded the most with sponsored opportunities, so I know I miss out on a lot by not working harder, but that’s how I keep my sanity. I just don’t have the drive to keep striving for more. I did a few good sponsored partnerships last year and each year, I take them one at a time to see if they are a good fit for me. I turn down more than I take. Instagram has practically turned into one big sales pitch and that turns me off. I would imagine it turns off many of you too. I get it, but it’s just not something I want to participate in all that much. Life is too short to be on a hamster wheel. That’s not for me!
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT ME AND MY BLOG?
As I shared last year, the best way you can support me is to visit this blog every time I post. That means clicking the links in my emails that go out and coming over here to the blog to read. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a laptop, phone or tablet, it all counts as pageviews, but a laptop will probably the the best experience for ads. I know ads are annoying, I so get that. But again, that’s the main way I can make a living doing this and for you to come and support me here means the world to me. Thank you for that! If you subscribe to my emails, you’ll get one in your inbox every time I post and you can click the link to come over to my blog and read it live. That gives me pageviews and that’s how I make an income from my blog. Many people don’t know the particulars of this, but it’s a pretty neat thing. I’ve said before how much God has blessed this blog and I don’t take it for granted. I had another great year and I have to thank all of YOU for that! Just the fact that you all come over and read makes it possible for me to keep it going.
AMAZON SHOP AND HOME DECOR LINKS
The other ways you can support me is to buy through my affiliate links on Amazon and Like to Know It. I don’t share links constantly, but if you shop with my links, that helps me too. I make commissions when you use my links and that adds to my income.
You can find all my links under Shop my Home on the home page of my blog on the menu bar.
I have an Amazon shop with lots of good products that I use and that I love and recommend as well. The shop has categories you can look at with lots of products. Anytime you buy from Amazon and use my link, I earn a small commission without it costing you anything extra. Thank you for buying through my links!
That wraps up the year and where things are now. If I look at the trends now, I know that my traffic is going down, which does affect my income. I sure appreciate all of you who continue to support me. I know the internet is a busy place and I don’t take it for granted that you come here and support me. Things can change in an instant and one day, my blog may completely dry up and die. I’ll take it as it comes, when Google and Pinterest continue to make it harder and harder to get traffic back to us. I can’t rely on any of those and my email list is more important than ever. If I could get all of you to consistently open and read my emails, that would be amazing! Thank you to all of you who subscribe and come here every time I post. I appreciate you all so much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I have enjoyed following you since I found you when you were in Alabama. I enjoy your home projects, hearing about your precious parents, sister, niece, and her children. So happy God sent you Mark and you are enjoying life at this season. Thank you for not retiring. I will be with you until the end my friend. I 100% agree with your political views. Looking forward to much needed change and sensibility in this country starting tomorrow.
I am so happy to have found your blog. I did not know you have been doing this for 18 years. Thank you for all your hard work. Happy crusin🛳️
Enjoy your blog so much just sharing your family, all your renovations, your family but especially that you give God the credit for all he’s given you. And I, like you, am praying for a better year for our country. But know God is in control. Will continue to follow you and hope things will make it possible for you to continue with this blog.
I have been following you since I read the posts where your Dad was helping you redo the stairs on the back porch and maybe some stairs in the inside. I have not switched to reading Instagram, nor plan to do so. I met you once at a blog conference outside of Asheville. What I mean to say is that I like your blog and don’t plan to go anywhere. I enjoy following your talented husband, your sweet Dad, and your sister’s family. Good luck this year.
I have followed you for many years and appreciate all your posts! I enjoy hearing about your family, especially your parents and the aging process they have gone through. I’m happy for you and Mark to have found one another and that you are enjoying traveling to many places! I appreciate that you share your trust and love of God and His Son Jesus Christ❤️
Many blessings to you!
Love your blog and have followed you since the beginning enjoying all of your posts and the information you share! I am also finding Instagram very tiring as it is full of ads mostly now. It began as such a great place to visit. Now not so much! I am also beyond happy with the election, and can hardly wait for commonsense to return and a brighter future for our country. It has been a sad and disappointing last 4 years with such stress, chaos and division. I am hopeful this will change. Keep being yourself and you will thrive I have no doubt!
I have enjoyed your blog for years also and I like so many others agree with you politically, is it January 20th yet:-) I remember when you posted projects that you and your dad did when you bought your first house after your divorce. What a memorable time for you, your dad and your sweet mom. S
Enjoy your travels and know that many of us will always be here waiting for an update on your life whether it’s related to decorating, family, travel or your reminder of how God is in control.
Long time follower here, Rhoda! I love your content and feel we are likeminded in our beliefs. Glad you’re keeping going…enjoy that cruise!
LOVE your blog!!! I will support you and thank you for all you do!
Rhoda we love you and your blog over the years!!😃 I always get your blog via email. Many people like me may not know how important that is to you. I bet your readers would not mind if you had a reminder or two to ask us for our emails. ☺️ Happy New Year!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Wow, so disappointed in your political views. Your right, your entitled to your opinion and I’m entitled to mine. I will not support your blog anymore and I’m so confused as to why someone who claims to be religious would support a person who has destroyed this country. I hope you’ll not regret your decision to post this view on your blog. It may cost you more income.
Apparently LOTS of people were of a different mindset, Darlene. Otherwise we would not be seeing a total change in this country’s leadership tomorrow. If you live your life based strictly on your political views, it will probably be YOUR loss and definitely NOT Rhoda’s.
Darlene, I’m with you on this one. For the life of me, I’ll never understand how anyone who claims to be a Christian would support someone who behaves in a way that is anything but Christian. He’s a guy who has done nothing of redeeming value (aside from lining the pockets of the wealthy). Rhoda, perhaps you need to re-evaluate what Christian values are.
Hi Darlene, it’s your choice to leave or not, but no I do not regret my choice. I will always speak freely & I’m thrilled at the new direction our country is going. Maybe in time you will get what we all see. A return to common sense & upholding the law.
I just love your blog and social media pages. I just found you so I hope you continue to write and post. I am so grateful that you answered my question on email. I appreciate your insight and advice. Thank you for all you do.
Rhoda, you will always be my favorite blogger! I’ve enjoyed your projects, truthfulness, and sharing for so many years. You set the bar for so many others in making a beautiful home and life. I hope you’ll keep on for a long time…. in between trips with the love of your life. 🙂
Thank you Stacey, you’re so sweet, I appreciate your comments!
I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but thank you for continuing on. I appreciate your content. I also appreciate the way you stated your hope for the country as we go forward.
Happy blogiversary, Rhoda! I am a subscriber, and hope you will continue blogging, at whatever pace suits you. I never did monetize my blog, simply made it my journal for various interests of mine – antiquing (my side gig with two sisters), gardening, tablescaping and family. I look forward to your health journey. We joke in my family that we need a punch card for ortho surgeries, as my son-in-law is an ortho PA to a great, young surgeon. He’s done at least 7 surgeries on family members, with another scheduled in March. I am the youngest of nine so I think I may get the free punch, lol, when the time comes.
I loved your Art Deco bath project this year. And it’s hard to believe your mother has been gone over a year now. I love reading updates on your Daddy too. And I agree with your leanings on the state of our nation now. Common sense is long overdue! Also, I tapped into your link for that super cute two piece black/cream lounge suit. It was a big hit through the holidays, and so, so comfy. Thank you!
Cheers to year 19!
I’ve been following you for many years with all the highs and lows. I’ll continue to follow as long as you blog. Not that it should matter, but I too share your optimism about what I hope will be a return to common sense in our great country. I hope you are loving your Celebrity Cruise as much as I always do. Celebrity has long been my favorite line and one I now use exclusively. Lastly, I had a hip replacement, also due to severe arthritis, almost two years ago. Best decision I could have made. Hopefully your experience, when the time comes, will be as smooth as mine was. Best of luck in 2025.
Keep on keeping on, Rhoda.
– Reader since 2008
hi Rhoda..I have followed you since nearly the beginning. always enjoy your posts even if I don’t comment often!
So glad the adults are back in the White House and we will see a return to sanity and blessings for our country!
again..enjoy reading your posts
Rho,
As you know I read your blog every day. I know that you will be fine even if things do slow down a bit. I don’t know how some of these women do it. They have to spend all of their time on all of these sites and I am sure that their family have to suffer some from it. You have always kept it real and we love you for that.
Have a great trip.
Hugs,
Judy
Rhoda,
I have thought about what to write for a while.
I first found you when you had your fixer-upper and your sweet father helped you completely renovate it in such a creative and feminine way. As I followed you through the years, I learned about your family and your sister. I was happy for you when you found your mate and your family grew even bigger. All of this was fun to observe. I could tell how much you respected and honored your beloved parents and what a big role they played in your life. I could completely relate to you in that way.
I especially enjoyed your Friday tours where you’d provide such detailed comments and photos with a charming home. I knew this process took a lot of your time and I appreciated how detailed and steadfast you were with promoting excellent home design. I’d be inspired by your design plans and how you’d always find a way to make them happen.
I recently thought of your site and when I visited, I learned you’d lost your mother. My sincere condolences for your loss. As I read about your past year and the changes in blogging, I started to sense a sort of ‘tone deaf’ slant in your message. One minute I was reading about your family health updates and your trips and then suddenly, your message became political.
Why do your political beliefs need to be mentioned at all and what do they have to do with anything on your blog, a blog you have carefully curated through the years to uplift others and provide creative inspiration, which it has always been for me, until you became political. By stating your side, you’ve provided a great example of how, unlike any other time in history, our country has become deeply divisive, whether you intended it to be or not. You made it clear what side you are on.
Did you consider, in the same message of asking us to support your blog and to stay engaged with you for your benefit, that you might alienate so many people unnecessarily? This was not a landslide election—the results were close which translates into many people not thinking and voting as you did. Maybe they aren’t the followers you are seeking?
Of course, you have every right to declare your political beliefs, but does that mean it’s a good idea to share them on your design blog where you depend on views for advertising revenue? Other blogs I’ve admired through the years, such as the nester and The Inspired Room, don’t take a political stance, even though of course, they could. Maybe they stood back and steered clear because they thought if politics creeped into their message they could lose followers.
Rhoda, since I’ve given myself time to think about this, I wonder how many of your readers feel as I do but didn’t take the time to express their thoughts or say anything.
I don’t see myself supporting your sites because I’m not your demographic.
Hi, Anne, thank you for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I appreciate your thoughts. You’re right, I don’t have to say a word about politics, but since our world is fast changing by the moment, that topic is something that creeps in all around. I haven’t ever shied away from stating my opinions, even though I haven’t been particularly political in all my blogging years. I guess at this stage of my life, I’m a little more vocal than ever and I do say things now that might seem to take a stance. I don’t do that to step on any toes, but for me to never say a word could also be disingenuous to who I am, so I do choose to speak sometimes.I’ll never be a political blog, but life and politics sometimes overlaps so that’s all I can say. I can follow people who don’t think the same way I do and that’s what makes the world go around. I definitely do not talk about politics very much at all on my blog, but I don’t shun people who believe differently than I do. It’s always your choice to follow me or not.