Jan 12

New Year, Renewed Purpose

With a new year well underway, I’ve been inspired to make this new year a great one. Although I’m not one who normally sets “official” new year’s resolutions, I admit, the excitement of closing one year and facing a fresh start in 2015, has brought a burst of energy. I have been brainstorming and planning ways to make this blog even better in this new year.

2014 was a busy year for me. I’ve had some amazing opportunities to do freelance writing for sites like US News & World Report and The Happy Housewife and have enjoyed sharing consumer finance and frugal lifestyle tips across various media outlets. I’ve also been more involved with my husband’s lighting business, and have developed a side consulting and media business which has been exciting. My kids have been growing, and with a rambling 4-year old and rambunctious 8-year old, I’m starting to grasp the profound parenting cliche “The days are long but the years are short.”

I want to be honest, like most Washingtonians I am juggling many responsibilities, and like most moms, I’ve become a mega-multi-tasker. This lifestyle has led to many exhausting days in which I felt “blogging burn-out.” I’ve struggled with maintaining that same drive and momentum to keep up my blog. And I’m sure that has been noticed by those of you readers who have been following my blog for some time and have seen a decrease in the amount of posts.

This month marks my 6th year of blogging, and it’s hard to believe how time has flown by! After a season of feeling stretched-thin and burnt-out, I am facing this year with new hope and determination. In 2015 I’ve felt renewed vigor to fulfill the original vision for Beltway Bargain Mom: To help others live well on less, to connect DC-area shoppers, and to highlight the benefits of living near our nation’s capital. I feel I’ve discovered a renewed purpose and joy in blogging and that’s why I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring!

I’m so thankful for each and everyone of you who reads this blog! Your comments, e-mails, Facebook posts and tweets have meant so much to me over all these years. I’m looking forward to making this year stellar, to sharing more of myself on this blog, and creating an even better resource for you. Here’s wishing you a joyous new year!