Hello Ladies (and the occasional gent!),
This year (tomorrow actually) marks the 6th year of existence of my blog, my pride and joy and my little space on the interweb 🙂 I have no words (ok maybe I lie a little 😛 ) but stunned amazement that I’ve lasted this long or that some of you have been with me on this journey about as long as I’ve been plodding down this blogging road. To you, I salute you for reading all my ramblings about beauty and all things unrelated, and still sticking by all this time. I say this all the time, but it bears repeating that I doubt I’d still be blogging, if no one was reading, commenting or talking back to me so THANK YOU ALL! 😀
Blogging, unlike the common perception, isn’t a lonely affair. It can be if you choose to make it so, but it is also a lot more involved and social than is given credit; and I love that I have made real life friends near and far, just by pouring my thoughts out on my space on the internet. So thank you for being with me these past 6 years.
This year, as we turn 6, let me tell you of the 6 Deadly Sins I’ve commited and which plague me in all honesty, because just as blogging has been a rewarding experience, it is not without its faults and I am not without my failings 🙂 For those of you who have chosen to ride this bandwagon, I hope that you will not fall prey to these deadly sins the way that I have.
Lust
When demands dictate that you are kept on the forefront of everything that’s new and wonderful, I have fallen prey to the deadly sin of Lust. I am kept lusting after everything that is new and shiny and wonderful and forthcoming. The moment I hold the item I lust after, I forget it, and I lust after something else. I forget to enjoy what I already have, and what is available now. When I realised this, I stopped craning my neck and lusting after what is coming and take things as they come. I learn to enjoy what I already have and to look inward instead of looking too far forward. It has helped my sanity and made blogging and discovering beauty, fun again. If you are feeling a blogging burnout from chasing that elusive rainbow, stop.
Envy
I’d be lying if all this time, I did not suffer more than a spark of envy at how well other bloggers are doing in my niche. I envy those who can give up their jobs to go at it full time or the wonderful opportunities they may have. Envy eats at you like a disease. But it doesn’t have to. When I realised it was affecting me (it will one way or another – we’re all human) I sat myself down and asked myself what I wanted.
I realised that if I had to go at it full time, it would be a job. I would have to find ways to pay the bills which means I had to generate income some way, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to sell myself that way. Envy still tickles me at the back of my mind sometimes but I’ve learnt to stomp on it and grab myself by the figurative lapels and shake some sense into me. If this Deadly Sin eats at you, reach deep within you and see if you have what it takes to take you where you want to go. If it does, go for it and make it a success. If it doesn’t, stop feeling envious and keep doing what you do best – enjoying your blogging experience 🙂
Wrath
The wrath of having to deal with unreasonable people, or ungrateful people or just plain pushy people is a real thing. Add to that the wrath I feel when I see blatant copyright infringements, copying of styles or text or even stealing of images not just from me but from other bloggers too. It happens so often and it really pisses me off and sometimes, I think I’m just paranoid. But then I get a little whisper here and a little raised eyebrow there and I know I’m not alone. People will notice and they make their own minds up. If you feel angry that you are getting ripped off, channel that anger and do something about it. Take heart that its not just you – someone else too will have noticed it 😉
The best Black Forest Cake I’ve ever had from my favourite bakery Just Heavenly
Sloth
Yes, that big ugly snake of laziness coils itself around me more than once. Some days you don’t feel like blogging or you just don’t feel like doing anything. Take a break. Its good for you and its good for your blog 🙂 There was a time in the past 6 years when I blogged everyday, twice a day. Now, I’m down to once a day (unless there’s something I just MUST get out) and I even take off days. I have cut back on accepting products when I know I can’t cope, and I have cut back on attending events. Is it sloth? Actually it isn’t. Its my conscious effort to keep a better balance between life, work and blogging. Ok, so sloth does has something to do with it too 😛 However, I’ve also noticed that it gets harder to get back to “work” after taking a long break, which is when sloth really sets in. So, take a break but if you intend to get back to business, be sure to keep your hand in it or you might find that 3 months have passed without an update and then you start questioning if you really want to bother!
Greed
More, better, MOAR! ’nuff said. 1 red lipstick? Why not get 5? They look the same? Oh nevermind, I can justify the difference. Gluttony and greed go hand in hand. 6 years of wanting more and more of this and that and then trying to find space to store them all. You’d think I have a 200 cheeks, considering the blushes I hoard (I actually have 4 but only 2 need blush 😛 ) I now only focus on things and brands I enjoy using. It curbs the greed and gluttony and it stops me wandering too far and getting lost in the thicket of the new and unknown.
Vanity
Somedays, you look at your stats and you think “Damn! I’m doing well!” or you blog a good post that is well received and you think “Yay! I’ve made it! People are reading” or maybe the PR from your favourite brand drops you a line and you are over the moon; and then suddenly something happens. Google gives you a slap across your 2 blushed cheeks, or your traffic and comment count dips and you never hear from said PR again. Suddenly, you’re not hot stuff anymore. Panic sets in, you scramble around, wondering what you did wrong… well chill. I’ve learnt that tastes change, people will move on. So, don’t sweat it, keep improving and working on your blog and you will soon find that things will go back to normal and will in many cases, get better 🙂 Sometimes we need a little setback in life to know that we’re not infallible and that we have to innovate to improve.
But wait, there are 7 Deadly Sins aren’t there? Well yes, there are. The 7th is Pride but it is a sin I am happy to maintain as long as I blog.
Pride
This isn’t as much about being proud but it is to do with having pride in what you do. It goes without saying that MWS is my pride and joy. Its my space that I’ve carved out in a niche that I had no knowledge about when I started. I pride myself on having taught myself all I’ve needed to know about blogging, the technicalities, the nitty gritties, the HTML, the coding, the photography. I have had to learn about servers and domains and pagerank and SEO and what goes on behind keeping a blog up, I’ve had to wrestle with rogue plugins and runaway code. I have learnt a lot about people and the lengths they go to to do the things they do and I pride myself on not going there. Pride in doing what I do, how I do it best, is something I’m holding on to and if you blog, you too should hold your blog as your shield of pride because you made it happen 🙂
If you blog, have you committed any one of the 6 deadly sins I’ve mentioned?
In 6 years, I have watched the blogging landscape evolve and change. In some ways for the better, in some ways for the worse as more and more people fall prey to the 7 Deadly Sins. But I hope that by recognizing them we will learn to rise above and help make the blogging landscape evolve again, and this time for the better 🙂
Thank you again. Its been an amazing 6 years and I only have every one of you reading to thank 🙂
xoxo
Paris B
theMuse says
March 8, 2013 at 8:39 amare you inside my head?
I’ve experienced so many of these problems, emotions, and thoughts in the entire time I’ve been blogging 🙂
Happy Anniversary dear! To six more wonderful, successful years ahead sans anymore google panda updates of course less I whine, piss, and moan on your shoulder for the next six more years 🙂
Much success and wonderful post!
xoxo!
Paris B says
March 10, 2013 at 11:52 pmHey Iz, thank you so much for coming by and thank you too for the well wishes! I Henley wonder sometimes how I’ve stuck through all the ups and downs of blogging, not to mention all the arctic animals Google throws at us! Am glad to be able to talk to someone who understands what I’m on about 😀 thanks again!
Evaa says
March 8, 2013 at 8:48 amI love your blog Paris. And every morning i just can’t wait to read about what you are going to post. I also like the section of a Simple Blogging Tips. It has helped a lot. Thank you.
Paris B says
March 10, 2013 at 11:54 pmThank you so much Evaa. It means a lot to me, and I’m happy you enjoy this little irregular segment too! xx
Teri says
March 8, 2013 at 8:50 amParis, I’m so proud of you for hanging in there for 6 years! I love your blog and the topics you discuss, its what I love about your blog the most. Although I’ve only been blogging for a year I recognise each and every sin. I’ve been there and I know it’s not the last time for me.
So the fact that you’ve been already in this blogging world for 6 years deserves deep respect from me, congrats! You really deserve to be very proud of what you achieved!
It’s great to see that you stayed true to your own and kept your own unique style!
Paris B says
March 10, 2013 at 11:56 pmThank you so much, Teri! I can’t believe you’ve only been at it a year! You are doing very well my dear so keep up the good work! Happy to know the topics open for discussion sit well with you. I enjoy writing them and having people enjoy reading them is what I find most rewarding. Thanks again! xx
LeGeeque says
March 8, 2013 at 8:51 amSo proud of you for sticking it out and of course, congratulations! Not many people can be bothered with the internal tickings of a blog to make it work just-so. I’m glad you do 🙂
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 12:00 amThank you too for listening to me whine and bitch about things that go wrong 😀 as much as we want to go at it ourselves, we need friends too to support us along the way, and pick us up when we trip and fall flat on our faces
Danielle says
March 8, 2013 at 8:58 amCongrats on 6 years! I’m on year 3 and still feel like I can learn so much more. I have felt so many of things you mentioned here… it’s good to take a step back, analyze, and then jump back in when you’ve cleared your mind of the nonsense.
Here’s to many more! 🙂
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:08 amThank you Danielle and you’re doing great too! We’re all learning, especially in this fast changing landscape with no real precedents to follow 🙂 You’re right too about having to step back from nonsense. Sometimes, there’s just too much of that going around, it clouds our judgement. Here’s to many more blogging years to you too! 😀
Tracy says
March 8, 2013 at 8:58 amHAPPY ANNIVERSARY MY FRIEND!!! I’m so glad I discovered you! I adore you and your blog and wish you all the success that you deserve! xo
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:17 amThank you so much Tracy!! *hugs* I’m so happy we discovered each other and that we’re friends too 😀 The borderless online world is an awesome place to be in xx
xin says
March 8, 2013 at 9:04 amwell said! i think this envy is a little devil that will forever live in us. but this envy thing can be a push factor sometimes 😉
happy 3 8 day!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:19 amThanks Xin! You’re right – that devil of Envy has to be a push factor for us to overcome it, not be eaten up by it 😀 Glad we’re blogging still 😉
Sunny says
March 8, 2013 at 9:15 amCongrats, Paris! 6 years!!! It’s an amazing achievement you should be really proud of!
I recognize most of the sins, even though I haven’t been around for too long at all. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of continuously wanting new stuff, eyeing what someone else is getting, and feeling like a failure when the same treatment is not extended to you. I think at the end of the day we all have to learn to be happy with what we have, in life and in blogging.
Again, congrats!!! Many more to come!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:55 amThank you Sunny 😀 I think at some point, we would have commited every single one of the deadly sins won’t we? Its just one of those things but I think also that we have to learn to get a grip of ourselves and that’s true in every aspect of our lives 😀 Am happy to have met you through blogging!
Jenn says
March 8, 2013 at 9:18 am“You’d think I have a 200 cheeks, considering the blushes I hoard (I actually have 4 but only 2 need blush 😛 )” – Lol you are too funny!!!! XD
Congrats to you for keeping at it for 6 years and doing such an amazing job at that too!! 😀 You know you’re awesome when people tell you how inspiring you are time and time again and how many people simply love your blog! 😉
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:55 am😀 I thought you might get it haha! 😀 Thank you so much Jenn and I am very thankful and grateful for everything. Oh and happy to have met you at least once too! 😉
Lily says
March 8, 2013 at 9:25 amSo true…. especially lust. It’s unsatiable, and that’s why I’ve decided on the no buy 🙂 It’s good to do something about it when you realise something’s wrong. Congratulations, Paris. It’s amazing what you have done here, and here’s to many more years to come!!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:57 amThank you Lily 😀 Lust is one of the scariest LOL! I put myself on a low buy and have been sticking to it for a couple of years now and its good for the soul. Teaches you to enjoy what you have, and to think if you need something new. Good job on the no buy 🙂
Cecilia Wong says
March 8, 2013 at 9:30 amCongratulations and Happy Anniversary! Just to let you know, you’re my breakfast buddy. You never fail to make my mornings more interesting. Here’s to more! Cheers!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:58 amAww Cecilia, thank you! I like the idea of being a breakfast buddy 😀 Thank you for your support!
Victoria says
March 8, 2013 at 9:49 amCongratulations Paris! Your blog is a must-read for me every morning at work. LOL. You have a great blog here and deserved all the praise and accolades that you received from family, friends, fellow bloggers and readers. My wish for you is that you will continue to blog for many more years to come 🙂
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 11:59 amLOL Don’t let your boss catch you, Victoria! Although if its a she and she does, then tip her the wink yes? hehe… 🙂 Thank you so much for your support and for all your lovely comments almost everyday. I love getting them and reading them warms the cockles of my heart because I know at least one person is reading the post of the day! 😀 Thank you xx
Hanny Daforcena says
March 8, 2013 at 9:51 amHAPPY ANNIVERSARY PB! ^.^ I’ve been blogging for 1/2 the time you have but sometimes I wish I have 1/2 your awesomeness heh heh ^.^ Here’s to long-running blogs and longer lasting goodness
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 12:08 pmThank you Hanny and you are just too sweet! 😀 Keep going at it – if you build it, they will come 😉
Dee says
March 8, 2013 at 10:17 amHappy Anniversary Paris! 🙂 keep up the great job! I really love your reviews and opinions~ You are kind of my beauty blogger role model! 😀 Have been really inspired to start a beauty blog myself for the past 2 years, but I kind of have doubts that the internet is too saturated with it and that my friends and family might think that I’m too vain and materialistic.. I really applaud you for the courage to overcome the obstacles in the world of beauty blogging, and maybe one day, hope to find some of that courage myself! 🙂 Anyways, wishing you endless blogging joy and blogging health of mind and soul!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 12:09 pmAww Dee, I’m blushing here! >.< Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 I don't think the market is oversaturated, if you ask me. If you have a unique voice to add to the chaos, it will stand out so don't just think about starting your blog. Just do it! You never know where it'll take you until you try. I hope to see a new blog pop up on the horizon from you soon 😀
beetrice says
March 8, 2013 at 10:27 amSloth would probably be the biggest one for me..I’ve lost count of the times I’ve fallen off the bandwagon! Here’s to an awesome 6 years so far…and many more to come! 😀
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 12:14 pmThank you Bee and this means we’ve known each other for just a little longer than that. Now how’s that for being scary how time flies! 😀 Time for you to get back on the bandwagon and get going! 😉
nani says
March 8, 2013 at 10:48 amCongratulations, PB!! 6 years and counting.. 🙂 Love your blog and you are awesome…
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 12:15 pmAww shucks! 🙂 Thank you so much Nani for your support! 😀
Becca says
March 8, 2013 at 10:51 amYay–Happy Blogaversary, Paris! 6 years is a long time and I am so proud of you. Your blog is amazing and you really do a great job with it. It really reflects your personality but is maintained professional and is informative, interesting, and has great pictures. Here’s to 6 more years!! 😀
Oh also, am I reading this right–you only own 4 blushes?? How is that possible?! I thought for sure you had boxes and boxes full 😛
Becca says
March 8, 2013 at 10:53 amOh wait, LOL!! I reread that sentence and just got it. Silly me 😛 hahaha
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 2:01 pmHaha thank you Becca! I feel like the grandma of blogging roflol! 😀 Oh and yeah, about the blushes… you’re quite right about the boxes and boxes 😉 Happy to have met you on my travels 😀
Tine says
March 8, 2013 at 11:55 amIt’s like you’re speaking my words. Guilty, guilty and definitely guilty in the first degree. I think my biggest sins of the lot would be vanity and envy. Sometimes the thoughts of “oooh I’m all that” and “why can’t I have the same fancy camera as X blogger” enter my mind. Then I get taken down a peg or two because something will go wrong somewhere. Ahh karma. 😛
PS: Happy 6 years love. And to think, we actually know each other longer than that!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 2:11 pmhaha I think so many of us have gone through these sins over and over. The trick is to recognise them and do something about it 😉 And yes, karma is really a biatch! >.< Just when I think I'm on the up and up, boom! server trouble. Jeez... give us a break yeah? 😉 And thank you, it is quite something that we've known each other that long 😀 xx
Janessa says
March 8, 2013 at 11:59 amHappy 6 years! 😀 I am so happy for you, Paris and I enjoy reading your posts so much, your blog is fantastic. Gah, I can’t help but grin (hugely) at my monitor typing this, it’s so wonderful how dedicated you are and how far you’ve come.
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 2:12 pmThank you so much, Janessa – you bet I have a huge grin plastered on my face even as we speak! Its all of you who made it fun so thank you for coming by!
Nikki says
March 8, 2013 at 12:37 pmFirst of all, Congratulations for the 6 Fruitful years!! Thanks to blogging I get to meet you and the rest of the gorgeous girls!
Ayaaayaaa, we did talk about these when I visited KL right? You know what, I look up to bloggers who give up their main job to focus on blogging too but I guess it’s not my thing, I think i want the security of having a “monthly income” especially with a growing family *winks* 🙂
I am sure I’ve gone through some (or most) of the deadly sins you’ve mentioned but I’m glad I didn’t dwell on each of them, thanks to my family for keeping my feet on the ground and remind me everything is just temporary in this world! In a blink of an eye..it can be taken away from you and we shouldn’t hold on to material things 😀
Mwa 😡 Happy weekend PB!
Paris B says
March 11, 2013 at 2:21 pmThank you Nikki 😀 We should be about the same “age” shouldn’t we? I’m happy to have met you too on my blogging journey, and in person too! 😀 And yes, we did talk about this. I think a security of a job is a good thing especially with a family to care for now but I’m all for people who want to go at it for a living. I’m not sure how its done, but there are people who do it, so its quite an achievement 🙂 I’m glad you’re kept grounded. Its so important and the only way to maintain our sanity! 😀 Keep on blogging 😀