Good afternoon PFL! I hope that you all had a blessed and Merry Christmas yesterday! Mine was one of the best in a very long time. I am celebrating….
Yes, that’s right! I officially launched Rx Fitness Lady with this Friends and Family post one year ago today.
I hosted the Christmas Eve’s Eve Holly Bloggy Christmas Party with fellow blog friends to celebrate the Holiday season along with my 1st blogoversary. Thanks again to all who participated and read the posts from participants.
For Thanksgiving, I wrote a gratitude letter to my readers entitled “This Blog Is My Baby”….
Today, in honor of 12 months of Blogging at Rx Fitness Lady, I’m sharing some things I’ve learned from this here baby of mine! Oh, and I’m still in the Christmas spirit 😉 !
In the first month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
My first few friends in the blog community! Thanks to the SITS girls! I advise anyone getting started blogging to stop by the SITS site, nosey around all the resources, and start trying to find some people you’d like to connect with.
The SITS girls are always dropping knowledge….
In the second month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
A feel for what material was resonating well with readers and commenters.
I officially started blogging about….
- Reviews of the Les Mills programs I teach; BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT
- A little of my personal thoughts about life as it pertains to health
In the third month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
A discussion board generator in the form of comment reply notification! Thanks Nellie for nudging me to go ahead and get that set up. All those comments for two months probably fell on 95% death ears! I would really love if all my blog friends checked their reply notifications, it would make my life much easier 😉
Speaking of comments…
In the fourth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
A new content arm of Rx Fitness Lady! I have the most feedback and still coming on a post written in April “24 Reasons Why You Don’t Have Comments on Your Blog”! It ended up being featured on the SITS site that I mentioned earlier.
After all the genuine discussion, I started interspersing blog topics periodically in the content here.
In the fifth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
Virtual and Real Life Blog Event Experiences
Bloggy Boot Camp Charlotte – “Know Your End Game in Blogging”
In the sixth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
A lesson on How NOT to do a GIVEAWAY!
I advertised my first giveaway and got entries from all sorts of punks non-readers of the blog 🙂 !
NO MORE! These rare opportunities are now for loyal readers only!
The winners of the Holiday Hustle Giveaways are….
Michell @ Prowess and Pearls
and Andrea from Be Quoted
CONGRATULATIONS Ladies! Email me your address at RxFitnessLady(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your gift!
In the seventh month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
The amazing click through generator of BLOG BUTTONS IN THE SIDEBAR! Yes, I know I need to switch them out.
Seriously though, the Blog Buttons were a hit! Whenever I put them up and switch them, that post usually jumps up in traffic.
Of course, you have to put something there of interest to readers and particular interest to other bloggers.
In the eighth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
The Mister!
I was trying to increase my Facebook fan page likes by inviting men to like my page, he says I was stalking him, I’ll let him have that 😉 !
In the ninth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
My second blog event, the second Mini Blog Challenge Party! I learned “for real for real” that I absolutely DO NOT like the TIME COMMITMENT that blogging every day brings. I eliminated the goal on my bucket list of “Complete NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) in November & blog everyday.”
I still haven’t responded to all the comments from that party, lol!
Oh that doesn’t mean the challenge is over, just modified…STAY TUNED 🙂 !
In the tenth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
Much needed blog vacation and rejuvenation!
I learned the value of taking a vacation from this blog and not being my usual Type A self. I have learned to embrace the time away!
Speaking of which, I know I’ve asked a lot of you all with the Holly Bloggy Party and all, so this is it for the year!
In the eleventh month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
True meaning of blog relationships and mentors. I mean, you all know I love the people that are frequent commenters down in my comments sections. Maybe you didn’t know that several of us communicate several other places. Anywho, after a while of being on this blogging scene, some of these people become quite connected to you.
I find myself communicating (asking a million questions) about parts of my life OFF LINE to one blog friend that has just turned into my own little mentor.
In the twelfth month of blogging, my baby gave to me…
A new post schedule! I made it through this year but I will be switching to a Monday & Thursday schedule starting next Thursday! See ya then!
Yours in Healthy, Active, & Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady
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How fitting that Michelle is one of the winners of the giveaway! Speaking of which…I have an opposite reaction to the nonregulars that come for giveaways. I like that it brings new and sometimes permanent readers to the blog. I’m also aware that several of the people who enter the giveaways on my blog are readers, they just don’t like to comment.
You have accomplished so much in a year! You are such a pro it’s hard to believe it’s just been this short time!
Carla recently posted…Tight Tush & Trim Hips Workout Starring Jeffrey the Cat
Thanks Carli! I’ve had a few of those too. That particular giveaway was dummy accounts set up just for entering giveaways. I stopped advertising on sites that lured those people.
I am so oblivious! I had no idea people did that! I have stopped advertising though…mostly because it’s a huge time commitment to do so.
Carla recently posted…Santa Found Us
oh how I love this! Happy Bloggoversary. Girl you have had a superb first year of blogging. My first year I was flipping and flailing away, not having a clue as to what I was doing 🙂 You came in the game and shut it down! YESS! I loved reading your recap, I was here for all of it so it was a nice refresher. Your blog parties are awesome and I can’t wait to participate in the new year.
I am doing a year in review type post as well. It is so nice to see how we have progressed!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Merry Christmas
That is such an encouraging comment Nellie! Thank you so much for ALL the support from day one and for welcoming me into this world. That has meant a lot to me. I am forever grateful for our friendship!
HAPPY “1st” BLOGOVERSARY Joi…congrats my friend!!! So proud of everything you’ve accomplished in your first year…WOW! Thank you for engaging us in thoughtful discussions that ranged from serious to downright h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s, i.e.(“My Name is NOT Joanne”)! 😀 I’m always inspired by your effort to evolve your blog…you’ve done a great job! But most of all, I’m so grateful we crossed paths in the “bloggersphere”. Your friendship is truly treasured! I stopped by earlier this morning to surprise you, but you hadn’t posted yet, lol! Even though I’m on a blogging break, you know I couldn’t pass up wishing my girl a Happy Blogoversary! 🙂 And what a pleasant surprise to see that I won the necklace…YAYY! Again, congrats Joi and may your 2nd year of blogging far exceed your expectations! Hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Christmas…love ya lady!! 🙂
Michell recently posted…Holly Blogging Christmas Party Reveal Day
Thanks so much for all of the encouragement and support Michell! Congrats on winning the necklace! I know you will rock that first lady 🙂 Happy New Year to you!
Aww… I got teary eyed… I just read your first post. Wow! You’ve made leaps and bounds. Although I wasn’t around for the launch, I’m so glad that I found you…and never missed a post since. (although there are still 2 that I read but still haven’t commented on 🙂 )
I’m so proud of you! I can hardly write the word enjoy…without misspelling it enjoi…for real. I love the connection we’ve made. (now I don’t feel so weird about secretly adopting you as my little sister)
I love the Monday Thursday schedule. It’s comfortable spread out and less overwhelming to keep up with (well at least for me )
Anyway. Happy Blogoversary! I’m super excited to see what 2014 has in store. Continued Blessings to you every aspect of your life.
Hope recently posted…Merry Christmas from our family to yours…
Ha, I know the posts of which you speak! I felt like I let you down, lol! Anywho, glad you stayed around my friend! I too love the connection and cherish it so much! I never would have thought blogging could yield this much positive energy in my life.
Thanks for the support! Where do you think I got that blogging schedule from 😉 !
There was no let down at all. And to be clear, I just commented on the ones I missed 🙂
Hope recently posted…I-4/Selmon Connector 5K Race Recap
Oh! I thought it was the risky one from February, lol.
Happy Blogoversary, Joi! I love how you did this post. I’ve said before how much I have learned from you and your blog, but this is the perfect time for me to say it again. I have enjoyed all the many facets of what you write about. It helps me step my game up and stay motivated. You are so right about SITS. It is one of my top traffic referrals and the information they share is spot on! I look forward to continuing our sisterhood into 2014 and another new year for Rx Fitness Lady. Congratulations, girl!
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…Christmas Tag(ged) Twice
Thanks so much my friend. I have enjoyed getting to know you and your September challenge was fun and creative. Hoping to meet one day!
I was so happy to discover you in 2013! I love your blog. I never miss it. There’s almost not much more than I can say than that. Just truth. And that I love your tie-in here to the 12 days of Christmas!
See ya on Mondays and Thursdays soon!
Tamara recently posted…Merry Blogging Christmas.
Thanks Tamara! I’m looking forward to the reaction to this new schedule!
Happy Blogoversary!!!
I don’t know how I let this happen, but I haven’t been following your on FB or Twitter – I fixed that just now though!!! I’m hoping to make 2014 the year that I do better with social media so I need to get on these sites more!
I loved your recap and can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for you and your awesome blog!!
Kim recently posted…The Best Part of Christmas
Social media is challenging to keep up with. I am there but barely keeping up if I’m keeping up at all by blogging industry standards. Thanks for being a part of my community over here Kim. I appreciate it!
You are a role model as a blogger and a role model as a woman in so many ways. It has been a pleasure getting to know you in the past few months, Joi, and I look forward to watching your journey continue.
~Ilene
Ilene recently posted…Speed
Hey Ilene, you always say the sweetest and most encouraging things. I find quite intriguing that you manage to say so much in a sentence or two. You are such a gifted writer! Glad to have met along these 12 months.
Congratulations, Joi on reaching 12 months of blogging! This is so wonderful. It sounds like you have learned sooo much about blogging and relationships in the blogosphere and just about everything!! That’s really wonderful. I agree about the commitment to blog everyday. It is a bit more difficult for me. I find that I don’t have as much time that I want to go and support and comment on other blogs if I’m so busy posting every day and trying to keep up with commenting on my own posts, too. You are such an inspiring woman! I look forward to learning more from you and participating in more events that you have in the new year. 🙂
Brittnei recently posted…Letters to My First Born: 19 Months
Wow Brittnei, Thanks for all the sweet and encouraging sentiments. I appreciate it! I am looking forward to continuing to foster our friendship.
Love the creativity within this post and the reflection over the year. 🙂 Many successes to you and I need to drop by often for fitness tips.
Happy New Year.
Reginia {PoisedinPrint.com} recently posted…My Week in Pictures
Thank you Regina! You are welcome here any time dear!
Happy blog anniversary! I am one of your lurker a who hardly ever comments but reads all the time. I’ll try to do better next year!
It’s all good Lashawn! I know we are busy! Thanks for the support!
Congrats Joi, you have a great fun and informative blog and it’s been good getting to know you better. Sorry I haven’t been interacting as much recently, I’m still reading (thank goodness for my Samsung) but hoping life will quieten down a bit to start getting more interactive again. Have a glass of bubbly on me to congratulate yourself. Looking forward to more great things from you in 2014.
Gillian recently posted…Jessie’s Health Journey in 2013
Hi my friend! I am always pleased to hear from you. I appreciate your support however you are able to give it! I have enjoyed having a fellow instructor as a friend in this blog world!
Happy Blogaversary to you!!! What an awesome year you’ve had. You’ve been an inspiration and motivation to me this year. My goal in 2014 is to be more vocal & supportive. I can’t wait to see the awesomeness you have in store for us in 2014.
Michelle G recently posted…The Importance Of A Piggy Bank
Hey Michelle! Thank you for the support and inspiration. Looking forward to continuing to connect and maybe meet.
Most definitely! I’m setting my calendar for the year and now that the little diva is 2 (where did the years go?) heading out for solo trips will be so much easier this year!
Michelle G. recently posted…How To Succeed At The 52 Week Money Challenge
I have said this before but i absolutely love your blog and have learned so much from you. Congrats on your blogoversary and wishing you nothing but continued success with your blog. your blog shows your dedication and commitment which i always appreciate.
Losing in the City recently posted…How a Virus Stole My Blogaversary and the Power of Our Community
Thank you so much Cass! I appreciate you so much! Hope we meet this year.
What a year it has been! I am so very very happy to have found you! Wishing you a happy Blogoversary and Christmas too! xo
leah recently posted…Monthly Snaps of Life
Thanks Leah! Happy New Year!
Happy blogaversary I am so proud of you. I don’t read many fitness blogs as you know I am not into it but yours and a few others have inspired me so much this year and really making me watch what I eat and how I exercise. I am glad you had a beautiful year and cheers to your for the next one cause I know it will be big.
Kita recently posted…Say What U Wanna Year in Review
So sweet Kita! You didn’t realize it but you have been a friend from the very beginning and I am more than appreciative of your friendship. I remember the first post of yours I read on loneliness for the holidays..it resonated with me and my heart broke for the people that came to mind. Anyway, Thank you again for the support. Looking forward to you cooking for me one day 🙂
oh goodness, joi, you have accomplished so much in one year and taught us a lot during the process! i can’t wait to see what 2014 will bring!
I think I’ve been friends with you pretty much the entire time, Thanks hun! I’m excited for YOUR 2014, Woot!
I had to come back and let you know that because of this post I decided to make sure that I have a comment notification plug-in which i thought i did and sure enough, i didn’t 🙁 but now I do.. thanks as always
Losing in the City recently posted…How a Virus Stole My Blogoversary and the Power of Our Community
SWOON and Yes, I got your reply today. It’s working 🙂
Congrats dear friend! Your blog is an inspiration to me ….. Full of all kinds of smart, witty, and fun info!! So proud of you!!!
Thanks so much Kelly! Love ya girl!
Happy Blogger-versary Joi! I LOVE the theme of this post! Can’t wait to read more from you in the years to come!
Britton recently posted…Shea Moisture Hair Color System Review + PICS!
Hey Britton! Thanks girl! You still going to fitbloggin? Hope we meet there!
You’ve come a very long way in such a short amount of time! Congratulations to you on your personal, professional, and blogging achievements. Thank you kindly for the gifts!!! I’m pumped! Lol.
Andrea recently posted…An Ode to 2013
You are most welcome Andrea! Thanks for the support!
Happy Blogoversary Joi! You’ve had an awesome year! I know I’m lacking terribly in the fitness department, but I love reading your blog. Your posts are very informative, and at times hilarious! Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for the new year! Congratulations!!!
Hi Kennie! Thanks and good to hear from you dear! I appreciate your support. Much success to you in the fitness area for 2014. Happy New Year!
I think I can keep up with Monday/Thursday. Congrats girl – you had a GREAT first year. I mean it, you knocked blogging out of the box. When I get around to it I’m going to put some post buttons in my sidebar. Well maybe going forward. I don’t feel like redoing NUFFIN. Happy New Year to you Joi!
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted…A Christmas Eve Story…
Awh, Thanks Kenya! I learned a lot from your TALU link. Much appreciated. Happy New Year to you too! Thank you for all the support!
I’m so sorry to have missed your actual blogiversary, Joi! You’ve really taken off in the last year, and it’s all very well deserved. Keep up the great work, there’s a lot waiting for you in the new year! And thanks for being such a great blog friend!
Leslie recently posted…This Christmas
No worries my friend! I am always aware of your busy schedule. I am graced each time you take a few minutes to steal and visit! You have been one of the best blog friends as well for pretty much my entire blogging journey. Much appreciated!
Happy New Year Joi!! You’ve had an amazing year and there are tons of great posts in here! Thank you for being one of my first blog friends!
Michelle recently posted…Merry Christmas from A Dish of Daily Life
Right back at ya Michelle! So glad we connected. Thank you!
I’m honored as a fellow professional and a man to be part of your blog family, Joi!
Dr. J recently posted…Lab Notes: High Testosterone Means Higher Flu Risk; Eat Nuts When Pregnant for Allergy-Free Kid
Thanks Dr. J! Having you here is one of my proudest accomplishments 🙂 !
Congrats on a fabulous first year of blogging! And love how you looked back on each month. Here’s to another amazing year in 2014!!
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama recently posted…Diagnose and Cure Your Holiday Hangover
Hey Nicole! Thanks so much and Happy New Year to you!
Happy 1st Blogoversary! Had to totally look at the title to make sure I spelled that right! Its so awesome you’ve had so much success with your blog this year. I hope you have even more going forward in 2014. 🙂
P.S: I live in Georgia too! I love your “Empire state of the South” phrase to describe it. I couldn’t agree more! I’m originally from the Peach State and recently moved back after living in Virginia. I’m so happy to be back down south. Also, my mom is originally from Macon, born and raised. I was raised right outside of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, which is where I live now.
Tenns @ New Mama Diaries recently posted…How Having a Baby Has Saved Me Money
Happy Blogoversary! Congrats on all you have accomplished! Blogs like this are really not my cup of tea, but I like yours because of your enthusiasm, and keeping it real persona. You keep the topics informative & interesting. Now, if you could just put the exercise regimen in a drinkable formula I’d love ya for life! lol Many blessings to ya moving forward into 2014! Happy New Year!
Sonya M. Jones recently posted…Skinny Jean Dreamer
Has it only been a year?! I feel like I’ve been reading you for ever. Congrats girl! You’ve built up a huge following quickly, you should be proud.
xx
Kristiina recently posted…Looking Forward
Well, happy first blogaversary, Ms. Joi! I began reading this post while on vacation and decided to wait until I was officially back in the blogging game to comment. Love the concept of recapping month by month. You had a bumper year, my dear. Stoked about the Mister. 🙂 You go, girl! And blogging twice a week is about all I can stand, so I know you will be relieved to be under less pressure to produce as you did last year. Thanks once again for all you do, Joi, and a wonderful 2014 awaits you!
Alison recently posted…Embracing “focus” in 2014