A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES AT STONEGABLE
Today I thought I would off-road a bit from the usual content of my blog and give you a peek behind the magic curtain to see how I work and share with you a bit about the workings of StoneGable!
I AM A CREATIVE PERSON…
Even as a little girl I was coloring outside the lines in a good way and making clothes for my dolls and creating houses for them out of boxes. I’ve never known a day that I was not compelled to create.
I’ve been creative all my life. I can make almost anything prettier! This is why I have dubbed myself the Embellishment Queen.
Life is not full unless I am creating. I paint and write and garden and cook and sew and knit and stitch and decorate and sing (not well at all), and dance although with a bit of a limp now, and photograph and more! I have so many creative outlets.
So when I found the wild and wonderful world of blogging almost 10 years ago I was hooked! A world of creatives opened up for me. But I really did not start blogging for decorators. You can see the whole story of how I started blogging here! WARNING: this post was written over 5 years ago!
STONEGABLE IS A BUSINESS…
What started out as a hobby turned into the business of my dreams! I still, after all these years, have to pinch myself! I really am in my passion wheelhouse!
Many people don’t tend to think of blogging as a business. But it is! Big business! And it should be treated and respected as such! When I turned the corner from hobby blog to a brand I really decided to make StoneGable the best decor blog you will ever read!
I strive to have a beautiful blog that is a haven for my readers! I want it to be warm and friendly and a place for my readers to learn something and be entertained every time they visit!
I KEEP OFFICE HOURS…
And they are long! I’m usually down in my home office and around 6:30 am. and I work until about 5:30. I do take a lunch break and do other fun things with friends and family but pretty much I work every day Monday through Saturday. Plus a bit on Sunday evening.
This may sound like a lot but I have grown children and grandbabies who don’t live in near. And Bobby works. I love what I do and am always learning so much! And I get to connect with wonderful readers like YOU! What could be better!
I live and die by my editorial calendar. I blog about six week’s ahead of any season or holiday. Sometimes more. And have a good idea what I’m posting about three months out. If you are reading this in July I’m working on October content.
The beauty of what I do is I can work ahead and work almost anywhere! When I was going through my ankle ordeal I blogged for 4 days in the ICU!
You’ll never know when I’m away visiting my children or other family or away in our RV! As long as I have internet and an external hard drive full of pictures I can blog!
MANY HANDS ONE HEART…
It takes a lot of resources to keep StoneGable running!
I could never keep up with everything I need to do without help. I have a virtual assistant who helps keep me up to date on social media. Trish is amazing! She is great at analytics! I hate analytics! She keeps my creative mind grounded on things I need to know!
Trish is the backbone and silent partner in so many things you see on social media!
She also has a calm and gentle southern spirit I adore!
I also have a real live assistant here at StoneGable a few times a week.
Katie helps me gather up all the inventory and decor in the basement I need for styling and photo shoots. She is a “second eye” to make sure what I’m shooting is perfect because the camera picks up everything! And she cleans up and things back in their place! Oh, I love that part!
She does all sorts of really eclectic things! Like climbing up a ladder on the porch to hold a sheet up against the window so the light won’t “blow out” a photograph. Or you might find her combing the fringe on a rug or stuffing feather inserts into pillow two sizes too small! And she does “flower runs for me” facetime-ing me at Wegman’s or Giant making sure the flowers will be perfect for our photoshoot!
She literally RUNS everywhere! What a powerhouse of a tiny woman!
Katie knows how to get her hands on a candlestick or a tray or florals and every other single thing in my home! She has inventoried the decor in my basement like a store! She really knows more than me when it comes to where to find… fill in the blank!
And yes, she is too good to be true! We are kindred spirits and I love her dearly!
Along with Trish and Katie I enlist the help of an ad agency, a tech guru, a professional coach, a SEO expert, an accountant, a blog designer and a videographer.
You see it takes village…
A LOOK AT MY WORK DAY…
WOW! I’m a jack-of-all-blogging trades and a master of a few! The blogging world has changed so significantly since when I began.
Ten years ago blogging was like the wild west. We sorta made the rules up as we went along! No Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. At least not for bloggers.
I did not have to worry about being compliant or having the right keyword for search engine optimization! And I posted when I wanted on most social media platforms, ie Facebook. Looking back, I could not have started blogging at a better time!
So now my day is often spent learning new things and trying to implement it on my blog!
And my days now are much more structured! Every day is planned out!
I research and write all my own content. I adore decor and love researching and writing about it! It’s the editing and proofreading and spelling I’m not too wild about because I am horrid at all three! And if you have been reading StoneGable for any time you know what I am talking about! Thanks for loving me through my foibles!
I take new batches of pictures two or three times a week. These photoshoots can last hours! Especially if I am styling and setting a table! You can’t believe the mess I can make behind the camera to get a pretty shot in front of it! Believe me, there is no such thing as “keeping it real”! I always say, “when you visit StoneGable you see my real life but only a slice”! The mess is not for public viewing!
I would have never known I loved photography if I did not blog. I really love the art of it. And some part of photography figures into almost every day! Remember I am a creative!
I look forward to editing images too. Making things pretty is my forte! I have to be careful not to spend too much time on photo editing programs. It can be a bit addictive for me!
There really is an extraordinary amount of work putting together one post! It’s not just taking pictures and writing anymore!
During the work week, I also meet online with groups of bloggers and professionals to help keep developing my skills and brand! The world of blogging changes so quickly!
My email is a mess! I really wish I could tame it! I’ve tried many things! I get hundreds of email a month from readers and answer them myself. This is the fun part of my job. I really wish reader emails was all I get. If I let my email go a few days I can have 750 unanswered emails easy! Junk mail is a pox on my life!
I answer the mail after my first cup of coffee in the morning, after lunch and about an hour before I end my day. And still, it can pile up!
I really need a better system or another assistant. YIKES!
Another big part of my blog life and day is working with brands! I’ve worked with dozens and dozens of brands over the last 10 years!
And I’ve written a blogging course called HOW TO KNOW YOUR DECORATING STYLE and am writing another one about mixing color and pattern! I find this is something I love to do! Who knew?
Whew! This is just the tip of the blogging day iceberg! I keep a very organized schedule. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans, don’t you?
HIGHLIGHTS OF BLOGGING…
Well, YOU, of course! You are my biggest blogging blessing for sure! Yes, I adore my readers. And you motivate me to do my best and keep getting better!
I think of your every day, a hundred times a day! Every decision is all about you! I honestly feel as if we are friends. And that’s how I write!
Another highlight of my blogging year will happen next week. It’s called Haven. A blogging conference for home decor and diy bloggers in Atlanta.
I’ve attended for six years now. This is where I meet my dear blogging friends, old and new!
Three glorious days of kindred spirit bloggers and learning and networking and meeting brands and connecting and talking and talking and talking. I literally wear myself out! It is wild and fun! Can you imagine hundreds of bloggers together?
Some of my dearest friends are bloggers and I’ll be with them! Oh, I can’t wait! This year will be the second time I’m a Haven Mentor. I’m so blessed to be a mentor to a group of darling girls!
You can see more about Haven HERE.
There you go! Just a peek behind the curtain! I hope there is still magic and I have not ruined any pretty illusions!
Thank you, my family, of readers! It is because of you I get to do what I do! I love it and you too!
Yvonne, Thank you so much for taking us behind the scenes and explaining a little bit of the world of blogging. Your blog was my introduction to this venue about 5 yrs ago and you still remain my favorite. So much in my home decor has been influenced by your great sense of style and creativity and your blog is always the one I read first with my morning coffee. The days it does not appear leave me feeling like something in my day is missing. Thank you for all these years of inspiration. Kathy
Thank you Yvonne , I truly love following you and reading all your blogs. And it was very interesting to me to read all the hard work that goes into this blogging job. You to a wonderful job and I have learned a lot about decorating from you and love your style !
Yvonne, I have not posted in some time, but I wanted you to know I continue to enjoy your blog each day! WOW! I knew blogging involved lots of intense research and work, but this post was an eye opener. I appreciate you even more!!! Thank you for giving so much of yourself to your readers! Haven sounds like an entire community of creative minds…what fun!
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for all that you do to inspire others with all of your creative gifts. I truly appreciate all of your hard work for what is a very inspirational blog . May God continue to bless you as you bless so many others.
Look forward to seeing you at Haven. Linda
Morning Dear, I love your blog. I’m old enough to be your mother, but our ideas and “enjoyments” are so in tune . Never lose the joy you keep and that you give away to your readers.
Mary
Hi Yvonne, i just read your blogging story. What a great reminder that at the end of the day our blogging journey is for our family! PS Love your mini videos! laura in CO
I’m thrilled you like the videos! I’m having so much fun with them.
Yvonne, thank you so much for this post. Your blog is one of my favorites and I have been reading for it for several years. I love your mix of decorating, homecaring, spiritual messages, and weekly menu (I’m making your meatball recipe today). It’s a little bit of everything- just like my life. Whew I got tired just reading of how intense your day is to make this such a wonderful experience. I have to say your personal touch is why ai think I enjoy it so much. It’s your home, your words, your spirit, your ideas, your recipes and that keeps its real for me. So thank you for your hard work and effort! Your passion and joy for life comes through and that’s what makes it so unique and special for me ( and I’m sure others too). Xoxjudy
Love your blog! Thanks for the look behind the scenes…I would love to hear more about your RV travels! Places you have gone, favorite places, hints and tips etc. we bought an RV a year and a half ago and are ready for some adventures!
Thanks for this inside look, or rather, inside read behind the scenes at StoneGable. I really want to see your office! Also, I noticed a new frig in the kitchen – do an update on your kitchen, please!
Yvonne, you will never know just how much you have blessed me this morning. I am currently preparing for a work conference in LA, a job in NYC, assisting my son with his SAT prep… all in addition to being the chief cook, maid, and gardener of our home. I often berate myself for not having better website and IG content.
Your lovely transparency has lifted the thief of comparison. When I think that I am also my own Trish/Katie, ad agency, tech guru, a professional coach, SEO expert, accountant, blog designer and (occasionally) a videographer. Well, I’m doing ok. Thank you, dear friend, for providing me grace. You are such a blessing.
You are doing a fabulous job, Laura! You have a beautiful blog!
Yvonne, You have always been a favorite of mine, but even more so now that I know how hard you work! I am also a creative and have often described myself as a”Jan of all trades, master of none” ?. I want to try everything and you have inspired me over and over. I also love your Sunday inspiration and Monday menus!
What a fun post! I’ve always wondered how you manage to get so much accomplished. Looking forward to seeing you at Haven.
I can’t wait to see you too, Paula!
Whew! That is a lot! I met you at Haven a couple years ago and you inspired me to go for it. It is still very much a work in progress, but I started. Hope to see you next week.
Wow! I never knew so much was involved! All we see is the beauty…not the mess or time it takes to pull it together! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Laurie!
Loved this post, very interesting to see all the work that goes in to your wonderful posts.?
Whew, reading your blog today made me tired! Seriously, loved the glimpse of your life. The one thing you did not mention, which I believe is the center of all you do, is your deep faith. I so enjoy catching up with you via your blog. Stay strong and healthy and safe travels to and from Atlanta
Donnie
Wow,that’s a lot going on, but the beauty shows in everything you do.
Wow, you really do a lot for us. Thanks. My home is better and more beautiful because of your blog and willingness to share your ideas. I send everyone that comments on my home to your site hoping they love the information as much as I do.
I’m thrilled you learn from StoneGable!
Oh, dear lady! Where do you get the strength? It wears me out to think of it all! But, I am incredibly thankful to you! You are truly Amazing! I have learned so much from you and I have sent so many to your website. When people compliment my home, I tell them about you and how much I have learned from your Blog. Thank you so much for caring about us with such passion!
I am sure I speak for many when I say, I love and appreciate you!
Thanks, Jodie! Are you part of my promotion team?
You have the best job! You are a great teacher and you put your creativity out there for all of us to learn. Just about every room in my home has some inspiration from your blog. Sometimes I swear you would think I was a “stalker” because so many of the items in my home are things that I have seen and admired from reading your blog. Keep doing what you do!
What more can I say about your post today after reading all the comments. God bless you and your family. Sunday’s spiritual readings have touched my soul many times. I love your menus and I delight my husband when I try a new recipe from you. The salmon with the garlic lemon cream sauce was delicious. I tried it today with chicken and fresh rosemary and parsley from my container garden on our deck. Scrumptious. Enjoy a lovely summer.
Years ago I started a blog and wrote about what I thought I was supposed to. Bad idea. I made myself sick when I read my posts. Even though I took classes and tried to network. It just wasn’t for me. Now I keep the blog site to forward people to my Etsy site which was what I wanted it for in the first place. Oh my just reading about your day has me baffled.
Stay in your own lane bro, as the commercial says. It takes much more than desire and I so appreciate people like you that actually do the work! I never even thought bloggers had help.
Keep up the good work and my list of to do will no longer include Redo Blog. I am just going to enjoy those who do it well and appreciate them! You are one!
Thanks. Kathy
Kathy, I cringe when I look at my early posts! But hey, I cringe when I look at my hairstyles from the past too! LOL!
Wow! I had no idea blogging was so labor intensive! thank you for sharing that.
You didn’t mention this but I assume that the way your ‘business’ makes money is through affiliate links, since there are no ads on your site. If that’s the case, how often do you go back and update the links that are sold out? It seems like all the things I’d like to buy are no longer available and my searches don’t turn up comparable items.
Thanks, again,
Barb
Hi Barb, there are ads on my blog. And I am so so thankful for them! I could never bring StoneGable to my readers if it weren’t for the ads.
I thank God that I found your blog. I love your decorating style and your writing. I have to say that your Sunday posts are the most important to me! I save them and refer back to them. Aesthetic AND Spiritual inspiration in one blog. I am blessed! I pray for you my dear sister in Christ!
Hi Yvonne, I sent you a message yesterday. I would love to know where you bought your 30″ rustic wall clock above your
Beautiful chest. please let me know asap. Thank You, Janet ?
Very interesting and revealing post! So you don’t swan around all day tweaking your vignettes and rearranging cushions!! Love your posts!
Whew! Who knew? I’m worn out just reading this!
Love, love, love your blog. Keep up the good work, Yvonne!
Love from Texas
Hi Yvonne! Thank you for a wonderful post! I’ve always loved your blog and will still peruse your old posts. You are so meticulous and you provide so much content that is really useful – thank you so much! This post was super delightful because it was so personal. If I had a Stone Gable wish list I think that would be it- that you would continue to share more about yourself. New photos of you, stories about the grands, etc. After all, it wouldn’t be Stone Gable without YOU!
Hi Bettsi, I’m sure you understand since I do share so much of myself I like to hold a little precious and private. My grandbabies are one of those precious things!
Love your style and your informative blogs each day. Thanks for the insight. You made me tired. Lol.
I absolutely love your videos! You have a sweet smile and you speak so well!
Your home is so clasic, I love it!
Blessings
I love your blog and your beautiful home. Thanks for the peek “behind the scenes.” I had no idea that so much is involved in producing a blog and that it can be a full-time job. I do love your photography. Keep up the good work.
Loved reading more about your life, Yvonne. You are a natural on your videos–your sweet personality truly shines through! I have so enjoyed your blog and all the creative effort you put forth to come up with such a wide variety of things to suit many interests. You’ve worked very hard to create a great blog, and it shows Hugs!
Hey Yvonne!
Wow, ypu are one busy working lady!
I love this behind the scenes look in words… but I was hoping for photos! Your office, your desk, your basement inventory, your assistants, and yourself! I’d love to see action shots of y’all doing your thing! Okay, I get you don’t want to share the mess, but surely you could work around it? Also, I’d love a sneak peek at your organized schedule. Email – oh, I can relate!
Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself! And enjoy Haven! I met you last year in Charleston – thanks again for lunch! – but won’t be in Atlanta this year. Have fun!
Dianne, there are just some things I want to keep a secret! I don’t want to show EVERYTHING!!!! Glad you liked what I shared! Are you going to Haven this year?
I must admit that 2 years ago I didn’t know what a blog or blogger was until I looked on Pinterest for chalk painting techniques. I saw your blog about how you painted your dining room chairs and was hooked after that! Since your name is also Cecilia, I feel a special connection and love reading about your family and how you manage life as a blogger. Your Sunday inspirations are very much a part of my spiritual growth and look forward to each one. I am glad you are working your life’s dream job! All the better for your followers! XOXO
Hi Yvonne,
I just discovered your blog thanks to a recommendation from Bloglovin’. As a new (and oftentimes overwhelmed) blogger myself, I really enjoyed reading about what your life as an experienced blogger is like. And I can totally identify with your need to create, both as a little girl and now as an empty nesting mom … I need a daily dose of creativity!
Looking forward to following your blog!
Lauren
Hi Lauren. I love hearing from another blogger! I’m heading over to visit!
Whoa. I am exhausted after reading how much you have to do behind the scenes. I think I need a nap! But there was one thing that came to mind that I love that you do and I am not sure you mentioned it. It’s your Sunday devotionals which are so inspiring and educational and uplifting. I get so much joy out of your efforts in emphasizing His Word.
Thank you
Between you and me Jo Anne, I know that is why StoneGable has been so successful! God has really blessed my blog and me!
Hello Yvonne,
I am so glad I found your blog. I think I will learn a lot how to make my humble little house cute.
The link four the course “How to know your decorating style” has technical difficulty.
Once repared, I’d like to take the course.
Eventhough I am french speaking frim Quebec, Canada, I still will be able to understand most of it.
Thank you
Danielle
Sorry about that Danielle. Thanks for letting me know! I’ll see what the issue is and send you an email for the course.
Wow you are a very busy lady! I love, love your blog. I’m a follower of almost 10 years. Your pictures are always warm and welcoming. Thank you for all you do!
Hi. I have been following your blog about 2 years. You have had so many helpful ideas. I agree with Joann. I look forward to your Sunday messages. Thank you
I have ?s re purchasing a rug in the jute style. Do you recommend a bound edge? What about the fibers?
Thank you. God Bless
Hi Cynthia, I’m so glad you asked! I have a great post about the pros and cons of natural fiber rugs. I think it would be helpful:https://www.stonegableblog.com/pros-and-cons-of-natural-fiber-rugs/