A total of 40+ blog posts, 290+ Instagram posts and a 1000 printed business cards later, here I am celebrating my first complete year at blogging. A whole year since Mumzy Notebook went live, and boy-oh-boy has it been a journey.

A journey that I’ve enjoyed thoroughly and also one that I’d like to revisit in a little FAQ style.

1. What encouraged me to start blogging?

Beginning of 2017 saw me start my role as a SAHM. Up until then I had been working at various jobs and enjoying it tremendously. Even before I had reached the legal age of employment, I remember doing voluntary work at the age of 16, at my local hospital wards. I have worked during my summer vacations and Christmas holidays while at college and also worked during exam periods while at university. I have always worked.  Even after Azmu’s birth, I used to work until she turned 1, however due to circumstances, I had to choose family before my career. I was now a Stay-at-home-mum, something I vowed never to be. As much as looking after a young child can be challenging enough already, I needed more. I needed more stimulation, more adult conversations and more assurance that I was worth more than just changing nappies and breast feeding.

That’s when the blog took shape. It was my creative outlet, my connection to the outside world with other likeminded individuals and mums. It was (and still is) for two hours, when Azmu naps, that I get to sit with my laptop, and feel like myself. Whether that be to write inspiring posts, that requires background research; challenge myself to self host my website all on my own or to seek out other ambitious women just like me who are making their mark while being a SAHM, all at the same time.

2. Why is it called Mumzy Notebook?

Have you ever watched Crystal Maze? The original one from the early 90s, where the contestants wore wide rimmed eye glasses and had big hair dos? If yes, you will know there is a character in there called Mumzy. She is playing the role of the host’s mother. Now, my husband and I are huge Crystal Maze fans and he would try to get Azmu to call me Mumzy. Just an inside joke.

When the time came to choose my blog name, ‘Mumzy’ seemed unique enough and perfect for my mum related blog. Infact, my blog was first called ‘Mumzy World’ but that changed to ‘Mumzy Notebook’ when I self hosted.

3. What has been the best blog post so far?

I’m going to answer this in two ways.

The best blog post that my readers have enjoyed is: ‘But Mummy’: What your toddler shouldn’t be saying

However, the best blog post for me will have to be: Baby’s Day out: Dubai Parks and Resorts, written through the eyes of Azmu.

And if I can just sneak another favourite of mine: Azmu, on your second birthday, because it’s one straight from the heart.

4. What three things have I learned in the past year of blogging?

-Time management: I cannot work with a toddler around me. I get anxious when she is loud. I get suspicious when she is quiet. So, I have learned to effectively manage my writing, inbox management, SEO related tasks and scheduling posts in the space of two hours during her afternoon nap. It’s all about discipline and it’s possible.

-Number game: My blog goes hand in hand with my social media platforms, and I admit I got sucked into the number game at one point. Especially, when it came to Instagram. It became all about the follower count and number of likes. It took me a while to realise, that it’s more important to write valuable, meaningful posts that create real engagement and lead to genuine relationships with readers, than to worry about the follower count. Infact, that’s what lead me to write the post : How switching off my phone notifications helped me.

-Real friendships: It happened! I made some real and genuine friends through this virtual world. Friends who were happy to share advice when it came to Azmu’s eating habits and developmental milestones, or ask for my opinion about certain baby products or brands. I was also lucky enough to build relationships with various local businesses and mompreneurs, who’ve equally helped me to take my blog where it is today. So, to them all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

5. What is the plan for the next year?

This last year, has been a learning curve. From Pinterest strategies, self hosting my site all by myself, setting up email subscriptions, creating a Blog Content planner, flat lay photos, scheduling posts of Facebook, and even having Azmu to model for my posts.

The new year is going to be about creating. Creating my envisioned brand, creating more relatable and relevant blog posts and creating more true relationships through meaningful collaborations with business owners and my readers/followers.

On that note, here’s to the beginning of a new chapter. *clink*

If you would like to read more about me and about how this journey began, click the links. 

Leave a comment below and let me know what would like to see more of from me for the next year. And come say hi on my social media platforms too.