In my previous post regarding my temporary hiatus, I told you about how there were some technical issues in the back-end of my blog that needed to be fixed.
If you’ve followed me on Instagram or Twitter, you’ll have seen that I still shared photos of my manicures and kept in touch regarding the blog’s progress.
I’m pleased to inform all my dear readers that a lot of changes and improvements have been made to the point where I’m now comfortable to resume blogging again!
You may have noticed that the layout was slightly tweaked so it’s more mobile-friendly. The other changes basically just affect me as a blogger, so they won’t be too noticeable for you, but they were indeed mandatory.
Thank you to all those who have been patient with me! I always appreciate your support, and I’m happy that even though I took a short hiatus, many of you sent me encouraging words saying that you’d wait for my return. That meant so much to me! 🙂
Considering that I’ve been blogging daily for quite some time, it felt extremely strange to not blog. So I’m excited to be back in action.
One Major Change Going Forward
I am fully committed to blogging, however, I’ve made the hard decision to cut back a little, so as not to spread myself too thin.
Instead of blogging 7 days a week, I want to try blogging 5 days a week (Monday to Friday). This keeps my weekends free, and it also gives me some extra time to prepare posts. Additionally, it gives me time to do some blog maintenance.
If that’s still too much, I may need to blog less, but I want to try for 5 days to start. (Of course, if I have something very important to share, I may post more. But I want the standard to be 5 days per week.)
My full-time job takes up the majority of my time, but after hours, I keep an extremely busy schedule with freelance jobs and socializing. I fancy myself a great ‘juggler’, but I can’t ‘burn the candle at both ends’ for too long.
But What About Smorgasbord Sundays Posts?
Those who regularly follow my blog are probably wondering about the Smorgasbord Sundays feature where I post random things.
Even though I plan to blog Monday to Friday, occasionally, I may add an extra post for Smorgasbord Sundays. So it won’t be the end of that completely – it just won’t be a weekly thing. (I had fun going off-topic for that feature, so I couldn’t chuck it aside!)
Thanks, Again, Dear Readers for Sticking By Me
Without dedicated readers who have heart, a blog just isn’t the same. You all have brought a smile to my face, and I’m very appreciative!
I look forward to blogging again, reading your wonderful comments, and replying to you all.
Something VERY Exciting Is Around the Corner
Also, I want to take this time to let you all know that I’m currently working on something pretty huge that I can’t wait to unveil! It won’t be much longer before I let the cat out of the bag. (Hehe, what a terrible saying. Poor cat! :P)
When you read my announcement about it later, you’ll know it’s the big news I’m alluding to. 🙂 Basically, if you love nail polish, you’ll be excited along with me. It’s going to be something really special for my readers, too. Andddd, that’s all I’m going to say so far! 😉 More details to come!
And now, let’s get this blogging show on the road!
Good to have you back 🙂
Hey Precious Pearl!
It’s wonderful to be back! I’ve miss all my readers so much!
welcome back ! i think i can live with 5 posts per week, i understand that u need a little more time for yourself 🙂 oh and i like your new design ! i cant wait for your “Big announcement” 😀 xx
Randi recently posted: OPI “Lights of Emerald City”
Hey Randi!
Thank you so much! Glad that you’re okay with the 5-days-a-week blogging instead of my usual 7. I think I’ll be able to be a better blogger when I have a little time off. I used to wish that there were more hours in the evening! Haha!
You’ll really love this “big announcement” – it won’t disappoint! And I’m going to be thrilled to share the news and something special with all of you.
Welcome back! Honestly, I struggle to even do one post a week, so I still have an incredible amount of respect for you that you manage five! I’m just glad to have you back in my RSS feed 😀
fedoraharp recently posted: NOTD: Butterfly wings- and a comparison!
Hey fedoraharp!
Glad to be ‘feeding’ you again. Haha, awful pun, but sometimes when jokes are so bad, that’s also WHY you just HAVE to say them, right? 😉 Or is that just me?
Blogging definitely is challenging. I really respect all bloggers, whether they blog daily, once a week, or once a month. Even maintaining a blog requires commitment and responsibility. Whenever someone contributes to the nail community (or any online community, for that matter), I think it’s a big deal. It’s not just about getting your opinions out there, but more about hearing what other people think. That’s why I enjoy blogging a lot. It has helped me connect to people who are just as passionate about nail polish as I am!
Yay! Glad to have you and the blog back!! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us and I’m happy we won’t have to say goodbye to Smorgasbrod Sundays, I loved those posts! 😀
Stella (Ex Libris) recently posted: Character Interview by Tracey Sinclair + Giveaway
Hey Stella!
It seems like so long, even though really, it’s just been a couple of weeks that I’ve been on hiatus. That’s two weeks too long! 😉 Blogging just feels so natural to me, and while I most certainly made good use of my time away from working on blog posts, I’m glad to be back in action. And I’m really appreciative that you waited for my return.
Definitely I’ll have to keep the Smorgasbord Sundays alive. It’s a little sad that I won’t be doing them regularly like before, but the fact that I can do one occasionally is better than nothing. 🙂 I’m really happy that you enjoyed that feature. I remember when I first started it, I was unsure how people would receive it. But a lot of readers seemed to enjoy it, and I loved being able to go off-topic occasionally and share other things that interest me.
Glad you’re back!!!
Mandy Chameleon Stampede recently posted: LB31 -Nature Holo Gradient
Hey Mandy!
Thank you so much for waiting for me. I know that in my previous post, I wasn’t sure when I’d return because I needed to fix some important behind-the-scenes things first. So happy that the problems didn’t take months. I was itching to get back to blogging! Not only does blogging challenge me, but it also brings me closer to others who share a similar passion for nail polish and beauty products.
Welcome back Mary!
Marisa recently posted: Inglot – 947
Hey Marisa!
Thanks! I couldn’t wait to dust off my blogging boots. 😉
Welcome back! I know what you mean about cutting back and not wanting to spread yourself too thin, even though I have no full-time job, I am a wife and mother with another baby on the way which is due soon so I have to find that equal balance and have thought about only blogging 5 days a week as well. Good luck and can’t wait to hear the big news!! How exciting!!!
Glad you were able to fix the blogger “bugs”, it’s frustrating when your blog can’t perform at it’s full potential!
Dani (From Polish, with Love ) recently posted: Swatches and Review of Zoya Wednesday
Hey Dani!
You being a wife, mother, and having a baby on the way is even MORE hectic than just having a full-time job! I’m always in awe of mothers who are also great bloggers. That takes a different sort of dedication, which I have no experience with, since I’m single (but dating) and I have no children. Kudos to you for being able to raise and care for your family all while kicking butt in the blogging world! *Tipping my hat to you*
welcome back
Hey Icequeen81!
Thanks! 🙂 I remember you mentioned in another post that previously, you had trouble leaving comments on my posts. Is that still the case? If so, please send me an e-mail: SwatchAndLearn (at) Gmail (dot) com with details so I can look into it. (There was a little change made to the commenting section recently, so I’m hoping it helps.)
Hi,
You got email
Okay, cool. I’ll reply to it soon.
Yeay!! Welcome back! I think it’s totally fine with 5 days per week and having weekends free for other stuffs in life! It’s still very impressive and you’re definitely a pro multi-tasker! I have tried posting daily before, and boy was I ever burned out so soon! I realised I just can’t do so. Hahaha! Now I try to post probably twice a week. If it was possible, three times maybe? Haha! So to anyone who are capable of posting regularly, they have my absolute respect! ♥
Lacqueerisa recently posted: Models Own Dancing Queen
Hey Lacqueerisa!
Aww, thank you for the high praise! Your encouraging words and support make a big impact and help me push forward to continue doing this. Even though I already love blogging, it’s nothing if you don’t have awesome readers who care. Basically, readers like you enrich my blogging experience, and it’s fun to go on this journey together.
Definitely blogging regularly is quite a challenge. I’m a little sad to reduce mine to 5 days a week instead of my usual daily routine, but I feel like I can be a better blogger this way and juggle my life schedule more easily. Thanks so much for understanding! I fully intend to keep bringing you all quality content and in-depth reviews. Now I’ll just have a little more breathing room, so I can probably do a better job at it! 🙂
Welcome back, I look forward to your posts!
Erin (Paint Those Piggies!) recently posted: Neutral Ombre and Shiny Stamping
Hey Erin!
Thanks! All the time I’ve been ‘away’, I’ve still photographed my manicures, so I’m preparing them for posts. I have a lot of reviews to share! 😉
Welcome back! Blog as much as you like…it is your blog and one post from you is worth a lot of enjoyment for all of us!
mellinail recently posted: One of Toronto’s Many Charms
Hey mellinail!
Thank you so much! I’m glad that my posts bring readers as much enjoyment as it does for me. That’s really rewarding and comforting to know!
P.S. I still haven’t purchased the Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit fragrance…hehe! But I’ve STILL been sniffing the little paper I tested it out on. I may have to swing by Holt Renfrew soon before I’m too late!
Yay, welcome back, Mary!
Jenn recently posted: A Short Break
Hey Jenn!
Thank you for the warm welcome! It feels great to be back – I’ve missed blogging, but more importantly, I’ve missed interacting with my readers on here. Twitter, Instagram, etc. are great, but just not the same as replying to comments directly on the blog.
Welcome back! I agree with mellinail, blog as much as you like!
Karrie recently posted: Sweet Bowknot from Born Pretty Store
Hey Karrie!
Thanks for understanding! 🙂 Haha, if I blogged as much as I liked, I would probably publish 5 posts per day! Hehe, but I can’t physically do it (unfortunately). 😉
Welcome back. I have missed your posts, and am glad to have as much of you as you feel comfortable giving (post-wise). Always remember: take care of yourself first. The rest of us will have to wait. +)
Take are until we meet again LOL).
Hey Sophie!
Thank you for waiting for me to return, even though I wasn’t able to give a definite time frame. I’m glad to be back, and sooooo happy that the problems didn’t persist for months!
Yay! I’m so happy you’re back. I follow a lot of blogs, so I still had plenty to look at while you were gone, but I have to say I really missed your sense of humor, complete honesty, enthusiasm, and friendliness. I’m glad you’re cutting back so you can still feel excited for the blogging that you do. I’d hate for you top ever feel like it’s a chore.
Anyway , welcome back, and I can’t wait to hear what big news you g have to share!
Hey Allison!
Aww, that’s super sweet of you to say! Thank you so much for that – made my day!
I’ll be announcing the ‘big news’ as soon as I can. Aside from meeting Suzi Weiss-Fischmann of OPI twice, this news is definitely the next biggest news I will share on Swatch And Learn so far! (Haha, I am bursting at the seams. I want to tell you all what it is right now, but, like my mother used to tell me as a child, “Good things are worth waiting for.”) 😉 I will really have fun celebrating along with my readers. The wait won’t be too long. (This has been in the works for a few months.)
Hurray! Welcome back!! 😀 Can’t wait to see what this “big news” is.
Lizzy recently posted: Essence: You’ve Got The Art +Plaid Tutorial
Hey Lizzy!
Blogging feels so natural to me, so it’s wonderful to be back!
You’ll really love the ‘big news’ – hehe, any nailphile will! 😉
I say welcome back too! 😀
I think it’s okay that you blog as much as you like, the blog is suppose to be fun and it wont be fun if it feels mandatory 7days/week.
I really love the smorgasbord sundays but I’m okay with not seeing them every week of cause! Maybe you can keep them slimmer in text than usual so it wont take up too much time when you feel like doing them. 🙂
Gelic’ nail art recently posted: Zebra stripes fading into gradient nail art in white and green
Hey Gelic’ Nail Art!
Thanks for the warm welcome! 🙂 Thanks for understanding why I had to take a short hiatus. I’m so thankful that my loyal readers like you waited for me to return. Means a lot!
I just decided to stop posting on weekends too! It makes things a lot easier! Welcome back!
Olivia recently posted: Nivea Lip Butters Review (Raspberry Rosé Kiss & Vanilla Macadamia Kiss)
Hey Olivia!
Great beauty lovers think alike! 😉
Yes, I agree – it’ll make a big difference. Now I can have a little more breathing room while still publishing blog posts. 🙂
Glad to see you back! You’re one of the bloggers I follow, getting tips & hints for my new blog. 🙂 Thanks for all you do!
Jessica Dymphna-Rose recently posted: Indie Polish Favorites
Hey Jessica!
Aww, thank you! That’s a huge compliment. I feel like I’m learning a lot from my readers, too. So thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a thoughtful comment!
YAY! Glad to have you back <3
Hey Norma!
It’s incredible to be back. Even though the hiatus was short, it felt like forever!
So glad you are back!
Hey Tam!
Thank you for waiting for my return – means a lot!
So glad to see you back Mary! I know I definitely missed my daily dose of Swatch and Learn. I think it’s a great idea that you’re limiting how much you’re posting per week. I’m quite amazed that you kept to blogging every day for so long. I hope it’s a nice relief for you 🙂
Hey Lawren!
It’s great to be able to interact with you and my other readers again on here!
I definitely don’t want to stop blogging, but with my free time getting tighter and tighter, I had to make some small changes. 🙂
I know how you feel.. I’m not a pro blogger, it was just part of the hobby of the nail polish addiction, but then it became stressing to keep blogging and doing my nails.. I didnt have many readers, so I just stopped blogging.. and can you believe than no one even noticed LOL..
but i confess.. once i decided to stop blogging i felt relief.. i will miss your sunday post though!
maria emma recently posted: Spun Sugar Nails
Hey Maria Emma!
Aww, that makes me feel sad to hear that. It’s really hard work to even maintain a blog, so you should still hold your head up high. That’s quite an achievement in and of itself.
I’m really glad to have you back! Perhaps I should force myself to comment a bit more now? I AM after all a long time reader, only a silent one. I think you deserve to take your weekends off! It’s clear to us readers that you put a lot of time and effort in to your posts and you deserve to take breaks whenever you need them, both weekend as and any day in the middle of a week you might need.
Annefia recently posted: Första balkongblommorna på plats!
Hey Annefia!
Oh, I just love reading and replying to readers’ comments, so yes, please feel free to let me know what you think. That’s how I’m learning to become a better blogger. Readers provide amazing feedback and encouragement!
Thank you for joining me on my blogging journey for a long time. 🙂 Means a lot!
Hi Mary, really happy you’re back! I think 5days/week is fab. Being Canadian, I’m really grateful to see your site up again, as it’s nice to see what’s happening in my country, beauty-wise. 🙂
Hey Anne!
Gotta represent my fellow Canadians! 🙂
You’re back!
I was confident in your success in defeateing the issues and i’m happy to read you again.
Totally agree with you: can’t burn the candle at both ends too long!
Things to attend to are so much that measuring out energy is crucial.
Your post are, as always, interesting.
Waiting for “big announcement”……
Welcome Back! 🙂
Hey Floria!
Thank you for your confidence in me and for waiting for my return. (Also, congrats again for winning my OPI The Man with the Golden Gun giveaway a little earlier. Let me know when it arrives! I’m so excited to hear what you think!) 🙂
Hi Mary,
I’m so glad you’re back, and that hiatus was pretty short! These changes sound really exciting -just don’t keep us hanging for too long on the big news!
Hey Julia!
Yeah, I wasn’t sure how long or short the hiatus would be, but I’m glad I was able to get back at it. Missed blogging so much! 🙂
I’ll try to spill the beans about the big news as soon as I can. It won’t be too long!
Hi Mary, just wanted to say welcome back and looking forward to your posts!
Hey Molly!
Thank you so much! I missed blogging a lot, and of course, I missed my dear readers. They’re the best! 🙂
Welcome back! Glad to see you making posts again! 🙂
Hey Beth!
Thanks for the warm welcome – it feels good to be back. Even though I had to cut down a bit and only blog Monday to Friday instead of daily, I’m glad to be back in action. So far, this new schedule is really working out much better for me.