Yesterday, my buddy Cindy Hattersley, and I had an early morning conversation (as we often do with our coffee) about where we see our blogs heading. To do this we often look at our Google Analytics to see how our posts are performing according to content. Since you are a reader (thank you), I’d like to share this with you and ask you to take a 2-minute survey at the end.
Interior Décor
My first love, so that will always be a part of my voice here.
Fashion
It’s surprising to me that my fashion posts are well received! I don’t consider myself a “fashionista” by any means. I’ve said it before that my clothes are like my interiors, classic with a bit of a new twist. This past year, fashion was involved with four of the top ten posts.
Travel
We enjoy one trip a year with our large group of friends to different places. And my husband encourages me to travel with him on some of his work trips…so, I get out and see the world a bit! I like to extend any tips I discover to you as a friend would. Fashion plus travel was my biggest post!
Here are my top ten posts of 2019…
#10 Let Me Give You An Updated Home Tour
#9 Summer Mix And Match Outfits
#8 Brilliant Home Finds At Target –What I’m Buying
#7. Classic Casual Holiday Attire
#6 Banquettes: Everyone’s Favorite Place To Gather
#5 Vintage Runners in The Kitchen
#4 Living And Dining Room Makeovers With Gorgeous Views
#3 Eight Timeless Decorating Trends I’m Loving Now
#2 Classic Casual Fall Fashion Outfits
#1 What I Wore For Two Weeks In Europe
Doing this recap makes me grateful for the year we had and for you being a part of it!
I could use your opinion!
Please take this confidential survey. It will help me give you more of what you want and it only takes two minutes to complete: Classic Casual Home Reader Survey.
You can also always hit reply to my emails with any advice, complaints or recommendations. THANK YOU!
Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Mary Ann
I never comment anywhere, but I wanted to take the time to tell you how much I enjoy your blog-regardless of topic. Perhaps it’s the variety! But, in all seriousness, it’s more than just that. For me, it seems very clear that you work hard to “put out a quality product,” and your care and effort certainly comes through. Also, I live in the Deep South in a very Red 🤦♀️ state, so often reading your blog is like taking a little trip and widening my horizons without ever leaving home. Finally, since I enjoy your work, I certainly want it to be rewarding, including financially, for you. That said, let me thank you for your restraint with regard to advertising! It’s so pleasant to be able to enjoy your content without constant pop-ups, etc.
Thanks, Alice. There are lots of costs associated with the blog (domain renewal, apps to make it run faster, IT support, website hosting platform, etc) so the ads help offset that…but I am on the lowest level of ads that Mediavine allows. Thanks for commenting!
I love everything you do and liked it all in the order you posted on the survey! I look forward to you, Rough Luxe and everyone you have ever featured. Now I just spent my morning minutes reviewing some of your favorite posts and enjoyed them all over again
Thanks so much, Gayle!
HA!
YOU SEE YOU ARE A FASHIONISTA!
I would LOVE anything YOU DO because I know YOU and think you are a FUN, AGELESS STYLE WOMAN who does not look to be over 50!
Enjoy your Blog very much NO MATTER what THE TOPIC IS…………
I have a request!
Will you do a BLOG POST on CHIEF!!!!
His habits his RUN AROUND THE LOBBY LOOKS, his San Fran door photos………..I think there is enough material to have HIM visit THE BLOG AS A GUEST APPEARANCE!
XOXO
You are the best, Contessa!
I love your eye for decor. I really enjoy your before and afters and pretty much all your posts!!
Thank you! I love the before and afters, too. But sometimes it takes a while to get the complete after (styled up). I will work on it.
There is a commercial out that stresses GOOD ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH…didn’t work for me because I have no idea what they were selling, but in the event you’ve seen this commercial and have become a little uncomfortable with the word “good” allow me to change the following in my comment: NOT TO WORRY – IT’S ALL FABULOUS!
I haven’t seen the commercial but I took “it’s all good” as GREAT so thanks 🙂
Your blog is GREAT! Interior design, travel, food, clothes, beauty products, your dog, your husband, your kids, your beautiful city, etc., etc., etc. I can’t think of anything else you could cover. Not to worry, it’s all GOOD!
Thanks so much, Judie!
I like to see your travel posts with the decor and home shops you visit. Travel wardrobe is good too!
I’ll be in Ireland in a few months if you have any tips!
Area refreshes are great too. Small ones like your mantle, rug, decorative pillows or coffee table are good!
Thanks, Tamara. I wish I would have written a post about Dublin and Galway while it was still fresh tow years ago. You could just google home decor shops as I did. Sorry…this is teaching me to record the fun. Have a great time
I started to take the survey when I realized that I wanted to pick “1” for every category. You know your blog is my #1 favorite and I cherish each and every post no matter what the subject. So the only thing I can say is, keep on doing what you’ve always been doing and I will be very happy. You really know how to mix it up to keep us all very interested.
Bravo Mary Ann!
Gail, I was thinking that the survey could have been better structured. After I’d already published it, I edited it to ask a final question about your thoughts. Thanks so much.
I love your fashion posts because I think you have great style!
I enjoy your blog, particularly the “before and after” posts on rooms you’ve redesigned. And the decorating tips, including reasonably priced items you find here and there and at Target. I also like your fashion posts as you appear chic but not trendy and the brands you show are in my price range.
Thanks so much, Cathy.
I really love your decorating posts. Keep them coming!
Thanks, Ron.
I truly enjoy your posts and each of the topics you have been covering. Ranking priorities, it meant some things had to shift lower in spite of having keen interest in them. Your fashion posts are enlightening and great guidance as I navigate away from a corporate wardrobe and try to find a style I’m comfortable with but isn’t either trying too hard or heading towards frump-ville. Class—and classic—mixed with the right ratio of edge!
I turned 61 last fall, and retired early last year affording me more time to peruse design and food blogs. I greatly appreciate your voice and that of your peers with gracious and thoughtful delivery (and full sentences).
Thanks for all you do🙂.
Best,
Pamela Turner
“Frump-ville” HAHAHA! Such a good adjective. Why don’t YOU start a blog…you are an engaging writer.
I think you do a great job with everything! I do adore fashion though.
i adore ALL your posts Mary Anne but i have to tell you that I study your fashion and beauty posts and can’t get enough of them but then i think about it and honestly i cant get enough of your ID posts either…ugh its a tie. sorry, i’m of no help. ha. happy new year! xo, nancy
Happy New Year to you, Nancy! Love your Christmas card.
Happy New Year! I love your blog.
Thanks, Doreen!