As December comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on this year's journey-a year filled with challenges, growth, and valuable lessons. Building this blog has been a labor of love, requiring patience, resilience, and the courage to keep going even when the path forward is uncertain.
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We Did It! (Sort of...)
This month brought a mix of setbacks and successes. For two weeks, we stopped pinning entirely. Emotional exhaustion caught up to us, and balancing the demands of growing this blog with everything else in life felt overwhelming. Taking a break, while necessary, came with consequences-traffic dipped, income dropped, and momentum slowed.
Amidst the challenges, we also achieved something we've been working toward since day one: getting officially onboarded with Mediavine! Mediavine represents a significant step forward in our journey, offering a pathway to sustainable income and long-term growth.
Reaching 50,000 sessions and meeting the requirements to join wasn't easy, but it's proof that with persistence and hard work, big goals are achievable. We're excited to see how this partnership will help us grow in 2025!
A Leap of Faith
Leaving teaching in 2024 was a leap of faith. It wasn't an easy decision-it meant abandoning the security and structure I've known for so long and stepping into the unknown. I don't know what the future holds, and that uncertainty can still be overwhelming at times.
But here's what I've learned: sometimes, the only way to grow is to let go of what's holding you back. Teaching was a steady career that brought many years of joy, but it didn't leave room for the dream I now want to pursue.
If you're standing on the edge of a decision, unsure whether to take the leap, know this: it's okay not to have all the answers. Courage isn't about being fearless; it's about moving forward even when you're scared. The unknown may feel unsettling, but it's also where the greatest possibilities live.
Accomplishments and Setbacks in December
December wasn't without its challenges, but each one taught us something valuable:
- Paused Pinning: Taking a two-week break led to a noticeable drop in traffic and income, highlighting the importance of consistency.
- Seasonal Misses: Our Christmas page wasn't optimized in time, reminding us to plan ahead for key moments.
- The Unknown: The volatility of blogging became clear this month. Traffic, income, and engagement fluctuate, often beyond our control, reminding us that adaptability is just as important as hard work.
- Setbacks aren't failures-they're lessons in disguise. Each challenge has prepared us to move forward with greater clarity and determination.
December Pinterest Traffic and Performance
Google December Traffic Update
December Income: $1.3k
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Total New Visitors in December: 27.2k
Total Viewing Sessions: 36.7k
- Direct Traffic: 7.7k
- Google Traffic (Organic Search): 8.3k
- Organic Social: 21k
Monthly Expenses:
BigScoots (Website Hosting): $34.95
KeySearch (Keyword Research): $17.00
Annual Expenses:
GoDaddy Domain Name: $30
Feast Design Website Theme: $99
WPRM Recipe Maker Premium: $49
Yoast Premium: $99
WP Rocket: $49
Tailwind: $167.92
ShortPixel Image Optimization: $47.99
One-Time Expenses:
Productive Blogging Course: $99
Cooking with Keywords Course: $285
Pinterest Course: $300
Rank IQ Trial Period: $200
Canva Pro Trial Period $TBD
LLC $160
SEO Audit $2,000
Final Blogging Income report
This is our final income report, and it's a reflective moment. These updates weren't just about numbers-they were about showing what's possible.
With minimal startup costs and a lot of dedication, we've proven that anyone can build something meaningful. We hope these reports have inspired you to take your own leap of faith, whether it's starting a blog or pursuing another dream.
2025 and Beyond
As we step into 2025, we're more excited than ever about what's ahead. It's a fresh start-a year full of potential growth, creativity, and new opportunities-and we're ready to embrace every moment of it.
Whether you've been here for the recipes, the stories, or simply looking for inspiration, thank you for being part of our journey. Your support has made this dream possible, and we hope our story encourages you to pursue your own goals, no matter how big or small.
Wishing you all the best,
Jami, Amanda, and McKenna
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