Isn’t it funny how digital clutter can have the same annoying impact physical clutter can have? By digital clutter I’m talking about those overflowing inboxes, disorganized files, hours frittered away online and folders named “sort” (admit it, you have one and if you’re like me you probably have sort 1, sort 2 … you get the drift).

As someone who is typically quite organized, a build up of digital clutter soon starts to affect me daily. Funny how the more it builds up, the less inclined we are to fix the problem eh? Procrastination as it’s best. Aaah, the story of my life.

So, I’m going on a mission to digitally de-clutter myself. Part of this process also includes unplugging more often and participating in my life more. Quite the concept eh? But one I think we’re all guilty of forgetting once in a while. Life is too short to spend so much of it at computer don’t you agree?

Photo copyright joel.childs.

My first step. I *gasp* deleted ALL my RSS feeds. Yup. All 119 gone! I’ve been telling myself I’ll organize them for too long so screw it, bye bye. I figure all the blogs that were must reads will soon be added back. But did I really need all 119? No. I probably only click through to 20 or so regularly. No more will I wade through 100+ posts daily waiting for the golden nuggets that draw me in

Next up, organize the computer. If by the end of Tuesday (random day I know) all my inboxes and ‘sort’ folders ain’t cleared out and filed, then guess what? I’m hitting delete and I’ll suffer the consequences of disorganization should I find it was something I needed.

What about you? Are you digital hoarder? Hit delete and unplug more often - I am!

Once again, it seems I went a wee bit AWOL from my blog. I’m sure as “bloggers” we all go through waves of hitting the proverbial wall, disinterest and that need to lay under a rock and stew for a while. For some reason, these waves pass through frequently for me. While it can be frustrating, personally, I think it’s better to walk away and stew rather than force a blog presence upon yourself and your readers. Know what I mean?

The above statement leads me into my current thoughts on blogging, particularly mine in this instance. In the last year, I’ve been blogging here in a somewhat frequent manner. Series have come and gone, directions have changed and things have been shared.

That said, quite often and especially as of late, I’ve felt a disconnection between myself and my blog. Rather than talking about life or whatever else strikes my fancy, I’ve slowly watched my blog become an attempt at a destination full of eye-candy and hopefully inspiration. As bloggers, especially amateur ones like myself, we often look up to those popular blogs and aspire to reach a similar status. We assume that status is reached by emulating the content and direction.  In doing so, it’s quite easy to create yourself a forced voice and I feel I’m losing the transparency I always wanted to create here. It has to change.

Photo copyright Zara.

When I first started this blog, my intent was not only to share a honest look at the ups and downs of starting a business (something I’ve done very little of) but also to share who I am as a person - both the good and the bad. Of course, if you do that, it raises the topic of how personal should you get on what is perceived as a “business blog”. The line is discussed widely online. But the thing is, that line is going to be different for everyone. Only you yourself can decide where to draw it.

Of course, having this attitude may mean readers will come and go, but I’m okay with that and let’s face it, readers will come and go regardless of content at times. Personally, I don’t believe there is a guaranteed formula or rule set for blogging. You really just have to go with the flow and be yourself. As with many things, quite often, it’s not until you detach yourself from a trend or perceived rule, that you begin to appear - naturally.

So, for now, I’m going to throw the ‘content’ schedule out of the window and just talk about whatever topic is on my mind on that day. While I think having scheduled content or your blog can work, for me, as it stands today, it doesn’t. Time spent following the rules and enforcing structure on a chronic procrastinator such as myself, are better executed elsewhere.

Funnily enough, I always find the posts out in left field or of a more personal nature are the ones that strike a chord with my readers. That alone, should tell me it’s the best direction for me right now as it allows me to connect on a level with you that sharing pretty pictures doesn’t. That’s what I want. That’s why I started this blog anyway. So, I’m going back to the beginning.

I’m going to guess that I’m not the only one feeling like this. So, what are your plans to find your blogging nirvana? Or have you found it? What works for you? What doesn’t? Let’s talk.

I just stumbled upon this product photography tutorial by Photographer, Edyta Szyszlo. I’m sure like me you are constantly looking for ways to improve your product shots so I hope it’s of help my friends. :)

I’ll be updating my shop next week so I’ll definitely be trying out these tips. Thanks Edyta and Sarah!

Found via Sarah & Abraham.

If lack me you are lacking in the green thumbs department, these paper flowers (yes paper) made by Tangle and Fold might be right up your alley. Using recycled paper and requiring no water they even have an eco-friendly factor to boot!

Found via Scoutie Girl.

I’ve been meaning to share this find for a while but it slipped my mind. So, if you’ve already seen it (it’s made it way around the blog world), enjoy the second gander my friends.

I think this is such a fun and cute concept. A notebook for each month of the year. Perfect for the writer or artist.

A collaboration by Burak Kaynak and Cem Has.

Found via The Dieline.

… how cute is this project for Father’s Day by Bakerella?

In her own words “Cupcake Buns + Brownie Burgers + Cookie Fries = One Happy Meal!”. No kidding.

How much do you want to bet that despite all the sugar, butter and other baking goodness, that this is probably healthier than the McEvil Happy Meal.;)

Found via Twig & Thistle.

I’m sure many of you have heard about  Kindred - a project by Heather “Ez” Pudewa of Creature Comforts and Holly Becker of decor8.

Well, they just released a new series of summer wallpapers. So, go on over and jazz up your desktop.

The large one above is my choice for this week. Reflects my mood and need for some changes perfectly.

Have the heard about The Crane Chandelier by The Wedding Co.? Their goal is to collect 10,000 signed origami cranes from brides and grooms by January 2011. It will form a community, art installation piece and the best part is, for each crane they receive they will donate .50c to cancer research.

Don’t do origami? Not to worry, they’ll send you a crane for signing.

Found via 100 Layer Cake.

Don’t you just love this bride’s necklace? I do (no pun intended!). The good news is the bride herself, Stephanie, shared how she made it over at Style Me Pretty. You know you want one. Oh, and if you’re so inclined, feel free to make 2 and send the other one to me! ;)

Found via Style Me Pretty.
Photography by Alders Photography.

I’ve started accessorizing a lot lately with jewelry so when I saw the work of Garnet Girl Designs I started to drool. I love finding shops where there are so many awesome goodies to choose from that you don’t know where to start. Garnet Girl Designs is one of those shops. What would you pick? Me? Ugh, I can’t even decide but I LOVE all the 3 rings shown below.

♥♥♥ Have a store you’re crushing on? Let me know in the comments and perhaps they’ll be next week’s crush. ♥♥♥