It’s Not Always About How Good You Are & Link Up On the Edge #77

On December 6, 2016, Jennifer Hudson took the top 8 finalists of The Voice Season 12 on a Hairspray Live! tour. I remember watching this episode of the The Voice and the words of advice that she gave to these 8 aspiring singers. Her words have stuck with me ever since because they do not just apply to the music industry. They apply to life in general. And I have been doing my darnedest to adhere to the motivating words of Jennifer Hudson in everything I do.

“It’s not always about how good you are, but how good you are to work with. If you are good to work with, you will always have work.” -Jennifer Hudson

*This is sponsored content. This beret was provided to me by Banggood for purposes of this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I think it was right at the time that this episode aired that I was really starting to receive steady offers of brand work on my blog. While my blog started out as a creative outlet and a hobby, everyone who takes the plunge into blogging knows that there are opportunities to eventually get paid or at the very least receive products in return for blog posts. I don’t ever like to imply that bloggers receive items “for free” because as bloggers are well aware, there is a lot of work involved in sharing a gifted item with our followers. These items are not free. But I don’t need to go into the amount of work I do, oftentimes in exchange for a $10 item, at this point. It is not the price of the item that determines the quality of work that I produce. It is my work ethic and the pride in my work that determines the quality the work that I do.

You see, I want to be that person who is good to work with. And to take Jennifer Hudson’s words a step further, I want to be that person who is great to work with. I want to find that perfect balance between doing what I love, doing it well, and remaining true and genuine to myself while making an actual living doing it. In an effort to reach that goal, when a brand wants to work with me, I give it 100% of my best effort. Every. Single. Time.

I am not even going to pretend that I have a huge following or that I produce the best photographs or even the best content available in the blogosphere. I don’t have a regular professional photographer. I don’t use a state of the art camera.  Heck, I don’t even own my own camera. Because, let’s face it…those things require cash flow…and a pretty significant one that I don’t possess. So using my meager means and the help of some pretty amazing friends and my super supportive husband, I give it all I’ve got. As a result, the brands I work with tend to stick with me…because I am good to work with and I produce quality content.

*Beret: Solid Colored Wool Beret c/o Banggood (Available in 8 colors).

Not only am I good to work with from a brand perspective, I also give it everything I’ve got when collaborating with another blogger. In fact, I don’t think I have turned down the offer to collaborate with another blogger…ever…in my 2 1/2 years of blogging. I view a blogger collaboration as an opportunity for me to elevate my game. Not only do blogger collaborations give each of us exposure to new audiences, but they also open avenues for more inspiration to flow in to better our own blogs. Inspiring each other, learning from each other, empowering each other are the things that make this blogging community the unique and amazing thing that it is.  And I am so grateful for all of the wonderful blogging friends I have made on this journey and all of the super fun collaborations that I have been invited to join.  I look forward to many more!

I take great pride in the work I do…in every blog post, in every photograph, in every comment and every email, in every single detail. I want to provide the best content that I can provide for the sake of my own personal satisfaction. At the end of the day, knowing that I gave it my all creates a cycle of self-motivation unlike any other. And if I keep at it on my own terms in my own way with my own passions driving me forward, the pay offs will come. While my bank account has not yet benefited much, my life is richer and fuller in so many ways because of my work here.

*Boots: Sequoia Flat Boots from Shoe Dazzle (Available in 3 colors).

So I have grabbed firmly onto the brilliant words of the very inspiring Jennifer Hudson and have been applying them to my life and my work. I will not just be good at my work, I will be someone who is good to work with. Or I will exhaust myself trying!

*Please don’t mistake all this self-praise as coming from a place of arrogance either.  I am far from arrogant.  I just possess a humble pride in knowing that I always give my best effort.  And every once in a while, I pat myself on the back for a job well done.

“I’m a firm believer in taking advantage of the opportunity you’re given.” -Jennifer Hudson

“But, the fact is, no one’s gonna chase your dream for you.” -Jennifer Hudson

Now can I tell you about my fun new pink beret from Banggood? It is utterly fabulous! It is fashioned from a very soft wool that is not at all itchy on the forehead (a problem I have experienced with other wool hats). The fabric is quite substantial providing much needed warmth in my snowy climate. It fits my head perfectly. And the color is simply divine!

What are your passions and aspirations? And have you let them take the wheel to drive you forward in the direction of your dreams? At the end of the day, are you proud of the work you have done, knowing you gave it your best effort? I couldn’t imagine living my life any other way!

And now your favorite posts from last week.

Laurie of Vanity and Me shared her post What 54 Doesn’t Look Like – An Afternoon With The Daily Mail. You need to go read this post! It is absolutely amazing and very thought provoking, too.

Laurie of Vanity and Me

“This is where it all goes a bit tits up for me. This is the finished photo that was published. Do I like it? Yes. But where have all my wrinkles gone?” -Laurie

And Cheryl of Northwest Mountain Living also shared an inspiring and thought provoking post, Conspiracy Against The Older Woman, a must read for women of every age!

Cheryl of Northwest Mountain Living

“I have pretty much thrown out all the voices in my head from a life time of being told what I should or shouldn’t do as a woman. I feel so strong and confident at my age that I don’t feel the need to be perfect or to have the approval of people I don’t know or care about. So some days I will have make up on, some days I won’t. But everyday, I will be doing what I choose to do!” -Cheryl


Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a 40 something Army wife and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats named Dave and Frankie. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

93 Comments

  • Gigi Kiersten

    Hey, Shelbee what an awesome outfit. I love the beret, and you wear it well. As for your post, I am still learning the ropes, but honestly blogging has been the most rewarding and challenging thing I have ever done. It is a lot of work to put together a quality post, but a lot of people see the end the result and think that it’s simply taking nice pictures and writing a few hundred words. You Shelbee have to be the hardest working blogger in the business. You just go for it every day and honestly if I could accomplish as much as you I would be a success.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Gigi, thank you so very much for this amazing comment! I agree with you completely…blogging is the most rewarding and challenging thing I have ever done as well (and parenting, of course!). I do love my job though and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love to write and share my thoughts and experiences, but writing is a very exhausting process! From what I can tell on your blog, you are already quite successful in your own right, my friend. So keep doing what you do! And thank you so much for your support and blogger friendship!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jodie, I knew you would appreciate the message in this post! You are absolutely one of the hardest working bloggers in the business! You always deliver amazing content and photographs and your spirit shines through every post! Thank you so much for all of your support and for your blogger friendship. And yes, berets…they are my newest obsession! Have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laurie

    Thank you Shelbee! So lovely of you to feature that post. And lady you deserve that pat on the back too. I can hear your passion coming out of my screen! You are doing the best job ever! xx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thank you, Laurie, for always delivering such inspiring and motivating posts as well! I love to see how your successes are unfolding. You deserve every bit of it. And thank you for all of your support and wonderful comments. I appreciate your blogger friendship so very much. Have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy

    These are such a beautiful pictures! The colors suit you so very well and the baret is made for you! The colors make your face so soft! Really fabulous! And if I was a brand, I would do my drinking best to work with you! You are unbelievable supportive! To bloggers and to the brands you work with!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Nancy, I can’t even express enough how grateful I am for this wonderful and oh so validating comment! You are pretty fabulous yourself, my friend! And I just love working with you as well. I do so love my job…it’s a job that I look forward to getting to every morning when I wake up. And it is because of the amazing community of fabulous women like you whom I get to interact with daily. Have a fantastic week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thank you so much, Jacqui! Inspiring was my goal so I really appreciate that validation. The snow has mostly melted by now…just in time for a snow and ice storm to move through tonight! This is winter where I live. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maureen

    You are an inspiration Shelbee to bloggers new and old. Your can do spirit and positive attitude is contagious. I know that you give your blog your very best because I can personally feel this through every blog post that I have read that you have written. Never change. Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maureen, thank you so much for those very validating words of encouragement! I have things to say and do and I have finally found the forum to do it what I am destined to do…and that is to inspire and motivate others to be the best possible versions of themselves and to follow their dreams with every ounce of energy they’ve got. I appreciate your support and your blogger friendship so very much! Thank you. Thank you.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann

    Shelbee you are 100% correct! My new job was given to me because three of my old administrators loved working with me and know I am a joy to work with – yup, sounds like I’m tooting my own horn but it is true. I admire you so much and loved reading this. I have been approached by a few brands to do posts for them – no compensation whatsoever, no product to try or anything gifted, just promote their product. I politely refused because I can’t promote something I’ve never seen or used, that’s not me. I do hope one day someone will want to work with me but until then I’ll keep plugging along.
    BTW, I purchased my camera with gift cards I earned through using IBotta, buying a camera wasn’t in our budget but thanks to a sale at Target and all the gift cards I earned I got it!
    Happy weekend my love!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Kellyann, thank you so much for this wonderful comment and for the camera tip! How great that you were able to get one without breaking your budget! And yes, there have definitely been quite a few brands that I wouldn’t work with either. Some actually made me laugh what they wanted me to share on my blog…so not my style or anything in my repertoire at all! Polite refusal is also so much part of blogging. You have to remain true to yourself and your own brand when accepting brand collaborations. Just keep doing your fabulous work and the collaborations will start to flow in. It’s pretty cool when it happens! And you and your blog are an amazing forum for brand representation. I appreciate all of your support and your blogger friendship more than you know! Thank you again and have a fantastic weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nina

    Love, love, love this post! When I started last January, I used to say “better, better, better”. Just keep looking for ways to do better. You are an inspiration and I love the photos and outfit! Gorgeous!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Nina, thank you so much! That means so much to me coming from you. I aspire to get my blog to where yours is! I appreciate all of your support and your blogger friendship so very much! Let’s keep striving for better together. Have a fabulous weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Emma Peach

    Can I give you a pat on the back too? Even though we’ve never met IRL I know you are a totally genuine and lovely person, and someone that works very hard – not just for yourself, but for others too. I really appreciate all the lovely comments and RTs you send my way 🙂 You look gorgeous in the pink beret, the colour is perfect on you! Wishing you a wonderful weekend Shelbee!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  • Cheryl Tucker

    Great post Shelbee! Your hard work shows in your posts. They are always inspiring! I always do my best on my blog but am starting to turn away brands who want me to do tons of work for a little bit of product. It’s just not worth it. I can to what I love, blog without them just fine. Thanks so much for the shout out today too! Happy Weekend!
    Peace!
    Cheryl
    https://www.northwestmountainliving.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheryl, thank you so much! I absolutely love your blog and the messages you put forth in your posts always inspire me! I also love that you remain true and authentic to yourself and share only the things you love. I have definitely turned down brand collaborations that wanted a whole lot of work for nothing. But then there are others that I do the work for smaller ticket items just because I love the brand and they are great to work with. I absolutely pick and choose based on how well the brand works for me and fits my style. I am the same as you in that I am going to blog anyway and if you are trying to lessen my worth, I’m going to blog without you. I have been insulted by brands on more than one occasion that’s for sure!

      Thank you so much for all of your support and your blogger friendship. Keep doing what you do because you rock!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzanne Smith

    Shelbee your blog is amazing, whether you have a great camera or not! It’s your words and amazing smile that make me love your blog! I would LOVE to work with you one day…!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Suzanne, thank you so much! You just made my morning! Let’s definitely collaborate on something because I think you and your blog are so totally amazing, too! I would love to work with you on a project. If ever I could get myself properly organized, I will start getting together some ideas for us! Please feel free to send me some ideas as well if you think of something. Thank you again and have a fabulous weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jennie

    Very true words Jennifer shared and something we should all remember. Sponsored posts are a lot of work – I don’t think people realize that. I always want to go above and beyond with these posts to make sure the brand is well represented. I know you do the same. This beret is a very pretty color and completes your winter look wonderfully! Have a fabulous weekend, Shelbee!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jennie, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I knew my blogger friends would understand exactly what I was talking about. It really is a tremendous amount of work that we put into sponsored posts. And I definitely go that little extra step for sponsored posts than I do for non-sponsored ones. Although, I give every post I write everything I’ve got as well because I want to bring the best content for my readers as well. I appreciate all of your support, my friend. Have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thank you so much, Rachael! I am a huge fan of Jennifer Hudson…I find her super inspiring! And I am really digging pink and gray and black together right now, too. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nikki Gwin

    In the brief time that I’ve known you, I am pretty sure you ARE good to work with. And I love your smile. My favorite photos in this shoot are the ones where you are holding your beret on your head.
    🙂 gwingal

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Nikki, thank you so much! I try to be great to work with, so I really do hope I am achieving that goal. You are pretty fabulous yourself from what I have seen so far! Thanks so much for your support and your always thoughtful comments! I appreciate it more than you know.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    I have never done a sponsored post but I have done some posts for my friends events and such. That quote from Jennifer Hudson is spot-on. It is part of why I making a major life change in June which is needed. A long story but I am leaving my job after almost 22 years because a new administration style and people don’t value being self-motivated (because some of them are not) I have already secured another teaching position in another district, so I am not worried about that. I have this new supervisor who is basically one step from plant life and he always talks to me about the things I am doing and why I research stuff away from work. I told him that right or wrong you can’t say that I don’t give 100% percent to the students and try to do right by them everyday. He is still thinking on that one.

    Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Patrick, this is a great story! Even sponsored posts aside, I have always lived my life this way…giving 100% of myself to everything I do. Because if I am going to use valuable doing something, anything, I am going to make it count. Life is way too freaking short for mediocrity. I am glad to hear that you have taken a huge step away from what is causing you discomfort and moving toward something that is more in line with your work ethic and values. You rock, my friend! Keep at it! Stay away from those plant life type people! They can be so toxic.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thank you so much, Laura! I am so glad that you were able find inspiration here to get the weekend started! I have always fond such power in words…I guess that is why I chose blogging as a my outlet to share my experiences. Have the most wonderful weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nora Minassian

    Love these photos Shelbee! Love the pastel color story you are wearing in the snow, its so pretty. Such a fun look with you beret as well and your wonderful smile while posing in all that snow. Love it 🙂
    Nora

  • Lana

    I admire you and your blog Shelbee – you always produce great, thoughtful content. And I absolutely agree about being great to work with – that’s something I’ve always prided myself on too. Sponsored posts have completely dropped off for me – I think it might be my age? Many brands don’t want to work with someone my age – but I figure, it’s their loss! LOVE this beret on you – the color is so pretty. Have a wonderful weekend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Lana, thank you so much for this very thoughtful comment! And I think brands are becoming more and more willing to work with older bloggers because that is what real people want to see! So I don’t think you should throw in the towel quite yet on brand work. Just keep doing your fabulous work and stay true to yourself. I adore what you do! I appreciate all of your support on my blog. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Becky, thank you so very much! I am all about making it count…right down to the leaving comments bit. If I am going to take the time to visit and read your blog, I am going to take a moment to leave a thoughtful comment, too! And I always love what you share on your blog. Thank you so much for all of your support. Have a fabulous weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Cheryl, those are words to live by as well! Just be kind. It is so much easier than being cruel. And you know I am all about living kindness. Anger is such a heavy emotion to carry and life is too short to be weighed down by it. On other topics, you would totally rock a beret! There are so many cute ones out there for super affordable prices. I think mine was right around $10! And it really is great quality. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your continued support of my blog. I appreciate it so much. Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lorena

    Great and true quotes… and I have got to say I absolutely love everything you are wearing here Michelle, the color scheme is glorious and you are dashing 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Lorena, thank you so much for such a wonderful compliment! It is so funny because I had no idea how good this muted pastel color scheme looked on me until these photos! There is benefit in taking photos of oneself other than just for sharing on our blogs! Thanks so much for stopping by and for all of your support on my blog. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    You make such a great point! No matter how big your following if you aren’t good to work with (or great to work with), brands and bloggers won’t want to collaborate with you. Love your gorgeous beret! It’s such a pretty color on you!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Laura, thank you so much for this validating comment! I have always had this same work ethic even before blogging…because honestly, no one wants to work with a ornery b*tch in any environment! Hahaha! I appreciate your support so very much! Thanks for stopping by and have the most wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Elizabeth, thank you so much! Then the day after I posted that, I find myself floundering all over the place trying to keep up with comments and making my blogging rounds! Ha. I guess that’s just the way life goes. I appreciate all of your support and your friendship more than you know! Have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy

    Yes! You’re speaking to my heart and for my heart today! I know that this is a part of the a conversation we had through email some last week. You’re hard work is evident to anyone who visits your blog! Proud to link up with you and call you a blogger friend!! 🙂 Love the hat, btw. 😉

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Chrissy, you just totally pulled at my heart strings with this comment! I cannot thank you enough for all of your support and your blogger friendship! I am honored to call you friend as well. Have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thank you so much, Debbie! I love your attitude! Life is way to short to do anything and not make it count, right? Maybe that needs to be my mantra, too. “Make It Count.” And I really had no idea how good this pink was on me until these photos! Isn’t that funny? So there is definitely a benefit to taking pictures of oneself! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Dawn, thanks so much! I am so glad that my words have provided thought-provoking inspiration! This is my ultimate goal, after all, to inspire and motivate. So thank you so much for validating my purpose. I appreciate your support and friendship so very much!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Natalie A

    Look at all that white snow you have! Wow! I LOVE the beret on you! It looks great! You always look great with anything you wear! I want to be great to work with, too! Thank you for your post. It helps remind me important things, and I can always use the reminders to be great instead of just good! Have a great weekend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Natalie, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! I am so tired of the snow, to be honest! From what I know about you, I think you are probably pretty great to work with already. Always so kind and supportive with a meaningful mission. That is what counts after all. I appreciate all of your support and wish you a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      So true, Rania. Trying to balance it all can be difficult, but we get it done because we love it! I look forward every morning to getting up and starting on my blog work. I love it that much, so it definitely makes it easier to be motivated to get it done. Thank you so much for stopping by and always supporting my little space. I appreciate it so much. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elsie

    Great blog post Shelbee. It resonated with me. As a newer blogger it is quite difficult getting noticed. I too try to do my best with brands so that they will work with me again. I never had a quote to match my attitude, but now I do, thanks! You may also enjoy my ugly side of blogging posts, where I discuss all of the things I’ve learned in this short year blogging. Stop by when you have a chance!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Elsie, thanks so much! I am so glad that this post resonated with you. I love when I read someone else’s blog and it hits me that way! I absolutely adore your blog and your fun and friendly personality shines right through every photo so I am sure that brands stick with you once they have started working with you. I am heading over to check out your ugly side of blogging posts right now! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Claire

    What a lovely post-Shelbee, I bet you are one of the loveliest bloggers to work with for brands because you are genuinely one of the loveliest bloggers I know! You always take time out for others and leave the sweetest comments and make me smile every time I read them. You always have a way of making other people feel good too. I love to see what outfits you are wearing. Beautiful photos shelbee, love pink and grey together 🙂

    Thanks for sharing at Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop, hope to see you tomorrow.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Claire, thank you so much for this amazing comment! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your sweet words and your continuous support of my blog. You are quite wonderful yourself, always leaving kind and supportive words as well. I hope you are having a great weekend and I will definitely link up for Creative Monday!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Roxanne

    I love this post, Shelbee! You are such a kind and thoughtful person, in both your work and personally! I’m proud to call you a friend! I might take advantage of your “never turns down a collab” policy and invite you to co-host my linkup! Let’s do it!
    –Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Aw, Roxanne! Thank you so much! I am honored to call you my friend as well! And YES, I will absolutely co-host your link up with you! Just send me an email with the details and let’s do it for sure! I need to start to having more co-hosts on my link ups, too, I think.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheree Ho

    I love this post: it’s so inspirational for all of us bloggers! It isn’t about the value of the products received or the amount of engagement on a page, it’s about expressing ourselves and doing what we love the very best that we can!

    ~ xo Sheree
    Posh Classy Mom

  • Helen C.

    Well I remember when blogs began to conquer the internet. Especially fashion blogs. I used to follow a few but I don´t anymore. Now I only follow about 5 and yours is in them, of course, my dear Shelbee! You know why? Because it´s very ¨personal¨ in a way; you share thoughts that I can identify and also you make me think about things I hadn´t though before. It´s not about the best quality camera or the perfect editing but it´s abut the person that is in the photos and the personality in the text.

    I hope you keep blogging for as long as you like and inspire with your thoughts!

    🌹💜

    P.S. I really like the beret!

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