Grab your cup of coffee and get comfy, because today I’m taking a little trip down memory lane—back to the good old days of blogging, inspired by my ongoing (and almost finished) blog clean-up, and all of the fun conversations I’ve had with you all recently as we reminisce on what blogging used to be like…
I started Carolina Charm in the spring of 2011 as a way to document life in Charlotte, wedding planning, our weekend adventures, DIY projects and crafts, daily outfits, recipes, and so much more! It was during these first few years that I truly believe we experienced the peak blogging days.
I remember living for those early mornings when I’d kick off my day with a hot cup of coffee while blog-hopping, reading posts from friends and favorite bloggers prominently pinned to my sidebar. There was something so fun about exchanging thoughtful comments and getting lost in confessionals, weekly link-ups, guest posts, and authentic online journal entries. Every post was a peak into someone’s life — and posts were vulnerable, personal, and unfiltered. And it wasn’t just about the posts. Some of my online connections evolved into real-life friendships. In fact, 3 of my best friends in Charlotte started as digital bonds that have become irreplaceable parts of my life.
It’s wild to think about how much has changed since then. So many bloggers have hung up their URLs and quietly stepped away, or moved over to other platforms like Instagram, TikTok, etc. I could write a novel with a million reasons why the OG blogger scene has shifted — the pressure to grow and consistently publish new content, the work that goes in behind the scenes, and so much more, like way more.
Of course, things change—and my blog has evolved along with me. What started out as a fun, free creative outlet has grown into a space that fuels my passion and supports my living, all while navigating the need for privacy as my kids are getting older and adapting to a shifting online world. With social media and new content trends taking over, the whole blogging scene has changed so much, and I’ve had to adapt as my family grows and life gets busier. Sometimes I feel like I’m the last OG blogger standing, still holding onto that old-school vibe with these coffee chats, five on Fridays, vacation recaps, and weekend rewinds.
But for today I just want to reminisce on the good old days—the days when every post felt like an intimate conversation over coffee, when authenticity was the currency of connection.
To all of you who’ve been with me from the very beginning—thank you. From sharing every detail of my wedding planning and newlywed adventures, to those weekly pregnancy updates (I mean bumpdates!) and watching our kids grow up—you’ve been part of this wild ride. Honestly, I never imagined I’d still be doing this 14 years later, and I’m so grateful to continue sharing my journey with you all.
Now for a little fun, drop a comment below and let me know which OG bloggers you miss!
