This year I opted to do things differently here at HCCM. Instead of a “Best of 2011″ post I asked a couple of the web’s best bloggers to answer a simple question: As we wave goodbye to 2011 what can we expect from you in 2012?

Eric of Makes Me Wanna Holler says: 2011 was a year of recognition for my blog. After writing for what I perceived to be a vacuum for almost four years I received not one but two awards for best Dad/Daddy/Fatherhood blog. It was not to be recognized for the totality of my message and not necessarily merely categorized as a Black Dad blogger (although this is extremely important as well for reasons too many to explain here). I rode the wave for a bit as it opened new doors for me and I became a little commercialized. I should be able to eat to, correct?

Well with most of 2011 behind me it’s time for a change. Blogging has taken a back seat to the 850 million member behemoth, Facebook. And the social media landscape is “polluted” with content. Not to say that the content isn’t good but it’s everywhere, all the time. A complete overload of information that has me wondering most days, what more can anyone possibly add to the conversation.

In 2012 I plan to go back to the basics of blogging…a pure sharing of my thoughts and opinions for consumption and sharing, but not necessarily for commentary. Blogs in their attempts to not be blogs have turned into these media-rich “magazines” because somewhere along the line we all were told blogs are bad and to remain viable you have to be slick and pretty. Interestingly the greatest bloggers are those with the simplest layouts and the most compelling content. No pictures for every post, no gazillion and one sharing options, no apparent concern for courting readers, just writing to their hearts content. I plan to return MakesMeWannaHoller.com back to that place. Stay tuned for the changes.

Latorsha of Life is Hard Laugh Anyway says: In 2012 you can expect to see me doing some reflecting on 2011. Wait! Let me elaborate! It won’t be a pity party of what shoulda, coulda, woulda. I have learned so many lessons over my journey in the last year. Many of those lessons made me better. You won’t be getting a play by play but as you follow me you’ll see that 2011 TRIED to steal my joy, but I’m still standing and laughing. AND just maybe there will be a testimony or two on the way!

Having started my blog in 2011 I learned so much about the blogosphere. I’ll definitely share some of that information and you can look forward to me making some updates based on the knowledge I have gained.

You will also find me coming out of my shell a bit and exposing the real me even more. I mean it won’t be girls gone wild or anything but I look forward to sharing even more moments of my journey as I continue to live up to my blog title Life is Hard Laugh Anyway.

I hope to continue to raise my own bar for reader engagement and networking. Periodically, you can expect me to solicit feedback as I strive to be a better me. More photos, and even videos are a possibility! Who knows?

I can guarantee that when you stop by my site you’ll never know what you gonna get. Cause honestly I never know either!

2012 I’m ready! I’m ready!

Expect the unexpected!

The best is YET to come!

Denise of Nurturing Creativity says: My readers can expect to SEE more of what I create, which is what I originally intended for my blog when I started it just a few months ago. It’s why I chose the domain, MadeByDenise.net.

I started a side business 2 years ago painting personalized children’s gifts and this year, I’ll be taking that business much further. You can follow along with me in that journey via my blog, which I call “Nurturing Creativity”, and you can expect to find support and encouragement if you’re a creative-type yourself.

I hope to especially help and support others that are hoping to use their artistic gifts to start a business. That is my ultimate mission and purpose of my website and I hope to see it evolve into a great resource as the year continues.
——-
Well said! I myself am eager for this new year. As much as I love this space as it is now, I look forward to the the upcoming changes. Evolution, my friends. I embrace it and I welcome it.

Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha

{above photo from Melody Campbell}

We’re very busy with the hustle and bustle of Christmas duties around here. There’s the daily watering of our tree, constant sweeping of our tree sheddings, and the friendly battle to save the last of our ornaments from the twins. The poor tree. It resembles a nearly bald man refusing to admit the inevitable until confronted with the truth. There’s only one strand of hair left, kind sir.

Trying to fill the obvious gaps, I bought 6 boxes of candy canes to redecorate the tree with. Michael and the older kids are placing bets on how “naked” it will be by Christmas morning. Thus far, the twins have swiped not a single candy cane. The family consensus is they’re “casing” the tree and planning a “grab and go.”

{above photo from N1NJ4}

My thoughts are racing rapidly at the moment. I really don’t know where to begin with my explanation of the why, so I’ll get right to the who: Carey Fuller is a single mother of two, who for the past 6 years has lived out of her vehicle. I follow Carey’s blog (Tales From The Driver’s Side) where she posts her daily musings on day to day life as a homeless person helping other homeless people such as Gandalf.

Saturday night I reached out to Carey on Twitter, for a mailing address to send items for her to distribute amongst the local homeless community. My family and I don’t have a lot, but what we do have we’re happy to give.

When I asked Carey if there was anything specific she needed, she replied: “Well usually for homeless, I tweet or post lists on Facebook. Kids and I don’t need much outside of housing….:)”

It breaks my heart to know I can’t provide this. Carey’s story could be my story. It could be your story. It only takes a split second for things to spiral out of control. Friends I have a request of you. If you will, please visit Carey’s blog and click the donation button. Carey gives to others, like herself, who are in this unfortunate situation.

{above image by Tim Green}

…And I’m back! It’s a bit late in the day but I have to ask: How was your weekend? Ours was filled with sniffles and sneezes (me) and birthday wishes and kisses (Roman). Poor kid. I was sick in bed all weekend and forgot to order his 7th birthday cake. It was so kind of Michael to wiggle me out of a tough spot by shouting: “I can’t believe the bakery didn’t have your cake ready. We’ll pick it up first thing tomorrow!” And we did. I’m so happy we bought his gift weeks ago or we’d really suck! How about you? Would you like to confess a birthday blunder? Share. It’s our little secret:)

Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday? Ours was lovely and I’m still stuffed. We ate the last of our leftovers yesterday. I’ll be sure to lace up my running shoes this week to rid myself of the extra turkey weight!

The kids are already excited for Christmas. I know many families delighted in a trip to the tree farm this past weekend. Per family tradition we’ll venture out to find our tree the first Saturday in December.

This year in addition to our regular tree, I’d like to also decorate with mini trees. I love these ideas. Do you think this is a bit much? Are you an over the top holiday decorator or do you prefer simplicity?

In the winter of 2008, I logged into Blogger and created my very first blog. Three years and new additions later I’m still here. Plugging away in this space, while you continue to embrace me with welcome arms.

Today is a day of thanks, so I humbly say thank you. Time is such a precious gift. I’m honored that you continue to share a bit of yours with me daily.

Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha

This is an affiliate post on behalf of Tea Collection. The offers promoted are valid 11/25 through 11/27.

It’s the perfect time to go holiday shopping at Tea Collection! This year’s Black Friday sale is fantastic. Purchase $15 pants for boys and $15 dresses for girls. Here’s a few stylish selections to choose from:

Your little guy will love these Ticking Stripe Pant. Candy canes shouldn’t be allowed to have all the fun! Show off your little girl’s festive side with this colorful Pinata Stripe Dress. These Little Citizens Pajamas are so adorable. Imagine your darling little one wearing them while opening gifts on Christmas morning! Or how about this Art To Go Deluxe Set?

No matter your selections, I know you’ll enjoy your Tea Collection holiday shopping experience!

Here’s a fun handprint turkey craft from Jill of Meet The Dubiens. It’s sure to garner a gobble or two from the kids! ( I’m corny. I accept this:) Random: Their lunchbox ideas are such pretty works of art. I’m sure my kids would love to have such fun lunches. Honestly, I would too!

Fresh Mommy blends up a delicious Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. I think Tabitha is secretly a ninja. How else do you explain her kick-butt photography and Kitchenwise series?