Paying My Way
You may have noticed a few ads in the sidebar of my blog now that it’s on it own domain. Or you might not. Your eyes might have skimmed right over them, which is fine 
The reason they’re there is that I thought I’d try my hand at bringing in a little bit of money through the blog. There’s a lot of people out there talking about monetizing their blogs and who knows, maybe I’ll pay the hosting costs of the site (in like, a few years!). Obviously I don’t want to go overboard, because the blog is not about the money, its about the enjoyment of writing, sharing, discussing and “meeting” people. I hope the ads don’t put you off or offend. I’d be interested in your view on how you feel about ads on my blog, or any blog for that matter. And if you’ve got a great idea on how to turn a blogging hobby into a “job”, let me know that too. 
I found an affiliate program today called ClixGalore that (unlike many) has Australian merchants and it allows you to chose which merchant you want to advertise on your site and I noticed one was Vistaprint. This happens to be the company that I used to make the . So I can actually speak from experience when I talk about this merchant and put their ad on my sidebar.
I was REALLY happy with the results - good quality printing and paperstock. They had loads of calendar designs to choose from - you can either pop your photo into their template or make your own design and upload that. And they regularly have pretty good discounts, particularly on multiple orders. I ended up ordering extra copies of my Pa’s calendar for each of the grandchildren and got a couple of calendars free (on an order of 10).
Here’s a few pics of our own little family calendar:
There’s heaps of different products on the site, including greeting cards, business cards and personal stationary. I’m thinking of ordering the invitation cards for Guerita’s birthday (if I get myself organised enough in time!).
In the interests of full disclosure, if you click on the links to ClixGalore or Vistaprint here (or in the sidebar) it will put my money in my pocket. Well, eventually. Maybe.
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Hi I just had to comment. I was laughing at the end of this post… well chuckling anyway. You are really unsure about the ad thing.
I have never been to your site but ads are ok on a blog, in my humble opinion. I think if a writer wants to profit from what they write that is perfectly understandable. A lot of people use Google Adsense. If you aren’t familiar you might want to check into it as another avenue.
Very much enjoyed my visit.
Have A Great Day/Night!!!
I see you know about adsense…. duh
Hi Denny. You’re right. Ads are pretty common these days on blogs and it never bothers me to see them on other people’s blogs. I just always feel a little uncomfortable with the idea of making money off blogging friends
Even though I would never ask anyone to click on the links (even if it wasn’t against the rules). The thing I’m most unsure about is if the ads will bring in any money, but time will tell I guess. Thanks for stopping by 
Go your hardest with the ads. Personally, I didn’t notice them, so that shows you how much attention I pay to what’s going on around me!
Beautiful photos of your cherubs! Thanks for sharing.
oh, the calendar is adorable. This is my first time here! Nice blog. Also nice book selection! I like the same ones!
I think ads are fine, especially if they don’t overwhelm the site. I, too, have only started putting up a couple ads (haven’t seen any revenue, but as reader base increases, who knows?!) Vistaprint was my first choice, too. I adore them (I blogged about it Vistaprint, Vistaprint, I love you!)
Welcome, Tracey, Manda and Nissa! I am so happy with the calendars. I used to do them myself using Publisher which took ages, cost heaps more and were not as good quality. I love your calendar too, Nissa. What a cutie your daughter is! My girls would love that tutu too!
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