Little Chief Honeybee Turns Three!

I don't think I ever expected to keep up with this blog for an extended amount of time, much less three whole years. I can think back to the day I started it... sitting in my "Chocolate Sparkle" painted bedroom in the apartment I shared with two friends. I was packing my bags for NYC, moving to a place I had never been (less Times Square for one weekend). I was 21, totally unaware of the adventures ahead of me. I was in limbo with an exboyfriend of a few years, and decided to sever all ties with him until I had experienced NYC alone. I still didn't exactly know how to be single, but I was trying. I promised to update this blog while in New York, but the first summer was hard. A horrible sickness and being bedridden for 2 weeks left me sleeping and watching entirely too much Hulu. I didn't put a lot of effort into the blog for the first month or two. After returning home to Tennessee I decided to give it another go. I rented a house in downtown Franklin with some friends, enjoyed what was left of summer, and prepared myself for my last half of college. Still blissfully unaware that this little blog would become something so much more to me. 


I know I say it every chance I get, but I really have met some of the most amazing people through here. People I otherwise may never have crossed paths with. Eventually I stopped documenting tiny, seemingly insignificant things. I stopped taking outfit pictures with my iPhone in a huge mirror in my bathroom. I started to find my actual blogging voice. (The old, old entries are cringe inducing! Seriously.) I started to treat this blog like it was something more than just a catch-all for my thoughts. I guess you could say there was finally a method to the madness.

Time passed, exboyfriends were let go, old relationships were rekindled. I'm still surprised at how honest and open I was about the failure of my relationship. To be truthful, those are the type of posts I long to write but often find it hard with such an audience. I don't have as large as a venue as many bloggers out there, but knowing that no matter what I say, someone will misinterpret it, well it's hard. (That sentence probably didn't make sense.)


This blog has been a blessing, but there are still times when I feel like I can't commit myself to say some of the things I want to. That's the part I hate. Absolutely no one is holding me back from saying these things or writing these posts except myself. I appreciate people who aren't afraid to offend. I don't like to intentionally rock the boat or anything, but I believe in honesty and integrity. And for LCH's fourth year, I hope I can be more upfront and honest in the things that I write. Everything on this blog is valid and true, but I find myself only drafting the posts that are sticky or just seem so silly. I can't imagine that thousands of people want to know about that one tiny trivial thing that I did, so I end up not publishing it. That's silly. This blog serves as a virtual scrapbook for my twenties. I don't want to just skim the surface anymore.


LCH has undoubtedly taken the backseat to my freelance design work over the past 6 months or more. Over half of the last year was spent squeezing in blog posts when I could find time, and groaning when I couldn't think of a topic. I was allowing work to distort my view on my space... Blogging shouldn't necessarily feel like "work" (Okay, there is a lot of work that goes into it) but I want to "re-find" my space. My outlet. I want to blog with intention.

Blogging with intention doesn't just mean blogging about the nitty gritty -- I mean I want to document my "hour a day" posts, I want to show off my Jeffrey Campbell shoes (so I can look back years from now and scoff at my decision to own so many ugly shoes. I love them though.) I want to share day to day stuff even though it's far from exciting. That's my life... that's my scrapbook. I don't want to censor myself with "Well, I doubt anyone would want to read that" or "That won't get any comments at all". Screw comments. Screw pageviews. I'm ready to blog with purpose and I'm ready to blog for me... solely. Asking y'all what you'd like to see on the blog really helped solidify that decision. Ironic that I'd be asking what you want to see only so that I could do what I wanted, but so many of the answers were things I was afraid to share in the first place. So many of you want to read the things I want to write about, and that excites me. There will still be plenty of outfits, and Instagram roundups (oh how so many hate those!), and you may not notice any immediate changes on the surface. But I'm excited to explore other topics for future posts.



Just like the motto for my 24th year of life is "Make yourself proud", the motto for LCH's 4th year is "Blog with intention". Not even write... just blog. It could be sharing 17 photos or just 1. Words or no words. Quotes I find inspiring, pictures of things that are pretty... 

That's the plan, honeybees. Happy birthday, little blog!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Here are a few of my favorite posts from the past three years:

for those getting over a really crappy breakup.

a post about feminism and misguided advice.

sometimes a pretty dress and new lipstick can work wonders.

getting engaged in wilmington, north carolina

the post that inspired me to start my Honest To Blog series

the one that really hit home for people

Toby news. I can still sense the excitement + terror in my post.

Here's to another amazing year!

73 comments:

  1. Lovely post! I still can't believe this blog has turned 3! I've been reading it for about 2 years now and it's been amazing seeing it grow. :)

    Happy 3 year bloggiversary! My 1st is on the 28th :)

    xoxo
    Nat
    modernbuttercup.blogspot.com

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  2. Yes! Bring it on girlie! You're a Bee to be Reckoned with :) I can't wait to see what your bloggy future holds...large or small!

    And Happy 3 years to you!

    Jenna
    SewSavoirFaireCreations.blogspot.com

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  3. happy blog birthday :)

    looking forward to seeing what you're up to next!

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  4. This was an awesome post. Good for you Kaelah. :)

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  5. Happy blogaversary!! Here's to many more :D

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  6. Congrats Kaelah!! Wow three years, that's amazing! And please don't be afraid to "rock the boat" anymore, i love reading anything you have to say even if it seems negative or trivial! You're only human! :)

    daydream frenzy

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  7. I want to hear what you really want to say, unedited, even if I don't agree with you! The diversity of bloggers is what makes blogs exciting. Be yourself. Be your unique, quirky, opinionated self.

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  8. Happy blog birthday! As a fairly new blogger, I found this post really inspiring - I love the 'Blog with Intention' motto!
    Faye x
    dinosaurcircus.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. Congratulations Kaelah!!! Stumbling upon your blog was one of the best things I've found on the internet.

    Looking forward to any and all changes you make, and hearing about all the stuff that happens in your life.

    HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!

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  10. happy blogoversary dear!! I have loved reading your blog for the past couple of years and I can't wait to continue reading it for many more to come!! xoxo

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  11. COngratulations on three years! Happy Birthday blog! I'm really excited to see where Little Chief Honeybee goes from here xo

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  12. This is so rad! I'm so happy that you've stuck with it...I'm not the best at commenting, but I'm always reading along!
    Happy bloggy birthday!
    xo.

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  13. Congrats! I've been reading your blog for over a year now and it sure is one of my favourites! So much inspiration in everything you do!

    Some funny coincidences - my blog also has it's little birthday today! That must mean it's a good day to start blogging. ;)

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  14. Happy blogbirthday! :) I say, who cares what anyone else thinks -- do what you love my dear! If you love it, do it, talk about it and share it. I love this little blog and think you're such a sweet lady! Keep it up!

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  15. Happy blog birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  16. Congrats! I think I've been following you now for about 2 years?
    Its fun to see these kinds of posts, especially for newer readers, I know a lot of people don't go all the way back to the start of a blog... But It's fun to look back and see how things used to be and how things are now. (I like seeing how back a few months/years, a lot of peoples pictures were smaller and now theyre huge!)Thats why I love keeping a blog. I hope this blog and you will be around for another 3 years! (and more):D

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  17. Happy Blog Birthday, Kaelah! I'm really glad you've kept up with it and I'm looking forward to everything you have to say and share in your fourth year. <3

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  18. I really like the idea of blogging as a scrapbook. I think I am going to think of mine more like that, as opposed to trying to gain followers. Blog with intention. :)

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  19. Congratulations on 3 years! I've only been following for about 6 months, but I've really enjoyed reading. I love the idea of your blog as a scrap book. I've also been trying desperately to get my far away friends and family to follow my blog as a way of keeping in touch. I look forward to seeing how your blog evolves from here:)

    http://hipsandhangers.blogspot.com/

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  20. Congratulations! You've got a lot to show for those 3 years! Happy Blog Birthday :D I'm so glad I'm now following yours, so much I've missed out on- I'll have to go back and catch up!

    xo Kayla

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  21. Congrats on keeping a blog going for three years, and a very successful one at that. That's quite an accomplishment girl! Just the other day I read some girls twitter comment about how she hates the type of girls who "take pictures of their nails or their friends shoes." Man, if it makes you happy, who cares!? People are so judge-y and it's crazy. Blog about what makes you happy, about your life, and things that inspire you. It's YOUR blog. Who cares what people think. DO YOU GIRL! Cause you rock.

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  22. Congrats on three years of blogging! I hope I can stay with it as along as you have. Bring on the new changes :] Blog about what ever makes you happy lady!!

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  23. Congrats, Kaelah! Three years is such a huge deal. I can't wait to see what the next few years hold for the evolution of your blog (and for you!). Meanwhile, I'm going to spend time going through those favorite posts to escape a headache and a super-busy workday. Seems like a worthy endeavor. :)

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  24. Huzzahhh! Happy Blog Birthday! So proud of you and how much you've matured and accomplished! Here's to many more years of constantly growing and learning!

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  25. Omg that photo of Mike! I can't stop laughing! :) HAPPY 3 YEARS!!!

    Marja,
    xoxo

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  26. These look amazing! I might make them for my upcoming memorial day picnic :)

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  27. Happy blogiversary!

    http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com

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  28. love your blog! please keep it up. you are a very inspirational person. you are also such a beautiful being. I would love to meet you someday : )

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  29. Oh my god.. How egocentric can one be?? You included TEN pictures of yourself in that post.. not that it is not already enough to see your bazillion pairs of dresses and shoes (most of which you will never wear, what you've already admitted - and instead of selling them and doing sth good with that money you just keep bragging..).. you are such an egocentric material girl that defines herself just through what she owns and what new dresses and shoes and make up and blah she got.

    I started reading your blog about a year ago, and I liked you, but by now that took a turn for the worse. It annoys me how superficial you are - and how profound you pretend to be

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    1. I must've accidentally published this to someone else's blog... because goodness knows talking about myself on MY own blog that has documented the last 3 years of MY life is totally ludicrous. Silly me. Someone should have brought this to my attention sooner!

      I'm not everyone's cup of tea, that's fine. I surely don't try to be. If I tried to make everyone like me then I'd be diluted, very very poor, version of myself. I don't think even I would like me. I'd say I'm sorry that you don't like me, but that'd be dumb. I'm not sorry because I like me. and I like my blog. And I like shoes, makeup, books, dresses, and all things related. If that makes me superficial then so be it. There are plenty of other blogs out there that might tickle your fancy. Too bad it's not mine anymore. I think we'll all survive :)

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    2. I love that the cheap shots are always posted by "Anonymous". :)

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  30. Amazing! I am so glad I stumbled upon your little blog! I love it some much and read it daily. On my bucket list is to actually meet you! I love being pals over the inter webs, but I know we could be pals in real life too.

    PS Mike has some sweet jumping skills. i was a cheerleader for the bigger part of my life, so I know how to judge a 'jump' or two :) Congrats on turning three!!!

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    1. I definitely hope we cross paths one day, lady! It'd be a treat to spend the day with you!

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  31. Congratulations Kaelah!!! I absolutely love your mindset - 'blogging with intention' - and using your blog as a scrapbook for your twenties. It will be invaluable to you when you are older. You are one of the most honest, heartfelt bloggers and I hope you find the confidence to blog about those things you are not so sure about saying. Best of luck for the next year! :) x

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  32. I feel so much like you with everything you said. I am also from TN in a small town between Knoxville & Chattanooga and then I moved to The Middle East 4 years ago and Blogging has been my saver..

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  33. Happy Birthday,LCH! I've been reading your blog since 2010 (I think). Excited for the next few years! :)

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  34. Congrats on 3 years! We need people like you in the blog world, you are interesting, hardworking and write with a genuine voice. It takes alot of guts to publish your life on here, a hell of alot more guts than posting anonymously and not having the balls to own up to your argument. Go Kaelah!

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  35. Congratulations! 3 years of blogging is pretty amazing! I've followed Little Chief Honeybee since that first summer when you were in NYC, this is one of my favorite blogs and I can't wait to see what's in store for the future :)

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  36. Awwww happy blogiversary! I think it's amazing how much your style has changed and how much you've moved forward. I think blogs are diaries of sorts that change as the writer changes with them. I think it's really exciting!

    dp
    x
    www.inanityandthegirl.com

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  37. Well said, Miss Bee! I look forward to year 4!

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  38. THIS is my favorite post of yours BY FAR! It's so refreshing to see humble and successful women/bloggers like yourself take a second look at what their blog is all about in the first place. It's totally acceptable to just decide, "hey. I need to get back to what blogging is about. I need to do this for ME, without thinking about what others might think about it." Because God knows there will always be someone who will turn your words or intentions around to make you look like the bad guy but that will happen no matter how you play the game. I'm glad you're sticking to your guns and I'm thrilled you're continuing to do YOU.

    "Do what you love. Love what you do." After all, that is the most important part. :)

    xo, Samantha
    sammyblackwood.com

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  39. Happy blog birthday! I've been reading your blog for about half a year now, and I just adore it. I always love reading what you have to say. You're very inspirational and definitely someone I look up to :) I'm looking forward to your future posts. <3

    glitterandtofu.blogspot.com

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  41. Happy 3rd Blog Birthday!! I love love love your blog. I think you could write "have a nice day" in crayon, take a picture and post it and it would make me smile. I think this post was one of my all time favorites. I love watching you grow and change and be live such an authentic life following your passions. I love hearing about Mike and Toby and the amazing family you've become. I love reading about your favorite things and your outfits and your stitch fix boxes and all of it. But the thing I love the most is when Kaelah really shows up and shows her heart. You are significantly younger than me and I watch you live such a fulfilling life, following your dreams and I think - if only. I wish I lived my 20s being my authentic self and following my dreams and passions. I love my life today, to be sure, but there are things I wish I could have done differently. I love how you live intentionally and want to blog intentionally. BE YOU. That's who we love. Why we read. I love LCH. You have a fan for life. Keep being you.

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  42. Happy blog birthday! I love the questions you ask yourself in this post. Sometimes when we're neck deep in our blogs, it is hard to see where you are going. Forest for the trees and all that.

    You're absolutely right about those posts that you second-guess yourself on. Those posts where I open up and really let out the crazy seem to be the ones people connect with the most.

    I think the most important thing is your message - either what you want your blog to be to people, or what you want them to take away from it. Whenever I'm writing, I try to keep that raison d'etre in my mind, and everything else just flows.

    As far as they stuff you're too scared to publish, just write it. Get it out, polish it up until it's good enough to be published, then sit on it. One night when you've been drinking, post that mofo. I have really never regretted doing it.

    Love you, love your blog, and again, happy birthday!

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  43. Congrats Kaelah! Really, such an inspiration that you've been at it for so long :) Happy birthday LCH :)

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  44. Happy blogaversary! Reading about your discussion of how honest you were about your relationship breakdown and your thoughts about what you don't blog reminded me of my recent rediscovery of my old Myspace blog. It was brutal in it's openness and honesty and to be honest, a little depressing. Rediscovering it made me feel more resolve about not discussing certain things on my current blog so that when I look back on it what I remember are positive things.

    That said, I love the idea of blogging with intention, and not thinking about page views when you hit that "publish" button.

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  45. Congrats on 3 years! That's so incredible, here I am thinking it's been forever for mine and I haven't even made it to a year yet!

    I love your goal for the coming year, it's definitely something to consider and something that I've been thinking about too . Looking forward to reading your blog this coming year and beyond ;)

    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.ca/

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  46. Hi Kaelah, I wanted to express my appreciation and admiration for your candor and integrity:) I think that there are all kinds of blogs in this interweb world; some inspire lives and some change them. It sounds by mentioning the honest and true parts of your life will do BOTH. Here's to another year of beautiful honeybees. I'll be here the whole way through:)

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  47. Congrats on three great years! I can't wait to see what you come up with next! Your blog is one of my favorites, and I love so much of what you do. I think that doing stuff you love is *so* important in life because if you don't love it, how can you expect anyone else to!?

    Keep up the good work! xo

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  48. <3<3 love your blog, and I always keep coming back. Happy Birthday LCH!

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  49. Congrats on 3 years! I love the way you write, it's so open and true to your voice. I hope I find my blogging voice soon!

    <3 Sarah
    theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

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  50. Congrats on three years! This is a great post and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you want to write!

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  51. hi kaelah! you're such an inspiration! congratulations on your blog anniversary! :)

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  52. I'm a relatively new reader so I just went back and read those posts you recommended and they were FRIGGIN AWESME. You are fantastic and I hope to one day blog as well as you do.

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  53. Congratulations and happy happy birthday!!! You should post what you want to post and post what you like!!! Doing the things you love is so so important!!! :D

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  54. happy 3rd birthday! xxx

    MJLSTYLE

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  55. Congrats on 3 years :]

    Ayeisha
    x

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  56. Congratulations on the three years Kaelah, I just started my own blog and I hope that I can keep it going strong for as long as you have!

    http://nikonandnailpolish.blogspot.ca/

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  57. AMEN! And happy birthday to the Honeybee!
    I've been reading a long for a long time and I can honestly say the reason I stick around is because I know you're doing this for you.
    It's not meant to please all of us out here on the other side of the computer.
    Magic's gonna happen this year. I'm so excited to see how you change and what you come up with!

    ...blogging is kind of creepy. Now that I think about it. Like how open you are about your life sometimes.
    It makes me feel like I have a secret friend in my screen. Even if you don't know anything back about me.
    But that's ok.
    And this is the world's longest comment.
    The end.

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  58. This is so real, so raw, and downright beautiful.

    You should be soooo proud of how far you have come along. Although I am only a first-time visitor, I can see that you have put a lot of hard work and dedication into this fine blog.

    Cheers for turning things around! Will be visiting again, that's for sure :)

    Cathy Trails

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  59. Congratulations on 3 years of blogging! I just started reading your blog recently and love every post I read. It's amazing how you can rock any hair color, I wish I could do that.

    http://greyskysaturday.wordpress.com

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  60. congratulations!
    i love the posts you recommended, your blog is definitely one of my favorites!
    and you should blog about whateeever you want to blog about :)
    xo, cheyenne

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  61. Happy birthday to your blog! I absolutely love this post -- you are such an inspiration to us all.

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  62. Congratulations! I found your blog some where over a year ago, when I was planning my own wedding. I cannot tell you how much you have mattered to me in that time. I must confess I think of you as a friend, even if I have always been too scared to leave a single comment before.

    And thank you, Kaelah, for all that you are and all that you do for us.

    <3

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB