Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Three Years

Three years ago today, I sat down and started a humble little doll blog.  I didn't have high hopes for a large readership or tons of views.  It was merely a way for me to figure out the secrets of the blogging world.  That way, when I was a published author, I would be confident with my own promotional blog.

From that tiny beginning, Never Grow Up has grown into more than I ever thought it would.  I've learned more about blogging than I ever dreamed possible.  I have a readership from around the world, and I'm at over 500,000 pageviews.  Many of you have become my friends, even though we may never meet in person.  You, my readers, have made this possible, and I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. :)

I had hoped to give you something really impressive today, but as our family is leaving tomorrow for a week-long vacation, most of my time has been spent preparing for our trip.  So unfortunately, this little post of thanks will have to tide you over until we get back. :}  I have a giveaway planned that will happen sometime in the beginning of August. :D

In the meantime, in honor of my three year blogoversary, I'd like to give all of you an opportunity to "Ask Beast'sbelle".  Do you have a burning question you've been wanting to ask me?  Are you curious about my collection or my life?  Well, now's your chance.  While I'm away, I'd like you to fill the comment section with your questions.  When I'm back from vacation, I'll answer all of them...in a vlog.

Now, here's the deal.  Internet security is still a huge thing in our household, so it won't be a vlog of my face.  I'll probably focus the camera on some of my dolls or something.  Even with this little variance from normal vlogs, I thought you might enjoy hearing the answers.  You can close your eyes and pretend I'm right there with you, having a little heart-to-heart chat. :)

So, be sure to get your questions posted!  I'll be answering them sometime in the first or second week of August.  I don't want to promise a specific date just because it takes a while to get settled in after vacation. ;)

And again, thank you to all of you for making these past three years some of the best of my life. :)

(As usual, here is a copy of my previous header.)

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

YAY! Happy blogaversery to you! I only really got into your blog about a month ago, but I LOVE it! I wish you luck as we go into your 4th year! Juliet

Anonymous said...

I love the new header!

Question (not for ask beastsbelle-just curious): Have you heard of Frozen? It's a new movie from Disney. It's supposed to at 2 new Disney Princesses to the line up.

BlackKitty said...

Wow, that's quite an achievement! Congrats!
My questions now (feel free to compress them): when was the point when your pageviews suddenly rose? How did it feel when you understood you're popular? Did you do anything in particular to gain a large audience or was it out of your control? Did you ever have a really bad experience with blogging, and if so, did it make you regret starting the blog?

Barb the Evil Genius said...

Congrats!

Sunny_Harper1994 said...

How fun! When I saw the word Vlog I was like, oh my goodness I finally get to see the beautiful soul behind this blog, then I kept reading and was like, awww. :( lol hearing your answers is just as wonderful though.
I have a few questions! :D
How do you take care of your doll collection? ( for example, do you keep them away from sunlight?)
Which doll is the most special to you and why?
How has being a mom changed your life?
Congratulations on your third year of blogging! My fiance and I just celebrated our third anniversary too on July 5th.

Aileen said...

Hi! Congrats on your 3 year Blogoversary! I have a question for your vlog. I see that you would like to publish a book so I was just wondering if you're planning on writing an informative book about dolls or will it be a fictional story? Thanks

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Great questions, everyone! :)

Thanks, Juliet! :)

Rose Grace, I have heard of Frozen and I have high hopes for it. I've decided not to talk about it much until I have more information on the story. I've seen some of the character designs, some stills, and the two male dolls from the movie, and those all look great. I'm not sure about the snowman guy, though. :}

Thanks, BlackKitty and Barb! :)

Sunny, sorry to disappoint. ;) At least you'll get to hear me.

Thanks, Aileen!

Wow, it's really hard not to jump into all of these questions now! ;)

Unknown said...

Do you let your little girls play with your dolls??? How do you finance your doll collection??? Do you ever feel guilty buying dolls instead of something for your girls???

Anonymous said...

Happy blogiversary! I'll have to see if I can come up with some questions.
I love your new header, too. :)

I hadn't heard of Frozen. Two new princesses, huh? Sounds like fun! :)

--Kate :)

Unknown said...

When do you plan on publishing your books??

Unknown said...

When do you plan on getting your books out?

Lydia said...

Awesome! Congrats! Now for some questions:
Do your daughters ever get kind of upset that they can't play with some of your dolls?
What is your dream job?
What doll do you want to get next?
Who is your least favorite doll in your collection?
And this isn't for the vlog, but could you please comment on this post: http://dollygirlstreasures.blogspot.ca/2013/07/taryn-or-molly.html
I'm trying to decide what doll to get next! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Wow,I'm super excited!!! I enjoy doing that with other Q&A videos,closing my eyes and pretending the person is there. My questions:what sparked your love for writing? First doll? First "line" of dolls collected? What made you want to collect dolls? Wow, sorry for that many questions!!! Have fun on your vacation!!!
~Ari

Claire said...

Okay, questions!

-What are your favorite Doctor Who episodes from each Doctor you've seen?
-If you could choose the next fairytale to be adapted into a Disney movie, which fairytale would it be?
-Have you seen Monsters University yet?
-So we know your favorite princesses are Belle and Rapunzel (mine too! :)), but who are your favorite princes and sidekicks?
-Have you continued watching Downton Abbey?

Okay, I better stop myself from asking more questions, as I can be really inquisitive sometimes. ;)

Have fun on your trip! :)

Anonymous said...

my question is this: do you watch sherlock? I think you mentioned something about it in your doctor who post but never really elaborated on it.

Casey said...

Congrats on the anniversary! I'm a bit excited, I actually have a doll-related question! Have you ever done, or would you consider doing, paid doll refurbishment (for lack of a better word)? I want to say that you mentioned something on this topic in a past blog post, but my memory isn't the best.

Anonymous said...

I'm happy for you three years is great! I'd like to ask you to pray for my baby brother who was born early.
Yours,
Hope.

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Wow, what great questions! I can't wait to answer everyone. I may have to make TWO vlogs, though! ;)

Dollygirl, I'll head over in a bit. ;)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Hope, I will definitely be in prayer for your brother, as well as you and your family.

Eileen said...

Do your daughters like AG dolls as much as you do and which ones are their favorites? Also, are they interested in blogging when they get older?

jordan sky said...

WOW! You've got ALOT of questions to answer! Congrats on 3 years! Oh and this is totally random but when I watched your doll collection videos (I think that's what they were) I thought you sounded like a Disney Princess!

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Lol...thanks, Jordy! That works for me. ;)

Alexandra said...

YAY! A vlog!

Ok, my question. What are your thoughts on the fact that American girl is (slowly but surely) archiving the historical dolls, and do you think it will change the purpose/point/focus (can't think of the right word) of the company? For better or for worse? I have very strong views on this ;), and would love to hear your thoughts. :)

Congrats on three years!

Nina said...

Wow! Congrats on three years! I have three questions for you:
- What was your best thrift store visit (find wise)?
- How often do you go to the thrift store?
- What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Thanks, and again, congratulations!

Jen said...

What a cool idea! I can't think of any questions - I feel like I know you so well already through this blog! - but I am looking forward to seeing the final video!

Michele said...

Congratulations! I'm wishing you many more years of success.

I'm a Mom that loves and collects dolls too, but I get alot of strange looks and questions like, "really (!)(?)". I'm not sure if they are questioning me or if they are excited for me! LOL
My question: If this happens to you, how do you feel and answer people when you get strange looks or when they question your hobby?

All AG said...

Beastbelle, I have a few questions I would love to ask:

1. When did you first find out about AG?

2. If you could get any AG doll as a Dr. Who character who would you choose and why?

3. Which one of the MLPs is your favorite?

Unknown said...

Hi! It's me, Caitlin as you know probably... I have some questions to ask...
(If you could) What pullip would you get?
Will Belle be doing a Q & A? If so will we be able to ask rapunzel, Eugene, Emilie etc?
If you had ten thousand pounds or dollars for you, to spend on dolls, what dolls would you get?
Thank you! I've tried to keep to three since grace and Hannah only did three for tess and Maggie.

Anonymous said...

1: How much time do you spend taking photos for reviews and photostories?

2: Do you have the dolls who blog with you when you write their posts?


Congrats on three years!

Anonymous said...

Why is Belle not going to blog anymore?

Anonymous said...

How can I find a guy who will appreciate my liking in dolls? Or worse, will he mind if we get married and I have them out?!