Hello everyone!
It’s been quite a while since I last reviewed my blog, and I’ve been noticing a few things that could use a bit of updating. As WordPress has evolved over the past five years. And now I have a few thing to think about.
Email Notifications
I recently discovered that all my subscribers are automatically receiving an email notification when I create a new post. I have to admit, I did not realize it for the first three posts. I still don’t know whether I prefer this automatic email notification for every new post or not. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
Tags and Categories Overload
My blog has accumulated quite a few tags (around 1,5K) and categories (around 50) over the years. While these have served me well, I’m finding that it’s becoming a bit overwhelming to manage. I’m considering simplifying them. Any suggestions on this topic? Don’t be shy.
Menu Madness
The menu structure is also starting to feel a bit cluttered. It’s packed with options, and I think it might be time for a more simpler approach. I’m looking to make it more focused, but it’s a challenge to decide what to keep and what to remove. If you have any suggestions for the Recipe menu part, please don’t hold back! I’m serious!
Your Suggestions Needed!
I would greatly appreciate your input on the following:
- Do you prefer receiving email notifications for every new blog post?
- How do you feel about tags and categories? Do you find it helpful to have many options, or would you prefer a smaller set? Also, do you ever looked for the information on specific tag?
- What are your thoughts on the menu structure? Do you find it helpful or overwhelming? Look at the Recipes 🙂 That says it all!
Change is always a bit of a puzzle for me, especially as someone who enjoys switching things up frequently. But I’m eager to hear your feedback and ideas so I can make my blog more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I look forward to your suggestions!
Warm regards,
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Email notifications can be turned off or on by the recipient, so no need to make a change. I haven’t refreshed my blog in ages. Just lazy I guess.
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Thanks for the tip, Peggy! I didn’t know that! It’s good to know I don’t need to worry about the email notifications. And hey, no judgment on the blog refresh— you know how much it took me! Sometimes a little change can be refreshing, though. Have you ever thought about what you’d do if you decided to update your blog?
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I worry that a refresh would set everything haywire. hahaha
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Yeah, me too! But I might do it anyway 🙂 I need to change it.. or at least the things that aren’t true anymore 🙂
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Peggy is right. We can turn off e-mail notifications. Actually I like them – they point me to the reader. This is my 13th year of blogging daily – I only discovered categories comparatively recently so just have a handful – most are uncategorised, although I do shift some of them, e.g. books to categories when I refer back to them. Tags are very helpful as an asset to checking on older posts. Goodness knows how many I have.
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Thanks for sharing, Derrick! I’m glad you find the email notifications helpful. And wow, 13 years of daily blogging is truly impressive! Is it easy to keep up that pace, or have you ever thought about skipping a day? I’m just starting to get more organized with categories and tags myself. It sounds like tags have been a great tool for you. Do you have any tips for managing such a huge number of posts?
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My blog began as a diary to keep my children informed. The worldwide response has been such that I have kept it that way. Some readers have got concerned when I am late. It is only possible because I am long retired. I never even blogged at your stage in life – it hadn’t been invented. But it has given me the opportunity to write such as a working life didn’t allow me. The only additional tip I could offer is setting time each day for it. Again, as I am old enough not to need as much sleep as I did, I get about four hours early each morning before anyone else is up.
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Wow, Derrick, that’s incredible—using your blog as a diary for your children and then expanding it to a global audience must be incredibly rewarding. It sounds like having a consistent time set aside each day really helps you stay on track. I’m curious, how do you decide what to write about each day? Do you have a particular routine or inspiration that guides your posts? And since you’ve been blogging for so long, have there been any memorable moments or interactions with readers that stand out to you?
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Thank you very much, Ilze. As it is a diary this gives me my themes. The most memorable moments have been visits in person from fellow bloggers from as far afield as UK, USA, and Australia. Close friendships have also developed with those I will never meet – one American couple have planted a tree in their garden in honour of my late son and surrounded it with daffodils in honour of my mother who died two years ago.
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Thank you for sharing such touching experiences. It’s incredible how blogging can create deep connections across the world, turning online interactions into meaningful, lasting friendships. The gesture from your American friends is truly beautiful and speaks to the power of these relationships.
I’ve had a similar experience with a fellow blogger, Roger from the UK. We exchanged messages and stories over the years, and although we never had the chance to meet in person before he sadly passed away, his friendship left a lasting impact on me. He wrote a book with short stories and few was inspired by my blog/life. It’s a reminder that even though we may never meet some of our readers, the bonds we form can be just as strong and impactful. I’m honored to be a part of this wonderful community with you.
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You will again be a strong part of it
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Thank you, Derrick. That means a lot to me. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community. It’s wonderful to connect with others who share similar passions and experiences. Looking forward to many more conversations and connections along the way!
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It seems you are posting very frequently which is good. I can never manage that, especially with my art blog.
No need to adjust email settings. I have them so that I receive notifications on likes and comments.
Tags and categories help finding your content and also contribute to SEO. Having too many isn’t necessary.
If Menu is too huge, you can use Submenu items, like for the related subjects.
I like your blog, it’s great to read it. I haven’t been in Latvia for 6 years now, so I haven’t seen my daughter and grandsons who are adults now, too.
As WordPress implements updates, some things become not right. It’s worth to work on improving old posts if they are meaningful, but sometimes it’s just a waste of time.
Good luck!
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Hi, Inese,
Thank you for your kind words and valuable feedback! I’ve been working on the blog, and I’m happy to say that the menu is finalized for now—all the categories are unified. 😊
I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been able to visit Latvia or see your family for a while. It must be tough being apart from loved ones, especially for so far and so long. I hope you get a chance to reconnect with them soon.
I can’t remember in wich city they lived. I remembered the fact that they are here 🙂
I appreciate the advice on updating old posts too. It’s a tricky balance knowing what’s worth revisiting and what’s better left as is. I’ll keep that in mind as I continue to work on my blog.
Thanks again for your support and good luck with your art blog as well!
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