Why I do reviews and giveaways

There is always a little mumble going on in the blogosphere about whether people love or hate reviews,  giveaways and advertising on blogs. Today I wanted to share why I choose to do them.

First off, I just want to say why I do blog. I blog for connection to the world outside my role as a (mostly) stay at home Mum. It can get pretty lonely at home day in, day out, with only children 5 years old and under to talk to. Also until very recently, B worked a rotating day/night roster which meant many a nights where I just couldn't sleep and I ended up turning to blogs to feel connected to people outside of my home. That is where the seed was planted for me to start my own.

My blog is also a place for me to share what I am sewing, baking, making and thinking. I did not start blogging to make money or receive free stuff. I didn't even know you could actually make anything or receive anything for blogging until a few months after starting this blog. And you know what, the little bit of money and 'free' stuff has meant that I haven't had to return to work in the same capacity that I did before I had Ethan. 

Sure I don't make a motza from this gig, but a couple of bucks a week to share my inane ramblings is better than nothing. It doesn't devalue what I have to say, everything written here is my opinion, thoughts and I stand behind it 100%. Sure there was the time I wrote about some Vaseline Moisturiser and then thought why the hell am I writing this. The product costs less then $10, my time and yours is more valuable than that and from then on I have changed my rules. I still stand by what I wrote in the review, but if I had my time over, I wouldn't write it again.

I will continue to review DVDs, magazine, households items and anything else that I think I might find useful in my home and that I think you could too. I hope to be able to run giveaways along side most reviews so that I can give you a chance to win something. It is a way for me to say thank you for the time you spend reading and commenting here.

I will also continue to run advertising on the blog. I know this seems to be a bug bear with some people, but again, I really don't see how it detracts from anything else here. This is my blog and these are my words. No advertising will change that.

Does that make sense?

So do you like or loathe advertising, reviews and giveaways on blogs? Please be honest, I would love to know your thoughts and opinions.

I am linking up with Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT.