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When I started my blog in 2014 I don’t think I ever could have imagined where it would go. A few months after having Jude I was encouraged by a sweet friend, who’s blog I had been reading for years, to start my own blog. I had been writing on Tumblr for a few years already and had an Instagram account, so it seemed like the next natural thing to do. Raise your hand if you remember Five on Fridays?
Vote for me in the St. Louis Magazine A-List awards here!

If you’ve been around that long, you may remember the original blog name was from our pups, Ellie And Addie. I already owned the domain and it was my Instagram handle so it just made sense. But that original blog was just the beginning! After a few too many emails addressed to Ellie, and even more emails asking if I wanted some clothes for my daughters, I rebranded in 2019 to lizrotz.com and @lizrotz on all socials!

I said this in 2019 and it still holds true, being able to work from home with my babies has been a dream come true. Yes it’s challenging, but I am so grateful for the opportunities blogging has brought to our family. I get to work with amazing brands and produce content I’m truly passionate about. And the fact that I’m able to help support our family while doing that is just the icing on the cake!

So when I got an email last month telling me I was a St. Louis Magazine A-List Finalist, I immediately started crying! Like full on sobbing happy tears.
One of the best parts of this job is that I get to connect with all of YOU! You are the reason I’m still doing this after so many years and I could not be more grateful. Every email, comment, and message feels like I’m talking with a friend, and I hope you feel that way too!

To find out I was a top five finalist in the blog category was so exciting and I’m so thankful for your support to get there!
I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the amazing support from Brandon, the boys, our moms, family members, and close friends. It truly takes a village and I am so thankful for mine.

About the A-List
Every year St. Louis Magazine asks readers to submit their favorites to be nominated in categories for just about anything you could think of. This year 29,000 people submitted over 139,000 nominations! I am so honored to be one of them this year.
I was nominated for the “blog” category which is under arts & entertainment. You don’t have to register for anything, but you will need to enter your email so they know who you are.
A-List voting begins on March 13th and ends on April 10th. You can vote once per day, per category.
I would be so grateful if you would vote for me and the rest of your STL favorites!
Click here to vote today!

All above photos were taken by my new best friend (even though she doesn’t know it) Kelsi of Kelsi Bailey Photography. She’s an amazing photographer in O’Fallon, IL and I had so much fun shooting these with her! I can’t wait to schedule family photos with her.
Hair and makeup was done by my friend Emily of Emily Twigg Hair & Makeup. She’s a professional stylist located in O’Fallon, IL and is available for bridal hair and more!
Before I go, I wanted to share a screenshot of my very first Instagram photo ever in 2011. We’ve come a long way baby!
