Ohhhh man – this Toast Talk should have gone up this morning – so sorry for the delay! Better late than never? Speaking of late, does everyone have big plans for this New Year’s Eve? Ones that include sparkle, champagne, kissing on the stroke of midnight, confetti, and all that jazz? I am having a quite sort of night with someone special, some leftover macarons (thank you again lovely Alex from Persifor!) and a bottle of brut. I’ve never been much of a New Year’s kind of girl – my dad calls it “amateur night” – but I do love reflecting back on the past 12 months and welcoming a new year with a kiss and a clink of a glass. There is something about the passing of each year that makes me feel really small… That I am just one of millions ringing in a new year around the globe. It’s a good feeling.
Sally and I do lists of resolutions every year and we plan to post them again for 2013… Just waiting till the sister gets back from the Mexican vacation to publish them 
Aside from our own personal goals and resolutions, we talked a bit over the Christmas holiday about things we would like to change, alter, edit, etc. when it comes to the blog… For the past several months we have both been feeling like it needs “something” – added, taken away, or both – to mix things up. It almost feels like we aren’t pushing towards our full potential or like something is missing.
And since you all know us better than most anyone, I’d love to hear your opinion on the blog. What do you like? What do you not like (be honest! constructive criticism is always a good thing)? What do you think is missing? What do you wish we did but don’t? I have been craving feedback – and I really hope that you guys will spill your guts and let us know how we can make A Piece of Toast the best it can be. Because sure, I have my own thoughts about what can be done (as does Sally) – but we are the writers and not the readers, and we’d hate to a) screw up a good thing, b) take away parts you all like, c) add in content that no one wants to read.
To get you guys started, I have some specific questions I would looove to hear your thoughts on:
1). Should the She Wishes She Was Wearing feature be dunzo? Did you love it or would you rather see some sort of guest blogger series or other series that is more of a deeper dive Q+A?
2). Sally and I are self admittedly, the most awkward people ever in front of the camera. But we’ve done “outfit” posts (even you can even call them that) in the past and we’re willing to try and step up our game and do more if you all like to see them. Yay or nay? How much is too much? This blog will never ever be qualified as a personal style blog, but if you like seeing our real life style and get a kick out of seeing us try to look normal in photos, let us know! And we can try to…. Be normal. More often.
3). Do you want more “real life” photos from us in general? We have been asked for tutorials on how we curl our hair, photos of our make-up regiment, peeks of our apartment, etc. – is there still any interest in this?
4). Products… We love them, and love sharing them (Sally Shops, The Round-Up, The Weekend Spot, etc.). But seriously, let us know if it’s too much of a good thing. Or if you’re wanting to see it all presented in a different way.
5). Do you like the frequent giveaways, or would you think they make this blog seem like a gameshow? Maybe less giveaways and with products that you will definitely want to try and win?
6). Toast Talk. Love it or hate it as a way to kick off each week? Any topics you would love to “talk” about… Anything you are sick of hearing me talk about?
I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much, but it would kind of make my year to hear what you all think! Help us keep things fresh and focused in 2013… How it can be New Year’s Eve tonight, I have no idea. But I’ll be thinking of all of you as I ring in the new year. Cheers, chickens!!
(Image via From Me To You)
I love your she wishes she were wearing series. It's so great to explore other great bloggers. Yes to the Personal Style, its interesting to see what you guys personally wear and rock out it. And of course I would love to see tutorials, especially hair.
http://www.designerdreaming.blogspot.com
I think the New Year is always a great time to reevaluate things in your life. It's so easy to get caught up in things, you know. I know for my blog and my goals for the new year, I have been focusing on creating original content that can't be found elsewhere. None of the typical weekly blogger things, like putting outfits together, weekly links, pictures of interiors, that kind of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with any of that, but it's so hard to stand out because those kind of things seem to be the norm. I have loved following A Piece of Toast and think what y'all have is something wonderful. You guys do stuff that can't be found anywhere else. So, as a whole, whatever you guys decide to do, original is always best
Cheers, Elizabeth of The Corner Apartment
"real life" photos are always great. i love seeing my favorite bloggers share tips and apply them in everyday living.
oh, and my dad says the SAME thing. every year, he calls tonight "amateur night." and every year, i smile and nod.
I love the Toast Talks! Please keep them. And more "real life" photos would be awesome. I agree that giveaways can get gimmicky, but not if its a truly cool product. I am also SO awkward with personal style posts! No serious-sexy face here. Happy New Year and thank you for all your work!
xo
Shelby
http://thesouthernista.com
I absolutely LOVE your photography and swoon over it every time you post! With that love even more your outfit posts…I get being awkward have you seen mine? Ha I'm a joke! How you do your hair…would love to learn but I am going to be selfish and say It will just make me sad that my short locks won't do it! Love toast talk, makes me know I am not alone!
Hope you have a great new year!
Xo
em
1). I'm not a fan of guest posts, but I do love it when guests are featured. I ALWAYS love Q&A!
2). I think that outfit posts can get annoying, but one once a week is fun. I like that you both have different careers, so I would be fun to see what you wear to work
3). I would love tutorials and more insight into your style. You two are icons to me!
4). I love product posts. I am product junkie. I like the variety: beauty, fashion and home products.
5). I don't think there is anything wrong with giveaways, as long as there isn't one every week.
6). I love love love toast talk. I think it's important. I would hate to see it go! I like it when you two talk about challenges and successes as a young professional. I love it.
Keep up the good work. A Piece of Toast is one of my favorites! Happy New Year Sally and Molly!
I love what you're doing so far! I especially would love to see more "real life" pics, as well as hair tutorials, fashion and skincare/makeup posts. Love reading about beauty products since i'm a product junkie!
I think in general you ladies have a really great mix of topics and experiences that you share with us. I would love to see more of your personal style (and I promise you aren't nearly as awkward in front of the camera as you feel like you might be)! I also LOVE your Toast Talks. Maybe you'll find what's missing in an unexpected way in 2013; that's usually how it happens for me
Cheers to a wonderful 2013!
Chelsea
Haute Child in the City
First of all, you ladies are so inspiring. We always look so forward to reading what you have to say and seeing the photos and inspiration you have to share.
Q+A's are one of our favorite things to see as far as a series goes. It is always fun to see what other bloggers have to say and what they find inspiring.
You ladies do great outfit posts – would love to see more of those!
Hair and makeup tutorials, fashion, and decor posts are always great.
Giveaways are good as long as they aren't too often, repetitive, or gameshow-ish.
Toast Talk needs to stay. We both love reading about what interests you, tips you have, products you recommend, and your overall viewpoint on whatever is on your mind.
You ladies do great work. Your blog is one of our favorites, and we can't wait to see what you have in store for it in the new year!
xo, P+M
Yes! More photos of the two of you! As they say, "Don't fix if it ain't broke." Love love what you are doing – thanks so much and Happy New Year!
Love when y'all share more IRL photos! As an avid reader of APOT, I think the blog is truly fabulous… xo + happy new year!
I love the "She Wishes She Was Wearing" features! Definitely keep that! Love everything about your blog! It would be cool to see some "real life" photos!
Happy New Year! x
I love your blog! I really wouldnt change much about your blog but would love to see more original photographs- photos of what you got up to over the weekend, your outfits, your favorite foods etc. Its a lifestyle blog so it would be great to see more of what happens in your very own lives. I find that Im a huge fan of blogs with original pictures taken by the bloggers themselves.
Otherwise, you two are doing a FANTASTIC job and I will keep reading your blog!
xoxo
I love the blog as is but particularly love She Wishes She was Wearing. I care least for the give always.
Happy New Year
I love "real life" photos.
Happy New Year!
xx
Lulu
Breakfast After 10
I would love it if you guys did outfit posts! Your outfits are always so great for events, I'd love to see your day to day style. More "real life" photos from you would be great! I for one can't wait for you to do a make-up post! Toast Talk is great, it always starts my Mondays off on a good note, I always read it sipping my coffee at work, it definitely gives me something to look forward to Monday morning.
Thank you for blogging & have a Happy New Year!!
Chelsey
I, too, would like to see more original photography. You've got great style/taste, and you're good photographers! And, I would love to see your apartment…you've mentioned it a number of times in your posts, and it would be great to catch a glimpse of it!
dom't get rid of toast talk! honestly, i link to that series on my blog tomorrow as somthing that inspires me!
Id love to see your casa, how you do your hair, and your fab outfits
I stumbled on your blog a month or so ago, so still learning about all you post.
But, I would love more ideas about your own style and product recommendations. I need style ideas so would love 2 and 3 in particular. Also I love Toast Talk! Keep it! So: 2, 3, 4, 6 are all yesses in my book!
Happy New Year! Your blog is fabulous.
Toast Talk is totally relatable – I say leave it =)
I love hearing interviews from other bloggers and wouldn't mind seeing the "She Wishes She Were WEaring" evolve more.
I LOVE hearing about new products, either fashion or beauty, and learning about others regimens.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
love those "she wishes she was wearing" posts! i learned about maya brenner jewelry! i'd be totally into some in real life pictures/tutorials! ya'll write such great things about style and beauty, but i would love to see some of these amazing products in action! and speaking of, please keep the products coming! i bought my clarasonic and some bumbleandbumble products based on you ladies' recommendations and now they're staples in my routine!
I discovered your blog early this year and I really enjoy it! I enjoy reading blogs that are more personal – LOVE Toast Talk (I can always relate) but you should add more pictures and posts about your lives, outfits, experiences etc that involve both of you. Happy New Year!
1). Keep "She Wishes She Was Wearing"! Not a fan of guest posts but I do enjoy this series and the Q&A as it is, maybe one a month or one every other month.
2). Would love to see more outfit posts!
3). YES YES YES please to hair and makeup tutorials and apartment sneak peaks!
4). I like the product posts including Sally Shops, The Round-Up, The Weekend Spot features as they are. Its fun to hear about what you guys like and why, and how you discovered it!
5). Less giveaways of highly desirable products is a great idea.
6). Keep Toast Talk! I love reading those posts. Will have to think of some topic ideas but one that stands out in my mind as a favorite was the truly touching one featuring your dad's email in response to your post after visiting college friends.
Your blog is so fun to read, great content and style, I always look forward to reading it! Thanks & Happy New Year!
I love Toast Talk as well!! It's a great feature, I always look forward to reading it!
I'm a relatively new reader, but APOT has quickly become one of my absolute favorite blogs to read. I think more "real life" posts would be a great way to get to know you both better. Like Erin, I love hearing about other people's regimens and products they use.
Looking forward to a great year of posts, ladies!!
http://theneatntidylife.blogspot.com/
Ditto to all comments so far. I LOVE your blog and am a daily reader. More outfit posts (you ladies have great style!) and I'm dying to see your apartment! I'm really drawn to posts about bloggers daily lives (what I did this weekend, what's in my bag, skincare and makeup regimen, favorite products, day in the life posts, etc) – its so fun to have a little peek into others lives – makes me feel more normal, haha:)
Happy New Year, and love the blog! I would LOVE to see more outfit posts from you guys (I've enjoyed seeing those in the past), and peeks into your apartment. You guys have great style and it's so fun to see that reflected in your outfits and, I imagine, your living space. I think giveaways are fun so I wouldn't mind seeing those. Also would love to see tutorials!
toast talk to stay, please!
-chelsie {mossypants.com}
toast talk to stay, please!
-chelsie {mossypants.com}
Happy New Year girls! I originally found your blog because you're a fellow duo-blogger, and I'm always curious to see how other blogging pairs do things, but I stayed because I think your content really stands out, and I honestly love reading your blog!
Toast Talk is something I really enjoy reading each week, totally relatable and I would be so sad to see it go! I think blogger Q+A's are great all around. They allow your readers to meet new bloggers, and typically if a blog I enjoy likes a certain blogger, I'll probably like their work as well. AND it gives the bloggers you feature more exposure in the blogging world, win win. More "real life" pictures would be a plus too!
xo, Corinne of Boardwalks & Boulevards
I adore Toast Talks, and would be so sad to see them go – I look forward to them every Monday. Additionally, I think tutorials would be a welcome addition, melding more 'real life' photos with a new feature to add to the blog. Also, more product/clothing guidance is always welcome!
1. I don't really care for guest blogger posts, but I do like to read them every once in a while. But I say leave the She Wishes She Was Wearing posts as is.
2. YES! I'd love to see more outfit shots.
3. YES! I'd love to see more real life photos. To be honest, if there was one thing I feel that is missing from the blog, it would be those personal photos – be it from outfit posts or just other aspects of your regular lives.
4. Love the product posts, keep them coming!
5. Giveaways are great! Leave.
6. Toast Talk is good, no need to change. =]
As an older reader, I like the product posts and "She Wishes….Wearing" best. I would also like to see outfit photos becasue your style seems very classic which could work for various age groups. I would LOVE to see a feature with your mom as I am probably closer in age to her. She sounds so stylish and classy.
You ladies have a really great blog and I really do love everything about it but I really would love to see more "real life" pics of you guys featuring tutorials, make-up regimen, and all that good stuff you guys mentioned. Also, it would be great if you shared more of the products you girls are loving.
Happy New Year!
I think you should definitely keep Toast Talk, I love it. I would love to hear more about both of you – what products you are loving right now, how you curl your hair, style your outfits, apply your make-up, etc. I think you guys do a great job of highlighting beautiful brands and products, however, I would love to see more fiscally accessible items that you incorporate into your everyday lives. Maybe its a drug store mascara or lip gloss that you're loving lately, or maybe its a cute belt or other accessory that you purchased from a lower priced retailer.
1). To be blunt, I think WSWSWW is a little dull. I love reading about other blogs you read though so i would rather see some sort of guest blogger series that is more of a deeper dive Q+A.
2). I LOVE when y'all do outfit posts. You two are so cute!! I love seeing what your styles are and how you get it together. I think an outfit post once a week would be nice. Maybe one week "what Molly is wearing" and the next week "what Sally is wearing" and switch it off each week. That way you're not tied down to one sister doing it every week.
3). Yes, please! Y'all are so down-to-earth —errr— or so it seems via APoT. Being able to see how you control your lives and how you manage to balance everything is so great. Tutorials on beauty tips or just general how-tos would be awesome!
4). Love all the product posts! They're fun and keep things light.
5). I love when y'all mention giveaways or sales that you have conjured up for your readers. I don't think you're overdoing it by any means. I think you're at a good amount right now. Like you said, it's not a game show but we still have an opportunity to engage with you.
6). Toast Talk. Love it. I feel like I've thought about majority of the things you discuss so its nice to know someone else is on the same page.
Great work sisters! Keep it up!
Xx, Megan
Your blog is amazing! I would love to see outfit pics of you two.
Happy New Year!
Xx,
http://www.casualuxe.blogspot.com
I love "Toast Talk"! More real life photos would be cool with tutorials. Maybe some deep dives with Q&A. Happy New Year !
Would definitely love to see more outfit posts! I really enjoy seeing "real girl" fashion, and you guys have wonderful taste but seem so down to earth. Love the blog!
Def more real life photos and outfit pix of yourselves! Love giveaways too but it would be great to know you two better! Xo Rebekah http://www.fashionandafellow.com
PLEAAAAAASSEEEE do not take away Toast Talk it has to be one of my favorite things that you implemented. I believe the Toast Talk speaks to your editorial abilities while granting a true connection with us as your readers.
Do not take anything away the She Wishes She Was Wearing is a great way for us to discover bloggers we may not know of or applaud and revel the ones we do. However I would suggest in the Q&A adding something such as go-to piece for the season, month or favorite food/restaurant to try something of that nature.
And YESSSSSSSSSSSSS please add more personal photos take of and by you. After all we as your readers are in love with you and Sally so more pictures of you and your personal style along with pictures you personally took is the peanut butter or butter on our piece of toast!
Thank you for this blog it has honestly changed the entire way I view life!
I love seeing your outfit posts! Seeing the way ya'll put outifts together helps to get my own creative juices flowing in the mornings! Keep them coming please.
I would love more of a glimpse into your guys' lives! Whether it be personal style, or more day to day – like Victoria's newest column this week. Other than that, I love everything else you guys do and think there's a great balance between giveaways, product posts, etc.
Keep up the great work, I've loved your blog for what feels like ages! xoxo
so good to see you both over the holidays! The kids were smitten with you both…wish you lived closer! Yes to the wishes she was wearing, love seeing what is on other bloggers "wish lists", yes to more outfit posts and more personal life posts. I think giveaways get redundant, just do the ones you absolutely love. Definitely keep Toast Talk. Happy New Year! xoxo
Definitely keep up all of these posts, it's great seeing your inspirations and what's going on in your daily lives!
xx
Jen
http://www.jkhnelson.com
Sally and Molly,
First off, HAPPY 2013! I just wanted to tell you both how much I have enjoyed reading your blog. I think you have mastered the perfect mix of frilly and fulfilling. I truly look up to you, count on you for ideas, and wish you were some of my best friends.
I would love a deeper dive Q+A, because while I love the glamour of blogs, I want to get to know the everyday blogger.
2). More outfit posts for sure! you are both gorgeous and have impeccable style!
3). YES, TUTORIALS! I would die to see your apartment!
4). As far as products, I love to know what you actually own and love, basically what you would buy with or without the sponsorship from a particular brand.
5). Giveaways are completely up to you, as they are generous enough!
6). Toast Talk. I LOVE TOAST TALK. I just started a new job, and its been a hard adjustment as the new girl. I honestly came home one day in tears and came to a piece of toast to see what you said about jobs and fitting in…toast talk is probably one of my favs!
I really do admire both of you so much, and appreciate all your honesty–it has helped me this week get through a tough transition!!
xoxo,
Alex
Molly & Sally,
Forgot to post last week, but better late than never! Reading APOT is part of my morning routine, so much so that I always pass the word on to other girlfriends who haven't discovered it's charm yet! My favorite element is the seven-image aesthetic along the top of the page that frames the latest post. It's clear that you two are very thoughtful in your monthly photo choices and each one is somehow more charming and chic than the last. I also appreciate the variety of posts that go up on the blog, as it keeps things feeling fresh approachable. As others have mentioned, would always enjoy seeing more snip-its from your style, but APOT is great as it is! Keep up the great work and happy 2013!
Maddie
more "real life" photos please!!!! i love to see/read about the people behind the blog
I am just getting back from vacation and had to catch up with your blog first! I love everything that you post and enjoy toast talk each Monday. I would love to see more tutorial photos and I am DYING to see pics of your apartment! Happy New Year!