Sparkles and Shoes

A Fashion, Travel, and Lifestyle Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
  • Fashion
    • My Style
      • Spring Style
      • Summer Style
      • Fall Style
      • Winter Style
    • Really Love My …
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Style Icons
    • Trending
  • Travel
    • Africa
      • Egypt
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
      • Southern Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Indonesia
      • Qatar
      • Russia
      • Singapore
      • Turkey
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • England
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Monaco
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Russia
      • Scotland
      • Spain
      • Sweden
      • Turkey
      • Vatican City
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Caribbean
      • Central America
      • US: East Coast
      • US: West Coast
    • South America
  • Lily Harper
  • Favorites
    • Beauty
    • Delicious Eats
    • London
    • My Wedding
    • Sparkle Sessions

A Blog Birthday Letter and a Giveaway

08/03/15 | blogging, S and S Birthday

Dear Sparkles and Shoes,

Happy Birthday my love.  Yesterday was the third anniversary of my first post on this special blog of mine and today you are three years old, time does fly!  Your birthday was actually yesterday but we came to a mutual agreement early last year that there would only be posts Monday through Friday, plus, I believe birthdays should be celebrated for me than one day.  I looked up the usual child behaviors are of a three year old and the article began with, “Your little one isn’t so little anymore.”  That is very true, it has been 36 months of ups and not too many downs and you are growing much quicker than I ever thought was possible in the summer of 2012. 

Sparkles and Shoes 3rd Birthday Cupckae

This is definitely a time to sit back, think, and honestly, marvel at how far you and I have come. Together we have published 883 posts and shared over 5,000 photos wit the world in the last three years.  With the exception of five hours in 2013 you have been live the entire time, ready for anyone to read what we have put together.   As real life gets busier and busier I will admit, I have thought a few times about giving you less attention or taking a brief hiatus but those thoughts are fleeting.  You are my creative outlet,  my voice of reason, and often the reason I step outside my comfort zone and try new things.  

Thank you for pushing me to be a better version of myself.  Because of you my writing skills have noticeably improved (although proof reading and spell check are still not my forte), I have learned a great deal about HTML5 coding and SEO, learned how to use a DSLR on manual, and brushed up on at least half a dozen other skills.  The way I talk about you is the same as a proud parent and it means the world to me when friends ask how you are doing and I can report that you are doing phenomenally.  Looking  back on the letter I wrote you a year ago so much has changed in my life but not much in yours – you are simply a bigger and better version than you were on your second birthday. 

With as I like birthdays I threw you a party on Saturday night where friends from high school, college, and work all withstood the 90+ degree heat to come celebrate.  The party was  terrific and I had a wonderful evening – I had so much fun I forgot to take more than a few photos.  Many of my friends brought you cards, balloons, and gifts as they know how much you mean to me.   Speaking of gifts, I decided to purchase an item I have had my eye on for a long time a Kate Spade Gramercy Watch in rose gold in honor of your birthday.  

Sparkles and Shoes 3rd Birthday and  Kate Spade Gramercy Watch in rose gold
To help celebrate I have decided to give one of our loyal readers a gift too, a $100 gift card to one of my favorite websites, Shopbop so they can join in the 3rd birthday celebration.  Even though we have readers from all over the globe this giveaway will only be open to our fantastic U.S. readers only and will run through Sunday evening: 


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sparkles, thank you for sticking by me for the last three years and I hope we have many, many more years of happiness and creativity ahead of us!

I love you to the moon and back!

xx
Kelly

Signature

Subscribe

« Black and White Cupcake Skirt
The Best European Palaces »

Related Posts

  • 7 Tips After 700 Blog Posts
  • 1,000 Follower Giveaway, Come Play!1,000 Follower Giveaway, Come Play!
  • Style Icon Jessica Stein of Tula Vintage - LouvreStyle Icon: Jessica Stein
  • Sparkles and Shoes and the Samantha Show at the ShopStyle HouseBlog Love 4.0

Comments

  1. Melanie Montgomery says

    August 9, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    I would get the Tennis Elastique Sneakers

  2. Jordan Troublefield says

    August 9, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    The Endless Rose Fringe Mini Dress is super rad!! Congrats on 3 years!!!

  3. Dawn Stokes Keenan-Banks says

    August 9, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    I love their beach bags, especially the Bop Basics Ibiza Tote.

  4. Amanda Sakovitz says

    August 9, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    I would love to get the Plain Luxe Layered Necklace

  5. Kayley says

    August 9, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Congrats on three years! To answer your question: I’ve been running more often, so I’d probably get some of the PRISMSPORT capris ShopBop sells.

  6. Priscilla S. says

    August 7, 2015 at 4:29 am

    Congrats! I would get the Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Stacy Wallet in black.

  7. Nataile Brown says

    August 7, 2015 at 1:55 am

    Happy 3 Year Blog Birthday! That’s truly an accomplishment. So many choices on Shopbop. lol One thing I’d get for sure is the Glamorous Floral Lace Mini Dress. I love dresses and flowers so it’s perfect. Thank-you for this generous chance. πŸ™‚

  8. Ashley Perez says

    August 5, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    I would buy Hunter boots. πŸ™‚

  9. Natalie says

    August 5, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Congrats! I would love to get the Botkier Trigger Small Satchel if I won.

  10. Kenny says

    August 5, 2015 at 12:34 am

    Congrats! I would purchase Black matte hunter boots πŸ™‚

  11. Tina m says

    August 4, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    I’d get MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Mini Messenger Bag

  12. Elisabeth says

    August 4, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Happy 3rd Birthday! πŸ™‚ If I won I’d love to get this gorgeous sweater-https://www.shopbop.com/context-sweater-unif/vp/v=1/1571254331.htm?folderID=2534374302024636&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=10192

    Thanks so much for this giveaway!

  13. Elena says

    August 4, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    I would get the Kate Spade flats

  14. Joan Kubes says

    August 4, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    I would get some of their jewelry. Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!!

  15. Diva In Me says

    August 4, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Happy Birthday to Sparkles!! Continue to write and show us beautiful pictures. You both had definitely come a long way and I cheers for you both to work together and for more years to come! =)

  16. Mili says

    August 3, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    Congrats on 3 years and over 800 posts! That’s quite the accomplishment πŸ™‚ And thanks for the giveaway!

    Mili

  17. Casey says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    Congratulations on 3 years! I’m dying over a few fall inspired pieces at Shop Bop so that gift card would be amazing πŸ™‚ Enjoy your celebration!

    Xx Casey
    http://thedistrictfox.com

  18. Kim Pincombe Cole says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:16 pm

    Happy 3 years!!!
    If I won, I’d finally get the Joie Pippi Fringe Suede Sandals that have been on my Shopbop wishlist for months!

  19. Marianne says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!!

    Marianne
    http://www.thematimes.com

  20. Kate says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Congratulations on your accomplishment! I hope this year is your most successful one yet. xx

    champagnedaydream.blogspot.com

  21. Colleen Boudreau says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    I would get the Gorjana Classic Shimmer Ear Crawlers.

  22. steve weber says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    I would definitely get some new shoes

  23. Alyssa says

    August 3, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    Congrats on three great years! I’ve been following for awhile! I think that I would put the gift card towards something from Emily Schuman’s line. I’ve been loving the Marin Lace Dress!

  24. Sandy says

    August 3, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    love your blog! If I won I would buy something plaid!

  25. Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says

    August 3, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    I think i would have to buy what you want the Kate Spade Gramercy watch. So funny I was going through and picked that out, and was like, hey wait, that’s what she just bought for herself! But I would pick it in gold.

  26. Tamra H says

    August 3, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    I really love the KAANAS Cameroon Suede Cap Toe Sneakers: https://www.shopbop.com/cameroon-capt-toe-slip-sneakers/vp/v=1/1579812378.htm?folderID=2534374302024643&fm=other-shopbysize&os=false&colorId=12588

  27. Holly says

    August 3, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This is my first visit to your site and I feel so happy that I found it on your third birthday! Love what I see, I will most definitely be back for more… can’t wait to follow along!
    Holly
    http://www.teachmestyle.com

  28. Rosie Areola (Heather) says

    August 3, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    Congratulations on your milestone!!

    I’d love to put the GC toward a Rebecca Minkoff bag.

  29. Danika Maia says

    August 3, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Congrats on your 3 year!!

    Danika Maia
    http://www.danikamaia.com
    BLOGLOVIN

  30. DeidreSH says

    August 3, 2015 at 10:17 am

    I love this Marc Jacobs scarf: https://www.shopbop.com/spliced-jerrie-rose-scarf-marc/vp/v=1/1513353167.htm?folderID=2534374302076416&fm=other-viewall&os=false&colorId=71496

    Happy Blogiversary! πŸ™‚

  31. Cynthia G says

    August 3, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Michael Kors fall bag πŸ™‚

  32. Heather Hammel says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Happy 3rd Blogiversary!

    http://dogmomchic.blogspot.com/

  33. Megan says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:21 am

    This post is adorable! So funny & cute. I just celebrated my first blogiversay and I have a long way to go! I would buy a cute dress!
    ~~Megan~~
    http://www.poshprime.com

  34. Rachel says

    August 3, 2015 at 9:15 am

    Congrats on 3 years!

  35. Kelly Brown says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I would buy some shoes!

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.Β  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles!Β 

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Newsletter

WHERE I SHOP

Amazon

Anthropologie

J. Crew

MintedΒ 

Sephora

Target

Walmart

Zappos

Archives

  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012

Fine Print

Sparkles and Shoes is a part of several affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms (including Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest), I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase. All opinions are my own.

Β© Kelly Donlin and Sparkles and Shoes, 2012-2022 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kelly Donlin and Sparkles and Shoes with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Get the latest

Receive Sparkles and Shoes right to your inbox!

Connect with me

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · Designed by High Note Designs, LLC

Copyright © 2025 Β· Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework