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.
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.
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
I love you to the moon and back!
xx
Kelly
Melanie Montgomery says
I would get the Tennis Elastique Sneakers
Jordan Troublefield says
The Endless Rose Fringe Mini Dress is super rad!! Congrats on 3 years!!!
Dawn Stokes Keenan-Banks says
I love their beach bags, especially the Bop Basics Ibiza Tote.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I would love to get the Plain Luxe Layered Necklace
Kayley says
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.
Priscilla S. says
Congrats! I would get the Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Stacy Wallet in black.
Nataile Brown says
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. π
Ashley Perez says
I would buy Hunter boots. π
Natalie says
Congrats! I would love to get the Botkier Trigger Small Satchel if I won.
Kenny says
Congrats! I would purchase Black matte hunter boots π
Tina m says
I’d get MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Mini Messenger Bag
Elisabeth says
Happy 3rd Birthday! π 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!
Elena says
I would get the Kate Spade flats
Joan Kubes says
I would get some of their jewelry. Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!!
Diva In Me says
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! =)
Mili says
Congrats on 3 years and over 800 posts! That’s quite the accomplishment π And thanks for the giveaway!
Mili
Casey says
Congratulations on 3 years! I’m dying over a few fall inspired pieces at Shop Bop so that gift card would be amazing π Enjoy your celebration!
Xx Casey
http://thedistrictfox.com
Kim Pincombe Cole says
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!
Marianne says
Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!!
Marianne
http://www.thematimes.com
Kate says
Congratulations on your accomplishment! I hope this year is your most successful one yet. xx
champagnedaydream.blogspot.com
Colleen Boudreau says
I would get the Gorjana Classic Shimmer Ear Crawlers.
steve weber says
I would definitely get some new shoes
Alyssa says
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!
Sandy says
love your blog! If I won I would buy something plaid!
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says
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.
Tamra H says
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
Holly says
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
Rosie Areola (Heather) says
Congratulations on your milestone!!
I’d love to put the GC toward a Rebecca Minkoff bag.
Danika Maia says
Congrats on your 3 year!!
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com
BLOGLOVIN
DeidreSH says
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! π
Cynthia G says
Michael Kors fall bag π
Heather Hammel says
Happy 3rd Blogiversary!
http://dogmomchic.blogspot.com/
Megan says
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
Rachel says
Congrats on 3 years!
Kelly Brown says
I would buy some shoes!