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Happy 5th Birthday Sparkles and Shoes

08/02/17 | birthday, blogging, S and S Birthday

Sparkles and Shoes 5th Birthday Cupcake

Today my darling Sparkles and Shoes turns five, FIVE! That means if it was be a real person it would be starting kindergarten next month! Over the last half decade this blog has turned into a real living and breathing thing and outside of my family and a few very close friends, one of the longest term commitments I have had in my life.  When I started writing this birthday post a week ago I took a look back and realized as I “hit the keys” this is the 5th time I have taken a serious look back on just how far this S&S has evolved.  The biggest thing I have come to realize as I hit publish (or more like schedule) on most after most is how thankful I am that it has documented the majority of my post-college life.  (In case you want to go down memory lane here is the 1st Birthday, 2nd Birthday, 3rd Birthday, and 4th Birthday posts!) 

Sparkles and Shoes 5th Birthday Cupcake Lit

One of the biggest changes and I was reminded of it in my third birthday letter, is that for two years when I first started I thought I had to post six times a week (eek!) to make sure people came back and read the blog.  Then in 2015 I switched to Monday through Friday and 2017 has been the latest change yet with an average of four posts a week.  I made a commitment to myself over the past year that if I don’t have anything exciting to write about I am no going to write a post for the sake of it but more often than not, if that 5th post of the week is missing, it’s because I had a draft nearly ready to go but I decided to go live life instead of come home to my computer and finish it or publish something half way done.  And you know what? I am a happy person because of that decision! 

Today is the 1,320 post on Sparkles and Shoes and that means I have written about nearly everything I have ever cared about or wanted to share about with one exception – dating. I don’t feel like documenting dating in New York City or relationships is something I feel comfortable writing about this seeing that everyone from my grandmas (hi Meme and Nana) to my coworkers and clients read this blog.   But to be honest, the biggest thing is that depending on what you search S&S is one of the top three search results when you type in my name on Google and I try and my personality is big enough in real life without someone already knowing my dating history before meeting me. 

Sparkles and Shoes Birthday Balloons

As an early blogging birthday present I bought Sparkles and Shoes a face lift last month with a brand new design and a much more dynamic experience, especially for all of you that love to read from your phone – I hope you like it!  (And if you are in the market Lisette of High Note Designs did a terrific job!)  This post has been a little bit all over the place but I did just want to say a HUGE thank you – thank you for making Sparkles and Shoes a profitable passion and side hustle for me and for opening doors to a whole host of opportunities.  And to thank you all for reading and your support over the years a $100 gift card to one of my favorite stores, Shopbop, will soon belong to one of you – enter this international giveaway below! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

What is your favorite thing about Sparkles and Shoes? 

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Comments

  1. Laurie Nykaza says

    August 7, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    Blank Denim
    Denim Jacket is so cute love to wear one they have great items to choose from.

  2. Jenny Scheldberg says

    August 7, 2017 at 9:46 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! I’d love a Kate Spade wallet.

  3. Margaret S Porter says

    August 7, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    The ex boyfriend trucker denim jacket

  4. Cynthia Richardson says

    August 7, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    I would get the Emma Power Legging Jeans

  5. Cheryl B says

    August 7, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    I like the Madewell Denim Jacket.

  6. Sandra Preti says

    August 7, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Congratulations on five years! I would love the embroidered dress on ShopBop.

  7. Amanda says

    August 7, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Happy blogging birthday and what an awesome giveaway, thank you!

  8. Rust says

    August 7, 2017 at 7:53 am

    I could use the Sorel Out ‘n About Leather Booties for winter.

  9. Sara Vitorino says

    August 7, 2017 at 6:55 am

    I’ve been reading you blog for over an year, continue with a great job you’re doing!
    Amazing giveaway, hope I win!

  10. Rosie says

    August 6, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    Congratulations!!!!!! A real accomplishment and something to be so proud of!!!! I like the Only Hearts
    Second Skins Slip!!

  11. Kenya F says

    August 5, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Congratulations! 5 years is a long time in blog world! Keep up the great work! I love your blog especially about your travels. 🙂
    If I’m the lucky winner, I would get the Cynthia Rowley Gemma Satchel!

  12. Sandra Clayton Rose says

    August 4, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    Hi,
    I just found your blog today on Twitter. I just love the things that you blog about. I’m really into Jewelry. So I decided to enter your contest.
    Keep spreading the Joy,
    Sandra

    • Sandra Clayton Rose says

      August 4, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      Congratulations too!!!!

  13. Nicole says

    August 3, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Congrats lady, you rock!

  14. Nicolette says

    August 3, 2017 at 11:41 am

    Congratulations! Happy Birthday to your blog. From a fellow New Yorker this blogging world is so great. keep doing what you are doing!

    Xoxo,
    Nicolette

    http://www.fashionworthknowing.com

  15. Marta says

    August 3, 2017 at 10:32 am

    Hi! I think I’ve been reading your blog for more than a year. I remember a post where you said you were coming to Spain a year ago. As for what I would buy, I’d choose something by KSNY as it is a designer we don’t have in Barcelona. I love this rose gold bangle.
    https://www.shopbop.com/get-connected-loop-bangle-kate/vp/v=1/1544269326.htm?fm=search&os=false
    Thank you!
    Congrats from Barcelona!

  16. Christy Peeples DuBois says

    August 3, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Congratulations on your 5 years. I can’t remember how long I have followed you. But I enjoy your posts.
    I think I would the Soludos Tassel Mules I believe. Thanks.

  17. Abril Ponce says

    August 2, 2017 at 11:30 pm

    five years are not easy in the blogging word. Congratulations and cheers to many more!!
    x,abril
    The Color Palette

  18. Kayley says

    August 2, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    Congrats on five years! That’s a big accomplishment. I’ve been reading for a few months.

    If I won the giftcard, I’d be tempted to get the endless rose contrast lace dress because of its unique design.

  19. Kim Pincombe-Cole says

    August 2, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    Happy Blogiversary!! I’ve been reading for at least 3 of these 5 years – it seems like it gone by so fast…
    Right now I have my eye on the “ENGLISH FACTORY Tie Sleeve Blouse” and “PAIGE
    Skyline Ankle Peg Jeans with Uneven Hem” at Shopbop!

  20. Michelle Castagne says

    August 2, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    I would like the McQ – Alexander McQueen Oxford Sunglasses.

  21. Linda Manns Linneman says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    It sounds like you have accomplished alot in five years. I am happy you stuck with it. I enjoy your blog. Happy 5th Birthday. God Bless

  22. Courtney says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    How exciting! Congratulations and good for you for staying so consistent!
    xx
    Courtney || https://courtneylivin.com/

  23. Ginny says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Happy Blog Birthday and that blue dress is sooo pretty on you.

  24. Lisette says

    August 2, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    Congratulations on another year, beautiful girl!

    I love this blue dress on you!

  25. keri says

    August 2, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    Wow, that’s crazy!!! Happy Anniversary 🙂

    Enclothed Cognition

  26. Karen says

    August 2, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Happy 5 years! Thats a big accomplishment <3

    https://lionesssk.blogspot.com/

  27. Rosie Areola (Heather) says

    August 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I’d love to get the PUMA Fierce Strap Flocking Sneakers!

  28. TAMMY says

    August 2, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Happy blog birthday. 5 years is a big accomplishment. Did you have a blog party. Dating in NYC is horrible in general. I got lucky and found my man in Brooklyn. I had to kiss a lot of frogs to get there. I think you should put out dating advice in general but not include your self. Some day you will find someone special. When the right guy comes along then you can announce him.

  29. Patti says

    August 2, 2017 at 10:22 am

    Happy 5th Birthday Sparkles & Shoes! I love reading your blog each day.

  30. Gentry Adams says

    August 2, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Happy happy 5th Birthday S&S!!! That is so exciting and such a wonderful milestone!

  31. Michelle says

    August 2, 2017 at 9:57 am

    I’d get one of the many beautiful purses they have.

  32. Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels says

    August 2, 2017 at 9:31 am

    I love the new design! Happy blogiversary and birthday!

  33. Anna says

    August 2, 2017 at 7:34 am

    I’ve been reading your blog for over two years. I wish you a happy blogiversary ☺

  34. Megan says

    August 2, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Happy Birthday – what a great achievement!

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog.  I am a New York City girl at heart but I moved to London in the Spring of 2018!

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