I have always loved celebrating my birthday – it is my favorite day of the year. It is September 27th and at some age, probably in my pre-teens I started calling September my birthday month. Receiving presents and I love buying presents, probably why there has been over 30 gift guides on Sparkles & Shoes to date. Any reason for a good party and I am there!
When I was university I started the classic cocktail party, a tradition I carried on annually every Spring. And then with the blog, August 2nd became another date to celebrate, Sparkles & Shoes’ birthday. The celebrations have ranged from taking a few photos at home to lavish parties but regardless of the type of fan fare every year for the past decade I’ve planned ahead, purchased a few items (usually giant balloons) and published a post on that day. Except for this year. I missed it. I didn’t even realize until the evening of August 3rd that it had passed not only without celebration, but without even any notice. Wow. I would have never guessed I would miss my 11th blog birthday but my life is very different than it was in 2013, the first year of celebration.
Since the date had already passed I had thought about just letting it go without comment but Mark encouraged me to do a little something. Thus I ordered balloons on Saturday, on Sunday I picked them up, on Monday I took photos, on Tuesday I edited them, and now here on Wednesday and I’m sharing them and my thoughts on the blogs 11th birthday.
Sparkles and Shoes has always been a creative outlet. For years it had been a great way to document my travels and immortalize some of my biggest milestones. Now with my life changing it continues to be that online diary but in a different way. I know I am going to cherish my wedding updates, recaps of my solo travels, and now Lily updates. But as I have been trying to do on Instagram, with #realtalk, it is not always sunshine and rainbows. It gives me a it of anxiety to think about how many posts I have yet to publish (hello Croatia 2021, I’m looking at you) but I have the photos and notes on my phone and at some point will share them all with you.
And thus I am signing off on this post for my 11th blog birthday, thank you for being here!
Fit and Flare at the London Canals
Mark, Happy Anniversary
Happy 7th Birthday Sparkles and Shoes!
St Dunstan in the East, A Hidden Gem
Carol says
I don’t know what is my favorite part of the blog, your fashion, Fridays or your giftgiving health. Truly for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas giving gifts for guys gifts for friends. You are always spot on with so many different price points and interest levels that you cover. A wonderful resource, and I always end up sharing it with a few friends as well.
Same idea with your fashion Fridays. I really like how you don’t focus strictly on high-end things but colors for the season and cute accessories that are reasonable, etc..
Bernie says
I’ve been reading your blog for seven several years now, and really enjoy it. Probably at least every third or fourth post. I forward it to one of my friends as it’s relevant to some thing that they’re doing or needing to buy or a trip I think would be good for them. It’s a great selection,
Congratulations on 11 years.
Linda says
Congratulations what a wonderful achievement. You must be so proud of yourself.
I love reading your blog and I never know if it’s going to be a fashion tip, one of your worldly travels, or some shopping help. It’s kind of like going on a treasure hunt. Always fun.
Congratulations again.
TAMMY says
Happy 11th Blogversity to you and Sparkles and Shoes. Its been a journey. In 11 years you grew so much. FYI from other post I did not forget but you forgot. Boo Woo. On another note. Lovey dress.