the BIG two

Well friends, tomorrow marks my two year blog anniversary. In case you are wondering why I am posting today, it's because I have prior obligations tomorrow. Plus, I tend to start celebrating any event a day early. Except for my birthday, that's kind of a month long deal. 

Get ready, this is going to be a long-doozy one. One I hope you enjoy reading and gain something from. One with a HUGE surprise at the end. I kinda poured my heart into it.

Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Sequin Top (options here and here) // Nordstrom Faux Leather Skirt c/o (options here and here) // Daily Look Reed Heels // Ily Couture Necklace // Sally Hansen White Out Polish with Sparkle Polish at Tips from Ulta

(Photographs by Melanie Wright Photography)

Where do I even begin with what this year has gifted me when it comes to my blog? Never in a million bazillion years did I think I would stick with it this long. I had absolutely no idea the impact that it would make on my life, how I would transform as a person, the blessings it would bring or the sorrows it has sometimes caused. 

My first year of blogging I was still trying to figure it all out...trying to learn the ropes, meeting new friends, figuring out my site's purpose, commenting on other blogs for hours a day, getting my hands on as much blog information as I could, setting up social media accounts and the list goes on.

The second year things changed a quite a bit. I finally figured out who I was and what I wanted my blog to represent, learned that I could actually make a little money along the way, purchased a "big girl" camera, took my posts and photographs more seriously, worked harder than I have in my entire life, thought about quitting a hundred times, put myself "out there" more than I ever imagined I would, gained confidence in myself, realized that there are mean people out there that will do whatever they can to knock you down and came to terms that no matter how you try to explain it, people who do not blog will never understand the impact that it makes on a person's life.

And that's the next part of this post. The blogging community. I am not going to lie, tears are welling up in my eyes as I type. Dear Lord, this community is mind blowing. Up until two years ago, I had zero clue that it existed. The comradery that comes along with this world, well, there really isn't anything else like it. We all visit each others spaces day in and day out, supporting one another, lifting spirits, following lives, copying outfits, duplicating recipes, witnessing engagements/marriages, seeing friends get pregnant, watching those babies be born, comforting life's losses, applauding life transformations and also just simple daily updates. Just stop and think about. It is WILD.

There are hundreds of you that I have never met in real life, yet I feel like we are the best of friends. We text, talk on the phone, email, FaceTime, send each other gifts, mail Christmas cards and have inside jokes.

There are also a handful of you ladies, you know who you are, that have been here since the beginning and are still blogging your hearts out as well. Go us! We all know how many blogs come and go. To say we have all stuck with it for two years (some even longer) is something to be pretty proud of.

To all of those non-blogging buddies, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, emailing, leaving comments on social media and all the face-to-face kindness. 

I could have never done any of this without the support of my husband, my kids, parents, in-laws, family and friends. You guys mean more to me than anything in this world. I know you may think I am crazy for starting this blog and may or may not understand the ins and outs of it, but you have never stopped cheering me on. For that, I am humbled.

Out of everything that took place this year, two memories stand out in my mind. I don't want to bore you with a 12 month blog reel recap and I didn't have to think twice about these highlights; traveling to London as the Wallis Blogger Ambassador and blog friends that turned into real life. There are so many more blessings that came my way, but we would be here all day and I know you have better things to do and read.

However, I do want to share what I have learned through blogging; things that have guided me to become a more confident woman and taught some valuable life lessons. I wrote a few personal blogging tips earlier this year that think are super helpful for new and veteran bloggers, but at the end of the day, there is so much more to blogging than just growing your blog. Believe it or not, growing as a person is the biggest reward this little space has given me. 

1. People say they blog for themselves. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but this is so not the case. Maybe that was the intent at the beginning, but most bloggers blog for other people. That's why we do what we do, for people to read our stories and what we have to say. Yes, I blog for myself, but I equally do it for you too. Just as in life, don't always be selfish. It's not always about you. Live for yourself, do what makes you happy, but consider others and take care of those who are close to you.

2. You cannot and will not make everyone happy. Don't even try. People will become detached. You will lose touch with friends. They will "un" follow you in life. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It just means that you may not have the same interests anymore.

3. People come and go. The loyal ones that love you will stick around no matter what you do or say.

4. Don't let negativity stop you from your goals, aspirations and dreams. People can try and suck the life out of you, especially the ones that don't know you. Remember they are most likely miserable human beings just trying to make themselves feel better.

5. If you are not happy, forcing a situation or your heart's not in it, take break or re-route yourself. But always, always, always make sure it's for the right reasons.

6. Compare yourself to others. It's totally okay. We all do it. It's human nature. Just don't let it consume you. Use those "people" as inspiration, goal setting and to push you forward. Remember there will always be people in front of you and several trying to catch up to where you are at.

7. We all make mistakes. We are human. Learn from it, steer away from doing it again and move on.

8. Be genuine. People can smell a fake from a mile a way. At least I can.

9.  It takes money to make money. Yes, that may sound harsh, but just like anything in life, if you want to grow your blog/business and make a little dough on the side, you will have to invest. Just plan and spend wisely. 

10. Unnecessary drama is gross. Keep it classy and your nose clean. Believe me. I have been there, done that and have a few t-shirts from my past. 

And one to grow on....do what you love, love what you do. Go for it!! Believe in yourself. Life is too short. People may whisper, roll their eyes and think you are crazy. Hey, you probably will bite the biff a time or two, but to me, a few bruises are better than never stumbling at all.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I would not be here if it weren't for you and that's the truth. You guys are the reason I am here and coming back five days a week. Cheers to 2014 and all it has to offer.

Now for the surprise! I have teamed up with 12 of my favorite shops that have supported me since I started my blogging ventures for one ginormous giveaway. The prize package is worth over $350 and every single thing up for grabs is AMAZING!! Be sure to check out their sites because I swear each one of them have the cutest, most adorable and unique products around. Perfect for last minute holiday gifts or any other special occasion.

Two Tassel Bracelets from Cathryn Ann Designs // $25 to Sassy Steals // Heart Ring from Gigglosophy // Luggage Tag & Passport Holder from Gigi New York & Graphic Image // $25 to Outrage Fashion // $50 to Sass My Style // Cable Link Bracelet from Derng // Pencil Set from Fancy Things // Lenore Scarf in Oatmeal from Kiki La'Rue // $25 to Jane // $30 to Jeweler's Wife // Beaded Necklace from Noonday

a Rafflecopter giveaway