Happy...

...Birthday to my blog! It's been a year since I started, and although there are definitely times I've grown a little tired, I'm glad I have a record for my family, thoughts, ideas, etc. I've made some great friends. I've caught up with old friends. I've stayed in touch with friends who I've lost touch with in the past. I've made great recipes. I've made fun crafts. I've tried new restaurants. I've found great sales. I've gained spiritual insights. I've felt validated in my job as a mom. I've felt connected to people I've never "met" but who are in the same circumstance doing the same things facing the same struggles. It's amazing how comforting and motivating it is to read about others experiencing the same things. I now read more blogs than I'd care to admit on a plethora of topics from decorating to motherhood to cooking to design to weddings, but I think my favorites are the ones that share it all. I'll do a post with some of my must-reads next week.

To celebrate, I'd love to have a big party. Wouldn't that be fun? A summer garden party sounds lovely with dainty salads and sandwiches and pastries and flowers everywhere and fresh lemonade. While a party to gather everyone is a little unrealistic, I have something else in mind.

I think this calls for a giveaway! Once again, I'll customize my prize for the winner, but if I were to give you a sneak peek it would most likely include a few of my favorite things like stationary, treats, and great ETSY finds. Enter by July 31st and I'll announce a winner or a few next Friday. Love the element of suprise- unsure of the number of winners, unsure of the prize- makes you want to enter, eh? Nothing like a little spontaneity in blogging. If you've never commented, no time like the present. Hope you all continue to read How We Felt. And don't worry, our feelings aren't going anywhere. Cheers to another year of blogging, or another 10!

(image via flickr, of course)