one year.

{photo by Michael Bullock via Style Me Pretty}

One year ago today, I wrote this post. While plotting out today's post, I realized just how this {nearly} daily exercise of blogging has transformed me in some many ways. I started this blog for a number of reasons: I needed a fresh focus and a creative outlet in a serious way. I knew I couldn't survive another New England winter without some sort of project...little did I know that "project" would become so much more. Over the last 365 days, I discovered a new passion for life which I desperately needed. 

Here's a little review of this year...
My first Friday's Fancies looks quite a bit different than my 50th, not to mention the fact I'd never heard of a link-up back then...but now, I can't imagine a Friday without the nearly 100 lovely ladies who choose to spend their valuable time creating their own posts. {I truly count my blessings every day for all of you!}

I introduced Lucy and Gus, only for us to lose our dear Lucy four months later. {cv}, Gus, and I took a little time before introducing Pinky to our family in June. Pinky is now Mr. Pinky though...you have to love those surprises! Though a little part of our heart is still missing, Mr. Pinky and Gus brighten our days in so many ways.

I took my first design class at RISD in January and have taken three since then, which helped me immensely in improving this blog.

Our wedding lived on here and here {and for those of you who haven't seen it--here!}.

I finally got the courage to share my story, which served as half of the inspiration for sun savvy--a pledge I believe everyone should take. 

I love seeing the conversation around long distance relationships grow, be it through my {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series or some of my favorite posts {see here, here and here}. The time that {cv} and I spent long distance definitely made us the strong couple we are today...and I am beyond grateful for that.

I discovered that years only make friendships stronger--and better. I learned that the miles between us stand between us are no match for us. I have also met lifelong friends through blogging. Those who aren't in the blogging world may think it's strange, but they just don't understand. I truly can't imagine my future without them! I can't wait to meet even more of you as time rolls on...

I still love fashion. I still can't afford it, which is exactly why I'll stick with Friday's Fancies ;)

I adore {cv} today, like I did on November 17th, 2010...just more. I pinch myself every day that God blessed me with him. I also have the best parents in the entire world.

I just want to thank each and every one of you for making the last year the best one yet. My gratitude can't be contained in words. One thing is for sure: I can't wait to see what this year brings...

All of my love!

P.S. Be sure to check out my little snippet on breakfast at toast as part of her week of thanks! :)

52 comments:

  1. this is amazing! congratulations on growing your blog so much in such a short time. i really should look into those risd classes!

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  2. Congrats! You've achieved so much in just one year! I love looking at all the old posts.

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  3. Happy Birthday! It is our Birthday as well!

    www.sadieandstella.blogspot.com

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  4. congrats lady!!

    so excited this blog has brought us together!

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  5. Congrats on one year! I love looking back and reading old posts. :)

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  6. Congrats on one year of blogging. I really enjoy your blog and am so happy you decided to join the blog world :)

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  7. you have accomplished so much in a year, congrats!! i love reading your blog and I just caught up on what I have missed for the last year with this post! xo

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  8. It's awesome to look back and see how much your blog has evolved! Great job with sticking with it, it's a big deal!

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  9. What a great post Alison, and a huge congrats for hitting one year! Your blog is amazing, and I'm so glad I've been able to get to know you through it (and even in person)! Here's to you!

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  10. that made me tear up! so proud of you and all that you have accomplished in a year! (and i just watched your wedding video for the first time and i am dyingggg at how cute it is!) so happy to include you as a real life friend! xoxoxoxox

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  11. congrats! Such a huge accomplishment and so many stories and memories over this past year! You have created such a lovely little place here:)

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  12. Congrats on all your accomplishments! I am so glad you live close by and that we get to do meetups.. which you are INCREDIBLE at organizing, by the way!! xo

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  13. Such an adorable post! I'm so glad your blog is everything you wanted it to be and more..it's a great blog.

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  14. I cannot BELIEVE this blog is only a year old-- you have achieved so much!! I had never seen any of those features on your wedding and I'm not ashamed to admit that watching your wedding video actually just made me cry! You're amazing av, so proud to know you! xx

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  15. Congrats, Alison! I read a few of your old posts today, since I am a relatively new follower. No idea about the skin cancer - really enlightening. Glad to see you're fine and adding loveliness to the blog world!!!!! CHEERS!

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  16. Congrats!! Love you blog because of it's realness and relatability Keep on blogging!!

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  17. Congrats on one year! Your followers are such a testament to how much we adore you! So glad I got to meet you through blogging! :)

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  18. Happy birthday to your little blog :) I'm so glad I got to meet you, and I can't wait to see you at the Fiesta super soon!! This blogging world is simply amazing.

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  19. You ROCK! Congrats on your anniversary AV. You are such an asset to us all. xo

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  20. congrats chickadee! im SO happy that we have been able to become friends this past year. you are one of the sweetest people i know and im lucky to have you as a friend. xo

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  21. Congratulations! I love your little blog and look forward to opening up my reader every morning and checking for the latest posts. If I had champagne right now, I'd totally make a toast to you and {long distance loving}. :)

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  22. aw yay!! congrats on the blogiversary! your blog has exploded in less than and year and you should feel SO proud at what you've accomplished!

    xo

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  23. Congrats av! Such great successes for such an amazing person. I wish you all the best in your next year. xoxo

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  24. Congrats!! It is interesting looking back at your first post, love the progression. I hope you're having a wonderful day! :)

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  25. Congratulations on 1 year! i just read the "share you story post"- wow. what a story. so glad you read that article. i am so fair skinned and always the palest of my friends who tan easily and go tanning (though not as much anymore since college). i know i may be pale and get made fun of/joked at, but i will be (fingers crossed) healthy! :)

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  26. Congrats! We need to cheers at the DC blitz :) xo Lisa

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  27. happy one year lady! it's fun to see the evolution your blog has gone through, and your life as well! xo

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  28. congrats, girl!! your blog is a fave :)

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  29. Aw, congratulations!!! Happy one year... how exciting. LOVE your beautiful blog!

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  30. You're so sweet! Thanks for sharing this awesome post. Congrats!! Xo.

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  31. Happy bloggiversary!! It was fun reading some of your older posts you linked up since I have only been following for 2 months. Have a great day- congrats!!

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  32. Av! Congrats on your one year. I loved the walk down memory lane and you've accomplished so much. You truly are an amazing inspiration for us all (especially for new bloggers like myself)!
    Here's to another great year!
    Xoxo

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  33. so many wonderful things!! happy one year :) it's amazing to look back on a whole year, isn't it!

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  34. Congratulations! I hope I have as much success in my first year of blogging as you!

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  35. Congratulations!!! This is so awesome...you're blog is one of my favorites and I honestly look forward to it each and every day :)

    xo
    -Emmy

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  36. Congrats and happiest of anniversaries to you! It was wonderful to take a look back at all of those old posts (and watch your wedding video!). :)

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  37. so lovely! congratulations and happy anniversary! so happy to be part of your adventure!
    xx

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  38. congratulations! I'm so glad I've become connected to your blog. Your posts have such amazing style and it's fun to look at some of the older posts too.

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  39. To one incredible year, and many more! xoxox

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  40. Happy blog anniversary! I'm so happy that you decided to give blogging a serious go. You're blog has quickly become one of my favorites! [ & I'm so grateful for the wonderful blogger meetups you put together! ] Here's to many more years!

    xxx

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  41. congratulations lady!!! So happy I found your blog!
    xx
    Z

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  42. Congratulations! Your blog is one of my favorites.

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  43. Yay congrats!
    Love your blog just as much as I did the very first day! Glad to call you a friend!
    Love, Leigh

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  44. Congrats on a year of blogging! I'm new to the blog world, but I am already obsessed with it. Keep up the great posts! :)

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  45. Happy blog birthday! You're doing great things here and I'm glad you reached out to me to join FF all those months ago! Can't wait to see what the next year brings!

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  46. Congrats on everything good that has been accomplished this year! I almost cried reading the post about your kitty, I'm so sorry about that!
    -Val

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  47. So happy for you!! Happy Blogiversary to you my dear!! :) Hope you are enjoying it with a cocktail tonight ;)

    p.s. I was browsing your blog (in depth) today and came across your "sun savvy" post. Well, after years of NEVER going to a dermatologist... I scheduled my FIRST appointment today!!! I'll let you know how it goes.

    Thanks for being so fabulous!!!

    xo
    Jaclyn
    A Day in the Life and Mind...

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  48. Congrats!! Cant wait to see what the next year has in store for your blog! LOVE it!

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  49. Congratulations !
    beautiful blog :)

    santiroyalhome.blogspot.com

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  50. Congrats lady! We love your blog:)


    - Sara @ Gameday Stylist
    www.gamedaystylist.com

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  51. Wow, thanks for sharing so many of the highlights. Congratulations on one year and cheers to many more! Your blog has enriched my blog reading ten-fold. :)

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