Turning One + A Giveaway

Happy Friday! Aren't you glad the weekend is finally here? After the busy work week I've had-- full of late nights and early mornings-- I definitely am!

But let's not rush off into the weekend too fast, my friends. Today is a special day. Today, this blog turns one year old! Yes, it is my blogiversary! (Or is it my blogoversary? I can't decide.)

A year ago today, I started up the lovely dove. I had been reading and commenting on some blogs on Glamour and A Cup of Jo and a few others, so I decided to give it a go myself. As a reporter who primarily covers City Hall and the police department, I thought blogging would provide the perfect outlet to stretch my more creative writing muscles. And it has. But it has done so much more.

Sure, I knew there was a blog community out there, but I didn't know how amazing it is. And never did I imagine how connected I would become to other bloggers and the friends I would make-- some that I've met, but most that I haven't. The funny thing is, it doesn't even matter if we've talked face-to-face. I feel like I know so many of you, and you know me-- sometimes better than the people in my "real life."

I am so grateful for every person who takes the time to read this little corner of the blogosphere. I don't tell you enough, but each comment brightens my day. Each comment makes the world feel like a smaller place.

As someone who was never able to keep a journal or a diary for more than a few consecutive weeks, this blog reaching one year is quite an accomplishment for me. Yes, I am a bit irregular in my posting and will leave unannounced for days at a time but I always come back. I have to come back. Thank you for being here and coming along for the ride.

To celebrate and say thanks to all my fabulous readers, I am having my first-ever giveaway! This really is one exciting day, huh? I've put together a little package of treasures made by some talented Etsians. Since blogging is what introduced me to Etsy (and consequently made me obsessed with the handmade goods site), it only made sense to go to Etsy for this giveaway. All of the items I am giving away are from new-to-me shops that are worth a peek or two... or three.

Here's what you can win:

A 2010 desktop calendar from photographer Gabrielle Kai.

I stumbled upon Gabrielle's work last week and instantly fell in love with her ethereal and inspiring images. The calendar includes four of her whimsical images printed on linen cardstock. And since three months are printed on each card, you get to enjoy each image that much longer!

A cute jotter notebook from Olive Manna.

I love the unique design on this purse-sized notebook, which has 48 pages of blank white paper-- perfect for making to-do lists (you know how I love crossing things off!) or even doodling.

A handwoven navy cotton and gold bracelet from Dores.

I think I've hearted half the stock in Stephanie Renee's lovely handmade jewelry shop. Everything is simple but gorgeous, like this modern twist on the classic friendship bracelet. What better to give to one of my bloggy friends?

All this (and maybe a little surprise) will come to the winner in a pretty package worthy of its contents. So how do you enter? I'm going to make this simple, but first, you have to be a follower of this blog since this giveaway is for my bloggy friends. If you're new, welcome and don't worry! Just go click follow-- easy peasy. Other than that, just leave a comment below and make sure there is a way to contact you if you win! I will announce the winner on Wednesday.

Oh, and this is totally open to my international readers!

Good luck! And thanks again for being here.

xo,

balloon image via we heart it 


{Edit: If you follow my blog some other way, say on your blogroll or google reader, that's totally fine. Just let me know :) }