Happy Birthday, #pfhtblog! (and Giveaway details!)

Ok… Warning: this is going to be a pretty sappy, relatively low content post (with a worthwhile announcement down below!).  But I think the day merits it.  Today**, penny for her thoughts turned 1! Happy Birthday!

It’s hard to imagine that just 1 year ago, I launched this blog with a post-snowpocalyse2015-that-never-was outfit* featuring photos that were terribly white un-balanced!  I can certainly say that #pfhtblog has come a long way since January 2015.  For one, the quality of pictures has drastically improved—thank you, new camera body and prime lenses!  But one year is truly a milestone.  It’s so easy for new bloggers to lose momentum, and there have been many times where I’ve felt that way too (even a little bit now!).  I often felt de-motivated or in way over my head, thinking “no one is reading your blog” or “no one cares what you’re creating.”  It gets to you, especially when each post that gets published on this blog requires hours of thought, preparation, and action.  

But when my personal motivation alone seemed to fall short of enabling me to follow through, I’m reminded of all the support that I’ve received through my friends, family, followers, and casual passersby.  It’s the support that I’ve received through YOU!  I read through every comment that comes in through any outlet and I listen to every critique that I receive in person.  And what I’ve been surprised about and realized is how strong a community I have in you, and how much I need a community in you!  

So to wrap it up, thank you to everyone who has ever commented or shared my content.  Thank you to everyone who has found a new accessory or piece of clothing through a blog post.  Thank you to everyone who has tried one of my recipes.  Thank you to everyone who has told me in private or in person about your support of #pfhtblog.  And thank you to all the silent readers who are constantly encouraging me to keep sharing!  

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And now for the somewhat long-awaited announcement.  The first ever, #pfhtblog giveaway in honor of the 1 year blogiversary!  I love accessorizing, and fell in love with these cute gold-toned, stone-accented bangles from the Loft—they’re such a universal peice that goes well with a number of different pieces, from casual and cosy to work life at the office.  Two winners will receive the beautiful bangles pictured below :)

To qualify for the giveaway, complete one of the following options.  Each option you complete between now and 11.59 PM PST of February 14, 2016 will earn you one entry for the giveaway!  The winners will be notified and announced in a blog post to follow.

1. Like or follow penny for her thoughts on 3 of the following platforms:
   • Facebook
   • Instagram
   • Bloglovin’
   • Pintrest
   • Twitter
   • Google+
2. Subscribe to the penny for her thoughts mailing list—look for “Stay In the Know” in the righthand sidebar—and leave a comment about what you’re hoping to read more of, or maybe something about yourself!
3. Fill out this super quick questionnaire (it takes less than 3 mins!)

Here’s to wishing everyone a wonderful end of January, and on to the second month of 2016!  Good things to come.  Thanks in advance for all your continued support!
-E

 

* PS: I still stand by that Little Red Riding Hood combination during the winter months and have donned the exact outerwear many times this season already! :)

* Originally written January 28, 2016.