Then & Now : My 2nd Blog Birthday




Yes, today is my blog's 2nd birthday!
Hard to believe I have been at it for 2 years. I had no clue what I was doing, and what doors would open.

Warning: Word heavy post.

Two years ago I was bored and unemployed. I guess, being a stay-at-home mom isn't unemployed but with kids at school full time, not much happening at home during the day, I was bored.

We had been back in Canada for a year and I wasn't having any luck getting hired on as a teacher. While browsing the internet, I googled looking for a design project ideas and I stumbled across The Nesting Place, which, then through links I came across The Little Green Notebook and Isabella and Max's Room. Wow - there were moms at home, writing about what I was passionate about - design!

Without giving it too much thought, I excitedly decided to do the same. Maybe I could inspire others with my frugal approach to design! I was glum about renting but if I could document how I turned this blah rental into a fabulous home, I would have something to do! So onto Blogger I went, set up a blog, quickly came up with a name {which I wish I had given more thought to!} and wrote my first post {don't ask me where the photos went}!

Flash forward 2 years. 

I had no idea how much this blog would mean to me, who I would meet and what opportunities would come my way.

 I never imagined that I would meet fabulous local bloggers and from afar who I could call good friends.

{Me, "working" it...}

I never imagined that  projects would be featured on other blogs and websites!


I never imagined that I would get to interview fabulous and famous people for my blog!


I never imagined having the opportunity to dialogue with major design magazines and companies. 

I never imagined I would be an co-organizer of a fabulous blogging event we aptly called Blend 2011: A fusion of social media and design, and I would get to work alongside Ikea Canada to put on our soiree.


I never imagined that I would get to meet the editor-in-chief, Suzanne Dimma, of one of my absolute favourite magazines, Canadian House and Home {one I have been subscribing to since it's beginning - thanks mom-in-law!} and Kelly Deck, our local Canadian design superstar!

I never imagined that I would go from 1 follower to 627!!!

I never imagined that I would so enjoy blogging and all the personal satisfaction that it brings.
Not only am I a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend and teacher but I am me. 

And it is through this blog I can find that piece of me and the joy that it brings.

This blog is mine :) 

What I want to say to you, my wonderful followers and friends, thank-you for reading my blog for these past 2 years. You have no idea how much your loyalty, comments and friendship mean to me.


I am sending you all big huge hugs and a huge smooch.

Have a wonderful long weekend.

Next week I have an amazing giveaway to celebrate!

I can't wait to share with you the re-cap of the fabulous blogger soiree, Blend 2011, I helped organize
AND
highlights from IDS West!

XO Barbara



33 comments

  1. Happy Birthday Barbara! Your blog is such an inspiration to those of us who are starting out. And the connections that you are helping to make are invaluable. Thanks so much.
    Kelly

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  2. Happy Blog Birthday!! I'm not surprised any of these wonderful things have happened for you because your blog is inspiring and your design point of view and projects are original and fresh. Congrats!!!! Have a great weekend.

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  3. congratulations on year 2! It is so inspiring too see how much success and satisfaction your blog has brought you. Hopefully your next year tops this last one!

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  4. Congratulations!!!! Your blog is one of my favourites and I wish only the very best for you & your blog!! Can't wait to see where this next year takes us :) xoxo

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  5. Congratulations on your blog's 2nd birthday! It's great that your blog brings you so many wonderful opportunities! Looking forward to see more inspiring posts in the future!

    Have a lovely weekend!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  6. Congratulations on two years Barbara! Your blog is fabulous, your a very talented lady!
    Have a wondeful weekend!
    Cheers!
    Shelly xo
    p.s. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. Congratulations Barbara - you're just rockin' it! You and your blog are both fabulous, keep on doin' what you're doin'!

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  8. Happy 2nd Birthday to hodge:podge!

    Isn't it crazy to think about what you did before you had your blog? It's hard for me to imagine. Two years for me this month too! Happy to call you one of my blog friends Barbara. Have a great weekend!

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  9. Congrats Barbara! To many more years of blogging ahead!

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  10. Happy blogiversary Barbara! What a fantastic two years you've had! You deserve all the accolades and success - you put so much thought and effort into your blog and projects and you are a constant inspiration. Wishing many more years of success!

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  11. Hello Barbara
    You have worked hard and stayed focused and I say "well deserved/congratulations" and may the year ahead be beyond your greatest dreams

    Helen xx

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  12. Happy blog-birthday darling!!! Your blog is so full of inspirations, amazing projects, tidbits from talented people, I could go on and on! I am so thankful that because of it we have had the opportunity to become good friends and discover how much we truly have in common in so many ways!! GIANT hug to you on this special day :)
    Nancy xo

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  13. Huge congratulations to you and the blog!!! It is fabulous and you deserve all the recognition that you/it gets! Looking forward to reading another year of posts!

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  14. I really loved reading this post, Barbara because I can really identify. Congratulations on two years of blogging. That's incredible in itself. So great to hear about all the wonderful things that have happened to you as a result! I think you deserve every bit.
    Camille

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  15. Congratulations Barbara! Yay for a great two years!! I'm glad that I found your blog through Allison a year ago! Time flies...

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  16. HaPpY BiRtHdAy!...It's a very beautiful place to visit and I really appreciate having you among my blog friends! Many, many wonderful years of sharing ahead...xo

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  17. Barbara,
    You've written such a lovely and thoughtful birthday post. Your journey over the past two years is truly inspiring, and it's wonderful to hear that your blog has given you so much joy.
    Happy Birthday and Happy Thanksgiving, Barbara!
    ~ Wendi !

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  18. Happy Birthday Barbara....Wonderful post and I agree...this blogging gig has really been a life changer for me also. I really enjoy reading your post...so here's to many more :)

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  19. Congrats on your anniversary and your success Barbara!

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  20. Happy Birthday Hodge Podge!!!! I think we all feel so fortunate to have gotten to know you. How lucky am I to have won a great friend when she entered my giveaway! I was the lucky one. Thank you Barbara for all that Hodge Podge has done for me!!!!

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  21. Happy Blog Anniversary and best wishes for another wonderful year! Your blog is lovely and inspiring!!!

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  22. Happy Anniversary Barbara!

    It's always a pleasure to read your posts. The Canadian Designer series was especially wonderful.

    Here's to another year of well deserved success!

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  23. Congrats on 2 fabulous years! Blogland is a wonderful place and it's amazing the connections you make and friendships you form. It's become a huge part of my life as well and I'm so glad to have "met" you. Here's to many more years! Xo

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  24. Congrat's on your 2nd anniversary in blog land.
    I am very new to blogs and your was one of the first I came across. Each and every day I find new blogs and I am trying to find more Canadian blogs. You have helped me with so much, more than I can put into words. Thank you.

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  25. Happy Blog Anniversary!! Love your blog. After reading this post I am truly in awe. I would love to head in the same direction with my blog but never find time to sit down and post. My inspiration has been ignited again by reading this post. Thanks so much!

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  26. Great Job Barb!
    Love your mantle at home & the last few blogs, your always so good to keep me informed!
    congratulations! birthday # 2!

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  27. That's a huge accomplishment Barb. Happy birthday! You have such a great blog and I always look forward to seeing what you're up to. Here's to many, many more years of successful blogging xo

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  28. That's a huge accomplishment Barb. Happy birthday! You have such a great blog and I always look forward to seeing what you're up to. Here's to many, many more years of successful blogging xo

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  29. Hey Barb... It has been a big couple years! It is so amazing where you started and where you have come! I hope to do the same thing in the next two years!

    Congrats!

    Tiffany

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  30. Happy Birthday Barbara! You have so much to be proud of and your blog reflects the great taste, style and ideas you have. To many, many more years!

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  31. Congrats on two years of blogging, Barbara! And here's to many more.

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  32. No, thank YOU!

    You attract goodness Barbara and your blog is a testiment to that.

    I am so glad to have met you in blog land and can't wait to meet you in person in November!

    Love to you!

    Mon

    http://www.splendidwillow.com

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  33. You've done so much with your blog Barbara. It shows how much you love this. So fun to realize our passions are our ripe old age ; ) Congrats on all you've accomplished so far. Looking forward to meeting you one day.
    Take care,
    Dana

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