My 5,000th Post (And 10 of My Favorites!)

I couldn’t resist making a post about this blogging milestone today, friends! I noticed a few months ago that I was nearing this seminal moment. I was probably within 200 posts at the time, and I couldn’t help starting a countdown. It’s sort of appropriate that I’d reach it at the end of the summer, just as the seasons are about to change and I’ll mark seven years of blogging this November.

AHHHH!!! How crazy is all that? It just honestly boggles my mind sometimes — in a good way, of course. A very, very good way! After all, it’s so important to just STOP sometimes and take stock of everything that’s happened and where we are; it’s that sort of reflection that gives us the pause we need to also look toward the future. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to have an impromptu celebration or dance party — or both!

Anyway, I was thinking about those 5,000 posts, everything from Letters To My Future Husband to disability chat to fashion fun and I realized something: I’ve loved every minute of this wild, crazy ride. I never could have imagined seven years and 5,000 posts ago that I’d be here today, celebrating such a milestone. Here, in no particular order, are 10 of my favorite posts…

*Four Things I Know About Love.
*Questions I’d Like To Ask My Father.
*140+ song lyrics.
*An Open Letter To You.
*Fun, festive Holiday Gift Guides.
*On Facing My Depression.
*Disabilities and Changing Perceptions.
*Wise Words on Crying.
*What If You Don’t Want Kids?
*…and of course, where it all began!

And of course, it goes without saying, but you know I’m going to say it anyway (when have I not…?): THANK YOU, FRIENDS!!!!! I love having you by my side each and every day — you never fail to make me smile. Here’s to the next 5,000 posts! Are you ready?? Let’s go… xoxo

[Photos via Audrey Hepburn Complex]

So About What I Said’s sixth birthday

I must confess: I forgot a very important blog-related milestone last week. I’m not exactly sure how I even missed it seeing as how I have a pretty photographic memory when it comes to birthdays and anniversaries. Seriously, ask me what I was doing in, say, April 1993, and I probably could tell you — well, maybe not with 100% accuracy, but my batting average is still pretty good (is that the correct sports metaphor?).

But I digress. Anyway, as I was just about to settle into the weekend on Friday evening, it hit me. Like a pretty big ton of bricks, actually. Or a sucker punch to the heartstrings. Yes, more like a sucker punch to my very heartstrings. It was…

…wait for it…

…So About What I Said’s sixth birthday!

SIX. YEARS. Let’s just let that fact sink in for a moment, shall we?

I’m sure I’ve said this once or twice before, but I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by! I was a plucky lass in her twenties when I hit publish on that first entry in 2008. Initially, I honestly didn’t think my blog would go anywhere or even be read by anyone outside of my immediate family. And I certainly didn’t think it would be around some six years later. Where does the time go? Picture me saying that in my best curmudgeon-y grandfather voice! Three more things I never expected that have brought me such joy over the last six years…

1. Getting to explore my interests (and discover new ones!): I know it’s hard to believe, but I was never really interested in fashion or beauty of any sort before I started blogging. Some may say I was even just a plane Jane. I’m not saying I’m Lady Gaga and wearing meat dresses now, but I’m learning how fun it is to experiment and discover your favorite trends and styles. Plus, I mean, polo shirts — who doesn’t love a good polo shirt?

2. Making so many amazing blogging friends: The blogging community never fails to amaze me. We’re quite the force, aren’t we? I feel honored that so many bloggers invite me into their lives with each new post and you’re able to form such a unique connection. I feel like I’ve been on such a journey with some bloggers that I’ve read since the very beginning, and I can’t help but smile when a new post shows up in my feed!

3. Writing through my issues: It’s not secret that I’ve been pretty honest and vulnerable over the years. Some may think I’ve been a bit too open and honest, but from day one, my goal has been to ALWAYS be myself and to tell my story. So, really, I’ve never even considered being anything but honest, which is something I think people have connected with and related to their own lives. Writing about my disability, my depression and my father’s suicide has helped me work through so many emotions. I can continuously feel my shoulders getting lighter and lighter, and I have this blog to thank for that.

And, speaking of posts, here are six of my all-time favorites…
*Three lessons from my sister
*Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #1
*Five questions I’d ask my father
*An Open Letter To You
*What I’ve learned about suicide
*MEMO TO MEN: My dating options?

I suppose all this blubbering boils down to this: Thank you, friends, for always sharing your stories and for always being who you are. It’s a beautiful thing. Let’s never stop doing that, OK? After all, we’re all in this blogging journey together! I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see what’s next! xoxo

So About What I Said reader feedback results

As part of So About What I Said’s fifth anniversary a couple weeks ago, I invited you to complete a blog survey to help me better gauge the pulse of the blog as well as plan for its future. And, well, boy did you answer, friends! You told me what you loved, what you didn’t love and even gave me some awesome suggestions of future features you’d like to see! I loved looking over all the feedback. Here are some of the highlights…

*A new feature you’d like to see…

—“I really love seeing the world from your view since you have such a unique voice. Maybe you could write more about what you do as a writter. The whole process of what you are writing, submitting an article, what you look for in magazines that you submit to.”

—“DIY, maybe? You could try a craft, recipe, or DIY-anything (even something like teaching yourself cursive, french braiding, or some basic parts of another language!), and walk us through the steps. Book reviews, recommendations, and things you’re looking forward to or interested in reading.”

—“Perhaps a feature where Mr Melissa Blake writes to you?”

—“I would say a feature highlighting a good book or something fabulous that you bought and like. I love recommendations.”

—“I love your blog, but I think it’d be fun if you included a regular feature where you try new things and write about the experience. like speed dating, or a new food, a cocktail (!), a rock show. document yourself doing things you’ve never done before. I think it’d be really interesting to read about you on new adventures. you’re such a talented writer!”

—“I’d love to see you try an on-line dating venture and then have a subsequent feature journaling your progress, woes, and successes!”

*How you’d describe So About What I Said in 3 words…

—“Fun, lighthearted, honest.”

—“Real. Eloquent. Heartfelt.”

—“Refreshing, sweet, lovely.”

—“Edgy, smart, vulnerable.”

—“Comforting, wistful, sweet.”

 —“Quirky, carefree, engaging.”

—“Authentic, humble, and courageous.”

Thanks so much, friends, for all the wonderful feedback, and congrats to Laura for winning the free month of ad space. Love you all… xoxo

[Photo via This Is Glamorous’s Pinterest]

So About What I Said blog survey (win a prize!)

I had such a wonderful time celebrating So About What I Said’s fifth birthday last week, and I hope you enjoyed all the fun posts and the stroll down memory lane, friends!

But! It’s time to look to the future. In thinking, brainstorming and planning the blog’s future, I have so many ideas in mind. From some fun new features to old favorites, I’ve never been more excited about the next five years of So About What I Said, and I would love for you to be a big part of it all. You’ve helped shape this blog so much in the past, so I’d love to have your help in shaping its future.

I’ve put together a short 10-question survey, and I’d love to hear what you love, what you’d like to see more of, what you’d like to see less of and any other general blog-related opinions you may have. And the prize! Did I mention there’s a prize involved? After you take the survey, leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win a free month of ad space! It’s the perfect chance to promote your blog, Etsy shop or brand.

So, take the survey here between now and December 2nd, and don’t forget to let me know you did so below. Thanks again for everything, friends, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts! xoxo

[Photo via We Heart It]

5 Days of Giveaways (Day #5): Simag Golden Bar Necklace Giveaway!

Today’s giveaway is from Sima from Etsy shop Simag Jewelry. Sima’s handmade jewelry is simple and unique, from necklaces to rings to wedding items. She finds inspiration for her unique jewelry from her travels, her family and the beauty found in nature.

She’s offering this sweet and elegant Golden Bar Necklace ($36 value) to one lucky reader. This is one of Sima’s favorite necklaces from her shop, and she’s excited to be giving one away today!

For your chance to win, simply visit Simag Jewelry, and leave a comment below. You can also LIKE Simag on Facebook and FOLLOW on Twitter for extra entries — just make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry. A winner will be chosen at random next Friday, November 22nd, so you’ve got a whole week to enter! Good luck, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Celeste! Thanks so much! 🙂