Home » Blogging » First Blogiversary Video & Giveaway for 6!

First Blogiversary Video & Giveaway for 6!

Today is no ordinary day.  Oh no.  Today is my first blogiversary!  That’s right, ladies and gentlemen: The Thinking Closet turns one to–day!

As I sat on the couch in our cabin up at HoneyRock Camp two weeks ago, reflecting on this past year of blogging, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.  And you know why?  Because of YOU.

And so, I made a video expressing that gratitude and posted it for the world to see on YouTube.  But really, I don’t care if the world sees it.  I really just want you to see it, dear reader.  So, here it is, my first silent film:

I meant every unspoken word.

But wait, there’s more….

As many of you know, one of my love languages is gift-giving, so it felt fitting to also express my thanks to you all with a giveaway so epic, it boasts prizes for six different winners!

1st Blogiversary Giveaway - 6 Awesome Prizes for 6 Awesome Readers - at thinkingcloset.com 9/6 - 11!

Thanks so much to my fantastic sponsors who so generously donated the prizes to make this blogiversary giveaway possible!  Here’s a run-down of the goodies up for grabs:

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$40 gift certificate to The Fabric Fairy

$40 Gift Certificate to The Fabric Fairy - - 1 of 6 prizes in The Thinking Closet's Blogiversary Giveaway!  9/6 - 9/11

Visiting Megan’s site really is a magical experience: prepare to get lost drooling over all of her yummy fabrics.  I’m especially a fan of the unique Japanese fabrics she carries.  (And yes, this is the same Fabric Fairy of Bonanza Box fame.)

You can follow The Fabric Fairy here:

website | facebook | twitter

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$40 gift certificate to Icon Wall Stickers

$40 Gift Certificate to Icon Wall Stickers - - 1 of 6 prizes in The Thinking Closet's Blogiversary Giveaway!  9/6 - 9/11

You know you want a huge T-Rex on your wall.  Or a seahorse.  Or how about some palm trees, so you feel like you’re on vacation year-round?  The winner of this gift certificate will get to choose from 1000s of wall decals from Icon Wall Stickers.  Oh, and these wall stickers are removable, so renters, rejoice!

You can follow Icon Wall Stickers here:

website | facebook | twitter

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complimentary enrollment in Everyday Happy e-course

Complimentary Enrollment in "Everyday Happy" e-course - - $50 value - - 1 of 6 prizes in The Thinking Closet's Blogiversary Giveaway!  9/6 - 9/11

If you already know Melyssa from The Nectar Collective, then you already know that the “Everyday Happy” e-course is going to be life-changing; she is one of the most empowering and inspirational bloggers I know, and she also happens to be co-teaching this course with Erika from Chimerikal.  It’s a 6-week happiness and self-love boot camp to which one Thinking Closet reader will receive complimentary enrollment.  But I say, let’s all sign up!  {Space is limited, and the course kicks off October 1st, so don’t delay.}

You can check out the Everyday Happy e-course here:

website | Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Sign Up | registration

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set of notecards & 3 prints from hanbphoto

 Set of Notecards & 3 prints {$45 value} from hanbphoto - - 1 of 6 prizes in The Thinking Closet's Blogiversary Giveaway!  9/6 - 9/11

Hannah of hanbphoto is a personal friend of mine who is not only someone I could chat with for hours over chai tea lattes, but is someone who also happens to be a gifted artist and photographer.  She creates retro-inspired photo prints and notecards, and one Thinking Closet reader will win a set of four “Fresh Air” notecards, a set of two vintage-inspired travel Colorado prints, and one 5″ x 7″ “Reminds Me of France” print.  Visit her etsy shop for a dose of romance and nostalgia.

You can follow hanbphoto here:

etsy shop | facebook | pinterest

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recipe for a crafternoon

2 crochet patterns & $30 craft store gift card - - 1 of 6 prizes in The Thinking Closet's Blogiversary Giveaway!  9/6 - 9/11

This prize package is a two-fold recipe for a crafternoon that includes:

The gals who sponsored this giveaway prize are some of the most genuine, heartfelt gals you’ll ever encounter in blogland…and I do hope you pay them a visit over at their amazingly creative spaces:

Petals to Picots:     blog | facebook | twitter | pinterest

Life After Empty Nest:     blog | facebook | twitter | pinterest

unOriginal Mom:     blog | facebook | twitter | pinterest

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$25 plum box from Pick Your Plum

$25 Pick Your Plum Box - - 1 of 6 prizes in The Thinking Closet's Blogiversary Giveaway!  9/6 - 9/11

What’s a Plum Box?  Basically, it’s a hodge podge of crafty goodness, and you won’t know what’s inside it until you open it up…but it promises to be thrilling, just like the daily deals on Pick Your Plum.  They sell items in a range of categories, from crafting to fashion to baking to home decor.  Make sure to sign up for their daily newsletter, so you can stay in the loop on their latest deal!

You can follow Pick Your Plum here:

website / newsletter sign-up | facebook | twitter

How to Enter This Epic Giveaway:

Whether you’ve been a loyal reader of The Thinking Closet since its inception or are here visiting for the first time {welcome!}, whether you live in the US or Germany or Timbuktu, everyone gets a shot at winning one of these six awesome prizes!

Since six is the number of the day, I created a short six question survey that should take you no more than a minute or two to complete.  With the feedback I gain from this survey, my hope is to make The Thinking Closet an even better space for you all in year two.

This giveaway is now CLOSED, but you are more than welcome to survey anyway.  I’d appreciate your feedback!

Here’s how it works:

  1. To take the survey, click the link within the Rafflecopter Widget below.
  2. Make sure to answer all required questions, then click SUMBIT.
  3. Important: Next, a screen will pop up with a “secret word.”  Make note of that word.  Remember it!
  4. Hop back here to the rafflecopter widget, type in the secret word, and click “enter!”  That way, I can verify your entry while keeping the survey anonymous…and that’s that!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run from today through next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. eastern, and I’ll be back next Friday, September 13th to announce the 6 winners, so stay tuned.

While shares are certainly not required, they are much appreciated!  If you think your friends or followers might be interested in joining in on the blogiversary fun, I’d love for you to send them my way.

And while we’re on the subject of giveaways, if you want to also enter to win a Silhouette Portrait, that’s happening right now, too!  My Silhouette Portrait Giveaway is open until this Sunday, September 8th, so click here to get in on that one, too.

To close:

Thank you once again for being the best readers a blogger could ask for.  You all deserve so much more thanks than I could ever express…but hopefully, this gives you a glimpse into my heart.

Three cheers for you!

Your biggest flan,

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P.S. Consider this my Friday Five Six, and you can visit Thalita to check out her Friday Five: Picture This!

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143 Comments

  1. Ok, I CANNOT believe that I hadn’t been over here to leave you a comment!!!! I mean, seriously, am I the worst bloggy friend ever? Ugh.

    Well, Lauren, you have done in one year what it takes some people SEVERAL to do. It’s no doubt thanks to the time and dedication and love and kindness and creativity and imagination that you put into – each – and – every – thing – that you do! We are all incredibly blessed that you’ve started this blog to bring people and ideas together. It’s pretty amazing!

    Also, I TOTALLY CRIED when i read your dad’s, sister’s and mom’s comments! Oh my gosh, like a little baby! But seriously, WOW! And they are all so right. God has such big and amazing plans for you and this is all just the beginning. I just know it. You are certainly a blessing in my life and an inspiration every day. Seriously I had all kinds of things lined up to write about the post…but they sort of melted away into just being so, so, so thankful for you.

    SO. THANKFUL.

    1. Thalita, you make me feel loved and celebrated with nearly every exchange we have…so don’t you ever think for a second that you could be a bad bloggy buddy to me.

      And thank you for your second paragraph…it’s what I need to read when I’m feeling like things aren’t “enough.” (That happens sometimes; the plight of a recovering perfectionist I suppose.) Truly, I feel so blessed that we met out here in blogland and forged the instant friendship we did. It’s people like you that inspire me to press on and to take creative risks rather than staying close to shore.

      Oh, dear Thalita, the fact that you took the time to read my family’s comments just warms my heart to no end. I think we’ve already adopted you into our family…(you should be getting paperwork to sign in the mail).

      But seriously, thank you for your words of affirmation about God’s purposes in my life. That feeling of gratitude that you articulated so enthusiastically? Well, it’s coming right back atcha. From me to you. So much thanks! {If you were here, I’d outstretch my arms and say, “This much.” To show you what I mean. It’s the kinesthetic learner in me. And the Italian. I talk with my hands.}

      xo -L

  2. Sorry to be so late to congratulate you on your first amazing year as a blogger! You’ve gone above and beyond any expectations I might have had…growing this site into a business/career but also a place to let your creativity out, splishing, splashing, and blessing the rest of us!

    I agree with your dad and Lisbeth that God (as the Master Crafter*) prepared you for this time and space. Remembering all those hours you were practicing your own style of fonts, your homemade gifts, your Jr-Sr Day decorations, your dramas, and skits…well, it all was for a greater purpose and it’s beautiful to see it unfold.
    I will be back to this post to watch the video again and again when ever I’m lonely and missing you and needing a good cry! The comments from your fans are heartwarming as well!
    Here’s to another great year ahead! * wise insight via Lisbeth

    1. Thank YOU so much for your ceaseless support and encouragement! I really don’t think I’d be blogging still if it hadn’t been for those faithful few (yourself included) who left me comments in those early days…they really powered me through! And now, God has richly blessed me and my little thinking closet to the point where I feel surrounded by a whole loving community of readers. It’s unbelievable!

      Ha ha, and yes, it’s fun to think back to the hours upon hours spent crafting and DIYing and creating art as a child…cheered on by Mama and sister and Popsie all the live-long day. Undoubtedly, God had a master plan for the years ahead. Still does!

      Aw, and whenever you miss me, know you can call me anytime, day or night! Though the video may be best if a good cry is in order. 😉

      Love you to pieces! -Laure

      1. Love you to pieces back! Yes, God has a master plan going forward…still unfolding!
        So thankful you have this wonderful community of readers that give-back and encourage you to keep on creating in your thinking closet!

  3. I’m glad I got to see this gem of a video on the FB, but wanted to also send my (belated) congrats on the blog! Happy 1st Blogiversary!!! It’s been a grand year of so many surprises, lessons learned, joys, new friendships, amazing gifts, humility, and artistry! I really loved how Dad pointed out how God’s prepared you over years for this calling. Wow, brings tears to my eyes right now to think of it. How God crafted YOU…with such strengths and talents to participate in his work! I see His glory in making you. So proud of you, my Laur. Can’t wait to see what year #2 will bring…oh, and we got another vids from you #thebest #score!

    1. After reading your comment, I just sat and smiled with my eyes closed for a long time. I just needed to sit and dwell for a while on the thought of God as the ultimate “crafter,” piecing us together out of his wild imagination with nothing but dirt and a rib. I don’t think I’ll ever think of “crafting” the same way again! Thank you for that brilliant (and wise) play on words. You are definitely your father’s daughter! And thank you for the words of truth and love you spoke into my life through this comment. Wow. So blessed to have you in my life, dear Lisbeth. #thetwinofmyheart

  4. Well, Laur. I thought the end of the wonderful combination of Erik Satie and my daughter’s silent and moving way of saying thanks was going to be the end of my tear or two. But then reading all the comments above put an end to that end. How wonderful a hall of testimonials to the power of love and hard work given and received and reflected back to you. You have taken A.P. Art and the Writing Center to new levels, unimaginable back then, but now how real and rich and just cheerfully cheesy.
    Love,
    Your Proud Dad

    1. Dad, your sweet comment brings back the waterworks for me all over again. It’s true – – reading these comments, I’m so humbled and touched and blown away by being afforded such an incredible community of readers (and yes, that includes you!). It makes me want to make The Thinking Closet the best Closet it can be in this next year of online “life.” And it is fun to think back to A.P. Art and the Writing Center and even Computer Class…all the moments of my past that helped prepare me for this one. That’s God for ya!

      Love,
      Your Devoted Daughter

  5. Hi my friend! Congratulations!! I’m sorry I’m late to the anniversary party. I actually read the post on your special day, but forgot to finish a comment, so now I’m back to give you a virtual high five and a hug and thank you for the special place you and your Thinking Closet have in my heart. I’m so proud of what you have accomplished and the love, integrity, humor, heart and intelligence you put into your blogging to give your readers a simple place of joy to visit for a moment of connection and fun. I have no doubt year 2 will continue in the same way. I loved your silent film, although I was a bit surprised you did not raise your glass of chai tea to us. Thanks for sharing your heart with all of us. You are much loved!

    1. Thanks for the virtual high five and hug, friend! They are so felt! Your words in this comment are ones I’ll return to if and when I’m feeling a bit lost or misguided (those moments are bound to come). I feel like you’ve spoken truth and love into me and my blog tonight, and for that I am so grateful. What a friend you are.

      And ha ha, I’m on a bit of an iced coffee kick these days (it’s too hot for hot chai), but don’t you worry. Once we start to actually get into “cooler” weather here in FL, I’ll be throwing back the chai lattes like it’s my job. Love back atcha, Jessica!

  6. Well, I am sorry I missed your blog anniversary. Let me wish you a belated one anyway. Happy, Happy Blogiversary! Looking forward to following as you enter into your second year.

    1. Thank you, Jenny Lynn! I feel the love, whether it’s on time or belated! (In fact, my family always spread out celebrations as long as possible, so you’re making me feel right at home.) Thanks for your support, Jenny, and for coming along for the ride! I so appreciate you!

  7. Hey Lauren- that was fabulous! My kids and I love that musical piece and what a great idea for a silent thank you! Happy Blogiversary and I am sure there will be many more to come!!!!! Way to go! whoo hoo- I will raise my glass of (iced coffee…a-heh-heh) to that!

    1. I’m delighted to hear you are a fan of Gymnopedie No. 1, as well! Great taste, my dear. 😉 And thanks for the raised glass of iced coffee in return and well wishes. You are such a sweet gal, and I’m so glad we are bloggy buddies!

  8. It took me a few days to get over here to check this out (school somehow snuck up on me!) I just wanted to say Happy Blogiversary and to encourage you to keep up your amazing work! Your creativity and talent have never ceased to amaze me since I first met you! I’m so proud of all that you are doing and I look forward to what this year has in store for you, my dear Lauren! I raise my hot cup of tea to you as I write this (hehe) and wish you another year of splishing, splashing, and spilling all over 🙂 PS. The subway art gift has found itself a beautiful home in my classroom yet again this year… ready to inspire all my new 8th and 9th graders! Thank you again! Love you, sister <3

    1. Ahhh! You’re back to school! I’m so glad to know that the subway art gets to help you kick off a new school year and hopefully remind you of your figgy friend in Orlando who loves you to pieces. Also, thanks for the raised cup of tea and affirmations! I feel the love, my friend, and so appreciate your unceasing support. I am so blessed to have you in my life! Praying for a strong start to the new school year for ya!

  9. Hi Lauren,
    What an amazing video! Such a genius idea. Congrats on such a successful year! And have no doubt on many more to come. I can only hope to achieve half as much as you. Such an inspiration always.

    Keep rocking on!
    Trisha D.

    1. You are too generous. And Trisha, you are already a blogging rockstar. So happy to have met you IRL this summer!

    1. Thanks for coming along for the ride, Midsommarflicka, and for being such an amiable road trip companion. And did you catch my reference to you and Johanna in this post? 😉

    1. Thanks, Melissa! I had so much fun putting it together – – it makes me want to do more videos going forward.

    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! I love that part of my blogging journey this past year involved getting to know through blog comments and emails…and then, through getting to MEET you here in Orlando! You are still and probably always will be my sewing role model.

  10. Well, I am clearly an emotional wreck today because your happy video brought tears to my eyes. So pleased for your success, Lauren! Here’s to many, many more happy years!

    1. Aw, Stacy. No, I think that just means you have an open heart! Which doesn’t surprise me in the least. Thanks for your kindness and support this past year! Your well wishes mean so much.

  11. Happy, happy, happy one year blogging anniversary! I loved this video! It made me laugh and cry! I knew from the first time I met you in blog land that you would be going places with your creativity! You are warm, kind, funny and very silly! Thanks for sharing of yourself and inspiring all of us to express our creative selves. You are inspiring and authentic!

    1. It has been such a happy blogiversary weekend…in part because of awesome comments like yours, Sandy! Reading it brings back to my memory the barrage of affirming words you’ve showered on me this past year. Thank YOU for your warmth, humor, heart, and creativity, which you exude not only in blog posts, but every interaction! Truly.

    1. Thank you, Kayli! I really hoped y’all would enjoy this giveaway and feel my love through the computer screen. 😉

    1. Thanks, Malia! I really do love any excuse to celebrate…and my first blogiversary felt like a really important day to commemorate. Thanks for joining in on the celebration. 😉

  12. The Thinking Closet has been wildly successful because you give of yourself, to all of us. Thank you!
    p.s. You are just the cutest thing ever and I”m so glad to have ‘met’ you here in blogland 😉

    1. That comment cut straight to the core. Thank you, Linda. If we ever met in real life, I’d probably give you a hug for two minutes straight. No exaggeration.

    1. Thanks for the high praise, Berennisse! (Still think that you have one of the coolest names in all of blogland.)

  13. happy, happy blogiversary!!! I am so impressed with how great your blog is after such a short time. I have really enjoyed finding this site and getting a chance to ‘know’ you. Spring is here (for us) and everything is blooming. Hope the colour of your harbour brings glamour!!!! You do not want to hear me say aluminium. I’ve been here too long!

    1. Dinky Di, thanks a million! And I haven’t forgotten about your sweet email; will respond to it soon, friend. (Ha ha. And you made my smile wide as can be with your “glamour” sentence. You know how to make a gal feel celebrated!)

  14. Lauren, your special personality, together with your abundance of “craftiness”, like that heart-felt video, are why we keep returning. I have a new Silhouette Cameo waiting to be set up, and the tutorials you give are really thorough and easy to follow. But most of all, your special personality shines through in all you do….so I keep coming back…like a bad penny 🙂

    1. Lynne, if you’re a bad penny, then I want a pocketbook full of bad pennies just like you! What a heartfelt comment. Yet another reason why I’m feeling so grateful for my readers.

      And I’m so excited for you and your new Cameo, Lynne! If you need any extra support, let me know. I will gladly send you an invite to my Silhouette FB group where you can ask any question in the world and have 100 ladies jump to respond to help you out. It’s wonderful.

  15. Happy Blogiversary Lauren!!! I’m so glad that I have stumbled on your blog! You are such an inspiration to me! Your video is so sweet! Thanks my friend, for every word of encouragement you share, for your creativity and your ability to touch so many with your kind words. I’m so glad you made that first click to blog! Maybe one day, I’ll be as lucky as some to meet you!!
    HUGS right back at ya!

    1. Aw, Tanya. Your comment makes my night! You are a rare and special bird – – you have such a giving and tender heart – – and I feel similarly grateful to have met you and to get to interact with you regularly on FB. Yes, I have faith that one day, we’ll have that precious opportunity to meet face to face. I can hear our squeals of glee now!

  16. What an inspiration you are! The last few months was Summer (duh.) but summer at Black Lake Bible Camp means total isolation from technology (mostly). Anyways, I have missed all of your cheesy jokes and your wonderful encouragement and inspiration. I am so proud of you! What a successful year it has been for The Thinking Closet!! Another reason why I think you are just So cool!

    1. Good for you for enjoying so much time unplugged this summer, Dusty! I figured that’s where you were. (I actually wrote a whole post on my week unplugged up at camp that you might find interesting when you have a moment to check it out: https://www.thinkingcloset.com/2013/08/26/my-week-unplugged-silhouette-winner/) Anyway, thanks for your kind words and celebratory comment! You know the coolness admiration goes both ways between us, sweet friend.

  17. Thank you soooooo much for creating this wonderful blog of yours. It is hard to believe it has only been one year, you have made it such a lovely place to visit. You are so good at blogging, and creating, and telling funny stories, and just being you in front of a bunch of strangers! You are just one amazing young woman, who is going to do so well in life! Hugs and a big smooch on top of your forehead from an old woman who looks forward to opening your email everyday.

    1. That last lines gave me shivers up my spine…so thankful to have a friend in you, Kristine. You have one of the warmest hearts I’ve ever encountered. Thanks for the hug and smooch! They are felt. And your oh so affirming words have me sitting higher in my chair tonight. Wow.

      You are such a gem! I was trying to remember how we “met.” Was it through the Lil Journal Project on Lil Blue Boo? I could dig through old comments to figure it out, but I wondered if you might remember…..

  18. Oh sweet, sweet Lauren! What a happy day it is! You’re uber-creative, high tech/yet old school heart warming video made me laugh and cry! Always glad to spend time with you in the Thinking Closet!
    Cheers to you my friend! Cheers to you!
    xxoo
    Therese

    1. Ha ha. I’m glad you appreciated the video, Therese! You are such a sweetheart (as much in real life as you are in blogland), and I’m deeeeelighted to know you, my Florida friend. Mwah!

  19. Happy Blog Day!!!

    I have only been stalking your blog for about 4 months now, but I feel as if I have gained a true friend!
    I hope you have lot more blog days to come! Even my Maggie Maggoo says Happy B Day! And I didn’t even make her cross her toes!!
    You have some great giveaways! I will have to check them out!! Just wanted to leave you a small note and to wish you happy blog ness!! Remember it’s all about the ness!! ( Did you see You, Me and Dupree).
    What a kind and sweet hearted person you are!!

    Love, LeAnn

    1. LeAnn, you are the sweetest stalker there is! 😉 Seriously, though, I so appreciate your warm and friendly (and funny) comments. The friendship is so mutual. To you AND Maggie Maggoo. Ha ha. And yes, I totally did see “You, Me, and Dupree,” (my husband quotes it all the time), so how could I forget the “ness”!? 😉 Thanks for making me smile a wide, toothy grin (yet again), LeAnn.

    1. Ha ha. Thanks, Kadie! I do want to make more videos on my blog because I think it is wonderful when we can SEE the bloggers we follow. It just affords us an even deeper connection than we already have. (Hint, hint.) 😉

  20. Happy Blogiversary to you! Happy Blogiversary to you! Happy Blogiversarrryyyyyyy Dear Lauren-slash-the-Thinking-Closet, Happy Blogiversary to you!
    Heart you, real life bloggy friend! I wish I’d found you sooner! I cannot wait to see what sort of adventures lie behind The Thinking Closet door for the next year (and many more) to come!

    1. What a performance! Thank you for your song and sweet comment, Emily! I knew we’d be instant friends when we met at Haven, and sure enough, I felt like connecting with you was like re-connecting with an old friend. I’m a huge fan of you and Two Purple Couches and am excited for YOU and your blog and the adventures that lie ahead for you on WordPress.org. Whoo hoo!

  21. Happy Blogiversary, Lauren! You’re the most sweetest sweetheart ever! I could just feel the love! What a great video!! Here’s to you friend! I’m raising my glass of Coke Zero to your iced coffee 😉
    BIGS HUGS!!!
    Jamie xo
    PS: Sharing on my FB today 😉

    1. That’s high praise! Thanks, Jamie. I am so thankful that we met at Haven; your comments and blog posts just hold all the more weight now because I know the incredible woman behind them all! And thanks for your Coke Zero cheers. That warms my heart. And thanks for the FB share! You’re the best.

  22. Happy BLOGIVERSARY!! I am so happy to have found you and your wonderful and interesting blog. You are funny, a great story teller and a very nice and thoughtful person. I wish I lived next door to you.

    1. Thank you, Karen! I, too, am so glad that we “met” and wish we were next-door neighbors. And instead of coming by to ask for string to pull my teeth out, I’d be coming by for Silhouette and crafting supplies…and of course, crafternoons! 😉 Wouldn’t that be fun?

    1. Thanks, Tori! So happy that my first year of blogging involved meeting you in blogland and in Orland-land! You are a gem of a gal.

    1. You are welcome, my friend! Thanks for always make me smile with your sweet-as-apple-pie comments and creative blog posts! Whenever I see handmade flip flops, I think, “That’s not as cool as Laura’s DIY’d pairs….”

  23. I loved your video and I love this blog! Thank you for giving us a year of your time, your talents, your love and your encouragement. It’s a pleasure to be a part of your journey. Hugs!

    1. Aw, shucks. Well, thank YOU for being such a voice of encouragement and affirmation in my life. If I never need to be built up, I just email CoCo. 😉

    1. You know it! #nerdallert Thanks for always laughing along with my and my cheesy jokes and nerdy ways. It means a lot to have a kindred spirit in you!

  24. What a lovely post and movie, Lauren! And I’m simply amazed that you’ve only been at this for ONE YEAR and yet accomplished SO much! 🙂 Thank you for all the fun and inspiration you share with the world . . . I look forward to following your writings for many years to come. Hugs, Katherine

    1. Katherine, thanks for being with me for the long haul. You were one of my first non-family blog followers, and your earliest comments on my posts (that hardly had ANY comments) meant the world to me. Thanks for being such a cheerleader for bloggers! And a true friend.

  25. Happy First Blogiversary! I loved your darling silent movie – hugs right back at ya! Thanks Lauren, for creating such a fun and inspirational blog.

    1. Thanks, Maaike! I appreciate your ever encouraging comments and support, friend, and I’m delighted to know my silent movie may have touched your heart. Cheers!

    1. Thanks for the high-five, Rachel! Hearing from you or visiting the R & R Workshop always brings a smile to my face!

    1. Yay! Thanks so much, Heather! I feel the same way about The Southern State of Mind…it always puts me in an inspired space when I come by for a visit.

  26. What an amazing year you’ve had here in this space! I look forward to seeing what year #2 brings! Congrats. 🙂 And hugs!!!!

    1. Thanks so much, Lacy! And it has been such a joy to get to bump into you in blogland, too. I’m a huge fan of you and your family. Then again, who isn’t? 😉

    1. Ha ha. If I ever need to feel pumped up, I’m going to play, “Eye of the Tiger” and read this comment. Thanks, friend!

  27. YAY!!!!!! Happy Blogiversary Lauren! So very exciting. And your silent film is adorable. 🙂 I would totally toast you with some iced coffee — and I am definitely sending you a virtual {hug}! Here’s to year 2!
    Kenley

    1. Thanks, Kenley! I’m so glad you enjoyed the silent film! (And thank you for your toast.) You’ve been such a dear friend and a huge support to me in this first year. You really are one of the most generous and open-hearted bloggers in blogland! (And that’s no exaggeration.)

  28. Lauren AHH your video was AMAZING! I was totally tearing up, my friend! You were one of the first blogs I found and fell in love with and I’m so lucky and thankful that I had you there to encourage me the way you do so wonderfully well. You are such a special woman and your blog’s total success is a testament to your character and spirit.

    And not to forget, thank you SOO much for inviting us to be part of this giveaway! We were so thrilled and your sweet words meant everything to Erika and me. I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for a year (you seem like an ol’ pro!), but I have a feeling there will be many more. 🙂 Congrats Lauren! You are such a superstar!

    1. Aw, thanks, Melyssa! I really can’t sing your praises enough; I think the Nectar Collective offers such a unique and important perspective in blogland, and of course, I know the Happy Everyday eCourse will offer the same and prove to be a vehicle for transforming lives. It meant a lot to me to get to include you and Erika in this giveaway goodness because it really is an extension of what I believe in! To get to give that to a reader is a gift to me! Anyway, thanks for the huge boost to my confidence with your most generous comment, and I hope you feel a boost in return, my friend!

  29. Happy Blogiversary to you! Happy Blogiversary to you! Happy Blogiversary, dear Lauren! Happy Blogiversary to you! (Just be glad that was typed and you didn’t have to actually hear me sing! ;)) What an exciting day, friend! It has certainly been a good year for you! I have loved following your blog, and I can’t wait to see what year 2 brings! Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!

    ~Abby =)

    1. I can hear your melodious voice through the screen, Abby! Thank you for that sweet rendition. (You sounded perfectly on pitch to me.) 😉 Yes, it has been a good year – – in part because I’ve gotten to “meet” fantastic ladies like you. Thanks for all that you do to make blogland a more uplifting and joyful place!

  30. Congratulations!! I absolutely loved your video – it was so clever!! You sure have accomplished a lot in one year!! Can’t wait to see what year 2 brings!!!!

    Big hugs back!
    Lynda

    1. Thanks a heap, Lynda! Getting to meet you and grow our friendship is one of the blessings of this past year that I feel so thankful for. Hope your September is off to a great start!

  31. Happy Blogiversary!! You look amazing for only being 1 year old! (Seriously, I thought you’d been blogging a lot longer than that.) I have no doubt year 2 is going to be great, and I’m excited to be along for the ride. {hugs back} -Emily 🙂

    1. Your comment cracked me up, Emily. Ha ha. Thanks! And some days, it does feel like it has been longer, like I can’t remember life before the blog. And other days, I think, “Wow, a year?! Already?!” Kind of like how I feel every time Mark and I reach our wedding anniversary. Thanks for your friendship and support, Emily. I feel the hug, too!

    1. Kirsten, your enthusiastic support of me is one of the many things I feel so thankful for this blogiversary weekend. What did I ever do to deserve such a supportive throng of bloggy buddies? Guess that’s grace! We don’t deserve it, but God pours it out by the bucket-full. Love and hugs back atcha, friend!

  32. Lauren, Happy Blogiversary!!! You have come so far with your blog. I am really excited to see where you will be taking it into the future. Here’s to year 2 and the many more to come! Cheers! {raised hot cup of coffee} and {hugs}!!!!

    ~Bethany

    1. Bethany, thanks for being such a huge to support to me from the early days through now. You are a rockstar of a blogger and friend. And thanks for your coffee cheers! I hear the clink across the expanse between us. 😉

  33. Congratulations on your 1st Blogiversary! Lauren, your blog is so amazing and you are such an amazing blogger I would have guessed that you had been blogging for longer than 1 year! Here’s to many more amazing years at The Thinking Closet!

    1. Marilyn, you have been a true friend to me this year; I’m so glad our paths have crossed. Thanks for the encouraging words, and I hope I can be as much of a blessing to you as you have been to me.

    1. That means so much to me! Thanks, Jessi! It was a highlight of my time at Haven to get to bump into you and share a table. You are a gem!

  34. Congratulations on your 1 year blogiversary!!!! Just recently found your blog, but have really enjoyed looking around at all your posts and great projects.

    Loved your video – so sweet 🙂

    1. So happy that you found your way over here, Vicki! And that you enjoyed my video. I really do have such love for my readers, old and new. Please know you are welcome here anytime!

  35. Is it cheesy that your silent film made me a little teary eyed?! You are just so sweet and I couldn’t think of a better gal to have had such beautiful success in this little closet you created as a child. Here’s to YOU, Miss Lauren, for giving us all someone to look up to, aspire to be like, be it meaningful reflections during a week unplugged, your recitation (is that a word?) of AALLL the presidents, or that “burlap bird” costume! Ha ha! You are a gem!! And a friend to all of us who have knocked on the Thinking Closet door… thank YOU for letting us in!! {Hug} back at ya! And CONGRATULATIONS on a year well-done!!

    1. Not cheesy at all! I got teary eyed as I wrote out those sheets of paper…and then again reading everyone’s comments here. It has really been an emotional weekend! 😉 I just feel so blessed with such loving friends and readers in this great big blogland. Somehow, I’ve landed the best readers ever, and you are no exception, Candace. Thanks for being such a huge support to me and a true friend. My gratitude cup continues to overflow.

  36. Well, reading this at work was a mistake! Had to run off to the toilet mumbling something about “damn pollen” haha HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY Lauren! I am SO happy/honored/delighted/humbled/excited/thankful/priviledged to be a part of this amazing journey that you’re on, and I CANNOT WAIT to see what the future holds for you – I know it will be fantastic because psst: you deserve the very best! <3 <3
    Also, thanks for the shoutout – DEUTSCHLAND, holla!!
    Ginormous blogiversary hugs!!

    1. Ha ha. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Johanna, even if it did conjure up your “allergies.” Johanna, you’re unceasing support of me and my blog means more to you than you know! You are certainly responsible for a huge heap of my gratitude, which resulted in this video and giveaway. And I’m glad you felt the love for my mention of Deutschland! 😉 Gotta look out for my girls abroad! Huge hug back.

    1. Thank you for the kind words and feedback, Laura! And congrats again on YOUR first blogiversary! So neat that we are in similar stages of the journey….

  37. Lauren,
    Happy blogiversary!!!!! I am very excited for you. As you know I only found you a few months ago and quickly fell in love with your blog. Your posts are such a joy to read and I love your projects! I enjoy coming each day to read your posts; they make my day! The video was adorable!
    Enjoy this celebration my bloggy friend!
    Hugs,
    Sandra
    The Adored Home

    1. Thank you, Sandra! I’ve been so touched by your huge heart for others, especially for me and my blog. I cannot wait to give you a hug in real life soon and very soon.

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