Welcome to Dressed for My Day and welcome to the birthday party! Today I’m celebrating one full year of blogging here at Dressed for My Day. And I’m so glad you’ve arrived. I have some party favors for you, so be sure to read to the very end.
Yep, it was exactly one year ago today that I officially opened the doors to Dressed for My Day. I had already posted a few posts (so there would be something to see when readers looked around!), but I hadn’t invited anyone in until March 16, 2018.
You may not think you’ve brought a gift to the party today, but actually YOU are the gift. My very favorite gift! In fact, let me share with you the many gifts I’ve received during this first year as a style blogger.
#10 – A New Wardrobe
Yep, no way around it. If you’re going to be a style blogger you do indeed have to buy some clothes. Because I’d just lost 20 pounds on the FASTer Way to Fat Loss when I began blogging, I needed new clothes anyhow. So I began rebuilding my wardrobe about this time last year.
It was hit or miss at first. But over the year I’ve learned a lot about building a wardrobe that works for me. And this year I’m refining that process with my new style series: Building a Wardrobe that Works for You. I hope you’ll join us for that series! Anyhow, I won’t be buying as many clothes as last year, but I will be sharing plenty of great finds with you here on the blog!
#9 – Confidence in My Own Style
That leads me to my #9 gift, confidence in my own personal style. Well, first I discovered what my style is! I bought and tried to wear things this past year that just weren’t me. So I learned the hard way, the costly way, sometimes. But I think I’ve finally figured out my personal style.
Speaking of discovering your personal style, I have a party game for you!!! I’m so excited!
I created a style quiz to help you discover your personal style essence, too. It’s so fun! And hopefully helpful. You can click here to take the quiz. It should open in a different tab, so go ahead, take the quiz and come right back here! (Or wait until later. Your call!)
Yep, I’m a classic dresser through and through. But I do want to keep my classic style modern and chic, too. So that’s pretty much what you can expect here at Dressed for My Day going forward…classic with a modern twist.
Speaking of going forward. This little quiz not only helps you identify your style, but it also suggests how you might want to explore and express your style this spring and summer. And it even points you in the right direction to start shopping!
#8 – An Education
I’ve learned so much this year…my head’s about to burst! But that’s a good thing. Learning new skills and information actually helps us ward off dementia. Did you know that? So keep learning.
Not only have I learned a great deal about affiliate marketing, blog maintenance, SEO and all that other techy stuff, but I also learned so much about how to dress my own body and how to help you dress for your day. You can find much of what I learned in my 2018 style series, Dressed for My Day…My Way. It’s full of blog posts about determining our body shape, identifying our proportions, pinpointing our body variations and dressing accordingly.
#7 – A Social Media Community
When I started this blog I failed to realize how integral social media would be to it. I’d already been on Facebook and Instagram, but I hadn’t really connected with new people through those mediums. Boy, I have now! I’ve developed real friends through my Facebook page and my Instagram account. I enjoy learning from these gals – you gals! – every day!
In fact, in a couple of weeks I’m going to be taking over the Mama Well’s Instagram account for two days. Check it out!
If you don’t already engage with me on Facebook and Instagram, I hope you connect with me there today. Oh, and I’m also on LinkedIn by the way. So if you’d like to link up with me professionally, I’d love to accept your invitation to connect.
#6 – Brand Collaborations
Receiving invitations to collaborate with brands is not just a matter of pride. Sure, it makes you feel good to be gifted with products or paid for a post. But the reason I look forward to more brand collaborations is that these partnerships afford me the opportunity to share my finds with you. I want to bring you relevant features, so you can bet I choose my collaborations carefully. I will only share products, brands and retailers that I can authentically support and recommend.
At any rate, I’m so grateful for the opportunities I had in my first year of blogging (almost unheard of!) to collaborate with brands like Title Nine, Evy’s Tree and Slimsation. These brands took a chance on this newbie, and I’m so glad! And there are more in the works!
#5 – Fun with My Photographer
Most of you know that my husband James is my photographer. He had just taken up landscape photography as a hobby when I asked if he’d be willing to take my photographs for the blog. Oh boy! He had no idea what he was getting into when he said yes!
But we have had the best time together! We shoot photos about once every two weeks, and, while it’s tiring, it’s also quality time together. He’s such a trooper. And I think he’s grown tremendously as a fashion photographer. He actually studies and works on his craft quite industriously! I love you honey!!
#4 – Friendships with Other Bloggers
I’m a firm believer in collaborating instead of competing. And I’ve been blessed this year with some amazing blogger collaborations that have turned into friendships. I’m grateful to Jo-Lynne Shane for giving me my first shout out on Facebook and later inviting me to collaborate with her and Susanne Thompson. Many of you met me for the first time that day.
I also had a fun collaboration with Dianna Miller, another “faith-filled” style blogger. And my sweet friend Susanne Thompson and I have teamed up a couple of times in addition to working with Jo-Lynne in that original collab. Finally, I know many of you came my way when Cyndi Spivey paired up with me for our post on spring trench coats just recently.
I’m so indebted to these gals. And I know many of you follow them for their great style. But what you need to know is that they are all truly gracious, beautiful women on the inside, too.
#3 – Meaningful Work
Y’all, what’s funny is that I’m finally using skills my mama paid for me to learn a long time ago. It’s a hoot really! She paid a pretty penny for me to have modeling lessons when I was in high school. And she’s as pleased as punch that I’m finally using those skills. She and my dad also sent me to college to earn a degree in public relations. While I’ve used my broader journalism degree for years, I’m really using those PR skills in this job. Cha-ching!
Seriously, I love the work I do here. It’s challenging and meaningful to me. I hope it makes a positive impact in your life, too.
#2 – Faithful, Engaged Readers
You gals are such a blessing to me. Not only do you show up here frequently to read my many, many, many words and to browse through my photos, but you engage with me through comments and emails. Thank you for doing that. You have no idea how grateful I am for your engagement. That’s what I’m after. I want a community of women who help each other look and feel great. You’re a blessing to me.
By the way, I have a birthday party treat bag for all you sweet readers. If you’ll just click on the link, you’ll be able to download a sweet printable. It’s two 4×6 printables for your guest bedroom so you can share your physical address, cell numbers and wifi information with your overnight guests. I’ve put mine in a pretty frame and set it by the bed. Here’s how it can look once you add your information:
Be Our Guest DFMD Birthday Goodie Bag
#1 – Sweet, Sweet Subscribers
Well over 1,500 of you have gone the extra step and subscribed to receive daily or weekly updates about Dressed for My Day in your email box. Not only do you read or browse the blog faithfully, but you let me show up in your inbox each week or day. Thank you!
Please know, sweet subscribers, that I want to serve you well. Instead of unsubscribing, please let me know how I can serve you better. We can always change your preference from daily to weekly emails, for instance. Also I’m trying to provide more value in the emails this year. I hope you like what you see coming.
My subscribers received an additional freebie in their emails today. So if you want in on the fun, just click here for more info about joining the community.
I wish I could offer you all a piece of birthday cake. Instead, I’m sending you to a recipe for a delicious Strawberry Triple Layer Cake that I’ve made several times and LOVED. My only adjustment to the recipe would be that you absolutely must grease your pans, use parchment paper and then grease the parchment paper, too. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mess!
You can find and print the recipe here. Let me know if you bake it. And enjoy!
Thank you so much for stopping in today. I hope you’ve enjoyed the party. Remember, if you didn’t already try it, take the quiz to determine your style essence. And you can share it with your friends on Facebook, too!
Blessed for My Day
Do you sometimes feel small in a world of vast, mighty, numerous and growing? When you stack up your career, your family, your home or your personal achievements against those of other people, you may feel insignificant and tiny. I know I sometimes do.
But God’s Word reminds me that He often works through small beginnings. Indeed, the wise woman knows that things that grow too quickly often topple for lack of a foundation. So why should we bemoan the fact that our contribution, achievement, growth or influence feels so small? There’s great potential in the small things. Think two small coins, five loaves and two fish, eleven befuddled apostles, leftover grain, a jar of oil, a sling and five smooth stones…well, really just one. Yes, God often blesses and multiplies the small. Don’t give up. Don’t despair the small things.
For who scorns the day of small things? These seven eyes of the Lord, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. ~ Zechariah 4:10
Congratulations! Love your blog!
Happy 1st Blog Birthday! I am so glad that I found you, and in the few months I have already learned so much from you. I am in the process of thinning out the clothes in my closet to the best colors for me to wear and pieces that I look forward to wearing. The “so so” items are going away. I also love your Blessed For My Day!
Thanks so much Ginger! And thank you for being such an engaged and loyal reader. 🙂
Thanks so much Donna. I’m thrilled you are here!! ?
Congratulations on your anniversary. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you thru your blog. Thx again
Thanks so much, Susan. You gals make it a joy. Have a blessed and beautiful day!! ???
Happy Blog Anniversary! I have enjoyed your blog! You wrote a blog last year about dressing for your lifestyle that really hit home. I actually buy less now! But, my favorite part of your blog is reading Blessed For My Day. You truly have a gift!
I’m so glad you enjoy the blog and have gotten something out of it. That’s so very encouraging to me. Bless you!! ?
I’m glad to have found you! (through Cyndi)
Since we are the same age, I can easily relate to you and your styling sense. Thank you and Happy Blog Birthday! ?
Thanks so much Traci!! I’m glad Cyndi introduced us. She’s been so gracious to this newbie. Blessings galore to ya!! ???
Happy 1st blog anniversary! YOU are a blessing to your readers!!
Ahh, so sweet, Bev. Thanks a million!! And thank you for showing up in my comments so regularly. I really appreciate it!! ?
Happy Blogiversary, Kay!! You are such an inspiration to us all….a real example of grace and beauty. Thanks for allowing us into your life, for sharing the Word of God with us and your classic style (my style also). I look forward to your posts every day. God Bless you!!!
Thanks so much, Sondra. I truly appreciate you being such an engaged and faithful reader. Blessings galore to you!! ?
I’ve really enjoyed your blog this past year! You have so many good ideas. Congratulations!
Thanks, Jill. I really appreciate you gals showing up and keeping me going. ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations, sweet friend! You are such an inspiration in my life! Love you!!
Thanks Susanne! And same back at you!! What fun to be partying “together” today!! ?
Congratulations again! I’ve enjoyed your blog so much. And I just took the quiz – turns out I’m classic, like you. Have fun celebrating. I’m looking forward to many more posts.
Thanks so much, Alison!! I am so very grateful for you readers. Blessings to you!! ?
Happiest of blogiversaries Kay. Your thoughtfulness is always so overwhelming and appreciated.
I took the quiz and got dramatic/bold style. Yep…I feel that it fits me now. Who knows down the road. I feel like I am evolving as time goes.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You’re a bright and shining star, Jodie!! Thanks so much for reading so regularly and for being such a sweet inspiration!! ???
Congratulations Kay! What an exciting first year! I enjoy your blog every day and look forward to the years to come!
Thanks so very much, Debbie. You gals keep me going!! Blessings! ?
Happy Anniversary Kay! I always enjoy your blog posts. You are beautiful inside and out friend!
Thanks so much Susan. I appreciate you! ?
Congratulations, Kay! Your blog has helped me in not only choosing the right outfits & accessories, but has taught me a lot about style and fashion in general. I appreciate your openness and humor. I look forward to your blogs…especially the encouraging words from Scripture. God bless you as you continue to help others.
Ahh, thanks so much Anita. I enjoy what I do and you gals are the icing on my cake. And I love icing!! ?
Happy blog anniversary!!!!!! I love your style and especially Blessed For My Day. It’s such a joy to read your post each day. Hope you have any more years of doing what you clearly love????
Thanks so much, Deb. I appreciate you being a loyal and engaged reader!! ?
Enjoyed the party! You are an inspiration to many! Keep up the good work. Look forward to your posts.
Thanks so very much, Kaye. You gals make it a joy! ?
What a fun post Kay! You are doing so awesome as a fashion blogger and are such a sweet lady too! I wish you continued success and many blessings.
Ahh, thanks so much for joining the party, Dianna. You’re an inspiration and such an example. Blessings to you, dear gal! 🙂
Happy first anniversary! ??And thanks for the fun party! I enjoy reading your posts each day and appreciate your thoughtful and informative content! May the Lord continue to bless your days!
Hi Tammy! Thank you so much for coming to the party and saying “hi!” I really appreciate it. I’m glad you enjoy the posts. Have a blessed and beautiful weekend! 🙂
I just signed up to follow you today! I am excited to see an Arizona gal, since I too live in AZ. It will be exciting to see what you style in the hot summer days to come. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! Now I need to buy those blush pants you styled yesterday…hee hee
Welcome, Linda!! ? And thanks so much for subscribing. It’s so great to have another AZ gal here ?. Have a blessed weekend. And yes, I LOVE those chinos!! And they’re 30% off now ?. ?
Happy Blog Anniversary! So glad I found you. Look forward to your posts everyday. Took the quiz and got Classic style and that is the look I go for.
Hahaha! I’m so glad to hear from you gals that the quiz seems to be pretty accurate so far!! And you’re definitely in the right place for classic style. I certainly try to provide plenty of style inspiration and information for other styles too, but classic is definitely my sweet spot. So glad you’re here, DeAnn. ?
Happy blog birthday, Kay! As an aspiring blogger who has yet to “pull the trigger” (I signed up for hosting last May … yikes, the fear/procrastination thing is a doozy), I really loved reading your reflections on your first year of blogging. And your blog is beautiful … kudos on design, content, and definitely your photos (yay James!), I really enjoy the fashions you share, since style is not my strong point!
Lastly, thank you for the “Blessed for My Day” at the end. So encouraging, and just what I needed to be reminded of today!
Blessings and smiles,
Lauren
Hey, you get going on that blog! You can do this!! Thanks so much for reading and sharing regularly. I’m grateful for readers like you. ?
Congratulations, Kay! ? I never miss reading your blog. I took the survey and I got Classic style, which is what I try and go for being an educator. ❤️ I will be following you on getting my wardrobe in order so I don’t have so much in my closet!
Yay!! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the blog. Thanks for being a faithful and engaged reader. I’m blessed! ?
Happy 1st Blog Birthday, Kay! ? I enjoy your blog, but don’t comment very often. I do subscribe and read it every day. I started following your blog back in August, I think. I never thought I could wear skinny jeans, but thanks to your blog, now I love them! I’m learning a lot about my style from reading your blog. Continued success to you!
Thanks so much Rachel. I’m very grateful for steady, faithful readers like you. It’s you gals that keep me going and give purpose to what I do here. I’m very grateful. ??
Congratulations Kay!
I read your blog each day and have been following you from almost the start! Thank you for all you do! Hope you have a happy & successful year to come!
PS: I took the quiz and am a Classic style. 🙂
Yes, Barb, I love seeing your comments regularly in the comments feed. I’m so grateful for engaged readers!! Blessings to you! ???
Happy 1st Blog Birthday! I discovered you through sweet Cyndi Spivey and have just recently joined your Blog. Already, I’ve learned many new things about fashion, beauty, etc.! Most of all, I love your heart for Jesus and the BFMD Biblical encouragement you give! You’re shining for Him inside and out, be encouraged!
PS: I took your quiz and it confirmed what I pretty well already knew. I’m a classic through and through!
Hahaha! At first I felt a little boring when I began to realize that my style is classic, but I’ve decided to embrace it and work to keep my look modern and youthful. ?
I’m very grateful that Cyndi introduced us! Thanks for reading and subscribing Nancy. Blessings galore!! ??
Happy Birthday Kay! You bring a lot of new style to the fashion blogger world. I took the quiz and I am Classic. Glad to know that and love trying new ideas. You have so much talent and I am fortunate to read your email everyday. I follow you on Instagram & Friend on Facebook. I enjoyed your Facebook Live last week. Looking forward to spring and summer here in San Diego. It was cold and rainy and I am ready to change up my wardrobe! I will be watching you! LOL
Thanks so much for being engaged, Aimee! Means the world to me. I’m grateful for my readers like you! ?
Congratulations Kay! I’ve enjoyed your blog since I found you several months ago. I have learned so much about fashion and what suits my style best. Thank you for all the wonderful advice! And thank you for helping me feel more confident.
Thank you very much, Cathy. You gals make this such a joy for me. Blessings galore!! ???
Kay, what did you like about the ‘Faster way to Fat loss’ program? It’s got my interest.
Hi Janet! The main reasons I really like the FASTer Way to Fat Loss are that it teaches a lifestyle that really makes a difference, it teaches an exercise plan that is more weight training and less cardio, and it provides gracious accountability. The Facebook group was extremely helpful with keeping me going and motivated. Have you read my post on my experience with the program? https://dressedformyday.com/faster-way-fat-loss-older-woman/ Let me know if you have further questions. I highly recommend the program. ?