Starr Struck Turns 2: Anniversary Giveaway & Thank You!

3/5/2013

2 Years Blogging Giveaway! by marycatherinestarr on Polyvore

Today, this blog turns 2 years old. Wow.

One of the things that I truly believe is that (almost) everything happens for a reason. I've seen this idea illustrated over and over again in my life, and I think that we go though the events that we go through in order to find our path, to grow stronger, to learn more about the world and to become more compassionate, open, knowledgeable human beings.

In this same line of thinking, I believe that starting this blog was definitely meant to be. As a part of my life journey, it has connected me to so many interesting people--kindred spirits--and has opened my eyes and broadened my horizons. I am so happy to have discovered my love of writing as a creative outlet through this blog, and am excited to see where the next year of blogging takes me.

As I've said many times before, I thank YOU for keeping me creating, as I have truly found SO much joy in writing about my passions, connecting with you, and sharing my life with you. To show how much I appreciate you, my readers, I'm celebrating 2 years with a fun giveaway. Yay!

Included in this special package are the items shown above (clockwise, from top left):

-1 PaddyWax Relish Jar Candle (9.5oz) in Ocean Tide and Sea Salt (AMAZING!!!!)
-1 Print of your choice from Starr Struck Studios on Etsy
-1 Teal Yogitoes Yoga Headband from the kind people at Suddora.com (you can also enjoy 10% off of anything on their site through December 31st by using the code "StarrStruck"!)
-1 Variety Box of my favorite incense from the amazing crew over at myInsens (for which I am an Ambassador!)
-5 Greeting Cards of your choice from Starr Struck Studios on Etsy
-1 Yoga Mat Tie of your choice from my friends at The Yoga Mat Tie

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is write a note in the comments section of this post between now and Sunday.

What should you share? At least one thing you've learned or enjoyed on Starr Struck, or some feedback or an idea--What would you like to see more of? Which series are your favorites? What questions do you want answered? Where would you like to see the blog go in it's third year? Etc.

You can enter until 6pm on Sunday, 3/10, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, 3/11 (I'll use this fancy schmancy random number generator to pick the winner). Just be sure to include an email address, so I can contact you to let you know you've won :)

In closing, I'll share this: as I thought about writing this post last night, I looked back at what I wrote 1 year ago today. Interestingly enough, I had a lot of the same thoughts that I still have this year, but I also shared a list of the "things I learned in my first year of blogging." So many of these lessons still hold true for me (and may not have shifted that much in my second year of blogging!), so if you're a new blogger, I definitely recommend reading this list.

With that said, here we go! Off into the unknown abyss of year #3....

Thanks for sticking around and reading my ramblings. I'm so happy to have connected with you.

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

DISCLOSURE

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. From time to time, I accept compensation for sponsored posts and campaigns. However, any sponsored content will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored. Even though I receive compensation for sponsored posts, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

I am also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Emily McGrath

3/4/2013 10:33:50 pm

I love reading your blog... Even though I only started a few weeks ago :) Happy 2nd anniversary!

Jessica Christensen

3/4/2013 10:59:35 pm

I love so much about your blog, but my favorite series is SJOTW! I also really enjoyed your "pressing pause for poetry" posts...We could all use a little bit more poetry in our lives.

Sam

3/4/2013 11:06:36 pm

I think you're adorable and I love all your stuff :)

Jill

3/4/2013 11:18:59 pm

Happy blog birthday!
I really like the posts on your art creative process and the posts about other artists' work. It's such a fun dose of vicarious creativity! And of course the yoga posts! I like the poetry/quotes posts too. Basically your blog is great! :)

Kara Drawn

3/4/2013 11:19:43 pm

I've learned a ton...great music for my at home practice, how to slow it (and by it I mean everything) down, that the amazing art world is way more creative than I even had initially thought, and most importantly the reminder of how to say no! Happy Anniversary!

Gwen Ellen

3/4/2013 11:22:35 pm

Happy anniversary! As all good relationships deserve a day of honor to the work, joy and love that is brought forth during the year.. So does your blog! From the musical journeys via your playlists, your creative spirit, and the insight that your share, we thank you for your open heart. Happy day!

Laurie Mobley

3/4/2013 11:30:13 pm

Love your blog MC - especially the visuals and playlists AND Friday's SJOTW! Happy Anniversary!

Liz

3/4/2013 11:42:57 pm

I love your blog and the mix of creative work you do/enjoy (I'm a lawyer, and not much of a creative type so I love to see the paintings and artists that you feature). I really enjoyed your posts last year about body image and yoga. I also like your "Simple Joys of the Week" series.

Amanda Shuck

3/4/2013 11:55:38 pm

I love the enthusiasm and energy that's expressed through your words. Maybe it's because I personally know you and can role play in my mind the tone and volume you're using, but I feel your statements are very expressive. I also admire the dedication you put into your writing. Many people start blogging, but I've found few who follow through. There's a genuine interest in spreading your joys with others, and it's clear with every post!

Erica

3/5/2013 12:07:56 am

I'm not commenting because of the loot giveway, but more to say that even though I do not identify as a yogi, I absolutely love reading your blogs because they are inspiring. And what is even more awesome, is that I get to see the ways that what you are writing about come to fruition in your everyday life because I have noticed how the benefits of your self-care and self-exploration have positively affected you and made you even more wonderful :)

3/5/2013 12:25:59 am

I love the SJOTW series - I'm always inspired by the small things that you appreciate in your life.

Nicole R

3/5/2013 12:51:49 am

Thank you for helping me on my journey of being more present.
I also agree that everything happens for a reason :)

Lacey Chong

3/5/2013 01:16:31 am

Joyeux anniversaire! For me, the best part of your blog is the Playlists - I love finding my favorite songs from class and adding them to my iTunes playlist... Over the past year I've formed the wonderful habit of quiet meditation before bedtime. Every night, I put on my "Tranquil Mixx," light an aromatherapy candle, turn off all the lights, do legs up the wall, and try to focus on being grateful and self-loving for at least 10 minutes.

Please keep up the great work!!

Julia Gatti

3/5/2013 02:00:48 am

Hello!

I enjoy a bunch of things:
-SJOTW - I love the thought of focusing on each sense and a joy brought to each one each week (or day)
-The artists that you find and share
-The lessons you learn and share about (your time management lessons this year have been very interesting to me!)
-Feeling a little bit connected to T.S. through your blog and playlists :)
-Checking your blog is a lovely respite from work each day for me!

Julia

sperlygirl link

3/5/2013 04:10:46 am

you have such a lovely blog, mary catherine. i enjoy many part of what you share: love the yoga talk, how you weave those lessons/understandings into your real life, the playlists you share, your time mgt journey, your lovely artwork...you share a lot of goodness ~ keep putting it out there

Alli G

3/5/2013 04:35:25 am

happy blog birthday! love your blog. SJOTW is a fav - i love to play/listen to whatever song you list while i read through - such a nice break from my day. also love your playlists and artist recommendations (which i have often passed along to students and art teachers i work with). thanks for sharing your sweet and creative self with us!

Amanda @ Click. The Good News link

3/5/2013 04:55:16 am

Happy blog-iversary! I really enjoy the variety- such beautiful photos & art all the time, yoga related life-lessons. Thanks!

Sandra Gann

3/5/2013 07:14:24 am

Thank you for inspiring me and sharing your journey in your wonderful blog, MC! Congratulations and I look forward to another year!

Laura

3/5/2013 07:52:02 am

I love learning about new artists and your creative process!

Lara Zimmerman

3/5/2013 10:28:51 am

Thank you Mary Catherine for this wonderful blog! I was a fellow colonel class of '09 and a theta :) I'm not sure exactly how I stumbled on your blog initially, but ive been a dedicated follower for over a year now! This blog helps me put things in perspective and really relax just for a few minutes during the day.. My absolute fave is SJOTW...I esp love listening to your new songs and wish I lived closer to Arlington for some of your yoga classes! Happy 2 years Starr struck, and thank you!

3/5/2013 08:37:06 pm

I love everything about your blog! SJOTW is my fave, along with any posts about yoga poses, being a yoga teacher, Tuesday Truths (because we can't ever hear too many inspiring quotes!), etc. I also just love when you post photos so I can live vicariously through your Instagram. xoxo

Kelly Malone

3/5/2013 08:56:27 pm

I really love the SJOTW. I look forward to it every week. Thanks for your efforts to keep the posts coming. It is truly appreciated. Really.

Amy B

3/6/2013 01:14:18 am

I'm new to your blog...but it's amazing! I'm looking forward to what you do in the future, but peronsonally I don't think you need to change a thing! =)

Claire

3/6/2013 04:27:30 am

Happy Anniversary MC! Your blog is great and I love reading it. I have enjoyed thinking about how to say no, how to slow down, how to appreciate the art and life that is all around us, and your thoughts on yoga and body image. Keep up the awesome ideas and inspirations!

Andrea Zajonc

3/6/2013 05:31:41 am

Your blog is wonderful! I took my first class at TSA last June with you and have been coming back regularly since. Your classes and your blog (that I have recently started reading) have shown me how wonderful yoga can be for the body and mind. What I enjoy most about your blog is the diversity of topics that you discuss and the positive, uplifting nature of your posts. I love coming to your blog and reading about interesting artists that I would never find on my own, hearing new music, learning about interesting products, and exposing myself to a world of creativity that I wouldn't normally think or read about. I also love that you are so successful working in a "non-traditional" way, especially here in DC! Something I aspire to do for myself! Happy Birthday to your blog!

Meghan Olson

3/6/2013 07:39:03 am

I love ur stuff...ur gr8!! XoXo :o)

Beth

3/6/2013 08:00:47 am

Congrats! I'm a relatively new reader but I must say (again not just for the potential free goodness, but because I think we can never say too many positive things to people, even those who we don't know personally!) that I really enjoy reading your blog and always know that I can count on it to give some perspective to my 'stuff'. It's really refreshing how positive and appreciative you are and it obviously has a tremendously positive impact on all of us who've taken the time to comment (and many more who haven't I'm sure). Thanks so much - keep spreading the joy!!!

Adrienne

3/6/2013 09:00:36 pm

Happy Anniversary Mary Catherine! Thanks for your inspiring and entertaining blog posts every day. Top thing I’ve learned? (too many to choose!) To love our bodies as they are, be more aware and to take time to slow down daily. Thanks for a well written, positive blog. Best way to start my day! Cheers to many more successful blogging years!

Jennifer

3/7/2013 04:36:01 am

Happy 2nd birthday! Really enjoy the SJOTW posts!

Valerie

3/7/2013 10:55:33 am

I love the playlists! I have discovered great new music thanks to you and your blog..

jennifer

3/7/2013 09:12:25 pm

I am so grateful to have found Tranquil Space and your blog. Happy 2nd anniversary!

Farah

3/8/2013 05:03:03 am

Yay for your blog b-day Mary Catherine! I admire your dedication to this space! Your playlists are my favorite (even better when I get to flow to them!) And I think you find the coolest artwork too! :)

Amanda

3/8/2013 09:20:40 am

Happy 2nd anniversary. I enjoy reading your blog and thanks to you I found a new love for yoga.

Tara B.

3/9/2013 01:54:48 am

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog as I discovered Tranquil Space! I have learned so much from you, on the mat and on your blog. Of course I love your playlists (btw, seeing "Lazarus" on your current playlist seriously made my day yesterday--and I was having one of the worst days ever up to that point haha. I'm glad you're enjoying the CD!)
I often download songs that I first listen to via your blog. Thank you for keeping my music fresh when I'm in a rut!

Like you, I tend to take on too much and I have a hard time saying no. Your post on time management, and truly focusing on what's important to save the other things for later, has inspired me to start doing the same thing (and learning to say "no" if I'm already doing too much).

See you in class soon and at your restorative workshop!

Kate

3/10/2013 06:42:00 am

Happy blogiversary, MC! I LOVE, love, love the Shake Your Asana playlists! Keep 'em coming ...

3/10/2013 07:05:16 am

Happy two years of blogging! I love the blog because it helps me stay connected to your teachings about yoga and self care even though I can't come to your classes at Tranquil Space anymore.

Ursula

3/10/2013 07:20:27 am

Happy blog birthday! Love reading your posts- keep up the inspired work!

tara

3/15/2013 11:44:39 am

Just found your blog & love it! Happy Anniversary.. Namaste <3

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