Starr Struck Turns 3: Anniversary Giveaway + Mucho Gratitude

3/5/2014

As of today, I've been writing this blog for 3 full years. Or in Sayde years, 28 full years.

Either way--human years or dog years--that's a long time (but lets actually go with dog years, as that's much more impressive and makes it sound like I started the blog when I was 1!).

It's funny how when I first began writing Starr Struck, sitting down to do it every day was a task, something to stress over and obsess about. Now, it's an important touchstone in my everyday life. On Sundays, the one day when I don't wake up and blog, I feel a bit lost. Don't get me wrong, I always enjoy a day off, but blogging has become such a part of my routine that I miss it when I don't do it.

{Ben wants me to start Sayde Sundays--hehe--but I think I need to preserve a morning without blogging...}

When people ask me about starting a "successful" blog, I always tell them that if you want regular readers, you have to make blogging a part of your life. A real part of your life. A regular part of your schedule and something that you do without thinking. It can sound daunting at first, but if you're someone who loves connection, sharing, and introspection, blogging immediately becomes an amazing addition to your world and will completely change your life. I know it has for me.

As I mentioned in my March newsletter (you can read it here if you missed it!), the fact that some of you have been reading for all 3 years blows. my. mind. Like woah. Thank you for spending so much time with my ramblings, for reading when my blog was so ugly (!), and for growing with me. I am so honored.

I know that others have only been reading for a few months, or a few days, and I want to thank you, too, for finding me and for coming back more than once. I am touched that you would spend some of your precious time on this site.

So, to thank you and to use this blogiversary as a way to check-in with you, my readers, I am again celebrating with a reader giveaway. This time around I'll have 2 lucky winners. {Yay!} The deets are below...

Items included in the giveaway:
-1 print of your choice from my Etsy shop (any print that your heart desires...)
-1 package of Salty Oat Cookies (I've learned that my fave cookies from DC are made on Cape Cod! WHATTTT? Who knew!?!?)
-1 package of myJoy incense from the wonderful people over at myInsens (myJoy is Rose scented and it is AMAZE.)
-1 bag of Cocoa Bella Brewing Chocolate (OMG, yum. Cocoa Bella is 100% natural, brews just like coffee, and is full of antioxidants. Oh, and the owner is based in VA!)

How to enter:
Simply write a note in the comments section of this post between now and Sunday.

What kind of note? Feedback, an idea, thoughts on the blog, a question, etc. For instance: What would you like to see more of? Which types of posts are your favorites? What sort of projects would you like to see me take on next? What questions do you want answered? Malebox or Mat Matters requests? Where would you like to see the blog go in it's fourth year? Why do you read Starr Struck?

You can enter until 6pm on Sunday, 3/9, and I'll announce the winners on Monday, 3/10 (I'll use this random number generator to pick the winners). Just be sure to include an email address in your comment (only I will be able to see it), so that I can contact you to let you know you've won and get your shipping address!

Oh, and I want to use this blogiversary to say one more thing: Please don't feel like a stalker for reading my blog!!!!! In dozens of conversations over the past 3 years, people have started sentences with, "Not to be a stalker, but I saw on your blog..."

You are not a stalker. I put it all out there so that you will read it! I want you to read it, that's why I write (!), and I know that you know more about me than I know about you*, and that's just the nature of blogging. So please don't feel weird about it. I don't.

[*I would love to know more about you though, so please don't hesitate to connect so that I can!]

Thank you for letting me get that off of my chest. And by the way, if reading a blog regularly was really "stalkerish," I would be stalking like 30 people right now :)

Okay, so here we go, Year #4: We're coming for you...!

{STAY INFORMED} Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter:

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.

Andrew

3/4/2014 08:22:48 pm

Not sure when you started but I might be a three year reader. It's been great to see you grow and expand your topics especially the "Man" ones. Very funny! I'm still working on that tan... I hope you keep going for many more years. -Andrew

Kristy

3/4/2014 09:57:24 pm

Ha! I definitely feel like a stalker. There have been times when I've wanted to post a comment or send you something and I'm like, nah - that's weird, I don't want to bug her. Hahaha, thanks for the straight talk and congrats on the three years!

Mary Catherine

3/9/2014 09:45:44 pm

You are NEVER bugging me by commenting or emailing! LOVE hearing from you guys :) xo

Victoria

3/4/2014 10:11:34 pm

I have been reading your blog for about a year and I love it! I especially like when you feature artists and post some of their work. As of late, I have really enjoyed your posts about the painting process. Congratulations on your blog-a-verasry (is that a real thing?) and please keep blogging!

Sarah Cable

3/4/2014 10:12:56 pm

I have loved reading your blog and watching it grow and evolve. I have been liking the addition of Malebox - Ben is hilarious! So proud of you!

Colleen

3/4/2014 10:15:19 pm

I'm a total lurker! I took a handful of your classes at Tranquil Space in Arlington and really enjoyed them. I love practicing yoga, but I've found it tough to establish a regular practice over the years, so I wish I had been able to take more of your classes. Your blog is very inspirational and fun to read! Keep up the great work.

Elena

3/4/2014 10:35:20 pm

I love to stalk your blog and miss you dearly. The studio isn't the same without you. Maybe a mini series on home practice would be nice for people like me who 1. Are unable to get to the studio (newborn) and 2. Miss your classes! I also really enjoy it when you feature music you've been using. Hugs

Jessica Simon link

3/4/2014 10:38:02 pm

Admittedly, I am a new follower not a three-year'er. However I am loyal at that! Your posts show your passion - which is what draws me to your blog. It's quite inspiring! Keep it up :)

Lacey C. link

3/4/2014 10:42:44 pm

Happy three year blogiversary! I absolutely love stalking, er, following your blog since it covers a wide range of topics - balance, yoga, art, appreciation for a variety of other topics, and is a form of escapism from the bazillions of stressful and generally unhelpful emails in my multiple inboxes.

I would love to see more recommendations on earth-friendly, multi-functional, and budget-friendly beauty products. I shop for beauty products at Target, Sephora, Whole Foods, and also have a Birchbox subscription, but I have a hard time finding products that fit all of the above. :) Thank you!!

Sara

3/4/2014 10:44:54 pm

Happy anniversary to my favorite blogger! I hope you know how much happiness and inspiration you bring to your readers' lives. Thanks for sharing your sunshine with us. The SJOTW continue to be my favorite. Just wish I could share more of them with you! Congratulations!!

Roula

3/4/2014 10:57:42 pm

What I appreciate most about MC's blog is it's openness and its super-inspiring nature, among dozens of other things. But there's a beautiful sense of honesty that comes through in everything she writes, which allows the reader to be witness to the truths that she lives She demonstrates in all of her blog endeavors that learning and teaching are blessed gifts, especially the lessons we learn from mistakes and the humbling joy of RE-learning things we might have thought we once mastered.
Mary Catherine, your blog is an absolute gem that never fails to make me smile. It's fresh, beautiful, and full of life, like the heartbeat of a person in love. I have much gratitude for your steadfast desire to grow. May you be blessed with good health and joy immense for many moons to come. It suites you because you share so well.
Love and light,
Roula

Rachelle link

3/4/2014 10:57:53 pm

I am a newer reader - just discovered you & your blog back in August 2013 when I took part in Tranquil Space's TT1 training! I was never much of an avid blog reader until then and I felt like your blog and the TS community became such a part of my life! I have now started my own blog & want to continue my teacher training. You were certainly inspiring & I wish I had come to know you & TS earlier before the big move to Cape Cod! But I love being able to stay in touch via Starr Struck :-)

Farah

3/4/2014 11:20:47 pm

Who knew Salty Oats were made on Cape Cod - that's great! (And tasty!) Happy blogiversary, it's been so great to get to know you, MC! :)

Brian

3/4/2014 11:23:11 pm

Congrats, MC!

Can we get more dating advice from a guy that hasnt been single in 10 years and has never approached a woman in her 20s??

Seriously, its amazing how much you've done. You should be so proud!

laura

3/4/2014 11:23:20 pm

Happy anniversary!!! I would love a post about kettlebells, either how to use them correctly or ideas for incorporating them into a workout routine.

Tracy link

3/4/2014 11:24:13 pm

Love your blog and love your your enthusiasm Mary Catherine! Thanks for sharing what you share, love it all especially the "mat matters" 😊xo

Nicole

3/4/2014 11:28:25 pm

I am so glad you got a puppy!!!

Jill

3/4/2014 11:37:05 pm

Congrats and happy blog-iversay! :-) Love all of your "Mat Matters" videos (especially the 8 minute twists practice-- so great to squeeze in a quick practice!). No idea how difficult this would be to film, but a beach yoga video would be fun to see (maybe when it gets a little warmer!).

3/9/2014 09:46:57 pm

Beach yoga would be fun! Will see how that pans out when the weather changes (thinking that the wind, waves, and sand might cause some issues...). xo!

Julia

3/4/2014 11:39:21 pm

Congratulations on the 3 year blog bday! I think I'm at about 2 years of reading and I love to check in on the blog every few days as it feels like a breath of fresh air and break from whatever I'm over-focusing on at work at that moment. I really like your posts about your thoughts on society/yourself (like the over saturation post recently) and I like your SJOTW! Thanks for writing and sharing :)

Robin S.

3/5/2014 12:38:02 am

Reading you blog keeps me connected to you since you left DC (still sad). Today, as I lay in bed with a cast on my foot, reading your blog is a great distraction from my discomfort. My question... As I am at just the beginning of a two month period of elective foot surgery (first left, then right) and just 5 days off my feet am already felling so out of balance, stiff and achy, what tips do you have for staying as flexible as possible (physically and mentally) when one can not practice yoga for an extended period of time? Thank you!

3/9/2014 09:51:02 pm

OMG, Robin! I am SO sorry to hear that you have a cast on your foot...that SUCKS. Although the surgery was elective so at least it wasn't unexpected, I know it's never fun to be out of commission physically :(

I did a post on "Yoga for When You Can't Do Yoga" a while ago, so that might be helpful (it's about being sick, but I think many of the same concepts apply to your situation): http://www.marycatherinestarr.com/2/post/2012/10/yoga-for-when-you-cant-do-yoga.html

I would also recommend reclining stretches in bed or on the floor (half happy baby, hamstring stretches by extending the leg up, supta bhadda konasana, etc.), and practicing breathing deeply while you recover.

Sending you healing thoughts!
xoxo

Andrea link

3/5/2014 12:58:10 am

MC! You know how much love I have for Starr Struck (and YOU!) Yay for three years of making the Internet a better place!

I'd love to see you continue to share your personal essays (maybe a semi regular column?). I also think it would be fun to learn more about your "career" - another semi-regular column on doing what you love, how to make it happen and how to sustain that lifestyle (realistic things like budgets, how you live, etc.).

xo :)

Katherine

3/5/2014 01:23:56 am

Congratulations on 3 years of blogging! I think I've been reading for about 2 years now, and it's a great start to my work day. My favorite posts of yours are the SJOTW and Mat Matters. SJOTW remind me to slow down and really appreciate the "little things" in life... it truly goes too fast! A request: I really love your 7-Minute Flow video on Mat Matters. I use it for a tiny home practice/good warm up for the day. Is it possible to do a longer flow? Say, 15 minutes? I miss taking your classes in DC!

Hannah

3/5/2014 01:43:32 am

I love this blog. Your positive attitude, the color palate, and the encouragement of contented living- have brought me smiles over the last few months. I frequently have aches and pains from the repetitive nature of yoga- I was wondering if you could speak to that in one of your blog posts? Thanks for all that you do!

Megan

3/5/2014 03:02:33 am

LOVE your blog! Read it daily and find it so real and inspiring. Your mat matters series has truly helped me grow my practice and my teaching. Love every bit of your blog and look forward to its continued presence in my life. THANK YOU!

Wendy link

3/5/2014 04:08:17 am

My favorite posts tend to be your yoga focused posts, both from the lense of students and teachers (who are consistent students too). Thank you for sharing your insights into the practice! Mat Matters suggestions include: additional transitions from one pose to another, pranayama and mat matters from a teaching lens. :)

Mary Kate

3/5/2014 04:23:38 am

Haha, I do feel a little like a stalker saying this but I feel like since I met you and started practicing yoga, I found something I didnt know was missing. Thanks MC

Megan link

3/5/2014 06:21:23 am

Hi Mary Catherine!

I have been reading regularly for a few months, probably since I took Level 1 teacher training at TS. I must say, I do feel a little odd knowing so much about you and your life (stalkerish perhaps;) but, OBVS, that hasn't stopped me. I just keep reading! In fact, I never read a blog on a regular basis before Starr Struck, but I love the consistency of knowing you'll post every morning (except Sunday) and that I can take a little break during my day to catch up, be informed, learn a new perspective... It's kinda like my yogi morning paper at this point. Thanks for being real. Keep up the great work!

Beth

3/5/2014 07:33:07 am

Congrats!!! I guess I've been reading your blog for about a year now and I really enjoy the SJOTWs, the yoga stuff, and your general thoughts on life. I check your blog every few days and I do love that you're consistent with updating it, as there's always fun new material to read! Thanks! (PS Ben's dating advice was hilarious and I'm glad I'm not the only person who feels like a stalker!) : )

Tara B.

3/5/2014 07:42:37 am

Happy 3 years of Starr Struck! It's no surprise that I <3 this blog! I've been reading regularly for I think 2 years now? And I've loved seeing all the changes you've made, from aesthetic changes with the layout/colors to adding new weekly columns (yay, Mat Matters!). I love that I can count on your blog every week, on certain days of the week at that for the columns, to brighten my day and provide me a bit of wisdom.

I really don't have any suggestions because your blog is already so awesome, although the Sayde Sundays idea is super cute! Perhaps you could just do it the first Sunday each month or something like that? Love all the Sayde pics :-)

(And OMG I am seeing you later this month at TSA!!!!!)

Alicia

3/5/2014 09:51:04 am

Congrats on three years! I love the variety of posts on your blog and especially the yoga videos keep them coming! Thanks!

MBM

3/5/2014 10:32:26 am

Congratulations, Mary Catherine! I've been reading your blog to keep up with what you've been doing since leaving DC (also feel a bit like a stalker at times), and it has been a great way to stay connected even a bit to your wonderful teaching. I love the yoga videos, especially the one on how to do a home practice and the new year's sequence - keep them coming :)

Laura

3/5/2014 10:50:19 am

Happy anniversary! :D I've been "stalking" your blog for two years or so. I took your class at tranquil space before I moved to Richmond, and now I am a yoga instructor. I really enjoy mat matters. I'm personally trying to work up to handstand without the wall, so ideas welcome! I also love your playlists and random art and food posts. :)

Claire

3/5/2014 11:08:04 am

Wow! It is amazing to see all of these comments. Congrats MC! I love the Mat Matters and SJOTW. You have a great perspective on yoga, art, and life.

Michael W link

3/5/2014 08:54:44 pm

First timer !!! Enjoyed episode 30 of Mat Matters, so, now I guess I'm Starr Struck !! As Arnold says, "I'll be back". M

Meg

3/5/2014 09:52:40 pm

I love your blog! I read it every morning while drinking coffee. It gives me inspiration for the day! If I had to pick a favorite part it would be the SJOTW and any posts with Sadie! :)

Meghan

3/5/2014 10:52:52 pm

MC, Always look forward to reading your musings each morning. It's the best way to start my day, with a cup of tea :)

Just recently signed up for your monthly newsletter, in time to catch the 'new" installment of your monthly newsletter format - and I must say, part of your charm in your writing, is the element of yourself you put into it! Don't be afraid to share what you're working on with us - it's inspiring!

Kirsten

3/6/2014 12:53:17 am

Happy Blogiversary, MC!

I absolutely LOVE your blog and look forward to reading each morning! I feel so lucky to have found TSA and to have had you as my very first teacher! Your bright, positive energy and sunny personality infuses into each blog post :) I especially love Mat Matters, your incredible playlists, and the weekly Roundup! (And basically every other post too!)

I agree with one of the other commenters - your blog is like a morning newspaper for yogis everywhere!

Congrats on three years, and thank you!!! :)

Julie

3/6/2014 01:07:18 am

I have been reading your blog for a few months now, and I love how inspiring and creative you are! I'm an avid yogi so I love the posts about yoga, but my favorite thing to read is your weekly Roundup! Some of the articles you find are so interesting. Congrats on 3 years!

Staci

3/6/2014 03:20:57 am

Hi MC!
I never did blogs - yours is the first one I ever was interested to look at! I love it! It is funny, because, initially, it felt like I was stalking you! But then I realized, it is really not possible to stalk via a blog, right? I mean, you want people to read it! Thanks to you, not only am I getting my yoga on (can you believe I am doing TT2?), but I regularly "stalk" others via their blogs ... like Andrea and Angeline. :) That dog of your is SO CUTE! Chiweenie! Love it!

Kim

3/6/2014 09:46:05 am

Congratulations! I am so glad you are on the Cape! I enjoy your blog. I like your willingness to share....even your resume! I enjoy when you share podcasts, music, books and of course yoga!!!

Sarah

3/6/2014 10:41:43 am

I discovered your yoga class and blog during the government shutdown! Why do I keep coming back when I've deserted all other blogs? Authenticity! Your writing, your art, your style are real and authentic and that is so uplifting! Thank you.

Kelly M

3/6/2014 08:39:31 pm

I really look forward to SJOTW and I find myself going down the 'rabbit hole' of all the great links you include. It is also the trigger that makes me take a minute to stop and think back about my week too.

Rankin Marcus

3/6/2014 09:32:36 pm

Congratulations on such a successful 3 years for your blog! So exciting. One thing I would LOVE to see more of is a focus on mindful eating, recipe sharing, etc. Thanks MC!

3/6/2014 11:10:51 pm

Great blog, keep the posts coming. I loved the one from a few months ago where you showed some yoga poses to help with loosening up a stiff or bad back. "Oh, someone else deals with this too?"

Allie

3/7/2014 03:39:51 am

I discovered your blog about a week ago when I googled "yoga playlists." My favorite part of your blog is Mat Matters. I have recently developed a semi-consistent yoga practice and love soaking
up all the info I can. Thanks for teaching us!

Alli G

3/7/2014 04:04:38 am

"What would you like to see more of?" Just this morning I thought - if only technology could teleport me to a MC noon yoga class. Since that doesnt seem possible love being able to stalk you on the interwebs. Love your weekly joys, love the art related stuff, music, and pretty much all things MC :) Miss you here in VA - my tiny bean has grown too big for me to enjoy (aka be awake or be able to move) for hip hop when you are here - boo!

Anna

3/7/2014 05:10:14 am

i'm a lurker, i read your blog often. i would love if you would make som posts about the finer details of chaturanga. It is something i would like to better with me. I would also love if you write something about everyday yoga for officeworkers and everyday meditation

Evelyn Manley

3/7/2014 08:24:42 am

Keep letting Sayde be a part of mat matters and keep on doing what you have been doing--it obviously works. I loved the song of the week, by the way.Congratulations on 3 full years!

Liz Lane

3/7/2014 09:48:37 am

I discovered your blog via Kimberly Wilson & have been a fan ever since. I was so excited when I found you had moved to the Cape. I took a class with you at Centerville Yoga (which was amazing!) yet felt "stalkerish" about mentioning how much I love your blog!

3/9/2014 09:53:25 pm

OMG, Liz, you should have introduced yourself! Please come back and let me know who you are--I would LOVE to meet! It makes me *SO* happy when blog readers come to my classes, so you musn't be shy next time... ;)

Thanks for coming and for reading! I LOVE it that I have a CC reader from before I moved here...maybe we can grab tea sometime soon?

xoxo
MC

Cindy

3/8/2014 12:00:12 am

Hi Mary Catherine,
I follow many blogs (mostly on food and teaching!), but yours has become my favorite! Your blog is a joy to read and experience because you clearly write with such enthusiasm and passion for life! Your work inspires me to rediscover creative outlets such as photography, writing, and painting.I started my own blog a few years ago (I Believe in Kitchens-I love cooking!), but never fully committed to it. I think I may try again! And of course as a new yogi, I love all things yoga, and your playlists are divine! My favorite feature is SJOTW. Congratulations on your success!

Sarah link

3/8/2014 12:50:21 am

I came across your blog about a year ago via Kimberly Wilson. Thus far my favorite posts have been SJOTW, as I'm always discovering something new. I also enjoy reading about your new journeys after your move to Cape Cod. I hope to discover more joys and simple pleasures.

Tracy Yee

3/8/2014 02:24:18 am

Congrats on the anniversary!! I love your daily quotes on FB (I know that's not a blog thing but I just wanna say). I don't think you have a YouTube channel and I would love it if you did! Maybe some short sessions? Xoxo

3/9/2014 09:01:28 pm

I do have a YouTube channel, Tracy, with LOTS of videos on it! Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/user/StarrStruckBlog

Thanks SO much for reading + commenting ;)

xo
MC

Shawn link

3/8/2014 03:43:30 pm

Happy Third Blogiversary! I just found your blog today and am completely in love with it already. Loved your recent post on alignment, and your prints are so lovely!

Kelly link

3/10/2014 04:18:27 am

Happy 3 year anniversary! I am so excited for you - and I am so sad that I have been delinquent on my blog reading and missing so much of your great content lately! You are one inspirational lady Mary Catherine - thank you for all the wisdom and insight you share with all of us, I know it has helped me in so many ways over the past 2+ years!

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