happy birthday dear blog!

I can hardly believe it's been a year... today is Birthday Girl's 1st blog birthday! One year later I'm happy to report that things are really starting to take off. I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for your support and positive feedback over the past 12 months. In truth, there's been many a week where I've felt overwhelmed by life's demands and have considered giving up this little project and letting countless other talented party bloggers have their fun. But just when I'm at the breaking point, one of you inevitably sends me a comment, e-mail or submission that brightens my day and reminds me why do this in the first place: because I really truly love celebrating good design and creative details. It seems I've found my passion here in this most unlikely of places... and if I hang on long enough, who knows where it might take me next?

And so, in the spirit of reflection I've taken a look back at a year's worth of posts. Here are just a few of my all time favorites. I hope you enjoy them (again).

favorite birthday cake: smitten kitchen's yellow cake with chocolate frosting

favorite inspiration board: a very sweet sixteen

favorite real party: imprintable's 'the apple of my eye'

favorite letterpress cards: dee & lala

favorite gift idea: saint cupcake's delivery box