A Look Back: My first full year of blogging

I did it.  I survived my first full calendar year of blogging and lived to tell about it. Can you even believe it is 2012? Sometimes I feel like time just slips through my hands, which is why I am so thankful to have this blog as a place where I can reflect back on all of my moments throughout the year whether big or small.

As much as I love having my journey documented, it wouldn't be the same with out all of you who take the time to read my blog, give words of encouragement, make me laugh, tell me I made you laugh, ask for advice, give me advice and inspire me.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending the past year with me. May there be many, many more.

A few highlights from 2011 ...
*Each link will take you to past posts.  

I got my happy back after my relationship with my first love ended

I organized my closet and my cabinets

I found my favorite bronzer

I shared my eyeliner fixation

It snowed in Dallas.  A lot. 

The Super Bowl was hosted in the Big D and I partied with Pitbull, Ke$ha and Nelly

There was a spray paint makeover

I obsessed over gel manicures, discovered less than $2 eye make-up remover and revealed my favorite foundation

Courtney asked me to be a bridesmaid

I wrote my first guest blog

I survived St. Patrick's Day ... barely

I found my absolute favorite blush

I published my 100th post and gained my 100th follower!

I survived opening day at the ballpark with only medic call

I got bronchitis and bought my beloved Hobo International Lauren Clutch

I shared my DIY (& cheap) make-up brush cleaning technique

I dished on my top 5 favorite items for the shower

I went to Pheonix to stand by my friend Christina's side as she wed her love.  Recap one and two

My love for e.l.f. was born with this eye shadow brush

I posted my first Vlog, a how-to Chi curl your hair tutorial

My pal Kristi had her bachelorette par-tay

I started a home tour link-up series

I introduced you to my new BFF: The Cosmetics Company Store

We talked about my favorite summer polish combo

I discovered $1 false eye lashes and then taught you how to apply them

I completed my favorite decor project to-date: floating wall shelves

I purchased my first round of e.l.f. make-up products

I decided I needed to buy a gun because of this little incident

I was socially maxed out then I almost died of a heat stroke

I channeled my inner 80s child

I was introduced to the best hairspray known to woman

Blogged about my first e.l.f. haul, which concluded here

Started using the most amaze facial masque

I told you about my top 10 deal dollar store deals and duds

I celebrated 27 years of life with birthday shenans and my first blogger meet-up all at the same time.  

i.e. I met my bestie Beth IRL!

I threw a "B is for Baby" Shower for my dear friend Megan

I introduced this Texas delicacy to you: Frito Pie

Y'all helped me to win Most Valuable Blogger Dallas

My sweet nephew Reese turned four

I partied in Las Vegas for my BFF Kristina's Bachelorette Party

I dished on even more e.l.f. goodies that I love

I confessed that I was a reality TV addict

I partied in New Orleans with Beth and came back in a wheel chair

I moved and lived in squalor for a while

I threw my friend Courtney a "Cupcakes and Cocktails" themed bridal shower

I let you ask me whatever you wanted and I answered your questions here and here

I gave you blogging tips

I hosted my first swap with my best bish Raven

I posted a curls with curling iron hair how-to

I went back to New Orleans, but this time to celebrate Courtney's last days of being single

I hosted Thanksgiving at my house

I asked Santa for a few things

I decorated my abode for Christmas

I kicked off the 12 Days of Blogger Christmas by giving away a mini flat iron

I recapped my Christmas holiday with lots of pictures and showed you what Santa brought me

I discovered practically free jewelry cleaner

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions.  Tomorrow I'll be sharing mine!

p.s. I have had a few questions about how I design my graphics like the ones in today's post and the answer is I use Adobe InDesign CS4.  For free alternatives, try picnik.com or paint.net