Today marks the one-year anniversary of Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday! (Next week we will revisit the first set of questions and answer them all over again.) I can hardly believe this little random project of mine has made it an entire 365 days – 52 weeks of posting. It has grown from seven kind bloggers, who were sweet enough to give this a chance, to more than 630 members, including several men. Of those initial bloggers I’m good friends with a number of them; with their help I’ve gotten through a number of blogging woes. FBFF started out with a weekly email sent on Thursdays to about a dozen bloggers who expressed some interest in what I was doing. Now we are in a Google Group and conversation happens behind the scenes. as well as on the various participating blogs. The community has helped one blogger through a plagiarism case. It has assisted new bloggers with site design and business card selection. And it has debated the merits of Disqus commenting system and switching to WordPress. The meme has seen the creation of additional theme-related memes like Everybody Everywhere and Fashion Feminist Bloggers.
For me FBFF has become more than just a weekly theme-based set of questions for fashion and beauty bloggers to answer. It has become a highlight of my week and a community of dedicated and wonderful people that I never expected to find. I’ve gained such amazing insight into the fashion and blogging worlds thanks to these people and more importantly I have made so many great friends.
As a result of the one-year anniversary we are answering questions about gratitude – giving props to those that don’t normally get the credit.
1. When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: Without a doubt I’m going to say major credit goes to my parents. They really helped me become the person I am today. They gave me the conviction that drives my life and the means to follow my passions. They taught me dedication, patience, fortitude and a sense of the other. My high school advisor gets a lot of credit too. She walked me through all the trials that teenage angst brings and made me a better person as a result.
2. When it comes to me professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to: When I was in 6th grade, a very grown-up 10th grader let me write for the school paper – that gave me the first idea of what it felt like to see my name on a byline. My sisters and high school friends encouraged me to write short stories of them, which fanned the flames of my love for writing. In college I had a number of amazing professors including Prof. Salsini, who taught me what real writing should look like. And the dean of the college, Dean Elliott who helped me land my first job out of college at the New York Times. Looks like I owe a lot of people for the journalist I am today.
3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots: Beautifully Invisible (for her excellent blogger to wordpress switch posts), Grit and Glamour (for sticking with FBFF during the beginning months and helping me with so many little blogging things), Laura Carson Miller (for exchanging emails to gripe about freelance work and blogging woes), KinseyM (for welcoming me to Boston and introducing me to so many amazing local bloggers), every amazing blogger who has agreed to be profiled on my blog (thanks especially to those in the beginning who were willing to give me a chance) and of course the more than 600 members of FBFF!
4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was… As crazy as this may sound I am super grateful for the attempt at FBFF awards that were stopped when it became more of a popularity contest than an introduction to some new amazing blogs. The entire experience taught me so much about blogging, running memes, people’s emotions and the deep-seated feelings we all harbor from the angst-filled high school years. It was a trying time, but it was a lesson learned that couldn’t have been accumulated any other way.
5. To my readers, I’d like to say… THANK YOU!! Honestly, words cannot describe the love I have for all of you – both the newcomers and those that have been around for the long-haul. Every thoughtful comment you leave warms my heart and puts a smile on my face. I didn’t start out blogging thinking I would become part of such a warm and wonderful community – but it happened without me realizing it and I am ever so grateful it did. So thank you for coming back time and time again. Thank you for thinking I have something here worth reading.
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{ 98 comments… read them below or add one }
i think this was my favorite fbff topic to date! i am SO grateful that i get to be part of such an awesome blogging community!!! i just recently came across grit & glamour and beautifully invisible via twitter and i am so glad i did! i am learning so much every day. thanks again katy!!! happy one year anniversary!!!
Thanks Jenn! So glad you are finding FBFF a great blogging tool – looks like it is serving its purpose.
very good set of questions, nice to see what people are grateful for. good group, thanks for creating it
vonnie recently posted..Friend Friday – Lets Show Some Gratitude- Shall We
Katy, congratulations on this milestone! I can’t even begin to imagine the effort you put into the series and I really appreciate it, as a newer member and as someone who has watched others participate for a while. I love the friendliness all the other members extend to each other, and the support. It’s been a thrill to take part and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings for FBFF!
And I loved reading through your answers. I was smiling to myself at a few of them because I went for the same thing. B and V instantly came to mind for Question 3, of course!
Thanks Casee Marie – It certainly has been a lot of time and effort – way more than I thought it would be when I started this a year ago. But at the same time I love the time it takes and the greatnesss of the group. It is such a wonderful community of dedicated bloggers. It’s a joy to manage the meme.
it’s been a great ride, and i’m so glad to have been able to experience this with you. here’s to many more years of collaboration and inspiration
Cate recently posted..Friend Friday- Spreading the Love
Thanks Cate – and here’s to finally meeting up at some point before you graduate and move away.
hear hear!
Cate recently posted..Friend Friday- Spreading the Love
I agree, this is my favorite set of questions to date as well. Sometimes you really have to stop and think of what shapes you as a person and give credit where credit is due.
Congratulations on FBFF hitting its one year anniversary! You have fostered an amazing community, one that I’m certainly proud to be a part.
Nicole at Mommy Moxie recently posted..Fashion Beauty Friend Friday FBFF-Gratitude
Nicole – As much as I love the fluff questions, I really like the FBFF questions that make us all take a step back and really assess the bigger picture. This topic is the perfect example – we are so much more than just ourselves, so many people helped us get to where we are today and they deserve props for that.
I think all April’s topics are inspired! But, it was about time to say “thank you”.
So, I wanna thank you Katy for being our inspiring Group leader and turning FBFF into the most interesting blogging event I participate every week!
Have a wonderful weekend
Kathrine recently posted..Being grateful
Kathrine – Thanks! I’m just so grateful that the group turned out to be such a great blogger tool. I never, in my wildest dreams thought it would be like this just a year after creation. I can’t even begin to imagine what another year will bring.
Loved the questions this week, and as a quite new member of this group I’m looking forward to answering those first questions
Charlie, Feminine Bravery recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Charlie – I’m actually looking forward to answering those first questions again and seeing how my responses differed over the year.
I’ve had so much on I haven’t had time to post but wanted to say a big thank you to you for starting off FBFF and wish the project a happy birthday – my own blog celebrated a year end of last month which made me realise I must have been an early participant in this project and that I’ve been doing it for almost a year now! Gosh how time flies when you’re having fun!
Veshoevius recently posted..Wide Legged Jeans Weekend
V – Isn’t it such a wonderful thing to look back at a year of progress and see how things have changed? It’s funny because in the moment everything seems slow going, but then when you get the broader picture you see how amazing the last 365 days have been.
I think that it’s a beautiful thing that you’ve done. Congratulations on the anniversary of FBFF! I just recently joined and can tell you that immediately I was grateful to read the emails and supportive feedback from whatever question any blogger had, it’s answered within moments. I can’t wait to continue with participating. Thank you Katy!
Madison – That is so good to hear. I value the community but have been with it from the beginning. Glad to hear it is warm and welcoming to newbies. Welcome!
Happy anniversary, Katy!
Thank you for all the inspiration your FBFF topics give to all your blogging friends from around the world.
Looking forward to many more years of FBFF to come.
Cheers
SSG xxx
Sydney Shop Girl recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratititude
Whoa – never even considered this being something that lasts years and years, but then again… I could see it being around for years to come.
Thank YOU, Katy. I don’t even know how I got started here, I just remember seeing the same questions answered on different blogs on Fridays. A little investigative work later, I’m part of it. I feel invested in it, I’m proud of your success, the impact it has across the board on all of us. This is the life I want to live. Not an insular, protective life, but this; a path that opens wider and becomes more interesting with every step. Thank you for being so present and thoughtful. Thank you for participating in my development and my future:)
xo, f
The House in the Clouds
Fabienne Jach recently posted..Happy Anniversary- FBFF!
Fabienne- So glad you stumbled across it and decided to get involved. And I agree with you on that this is the blogging life I want to live – not an individual island but interaction and community.
Dear Katy Rose, many heartfelt congratulations to you! I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community that you have invited us to take part in. Thank you for all of your hard work, thank you for being you.
I love your answers, very moving. As for lessons, I understand what you mean about the awards. My lesson from that episode was that I went to far in trying to be a part of a group, and therefore participated in the awards all though I felt uneasy about it. (I adore the bloggers that I highlighted, but I also adore so many others. )
Blogging is such an amazing forum for learning and connecting, and I am glad that I get to share this voyage with you and the FBFF community. Happy friday to you my dear.
x Anika
http://byanika.com/
@AnikaByAnika
Anika http://byanika.com recently posted..Spreading the love- Lee of Lee Oliveira
Anika – You are too sweet! I’m glad we are sharing the blogging voyage as well. It would be a pretty lonely ride without the others to build us up and support us along the way.
Katy, congrats on FBFF’s 1 year birthday! I liked your answer about the challenge you hit with the attempt at the awards. You did that so gracefully and I was fine with your decision either way!
Thanks for putting this together and keeping it going for a year! I’m glad to have finally participated.
xoxo
Cyrilllynn
Cyrillyn – Thanks for your sweet words about the challenge. And I’m glad you are participating now too.
Happy 1st year anniversary FBFF! I’ve enjoyed participating for the last couple of months and have to say its such a great group. I always enjoy reading your answers
Will upload my link when its done later.
Sophie recently posted..Stealing the limelight
Love a gratitude topic….we can never say THANK YOU enough!!! Blessings!
Pam@over50feeling40 recently posted..Extra- Extra Read All About It – Special Guests and Blogger Recognition!
So true. I think we don’t say thank you enough, in general. There are so many people that go un-acknowledged. Glad we could take this moment to thank them.
Happy Anniversary Modly Chic!!! thanks for your dedication to putting together so many great questions week after week. I am grateful to be part of this group!!
Happy Friend Friday!!
Fashnlvr – I am so grateful to have such an amazing group of bloggers be part of FBFF. It could have turned out so differently if it wasn’t for all of you members.
Happy Anniversary!!! I really enjoyed this weeks topic. It allowed me to thank some bloggers I rarely get to give reconigtion.
QueenDiva recently posted..Fashion Beauty Friend Friday- Gratitude
I put the awards as my blogging challenge that made me stronger too.
This was a really good set of items to discuss and perfect for the FBFF anniversary. You’ve done such an awesome job with the FBFF feature and Google group. Thank you for doing everything you do!
Come take a look inside A Working Mom’s Closet
Melissa – I figured a couple of us might mention the blogger awards. It was an all around great lessons for every member, whether it personally impacted them or not.
Congratulations on one year!!!! I can’t wait to catch up on the greatness that is FBFF!! Have a great weekend!
L. Michelle recently posted..FBFF- Gratitude
happy one year FBFF anniversary! The blogging community needed an outlet like this to exchange ideas and experiences, and it has been an invaluable tool for connecting with others. They say that “no man is an island” but it can feel otherwise at times as a blogger… but with the community you’ve created we can all come together (at least) once a week and have a sort of conversation about our likes, dislikes, lessons learned and goals. You should be proud of yourself, Katy.
Tiffany recently posted..FBFF- how many ways can I say thank you gracias danke merci domo arigato spasibo
Thanks Tiffany for your sweet words. At the time I had no idea if the fashion blogging community would even be interested in something like this, but I do agree that it needed some inter-connectivity. I’m glad FBFF could do that.
You should be SO PROUD of yourself for reaching this milestone with FBFF! So many bloggers have learned so much and come so far because of this community you created, Katy. It’s all because you had an idea, and weren’t afraid to approach others and give it a try!
Thanks for the mention…you have also helped me grow over the last year, just so you know.
GRIT & GLAMOUR recently posted..WVW- On the Burberry Last Day
Thanks V! And I am humbled to know I’ve helped you grow as well. Blogging community is so great for all of that. I love the community that exists around it. Thanks for being a pioneer of the idea with me.
Congrats on FBFF’s one-year anniversary! You’ve done a lot for the blogging community to bring together this great group of bloggers, and I’m sure we can all say we’re grateful for that. =) ~Lisa
Lisa D. recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Always good to give thanks
I’m very thankful for the bloggers I’ve met.
Michelle recently posted..Thank You for Your Support
Dear Katy, congratulations on the one-year anniversary, and thank you! I’m so proud and grateful to be a member of this great blogger community, and it has really helped make my blog grow to a very healthy 3-month old:) xxx
MyFavouriteThings recently posted..Something To Dream About
Happy Anniversary, Modly Chic & FBFF! As many others have already said, we’re grateful to YOU for starting this wonderful community. Thank you.
Joy
Joy recently posted..Comment Luv
I loved this week’s topic. Happy Anniversary, FBFF, and thank you, Katy, for creating such an amazing group. Happy Friday!
Kirstin Marie recently posted..Friend Friday- Lets Show Some Gratitude
Congrats on the anniversary- FBFF is a great community! I’m happy to be a part of it
Kimberlee recently posted..FBFF- Some People Id Like To Thank
Here’s to another year of awesome, thought-provoking questions!
Dee recently posted..Its Not So Bad
Wow I cannot believe how far FBFF has come in a year! I know my blogging life and community has changed for the better since I joined and I’m forever grateful for that!
MJ recently posted..Friend Friday- A Blogger’s Gratitude
HBD FBFF! So fortunate to be part of such a great community!
I loved this week’s questions – it was so meaningful to be able to give a shout out to those who have made such a difference in my life!
xo J.
What an amazing accomplishment! I really commend you on developing and cultivating this community. I know many of us have found it so beneficial!
Shen Dove recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Congratulations on one year of FBFF! It’s grown so much since I became a member a few months ago and I predict great things in the next year! Also, I’m so envious that you’ve almost always known what you were going to do in life!
Alex Elizabeth recently posted..FBFF- Oh The Places You’ll Go
Love this weeks FBFF. Congrats on your one year!
Adrienne recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Happy birthday, FBFF- Keep up the awesome work, Katy!
Fashion Momma recently posted..FBFF- Gratitude
Congrats on the one-year anniversary of FBFF! Katy, you deserve all the kuddos in the world for having the courage to start what has become an instrumental force in the creation of a blogger community. And thank you for continuing to come up with such thoughtful questions every week. I look so forward to Fridays now!
Elissa recently posted..Fashion Beauty Friend Friday- Gratitude
Another great topic Katy. I think every blogger in FBFF is thanking their readers the same way you have, and myself as well!
Sam recently posted..24 A little mix of everything
such a huge milestone…and such a wonderful brainchild to begin with. good for you! i love reading these and being part of this interesting and educational link-up.
-brittney
brittney recently posted..excuse me- sir- but may i take a nap on this park bench
I am so excited to be joining such a neat group! Thanks for doing this and congratulations on your anniversary.
Courtney recently posted..FBFF Friday April 15 – Gratitude
Congrats on the anniversary! This is my first FBFF, and I’m so excited to join such a great group
Ashley recently posted..Oh no you didnt
You’re doing a marvelous job! I was so glad this was the topic this week – I have a lot to be grateful for, too! The questions as they were didn’t quite cover the bases I wanted to, so I took my own spin on it. But thanks for giving me the opportunity to give back!
Cara recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Thanks, Katy, for all of the hard work you continually put into this group.
Caitlin recently posted..Daily- Its Friday- Friday
You are a pioneer to start such a quality group that has helped so many of us. Thank you so much for contuing to manage it and keep it going.
http://fashiondivamommy.blogspot.com
Daphne recently posted..Friend Friday Post – GRATITUDE
I didn’t even realize it was the one-year anniversary of FBFF until after I applied for membership – seems like fate!
Thanks for setting this up and providing great questions to inspire blog cross-posting and chatter!
Happy one year anniversary! I only recently joined the FBFF community, but I think it is absolutely wonderful that you do it each and every week, and form this wonderful community for fellow bloggers. Thank you!
Thank you so much for putting this together. It is an incredible idea. Happy Birthday, FBFF! I loved today’s questions. It is so good to remember who helped you get where you are. I can’t wait to answer next weeks questions – so cool to do a repeat like that. It would be interesting to see how your answers differed from last year, you’ll have to let us know.
CC recently posted..FBFF – Gratitude
Happy birthday FBFF!! =)
Thank you Katy for all the work you put on FBFF!
matita recently posted..Free people!
You’re doing a great job, this group is awesome:-)
Kaylin recently posted..FBFF- Gratitude
Even though I just joined a few months ago, I have fallen in love with the group and your awesome blog. Thanks for putting this together!!
I can’t believe how fast time flies!!! I had no idea FBFF was coming up on its 1 year. congratulations Katy! it’s truly amazing – the community you’ve been able to build and the relationships you’ve been able to develop as a result. You are so sweet to mention me as someone that helped introduce you to Boston, I love being able to help others, and I’m glad I could contribute to that! we have such a fantastic community of bloggers, it makes me happy to be living near here!
Kinsey Michaels recently posted..Someday- Maybe Dream Job
Katy!! I just want to say Congratulations. What you do here is just absolutely amazing
I will always know you as the “Tribal Leader” because you bring bloggers together. You are a real trend setter and an amazing women!
Just got threw words for you Katy!!!
WE LOVE YOU!
Ty @ http://gorgeousingrey.com
Gorgeous In Grey recently posted..Happy Birthday FBFF!
Just got three words for you Katy!!!
WE LOVE YOU!
Ty @ http://gorgeousingrey.com
Gorgeous In Grey recently posted..Happy Birthday FBFF!
Thank you so much for the idea and implementation of FFBF!
K. Mines recently posted..Friend Friday- Thank You- to Infinity
This is my first week doing an FBFF post and I am so excited to be a part of the group! Congratulations Katy on one year of FBFF!!
Nnenna recently posted..FBFF- Gratitude
I’ve only been a part of FBFF for a couple of months, but I have gained so much in that short time! I am glad I joined in time to be a part of the birthday post!!
Rocquelle recently posted..Friend Friday- Because of You
This was so fun! It really lifts my spirits to be grateful! And I am grateful for you!!! Cheers! xoxo
Sherry Jarwin recently posted..Friday – Attitude of Gratitude FBFF
Great questions this week, and congratulations on a year of FBFF!
Gracey at Fashion For Giants recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Happy anniversary! Great questions today.
academiaemily recently posted..This Is the Solution on Friend Friday
This is my first FBFF post! I was so excited to participate this week. I have been following the group emails since March and was participating that way. It was so refreshing to evaluate who deserved some thanks. I love this time to do it.
Sincerely and with thanks,
Julie
Great questions this week! Loved being involved for my 2nd week of answers! Xxx
Thank you for this perfect topic for today! I’ve needed a reminder to be grateful lately and was wondering how I could say thank you to all my wonderful readers. Great opportunity!
For Those About To Shop recently posted..Fashion Friend Friday- Gratitude
I’m so excited to have joined in for the first time this week, Katy. This is truly an incredibly community and I’m glad to be a part of it in any small way!
MONKEYFACE recently posted..fbff member 500 reporting for duty
Glad you did one of these on thankfulness. I enjoyed the questions and being part of this community that you have created. Thanks!
This was my first one!
Erin recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
First off, happy anniversary!!
Secondly, isn’t it awesome to have parents who are awesome role models?! I’m grateful for that every day!
Krystle recently posted..FBFF Gratitude
Congratulations on a year of FBFF!
Frances Joy recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
Happy anniversary to FBFF! As fairly new member, I’m so thankful to be a part of this! You rock Katy
Shea recently posted..The Hunger Keeps on Growing
Thank YOU for creating this community!
Debbie Baker Burns recently posted..Fashion Beauty Friend Friday- Gratitude
Happy Birthday FBFF, congratulations on one year! Thank you, Katy for creating this amazing community.
Kristin recently posted..Friend Friday- Gratitude
i think no matter how we feel about our family/parents, they will always be a big part of us. thanks again for creating this group, i’m still very new to it but i do enjoy the question/answer style – it really makes me stop and think.
Katy, Happy FBFF Birthday! I’m so proud of your accomplishments over the past year. Keep doing what you’re doing– you’re an inspiration to many women out there.
P.S. Aren’t you proud of me? I got my post done on Friday this time.
)
I can’t imagine my blogging life without your FBFF. Strangely enough although I’ve never participated in one (Fridays don’t work for me, lol!) I consider so many FBFF participants as part of my blogging community that I feel a part of the FBFF. Happy anniversary, meme. And a big gratitude shout out to you Katy- for creating, moderating and maintaining such a wonderful community building event that blossomed into a very supportive and amazing community.
Bella Q recently posted..Lemon Drop SWAP
Congrats KatyRose!
Thanks for creating the group. It’s been an awesome ride!
JTwisdom
JTwisdom recently posted..Oh Give Thanks!
finally uploaded mine! Better late than never
Sophie – country girl recently posted..Thx
Katy, thanks so much for creating this lovely community! Such a perfect idea that has blossomed into a flourishing group. Happy Birthday FBFF!!!
Mel recently posted..FBFF- Gratitude – Happy Birthday FBFF!!
Congrats & “happy birthday” on such a great concept!
Bree @ The Blog Stylist recently posted..Style Bloggers’ News- 15 must-click links issue 6
I am so very glad that you started FBFF one year ago. I am looking forward to every friday and enjoy reading all those responses! The topics are the best. They are not just shallow questions about fashion etc, but really go deeper and that’s what I enjoy most. Also the google group is so fun!
THANK YOU!!!!!
Anja recently posted..Gratitude is the best Attitude
I loved the idea and I will answer these questions for sure, they are very inspiring! Thanks for the nice idea!
Denise recently posted..Shoeper Shoe Challenge – 2 months
Happy anniversary! And thank you for hosting!
Congrats on the great accomplishments of this blog and the community that you have created!
TrendySocialite recently posted..Have You Met Drew
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