One year ago today, I hit publish for the first time on Atta Girl Says.
I was at a place in my life where I desperately needed a creative outlet and a place to express myself.
This blog has provided me that, and so much more.

It all started with a manifesto where I laid out my plans for the blog and the changes I wanted needed to make in my life. And what a year of growth and changes and creativity it has been.
This blog has opened the door to some wonderful opportunities. It has forced me to learn many new skills, like WordPress and photography (things I’m still learning, by the way.)
It has nurtured my creativity and driven it, as well.
Most importantly, blogging has introduced me to a wonderful community of talented, creative and supportive women, many of whom who have become not just online friends but in-real-life friends.
So, I’d say it’s been a pretty great year. A busy one for sure. Busier than I ever anticipated. Blogging has not lessened my workload, as I’d hoped it would. (Oh, how clueless I was!)
But those late nights working on projects, editing photos or writing blog posts don’t bother me so much. I guess it is true that when you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work.
Sorry for the sentimentality, but this one-year blogiversary is a real milestone for me.
Atta Girl Says is not my first attempt at blogging. But finally, I’ve found my niche and my passion, my community and my tribe. I am particularly thankful for those family and friends who have supported me on this journey and those readers who make my day with your comments and kind feedback. Thank you for putting up with me for a year. I hope we’ll have many more together.
So, I am turning the tables on you during my blogiversary and giving you gifts, instead of the other day around.

Today, I am kicking off five days of giveaways.
Today’s prize is a handwoven basket made by my dad.

When I was a kid, my parents made baskets and sold them at craft fairs. But somewhere along the way, they gave up the hobby and business. Until Dad retired a few years ago and started basket weaving again.
I’m adding some of his handmade baskets to my etsy store.

I’m slowing adding the inventory to etsy, so check back often for new basket designs, like this vegetable basket.

Or these colorful handmade Easter baskets.

My dad can do custom orders, as well. Feel free to send me a message here or on etsy, if you’re interested in placing a special order for a basket. And do check my etsy store later this week when I will be adding new baskets for sale.
And be sure to visit Atta Girl Says all this week for other great giveaways, including a Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint prize package, something to help you clean up from Fish Foam, a $100 gift certificate from Origami Owl and something pretty for your home from Farmhouse Decor, the online store run by my friend Barb of The Everyday Home.
Good luck in the giveaway and thank you so much for making my first blogging year such a wonderful one.
Entries for the Atta Girl Says Blogiversary Giveaway Bonanza will be accepted through midnight on Thursday, March 7. Winners will be announced the following week.


































Amy- A big congratulations on your one year anniversary.. It is an amazing journey, isn’t it? I have won several giveaways in the last year so I won’t sign up -but good luck to everyone- xo Diana
Nana Diana recently posted..Baptizing The Baby
I can’t believe your Dad makes those. So impressive!
Oh yeah and congrats on your 1 year anniversary! I loved this post, I feel exactly the same way.
Congrats on your one year blogaversary, Amy!
Suzy recently posted..Sunday Worship
congrats on this milestone! how exciting and didn’t the year just fly? Sharing your giveaway all of the place!! Best wishes for another wonderful year ahead.
Twitter: ElbieSwan
says:
Congratulations on your bloggerversary!!!
Loribeth recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day!
Twitter: ddreamsbyanne
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Congratulations on your blogiversary!!
Have a happy day!!
Anne recently posted..DIY Mini Stepladder
Twitter: housepitalityd
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Amy….Happy Blogaversary!!!….You have accomplished so much in one year…you go girl!!!… Congratulations!!…
Twitter: eclecvintage
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Congrats Amy! Here’s to many more years of creativity!
Kelly
Kelly recently posted..How to Stencil Walls Like a Pro – & Bloggers Day Out!
Best advice: do another Google Hangout with me! Haha! Actually, I would advise you to get a Projects Gallery because that will help readers see your projects at a glance. I had trouble with the Portfolio plugin so I used Catablog instead and I really like it. It’s more time consuming but I have complete control over it. Just a thought!
Marty Walden recently posted..“When Love Takes You In” by Steven Curtis Chapman: Simple Gift Sunday
Twitter: erin_kaven
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Congrats on a wonderful accomplishment. I still have yet to hit the publish button, but I am learning so much from all of you.
Congratulations! Thank you for a great blog and a lot of enjoyment.
Twitter: PattyAtAlways
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How exciting, Amy! I am glad you started and hope you will continue for a long time!
Twitter: janewindham
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Amy,
Congrats on your blog’s anniversary! I’m so glad I met you through blogging and also at SBC. I would love a chance to win your dad’s basket and appreciate the hard work it takes to make one.
Jane recently posted..A Rainbow of Painted Plastic Pots
Congratulations on no. 1 and may you enjoy many more(so I can enjoy many more!!!
Twitter: Andisb1966
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Great blog! I entered all of the giveaway criteria
Just keep going just like you are…love it. Love love the basket
Amy,
You go girl! Congratulations and here’s to many, many more years of success! Just shared your giveaway on Facebook!
blessings,
karianne
Thistle recently posted..An Amazing Hair Day
Twitter: T_erpelding
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happy blogging. Love the basket.
found you through the fabulous Karianne (Thistlewood Farm) and I’m so excited to check out your blog! Congratulations on your 1 year milestone…I celebrated 5 years this past December!
Judy
Have the courage to do what you want to do instead of what you feel like you *should* do
Twitter: mnscrapper
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I’m in awe of anyone who has the moxy to create and sustain a blog. Congratulations on your first year!