1st Blogiversary, A Guest Post & A Pixelimpress Giveaway!

I can't believe that a year ago today I clicked "publish" on my first post on this blog. When I started out I really had no idea what I was doing, and I think in some ways didn't really know why. What I do know now is that, yes, blogging is hard work but it has also made my life so much richer. The people I've met, both in the flesh and online, not to mention the inspiration, the kindness and the ideas, have been invaluable. I think I've learned a lot about myself this past year, pushed myself farther and harder, and I'm just so grateful that all of you have been along for the ride.

I'd like to say a special thanks to the bloggers who were my very first commenters and followers (like Lauren of Pure Style Home, Giovanna of Swoon, Crystal of Plush Palate, Emily of Emily A. Clark, Dawn of The Alernative Wife and Helena of A Diary of Lovely, who asked me to do my first guest post!) I still remember the feeling when I realized that people were actually reading what I wrote. And responding. It was amazingly cool. And I would like to thank all of you who have come since then. Truly. You're the bestest blog friends a girl could have. If you're interested in what I posted that very first day here are a few links for you:

Welcome!

White Kitchens

Upside Down Christmas Trees

Also, today I'm very happy to be participating in Shannon's 12 Days of Holidays: A Blogger Wishlist -- hop on over to What's Up Whimsy to see what I'm wishing for this Christmas. Shannon is one of those great people I've met through blogging (I was super happy to be able to chat with her face to face at the recent Canadian Design Blogger's Meetup) and if you haven't been reading her blog you should really check it out.

On Sogni e Sorrisi's 1st Blogiversary I thought it would be appropriate to say thank you not just in words, but with a giveaway. The lovely Pam from Pixelimpress has graciously offered two great products to a lucky winner. Pixelimpress is a great shop that specializes not only in personalized calling cards, but also great paper products like notecards and gift tags (I fell in love with their green ikat tags when I saw them!) A sample of their products:

Holiday Cards

Gift Tags

Calling Cards

Notecards

"I love paper, patterns and colors, modern and traditional, and fonts. I love trying to find the unexpected yet beautiful way of mixing all of those to create a look that's unique," Pam says of her inspirations. "I'm environmentally conscious and use recycled materials as much as possible. And I strive to always give excellent customer service."

Enter now for your chance to win a Pixelimpress package that includes a Set of 10 Octopus Folded Notecards and a Set of 6 Ikat Hang Tags!

How to Enter

This giveaway is open to followers of Sogni e Sorrisi.

Just visit Pixelimpress and let me know what your fave item is.

Extra Entries

1. Follow me on Twitter. If you already do just let me know!

2. Tweet about this giveaway. You can tweet this:

Just entered the 1st Blogiversary Pixelimpress #Giveaway @SogniESorrisi http://bit.ly/hopQ4g

3. Blog or Facebook about this giveaway. Just leave the URL in your comment.

4. Follow Pixelimpress' Blog.

5. If you purchase something from Pixelimpress that gives you 10 extra entries. Just forward me proof of purchase and let me know in your comment!

Giveaway open until December 10, 2010.

Winner will be chosen via random.org.

Good luck, happy weekend and thanks again!

Oh, don't forget to enter the Orient Watch Giveaway--

today is the last day!