Happy Golden Birthday Pop.Bop.Shop.

Today, January 4, 2013, my beloved blog turns 4 years old. Can you believe it? I can't!

I started this blog on January 4, 2009 as a new years resolution. I resolved to write regularly (something I was missing in my corporate job) and to share my best finds and honest opinions with you. Now, four years later, this blog is one of the most fun and fulfilling aspects of my life.

So how did we get here? Let's take a walk down memory lane:

And now here we are, at the 1,112th post celebrating Pop.Bop.Shop.'s golden birthday!

For those who don't know, Wikipedia (the source of all truth) defines a golden birthday as, "A person's Golden or Grand birthday, also referred to as their 'Lucky Birthday', 'Champagne Birthday' or 'Star Birthday', occurs when they turn the age of their birth day."

I feel there is only one proper way to toast to the golden birthday and that is with what else? Gold!

That's right ladies and gentlemen, in honor of Pop.Bop.Shop. turning 4 on the 4th, I am giving away four pieces of gold jewelry to you, my incredible readers! Without further a do, I give you the golden birthday gold!

Alexis Bittar Bangle From Folklorica
I have been shopping at Folklorica in Newton Centre for my entire life. First with my mom at what she called her "very most favorite store" and then as an adult looking for my own pieces. This year I was able to help Folklorica celebrate their 40th anniversary. Through those visits I got to know Don (owner) and Aileen (marketing manager) who I feel very lucky to call my friends.

Don and Aileen were incredibly generous and have provided this dazzling, gold Alexis Bittar bangle.

I have one Alexis bangle and just before Christmas I splurged at the Folklorica holiday sale and bought myself a ring. I adore his designs and think they add pizazz to any outfit.

GS Designs For Persona Jewelry Earrings From Persona Jewelry
I made my first trip to Persona Jewelry in the Hotel Commonwealth for their Catwalk for a Cure event back in September 2011. The store is so elegant and the pieces are displayed and curated like a museum. Over the years I've had the pleasure of getting to know Persona's creative director, Dustin, and he was kind enough to provide these vermeil earrings from their in store line, GS Designs for Persona Jewelry, for the birthday festivities.

These are the perfect mate for your little black dress.

Quartz + Pearl Bracelet From Wicked Peacock 
Becky and Silvana are the fashionistas behind the new online jewelry boutique Wicked Peacock. I met the girls just a few months ago in October and they gave me a tour of their new site. I had a blast sharing my favorite pieces with you and even walked away with a piece of my own.

My Wicked Peacock piece, the quartz + pearl bracelet, is the same one Becky and Silvana have provided for you! If you win this piece, we'll have the same bling!

This bracelet looks great on its own or stacked with additional pieces.

It plays well with others.

Gold Spike Necklace From CakeStyle
Last month I had the pleasure of meeting Cecelia and Kait of CakeStyle, a personal styling service for women that "makes style a piece of cake." Cute! The way it works is: you sign up online, you give your size and measurements and the CakeStyle team sends a box to your door of looks handpicked just for you. The box not only includes clothes, it also includes accessories like belts and jewelry. The best part? The CakeStylists (again, so cute!) send a video showing you all the ways you can style those pieces. Pretty amazing, right?

The CakeStylists selected this edgy necklace just for the Pop.Bop.Shop. readers.

I love this piece because it would look great with a white collared shirt or with a scoop neck or V neck dress.

In the "one for good luck" birthday tradition - surprise! - there is a fifth piece! 

Glass Pendant Necklace From Tamar Paley Designs
This last gold piece is a very special one to me because it was made by my cousin Tamar. Since she was a little girl Tamar has had undeniable artistic talent. She has experimented with countless mediums but has found her true passion in jewelry making.

This year she formally started Tamar Paley Jewelry Designs. I was able to see her in action at a holiday craft fair in Newton a few weeks ago and it was so fun to see strangers "Ooooo" and "Ahhhh" over her pieces.

From her beautiful collection I selected this pendant for the giveaway.

It's a gold chain with a glass pendant, accented by a cascade of beads. The pendant actually has two patterns, one on each side.

I love the rose pattern!

Now that you've seen the loot, here's how you enter to win: 

I named the blog Pop.Bop.Shop. to cover three topics I love - pop culture, exploring new places and shopping. Now it's your turn to add a fourth word.

To enter to win, leave a comment below with the one word you'd use to describe the blog and why you read it. Feel free to specify which gold piece you have your eye on.

In honor of the 4th birthday, this giveaway will stay open for four days. To be entered to win you must leave a comment by 11:59pm EST on Monday January 7, 2013.

Thank you for celebrating the golden birthday with me!

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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