Today, Pop.Bop.Shop. turns 10.
10!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, that's one exclamation point for each year. In so many ways, I still feel new at this. I'm constantly learning, trying new things, and pushing myself to make this site as helpful as it possibly can be. In other ways, I feel like I've been doing this my whole adult life. It's hard to remember a time when I didn't keep my digital camera in my bag, sheepishly ask family and friends if they would mind if I snapped pictures at dinner, or raced home after a great movie to jot down all my thoughts. Pop.Bop.Shop. has become such a big part of the way I experience the world.
I still remember writing that very first post on January 4, 2009. I was about eight months into my new career in PR, and I desperately needed a creative outlet. At the time, I was mostly working on a medical device company, and my writing projects didn't leave much room for experimentation. As the clock struck midnight and we headed into 2009, I resolved that I would start a blog and stick to it for one year (ha!).
Here is that very first post. I still laugh every time I look at this. First of all, the post is comically short. Second, it has all kinds of wonky formatting, and third, there are no pictures! Bless all of you who read that and thought, "Yeah, I'll give this girl a shot."
Over the years we've celebrated each milestone together:
- 1st birthday - Wrote 228 posts in year one
- 2nd birthday - This same month, Pop.Bop.Shop. placed 2nd for "Best Local Blog" in the Boston A-List Awards
- 3rd birthday - Passed the 800 post mark
- 4th birthday - Marked the golden birthday (4 on the 4th) with a giveaway of gold jewelry
- 5th birthday - Asked you to share five words that describe the blog, resulting in my favorite comments section ever
- 6th birthday - The candy anniversary
- 7th birthday - Lucky number seven
- 8th birthday - Showcased eight of my favorite local makers
- 9th birthday - Highlighted nine female-owned businesses
Today, I want to celebrate 10 years by sending care packages to 10 lucky readers. I've hand picked items I love, and I'm excited to pack up and ship off 10 boxes to 10 of you.
Here is a sneak preview of a few things coming your way, all three of these items are from my favorite store, Greentail Table in Newton, MA.
The first is a Compendium box. These come in all different themes, but I chose the Dream and Happy Day boxes, both great for starting the new year with strong intentions.
Each box has 30 affirmations. You read one per day, for 30 days. You can read them when you first wake up to set the tone for the day ahead, or right before you go to bed to dream of big things.
You'll also receive a Paddywax soy candle in one of my two favorite scents. The Holly Leaves & Cranberry smells like all the best things about winter. The Salted Grapefruit will transport to a warm beach far, far away.
Since you know I have a mega sweet tooth, I'll also be sending a box of McCrea's caramel candies.
Each piece has a letter M on the wrapper, so you can think of me as you unwrap each and every one.
To enter to win one of the 10 birthday celebration boxes, simply leave a comment below with one thing you'd like to see here on Pop.Bop.Shop in year 10. It can be a city you think I should travel to, a restaurant I have to try, a book I should read, a show I need to binge, gift guide suggestions - whatever you'd like to see here, I'd like to write about it.
Entries will be accepted through 11:59pm ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. The winners will be notified on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Before I sign off to toast to 10, I want to say thank you to a few people:
- My parents - For always believing in this passion project. For telling everyone, at every restaurant we've ever eaten at together, "My daughter is a food blogger!" For sharing my posts with your friends and colleagues. For handing out my cards as if they're your own. For trying so hard not to touch your food before I have a chance to snap it, and for forgiving me when I yell at you when you just can't wait to stick your fork in.
- My friends - One day I was just a normal dinner date, and the next day I was taking pictures of everything we ate. Asking you to move your hands out of the way, asking for your thoughts on a dish while you were mid bite, and walking around the restaurant like a weirdo trying to get wide shots of each space. You were never embarrassed. You were always game, always encouraging. You are the ones who pushed me to keep going when I felt like giving up.
- My co-workers - Even though Pop.Bop.Shop. isn't my "real job," you have always supported me. Whether it was letting me take pictures of our hotel rooms during business trips, indulging my need to try a specific restaurant during our 24 hours in town, or humoring me by describing your meals, you've cheered on this side hustle from day one.
- My fellow Boston bloggers - When I started writing this blog in 2009, I was doing it for myself. I hadn't even considered that I might form friendships with other bloggers, or get to meet them in real life. Over the past 10 years, I've had the pleasure of getting to know so many of you. You inspire me with your drive, ambition, and talent.
- YOU - Yes, you! My readers. In the past decade, the Pop.Bop.Shop. community has become the best, most accurate recommendation engine. You share ideas for things I might like (you're always right), suggestions for ways to improve, fresh ideas for content, and so much more. You've followed along on my New Year's resolution journey over the past four years, embracing my honest and vulnerable updates. I am so grateful for you. Thank you for reading, for actively engaging, and making this such a meaningful project.
Cheers to 10 years!
*Top photo by rawpixel on Unsplash. All other photography by Molly Galler.
Comments
Mindest Mint
Sat, 07/31/2021 - 12:12
Nice post mate, keep up the great work, just shared this with my friendz 릴게임
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 05:12
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. 온라인릴게임
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 05:35
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks 온라인릴게임
Mohammad Taha
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 08:00
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. https://biolinky.co/togelsingapore
seoservices
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 08:51
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. togel
Mohammad Taha
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 10:11
We bring together everything, helping you all the way in terms of funding. Setting up your business with proper funding plans and flexible terms as you demand. Small Business Funding
Mohammad Taha
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 11:53
We understand the stress and the potential complications that can happen in any business. We are here not only to solve your need for immediate capital, but to guide you along the way. Instant Working Capital
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 13:56
Our support team is friendly, highly responsive and cooperative. You can be assured to get the right support when you need it, in time and just the way you need it. buying of domains
seoservices
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 14:03
Macselza.com is the new, adaptive structure for trading in products and services across the globe. A platform that serves its purpose to be in the light shed of those willing to earn a profit, in the long or short run, by buying other'products or services, or by selling their own products or services domain brokerage services
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 14:36
Whatever style of kaftan dress you wear now, you can be certain that it would be far different from the original design of the traditional kaftans. These modern kaftans surely are made to suit the tastes and fashion sense of the modern woman. cotton kaftan
seoservices
Sun, 08/01/2021 - 14:39
Kaftan dresses are elegantly designed for women. Unlike the traditional kaftans that were mainly used by Persian men, the modern dresses are a lot more loose, colorful and have a lot more variation in styles. Kaftan for women
seoservices
Mon, 08/02/2021 - 10:00
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers couvreur 77
Mindest Mint
Tue, 08/03/2021 - 16:13
I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting. Lifeguard course
seoservices
Thu, 08/05/2021 - 11:43
Thankyou for this wondrous post, I am glad I observed this website on yahoo. 먹튀검증
Mohammad Taha
Fri, 08/06/2021 - 01:06
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. 먹튀검증업체
Mohammad Taha
Fri, 08/06/2021 - 12:43
Keep up the good work , I read few posts on this web site and I conceive that your blog is very interesting and has sets of fantastic information. ceme deposit pulsa
Mohammad Taha
Fri, 08/06/2021 - 14:34
Hi there! Nice post! Please tell us when I will see a follow up! joker388
seoservices
Sat, 08/07/2021 - 07:52
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. 먹튀검증사이트
Mohammad Taha
Sat, 08/07/2021 - 13:32
If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. reparacion bang olufsen
Mohammad Taha
Sun, 08/08/2021 - 09:46
We have online computer technician available for you 24x7. You have to call us and explain your problem to the experts. computer tech services
seoservices
Sun, 08/08/2021 - 11:38
we can fix your pc problems instantly in front of you, totally as a real time! Whether you have got problems related to antivirus, printer, email, router, browser or computer running slow, our experts are here to assist you remotely. Computer Home Repair Services
Mohammad Taha
Sun, 08/08/2021 - 14:56
You may have heard banners are dead... not so! Here are some great banner tips and banner advertising resources to begin your new banner campaign. Retractable Banners with Display
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/08/2021 - 15:28
The development of digital photography allows the amateur photographers to take photo with excellent result. By using digital photos, they will be able to take as lots of pictures as they want High Quality Printing Services
Mindest Mint
Tue, 08/10/2021 - 00:50
This is actually the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. hair care producrs
Mohammad Taha
Tue, 08/10/2021 - 03:49
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! joker388
Mohammad Taha
Tue, 08/10/2021 - 05:12
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! sbobet
seoservices
Wed, 08/11/2021 - 05:16
I am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you. pii-email
Bomabay Cake
Fri, 08/13/2021 - 06:40
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! 먹튀검증
Mindest Mint
Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:32
Hi there! Nice post! Please tell us when I will see a follow up! 토토커뮤니티
Mindest Mint
Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:52
Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this! 토토커뮤니티
Mindest Mint
Sat, 08/14/2021 - 10:02
Keep up the good work , I read few posts on this web site and I conceive that your blog is very interesting and has sets of fantastic information. คลิปหลุด
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/15/2021 - 02:09
Our team designed the website to present the benefits of the products which made it looks very charming for the customers. Responsive web design
Bomabay Cake
Sun, 08/15/2021 - 02:26
Our team designed the website to present the benefits of the products which made it looks very charming for the customers. Dropshipping
Mindest Mint
Sun, 08/15/2021 - 04:21
I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting. Low Cost Divorce Attorney Orange County CA
Bomabay Cake
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 09:53
i am always looking for some free stuffs over the internet. there are also some companies which gives free samples. shuttlesky.in
Bomabay Cake
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 10:16
Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. buy twitch followers
seoservices
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 12:53
We have hundreds of LoL accounts for sale, and how do we ensure such high quality? By offering exclusive accounts that may have rare skins and are ready for ranked play, each backed by a 30-day guarantee and instant delivery. Leagues of legends ranks
seoservices
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 13:29
All of our League of Legends smurf accounts are delivered to you instantly after payment. Your new LoL smurf account will be displayed on the payment confirmation screen and you will also receive your LoL smurf account straight to your email address. League of Legends Account Sale
seoservices
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 14:44
Welcome to kwkollections, the place to find the best products for every taste and occasion. We thoroughly check the quality of our goods, working only with top quality manufactures so that you receive the best quality product. Hair Dryers
seoservices
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 15:24
Welcome to kwkollections, the place to find the best products for every taste and occasion. We thoroughly check the quality of our goods, working only with top quality manufactures so that you receive the best quality product. Nails Art Tools
Mindest Mint
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 16:36
Are you an Elementor user looking to add support for extra widgets and premade templates? If yes, then I recommend taking a look at the Premium Addons for Elementor plugin. Liquidweb Hosting Services
Mindest Mint
Mon, 08/16/2021 - 19:01
WP Blog is an online WordPress resource which focuses on WordPress Plugin and Themes Reviews, How-to’s, guides, plugins, news, and more. We aim to provide the most comprehensive beginner’s guides to anything about WordPress — from reviewing plugins, themes for your website. WordPress Themes & Plugin Reviews
seoservices
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 06:06
School is an important time in everyone's life. One fondly remembers the friends and the fun in and around school. We try again and again to understand what the students want and thus achieve timely photos that are fun. https://schulfotos.berlin/wp/
seoservices
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 06:13
The sale of the pictures is taken over at the same time. Parents choose the most beautiful pictures of their child online safely and easily. That makes it easy for kindergarten, educator and management. berlin kita
seoservices
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 06:13
The sale of the pictures is taken over at the same time. Parents choose the most beautiful pictures of their child online safely and easily. That makes it easy for kindergarten, educator and management. berlin kita
seoservices
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 06:42
Our team on site always consists of two photographers on the day of the photo shoot . This creates space and space for many beautiful shots. he has a good point
Bomabay Cake
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 07:12
Thankyou for this wondrous post, I am glad I observed this website on yahoo. 안전놀이터
Bomabay Cake
Tue, 08/17/2021 - 07:26
Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style. 안전놀이터
seoservices
Wed, 08/18/2021 - 01:08
At RSJ, we are dedicated to serving a diverse client group. Our professionals have experience serving clients across many industries in both domestic and international capacities. https://www.rsjcpa.com/
Bomabay Cake
Wed, 08/18/2021 - 02:39
With liposuction, the surgeon can remove stubborn fat deposits, improve your physical appearance by using contouring procedures to give you pleasing curves in all the right places. https://www.liposuctionnyc.com/