A Toddler & A Topknot
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A Toddler & A Topknot Turns One! {Giveaway}

4/3/2017

63 Comments

 
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This week, the blog turns ONE! Even though the archives show posts back as far as February 2015, I didn't officially publish and promote the blog until I had enough content up and was making it a point to publish entries. But anyway, I can hardly believe it. I set about on this fun little endeavor thinking that I'd probably have a few close friends and family reading it. I don't get millions of hits to the site, but I get way more than I ever imagined.

First of all, I want to thank YOU! Yes, you! Thank you for reading and commenting and reposting and coming back to read my thoughts! You are the reason why I continue to put the effort into this little corner of the world. There have been days when I've thought about giving up, and I'll get a message from one of you, or someone will mention to somebody I know that they have been reading my posts and something resonated with them.

Know that in this age of algorithms and popularity-based views on social media networks, every like, share, and comment is so meaningful. I am eternally grateful to those of you who follow along and support all these posts that come from my heart!

I also want to take a minute to thank my husband, Eddie, and Caleb, the little guy who inspired me to start this blog. They are my number one fans, and are always putting up with me taking pictures and saying stuff like, "I can probably use this for the blog." Creating content regularly is no easy feat, and they never complain about my shenanigans.

And two two more friends I want to thank, Cary over at Cary Diaz Photography for capturing these awesome first birthday themed photos for me, and Kristi at Habit Boutique for dressing me perfectly for the occasion! The dress and blouse I am wearing in these photos were provided by her boutique. The colors are perfect and the quality of them is excellent! If you've never been, check it out in the heart of Coral Gables - she has beautiful pieces!
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Dress: Habit Boutique, Shoes: Justfab.com, Necklace: my own
I've learned a lot about myself and about others over the past year of blogging. Some of it good, and some of it bad. But there are three things in particular that I want to share with you, whether you are blogging, working someone else's business, running your own business, or running your family. 

1. Believe in yourself. You have to be ready to put in the work, but you also have to know that whatever vision you have for yourself, it can be done. I've learned that my mind is the most powerful tool I have, and vision plus hard work equals results. 

2. Stop comparing yourself. I've had to tell myself countless times to stop comparing myself to so-and-so because they have 10k or 100k followers. I haven't been at this that long, and it's a saturated market. I have a unique perspective to offer, and comparing myself to what everyone else has or doesn't have is going to take my eyes off of my end goal. Just be 100% you. 

3. There is an amazing world of kindness out there, you just have to be open to the opportunity. Early in my journey, a girl named Bessy (check her blog out here) reached out to me. She invited me into a group of blogger friends that she had made and they were all so kind and supportive. It was incredible to see how they embraced me so quickly. And like those women, I have found so many who are kind and helpful. Women who have helped me to be lifted when I was down about something. Women who told me to brush off negative comments or imitators (yes, I had someone copy my blog name ::insert eye roll here::). Women who empower other women and want to see nothing more than for them to succeed. Had I not responded to Bessy's initial message, I would have missed out on this amazing group of women. I've also made some amazing virtual BFFs, who I hope to highlight for you in the coming months. 
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But birthdays mean presents, right?! I'm not asking you for presents, but I AM giving some goodies away! I was going to give one bigger gift, but I thought it would be more fun to have multiple winners. So each week this month, I'm going to be giving something away! I'll be giving away products I LOVE and use often so that you can benefit from them, too! So check back weekly in the month of April to see what I have for you. The giveaway will open Monday morning and will close Thursday evening. I'll announce the winner Friday morning. And I'll be doing this for four weeks! 

Thanks for all the love, friends!

xoxo, 

​Jenise
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Giveaway #1: Fueled by Caffeine & Jesus (grubby toddler hand not included)

When I was about 6 months into this stay-at-home mom gig, I still hadn't adjusted. I was feeling like I had to do everything at home perfectly and like I had to get everything right all the time. I'm not even sure how I came across it, but I somehow happened upon The Super Mom Myth by Becky Kopitzke. Her book pointed out so many things that I was doing and stressing over that I didn't need to be! It really changed my outlook on being a mom and a wife. And I want you to experience that, so included in my first giveaway is this book, along with this adorable one of a kind mug, complete with my handwriting, made by my friends at Creative Sparkles, and a sleeve of Nespresso coffee pods. Follow the directions below to enter and win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I received no compensation for any of these products. Clothing was provided by Habit Boutique free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. 
63 Comments
Cristie Vassilaros
4/3/2017 05:50:55 am

Hi jenise
Happy blog birthday! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. You come from a similar background than I do and you are able to articulate with I am thinking and feeling so well through your experiences and posts. I find myself reading and thinking ... oh yeah , exactly!!! Lol
Keep up the great work.
Big hug

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:28:03 pm

Thank you for following Cristie! It means the world to me and I'm so glad you find things you can relate to on the blog! xoxo

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Givette
4/3/2017 06:57:43 am

Hi!! Congrats on your first year!!! Wishes for continued success!!!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:28:46 pm

Hi Givette! Thank you and thanks for following!

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Daniela
4/3/2017 07:16:15 am

Congrats on your first year! Keep up the great work, everything you write about is an eye opener to many! XoXo

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:29:17 pm

Thanks for following Daniela! I'm glad you enjoy it!

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Patricia Hachar
4/3/2017 07:21:35 am

Congrats on one year! I love reading about your adventures in motherhood and all the great advice you give. Keep up the great work!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:29:54 pm

Thanks Patty! Thank you for the support and for following along! xoxo

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Monica valdes
4/3/2017 07:28:48 am

Jenise- you are an amazing daughter/granddaughter/sister/wife/mom! I have loved seeing your journey with Caleb. Wishing you continued success.

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:30:44 pm

Monica, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad to have awesome moms like you to look up to, and thank you for following my journey! xoxo

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Cassandra Carrizo
4/3/2017 07:54:41 am

Happiest of Birthdays to your blog! I enjoy keeping up with your little man and you! Best Wishes!!! You really are an inspiration for us everyday girls. <3

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:31:20 pm

Cassandra, Thank you! I'm so glad to have you as a follower!

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Vanessa
4/3/2017 08:08:52 am

I absolutely love your blog! Wishing you continued success.

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:31:50 pm

Thanks Vanessa! I'm so glad you enjoy it and thank you for following along!

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Marlene
4/3/2017 08:29:11 am

Congrats. Keep on reaching for the stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:32:10 pm

Thank you Marlene! xoxo

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Naike
4/3/2017 08:32:19 am

Happy 1st Birthday! Since I found your page I've looked forward to you're posts/blog entries. I can relate to you in so many ways! So glad you kept it going 🙂 Looking forward to more great reads xo! And congratulations

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:38:09 pm

Naike, thank you so much for following and for your kind words! You have no idea how much I love hearing that you love reading my posts!

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Crys
4/3/2017 08:40:01 am

Awesome jenise, happy 1 year...wishes for many, many more to come!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:38:30 pm

Thank you Crys! xoxo

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KRISTY
4/3/2017 08:42:58 am

Congrats on your 1st year!! I so enjoy reading your blog, and bc of you I've picked up some fashion tips (and now love shopping at NY&co. Keep up the great work!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:39:28 pm

Kristy, I love this! Thank you so much for following along and I hope I can continue to provide you with tips and entertainment!

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Maureen
4/3/2017 09:29:21 am

Happy Blog Birthday!!!!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:40:55 pm

Thank you Maureen!

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Cristina
4/3/2017 09:33:03 am

Happy blog birthday to a very cod girl 😜 The posts are great, the images are beautiful, & you're sharing exactly what we're thinking on this funny little journey😁 Way to go!!!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:40:32 pm

Cod Girl! Thank you so much for following along and commiserating on this fun adventure! love you! xoxo

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Aimett Perez
4/3/2017 10:08:52 am

Congrats on the 1yr milestone! Keep up the good work mama.

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:42:00 pm

Thank you Aimett! Thanks for following!

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Cristina Gonzalez
4/3/2017 10:36:59 am

Jenise- congrats! I enjoy reading your blog and relate to a lot of what you write. Xoxo

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:42:39 pm

Thank you Cristina! I'm so glad you enjoy the blog! Thanks for following along and supporting it! xoxo

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Cassandra Gallego
4/3/2017 12:40:07 pm

Congratulations on 1 year! I don't have my own toddler.... YET, but I love reading your posts as I mentally prepare to grow our little family! Keep up the GREAT work!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:43:20 pm

Cassie! I can't wait until you have your own little toddler! haha But THANK YOU for following along! xoxo

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Lindsey
4/3/2017 09:56:37 pm

Absolutely love coming in and reading your blog. Happy FIRST bday!!!!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:43:49 pm

Thank you Lindsey, and thanks for following!

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Bibiana link
4/4/2017 12:41:28 pm

I've loved watching your motherhood journey and the fact you're a local Miami mom is a plus! Your posts are always so fun and relateable ❤ can't wait to see what year 2 has in store for you! Many blessings mama!

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:44:42 pm

Bibiana, thank you! I'm so glad you appreciate the blog and enjoy my posts! Thank you for following along and giving me a reason to keep going! xoxo

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Bessy link
4/4/2017 03:21:07 pm

Jenise, you're amazing! Thank you for being my insta-friend and hopefully real life friend one day. Congrats on turning 1 with your blog!! I love it!
Thank for including me in this piece. I truly love connecting with you and I'm so glad you joined our little tribe :)

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Jenise
4/4/2017 03:45:28 pm

Bessy, you're the best! Thank you for all your support and kindness during this first year! Can't wait to get together and have some coffee and laugh about our misadventures! haha

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Krystine
4/4/2017 05:07:15 pm

Thank you for sharing all your thoughts, opinions, tricks, tips and everything in between through your blog and Instagram. I have learned lots from your blog and most importantly that there is no such thing as a perfect mother. Not that it "makes me happy", but it does in some ways to know that I'm not alone in this crazy motherhood world. I look forward to many more years of your blog. Happy Blog-iversary!! 😘💙

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Jenise
4/6/2017 08:13:15 am

Krystine, thank YOU for following! None of us is alone, and the sooner we come to that realization, the less "perfect" we will all worry about being! xoxo

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Laura
4/5/2017 12:24:35 am

Congratulations on your one year anniversary!!

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Jenise
4/6/2017 08:13:41 am

Thank you Laura!

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Gina C. Pelaez link
4/5/2017 01:13:00 am

Kudos to you on an exceptional first year! I have loved everything about your blog so far particularly your dedication to it and your range of content. Excited to see what the next year has in store for all of us.

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Jenise
4/6/2017 08:14:18 am

Thank you Gina! And thank you for encouraging me to get it started up! It was the push I needed!

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Jessica Padilla
4/5/2017 10:54:11 am

Congrats on your first of many anniversaries!! Wishing you continued success. Keep up all the great work. 😘

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Jenise
4/6/2017 08:14:56 am

Thank you Jessica! Thank for following and I hope you and the babe are doing well! xoxo

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justine link
4/5/2017 03:59:19 pm

Happy Birthday ATAATK! I'm so glad I stumbled upon your IG many months ago and stalked you continuously for 9 months. This is one of the friendships that I totally cherish because its so unconventional -- my mom said "don't meet people from the internet" yet here I am! I love you Jenise! and Caleb! and Eddie! and atoddlerandatopknot.com! <3

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Jenise
4/6/2017 08:16:03 am

Girl, I cannot tell you how much I love this! Your love and support has meant everything to me! Thank you for always being so supportive and encouraging. I'm looking forward to the next chapter in your life and hearing all about it, and hoping I get to see you again soon! xoxo Love YOU!

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Jenny
4/6/2017 08:24:34 am

Congratulations !!! I love reading about your Caleb adventures and recipes !!! Carrot and Ginger soup is a huge hit in my house :)

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Rhiannen
4/6/2017 09:43:01 am

Happy birthday to your blog! Love reading it. :) OH and I just entered the giveaway...yay!!

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Brandon Sparks
4/6/2017 12:02:25 pm

A huge congrats on the first year of many more. I love reading all the great advice.

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Bianca Acosta
4/6/2017 12:06:02 pm

Congrats Jenise! You have no idea how helpful your blog posts have been after having Audrey! Thank you so much for the honesty and laughs 😘

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Olga
4/6/2017 02:19:48 pm

Happy Blog Birthday! My most favorite thing about the blog are the main characters, especially the mom!! Love you guys! :*

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Anita Jude
4/6/2017 10:05:42 pm

Happy Blog Birthday ...I love reading your blog and I entered the giveaway thanks for the chance

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Marcy
4/6/2017 10:11:56 pm

So happy to discover your blog!!

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Michelle
4/6/2017 10:18:43 pm

Congrats on your first year!

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Tracie Cooper
4/6/2017 10:34:07 pm

I love your posts especially the baking ones! Much success with your blog!

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Megan tilley
4/6/2017 10:34:38 pm

Congratulations on one year. Can't wait to read more amazing posts.

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Janet Soto
4/6/2017 10:44:28 pm

Happy blog birthday! I've loved following your journey and as a mother of a toddler I can totally relate to your posts💙

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Lula Ruger
4/6/2017 10:44:58 pm

Happy One year ! I am new to your blog but i love your sense of style

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Wendy Pesce
4/6/2017 11:01:41 pm

I love your mommyhood adventures

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ADRIEN BEATTY
4/6/2017 11:32:00 pm

I absolutely love the photography on your blog. Your pictures are stunning, chic and clean.

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Celeste Herrin
4/6/2017 11:33:34 pm

So happy to discover your blog! I have shared it with a few friends that I think will appreciate it. Happy 1st year!!

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