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This Blogiversary always feels so surreal. The strangest part is watching in amazement as the age of HEA increases each year, the same way that my children’s birthdays tend to take my breath away. I’ve put so much into this brand and site over the years…starting from absolutely zero (with close to zero knowledge of the blogging skillset or the industry) and learning slowly, with so many ups and downs—disappointments and victories. Building Happily Eva After Inc has been the most gratifying thing I’ve ever done, because it all came from the seed of an idea, and grew into a business. Whenever I’m feeling burnt out, I like to take a moment and think back to why I started this all.
I was feeling lost and unfulfilled in my acting career. I was feeling overwhelmed as a new mom to a baby daughter. I wanted to work at something creative, something I could learn a new skill set with, and something that could potentially allow me to work for myself in an industry that is hands-down women-dominated. I knew it was going to be a long and hard uphill battle. I knew I had so much to learn. And I also knew that finally, FINALLY, I was doing something where the amount of energy and dedication I put into it would be what I got out of it.
I was ready to work hard and see what I could build. I put my head down and did it, learned, asked questions, made SO MANY mistakes, celebrated the big and tiny victories, and connected with people online by opening myself up in a way I had never done publicly before. I shared the good, bad, and ugly of my life. Of my thoughts, my fears, and my interests. I’ve gone through so much in the last six years, and mostly out in the open. It’s been a humbling, terrifying, strengthening, and transformative experience. Whenever I have felt a little scared to share something on this blog, I know that not only is it the right choice to share it, but that sharing it will help others. It’s been an honor to talk about many taboo subjects over the years, and learning that we are all more alike than we are different.
I’m so grateful for the community this blog has created for itself—It’s been such an honor to share my life and favorite things with all of you. Thank you for sharing all that, and more, with me, too.
in this picture
And, at the same time that I’ve been raising this company into what it is today, I have been raising three amazing little humans right alongside it. I truly believe my job has made me a better mother in so many ways. I think all the time about how lucky I am to have so many memories with my kids in a place I can always find them. I’m so lucky I have a great excuse to celebrate the holidays, milestones, and everyday things in such fun and exciting ways with my kids.
I’m grateful that having this blog allows me to discuss some of the hardest parts of parenting and womanhood right here with you. I said the other day to somebody who had just bought a new journal “Oh, I really need to start doing that, but I’ve never been much of a journal kinda person…” She burst out laughing and reminded me that I actually have a pretty robust online journal that I let other people read! LOL.
This year has brought many changes for Happily Eva After Inc that I’m thrilled about—more employees, a product line in development, new email marketing, and partnerships beyond my wildest dreams. But, amidst all that, I hope that you still feel me in here. I hope that you enjoy the things I share and that you feel a little less alone when I talk about some of the harder things. I hope my posts have made you laugh, or given you strength or a virtual hug when you needed it. I hope that at the very least, I have brought a little bit of joy or a fresh idea of something to try to make life a bit more fun. At the end of the day, this blog IS me. I write every word. I think constantly about what interests me to create blog posts about and how I can push myself out of my own comfort zone to discuss topics that will make this online community a more welcome place. It’s so important to me to show that a modern, messy, beautiful, vulnerable, fun, and festive life is always at our fingertips. That it’s a mindset—fostered through self-love, forgiveness, joy, and a big pinch of humor.
We can all have our Happily Ever After. It can start whenever we decide. Never forget that!
in this picture
Thank you so much for being a part of this for me! I wanted to host a giveaway right here, with one of my favorite products from this last year! I treasure my Haverhill necklace that has all three of my kids’ birthstones in it. I wear it all the time and layer it with my other jewelry so that they’re always close to my heart. Haverhill is a beautiful, family-owned jewelry company that creates timeless, heirloom-worthy pieces to treasure!
For HEA’s Anniversary, they are giving away a $300 credit to their website, so a lucky HEA reader can have a piece of their own! Details below…
This Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Joanna Sadiq! Check your email to coordinate the collection of your prize!
To Enter…
- Sign Up for my Newsletter HERE, if you haven’t already. (Make sure to add hi@happilyevaafter.com to your address book so you don’t miss newsletters!)
- Comment below with your favorite HEA Blog Post from this past year, and make sure to comment with the email you sign up for the newsletter with! I can’t wait to read your favorites!
- Feel free to share this post with friends and family so they can enter too!
- I will choose a winner at random within 48 hours and email you directly to coordinate your winnings!
Good Luck!
Photographs by Julia Dags | Copyright © 2021 Happily Eva After, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Loved the series on Mateo’s schedules by age, referred to it so many times in the past year after having my own little one!
Happy birthday to the blog – such an amazing accomplishment!!! I think I’ve been reading since the very beginning 🙂 My current favorite post is actually a recent one about friendships changing – “Best Friends 4-Over.” I related to this and really appreciated the insight/experiences you wrote as well as the comments from other readers!!!
Hi Eva, just wondering if this competition is open to international entries or just US?
Happy blogiversary!
Mel xx
My favorite posts over the past year have been your co-parenting updates. It is wonderful to see how two people can work together, amicably, to give their best to their children. Congrats!
I think my favorite blog post was about co-parenting and how you make it work. I am married but am a child of divorce and I love to see how you all get along for the good of the children and family.
My favorite posts this year have been about your and Kyle’s coparenting journey. Very refreshing to see you guys make it work so beautifully. Happy Blogivarsary from mrosovskym@gmail.com!
I truly love all your posts but the raw ones on your anxiety really struck me in how authentic you were and helped me open up about my own struggles with anxiety. Thank you Eva! I look forward visiting this space you created on the regular.
Wow- 6 years! Congratulations to you, and thank you for always talking about the “taboo” subjects that never get enough airtime but matter to all of us in some way 🙂 My fave blog post from the past year was definitely your co-parenting update Part 4 – it was really special and encouraging to see how far you guys have come. It made me happy and hopeful for other separated couples and children of divorce to see two parents who put their kids first as they navigate the beginnings of an undefined co-parenting chapter. It was inspiring and made me so happy for your littles. 🙂
Honestly, my favorite blog post this year was your post about meeting Ian and introducing him to your kids! I come from a blended family and it brought back so many memories from my childhood being introduced to my stepdad and integrating him into our crazy life. He and my mom have now been married for over 20 years!
The heatless curls tutorial blog post was a total game changer! Congratulations on six years!
Congrats on 6 years!! 🙂 I have LOVED reading all of your blog posts on Mateo’s schedule over the past year. I had my first in January and it’s been so helpful to have some guidelines to know that I was on the right track. Also love when you share your favorite baby products!!
Oh, Eva! I’ve been obsessed with your blog forever! I remember the first post I stumbled upon was your pregnancy announcement with Major! You have built such a wonderful space on the internet; I love all the posts. Choosing one was hard, but personally my favorite was your love life update. It was so wonderful for you to share your new guy with us all and it was completely evident how happy you are!
I loved your Italian Almond Pear Cake recipe that you shared this fall. It’s one of my all-time favorites!
My favorite(s) are the co-parenting posts!
First of all Happy Blogiversary and here’s to 69 more years! Honestly I love your recipes, I’m a foodie and I love trying new recipes , especially healthy quick dinners! I browse your dining and entertaining section all the time!
Was suppose to day 60 more years! Oops
I really appreciate the posts about co-parenting. As a person in a co-parenting situation myself, it helps me not feel so alone reading your experiences. Thank you for being so willing to share!
Congratulations on six years, Eva! I can’t choose just one post as my favorite, but will say that I LOVE your birthday letters to your children. They are so pure and from the heart, and always touch mine. What a gift you’ve given them!
I really have enjoyed reading all of your posts on co-parenting. My kids are grown and I’m not divorced, but reading about and seeing how you’ve navigated thru this process is so admirable. Clearly you have great roll models in your Mon and Step-Dad, and seeing pictures of all of you together, making it work, is heartwarming!
Cheers to many more years of HEA. Congratulations!
My favorite posts have been about how well coparenting with Kyle has been going. It makes my heart happy to hear that divorce doesn’t have to be a bitter time.
Hi! Congrats on 6 years!! I can’t believe it’s been so long. I remember reading about and then making Buster’s Green Fish all those years ago. My favorite post from this year was the one about your Thoughts on a Post Pandemic World. I related so much to the subconscious and conscious feelings of fear and anxiety, and hoping that we were going to all be ok! Thank you!
Ravelle
Happy Blog Birthday! Although I’m not yet a mother myself, I enjoy all aspects of your blog. Ive especially enjoyed your co-parenting series this year. I admire your openness to share this experience, while still navigating it and working through it in real time.
Happy anniversary!! I look forward to your posts every day! It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but I really enjoy when you share recipes. You are a working mom and get that time is precious. Quick, easy, delicious recipes are appreciated in my house. The air fryer Stromboli looked amazing and I scored a good deal on an air fryer I had my eye on.
My favorite blog post was Mateo’s birth story! ❤️
I loved the one talking about introducing the kids to Ian and how thoughtful and intentional all three of the adults were in the situation. I enjoyed reading that you had Kyle meet him before you introduced him to the kids. ?
Happy Birthday to my favorite blog! I have been reading for years and it has brought me to some of my other fav blogs, love Lemon Stripes! I have been loving the posts on your co-parenting updates and have so much respect for everyone involved. I also really like the fashion edit blogs and have bought so many of the pieces you share. Enjoy this milestone and I can’t wait to see what is next!
Wow! I’ve been along for the ride since the conception of the HEA idea ? I remember following your journey on the gram into the married life (the details were gorgeous btw) and eventually motherhood. I feel like apart of the family & I admire your transparency on so many topics. I think one of my FAV blogs was the summer trip to Italy ?? a few years ago. It brought back so many memories from my college days when I studied abroad. My apartment was burglarized many many years ago (before the cloud) and I lost so many photos on my lap top. I was enamored by the hotel you stayed at, the food pics & all of the beautiful beach pics with the family. That will always be one of my favorites ans shortly after you announced Mateo’s arrival ??
Hi Eva! My most favorite blog post this year was “Date Night at Home”. It’s so important to date your significant other, even through a global pandemic, and I just loved your post with great ideas! Plus, I loved your dress!
Thank you for being so raw and honest for the past 6 years. I’ve been following since day 1!
Happy blog-iversary!
Jenny
This is my favourite post because I can’t believe it’s been 6 years! I’ve followed your since day 1 and it’s something I look forward to everyday! I get to my desk, read your blog, then start my day. It’s always inspiring, fun, enduring and honest. Congrats and keep up the great work! 🙂
happy Blogiversary! instagram algorithm somehow led me to you and I am happy it did! I have loved reading the coparenting blogs as they show how healthy relationships of any kind can be formed & continued!
Happy anniversary to Happily Eva After! I love so many of your posts but one of my faves was your love life update! You and Ian seem so great together 🙂
Congratulations on year # 6!!!
My favorite has been following along with yours and Kyles co-parenting journey as I am a child of divorce as well as a stepmother.
Happy anniversary! I love all the posts about co-parenting. It’s lovely to see how you are all working together as a team!! I love all your posts; I read them daily. Congratulations! 🙂
“Navigating a covid-free world” was my favorite post. Thanks for sharing your authentic self with your readers. Your love for your children and family shines through your words and images. Take good care.
Congratulations on your milestone! I found your blog close to five years ago- when you were pregnant with Major. Your candor and the way you open up about your emotions and various life events, putting yourself out there in such a vulnerable way while also still respecting your own boundaries and privacy is so admirable.
I gotta say….I loved the post from the beginning of the year when you confided in us all that you were dating someone new. And you were SO happy about it! Which I think in turn made us readers happy for you and the next stage in your life. The way your family has grown, shifted, and changed in this new stage is honestly really refreshing and just awesome. It’s a progressive and beautiful thing to see and I hope it becomes the norm with families.
Thank you for breaking the mold, Eva! 😉
-Brit
I love your co-parenting articles the most this last year! It’s so encouraging and your ideas have been so helpful in managing my own co-parenting relationship. Thank you and congrats on 6 years!
Today’s has been my favorite of the whole year! I started following in 2017 and feel like you have been right with me for some ups and downs in my life. As a young mother, when I stumbled upon your blog I felt seen for the first time. Thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable in a way that makes me feel less alone in this crazy world! I truly appreciate your posts and shared stories and experiences. Please keep trusting yourself and continuing to share your truth!
Eva,
Thanks for the openness you share and the realness you possess. My favorites which have been the most fulfilling for me were your posts on anxiety, especially postpartum. So grateful.
Happy anniversary!
Hi Eva! Happy Blog Birthday!! Your blog and posts are wonderful and they always make me smile, laugh, and cry! Your words and your experiences are so genuine and heartfelt and relatable to some many of us. Seeing your babies grow up is great, and helps me as a mom to see you navigate life so beautifully. My favorite blog posts have been about celebrating your children’s birthdays and your journey with them through each milestone
However, your journey as a divorced coparent has really touched my heart. I love how well you and your family are living this new normal. Wish you all the best!
Wow! Congrats on 6 years. I love your blogs with recipes and you inspire me to try new things. I have made your crockpot meatballs countless times, they are so delicious. I also appreciate your authenticity and I have enjoyed following along on how you and Kyle successfully co-parent. I’ve been following you since 2017. Congrats again!
Happy bday, Happily Eva After! Me, my sister, and mom love following your blog and your journey as a mom (adorable) and all the obstacles you’ve over come. It’s been so inspiring to watch you grow and we love all your content ❤
Happy 6th Anniversary to you and all your hard work! It’s been beautiful watching you grow and make your brand what it is today! Can’t tell you enough what a kick-ass entrepreneur you are and showing your kids that they can do anything they set their hearts too.
I’ve enjoyed reading how you’ve dealt with co-parenting after a divorce. You’ve been very open and honest and I love learning about what’s worked for you and your family!
Congrats on 6 years!!!
Congratulations! I loved reading about how you met Ian and how you introduced him to your kids!
My favorite blog post hands down was the intro to Ian. It gave such a beautiful insight into how much thought and care you have put into moving forward and blending your family. And it was so obvious how much thought you put into easing him into the HEA scene. Plus it was just so nice to hear about something so happy happening to you 🙂
Happy six years!!! I’ve been following since the beginning and just love your blog. I have two daughters- almost 4 and 1- and your site is my go to for parenting ideas. My favorite post from the past year though was you introducing Ian! It’s so wonderful that you’re happy and have such a great balance of things. Thank you for all of the amazing content you put out there 🙂
Congratulations! I discovered the blog years ago and continue to tune in for your honesty and openness. As a mom of two young kids I enjoy all the tips and guides on kids. I also had a baby early in the pandemic and have enjoyed following along on Mateo’s updates. My little one is just a few months younger so these updates give me lots to think about and ideas for the months to come. I really appreciate your willingness to share and the nonjudgmental parenting time you set on your site.
Happy Anniversary! So excited that this space is growing and thriving – have loved the relatable posts and amazing creativity you share!
Hands down I’ve most loved and appreciated your posts on anxiety, specifically Marlowe’s struggles and how you’ve been working with her. As a mom with anxiety, I’ve been super vigilant about keeping an eye in my kiddo for any signs she might be struggling, and it was just so reassuring to read another parents experience and empathy. So grateful you shared, and am so happy that Marlowe is thriving!
I love all of your parenting posts. My kids are a bit younger than yours and I love referencing your blog for each season we’re in. Your tips are so helpful!
Today’s blog is my favorite. Happy Anniversary
One of my (recent) favorites was about the post-pandemic world. You have a space to really process the emotions behind our changing environments.
I also REALLY liked the post where you basically said never apologize to someone for your life’s journey. (Maybe it was in the introducing Ian post? Trying to recall). That really stuck with me!
It’s so hard to pick, but I love the co-parenting updates. It’s really great to read/see how you guys make it work! And not just with Kyle but with your whole big, modern family.
My favorite was your feelings about the post pandemic world!
All of the Mateo updates!
Happy anniversary! I don’t know about my “favorite” but the most impactful was telling the children about your divorce. I read it several times. I sent it to my husband. That one and your co-parenting updates have been incredibly helpful to me in my own journey and you have provided assurance that it’s not the end of the world and no matter how hard, my family will survive it. Thank you!
Happy Blog-iversary!
Love following you all these years. Love that you show us the good and the ugly. The blogs on co-parenting and bringing a new person into your life were great and I also love the ideas you have for kids as my daughter is the same age as Major.
Congratulations!! What an accomplishment!
I recently loved the stress free beach day guide that you updated from a few years back!
Ad a first time mom, hearing pointers from other mamas definitely helps take the stress out of planning. Mama tribes can be so helpful!
Happy Blog anniversary! My favorite posts have been the ones about your co-parenting – very inspiring. I also love any food / recipe posts and interior design – your house is beautiful !
Congratulations on six years!!! Can’t believe it has gone so fast, I have been reading your posts for 4 years and love it. My favorite posts are the FOOD!! I realize I often come back for those, tasty and simple. I’m also excited for the gardening post. I enjoyed the first one and hope to read more!
Been following along since the beginning and just love your you and your family! Is it wrong that my favorite blog posts are the ones that involve cocktails? Still loving the rosé punch cocktail!
Congratulations on six years of your blog. I love reading all your recipes, as well as your coparenting blog posts. Also love seeing your beautiful children grow up. My grandchildren are similar ages, and I adore them!
Happy 6th to your awesome site!
My fav post is your co-Parenting tips & your IG live with Katherine!
?Wesley’s mama
Happy birthday HEA! ?
I love your decor inspo, but my favorite content from you lately has been co-parenting updates and sharing an insight into your own modern family. The way your village operates and supports Marlowe, Major and Mateo is so fantastic and a model for others in similar situations.
Here’s to 6 more years!
My favorite posts this year are the co-parenting updates. I love how your children are surrounded by so much love! Happy for you.
I most recently loved the floral hoop wreath because right have been thinking that I should learn how to make them because I got a cute one from my mother in law! But I’ve really loved your posts detailing your co-parenting techniques. As a child of divorce, I always noticed how my parents interacted with each other and how the cooperation wasn’t rarely there. Seeing you be so honest about how you and Kyle are navigating it all is refreshing. So thank you for being a great example of co-parenting.
I’m not sure when the blog post is from but I made one of the one-pot meals and it was amazing! I’d love more of these ideas!!!
Hi Eva! Honestly, I have been loving the divorce/co parenting blog posts this past year. I’m going through that and ugh. So difficult to figure out the co parenting thing. I’ve subscribed to your newsletter since the beginning. Wish you all the best!
Your recent post about your feelings about the post pandemic world were so timely and spot on. I too had a pandemic baby and feel so many of the feelings you shared. I’ve been a reader and a follower since before you launched happily eva after. Happy sixth blog anniversary! Also really fun fact is that I worked with the same midwives you had for Mateo in my recent homebirth!
I love the posts about how you and Kyle co-parent. You make it look effortless even though I’m sure it has its challenges. Hats off to both of you for putting your kids needs first. You have a truly inspirational relationship and dedication to your family.
Going to be honest. This is my first time reading your blogs after I saw the Haverhill’s Instagram post telling me to swipe up, but I wish I had found HEA much earlier! I just read about 3 different blogs and it’s given me so much perspective about coparenting and an amicable divorce. My absolute favorite blog is the one about being present in the digital world as I struggle with the same issue! I don’t blog or have a job requiring much social media time, but just living in these present times, I can’t help but find myself glued to my phone and spending less time with my children.
Happy Blogiversary!
– Cindy
My absolute favorite blog is the one about being present in the digital world as I struggle with the same issue! I don’t blog or have a job requiring much social media time, but just living in these present times, I can’t help but find myself glued to my phone and spending less time with my children.
Happy Blogiversary!
– Cindy
I loved the blog post(s) about yours and Ian’s nights/weekends away local to CT. I’m in the tri-state and can’t wait to give some of them a try when me and the hubby get back into our travels.
Happy blogiversary!
I’ve loved your posts about Mateo’s schedules. I have a little one about a month younger then Mateo so it was a lifesaver over the past year! Also love your food and drink posts…so many yummy things to eat and drink!
My favorite blog post were the ones on the post breakup and how your were navigating the coparenting with Kyle, a new boyfriend and the kids. As mom, lawyer and mediator we should be educating people more on the benefits of a happy and successful breakup.
Keep up the good work moma! ??????
Congratulations on 6 years! I love reading your posts and following you on Instagram. I really related to you talking about your anxiety. I’ve struggled with anxiety since childhood and it helps to know I’m not alone.
I love reading about your coparenting tips!
Congrats on your amazing accomplishment! I love your fun cocktail recipe posts and look forward to trying the rose sangria! Cheers to you!
I just became a mom of three and have really enjoyed watching your journey to three as well. Your parenting content is inspirational and challenges me to a better mom to all three of my kids. One of my favorites posts has been: “Watching My Middle Child Blossom”. Cheers to you being an amazing mama and sharing your world with us!
My fav post is “What is Divorce Mediation.” And all the content you’ve shared about divorce/coparenting and the IG Live with Meghan Kelly. Really valuable information. Thank you ❤️
Congratulations on 6 years! This year has been a little bit of a blur but I love your blog posts! I love your fashion sense and interior design. My favorite would have to be introducing us to your new beau and seeing how well you, Kyle and Ian get along together. I am a child of a very bitter divorce. Not a good experience!
When you posted about Life after the pandemic it really made me realize how many people were and still are effected and how it changed so many lives. Before reading your post I felt so alone and not comfortable talking about how the pandemic took its toll out on me. Thank you for sharing your feelings and opening that door for me to talk about it.
Happy blogiversary! I have enjoyed reading about all your home renos including the repurposed room that’s now your office ?
Love your blog, Eva! I’ve been following you since Marlowe was one. I loved the one when you introduced Ian to your littles. Rooting for you, Kyle, and the kids! ❤️
I truly appreciate and love the posts about anxiety (my kiddo suffers from anxiety (different than mine)), the honesty about divorce and life after, trying out drugstore brand make up, and the food!! I’m hoping to make those blueberry muffins this weekend.
Congratulations on 6 amazing years (I’ve been following for many, and it’s been so much fun to see HEA grow and to get to grow with you)!!
DEFINITELY post pandemic feelings. I don’t have children so that was one of the most relatable I’ve come across. I really needed to see those same feelings I’ve been having written out by someone else. Made me feel better!!
I have enjoyed your gift guide and kids book recommendation posts. As a mom of 3 as well, anything that saves me time is helpful – so these kinds of curated are more than welcome!
I have really appreciated and enjoyed your co-parenting update blog posts. I have a bestie going through a similar situation and your story has been so helpful!!! Thank you for sharing!!
Congrats Eva! My favorite blog post from this year is the one where you told us about Ian! Your happiness just radiated!
Arancini recipe! Have made them so many times!! Love love
I’ve been reading since the beginning. I love your post about anxiety and just your honesty about your separation, divorce and finding love again. So refreshing. So raw & real. I already subscribe to your newsletter ♥️
I’ve loved all of your posts about your co-parenting journey. They have been so honest and real and something I wish my parents would have seen before their messy divorce.
Happy 6 years!
Happy 6th birthday/anniversary!! I’ve loved so many of your personal moments and shared experiences, but the post that has spoken to me the most is “Best Friends 4-Over.” It was so refreshing and meaningful to be “given permission” to acknowledge and accept friendships change. Helped me to really look at myself and who I choose to surround myself with! Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing so much with all of us! Cheers! ??