Today marks seven years since I published my first post on World Of Joy. I'm celebrating with some French Fancies, because every celebration requires these pink, yellow, and chocolate squares before it can really be called a celebration! The little creamy bit on top is the best bit isn't it?

I've been thinking about all the ways in which my blog has enhanced and influenced my life.

I love having the opportunity to write, it's not something I'd do a lot of otherwise but it's something I really enjoy. It's become a record of my life, one which wouldn't exist if writing in my diary was to be relied upon. I don't know why I can't keep on top of a daily diary, I really don't.

Blogging introduced me to social media, I didn't bother much with it before, but Twitter was a good way to find like minded bloggers. I've since stepped away from Twitter a little and now spend far too much time on Instagram instead. Connecting with people via social media is a very modern form of company, and reading someone's blog is like getting to know them better. I've grown very fond of my little circle of online friends. And those that I've met in real life have always been as lovely as their blogs suggested.

Without my blog I wouldn't read in the way that I do. I read about so many interesting sounding books that my book buying habit became a little out of control, and I needed to ramp up my reading habit to keep up! Almost all of the books I buy are the result of a book review on a blog or Instagram post.

Without my blog I don't think I'd photograph everything in the way that I do. I love having so many photographs to look back on. And while I do sometimes photograph things specifically for my blog, they're memories none-the-less.

Without my blog I never would've visited The Harry Potter Studios. My real life friends didn't seem keen to go, and it's only now that I've been, and told everyone how much fun it is, that they are interested in going along.

Without my blog I wouldn't go along to things alone. I used to blog for an online department store, and then I covered maternity leave for a full time blogger, both of these things offered me the opportunity to go to cat walk shows and blogger events. They were great to experience in themselves, but it also taught me that I could rock up somewhere on my own and the room wouldn't fall silent, with everyone turning to stare as I entered. It allowed me to go places and try things that I don't think I would've done before. When I tell my real life friends I've been somewhere they always ask 'who did you go with', they are often surprised when I say I went alone, 'you're brave' they say.

Some examples are a patchwork quilting class, a needle felting class, a beach clean up, and a 4 night trip into the Sahara. I've always been very comfortable being in my own company but the opportunities blogging gave me taught me I can 'go it alone' without fear of  any one of the number of awful things I imagined happening actually happening.

Without my blog I wouldn't have got into charity shopping. I can say without a doubt that my charity shop habit is a direct result of seeing the things other people found. Charity shop hauls are one of my favourite types of blog post. It opened up a whole new way of shopping and, I've said it before, but I'll say it again, some of my absolute favourite clothing items are pre-loved. I love the ritual of rummaging through the rails, following the same route through town to visit 'all the good ones', and then when you find something you really like, it's such a great feeling - more rewarding than in regular shops.

Without my blog I don't think I would've started and continued a capsule wardrobe. If I hadn't blogged about it, it would be easy to let it slide, but blogging makes me accountable. I like the challenge and sharing the results spurs me on.

At times my blog has been a source of therapy. I've had something on my mind, so I've written about it and the response and support has always been amazing (thank you).

Without my blog I never would've learnt about the existance of the film The Holiday. I don't know how it passed me by but now I watch it every Christmas, sometimes several times. It's become a tradition that I really look forward to each year.

And finally, without my blog I wouldn't have discovered the culinary delight that is Corkers Duck and Hoisin Sauce crisps (exclusive to Waitrose, where I seldom shop). Corkers very kindly sent me a selection of their crisps and these are a taste sensation! If I'm ever near a Waitrose I'll always pop in and buy a bag.

I could go on but you get the picture - blogging has changed and enhanced my life in ways I could never have anticipated. So that just leaves me to say thank you for returning, reading, and commenting, not to mention blogging yourselves and for being friendly and welcoming online friends.

What has blogging done for you?