On Thursday Rock My Style turns one. Whether you’ve been here since the very first day, or this is the first time you’ve visited, thank you for stopping by. Over the past year we’ve published over 500 posts and more than 10,000 comments. I have no idea how many cups of coffee have been consumed during the writing of all those posts but it’s a lot. It’s been a great year and the best part, for all of us on the RMS team, is the community we’ve created and how generously you’ve shared your advice, encouragement and recommendations.

Twelve months of Rock My Style later and my life has changed in lots of ways. I’ve replaced more than half of my beauty products with more natural alternatives – Pai, PitRok and RMS are all brands that are on my radar (and in my beauty cabinet) thanks to your comments. Knowing that lots of you are trying to live healthier lives inspires me to make healthier choices every day. I’ve found myself saying yes to invitations to do things that might make a good post, one of which involved me, spray can in hand, creating my own street art. And I have an ever-growing pile of books to read and a new book club to read them with (so excited!).

Before joining the RMS team it was a long time since I’d written very much at all. As a magazine editor my days were spent reading other people’s words. I wasn’t sure what my natural writing style was (did I even have one?!) and so it always means a lot when you’ve said that you enjoyed reading a post. Your encouragement has helped me find my voice and made me realise how important writing is to me. So thank you, you’re awesome! x

Lauren:

Way back in April we featured one of our first Reader Requests. The lovely Fran asked for suggestions for her Italian getaway saying that she automatically trusted your opinions because they were from fellow RMS readers. Well nothing could make us happier than knowing how highly you rate all the advice and recommendations, not only from us back at HQ, but also from the other readers.

Thanks to suggestions from the whole RMS gang (yes, you are part of the gang!) I’ve holidayed in Lake Garda, discovered a whole wealth of beauty products including Collection 2000 concealer (it really is like Touche Eclat!) and Revlon Lip Butter, I’ve rekindled my exercise regime and enjoyed the benefits of a capsule wardrobe. Thanks Claire! Even in the last week I’ve searched for my kitchen timer to get the most out of my slow cooker, browsed Etsy for a receipt spike to keep my paperwork in order, and downloaded the Headspace app to help clear my mind. I can’t wait to visit the places you recommended for my upcoming trip to Seville. Thanks to each and every one of you who has advised and commented. You really are a lovely bunch! x

Charlotte:

Because of the RMS community I am financially poorer but significantly amazing product richer (!) I have discovered the world’s best, not-patchy, non-itchy, non-orange fake tan (Coco Brown at Feelunique), a super inexpensive yet easy-to apply liquid eyeliner (Supercat Soap and Glory), various beautiful fashion pieces for my daughter and what has turned out to be an easy to clean, take apart, put back together and really comfortable highchair.

As well as the tangible delights that you lovely folks have brought to my dressing table (and bathroom cabinet AND Mabel’s wardrobe…) I have so many beautiful family holiday destinations to consider we’ll never be stuck with where to go ever again. I look forward to sharing my motherhood experiences every Monday not just because it feels good to help and inspire others, but because I get a wealth of advice and support in return. x

We’d love to know which posts and recommendations you’ve found most useful over the past year. If you have a minute, do leave a comment below! For reader recommendations delivered to your inbox every fortnight, sign up to our newsletter here.