So today is the official 1 year Birthday of the Queen of Free. Just a mere year ago, I decided to begin blogging here, sharing things you could snag for free, money saving tips, and a bit of our life as a family. Since making that choice, my life is definitely fuller and we’ve been more intentional in saving money and paying off debt. Sometimes I feel like I need someone to pinch me. It’s hard to believe how much fun and how gratifying blogging has been.
Here are some of my favorite moments of the last year.
1) Some of my favorite blog posts include: The one where I shared paying off our car this summer and baring more than my soul with folks in the mall, the one where I shared my personal Christmas challenge of using only reward points and free gift cards to pay for all of our Christmas Giving, the one where I got to announce that I was going to be in the paper the first time, the one where I shared my daughter’s adorable 1st Birthday Cake, the one where I shared ways to be green and save green (one of the many posts where I’ve displayed my great love for All You), the one where I talked about what being frugal is really all about, the one where I took you on our Chicago Cupcake Crawl, the one about Freaks, Geeks, and Languages I Can’t Speak, the one where I shared my addiction to eating glue as a kid and no one. said. anything. about it. awwwkward. The list goes on and on.
2) I have met some crazy interesting people and discovered a whole new world of blogs where I go daily to find ideas for all of you. Many in the blogging community have become IRL (in real life) friends who I’ve gone to for advice, help, and just to hang out with for fun. I can’t even begin to list them all and link them out (I KNOW I’d forget someone). But each of them is so special to me and I’m always excited to meet other bloggers.
3) Obviously being on the news was pretty cool and having awkward pictures of me shopping at Aldi in the paper multiple times was fun, too. But I think some of the moments I’ve loved most is when I’ve met some of you out in public, accidentally. You know who you are . . . standing in line at Paradise Bakery and Cafe or when you met my husband as you were buying your coupon binder. I’ve also LOVED the incredibly encouraging comments, e-mails, notes, calls, and more that I’ve received from so many of you who have daily tuned in to get some ideas and hear where to score free stuff. Many of you have begun your own debt slaying adventure or solidified your efforts. You’ve shared your numbers, your challenges, your ideas, and more. I can honestly say I believe I have the best readers ever and I’ve never really had any problems with folks who read my blog. You guys are swell.
365 days + 752 posts + 488 Facebook Fans + 521 subscribers + 696 Twitter Followers + 5 newspaper articles + 1 tv appearance + countless fun experiences and people + paying off around 25 grand = 1 great year.
Somehow I get the feeling next year is going to be even better.
Thanks for being on this Money Saving Journey with me. You make it so much sweeter. Happy Birthday to All of Us!
www.queenoffree.net
Congrats on the blogging milestone! I, for one, am glad you entered the blogosphere, because it has given me the privilege of getting to know you!
Congrats on the 1 year birthday! Sorry, I should have made you a little cake to celebrate…hmmm there is still time, maybe 🙂 I am so glad you started this blog to show me there are easy ways to save money and it has helped GREATLY! As we have been able to pay off debt including my hubby’s car. We still have a ways to go, but it won’t take to much longer!
Why thank you Lady Joanna. And I never turn down cake Lady Amber. 😉 Especially when it comes from your royal kitchen. Congrats to both of you on your lifestyle of frugal living. You complete me. 😉
Happy Birthday my Queen. Well done. Let it be so decreed that we shall celebrate with a royal feast or perhaps a light, inexpensive meal at home prior to Princess Eldest’s open house.
Happy Blogging Birthday!
Next time I see you, a cupcake is on me!
Awwwwww, congrats! What’s the gift for a first blogging anniversary? 😉
Wait, does that mean you’re cooking dinner tonight @KingofFree? 🙂
Cupcakes are my weakness Punkinmama. You know me well.
Thanks Lady Katie . . . Amazon online $5 giftcard?
You are growing up way too fast! That first year is always full of lots of exciting firsts and milestones! Here’s wishing you many more posts on how to save for all of us.