One Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

04 March 2009
My blogiversary is fast approaching. I posted my first real post on March 24, 2008. In honor of this momentous occasion, I've decided to have a giveaway. The big prize up for grabs is a "box of goodies" including at least 12 of my favorite things. Some things that are included are jewelry and soap from one of my favorite Etsy shops, plus more! I promise, it will be great! I am blessed to have some wonderful loyal readers, so this is my way of saying thanks for a great year!

Okay, I've had some emails telling me this is too confusing, so I've reworked it a bit.

To Enter:
*Comment on this post. Let me know about something you found helpful on Ramblings and/or something you'd like me write about more. I can't wait to hear your feedback!

*Put my button on your blog or add me to your blog roll.

*Blog about this giveaway.

*Twitter about this giveaway.

*Become a follower of my blog.

*Subscribe to my blog.

***Earn five bonus entries by heading over to Fishful Thinking, then come back here and tell me something you learned. Just be sure to leave five comments...like this -

Comment 1 - I went to Fishful Thinking and learned yada yada yada
Comment 2 - copy & paste above
Comment 3 - copy & paste above
Comment 4 - copy & paste above
Comment 5 - copy & paste above

I hope that makes sense!

That's total of 11 possible entries. Just be sure that you leave me a separate comment here for each thing you did. Also, be sure that I have a way to contact you, either via email or your blog.

There are also two smaller prizes up for grabs!

One new follower will win a prize, winner will be selected by random drawing.

The person who comments the most between now and the entry deadline will receive a prize as well.

Deadline to enter is March 24! The winner will be announced on March 27.


SAVING is good.

284 comments:

1 – 200 of 284   Newer›   Newest»
Bekah said...

just one helpful thing? your recipes! ooh or your money tips, ooh or the book reviews...I could go on!

lynette355 said...

helpful thing-----i love the recipes! and the tamale soup was the best.

lynette355 said...

i subscribe

lynette355 said...

got your button

lynette355 said...

blog roll

lynette355 said...

and i just blogged about it. oh i also mentioned it on SITS roll call too! I know, blatant sucking up!

Marie said...

I just enjoy reading your blog for the various posts which are often a lot of fun -- like the 911 call and shutters (which I think are cute also) and Rachel Ray (whose shows I enjoy). I read your blog because it's fun and wouldn't change anything :-)

vmlay@artsci.wustl.edu

shaunjoy said...

The Recipes! I'm always in need of new ideas for meals. :)

mom2boys said...

I love recipes too. I love trying new recipes often. Thanks for the great blog and giveaway!

judybrittle said...

I must agree! The recipes are awesome. I'm going to be making your Spanish Rice tonight. It sounds so good and easy. Both of which I like. Thank you!

jenny said...

wow happy blogiversary to you may you have minny more and well i just found your site please add me in on this thanks

Lilly said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary!!!
And I really like the recipes. They are great!

Lilly said...

I am a subscriber.

eli_green22 at yahoo dot com dot br

Cari K. said...

I too love your recipes. I like to try something new every now and then.

charlies_secret_angel2006 at yahoo dot com

rubynreba said...

Congratulations on your blogeversary. I'm new at blogging and don't have one of my own but am thoroughly enjoying reading your comments. I like your money tips.

ecky said...

i love the cheap and easy recipes...two words that are very important when it comes time to make dinner!!
all i can say is - keep em coming!

elkesten at yahoo dot com

Cher said...

Awesome Giveaways! I would love more book reviews and recipes!

Cortney said...

I like frugal/money tips.

couponcrazymom00 at gmail dot com

Kimberly said...

I'm all about saving money, so the tips on money saving are my favorite!
burlyangel(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary on your site,
What are you thinking of writing tonight?
Then Acobay info was very relevant,
I wonder if anyone else likes an elephant!
Recipes, thoughts and saving money,
Love to read about something funny!

Thanks and Irish wishes to you, Lots of luck and happiness too!

pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Love your recipes!
michellehurl@yahoo dot com

Vi (pronounced Vy) said...

i'd love to know how you chose the names of your children. i'm always interested in odd stuff like that. hehe

she
pookielocks at ymail dot com

Vi (pronounced Vy) said...

i blogged about this here:
http://www.shebecameabutterfly.net/?p=1492

she
pookielocks at ymail dot com

Vi (pronounced Vy) said...

your button is in my blogroll!

she
pookielocks at ymail dot com
www.shebecameabutterfly.net

Suburban Sweetheart said...

I always love your recipes! I don't have a kitchen in my apartment so I can rarely follow through on them, but I print stuff out so that when I have a better apartment (with a kitchen!) I can put to use some of the great recipes I find.

Keep up the good blogging work! <3

suburbansweetheart(at)gmail(dot)com

Erika Powell said...

i am a secret lurker but the recipes are great!

Steph said...

I always love to try new recipes, so more of those would be great.

ms0812@zoominternet.net

Teresa said...

I like the fact that you have pictures of your family on the side of your blog. It's nice to put faces with names. I also like your recipes, especially the cheap and easy ones like Crock Pot Carne Guisada!

TRigell at aol dot com

photoquest said...

I am new to your site and look forward to coming back more, I will pick the receipes and for my second i'll say reviews.
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

The Giveaway Diva said...

i love all your yummy recipies!!

Sweetpeas said...

I love recipes!!

ABCD Diaries said...

i have been a lurker for awhile, but i love your recipes and anything having to do with being frugal! thanks!
christinbanda@yahoo.com

Jenn@ The Crazies said...

I love the recipes! I have been a lurker... OK.. gonna bite the bullet and Follow... its about time I got around to it!!!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I am new to Ramblings...just cruising around reading different things...read aloud to my four year old that a McDonald's ran out of nuggets...he thought that was a VERY GOOD reason to call 911!
Have a great day!

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

i'm new here, just came over from SITS. but i am looking forward to getting to know you + reading more!

Tori said...

I'm also a new reader, but your Momma Mia post totally made me smile! That song cracks me up too!

Rikki said...

I am a new reader, but I love your recipes!

Rikki said...

I RSS'ed you :o)!

Judy @ In His Grip said...

Loving your recipes.

Shalee- Be Speechless said...

I am new reader and I promise to be back :D SO I am not a liar. But I can not wait to read your recipes and your book reviews. ( I am a newlywed and I need all the help I can get with cooking)

Queenie Jeannie said...

What a fun blog!! I totally ♥ your layout and background!!!! So original!!

Happy Spring Fling!

Come on over to my blog to register for my pearl earring giveaway too!!

Anonymous said...

these mystery giveawasys are too tempting to pass up

Sarah said...

What a great giveaway. Very exciting to get favorite things :) I lov eyour recipes. Keep them coming!

Gina said...

I love the recipes - I get so bored with my own cooking.

Gina said...

I am following now.

Anonymous said...

Love your recipes and giveaways! Thanks so much!!

Jennie said...

Love the recipes!

Simply AnonyMom said...

Love the recipes! Especially the soups. Yummy

Ginny said...

I liked your laundry tips... more cleaning/housekeeping tips please :)

ikkinlala said...

I know it's been said already, but I like the recipes. Also, the money saving tips are helpful.

Jingle said...

I just found you, but I love that you have lots of links on your side bar! I love finding new places to visit!

Jingle said...

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/JustJingle/status/1306231106

Kristen said...

New here. Gonna check out that tamale soup recipe.

Unknown said...

First time on your site but I will definitely be back for some of those yummy sounding recipes.

Unknown said...

Off to subscribe to ya. don't want to miss a thing

Tiffany said...

This is my first visit here but I'm a big fan of easy and frugal recipes.

Unknown said...

I'm new to your blog, so I'm not too familiar with it yet, but I'm always looking for good recipes!

Unknown said...

I subscribed to you with google reader

Carla said...

I'm new, BUT if your from TEXAS it all must be good, make that great-love your layout, add me in! Thanks SISTA!

birrrd said...

The recipes are great. You have a very nice informative blog. Thanks for the chance to win!

birrrd said...

I am a new follower!

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

i am new to your blog. i love surprises!!

Happy spring fling!

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

The recipes for sure. :)

Tamara B. said...

Love your recipes and would like to read more about gorcery store bargains or a weekly meal plan.
Happy Blogiversary!
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Happy blogoversary! I'm brand new here...from SITS. Thanks for the chance to browse around and possibly win a prize! :)

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

Just arrived from SITS, happy anniversary!!

I would love to see you drop by my place:)

Katie said...

12 things what fun and a surprise box coming in the mail is just what I'd love! Enter me please and happy blogisversary!

Shannon said...

new visiter via SITS! HAve a good day!

Valerie said...

I would have to say recipes. I love recipes. Great blog & giveaway!

Sharlene said...

Recipes are good. happy Blogiversary!

Turtles In Northern Florida said...

looks like I am just one of many that loves a good recipie!

April said...

I love your recipes. They are yummy and very helpful.

CC said...

I would love lots and LOTS of recipes. ;) Love the denim look too!

Mimi said...

The recipes look like my favorite!

Sam_I_am said...

I'm finding all kinds of interesting blogs while flipping through SITS. I might have to quit my day job to read all of them.

That's a sacrifice I'm willing to make

Megan said...

Well, I've never been here before, but I'm sure you are super duper helpful and I look forward to coming back and finding out more about you.

In the mean time, would you tell my neighbor - down the street - to turn off his base? Thanks! ;0P

Megan said...

I'm following you

Megan said...

I twittered: http://twitter.com/MrsMeganC/status/1308053066

B said...

I just found your blog, so I can't say what I found helpful, but with the short peek around that I took I can say I'll be back for more.

Jessica G. said...

I am fast becoming an Etsy addict so I'm interested to see what you'd include as your "favorites." Maybe you could list your favorite shops/artisans on Etsy.

Mrsfatface said...

I love Etsy and love surprises!

♥Stephanie

familyof4@comporium.net

Mrsfatface said...

Following your blog.

♥Stephanie

familyof4@comporium.net

MaricrisG said...

I would love to have my hands on those goodies! Please count me in and Happy Blogniversary! Here's to more years of blogging to come. Cheers!

Mitz said...

What a FUN give away! I'm so curious as to what your favorites are :) I'd have to say recipes-I love trying new ones :)
Mitz

Amy said...

I just came to your blog via the Spring Fling. Let's see, something you could help me with...at the moment my stubborn 20 month old daughter is screaming in her bed and refusing to go to sleep. You'd think I'd have mastered this by now, with her being my 3rd child. But girls are sooo different from boys!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

What a fun giveaway. I would love to win! I am excited to look around. It sounds like your recipes are fabulous!

Thanks!

Jen

techyone said...

Love your recipes.

Michelle said...

This is my first time here..but I too love book reviews. Help me decide what books to put in my paperbackswap queue

Jodi said...

I'm a new reader, but I was just checking out your recipes section and the recipe for cheese straws sounds amazing! I'm gonna have to try those this weekend. Thanks for the giveaway!

minishoes said...

I like your recipes and can't wait to try the Pantry raid goulash! Also,this is a great giveaway!thanks jacquecurl@gmail.com

minishoes said...

I am a new follower. jacquecurl@gmail.com

minishoes said...

I am a new subscriber jacquecurl@gmail.com

CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY said...

Love recipes

CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY said...

I follow.

CJ'SMOMMY*KIMBERLY said...

I subscribe

Dee said...

Hi there, found you via SITS. I just added you to my blogroll, thanks!

Nelsby said...

I'm new to your blog...but I already love some of the recipes I found!
Thanks!
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Nelsby said...

I follow your blog on Blogger.
Thanks!
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Nelsby said...

I subscribed to your blog's RSS feed on Google Reader.
Thanks!
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Nelsby said...

I Tweeted about this giveaway on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nelsby/statuses/1319818884
Thanks!
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to see more traveling recomendations, places to go on a budget...maybe
ashlomb at yahoo dot com

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I love the recipes, and would love to see more book reviews - thanks for the wonderful giveaway also!

Unknown said...

I love your blog. The setup is great. I'm new to your blog but will be back lots. Recipes seem yummy. Good work.

barbmccrea said...

I love the money tips
thanks for the chance!
barbmccrea at hotmail.com

barbmccrea said...

I am a subscriber in Google reader.
barbmccrea at hotmail.com

barbmccrea said...

I have blogged about your contest here http://community.womansday.com/barbmccrea/blog/346/
barbmccrea at hotmail.com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

love the recipes

Emily said...

I like your recipes! I'm a lifelong-vegetarian and my boyfriend is, well... not. I'm new to cooking with meat, and I enjoy finding doable, affordable recipes that he'll like.

Emily said...

I follow your blog!

Unknown said...

Love your blog! Always love to see more contests and ways to save $$!
Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
www.FeedYourPigBlog.com

The Merry Death said...

I like the book reviews and your layout!
meredycat*lycos*com

The Merry Death said...

follower.
meredycat*lycos*com

The Merry Death said...

I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/meredycat
meredycat*lycos*com

Anonymous said...

I come here about once per week to look at recipes. Yeah, I know, there are alot of recipe sites but I look for real food recipes. ty

patricjames@hotmail.com

lsfish said...

Your recipes look good, I am going to try some

GALENA said...

THANKS FOR THE CONTEST IT EXSPOSED ME TO YOU

Anonymous said...

The money saving tips are important to everyone in these uncertain economic times.
traymona[at]aol.com

Unknown said...

I love the money saving tips.

scarlette10 said...

Like the recipes

qtrhrse66 said...

Love money saving times, something we all need during these difficult times.

Anonymous said...

I'd like you to write more about asking your readers for their opinions on 'what should I do', or 'which would you pick?', things like that! Vanessa, your sense of humor is hilarious and quirky!! My cat was giving me bizarre looks as I was lol'ing while reading your story about the child asking "let me see your uterus"!!! rofl! You've got a great writing talent! Thank you for the contest!
txgigggles@yahoo.com
Sharon Harmon :)

clynsg said...

I haven't been reading your blog very long, so don't feel that I can really comment on what needs to be changed/added, etc. I do enjoy humorous stories, and almost any family can provide a large number of them. Congratulations on you Blogoversary!

clynsg at yahoo.com

Carol EL said...

My favorite part of your blog are the recipes. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

Subscriber thru Yahoo Reader. jelly15301@gmail.com

Carol EL said...

I ama follower of your blog.

marthajane said...

I'm always looking for ways to save (and make) money, so your frugal tips are my favorite thing -- if I have to pick one!

Deborah said...

I just found your blog, and I'm impressed by your recipes - many of them have an edge that's just a little bit different (to my Yankee palate). I'd like to see more recipes like Bierocks - it seems very different to me - and, if possible, I'd love to see some pictures of the food (don't fancy them up...I like food photos to be just like you serve it at home). Hope you're not sorry you asked!

Deborah said...

I'm now following your blog.

Deborah said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/AsTheNight/status/1355059097

Elkaye said...

I like the recipe section, especially since they are easy to follow (I am learning how to cook).

sillelin said...

the recipes are good

Anonymous said...

I like "What's Cooking" section and recipes.
eddiem11@ca.rr.com

llinda29 said...

recipes and saving tips

Miss Spoken said...

The recipes are my favorite. More giveaways would be great, too.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

susan1215 said...

Happy Blogoversry! I like your recipes and money saving tips

js22 said...

I love your recipes!

Kat said...

Love the great recipes.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed looking through the recipes
Happy Blogiversary!
KawaiiNeko2008 (at) aol (dot) com

Anonymous said...

we tried your quiche recipe. It was good. Even the kids liked it. LOL. Maybe you could add even more recipes for slow cookers maybe.

ty

mjgroesbeck

at

yahoo

dot

com

jayne said...

I am new to your site-I enjoyed reading about migraines!

jayne said...

I'm a new subscriber!

vboackle said...

right now i need stress reliever tips.

Anonymous said...

I love your whats cooking section! I love the recipes and would love to see photos of them! :) Thanks for the awesome contest! :)

Anonymous said...

Im a follower! :)

Anonymous said...

I'm in!

Anonymous said...

What's Cookin' is great.


ty

jimyrug@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like the Zesty Crock Pot Pork Chops recipe and plan on making them.

Anonymous said...

I love the recipes. I am always looking for new things to make. I can't wait to try the Carne Guisada in the crockpot! YUM!

hebert024 at aol dot com

Belinda said...

I love the What's Cooking section. There are some great recipes posted.
Thanks!
1bmore @ gmail . com

Ascending Butterfly said...

Definitely the recipes, I'm always searching for new recipes!

pattycake said...

I like the receipes and hope you add more soon

Anonymous said...

Have a great day.

wendy wallach said...

I'd love to see updated versions of classic recipes.

madamerkf at aol dot com

Denise S. said...

I like the recipes and housecleaning tips.

J BOLF said...

This is my first time on your blog and at this point I would have to say the recipes because I love finding new things to cook for my family. Thanks

J BOLF said...

I am following you

J BOLF said...

I subscribed to your blog also!

J BOLF said...

I tweeted about your giveaway
http://twitter.com/Onebolf

kathy55439 said...

Happy Blogiversary! I am always looking for new receipes

Unknown said...

(Imagine me pounding on my desk and chanting) More recipes, more recipes, more recipes :)

Happy blog anniversary.

joannaonthelake said...

Happy Blogiversary! One Year is quite an accomplishment! May you have another fun and happy Year! I was really intrigued by your post about the Total Focus program. I too have a son with ADHD and I would love it if you keep posting on how this program is working for your family. I know you are only 1 disk into the program so I think blogging about the program and the effects it is having would be interesting to read about. I hope you make progress in handling Tristen's ADHD and thank you for sharing your initial feelings about it. All my best to you and your family!
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

I twittered about this giveaway! Here is a link to my tweet:

http://twitter.com/joannaonthelake/status/1366080429

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

I am following your blog. My username is joannaonthelake

joannaonthelake@gmail.com

joannaonthelake said...

I am Subscribed to your blog too!
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

Gabriel S-J. said...

I am new but keep up the good work!

idahomom said...

The recipes are very inspiring.

Tina12312 said...

I love finding new recipes, especially spicy ones and those from other states and regions and Texas has some great ones! Thank you so much!

miriama said...

This may sound strange but reading about your son and his ADHD helps me. Not because I have a child with this but because I have a 14-year-old daughter who is causing our household a lot of grief right now. You said that you threaten grounding and he doesn't care, same here. Etc Etc. Reading how you deal with this is helping me find patience with my child. I told you that it might seem strange to you. :)

miriama said...

I am now following you

Pamela S said...

Helpful....the recipes!!

Fun? How your site looks!!Love your denim background and all the "country" type illustrations.

Pamela S said...

I'm a newbie that just signed up for your newsletter!!! Love your site and so glad I found it!! Like your wkly menus and may have to steal a bunch of your stuff!! LOL Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I love your color scheme, it matches well with your image and is easy to read. I'd really like for you to write about Autism in April, as it is Autism Awareness Month and there is never too much awareness!

autielady[at]live.com

msrodeobrat said...

i like cheap and easy recipes

heaventrees said...

Your recipe for Crock Pot Carne Guisada was great.

yellowlabs said...

I would love to see more recipes!

joahsgrandma said...

Cheap and Easy recipes are my faves. Especially easy!!

Anonymous said...

Love those recipes!

trishden said...

I've found your recipe section most helpful and I'm putting the ingredients of the Zesty Crock Pot Pork Chops down on my shopping list to cook for dinner one night this week. Thanks for a great giveaway!

trishden said...

Tweeted on twitter here:
http://twitter.com/trishden/status/1372469437

Thanks
trishden

trishden said...

I'm a blog follower! trishden

Anonymous said...

A Big congrats on your Blogversary!!! I'm new to your site, but the recipes look great (we are always looking for new recipes - I love to cook)
Mary
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

idahodad7 said...

I think that you need to have more contest.

jo1brat said...

Happy Blogaversary...While I have to agree just love recipes but just coping with taking care of pets and kids is enough just blog about that..thanks for cool giveaway who doesn't like surprises

MOL said...

Wow, another 365 days about to come up and go. I really like your recipes.

Sonya Allstun said...

the recipes and the blue jean background is sooo cute

thanks

sallstun(at)hotmail*com

bkh61959 said...

The Recipes! I'm always in need of new ideas for meals

Anonymous said...

I would like the chance to win, thanks.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Great site! I like your blogs and definitely the recipes! Who doesn't get tired of cooking the same old things? Thanks and keep up the great work!

GALENA said...

FIRST TIME HI BELIEVE AM COMPUTER ILLERATE ONLY ANSWER AN SEND E-MAILS AN ENTER CONTEST

Anonymous said...

Another Recipe follower. I think you might want to consider publishing a book :)


goddesspaula17@aol.com

Mommy Managing said...

I went to Fishful Thinking and learned that Optimism is a skill that can be learned.

Mommy Managing said...

I went to Fishful Thinking and learned that Optimism is a skill that can be learned.

Mommy Managing said...

I went to Fishful Thinking and learned that Optimism is a skill that can be learned.

Mommy Managing said...

I went to Fishful Thinking and learned that Optimism is a skill that can be learned.

Mommy Managing said...

I went to Fishful Thinking and learned that Optimism is a skill that can be learned.

I can't seem to stop repeating myself... ;P

minishoes said...

The recipes is what I liked. -the Cafe baked speggetti sounds yummy! The peanut butter bars I want to make later,if i have enough peanutbutter.(cross your fingers). Thanks for the giveaway! jacquecurl@gmail.com

minishoes said...

I allready follow jacquecurl@gmail.com

minishoes said...

I subscribe too. jacquecurl@gmail.com

minishoes said...

What I learned from Fishfull Thinking is only 42 percent kids believe they will achieve their goals and gold fish crackers were the first to elimanate trans fat.

minishoes said...

Only 42 percent of kids believe they will not will achieve their goals and goldfish crackers was the first to elimanate trans fat.

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