Friday, October 29, 2010

1st Blogiversary {and...you guessed it....a giveaway!}

{Photo Credit}
When I started this blog one year ago, I was on the brink of becoming a stay-at-home mom (my girlhood dream!), and I was full of anticipation.

I had learned a lot of practical cooking, cleaning, and money-saving tips from the few blogs I followed at the time (namely, Life As Mom, Money Saving Mom, and Amy's Finer Things) and decided to start my own as a form of documentation. I had recently become a coupon fanatic, and lurking in the back of my mind was the idea of using my blog as a launcing pad for teaching coupon classes.

As Alicia's Homemaking took shape, I realized that while couponing and saving money has a place, it's not what I desire to focus my writing on (not to mention that there are so many other bloggers who tackle that job so nicely!).

I was fortunate to grow up in a functional home where my parents loved each other and peace prevailed over strife (not perfectly, but overall). I witnessed firsthand just how important the daily goings-on in a home are! Now I truly am overjoyed (and privileged) to be able to set the tone in my own home and practically love my family.

Isn't it awesome to know that the job you're doing has eternal value?  

That's what I want to blog about...from wiping down the counters and packing lunches to having folks over for dinner and praying with the kids at night.

And, it's just an added bonus that I really get a kick out of kissy babies, aprons, homemade bread (must be all the Little House on The Prairie reading we did growing up... *wink*).

Now that I've waxed all eloquent on you, I just wanted to say a hearty thanks to all of you--my readers! You've really made this a blast. I love hearing your feedback, stories, recipes, and advice. I feel like we're learning together.

In celebration, I'm giving away a $15 Starbucks Gift Card (provided by yours truly) to one of you. Just leave a comment (with your email)!

Additional entries:

Is there anything particular that you would like to see on Alicia's Homemaking in the year to come? Do share...



P.S. Thanks for all of your sweet, encouraging words this week. :)

Linked to Finer Things Friday and Company Girl Coffee.
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95 comments:

  1. Congrats on the anniversary! Thanks for sharing such a fun giveaway! :-)

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  2. I follow via RSS

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  3. Follow via twitter

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  4. I also follow via fb

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  5. I love your blog! kellybryansmith at gmail dot com.

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  6. Congratulations! I always enjoy what you have to say.

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  7. I'm reading through my iphone's RSS reader. My email is on my blogger profile.

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  8. Hi, there! :-) I'm a follower, through Blogger. :-) Thanks for posting! I love your blog, and I am always inspired or entertained by it. :-)

    snowflakes2hotcakes {at} gmail { dot} com

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  11. I'm following you on twitter
    awatts@atd-us.com

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  12. I like you on facebook
    awatts@atd-us.com

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  13. So exciting! I found your blog a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it!!

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  14. I'm following you on Twitter! I'm @frugalandsimple

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  15. I subscribe to Alicia's Homemaking via RSS!

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  16. Congratulations on one year of blogging! You will love going back and seeing how you and your family have changed and grown as you document!

    I was fortunate to grow up in a functional immediate family..extended family, we aren't even going there! I hope to give my children that same heritage!

    Have a great weekend!

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  17. Happy anniversary! I follow you on RSS...

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  18. How exciting! You have a lot to show for a year of blogging. I don't subscribe (I have you bookmarked and prefer to just visit on my own since I get sooo many e-mails), but I do "like" you on FB! (and in real life).
    pridgenkad(at) gmail(dot)com

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  19. YAY!!! So exciting! Congratulations, Alicia! :) :)

    xo Marissa
    marissahm@hotmail.com

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  20. Congratualtions on your blogiversary...I am celebrating mine next week!

    katieperschke@yahoo.com

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  21. I subscribe via RSS!

    katieperschke@yahoo.com

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  22. Yay! Happy Anniversary! You have done so awesome in just one year!! Happy to celebrate with you & even more happy to meet you in person at Blissdom!

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  23. Coffee is good. I like Coffee. One day I hope to have some. Free Coffee is even better. :-)

    fswalt@yahoo.com

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  24. I just recently started reading and really enjoy your blog! Thanks for sharing your wisdom (and Starbucks card)! kjacobs729 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  25. I am a subscriber!
    kjacobs729 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  26. Congratulations on the anniversary and finding your purpose! I'm right with you on the coupons and deal blogging. It was a relief to find that I could just relax and let others post the latest deals; and there's already a blog covering deals in my town.

    I've enjoyed all of your posts since I happened upon your site many months ago!

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  27. I follow you on Twitter, too. I'm @mrsdexter.

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  28. I love your blog and I follow it on RSS.

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  29. I follow Alicia's Homemaking on Facebook too!

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  30. I found you through Sarah Windham's site, which I found through Leah Rohlf's blog (I grew up with Leah). Funny how that works, huh?
    amy dot e dot bravo at gmail dot com

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  31. Happy anniversary!!!! Yours is a beautiful site, many beautiful years (posts) to come!

    What I want to see more of? Budget meetings. How you and Hubs are making it while he is in school. I soak it up.

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  32. We love Starbucks!

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  33. Congratulations!! 1 year is a big accomplishment, and to be living your dream is an even bigger one. Keep up the good work!

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  34. I also follow you thourgh email feed.

    jchooker (@) sbcglobal . net

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  35. Liking you on Facebook! Congrats on your wonderful blog and all the progress you've made!

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  36. I love Starbucks!! I can taste it now!

    Morgan D.
    mbbunn06@aol.com

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  37. Congratulations on a year Alicia! You have a wonderful place here, I'm always glad I visit!
    Blessings!

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  38. Happy Blogiversary :) Alicia, I really enjoy your blog, keep up the good work!
    brooks.katie85@gmail.com

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  39. I subscribed via email.

    brooks.katie85@gmail.com

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  40. I love your blog!!! anda830@gmail.com

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  41. I feel bad that I haven't commented in so long, I just wanted to say happy Blogiversary. You really hit the ground running and I forget you've only been around a year!! (I subscribe via RSS)

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  42. Happy Blogiversary!!

    mirigard (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  43. Absolutely Awesome blog from an Absolutely Awesome daughter-in-law! You remind me of me way back when.... but I did not have the internet to share all my fantastic SAHM ideas, etc. Just other beautiful SAHM moms and homeschooling networks.
    Please put me in for that Starbucks! I could sure use it!!
    pamperrincrni@yahoo.com

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  44. HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    MANY happy bloggy years to you!!!!
    Please count me in. Thanks and have a great Halloween too
    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  45. follow you on twitter@meeyeehere
    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  46. like you on facebook too
    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  47. Happy blogiversary!

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  48. Of course I subscribe to you...how else would I be able to stalk...ummm...keep updated. Oh I love the interviews with you mom btw.

    joycelau319 at yahoo dot com

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  49. Happy anniversary :) virginia.wilfong @gmail.com

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  50. I subscribe via email.

    kristencwiseman at yahoo dot com

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  51. You are "liked" on Facebook.

    kristencwiseman at yahoo dot com

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  52. I have enjoyed reading your blog very much. kristencwiseman at yahoo dot com

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  53. I rmbr hearing about this blog before knowing what blogging was. Then I checked it out and became hooked on it. Wonderful thing for family!

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  54. I like you on Facebook- Mary Happymommy

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  55. I totally agree that what you're doing is of eternal value--that's a true and wonderful way to look at it! Happy first blogiversary...that's a big milestone, because bloggers often lose interest before that.
    I don't have to win the prize, but I do hope you'll stop by my blog and listen to my audio post: http://cindyswanslife.blogspot.com

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  56. Happy blogiversary!

    sarah(dot)windham(at)gmail(dot)com

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  57. I follow you on twitter!

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  58. And last {but not least!} I "like" you on facebook. :)

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  59. I think you're awesome, of course; keep up the great work!

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  60. Congrats on the anniversary! What a lovely blog you have ....I've come thru Home Sanctuary.

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  61. Happy Anniversary!!! I sort of started the same way you did. Funny how things take shape :)

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  62. Hooray for giveaways, Starbucks, and most of all for my dear friend who has reached such a milestone and has so much positive influence on her blog. I love you!

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  63. Congrats on your Blogiversary!
    I subscribe to RSS feed!

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  64. I "Like" Alicia's Homemaking on facebook!

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  65. Congratulations on your 1st anniversary with your blog! I like all your cleaning and recipe tips!

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  66. Congrats on your 1st year blogging! WOOHOO!! I'll come back soon and try to catch up on what's been going on here lol..I love finding new blogs!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ajoebloe(at)gmail(dot)com

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  67. I'm a new(and confirmed) email subscriber!

    ajoebloe(at)gmail(dot)com

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  68. "Liked" Alicia's Homemaking on Facebook


    wwww.facebook.com/ajoebloe

    Joey J.

    ajoebloe(at)gmail(dot)com

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  69. Happy Anniversary! Thank you for the nice giveaway.

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  70. Just signed up for your RSS feed. Thanks!

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  71. congrats on the anniversary! Starbucks is such a rare treat for me. Would loove to win! -Liz I.
    chlives at hotmail dot com

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  72. I subscribe to your blog through Google Reader!

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  73. I am so thankful for the home you grew up in and so blessed to see the fruit of it in your family...and doubly blessed to learn from you about how it happens :)
    H Willoughby

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  74. I follow via email and fb. Great job!
    chella@choosechella.com

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  75. I am following you on FB and via email. Love your posts!
    Diana
    hmexecutive@yahoo.com

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  76. I'm late on this post, but just wanted to say that I love your blog and the meaning behind it! I seriously can't wait to be a stay at home mom. I look forward to reading your blog - it's so cheerful and upbeat and fun :)

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  77. Enjoy your blog; keep up the good work.
    mcbroom.family.73115@gmail.com

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  78. Congrats on the anniversary!
    I follow on twitter too!
    Many more years of blogging!
    kellyoboyle36@gmail.com

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  81. I "like" you on facebook.

    Graceisrad123@yahoo.com

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