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:

• Comment and say you subscribe to Alicia's Homemaking by email or RSS.
• Comment and say you follow me on Twitter.
• Comment and say you "Like" Alicia's Homemaking on Facebook.

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.

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