Finer Things Friday: Blog Answers and A Giveaway!

by Amy on July 30, 2009

I was going to post this last Friday, but then I had a mommy moment that was begging to be shared, so we’ll just pretend that I am still celebrating my blogiversary!

Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragement and questions… and flattery… I don’t deserve a bit of it. This blog started as a fun hobby and quickly turned into a labor of love. I am thrilled that you get something out of it, but you absolutely have no idea how I’ve been blessed by all of you!

You asked… and I’ll answer…

From Stephanie: Are you naturally frugal, or do you have to work at it? (My guess is you’re a natural!) And what about hubs, is he a frugal guy? We are praying about possibly visiting some friends next year. They are moving to Kansas City MO. Are you nearby?

You can ask any of my friends or family members – I am a tightwad. Big time. Always have been. Even when I was single, making really nice money (for a teacher!) I was tight with my money. It’s hard for me to have fun spending it unless I’m getting a really good deal on something I need. I have much more fun watching my savings account grow.

Kansas City, MO? About 4 1/2 hours away. I’ll meet you there!

From Charlene: So, what color ARE your toenails? LOL

They’re pink. Bright pink. Done by yours truly. My last paid for pedicure was last summer for my sister’s wedding. Before that? Um… never?! I really don’t remember. Got a manicure before my own wedding, but don’t remember a pedicure.

From Shay: I was wondering just how tiny a town you live in? I have family in Kansas that we visit often and was curious how close you may be to them? They live in Enterprise, KS.

I don’t know the exact population, but at last count we were just under 500. Yes, folks. That’s a 5 with two zeros.

According to MapQuest, I’m about 3 hours from Enterprise.

From Katie: How many hours a week do you think you spend blogging/reading blogs?

Oh, Katie. You don’t really want to know that, do you? Seriously, and honestly… too much. Easily 3 hours a day (broken up, not all at once), sometimes more. Just ask my dusty bookshelves and sticky floor. I am working on a plan to remedy this situation. The plan = self discipline!

And now, a little gift for you, because celebrating my blogiversary with my friends is truly a Finer Thing. I have one Creative Memories Mini PicFolio in black just waiting to show off your wallet-sized photos!

You may enter twice:

Link up with a Finer Things Friday post
Leave a comment. Any comment will do.

I’ll let random.org pick a winner Sunday evening around 8:00. Good luck!

What Finer Things are you celebrating this week? Please remember: link to your post and not your homepage. Also, please leave a link back here so your readers can join us!

{ 2 trackbacks }

Finding Balance with Food: An Incredible Freedom, Part 1 : Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free: July 31, 2009 at 9:15 am
Biscotti 101: A Basic Dough Recipe Jazzed Up with Figs, Walnuts, & Cacao Nibs : Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free: August 7, 2009 at 8:04 am

{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Lisa@BlessedwithGrace July 30, 2009 at 11:26 pm

Oh how fun. I was linking up, even before I knew you were giving away goodies! Party!! Have a great weekend.

2 Heidi @ Frugal Girls! July 30, 2009 at 11:32 pm

Yea for a giveaway! Amy ~ your blog is such a blessing to all of us readers. Keep up the fantastic work ~ it’s such a joy to read your blog!!

3 Sarah July 31, 2009 at 12:24 am

Great giveaway! Happy Blogiversary! Once you figure out the self discipline thing please write an E-book and help out the rest of us

4 Christine @ becomingp31 July 31, 2009 at 12:38 am

I love that the “finer things” are always the simple things! I enjoy your blog

5 Kristin July 31, 2009 at 1:15 am

Happy Blogiversary! I’ve been learning to be frugal, mostly through my desire to be more eco-friendly. And I’m with you, I spend WAY too much time blogging

6 alohamolly July 31, 2009 at 2:37 am

Is this giveaway open to ALL?

I love to read your post!

Cheers! welcome to mine too at
http://secondtimeparenthood.blogspot.com/

Will create a link post to urs too!

alohamolly [at] gmail [dot] com

7 Amy July 31, 2009 at 6:20 am: @alohamolly, yes! Giveaway open to all. You are entered.

Reply

8 Mary Ann July 31, 2009 at 5:30 am

I’ve always been a tightwad, too! It took me a while to where I didn’t cry when I paid the bills. Seriously! It was so hard to see almost all the money go out and not just to sit and watch it accumulate in the savings account. Which is what I did when I was a child and didn’t pay bills!

I’m also guilty of way too much time on the computer. Need to work on this!

Happy blogiversary!

9 Amy Lynne July 31, 2009 at 6:08 am

I love your honesty! Thanks for all the time you put into your blog, it’s always great!

10 Melanie July 31, 2009 at 6:23 am

I love your blog and would not miss a day reading. Tonight I am making your Taco Grande recipe. I love your sense of balance. You strike me as someone who works at, and is very successful at, knowing your priorities and you seem to be good at planning ahead instead of being impulsive (like I am). Congrats on your blogiversary.
Melanie

11 Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship July 31, 2009 at 6:37 am

I have often used the phrase “self-discipline” lately. If only I could find some under the dust in my house!!! Glad to know I’m not alone…

12 Tara @ Feels like home July 31, 2009 at 6:43 am

Seriously? Only 3 hours a day? I probably spend 7 or 8 on a good day. It’s bad, very very bad.

13 Bay July 31, 2009 at 7:35 am

Happy Blogiversary! Aren’t they all a labor of love? But it is definitely fun and addictive. Thanks for the giveaway!

14 Shay B July 31, 2009 at 8:01 am

Oh I like that Happy Blogiversary! I am sure glad you like to blog I have gotten many great tips and tricks and recipes from here!

Thanks
*Shay B*

15 Beth@Not a Bow in Sight July 31, 2009 at 8:21 am

Linked up and entering the give-away here! Of course, I’ve been a follower for a while and I LOVE your blog. It’s so fun! I’d love to win your give-away. Have a great weekend!

16 Amy July 31, 2009 at 8:28 am

I love your blog and read it often. I need more positive inspiration!

17 Susie's Homemade July 31, 2009 at 9:04 am

Congratulations on all your recognition that you do deserve!!

18 Raise Them Up July 31, 2009 at 9:05 am

Congratulations on the anniversary! You have such a nice place here and it’s always a joy to visit.

19 Becky July 31, 2009 at 9:12 am

Neat giveaway, Thanks for the chance!
Thanks for you blog too, I enjoy reading it!
Becky
beckychart at gmail dot com

20 Amy Green - Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free July 31, 2009 at 9:23 am

I am a tightwad too. My husband and I laugh about my need to get things on sale and at a discount. I must confess, though, that I *do* spend lots of money on groceries and my food blog. We rarely, if ever, eat out, I am great with leftovers, and I pack my husband’s lunch every day. With all that being said, the grocery bill isn’t too bad.

Happy Belated Blogiversary! What a milestone.

21 Liz@HoosierHomemade July 31, 2009 at 9:40 am

I have learned tons from you! Keep up the great work!
~Liz

22 Nicole Feliciano July 31, 2009 at 10:15 am

Happy Blogaversary! You’ve got a wonderful bloggy home. Glad we’ve connected.

23 Liz M July 31, 2009 at 10:39 am

Self discipline… hmmm What’s that?? I’ve been having a bit of trouble with that lately too!! I’m with the others, I just love reading your blog and getting great tips and ideas to live a bit simpler, but all the better!! Take Care Amy!

24 Jensmere July 31, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Hi Amy…just stopped by for a visit and decided to participate in the Finer Things Friday. Thanks for a chance to express a special moment today.

Enjoyed meeting you!
Susan

25 Mama Feelgood July 31, 2009 at 2:56 pm

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

26 Laura July 31, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Congrats and you’re doing a great job.

Laura

PS: We’re now also addicted to the strawberry limeade slushies!!! (Got 12 lbs strawberries @ $0.99/lb, so freezer’s well stocked for that!)

27 Melody July 31, 2009 at 4:14 pm

Happy Blogiversary! I thought my town was tiny. It is 1500 but 500 is a lot smaller.

28 Jennifer Swanson July 31, 2009 at 4:25 pm

It’s been a treat to read your blog daily. Thanks for all of the wonderful recipes – and thank you for experimenting with me on the “overnight rise in the fridge” cinnamon rolls!

29 Sue D July 31, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Found your blog from Life as Mom. I have always been a tightwad too and also have been working on limiting my time blog surfing–it is hard when there are so many great ideas out there.

30 Michelle Baesler August 1, 2009 at 9:12 pm