Happy Blogiversary To Me And A Giveaway!

Yes, it is my one year anniversary (ok, technically it was yesterday) of writing a blog. I started to write a blog for a few different reasons – to keep in touch with friends and family all over the country, to be able to yammer on about topics that are near and dear to my heart as well as interesting info I came across in my day to day life. The biggest reason I started a blog was to force myself to learn more about the computer – an area I am not that fond of because I really get overwhelmed with anything technologically advanced (psychic readings = easy for me, techie stuff = difficult and boring to me). I guess that comes from being forced to learn DOS and Lotus 1-2-3 in school. Ugh, awful stuff that scarred me for life.

I admit, I use my brilliant, software engineer husband as a major crutch in this area and I don’t like using anyone or anything as a crutch so I had to commit to learn more about how to use the ‘puter for more than just surfing or shopping. A blog was the next logical step for me. My husband was very excited for me to do this and said he would help me out.

The only people I know personally who blog are local friends and they are all techno savvy women unlike me so I began asking them tons of questions (since my husband is a techie but no blogger) and they helped me out quite a bit. So, big thanks to my friends Amy at Crunchy Domestic Goddess, Heather at A Mama’s Blog, and Julie at ChezArtz. You guys rock and you know I will still be asking you my questions as I keep progressing. I also want to mention my friend Nicole (who has a private blog), just because she is a knowledgeable local blogging friend, too.

Over this past year, I have learned so much about the blogging world, many social networking sites (still find this part overwhelming!), learned how to “hack” in a line of code to get my post to do what I want when Wordpress was not cooperating (via Michael) and to not always rely on him for everything on the site. That feels pretty good and pretty independent, too. My fear of all things techie has gone way down and I actually grew to love blogging!

I have also learned that how Michael and I have been living our lives the past 11 years together is now considered trendy and called “green living” (a lot falls into this category) and “frugal”. I had no idea about this until I started writing about topics I knew about and that are important to me and reading other blogs talking about it. We also are not as frugal as some families are, I think that’s from wanting to live and experience life consciously in the moment but still be smart with our money and long term plans. “You never know when you’ll be run over by a bus” is my way of thinking, you can’t always save everything for the future.

This next year, I plan on writing about topics I just never found the time to organize and get to such as living in a yurt off the grid – I found tons of pix we had taken and plan on getting it together finally as well as write about more of my expertise, what I do for a living – alternative medicine and energetic healing.

Ok, enough about me and on with the good stuff – the Giveaway!

In honor of my Blogiversary, I am giving away two fun, reusable tote bags to two lucky winners.

The first one is a 100% organic cotton, long handled shopping bag made by Ecolution that has a funky picture of a tree on it. This company sells 100% organic cotton products sustainably grown in India as well as hemp products.

The other, is a very funny “eco-freak” reuseable tote bag (the size of a dept. store shopping bag so it’s big) made by Blue Q. It’s 100% recycled polypropylene with woven handles. It says on it, “I’m Saving The Planet – What Are You Doing?” All of their stuff is pretty cute and made with the environment in mind. This company also has on staff a group of individuals with disabilities who get to live productive, satisfying lives as a result of their employment at Blue Q. These are the types of companies I like to support – those that help others and who don’t sell to “mega-crap mart” (as they refer to it on their website).

All you have to do to win one of these 2 lovely bags is to leave a comment! That’s it!

If you’d like a second chance to win just mention this giveaway on your blog with a link to this post. If you don’t have a blog, send an email to your friends including this post’s link and cc me on that email for your second chance to win (naturedeva at naturedeva dot net). The winners will be chosen by random.org. Deadline to enter is Sunday, August 3rd, 11:59pm. U.S. residents only, please.

It’s super easy and both bags are awesome! I will be having more upcoming giveaways fairly soon so keep a look out for that!

Update:
Welcome Bloggy Giveaway Carnival people! Thanks for taking a look and entering my giveaway for 2 fabulous totes! Good Luck!








photos: nationalentertainment.co.uk, ecolution & blue q.

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July 15 2008 02:24 pm | Mel and giveaways and green living

151 Responses to “Happy Blogiversary To Me And A Giveaway!”

  1. crunchy domestic goddess Says:

    congrats to you! wow – that year really flew by.
    thx for the shoutout. these bags look super cute.
    i’m going to tweet (on twitter) your giveaway. :)

  2. Elaine Says:

    Yay for 100 posts! Thanks for the giveaway – I am infatuated with reusable bags right now and these are great!

    Nice to “meet” you – you have a great blog here…

    Elaines last blog post..I Really "Meme" It

  3. Cheryl W Says:

    I love these totes! And congrats on your blogiversary!

  4. phyllis Says:

    congrats! i came here via amy’s twitter…nice site!

    phylliss last blog post..Growing Things….

  5. lamamanaturale Says:

    A love a celebration!! Happy Blogiversary! :) Great giveaway, I’m always using my resuable bags and could always use a couple more. Thx.

    lamamanaturales last blog post..I’m Backkkk….

  6. Ami (Writing: My Life) Says:

    Happy Blogiversary! I never think to celebrate things like this…hmmmm. I’m not even sure I know when my blogiversary is. Guess I better go check.

    Reusable bags are a great giveaway idea. I’ve actually lost a couple (that’s what I get for carrying them under my arm) in the last few months, so a replacement bag would be nice. :)

  7. Holly Says:

    I would love these-although we recycle our plastic sacks I like the idea of reusable ones better.

  8. amy Lockhart Says:

    I am so in love with bags, use them for everything, used one yesterday for the kids library books, I keep them in my car and have them availabe for everything! I would love to sport your bags around my town!

  9. Melinda Says:

    Funny how when one’s living style suddenly becomes trendy, isn’t it? Yay for frugal! Congrats on your anniversary!

    Melinda

  10. Steph Says:

    Congrats! I’m here from blissfully domestic, and I’m glad to have “found” our site!

  11. Sarah @ Ordinary Days Says:

    Love me some totes! Happy blog-iversary!

    Sarah @ Ordinary Dayss last blog post..Taz Anyone?

  12. Emma Says:

    I love these bags–I just started using reusable bags at the grocery store.

  13. Cheryl Says:

    Totes are always useful!

    Cheryls last blog post..Muppet Show observations

  14. Rhonda Says:

    I love finding new fun blogs! Nice totes, always useful, more fun!

  15. Samantha Says:

    Lovely totes and a lovely blog!

    Samanthas last blog post..More Anthropologie Love

  16. Lisa Says:

    I’d love more bags! I’ve gotten in the habit at the grocery store, but my mall shopping could use a nudge.

    Lisas last blog post..I won! I won!

  17. Laurin Says:

    Looking forward to reading more of your blog. I love cute totes.

  18. JackieW. transplanted Okie (Buried in Legos) Says:

    Happy Blog Bday !

    JackieW. transplanted Okie (Buried in Legos)s last blog post..Thankful Thursdays … Taco Bell’s Mango Strawberry Freeze & Etsy wristlet by JimmyPickles

  19. jeni Says:

    happy blogiversary!!

  20. micaela6955 (Michele P.) Says:

    Congrats on 100 posts! Glad to have found your blog!

  21. Allie Says:

    Happy Blogiversary!!!

  22. pam Says:

    Great giveaway. Happy anniversary!

  23. sandy Says:

    sweet

  24. Leann W Says:

    Happy Blogiversary and what very cute eco-cool totes. Great giveaway and cheers to you and many more posts to come!

  25. Allison Says:

    Great giveaway. I like to see giveaways that are fun and promoting green practices!

    Allisons last blog post..Will China Continue to Go Green after the Beijing Olympics?

  26. Beth Says:

    I’d love to win-this is a great giveaway and I’ve been thinking about switching to cloth bags instead of plastic. Thanks!

    Beths last blog post..Monday Giveaway: Boxing Day

  27. Amanda Says:

    Happy Blogoversary! Thanks for the GREAT giveaway! Please count me in. If I win, I can be reached through the blog, or at heyblogger[at]yahoo[dot]com. ** Sorry if this comes through twice. **

    Amandas last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway Carnival: $10 Starbucks Gift Card

  28. CC Says:

    Happy blogoversary!
    I’d love to win! And I promise I won’t leave them at home, as I’m usually apt to do when I go shopping…

    CCs last blog post..I wish I could say this was a Super Powered giveaway…

  29. Lisa Sharp Says:

    Congrats and I love shopping bags!

    Lisa Sharps last blog post..Missing??

  30. Bailey's Leaf Says:

    We sell the Blue Q bag at work and it is great! I haven’t bought one, but I do touch it and tell it how great it is! I would love to win one!

  31. Debbie Says:

    Happy Anniversary. My goal in the next month is to start a blog – like you I am a little scared. Great giveaway. Thanks for the chance.

  32. Natalie Says:

    Hi, I would love to win these cute shopping bags!

  33. Jodi Says:

    YAY!! Happy Blogiversary! Congrats! I posted about your blog and contest on my blog as well. Thanks!!

  34. Katherine Frazier Says:

    great bags – thanks for the giveaway

  35. val Says:

    thanks for hosting….I use these types of bags and always need more!

    vals last blog post..The postman rings twice..no…..FOUR times…

  36. christene Says:

    Always looking for more reusable shopping bags, just never enough between all the shoppers here

  37. Amy Says:

    It would be great to start my reusable shopping bag collection :) Thanks!

    Amys last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway Time :)

  38. Julie Says:

    I would love to have more shopping bags to hold all my groceries! Thanks!
    Julie

    Julies last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway – hair bows

  39. flmom Says:

    Happy Blogoversary! This is a wonderful giveaway – thanks for the chance to win!!

    flmoms last blog post..Arte y Pico Award

  40. Paula H Says:

    I could use some more shopping bags.

  41. Emma Says:

    I’ve started to use reusable grocery bags and love them!

    Thanks!

  42. Samantha D Says:

    Congrats!
    I am hosting a giveaway, too! I hope you will check it out.

    Samantha Ds last blog post..Bloggy Giveaways!!!

  43. Sarai Says:

    oh, gorgeous! I love the Eco-Freak one, it fits my personality totally =) Thanks for offering this!

  44. Melissa Says:

    I’d love to win this, I can always use another bag!

    Melissas last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway #1–Christian Book Pack for Women

  45. Patti Says:

    It is hard to find organic reusable bags! Thanks for the chance!!

    Pattis last blog post..Bloggy Carnival Giveaway TIME!!

  46. Mom to 2 Boys Says:

    I can always use more bags! Thanks!

    Mom to 2 Boyss last blog post..My 100th Post…sort of

  47. Mother Hen Says:

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Mother Hens last blog post..I Love My Camera

  48. Maria Says:

    Thanks for the giveaway – I’m loving resuable bags!

  49. Kristine Says:

    Totes are the greatest.

  50. Barbara Says:

    Love the bags, and congrats on your anniversary

  51. Victoria Says:

    Great giveaway! Thanks!

  52. Kathleen Says:

    Happy Blogiversary!

    I relate to your living frugally and eco-friendly, even before it was trendy. I’ve been stepping up more lately with being thrifty due to the economy being in the dumps and quitting my job to stay at home with the baby.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Kathleens last blog post..Bloggy Giveaways Summer Carnival!

  53. Megan Says:

    Happy Blogiversary!

    Megans last blog post..Tackle It Tuesday Boys Closet

  54. Cristina Says:

    Oohhh, cute bags! Thanks for the opportunity.

    Cristinas last blog post..And I thought Cristina without an "h" was bad enough

  55. Shelly Says:

    I love reusable bags and would love to win these! thanks for the giveaway!

    Shellys last blog post..Laundry Day

  56. jennifer plante Says:

    totes, we use them for everything, library books, groceries, laundry, you name it

  57. Renee G Says:

    Congrats to you.

  58. Claire Says:

    Happy blogiversary! I’d love to try out these bags! Thanks for the giveaway.

  59. sarah Says:

    cool looking bags! i just started my own blog, can’t wait to get to my “blogiversary”! thanks!
    sarah
    sadiekate2001 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    sarahs last blog post..bloggy giveaway

  60. geri Says:

    Thanks for the great giveaway!!! Please include me!

    gerijones64@hotmail.com

  61. Fedora Says:

    Those bags look really fun! We always love new totes! And congrats on your blogiversary!

  62. GrnMtnGirl Says:

    I know a lot of people who would love to receive these totes!

    Thanks!

    GrnMtnGirls last blog post..Leftovers, it’s what’s for dinner!

  63. Susan Taylor Says:

    These would be great to keep in the car for the grocery store.

  64. Emily Says:

    I feel like I have been trying to win reusable shopping bags forever! Maybe this is my lucky day!

  65. Debra Ford Says:

    I would definitely use these. Thanks

  66. Frugal Babe Says:

    Love the bags! Would love to stash them in my bike basket when I go to the farmers market :)

  67. Angie Says:

    I am so surprised by the amount of shopping bags being given away this time! Hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to win some!
    Please do enter me…
    Thanks!
    Angie
    quillysilly(at)yahoo(dot)com

  68. faithfulmommy Says:

    Happy Happy Blogiversary! We always need tote bags for all the girls in the family.

  69. Tammy Says:

    I am certain I need to start doing this, bringing my own bags to the stores in order to help the environment. Thanks for the chance.

  70. Maureen Says:

    Cute bags! I’d love to win! Thanks for the giveaway!

  71. Kam A Says:

    I need more grocery store totes :) Thank you for the giveaway!

  72. Go Amie Says:

    Congratulations on your blogiversary!

  73. Dorothy Hall Says:

    Congratulations on your blog! I really want these bags!!!

    Dorothy Halls last blog post..fun with the Boucher boys

  74. Kimberly Says:

    Great totes! Thanks for the chance to win!

  75. Kimberly V. Says:

    Congratulations!!!!! Keep up the great work with your blog and the posting.

    I only have one tote and I can certainly use more for when I got shopping.

    Thanks so much!

  76. Suzie G Says:

    I could always use more bags. I use them to bring books home from the library and when I do small run ins at the store.

  77. Carrie Says:

    Happy blogiversary and thanks for the giveaway.

  78. Michelle Says:

    Happy bloggiversary to you! Great totes you’re giving away too!

  79. kristen Says:

    i heart these great bags! thanks for your giveaway!

    kristen

    ryankristenwilson(at)msn(com)

  80. Rachel Says:

    I’d love some new reusable bags – these are much better than the acme bags I’m using right now. Thanks so much!

  81. Ginny Says:

    I need some more bags to use, I only have 3 right now :)

    Ginnys last blog post..WW ~ Prissy Poofs Tutu

  82. Kyra Says:

    I need these! Great giveaway!

  83. Keri D Says:

    love the bags…

    Keri Ds last blog post..What a great weekend!

  84. Alaina Says:

    Happy Blogaversary!

  85. Heidi Says:

    Happy Blogiversary! I would love to be entered and thanks for the great giveaway!

  86. Genevieve Says:

    Happy Blogiversary! I love totes.

  87. Pam Says:

    I am so trying to go green.
    These would be great. Thanks so much.

  88. Mia J. Says:

    Congrats on your anniversary. Thanks for the giveaway.

  89. Sarah Z Says:

    I need some bags to take to the grocery store!!

    Thank you!

  90. Karen Says:

    Love the saying on the 2nd bag — maybe I’d send that one to my sister if I won it, and use the bag with the cool tree picture on it for myself! My groceries would be pretty styling in that bag :)

  91. Theresa Shafer Says:

    Going green is so much fun when your bags say something funny. thank you and take care of you and yours.

  92. CanCan (Mom Most Traveled) Says:

    I’m an eco-FREAK, eco-FREAK, I’m ECO FREAKY…YEOW!

    onlycancan at hotmail dot com

    CanCan (Mom Most Traveled)s last blog post..ImagiPlaying

  93. Yard Sale Princess Says:

    I just love using my totes at the grocery store, Macy’s, and Target just to name a few places. I would love to add these to my colection!

    Yard Sale Princesss last blog post..We were Rockin’ and Rollin’

  94. Terra Heck Says:

    Count me in to win these organic bags.

  95. Christina Says:

    cool bags

  96. Tabby Says:

    Oh man, I love Blue Q bags! My favorite is the “Strangers with Candy” design. I get so many comments on it when I’m out and about! Another great place to score cute and affordable bags is IKEA. The checkers at our local market love them because they’re so deep and wide. The designs are really cute too.

  97. Junglewife Says:

    Would love to win! Thanks for a great giveaway!

  98. Kathy Says:

    Thanks for the bags giveaway. I’d love to win these for going shopping and carrying home my goods. Thanks
    Kathy
    bigfamily8 (at) yahoo (dot) com

  99. Hallie Says:

    I just found your blog and am really enjoying it!
    Happy Blogiversary, quite an achievement!

    I’m obsessed with bags, use them for everything. Would love to have one of those! Thanks.

  100. Jodi Says:

    I love tote bags! I have been trying to get enough to use at the grocery instead of plastic (YUCK) so this would be a great addition.

  101. Lindsie Says:

    Happy 1 year!! Thank you for the chance to win!

  102. maggie Says:

    Thanks so much! Congrats on the 1 year!

  103. Jodi Says:

    Congrats on making it to the 1 year mark. And thanks for a great giveaway.

  104. Leesy Says:

    I love these. I never have enough of the reusable grocery bags, especially since my kids also use them, and I prefer to use them. Thanks for the contest.

    Leesys last blog post..A Pile o’ Squares

  105. tina Says:

    Thanks! tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com

  106. Jaime C. Says:

    This would be awesome. Thanks so much!!

  107. Joy F Says:

    I love reusable totes — thanks!

    shaunjoy(at)juno(dot)com

  108. Ma Val Says:

    Congrats! I’ve started composting this year as a eay to live greener. So far so good. Thanks for the totes giveaway!

    thundercloudgirl AT hotmail DOT com

    Ma Vals last blog post..Reversible Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

  109. Blessed Says:

    Congratulations on your one year anniversary… blogging certainly is addictive.

    I love reusable totes!!!

    Blesseds last blog post..Catch Up Thursday…

  110. Audrey Says:

    Happy anniversary. I continue to learn more and more about blogging every day.

    Great prize. I love my canvas bags.

    Audreys last blog post..A Year Of Crockpot Recipes

  111. Sharon Fairclough Says:

    I use reusable totes as much as possible keep one in my car, Thanks for the contest

  112. Lanae T. Says:

    Thanks for the giveaway! I am always on the watch for original design bags. These are cool!

  113. Alexandra Hancock Says:

    I use these totes for shopping and for school. :)
    alexandra dot hancock at gmail dot com

    Alexandra Hancocks last blog post..Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. Win Stuff!

  114. Kathleen Says:

    I never thought it would happen, but with all the green and eco-friendly bags available now, I am becoming a tote-aholic! Would love to win. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!

  115. Gretchen Says:

    I would love one of these bags. Always looking for a new one. :)

    Added a link back to here.

    Gretchens last blog post..Cool give aways I’m dieing to win!

  116. TheAngelForever Says:

    Happy Anniversary! I love reusable bags – have them in all of the cars and could always use more.

    Thanks for the great giveaway.

    TheAngelForevers last blog post..Bowl hats and Boston accents

  117. Mrs. Sprinkles Says:

    Thanks for hosting this–we use way too many plastic bags!

    Mrs. Sprinkless last blog post..How to Fold Fitted Sheets

  118. ryann Says:

    Id love to own an eco friendly bag!

    ry13_2000@yahoo.com

    ryanns last blog post..cinnamon sticks boutique

  119. Richelle F Says:

    I would love these!

    Richelle Fs last blog post..Pregnancy Q & A

  120. Renee Borders Says:

    Great tote bags! Thanks for the chance to win. :)

  121. Mindi Says:

    I love these bags! I’ve been doing pretty well with using reusable bags when I go out, but you always need “just one more”! These are great! Thanks for the giveaway!

  122. Shannon Says:

    Great giveaway, thanks! Love those bags.

    Shannons last blog post..South Dakota Wrap Up

  123. lace Says:

    I’ve been slowly building up my stock of reusable bags. These look great.

    laces last blog post..Jo-Jo’s Place 500th Post Party

  124. Ilissa H. Says:

    I have been trying to use reusable shopping bags as much as possible. I’ve love to add these to my collection. Thanks for the chance.

  125. Storm Says:

    I’d love these bags!

    Storms last blog post..Did You Hear That?

  126. Marcia Says:

    The idea of reusable bags seems to be catching on & I’m finally remembering to take them in the store with me! I need a few more and getting one for free is even better! Thanks for the giveaway…

  127. Chrysa Says:

    I love the bags and can always use more. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Chrysas last blog post..

  128. Donna Kozar Says:

    Good giveaway.

  129. Josie Says:

    I’d love to win!

  130. Theresa N Says:

    Happy 100!! Great giveaway

  131. Kari Says:

    Oh Happy Blogiversary to you!!!! Wonderful giveaway….I have some of the cheapy ones you can buy from the store…not near as nice and I need some more!!! :) Thanks for a great give!!!

    Karis last blog post..An Inspiring Teacher

  132. kiy Says:

    Happy 100th! I would love to win either of these, they are great. :)

  133. Stephanie Says:

    Thank you for the opportunity! I’ll be sharing on my blog post Free on Friday! =)

    Stephanies last blog post..Calling all local yokals

  134. jenn Says:

    Sign me up!

    jenns last blog post..The Dark Net

  135. Mary_Freebies Says:

    Lovely bags, and very useful too.

    Mary_Freebiess last blog post..Blog Contest: MarketLeverage Contest 7

  136. jenny wallace Says:

    the “i’m saving the planet what are you doing” is hilarious! love it! skyhan@verizon.net

  137. Colleen Says:

    Resuable bags are great! Thanks for the chance to win. Enjoy the day!

  138. Cassandra Says:

    This is AMAZING! YOU’RE amazing!

    irrelevantheart (at) gmail (dot) com ! Thank you!

  139. Brandy Says:

    I love reusable shopping bags. I take them everywhere. Thanks for a great giveaway, and congrats.

    Brandys last blog post..Do You Have A Cute Kid??

  140. Krissi from Krississippi Says:

    Hi :)

    I wanted to say thank you for entering my Bloggy Giveaway, and drop by yours to enter, too!

    Have a great weekend!

    Krissi

    Krissi from Krississippis last blog post..Happy Birthday, Kidlet

  141. Dddiva @ My Loonyverse Says:

    Really cute bags, thanks for the giveaway and congrats on your blogiversary. I have bookmarked your site to look over more closely later. :)
    Check out my back to school and $50 Amazon giveaways if you get a chance.

  142. grams Says:

    I’ve been switching to reusable bags for about 2 months now. They are great.

  143. Audra Marie Says:

    Those are cute. My hubby thinks buying these are a waste of money, so I’ve been trying to win them lol. I’m slowly going to convert him over I think. :)

  144. Jessica Says:

    love the eco-friendly giveaway!

  145. Nikki Says:

    happy blogiversary! These are awesome totes!

  146. Karin Says:

    This is a great giveaway. I have a couple cheap ones from the store I keep in the car in case I make an unexpected pit stop!

  147. Erica Says:

    Great giveway!! I’ve been using reuseable bags for a long time now, but would love a few more!

    Ericas last blog post..Farmers Market

  148. Greenstylemom Says:

    Happy Blogiversary! We started our blogs at about the same time.

    Greenstylemoms last blog post..Cheese Making

  149. Yvette Says:

    Happy Blogiversary. I love the bags.. i hope i win

    cheers!

  150. Nature Deva Says:

    Gretchen’s second comment.

  151. Nature Deva Says:

    Stephanie’s second comment.

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