MelissaStuff – One Year Birthday!

One year ago today, I decided to convert my personal blog into what is currently the MelissaStuff we have all come to know and hopefully love.

If you haven’t heard the story about how I got started . . . my husband and I went on a mission trip with our youth group to Africa together. Shortly after coming back, I spoke to our local MOPS group about saving money and using the extra to help others. Many of the ladies requested that I send them the deals I used to save money, and I started by sending lots of group emails.

Soon my email server started complaining about how many emails I was sending and then started shutting down my access. The only thing I could think of was to use my previously personal blog and post the deals there.

I never dreamed in a year I would go from less than 50 interested friends and acquaintances to over 1000 subscribers and followers. I have met so many wonderful people and learned an enormous amount about marketing, blogging and social networking. I am not rolling in the dough, but I have enjoyed some fun perks already.

Let’s take a quick rearview glance . . .

• I have posted over 1800 times.
• I have given away more than 113 items including a Miracle Swimsuit, a SodaStream, and a pair of Justin boots.
• I have also poured out my heart probably more often than I should. I’ve shared the birth of my third child, my struggle with staying at home, and the things that make my heart beat.
• I have shared 40 worthy causes.

I can’t wait to see where the next year takes MelissaStuff. I have an exciting trip to my first blog conference coming up in April and some fun giveaways in the works . . . who knows what else will come up.

Thanks for being such great readers and supporting the blog by visiting and using the links posted here. I’m excited about the money that we are saving and the causes that YOU are making room for in your own budget.

Can’t wait to see you here next year (and hopefully all the days between now and then)!