This morning a reader left somewhere around 12 comments on my blog with the following content. While I know that this reader’s feelings don’t reflect the feelings of most of you, I realize that there’s a possibility that some of you have shared her concerns, and so I wanted to address them here.
I’m just going to insert my responses to this reader in between portions of her comment.
I can’t believe that you used the poor people of Haiti as a way to earn referral money from Ebates. Do you readers know that you receive $5 in your paypal account each time they sign up and make a purchase? How can they be sure the money will go to Haiti. The only promotion from ebates that I’ve heard of is just the ipad only, there’s no $500.
First, here’s how the Ebates referral program works. If I refer 50 people, I will receive either an iPad or $500. As I said before, I’m not faintly interested in getting an iPad, and so I’m going to opt for the $500 bonus, and I’ll be sending that to Living Water International. I had already planned on posting a screenshot of my Living Water donation to share the joy with all of you, so fear not…I wouldn’t be deceitful and keep the money for myself simply because I love God and want to please Him. 
I do receive $5 for each person I refer, and that money is going to Living Water as well. This is not about making money for myself. If I wanted to do that, I’d have written a post about Ebates, encouraged my readers to sign up, and said nothing about Haiti. Then I could have kept the $5/per referral PLUS the $500 for myself.
Also, what you don’t know is that I wasn’t all that far away from having 50 referrals and the $500 bonus before I even did the Haiti post. Had I wanted to be selfish, I could have said nothing and pocketed the money.
Also, you may not have been around back when the earthquake happened, but when it did, I did a fundraiser here on my blog where I donated $1 to Living Water for every comment and link left on that post. I happily depleted my camera fund in order to do this, and I asked nothing of my readers. And each month, my husband and I make a donation to Living Water because we believe in their mission.
I stopped reading your blog months ago because of all the links and money making opportunities for you. This blog is supposed to be about saving money, but instead you’re encouraging readers to spend money. Every link you post is just a money making opportunity for you and your family, this entire blog is.
I do make money from my blog, that much is true. That’s not why I started blogging, though. My blog exists to serve its readers, and my desire is to inspire people and to help them see that it is possible to live cheerfully and well on less. No money-making scheme will get in the way of that as long as I’m in charge.
Because of this, I bypass scads of money-earning opportunities because I feel that they would not serve the readership of this blog (you wouldn’t believe how many debt/credit companies want to advertise here!). I advertise only products and services that I feel will provide a good and fair value to my readers, and generally speaking, these products and services are things I’ve spent my own money on. I use Swagbucks and Ebates myself, I pay Dreamhost to host my blog, I own all the products in my Amazon widgets, and so on. Frugality isn’t about not. ever. spending. any. money, and so I don’t feel at all morally conflicted about encouraging my readers to buy things like the high quality baking sheets I own and use. I only promote products that offer long-term value and of course I would never, ever encourage someone to spend money that they don’ t have.
Also, I’m very open about it when I post links that give me some kickback, and I offered disclosures of that sort long before the FTC made it mandatory.
I am very grateful for the income that I receive from my blog, but it is not the sort of thing that is making me rich, and if I sat down and figured out my hourly wage, I don’t think it would be very impressive. The extra money is nice, yes, but it’s not what keeps me going. No, what drives this blog is the feedback I receive from readers. I am so encouraged when I hear that God has used my blog to help people get their finances in order, or to help people learn to cook and bake, or even to inspire people to find joy in their present circumstances. That’s the stuff that fuels me.
Such a LOSER, you have to beg for money. Sit at home all day with a computer in front of you and beg! While the rest of the world works and makes a living! You really need it. Good luck with your 500 referrals idiot, I doubt if 500 are that dumb, I noticed only a few comments. White trash!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m off to work now, real job , real people. I’m not afraid of people like you are.
I will do this all day and night and spread the word on other sites about you as well. The Haiti post was too much for Haitian – Americans.
Based on this, I’d venture a guess that you’ve never run a blog before. I enjoy blogging, I really do, but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t work. I’ve poured a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and time into this blog over the last two years, and if you’ve been following me for a while, I’m surprised that you’ve come away with the impression that I’m afraid of work. If anything, fall out of the boat on the side of working too hard. I am many things, but I am not lazy.
I don’t know if you’ve read any of my day in the life of The Frugal Girl posts, but trust me, I do more than sit in front of a computer all day. And if you’d met me in real life, you would certainly come to the conclusion that I am not afraid of people…I’m the sort of person who could strike up a conversation with a brick wall.
I’m sorry that my post upset you, and I certainly don’t mind if you stop reading my blog…it’s not for everyone, and that’s totally ok.
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The perfect response–classy, tactful and respectful of someone who was not. That’s why I read your blog and will continue to do so.
I’m sorry you had to get that type of response. I’m sure the majority of your readers understand your motivation.
Yikes! This is obviously a very unhappy and possibly jealous person. Your response to them was very well done. I guess all we can do is pray that this person finds some of their own happiness and lets go of their anger at the fact you are happy and sooo many people enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work and thank you for all that you have taught me.
Keep up the good work. I think you work extremely hard and anyone who reads your day-in-the-life posts should know that. It isn’t easy to do all the things that you and your family pack into one day. I love the balence you bring between being frugal and still enjoying life. I love your blog! Thank you for all the informative posts and amazing recipes. I thought it was a great idea to use your blog for something good and to earn money.
sounds like you were hit by one of those creepy troll ppl who have nothing better to do than leave nasty comments. your blog is so friendly and positive, i’m flabergasted that anyone could even try to twist it into anything else. keep up the good work – your blog is a nice way to start my day!
Oh my goodness Kristen, you are way too nice! That reader is rude and obnoxious…and I agree with the previous response that your response was extremely classy! Personally, I LOVE the fact that you make a little bit of money for all of your efforts on this blog. Every time I cash in for a Swagbucks reward…I think about the fact that I’ve also helped you get a reward, too. You have helped change my life for the better, I LOVE reading your blog, and I hope crazy, obnoxious readers like this one don’t get you down even for a second. And I cannot believe someone would call anyone “white trash.” That is extremely rude and says volumes about the person who commented…and absolutely NOTHING about you!!!!!! Keep doing what you’re doing…you’re my first read in the morning with my coffee…and you’re a tremendous, life-changing inspiration to me and my family…and all of the friends and neighbors who I’ve encouraged to read your blog as well. You ROCK!!!!!!!
Know what kills me about the term “white trash”? That it implies that anyone who isn’t white is trash by default.
I find it odd that a Haitian-American would use such a term. (Like you, I can’t believe ANYONE uses that term!). But really.
It is really odd. And not that it’s ever ok to call someone white trash, but I don’t even think we fit the stereotype. lol
Wow. I am in awe of how you handled this, and completely in shock that someone would make such assumptions and blast you without attempting to discuss it with you in an adult way. I am a new blogger, so of course this concerns me and I just hope that if I am ever put in this situation, that I can handle it halfway as well as you did.
You response was way nicer than I would have been. I never doubted you!
Good for you Kristen! Being frugal is not about being cheap ( in my opinion). It’s about buying the best you can afford, so that what you have lasts a very long time, and doesn’t end up in a landfill somewhere after 6 months to a year. Some people will never understand the why behind what we do, because their minds are closed to the possibility of people doing good in this world.
Absolutely! Better to buy one $25 baking sheet than 15 $10 baking sheets…better for the wallet and better for the environment.
but if any of ya’ll have any icky baking sheets, I have some cute ideas I’ve found on the internet to turn them into advent calendars & other stuff you can do with them using scrapbook papers & embellishments
Not a good reason to go buy icky baking sheets though lol
Good for you for taking the high road. Shame on that person. Sounds like a jr high drama queen.
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog, but I read everyday and I’m just appalled at those comments. The only impression I’ve had of you is that you’re giving, hard-working and a great steward of money… if only the rest of the world would be so generous and gracious.
You handle this very well which says even more about your character!
ditto to this post! i have never posted a comment to your blog, though i read it every day, and this blog post compelled me to write. Kristy K said everything i wanted to say. sometimes, it’s so hard to understand why these kinds of things happen when intentions are so pure, but thank goodness, you’re not letting one bad apple spoil the bunch. keep inspiring us.
I value this blog and much of the information in it. I have tried some of the recipes and they are good! There is much to be admired about it – and you!
There is a dark side however. And I hope I say this with respect and in a way to give polite feedback. I was a bit bothered by the pitch for Ebates. The first thought was if I wanted money to go to Haiti, I could send it without “buying”. I personally struggle with keeping my spending under control because I am susceptible to “pitches” and advertisements. So when they appear in places I like, I tend to be more susceptible. But what I did was just skip over that part. I figured it just wasn’t for me. And there was so much else good about your blog in general. But there was a bit of hurt in that blog for me. But that is me – and not you. I believe you had best of intentions.
I also feel that the person leaving the comments was very hurtful. That part about sitting in front of a computer. I can’t imagine producing a blog. I have tried to imagine it. I believe I might have something to share. But could never do it like you and several other of my favorite bloggers. I admire you.
And I agree – you commented in an incredibly classy way.
Oh, I’m sorry about that! I considered just encouraging people to give to Living Water as I have in the past, but I thought that the opportunity to do some already-planned shopping while contributing to a worthy cause was an idea worth sharing.
Just because I like to get feedback, can I ask if you feel the same way when I share about a piece of kitchen equipment that I like? I try to do so in a way that is more like me sharing a bit of good information than like a sales pitch (i.e. “I love this and it’s been worth the money for me” rather than “Run out and buy this today!”), but if I’m not coming off that way, I want to work harder at that.
Thanks for your input…as I said, I want my blog to serve and help its readers!
You are most gracious. And given what you wrote in your first paragraph, your intentions are right on.
And once again, that my reaction is my problem, not your fault (or problem!). I am not sure I would want you to change anything you do. I just wanted to give one possible reaction (mine!). And yes, it is that bad for me. Because I so respect what you do, if something is good for you, it might change my life for the positive. Not always true. I am trying to learn to be content with what I have – and learn to use what I have. Sometimes, I do find something that makes life easier for the life that I want. But sometimes, I need to learn to be content with what I have.
Thank you for your blog and for being you.
Hi Kristen. I couldn’t read and not comment. As a follower of this blog from the very beginning, and even before (as a friend), I can vouch that you didn’t start this blog for the money and it was purely for working on lowering your food waste. However, your blog has evolved and your readership has grown and it is a bit rich for some readers to complain about you wanting to make some money when you have worked so hard to provide interesting, informative and detailed posts.
Also, as an (admittedly online) friend, I would definately say you are anything but lazy LOL I just wish I had half your energy (and I only have half the number of children!).
Erika! Yay! I miss hearing from you.
Thanks for the support.
Someone was having a rough day huh? Sorry they felt like creating one for you too.
Just wanted to say thank you for your inspiring, uplifting, informative blog. I have never met you in real life, and probably never will, but I can tell from your blog and from your responses that you are a true classy woman who is a gift to all those who get to read your comments and posts. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
Oh Wow… Kristen – I am sorry to read that you had to go through this. I so admire your responses. Now, while my blood was boiling just from reading their comments to you and it has since come down to a simmer, I am going to take some time today to pray for that person.
You do a wonderful job here on your blog – you inspire so many people in so many ways. All I can say is Thank You and PLEASE keep up what you are doing.
The commenter sounded so angry, he/she must be in very much pain to lash out so. I doubt that anything you did or could do would make any difference – you just happened to be at the receiving end and that’s so sad for you. People make their own joy and misery and I keep coming back here for you cheerfully sharing your joy. Sometimes though, I think people in misery lash out at the joymakers that doesn’t mean you should stop.
I think so too…there’s probably a sad backstory to all of this, and my Haiti post dredged it up.
I am a relatively new follower and I just wanted to say…that reader is bunk and whack and YOU are not…way to stay classy and tend to the situation like a lady. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
I envy your restraint and ability to say, “Bite me, buddy” is such a gentle way.
Whoa! What a nasty person. I can’t imagine that there are more than a couple (bizarre, unbalanced, untruthful, unable to see truth) people who would even think of what that commenter said– especially the last couple paragraphs, which devolved quickly. This reminds me of teaching evaluations in large lecture classes– somehow the one or two petulant, negative students’ comments are the ones that catch one’s attention, even if 150 other students were neutral or positive. But I honestly don’t think that anyone who has read your blog with an open heart– and those are the ones for whom you are writing this blog , I think?– would be unable to realize that you approach money-making (and in fact everything!) with your blog honestly and fairly, and without ever trying to take advantage of your readers.
Though your response is wonderfully non-defensive and classy, as others have said, in a way I wish I hadn’t even had that comment brought to our attention. Is he/she is in fact passing around your blog address to more people who are ignorantly surfing over and wreaking havoc, and so need to see a public response?
I’m curious– I’d love to know what percentage of comments, or what percentage of page-views, result in negative comments. I hope that it’s a very small percentage, reflecting the enjoyment that almost everyone gets from your blog! On the other hand, the anonymity of the internet must up the crazy-quotient. Thank you for all the work you put into this blog, and please keep it up for the rest of us?
I am a very fortunate blogger…the nasty comments are very, very few and far between. Some bloggers have junk like this to deal with every single day, and I am so grateful that my readership is, by and large, composed (ha! I just typed “composted!) of delightful people.
I have no idea if the commenter is passing this around to other blogs, but she was busily posting this comment all over my blog this morning and was working on doing so on Facebook. I’d just prefer to err on the safe side and keep things open.
Normally if a rude comment comes through, I let it go without commenting on it publicly (though if it contains bad language, I delete it). However, in some cases a rude comment brings up a point that I feel may need to be addressed because I think other readers might share the same concerns (like at Christmastime when a reader said I post too many photos).
I love your photos! And I especially love Christmas photos!! They make me happy.
Thinking more clear-headedly about this now, I really should probably just have summarized the commenter’s concerns and responded to those instead of copying and pasting the comment. That would have accomplished my goal (clearing up my intentions) without parading the ugly comment in front of everyone.
Next time this happens, I’ll do better!
Let’s hope there is no next time. As for me, I am praying that the commenter sees the light and apologizes. How’s that for a big prayer wish? Keep up the good work, Kristen!
Thank you for your reply! I’m very glad to hear that you so rarely get these kinds of comments. Again, I am admiring and envious of your ability to respond so non-defensively. My own comment was a little strong simply because of my own defensive reaction to that commenter!! Even though his/her last comments were quite unfair– not only misrepresenting you, but misrepresenting Haitian-Americans– it is educational to read such a calm response to them. Thanks again.
I’m glad too. I can handle them every now and then, but I don’t think I’m strong enough to deal with a constant barrage of them. I don’t know how bloggers with a mostly crabby readership manage!
Hi Kristen. I’ve been following this blog from the beginning and the person that commented was beyond rude and you handled it far better than I ever would/could have. I follow your blog because I truly enjoy everything you post. I’ve known you for sometime (before you had Zoe) from other sites…and never in a million years would I even think that you would try and deceit your readers. Continue doing what you do and pray for this awful person who clearly needs better focus in life.
Whitney W.
Let me chime in and say how admirable your response was…I would have had to wait a LONG time before sounding so gracious and calm. And I would have had to use my delete key a lot before posting it! Way to go.
Wow, you are way too nice. However, I would expect nothing but the well thought, classy response you posted. I love your blog and I honestly cannot understand how someone could come to those conclusions about you, your blog or your intentions. It is beyond me. I think this post is a true example of your character – good for you!
One more thing to add–there is a lot of talk on this blog about “ministry” or “ministrying”…not sure what the correct term is…and a Christian outlook. But I have to tell you I’m Jewish and your message resounds clearly with me, too.
that’s what i love about her blog – it doesn’t matter what your personal beliefs are… serving others and being kind to your fellow man is the main message, and i think that applies to everyone
Agreed
Well said. I was going to comment similarly that I read a lot of blogs, and yours is one of the only ones where I feel like your truly kind soul soaks through into every post. I am not a Christian, but your message of kindness and helping others is truly of universal significance, and you carry and deliver that message with true grace, honesty, and consistency. I’m sorry you got such hateful feedback from one commenter. I adore your blog and think you must be one of the classiest women in the blogosphere.
I think classy is a great word to describe this blog and Kristen.
Wow… I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and was just amazed to read this post. You’ve been a real encouragement to me, as a working mom with a totally different life experience right now, to put more effort into the food I give my family and how I organize that part of our family life. So please don’t listen to the single hater. How ridiculous…
people are awful. it’s hard to believe that cyber-bullying happens even amongst adults. sick sad world we live in, but alas, what can you do? oh, that’s right. you can respond tactfully and truthfully – just like you did. i’m very impressed with your ability to not fly off the handle at someone like that. most people couldn’t handle that like you did. kudos to you, and for what it’s worth, i’m willing to bet that 99.9% of your readers disagree with that person.
I know this is like my 4th post here this morning…but this is really bugging me! Why, oh why, are people like this? It’s just flat out mean. Now, I have to put it out of my mind and get on with my day!
Oh, please don’t let it ruin your day! I’m not letting it ruin mine, and I will be bummed out if you have a bad day on my behalf.
Go out and live cheerfully and less, and I’ll be a happy girl. lol
Oh my goodness, I am in awe of the restraint and respect with which you wrote that. It would be hard for me to receive a message like that and not get hurt feelings, even if I didn’t know the person & understood that people on the internet are not always nice. I’m sorry that the person feels that way, but I’m sure you know that most of your readers adore you. I did the Ebates thing and made my $20 purchase of something that I was going to need to buy online anyway (a pair of adorable dress shoes for a wedding, which I picked up yesterday and they fit perfectly & look great!) – and I trust that you’re going to give the money to Living Water!
I guess I just wanted to chime in to let you know that I think you’re rad, and that I’ve shared your blog with several friends – who were all instantly enamored with all things Frugal Girl. Thank you for all that you do, from the bottom of this poor college student’s heart
. You rock!
When I first started blogging, I did used to get my feelings hurt more than I do now! Blogging has been good for me, though, because my natural tendency is to care too much about what people think of me. Then too, I definitely struggle to grow in humility, and blogging has helped me there too.
I think I’m a little better about not taking things to heart now, and better about having a merciful attitude towards people who are rude to me. Rude people are often acting out of hurt, it seems, and when I remember that, I am more prone to be kind in return.
Also, I’ve been utterly amazed at how often a kind response has won over a rude person…I never think it’s going to happen, and it almost always does. It’s such a pleasant surprise each time! lol
I love reading your blog everyday. Please keep up what you are doing! I am sorry about negative people out there that only see what they think are bad intentions of other people. Thanks for your exemplary testimony of a believer of the Lord. God Bless you and your family always
What a gracious response in the face of such hate and anger! This just makes me want to read your blog even more than I did before. Someone felt the need to call you names based on a blog post? Really? So sad.
Wow Kristen!
I’m really sad for that reader. What a shame that people lack so much joy in their lives that they must tear down someone else in order to feel anything. I’ll be praying for that person for sure!
I’m thankful for you and your blog! Keep up the great work!
I read your blog every day and love it. Do not be discouraged by this woman’s remarks – she is the minority! She will be in my thoughts today, and I hope that she has a better day and outlook on life.
I have to say, I have never felt deceived by your blog, and it doesn’t bother me that you may be making money from it. In fact, I hope you are making money from it.
The blessings you pour out to people are too great too ignore. The rewards you receive should not be frowned upon.
I continue to read your blog every day because it has been a tremendous blessing in my life. Please continue to do what you do, stick to your causes and ignore reader negativity.
I agree. I hope that you do make money from your blog.
I have your blog in my reader, and have for at least a year. I enjoy reading everything you post. I love how you are dedicated to improving your life, and your families life, and it always inspires me. I’m also inspired by your faith, which is very strong. It is heartening to see such a nice, well balanced family living well frugally. It is a shame that there are people in this world that are so unhappy with their own life that they take it out on others. Your blog is incredible and anyone who would spew that kind of hate doesn’t trully understand your blog, nor do they deserve the pleasure of reading it.
Kristen, I am so happy that you followed your heart and wanted to include your readers in a blessing that would not have maybe taken place in their life if you did not want to remind them that there is still a need in Haiti. Haiti is old news to our media but not to our Lord. Your website is such a blessing to me to see a young mother wanting to stay at home and serve her family which is pleaing to the Lord. Isn’t it great how the Lord gives us choices on how we can further the Kingdom. Keep up the good work! Blessings to you and your family.
I am fairly new to this blog, but I have almost read through the entire archive. I love it! I have been inspired to start meal planning and cut down (and get all the way to eliminating) my food waste. These concepts were something I already believed would be beneficial in a lot of ways, but seeing that YOU could do it made me feel like I could do it. You’ve got a lot more going on than I do, and it helps motivate me to see that you are able to accomplish so much!
Also, part of what I like about blogs is that I can get recommendations from bloggers that I trust. If they are getting a “kick-back”, I am totally cool with that as long as I know up front. It’s clear to me that you use and love the products and services that you feature – I can’t imagine that the money would be enough for you to waste your time otherwise. I’m happy to support bloggers that I admire financially, especially when it means I’m getting a well-tested product or service, too! I signed up for ebates – partially because of the Haiti donation aspect, but partially because I looked at the site and I realized I could be saving money! It was not purely altruistic, to be honest. I haven’t made my purchase yet, but I will. I’ll save money, you’ll get money to be donated…it’s a win-win. And then, I will refer my friends and see if I can do the same to make a donation.
Sorry that this is a little rambling, but I just wanted to leave something positive. Don’t let negative, irrational people get you down or discourage you from doing exactly what you’re doing. Keep it up, and thank you so much!
There always has to be those that “need” to sit in judgement of others…You passed the test, Kristen with Grace and Dignity. I can only speak of my experience. God has used you and your blog and the openness about your family to inspire me to bake again, get involved in photography again and making many items myself to aid the household cause. I am growing in God’s grace and He has used your blog and life to do it. Thank you and God Bless. If God be for me, who can be against me?
Michelle
I love your blog, and it’s always been clear to me that your intentions are pure, I believe you truly want to serve your readers and impart tips and tricks that have helped you. I have learned so much from you and will be forever grateful for the time you spend to take photos and blog for us. I personally like to hear about your recommendations on kitchen products that you enjoy using. I have never felt that you were trying to sell me something, just looking to share with others something that has made your life easier. Please keep it up!!! As someone who does not spend as much time in the kitchen as you do, I trust your feedback based on the sheer volume of experience you have, and I love hearing about things that people love. Ignore the haters, your blog inspires me (and I know others too) so much, you have no idea!!!!
This tirade reminds me very much of a similar one posted a few months ago on Kristen Swenson’s blog, Cheap Healthy Good. I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t the same person. I suspect that rather than leaving for work each day, they just look for another blog to rant about. You handled it very well, tho I think I would have ignored it. There are some strange people out there!
Ooh, I must have missed that! I do read Cheap Healthy Good because I think Kris is stinking hilarious (I always feel remarkably unwitty after reading her posts. lol).
I have been reading, and loving your blog since you were on the 700 club! It is an inspiration to me! I’m so impressed with how you handled that mean and nasty person. God must truly reside in your heart! Huge hugs to you dear lady. Juli
I just thought of something…if the commenter had stopped reading my blog “a long time ago”, I don’t understand how she even came across the Haiti post. Weird.
I was wondering that myself.
I was thinking that, too. The only answer can be that he/she came back to find something to complain about.
Reading that stuff made my heart just sink. 1. I dig your blog. Keep it up. 2. If people don’t like what they read, why not just read something else and move on with their lives? I don’t get it.
That has always confounded me…why people read blogs that so obviously tick them off! I figure they must be masochists or something.
I completely agree with Shannon! No one is making them read this blog, no one is making them support your causes or spend money. Don’t like it move on to a blog you do like! I visited a blog yesterday that I did not agree with, so I moved on, no nasty comments needed. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog, please do not let a bad apple affect what you are doing here. You are doing a great job, please keep it up!
It never ceases to amaze me the type of angry people that lurk in dark corners and try to haunt those that truly don’t deserve it. Count it all joy Kristen when you fall into various trials.. that’s what I’d be telling myself right now.
Thanks for your response, it was edifying to read and I really hope that the anger and jealousy this person is dealing with isn’t lashed out at others today.
Good for you to respond instead of react. Grace abounds!
Kristen -
That was a gentle, kind response to a nasty person. Well handled. I appreciate your transparency and honesty. Funny how that comes through so clearly on your blog! Good job
Kim
You’re very gracious to respond to the very small quantity of potentially legitimate concerns that person had (hidden in a super-nasty, inflammatory comment). I can’t imagine anyone reading it for more than a week and suspecting anything less than above-board behavior from you. Also, it helps me learn what frugality really is, how much I can do myself, and reminds me to think about environmental impact (which, admittedly, I’m not great at yet). I actually have to make some yogurt during naptime today!
While I don’t always agree with everything you say or even how you present things, I think you do better than a lot of bloggers in balancing honesty with affiliate earnings. I am, though, glad to hear that the $5 bonus you get for referrals will also go to Haiti because I would agree it might be dishonest to encourage people to sign up “for Haiti” if that part were going to benefit you. While I would never write such comments, it does bother me to see bloggers being deceptive in that way (not that I think you are doing that), just in general.
I am sad you had to experience that, but being a faithful reader for almost a year now – I know that your response was completely real. You have been so helpful for me and your blog has taught me so many things. Because of your blog I have begun baking some of my own bread, trying to reduce our food waste, improving my photography skills, and have tried many new things that I probably never would have. In fact today, I am trying freezer jam for the first time – thanks to your photo tutorial!!! So based on hot much you bless others, I do hope you are financially blessed by this blog! I appreciate your product suggestions (I have started using my pyrex as serving bowls after seeing you do it and have reduced my amount of dishes!) and am slowly stocking my kitchen with quality products that will last a long time and be worth the investment.
So today I hope you are blessed by all the positive responses and that this person returns to read your comments and all of our comments and is somehow positively affected by them. Your response may not change this person’s attitude today – but it will probably plant a seed that will begin a change.
I’m sorry that woman left you so many nasty comments.
She obviously hasn’t read much of your blog, has she? 
Thank you for your very calm, patient, godly response to her. What a great testimony for the LORD! 
God bless.
Those comments were pretty nasty but it was good that you were able to respond to the concerns that were embedded in all the nastiness. And, we can all benefit as well by reading your responses. Thanks for sharing! I think you have always been transparent about anything you do and I’ve never had any concerns as a reader. Social media (blogging, facebook, twitter) is a LOT of work and I admire that you are able to balance it so well.
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