I've been writing here for 15 years
Fifteen years ago today, I typed the first post on this blog.
Man.
I just wrote that sentence out and I can hardly believe it.
Fifteen years! That's so wild.
When I started this blog, I had no idea I'd still be writing here a decade and a half later. I also seriously had no idea about some of the twists and turns my life would take.
As I think about that, my heart is just so filled with thankfulness! I often say that I am so thankful to 2008 Kristen for giving this blogging thing a try.
2008 Kristen could never have known it, but this blog was, in many ways, a ticket to freedom.
It would have been possible to leave my marriage without it, of course (people do this all the time), but the income from my blog has made it so, so much easier than it would have been otherwise.
I really didn't start my blog with the idea that it would one day support me (I had no idea I'd need it for that!), but here we are. I am so very grateful that I can get paid to do something that I love and that is meaningful.
While I'm grateful that blogging pays my bills, I am especially grateful that I still get joy out of it. Even though I've been writing here for 15 years, I still love what I do!
I still have ideas for posts.
I still love the process of putting words and pictures together.
I still am super happy if I get a quiet day where I can write a bunch of posts.
I still love the community here.
I still love hearing from you guys; the encouraging feedback from you all is what makes this work meaningful to me. I know that this place (both my post and the community here) has made a difference in your lives, and that's what keeps me going!
Also: you all have been such an encouragement and blessing to me over this last year and a half since I left my marriage. Some of you have helped me in very practical ways, and so many of you have faithfully cheered me on in this process of building a new life.
I was telling a friend the other day that I often think, "Where would I be without my blog, and all the people here?" You have enriched my life in so many ways, and I am so glad you choose to be here. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
_______________
P.S. Top two posts of all time here:
and
P.P.S. I know it's my country's birthday today, but on this website, the blog birthday is what gets the attention. 😉
Hurray for this "service award"!
Out of 15 I've faithfully read with you 12,5. I am glad your blog has supported you in many ways. I have always loved the mix of practical frugality and thoughtful consideration of, well, every topic that was brought forward. Thanks Kristen for starting the blog and keeping it going in keeping with your own values and personality, and thanks community for making this such a welcome place to visit.
@J NL, I've been here for 12.5 years too!
So congratulations and a toast to your personal July 4 th!
You find your own way of liberation and independence.
Here is to many, many more years to come.
And thank you for all of your work, kindness and reliable persistence.
Happy Anniversary. I think I have been a faithful follower all 15 years. I started working from home over 20 years ago and I remember reading your posts then. And the kids were so small! You’ve done well! Here’s to bigger and better things to come. Congratulations!!!
Oh wow, that's amazing that you got to work from home back then. It was way more of an anomaly at that point! Thanks for being here all these years. 🙂
Happy Anniversary! And Happy Independence Day, in every possible way and meaning. And to paraphrase, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, for choosing to be here."
@JDinNM, you've said everything I wanted to say--so I'll just give your comment a hearty second. Three rousing huzzahs for Kristen, the blog, and this community on this Independence Day!
Happy 15 Anniversary! No idea how long I have been following, but way back towards the beginning. Like many people back then, found you through making your own yogurt. Good job and keep it up.
Yes! Lots of my earlier readers found me through that post. Glad you stuck around!
Congratulations! Thanks for all you do!! Your posts are a positive highlight to every day!
@Linda H.,
I second your comment 😉 My favorite blog!!! I've been here for over 10 years.
Congratulations!
I’ve been reading for around 2/3 of the blog’s life. We use a few of your recipes regularly (especially the basic pizza recipe). And I’ve been rooting you and your kids on as you all move into new stages of life.
YAY! I love your blog. It is my favorite. I'm glad that you had the blog to help you leave a hard situation. And I'm glad that we, the readers, have had your blog for our enjoyment for 15 years!
Congratulations! And many more! For the good of all of us, thank you!
Congratulations. It's been a long, strange trip, and a privilege to do it with you.
@WilliamB,
Perfectly said! Kristen, thank you for guiding us through the past 15 years. You and this community mean the world to me.
Kristen, you are such an inspiration for me! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. It has been fun to watch your kiddos grow and smile with you on your wins and laugh with you on your flubs and cry with you on your sad days. Thanks for letting us glimpse into your life and show us that anything is possible!
Happy 15 year blog anniversary! Thank you for all your work and for sharing it with the world. Cheers!
Congratulations! I am very glad you decided to try blogging! I don’t comment much at all but I read every post. Wishing you continued success with the blog and good things for you and your kids moving forward.
Fifteen years, and it truly looks like maybe fifteen minutes passed between those two pictures. Kudos to you and your blog for embodying timelessness.
@Becca, I was thinking that too!
Thanks so much for sticking around Kristen; I'm thankful you've wanted to all these years! : )
@Suz, and @Becca,
I agree! The first thing I thought when I saw the two photos of Kristen is "she looks the same in both photos!". 🙂
Congrats, Kristen! You've built something fine here, completely because of your own writing skill and talent and your outstanding personality. Love from the rest of us!
Happy Blog Anniversary!! I am so thankful for you and your blog. I don't comment often enough but always read your posts and all the comments. This is one of the best and kindest places on the internet. I started reading a little over 12 (!) Years ago. Shortly after I found your blog, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having your blog to read each day helped me have a sense of community when I had to be isolated during treatment. I am sure your cheerful and kind place in the internet has helped more people than you will ever know. Cheering you on!
Congratulations on the 15th. I can’t remember how I found you or when I started reading. I know your kids were young. This is my go to read early in my phone read time. I’m so looking forward to reading your nursing school journey experiences (especially since I had a 43 year nurse “life” -Retired 9 years) and all the “ modern” stuff now!!
Sending you so much love! You are definitely sunshine on the internet. Thanks!
Definitely ironic that you chose Independence Day to write your first post. Freedom is indeed a wonderful thing! Happy Blogiversary!
Happy blog anniversary! And happy personal independence day for you!
I realized today is also the birthday we chose for our youngest rescue dog. We never know when the actual birthday is, so estimate based on their age at adoption. She's seven today and chilling out on the sofa with all four feet in the air.
@Ruby, my cat Betty (whose actual birthday is also unknown; DH and I always just celebrated her "gotcha day," Jan. 25) is also chilling out with all four paws in the air--in front of the living room fan. She never misses an opportunity to air her ample tummy.
Congratulations! You have hardly changed in appearance in 15 years!
It’s hard to believe I have been reading this blog for 11 years now. You and some commenters have hugely influenced how I approach frugality and I’m thankful for that.
My son left an abusive marriage with his then 2 1/2 year old daughter about a year ago. Both had only the clothes they were wearing. Last Friday he went to court. We think there were over 100 people praying for him. Some knew what they were praying for but some such as Facebook friends knew only that we needed prayer. Never underestimate how much various communities can help with both support and in practical ways. Our buy nothing community has been amazing. Our church family is amazing. How thankful I am that this community continues to support you Kristen both financially and in all ways.
I feel the same way about my blog (though mine is much smaller and definitely couldn't support me financially! I think it's awesome how you've built yours to that point over the years!). Blogging has connected me with so many wonderful people, and I am so thankful I gave it a try 12 years ago.
And of course, thank YOU for your blog! I've been following for years, and you've given me so much inspiration and so many good ideas over that time. I'm so glad you're still around blogging when so many have given it up!
I think you would have made it fine without the blog. You work very hard and really invest yourself in whatever you do. You gave me the opportunity to peek in so many people’s refrigerators and cabinets and figure out what to put in mine. fridge voyeurism lol. Where do you see your blog going in the next 15 years?
Happy bloggy birthday! I started making yogurt during the pandemic using your recipe and I still make it about every month. It’s one of those little frugal things that I actually like doing - so I’ve stuck with it! Your blog is one of the few I still follow. Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Happy Blog-anniversary to you! Just found the Chemo haircut pics you took. I still owe you one. Come up for dinner!
Happy Blog Anniversary. I am happy that you are still blogging, you and your readers add an element to my life that is somewhat missing IRL. I love the attitudes and methods that you bring.
Happy Birthday to Frugal Girl. I will hit 15 years blogging in November of this year. Although you and I write about completely different topics, I feel much the same as you do about the community of bloggers and followers. Its so much more of a positive experience than social media and it helps me flex my creativity. I am glad your blog is as much of a blessing to you as it it is to your readers. (:
Thank you Kristen for writing authentically and beautifully! 15 years wow and congrats! I think I started reading your blog over ten years ago and only become a commenter recently. Was too shy before.
Your blog has greatly helped me reframe circumstances (instead of complaining about growing older I now see it as a privilege), embrace zero food waste (went from super wasteful to now almost zero for the past couple of years), and being thankful.
Wishing you the best!
@Kelly, I love your comment. I immediately thought "Same Picture. Different Frame."
Well, I'm delighted you feel comfy enough to comment now. Woohoo!
And I'm especially happy to hear that you now think of birthdays as a privilege. 🙂 Wonderful!
@Kristen,
Kind of an independence day for you too!
I may have been here all that time. I also started a blog in 2008 but mine died a slow death. Thank you for still being here and for helping all of us live a better life.
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed reading it for many years!
Some days your life is all about your dreams, hopes and visions for the future. But there are some days where life is just about putting one foot in front of the other... and that's okay.
copied from somewhere, not sure where.
Keep Breathing, Keep Going.
So glad you're here! You make all the difference.
Congratulations on 15 years of blogging! I love your blog more mow than when I started reading, which I have to think was not long after you began. Can't wait for tomorrow's post!
Aww, yay! Fifteen years!! I haven't been around for all 15, but I'm so thankful for how you've enriched my life for the years I've been here. A big heartfelt thank you to you, Kristen! Congratulations on this accomplishment and I wish you all the very, very best in the years ahead.
Happy Blog Anniversary! I've enjoyed your posts for years now, maybe from the beginning. I look forward to them five days a week, and you've been remarkably consistent and honest.
The funny thing is I got on the computer today for two things - to read your post and to look up painting some wooden furniture I have - an old entertainment center and an old sheet music cabinet - and I didn't have to go any further than your post to get both.
Happy Fourth of July!
Hi Kristen and Community,
Kristen, Congrats on your blog anniversary! You have helped so many people along the way in your journey! I am ever so thankful for you and this community of gentle readers ;-D.
I found you when I googled 'how to start a compost pile'. That was 7-ish years ago; all 4 of your kids were still at home and in school. My 3 kids were still home and in school. I've only got one home now. I'm still making compost, and I'm still following your blog.
I feel like I've made virtual friends through this blog. I don't comment much myself, but I love to read the comments, to see who's around that day. Happy Independence Day!
I hope that you continue writing for a long, long time! I love reading your posts.
Congratulations on 15 years! Hope there are 15 more to come!
Also, please reveal your secret for looking so young after 15 years, esp as a mom of four. 😀
You know when the Kermit the Frog cheers wildly for something? He says "Yaaaay," and his arms flail about? Well, here's a Kermit the Frog cheer for this blog. Happy 15 Years!
Congratulations! I found you through your second most popular post, and still make yogurt that way to this day. Well, minus the thermometer. My finger is an accurate enough judge of temperature after all these years. 🙂
So glad you stayed!
Congrats and thank you for making such a safe and uplifting place. Here is to 15 more!!
Thank YOU for being here too. You are an important part of this community. 🙂
What a milestone you have achieved! I really enjoy reading your posts and have done for many years. Wishing you every success in your future. You are such a breath of fresh air to all who read your posts. Thank you for all that you do!
Congratulations on 15 years! Of all the many blogs I have read over the years, yours is the one I have stuck with the longest. (And will continue to read!) This is just a homey place to be.
All the HUGS for you, today and every day! You’ve a right to celebrate and be proud of yourself. Fifteen years is an impress run at anything—your blog is almost old enough to drive!
Sigh. They grow so quickly. Soon my blog will graduate from high school. lol
Congratulations on your blog anniversary!
Recently there has been a tragedy in our family and I have been down about it. But I thought Kristen is working her way through a difficult time and I can get through this also.
And I really appreciate you blogging 5x a week during the pandemic. That also was a comfort to me during that difficult period.
I am correct before the pandemic you posted 3x a week?
Well, for a number of years I posted 5-6 times a week. Then I went down to three for a while. And then during the pandemic, back up to five and here I've stayed. 😉
Sending you hugs about the tragedy in your family; I'm so sorry to hear that.
CONGRATS!!! And, may I ask, what was your very first blog post about fifteen years ago?? I'm very curious!
You know I read your blog every single day but rarely comment, but just had to say congrats and thanks for your inspiration and authenticity! You have unknowingly made me a better mom and writer!
I remember one of your first posts I read was when you visited the Aldi test kitchen in Illinois, and I thought "what is this Aldi you speak of?" Now that's the only place I like to shop, thanks to you! I just looked it up and that was 10/18/11!
@Rachel S., I remember that post and thinking the same thing! Now it is also the only place I shop. We finally got one a few years ago and it is the best thing ever for feeding a large family.
Happy Birthday!
I enjoy your blog! I've been reading it since 2015 or 2016. I get a lot of hints and tricks from you such as buying yeast from Costco and eating put of the freezer. My favorite recipes are tortellini soup, enchiladas, and yogurt! My favorite things to read are 5 frugal things and what I ate & spent this week. I'm looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
I was driving through your neck of the woods this past week on my way home from my in-laws and it dawned on me that I've been reading your blog longer than I've known my wife.
Oh yes, that is true! You were a single guy when you first showed up here.
Happy anniversary, Kristin! Even though I only discovered your blog a few months ago, I have greatly enjoyed it. I've learned so much from you and the other Frugal Girl posters, and (rather selfishly, I admit) hope you will continue blogging even after you enter nursing school and get your RN degree.
Kristen, 15 years ago you were a pioneer. Think back at how HARD it was to set up a website, learn WordPress etc. I hope readers understand the frustration and lack of resources/info/technical help you likely encountered when starting a blog 15 years ago. People, this was not easy…there was no Squarespace or Geek Squad to untangle the behind the scenes tech messiness of circa 2008 blogs! And while it would’ve been impossible to know just what the blog would mean to your personal freedom, thank you for keeping at it and building this community.
Yay! Cheering you on! Thankful for the wonderful community you've fostered here 🙂
A friend of mine recommended your blog back when I was in college in 2008 or 2009. I’m so glad you have kept it up because it is the first thing I read every morning (Monday - Friday).
Congratulations on such a significant milestone!
I've been reading since the early years when Zoe was just a teeny little thing. One of my favourite photos from many, many years ago was of a very young Sonia perched on her tippy toes on a kitchen chair doing schoolwork. I bewildered at how that could possibly be comfortable.
Oh yes, it's in this post! https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/homeschooling-a-black-and-white-photo-essay/
Happy day to you, and thank you. This has been a pleasant beginning to many of my days.
Happy Blogiversary!
I discovered your blog not that long ago but it has quickly become a daily favourite. Thank you for keeping up the posting and I look forward to continuing to follow along.
Greetings from Switzerland!
Oh, I am so glad to hear that you have liked it enough to keep following. Yay!
Much love, friend!!!! You make all our lives *BETTER*! 🙂
Thank you, J!
Wow-15 years! Congratulations. I think I've been here almost 14; it's the only blog I've consistently read since discovering the world of blogs. So, thank YOU for your content. It's been inspirational, honest, helpful and just plain fun. I'm so thankful that you continue to bless us every week with your beautiful words.
Happy 4th of July!
Aww, thank you!
Congratulations! I don't read very many blogs anymore, but yours is one of my favorites 🙂 I love your tone, and how your kindness shines through.
Kristen, You talk about how much the blog and its community have given to you. I see that you’ve given way more to us/me. I’ve incorporated some of your recipes (which first brought me here), your sage advice, your upbeat attitude in the face of difficult events into my own life. I see that you help so many people here in tons of different ways with practical and spiritual modeling.
The skillful writing and photography also engages me and the worldwide group that follows you here then creates wonderful discussions on top of that.
Agreed, your photos might be you in two different years. I feel it’s a testament to your healthy lifestyle. Your courage is the capstone.
You are always so kind, Erika. Thank you!
Happy blogiversary! I've been reading your blog since the beginning and have always been glad you've continued when so many (myself included) have stopped.
Congratulations on 15 years! Thank you for all the inspiration and kindness you have provided over the years. This is the only blog I have continued to read faithfully since the beginning. Your work means so much to me.
Thank you for your encouragement!
Happy Blogaversary!! Your posts always bring a smile to my day.
I'm so glad!
Gosh I can't remember when I started following you. All your kiddos were home for several years when I started reading -- you probably have a better idea of when that was then I do.
Still love reading. I don't comment as much as I use to, but I still read. 🙂
Happy Anniversary! I don't remember when I started reading - 2010 maybe? Mostly a lurker - I comment very seldomly. Just the other day I was folding my cloth napkins and thought of you; it was you who inspired us to go mostly paper-free. I even keep a little basket by my basement stairs that I toss my rags in for laundry. Another great trick I learned from you! Thank you for continuing to share, no matter how mundane it feels.
I haven't busted out any power tools, paint, or rehabbed any furniture, but I know where I'll look if the fixer-upper bug ever does bite.
I love your content, the voice, and the realness of your posts. Super excited for your next chapter - in nursing, in parenting, and in relationships. You are an incredible woman and I am praying for the very best over your life and the life of your family. Thank you! An always faithful reader...
Rags are so great for cleaning, aren't they? I use them so much!! I'm glad that tip helped you. 🙂
Congratulations on 15 years! That's impressive and even more impressive is that you still love it. I have been reading for 13 or 14 of those years. I remember when I found your blog, reading all the posts you had done because I had enjoyed it so much! I still do.
Thank you for letting us be a small part of your life for the past 15 years. I know life will be busier for you once school starts and you start working as an RN, but I think I am not alone when I say, I hope you can still have time to enjoy blogging.
Congratulations! I found your blog about 10 years ago. It's been such a blessing to me. Thank you.
Congratulations on persevering for 15 years! The internet is littered with abandoned blogs.
I've been blogging since April 15, 2008, and am always on the lookout for good blogs to "steal" ideas from. Five years? Seven years ago? I just decided to try the search with "frugal", simply looking for real people who write well about life.
I've stuck with yours longer than any other, because the others get annoyingly commercial, post so rarely that each post begins with an apology, stop posting, allow rude comments, feel phoney-baloney, get political, try to be famous, try too hard to be funny, get rude, swear, repeat posts ("phone it in"). You do none of the above, and I think yours is the classiest, most authentic, and most helpful blog with the politest commenters I've ever read.
THANK YOU, KRISTEN!! Very very well done.
Happy blog anniversary! You’ve done something awesome here!
Congratulations! This is my favorite blog and Joshua Becker’s Becoming Minimalist. Thank you for your time and be real ❤️
Happy Anniversary! I haven't been reading nearly as long as others, but I'm glad I found your blog! I appreciate all you have to say and your upbeat attitude, even in hard things! And I love the comment section...I feel like this is a big family! Thank you for making it possible!
Kristen, I’m so glad you love writing and doing photography for your blog. Congratulations for reaching the milestone of 15 years. Your helpful tips, words of encouragement, and transparency in sharing some of your struggles and challenges , all work together to make your blog a lifeline to your readers. Thank you for taking time to write. Your words give hope!
So crazy!
My eldest just turned 15, and I discovered your blog sometime during his first year. 🙂
I’m glad you had this resource in your back pocket when you needed it, and I’m so grateful for all your kind words and lovely pictures over the years!
Congratulations on 15 years of successful blogging! I read faithfully (for at least the last 10-12 years!), but don't often comment. I am very grateful for your blog--I came for the frugal tips, but I've stayed because of you! I truly admire your positive outlook, generous spirit, and commitment to being a good human being. Thank you for the time and energy you put out there for your readers!
Congratulations and many thanks for continuing your blog for 15 years!
I think I started reading shortly after you started writing. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve always been a lurker and this may be my first time posting! But I feel like I’ve gotten to know you and your regular posters. During the ups and downs of life, your blog and Katy’s are the two I always read. Thank you! Maybe now I’ll finally start posting occasionally.
I remember that too. Though that also takes me all the way back to knowing you back on 20ish.
Oh yes, our message board time together in the early days of the internet! I have always felt grateful for the six years or so of time on message boards prior to blogging; I think those experiences helped shape me in ways that set me up for the blogging world.