Happy Anniversary dear readers.
One year ago today, I pushed “publish” on my very first KOAB blog post. Earlier that week, I had been sitting out on my deck with my friend Amy, who was encouraging me to start this blog. I don’t know what made me take her suggestion to heart, but I’m so glad I did. What a wild run it has been!
Back when I first started blogging, I was using a super basic word press theme. Gosh it was ugly – do any of you remember that? Many of you couldn’t even read comments due to some technical glitch that I never could figure out. I was posting at most once a day – basically just trying to get my feet wet and determine whether there would even be interest in a kosher-keeping coupon blog.
I seriously can not get over how much this blog has grown in 12 months. And it’s all thanks to YOU (and your amazing word of mouth).
As Kosher on a Budget has grown in design (thanks to the professional makeover the blog got at the end of October), in posting frequency (I average four or five posts per day now) and in readership (KOAB gets more than 35,000 hits per month – that’s just ca-ray-zy!), one thing has remained the same: I’m still shooting from the hip, sharing what works for me and my family when it comes to saving money and staying out of debt.
Speaking of debt, my series of posts about our Dave Ramsey story has remained the most popular to date. Not only did those posts generate a lot of comments and emails back then, but to this day, I still get reader mail about our Dave Ramsey journey — and how you are taking similar steps. Knowing that our get-out-of-debt story has helped you with your financial struggles means THE WORLD to me.
I want you to know how much I appreciate all of you for reading Kosher on a Budget – and most especially those of who leave a comment or two along the way. I get so psyched when Gmail dings to tell me I have a new comment. Even when you don’t agree with me – like you silly people who think I’m nuts for stockpiling ice cream. 😉
To celebrate this anniversary, and all of you who have made this year possible, I’m hosting a giveaway. One KOAB reader will win a $36 giftcard to Amazon.com.
If you would like that $36 Amazon giftcard, you have three chances to win. Leave a separate comment for each entry:
(1) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite post, series or weekly feature at Kosher on a Budget.
(2) Subscribe to Kosher on a Budget – either via the RSS feed or the daily email updates, then come back and leave a second comment telling me you have done so. If you already subscribe to KOAB, just leave a comment to that effect.
(3) “Like” the Kosher on a Budget Facebook page, then leave a third comment telling me you have done so. If you already “like” KOAB on Facebook, just leave a comment to that effect.
Entries on this giveaway will be closed on Sunday night, July 10, 2011. If you can still comment, you can still enter. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Monday, July 11.
GOOD LUCK. And thank you for making this a most memorable year!
I like the store deals!
email subscriber
like you on facebook
Silly silly me for even starting the conversation! ;o)
Love the site, love the posts. And am inspired by your get-out-of-debt story. Mazal tov!
Love the google reader…
Subscribe via Google Reader. Thanks!
…and the facebook! 🙂
Mazal tov on your anniversary! I love your blog and am subscribed through google reader.
I’m a facebook fan!
I subscribed to your emails!
My favorite part is your getting out of debt story. Inspires me to keep trying to save more. Thanks for your honesty.
Congrats on the anniversary! I actually had no idea you started the blog so recently. My favorite feature is menu planning. Thanks for the giveaway!
I also like the Facebook page. 🙂
And I like you on facebook too.
I love it all but diaper deals are always particularly appreciated!
I also didn’t realize you had started this blog so recently. I actually have two favorites parts of your blog, your Whole Foods Weekly deals and your reader Q&A posts. Plus, I am already an email subscriber and follow you on Facebook. Mazel Tov on your shana rishona! 🙂
Congrats to you! This blog has helped my family save in so many ways!! My favorite is the menu planning. Thank you!!!
I subscribe to the Google rss feed.
I am a fan on Facebook as well!
I found your blog through a search of Dave Ramsey and Jewish. Please keep posting about your journey.
I started reading your blog this year based on your passover posts.
I really like your weekly recipe posts. I also like that the blog is geared towards kosher deals.
I am a fan on facebook.
I am a subscriber.
This is the first comment in (hopefully) a series of 3. I read your blog religiously ( 🙂 ). Thanks for putting in so much effort.
Mazal tov. I love everything but my favorite is the Whole Foods deals. Especially since we have decided to eliminate artificial preservatives and food dyes from our diet.
This is the second comment in a series of 3. I subscribe to your blog through the RSS reader.
I am already subscribed by email.
I already like (love) you on Facebook. 🙂
OK, this is the last – I liked your blog on Facebook. Whoever wins, I really appreciate the chance to win. Thanks for running the give-away.
Happy Anniversary! And I’m way ahead of you…have been a Reader and Facebook fan for a while now, and most like the random posts alerting us to good sales on the web. Congrats!
Love Facebook – already subscriber.
I love getting daily emails – it keeps me up to date
Mazal Tov, Mara! I love KOAB especially the Coupons.
Just found this site by chance last week! How excited I was to see a Kosher coupon deal matching site! 🙂 I love to coupon and save money! My husband and two children have gotten involved in the Hebraic Roots movement and have been trying to eat Kosher for about a year or so. I look forward to reading and learning from your site! Thanks!!
I already like you on facebook! 🙂
I have also subsribed to your email notification just now! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win the gift card! Super sweet!
I like the deals from various stores.
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
I like you on Facebook!
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
Just added the RSS feed.
Already liked your facebook page.
Happy blogaversary! I am so proud that you have come so far! As you know I am a huge fan of everything you do, but I especially love what you write about making – and sticking to – financial goals. A total inspiration for me! Keep it up!
Your insights are great. I’m a big fan of your CVS match-ups and appreciate your personal story of overcoming debt! Thanks for all that you do!
Wow only a year I was sure you’ve been around much longer than that- I am kinda new to the party but have enjoyed your blog since I found it- I loved the Purim Mishloch Manot ideas you had readers send it but I also love reading all your money saving or budgeting tips.
Keep up your great work Here’s to many more successful years:)
I have been following via rss feed for months now:)
I like your weekly recipe posts and all the posts about budgeting.
I geT y
Whoop
I’m sorry. My phone has a mind of it’s of it’s own right now. I get your daily emails!!
subscribe!
I “like” you on Facebook (and in person)
Menu plans are my favorite for new ideas!
Love the coupon database.
I am an email subscriber.
I already “like” you on facebook.
Mazal Tov on your first year anniversary!
I am new to KOAB, so am still learning and discovering the blog’s features. I don’t have a favorite feature yet, as so far there is much to enjoy.
I just subscribed to your daily emails. 🙂
I like and follow you on Facebook, where I am known as Illume Eltanin.
I am already a subscriber and a friend on facebook. I love the CVS tips on saving money!
I love the Target deals. 🙂
I’m also a FB Follower!
Congratulations on your anniversary!
I’m proud to be a reader from the beginning! my favorite posts are the special deals that you find!
and I’m so proud of you for taking your idea and making it so successful! I’m on the email list.
I also like you on facebook!
I like the Ads heads up, Sundays (and all days) can be busy and if I know which ad to look for it ensures I don’t miss it.
I subscribe via rss.
Happy anniversary – i just subscribed to your emails….
CVS deals!
I am subscribed to email updates. 🙂
MAZEL TOV, by the way! How far you have come in a year!!
And I LOVE you on FB.
I like the recipe exchanges and kosher coupon round-ups.
I subscribe to KOAB.
I love all of the kosher store deals – other blogs have deals, but not specifically kosher. SO helpful!
I subscribe to your emails!
I like you on facebook
Congrats! Love your blog (and FB LIKE for a while already).
My favorite is the Psychological part of budgeting. Thanks!
Already subscribe.
Not on facebook, but I still like you;).
Happy Anniversary! I like the recipes you post.
My favorite posts are the ones you husband writes. But really I love EVERYTHING KOAB stands for and does!
I like you on facebook
I am signed up for the daily email update
I love your deals on CVS.. they are awesome
I like your getting out of debt posts and the general advice posts! keep inspiring me!
I already subscribe to the RSS feed.
I am a facebook fan
I get daily emails and love them!
I like the blogs about menu planning, I need to get better about doing it consistently.
Subscribed via email updates (enjoying the posts, and still wishing they were timestamped!)
I also “like” the FB page (actually i love it!)
Mazal tov! I love your posts about Amazon deals, they’ve been great! I wish I could track the referrals I’ve sent your way, I’m forever telling people where I found out about such-and-such a great deal!
I subscribe to the RSS feed!
I like KOAB on FB
Congratulations! ! I started couponing 3 months ago and have followed yo religiously ever since. My favorite series is the weekly cvs deals
I subscribe to your essential feed on my droid
And have liked you on facebook
I love the coupon database.
I like KOAB on facebook.
your fan on FB
I have liked all of your posts since I learned of your blog recently.
I receive your email messages.
I like you on facebook.
I like the Target deals
I am a subscriber through Google Reader
i like the menu planning ideas!
already receive daily emails
and already like on facebook 🙂
I like the recipe exchanges, I always come away with an idea.
but I need to get on the menu planning bus. I might just copy your theme idea!
I already ‘like’ you on facebook
I like posts specifically related to combining an observant life with a thrifty one.
I’m also an email subscriber.
I like the Whole Foods deals and shopping tips.
I get the daily emails
I like KOAB on FB
I like you on Facebook
I love the clear cut instructions for coupon-dummies like me:)
I always skim my rss feed and like you on facebook. Your Gordon Ramsey stories got me recommitted to my get out of debt plan. After reading the whole series a few weeks ago we combined our cell phones, went down a level on netflix, got cheaper cable, made a sizeable payment on our cards and tightened up our budget. That used to be my favorite part until I discovered your kitchen de-cluttering/cleaning post – I love organizing and never thought about how it is connected to saving money not just space and time! Thanks for all the inspiration.
I subscribe to your emails and I liked you on Facebook. I enjoy reading about your journey from debt to saving money.
Hello! I like the Target deals. Thank you for all the “heads ups” on Amazon as well.
Generally, I really like your money-saving comments and philosophy. Specifically I find the tips on specials at various stores & websites very helpful. It helps me that they are often linked through twitter. Happy anniversary! You’re really accomplishing.
Congratulations!
I am thoroughly inspired by your “debt story.” I can only imagine how fulfilling it was to pay off each of those debts! I’m just starting to pay mine off, so I am really enjoying your “coupon misconceptions.”
Menu planning that’s not over the top! (and really, pretty much everything else , too!)
RSS
facebook, too 🙂
My favorite posts are your Dave Ramsey stories
I subscribe to KOAB via RSS
Already like KOAB on FB.
Ad meah v’esrim
Love the deals. Mazel Tov
Already like on fb
Already subscribe and love it
congrats on your one year anniversary! love the recipes and of course the coupon tips and store match-ups! we are now meal planning and saving! thanks!
i already receive your emails – thanks!
i finally joined FB and “liked” KOAB! congrats again on 1 year!
Thanks for sharing your many tips. Every penny counts!
I like you on Facebook!
wow – happy anniversary! it’s really hard to say what i’ve liked best about KOAB….however, i think i’ve benefitted most from the amazon deals – because i’m now part of the mom’s club and subscriber/save thing, which i never knew about before and which i am totally enamored with. i think this has saved me the most money of all of the stuff you’ve told me about!
and i like you on FB, too!
I love the coupons! Happy Anniversary!!
I love your recipe roundups.
I subscribe via email.
I like you on facebook
Like you on facebook
get the emails
love you store deals 🙂
Happy blogaversary! My favorites are the recipe exchanges.
I subscribe in Google Reader.
I likE you on Facebook.
I liked you on facebook!
skaibateman@gmail
and i love the recipe exchanges. thanks for the great ideas on meal planning too- i haven’t implemented them, but am inspired by them at least.
I like you on Facebook (and IRL, of course!)
I loved your post on the frugal things that you do and don’t do. My favorite posts are the ones where you reflect on the things that you find difficult or struggle with.
A whole year already?!? What don’t I love about your blog? Favs are Dave Ramsey series, WF weekly update, q&A…all of it 🙂
Mazel Tov on such a successful first year.
FB fan
Maxal Tov! It is so hard to pick a favorite. I appreciate your advice for
upcoming chagim. Your hardwork all year round is continually setting a good example for me. Thanks!
I recieve your email posts
I like you on facebook
I love your Dave Ramsey Series
I like you on Facebook
I just subscribed. I read your blog on occasion and now subscribe to keep up. I too keep kosher so this blog is very useful! Thanks!
I love all of your fantastically awesome giveaways!! Money, chocolates 🙂
I LIKED YOU ON FACEBOOK & SUBSCRIBED TO DAILY EMAIL.
I ENJOY SEEING NEW DEALS POST ON YOUR BLOG.
CVS and Target have become my new favorite weekly feature… I never shopped at CVS, I found them too expensive until I started reading your blog.
CVS and Target have become my new favorite weekly feature… I never shopped at CVS, I found them too expensive until I started reading your blog. I’ve already “liked” you on facebook AND subscribed as well.
I like the store deals – especially since I don’t have to weed through to find kosher stuff like I do on other blogs.
Thanks!!
I liked you on facebook
I subscribe to the RSS feed
My favorite posts are all the Web sites having deals! I use them often – thanks!
I like you on FB!
First off, mazel tov on your blogiversary! I love your Dave Ramsey story, and how accessible you are, and that your blog gives me goals to work toward.
I subscribed via email. 🙂
and I already like you on FB.
Mara as I gear up to buy Almond Breeze at a discount for the THIRD time — using BOTH the cyclical store sale and a PRINTABLE COUPON….I can’t tell you how great yr info is and how grateful I am for your fast replies and patience.
As you know, I already subscribe and also like the FB page!
hatzlacha!
I am a coupon queen! I belomg to a coupon club they all just joined your facebook.I would like kosher products to start having coupons Empire,sabra Etc. thanks for all of your deal info!
Mazel tov!
Janice
I like your menu planning posts! Congrats, and thanks for the giveaway!
I subscribe via email.
fineinsanity (at) live (dot) com
I’m your Facebook fan! (Sheila Hickmon)
fineinsanity (at) live (dot) com
Love your posts. Love all your recipe suggestions. Love all the deal suggestions!
I’m a fan on facebook!
I subscribe to your feed through google reader.
I love the whole foods deals!
Totally get the feed!!
Love the fb! Already liked!!!
Favorite post–Pesach ideas for shopping early or eliminating unnecessary excess.
daily subscriber
I love the freebies notifications!
Who doesn’t love a freebie?
Mazel Tov on your anniversary 🙂
I love the articles that deal specifically with strategies in the stores – especially the price book!
I am on your email list and your facebook page 🙂
Mazal tov and thanks for all your help. I love the deal alerts best. Also, your candid, upbeat, and refreshing writing style. Keep up the excellent work~
I love your coupons and store deals.
I “Like” you on FB.
I just subscribed to your e-mail newsletter.
favorite kinds of posts: how to maximize coupons
get your emails
like KOAB on facebook
Liked you on facebook
Love KOAB especially all the great deals and freebies you post!
I am definitely a liker on facebook.
i subscribe via RSS in GReader
I like to read about your cooking/crafting/family planning and challenges for Jewish holidays and celebrations
Love the posts where you explain your budgeting philosophy!
I enjoy the CVS deals the most…that store can be so confusing sometimes!
I follow your blog
I get your daily emails and love them.
I like koab on facebook
I like your recipe exchange and specific store deals like cvs, Shoprite etc.
I LIKEd your page on facebook
I have subscribed to your daily emails.
I love the sales like Staples. I went to their sale a few years ago and it was amazing. But I never find out when the sale is so I’ve been missing it the past few years. Now I’m prepared.
Now, if only the schools would be kind enough to give us a supply list in advance…..
I like all your posts – especially the Kosher coupons you post!
I “like” koab on Facebook
I receive your emails
I LOVE YOUR DEALS ESPECIALLY CVS DEALS OF THE WEEK!
I RECEIVE DAILY EMAILS!!
I “LIKE”KOAB ON FACEBOOK. I LOVE IT!
I subscribe via email
I am a Google Reader subscriber.
I “like” KOAB on facebook!
My favorite posts are both the ones where you show how you got $400 worth of merchandise for $0.32
I enjoy reading all of your posts and find many of them practically helpful (like when you post how to get specific deals using coupons, store sales, etc.), but I also like when you take some time to share your perspective on some of your social perspectives that concern being frugal.
I’m signed up on facebook.
I get your emails. Thanks 🙂
I love your comments and your blog about everything you write.
I’m still fairly new but so far I look forward to the Whole Foods and CVS deals you let us know about! I just did my first CVS coupon redeeming yesterday and it was fun stacking coupons, getting ECB’s, thinking about how I will roll them, etc. (The folks at CVS were so nice and this impressed me: the sale was ending yesterday on the sunblock and at the store I realized I hadn’t printed one of the coupons correctly. So they wrote me a raincheck so I could still get the sale price when I came back with the right coupon!) I’ve had a CVS card for a while but never knew about the Magic Coupon machine or ECB’s or any of that! So thanks for educating me!
I have already email subscribed and Facebook liked you, too!
My favorite are the weekly deals.
I am an e-mail subscriber…
…and I “like” KOAB on Facebook, too.
your blog is one of my “must-reads”!
(I’m already an e-mail subscriber)
Your insights are very helpful.
I am a facebook fan!
I receive your emails.
Hi Mara, my favorite is the Dave Ramsey story, it really inspired us to go on full speed with our finances.
And I am of course your fbook fan 🙂
And I get your emails.
Happy anniversary 🙂
Love the weekly deals.
like u on fb Julie Scott Laws
thanks
email subscriber
I LOVE KOAB. Where to begin? I love the Jewish Dave Ramsey story bc we are huge Dave Ramsey fans here…I love the meal planning tips (meal planning has made a huge difference in my food budget), I love the kosher coupon roundups, I love that Mara tells it like it is and shares her personal struggles to inspire us. Everyone in my family thinks that Mara is my best friend because I talk about her all the time–and I think that it is hilarious that I know what her family is having for dinner pretty much every night. Thank you, Mara.
I get daily e-mails from KOAB.
I like KOAB on facebook. Mazal Tov to Mara one year. Mazal Tov to the rest of us for finding this great resource.
i like you on facebook
i get your daly e mails love reading them