Happy 11th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Eleven years ago when I began blogging, on March 3, 2009, I didn't know I'd have 11 years of topics to write about. Back then Facebook had no ads, and Instagram and Snapchat didn't exist. At the time, YouTube vloggers earned little notoriety, or money. With all the options of where eyeballs can spend time on social media, I want to thank you, dear readers, for supporting THE SAVVY SHOPPER.🎉🥳 

I still enjoy the written word over only photographs; and sometimes reading a blog is faster for absorbing substance than watching a talking head. It's also convenient to bookmark blogs if you need to flashback to information at a later time.

Thank you readers for your emails and likes on our Facebook page, Pinterest and Twitter accounts. I love the input! Your comments are icing on the cake!🍰

I haven't posted many photos on Instagram. When out and about, I try to stay in the moment! 

Here's to sharing our mutual intellectual curiosity ... in writing for another year! 

Celebrating THE SAVVY SHOPPER 's 11th birthday and its awesome readers for stopping by. (The blog's bottom right lists the most popular blogs.) Thanks for the privilege of your time💋😘, and let me know if there are any subjects you wish covered. 

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Smart Ways To Put Money In Your Piggy Bank 
The Marriage Of Charles II And Catherine Of Braganza

A Belated Happy 6TH Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Photo courtesy of  pinkcakebox.com

On March 3, THE SAVVY SHOPPER turned six years old. Where does the time go? March was very busy, so I am only now getting around to reflecting on the anniversary. 

On occasion someone asks, what got me to start blogging. Well, I started THE SAVVY SHOPPER because six years ago, a lifestyle magazine where I worked was in the process of creating its online presence. So I knew at the time that blogging and social media were going to be important in the future; and I had better learn how to do it.

Intuitively, I knew I had the voice, ideas and skills to pull it off. You have to be motivated and care about the work, but neither journalism nor writing a blog is rocket science, and I didn't want to be left behind.

Today I still have plenty of ideas; and after six years of blogging here's my advice to anyone thinking of starting out. Just start blogging. You don't have to know all the mechanics, you just have to do it. Have something to say and say it. Like everything else in life, the more you blog the better you get. Just start blogging.

Write about topics you ... and readers want to know more about. Offer something of value, and people will come and return to your blog.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER now gets about 500 readers a day from around the world. You have expanded me. We are a global community; and I appreciate each and every one of you. YOU are awesome! Thank YOU for stopping by.

Here's to another engaging year of learning, writing and sharing new stuff!

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Happy 4th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Photo courtesy of  pinkcakebox.com

THE SAVVY SHOPPER turns 4 years old today.  Where does the time go?  This site started because I wanted to see what all this blogging business entailed. 

My least favorite part of blogging is futzing with photos and the layout.

In the print world, it takes a team.  Either you work on the editorial, or the business side.  On the editorial side, staffers work as reporters, writers and editors.  There are separate art, photo and copy departments within the editorial side.  All these separate, but linked departments worry about different aspects of a magazine (or newspaper), with all their roles and efforts coming together to close (i.e. publish) an issue (or edition).

Until I began this blog I didn't worry about pictures, layouts or copy editing.  I don't think fussing with layouts and spotting misspelled words are my forte, but I like trying ... and stretching myself, as well as, succeeding.

And, I love how direct and democratic blogging is.  I don't have to pitch nothin'.  Anybody with a computer and a voice can do it.  If you enjoy learning, coming up with story ideas, have the skills to do some digging (research) ... use good judgment ... then have the ability to make it understantable for readers, you can be a blogger.  No capital required, but you will have to invest your time.  Oh ... and you should enjoy fiddling with words.  In fact, that's my favorite part, the writing.  On this blog, it starts and ends with the words.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER now gets a few hundred savvy readers a day, and YOU are awesome! Thank you for stopping by.  Here's to another year of fun facts and entertainment.  Please let me know if there are topics you want to explore.  Let's learn stuff.  Share your thoughts under comments.  Click here for free birthday gifts.

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The Savvy Shopper Is Three Years Old

You know the old saying about how time flies?  It's true!  THE SAVVY SHOPPER celebrates another year {tomorrow, 3/3 - to be exact}.  Who knew?  

Thank you, Readers, for stopping by ... and contributing.  I love reading your emails and hope you find some wisdom, practical tips and entertainment here.

Going forward, let's attempt another spectacular year of writing.  Now for the presents!

***** *****

Companies offering birthday gifts to you ... free, if you sign up:

Retail:

1. Aveda – Get a free Personal Blends Pure-Fume, or body care product custom blended with the aroma of your choice, worth up to $24.

2. Sign up for The Body Shop's Rewards Card to receive a free birthday gift, plus 10% off on all purchases and other promotions.

3. Old Navy – Subscribe to Old Navy's emails and get a $10 gift card on your birthday.

4. Sephora – Join their birthday club to get free beauty products.

5. Victoria Secret – Receive a free $10 gift card in your birthday month, plus free products throughout the year, for carrying an Angel card.

Food

6. Baskin-Robbins – Get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.

7. Ben & Jerry's –  Eat free ice cream on your birthday.  In April, there is always a free cone day: It's April 3, 2012 this year!

8. Benihana – Receive a free $30.00 gift certificate on your birthday.

9. Captain D's –  Spoil yourself with a free fish or shrimp birthday dinner.

10. Cold Stone Creamery – Get a free birthday creation for joining the Cold Stone Club.

11. Denny's – Receive a free grand slam on your birthday.

12. Dunkin Donuts – Get a free medium beverage.

13. Godiva – Sign up for Godiva Rewards Club and receive a free chocolate truffle/candy each month, including the month of your birthday.

14. Gold Star Chili – Receive a free 3-way chili.

15. Hard Rock Cafe – Celebrate your birthday with a free sundae, along with a shout out from the staff.  No need to sign up for this one!

16. Hooters – Get a free menu item on your birthday by joining the Hooters eClub.

17. iHop – Offers a free birthday meal for joining the Pancake Revolution. 

18. Johnny Rockets – Join their e-club to receive a free birthday burger.

19. Ponderosa – Sign up to get a free steak dinner.

20. Starbucks – Get a birthday beverage of your choice.  Starbucks provides employee benefits that are not typical in the food industry, which is another incentive for me to buy their coffee, occasionally.

If you apply yourself, you can drive around on your birthday redeeming all your free gifts.  The perfect comedy sketch for Ellen Degeneres, no? 

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