This week my blog turns 6 years old. It's hard to believe I've been blogging for so long! It seems like only yesterday I was working for Oprah.com in Chicago and blogging about my latest Target clearance finds in the evenings.
So much has changed in these last 6 years. When I started blogging, hardly anyone knew what a blog even was. Now, young ambitious entrepreneurs create blogs overnight with business plans, sponsors and investors. Oh, how things have changed.
Despite all the changes I've witnessed around me, many things have stayed the same. My focus is still affordable fashion and beauty, mostly priced under $100. My inspiration is still my readers - and my fellow bloggers - who challenge and motivate me every single day.
This blog has afforded me some incredible experiences, and while I think I still have a long way to go, it's important to stop, reflect and count your blessings:
The Budget Babe went to Spain with JCP and Mango. We made it to New York Fashion Week. We've been on national TV and satellite radio; we've seen our name printed in best-selling books and publications like The New York Times. We've been styled by Stacy London, invited to posh parties hosted by Target, and received sponsorship from H&M. It's been an amazing ride.
In my personal life, I moved halfway across the country, leaving friends and family behind to be with the love of my life, who was my boyfriend when I started this blog and is now my husband. We're expecting our first child in June. C is my better half and my soul mate and I'm so grateful to have him in my life and to have his full support in all my daily endeavors, big and small.
When I began my blog, I had two simple goals: I wanted to "make a living with my blog," which meant pay my monthly bills, and I wanted a better work/life balance. I'm blessed to say that I have achieved both goals - and surpassed what I thought was possible. Now the sky's the limit. It's time to set new goals, work towards them, and enjoy the journey.
Thank you to each and every one of you who has supported me - some for a long time, some for a short while - stopping by each day, leaving thoughtful comments, sending me positive energy, believing in me, working with me, and humbling me with your questions, critiques and praise. Here's to many more years of The Budget Babe life!
Love and thanks,
Dianna, editor/founder of TheBudgetBabe.com
Tracy
www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com
www.pennypincherfashion.com
Many blogs have come and gone in my blog tab on my browser. Yeah, I tend to blog hop. But BB has been a constant along with my book/nerdy blogs I read.
So here's to 6 years and many, many more! Keep up the great work. BB is a wonderful blog!
Whenever I see a good deal (Target or otherwise), I always think "Diana would approve."
You are a true inspiration and a helpful 'tool' .
Wish you many more years of excellent job!
xx