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Wow!  It has been one year since I started this little blog!  That fact alone blows my mind - time moves so fast.

I have to admit I never thought that I would be a blogger.  I just had an urge to get out there and share.  I didn't really ever think anyone would listen.  It is crazy to think that in the year I have been blogging, I have had almost 75,000 people come to see what I had to say.  Again - it just blows my mind!   

I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who have come and supported me!  I have made so many great friends.  And I am inspired by you all every day.  There is a true creative powerhouse out here online.  I appreciate all the great ideas and tutorials I have found through your sites. 

I have to say that a year ago today I would have never guessed that I
- Would have gone to a blogging conference
- Would become a spray paint junky
- Would have built something out of wood from scratch
- Would be a upcycling yard sale queen
- Would have had more fun than in my wildest dreams doing all of it!

Thanks for being with me on my journey.  For cheering me on and for being my sounding board.  For listening to me ramble.  And for sharing with me everyday!

And to show my thanks and appreciation - I am offering a giveaway for my readers and followers.  Up for grabs is a $30 gift card to your choice of one of my favorite thrifty/crafty stores.

Hobby Lobby
Home Goods 
TJ Maxx 
Micheal's
Joann's Fabric
Target
Ikea

I know not everyone has one of these near them so I will let the winner choose which one they would want!  Or if you are overseas, recommend for me a good website that offers gift cards and I will get you a $30 USD value card there.  Here's hoping the currency rates work out in your favor!  :)

To enter - just leave a comment telling me how you follow Frugal with a Flourish, which store you would choose and what you want to get with it!  If you follow multiple ways (i.e. in a reader, on twitter and on FB) please leave multiple comments for each way you follow!  I will leave this open until next Friday (10/22) evening at 9 pm CST and will announce the winner on Saturday morning! 


From the bottom of my heart - I love you guys!

79 frugal friends said ...

a49erfangirl said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:42 PM

I follow you in Google Friend Connect :) I think I would go with JoAnn Fabric as they have a ton of really neat scrapbook stuff and I love the kids crafts there. Knowing me I would probably spend it on the kids for crafts.

stacie@supermommytotherescue.com

Kate Riley said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:42 PM

Oh, sign me up sweetheart! I've been enjoying your blog since the day we met at Blissdom! Cheers to a wonderful first year ~ toasting to you tonight!
xo
Kate

a49erfangirl said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:42 PM

I forgot to say Happy Blogoversary :)

Amanda said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:51 PM

Hi, Jess! I'm just getting rolling when it comes to blogging, and following blogs. I, too, use blogspot, and my favorite thing about it is the reading list. It's my wake up routine to sit with a cup of coffee and sift through the day's posts. I can honestly say that your's is one of the few I read every post from; I don't just read the headline. I'm renovating and redecorating my 107 year old house, and your blog is a great inspiration point.

I'd have to say I'd choose Michael's. I live in a town that is limited to a pretty small JoAnn's, but we're about 45 minutes away from the nearest Michael's and I'd make the trip! I'm in need of framing materials, and I know I'd have a field day at Michael's!

Congratulations on a year of blogging! I'm looking forward to reaching the same goal... in about 11 months. ;)

Larissa said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:58 PM

Congrats! I follow through GFC, and would use the Joann's gift card to get fabric to make a skirt for my face painting cart for an event I have in February.

Larissa said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:59 PM

I follow you on Twitter as @ReefBotanicals.

Janet said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:59 PM

Happy Anniversary!. A year of writing is an accomplishment. I follow your Blog on Google Reader. I would choose a gift card for Hobby Lobby. We recently moved to a new state where I don't know anybody except my husband's relatives (thankfully they're great!). Once I discovered the Hobby Lobby store I was so happy. If there was an Ikea store nearby I'd be ecstatic. Looking forward to your second year.

Larissa said... @ October 15, 2010 at 8:59 PM

I follow you on Facebook.

Savannah Granny said... @ October 15, 2010 at 9:07 PM

Jess, congratulations on the one year blogiversary! I am curious to see what my blog looks like a year from now. Your blog is inspirational. I really enjoy reading your posts.
If I should win I would go to Home Goods and probably purchase more dishes. I don't know where I would put them but I would buy them anyway.
Congrats, Ginger

JenMarie said... @ October 15, 2010 at 9:15 PM

Happy Blogaversary!!
I follow through my google reader. As for what store I'd pick... oh geez, I have all of them nearby... I think it'd be between Hobby Lobby and TJMaxx/HomeGoods!

re:Inspire said... @ October 15, 2010 at 9:20 PM

Hi Jess,
I follow you through your blog with google. I love seeing all the projects you spray with your magic potion (spray paint). I would LOVE to have a gift card to TJMAX and I would buy a lamp!
Lisa

Mel said... @ October 15, 2010 at 9:36 PM

Congratulations Jess! I've been a follower via google reader, for some time now and always enjoy your projects.

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said... @ October 15, 2010 at 9:48 PM

I follow you through google reader. Congrats!
I would love a Target card for my obsession/love for thank-you cards and trinkets!
--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

the cape on the corner said... @ October 15, 2010 at 9:57 PM

well congratulations on your blogiversary! i'm a follower, and you know i need to get myself to the mecca (homegoods). i really want to buy more vintage inspired halloween decorations, so i better get there before they get rid of them! lol!

Bethany said... @ October 15, 2010 at 10:28 PM

Congratulations!!!!!!!! Your blog is one of the first ones I go to in my reader & I really enjoy all you share with us. Here's to many more posts!

That's a really tough choice! I've been practically living at JoAnn fabrics lately, but I think I would have to say either Ikea or Target for those lamps (I'm STILL trying to decide!). Congrats again!

Unknown said... @ October 15, 2010 at 10:29 PM

I follow via Google Friend Connect. I would choose Hobby Lobby and I'd probably spend it on paint or unfinished wood or scrapbook paper!!
{Rebekah}

Bethany said... @ October 15, 2010 at 10:29 PM

I also follow you on Facebook :)

Unknown said... @ October 15, 2010 at 10:30 PM

I also follow on FB!
{Rebekah Woosley}

Unknown said... @ October 15, 2010 at 10:31 PM

...and Twitter @allthngzrelated!
{Rebekah}

Sarah @ Sarah Bohl Designs said... @ October 15, 2010 at 10:58 PM

Congrats!! I hope I'm doing as well as you in a year! Hopefully I can meet you in person at BlissDom, and you can give me some tips ;)

I would pick Michaels, because I want some Martha Stewart stuff!

I follow you on Twitter (@sarahsbohl)

Sarah @ Sarah Bohl Designa said... @ October 15, 2010 at 11:00 PM

And facebook (Sarah Strom Bohl)

Nana's Fun Stuff said... @ October 16, 2010 at 12:06 AM

Congrats on your blog anniversary!! Time flies huh :) I follow your blog and love seeing what all you are up too. I would pick Michael's as there are so many things I want there and put myself on a limit not to go overboard lol.

Lthacker999@hotmail.com

Clare Tea said... @ October 16, 2010 at 3:18 AM

Wohoo! Happy bloggiversary, hun. And thank you for sharing the celebrations! I'd pick... Michaels or Target... Michaels has the most beautiful storage boxes that I've been wanting to buy, as well as so many other things... Target is the same, but for more practical things.

I follow via gfc!

le.paradis.found at gmail dot com

Clare Tea said... @ October 16, 2010 at 3:18 AM

i follow via google reader too.

Clare Tea said... @ October 16, 2010 at 3:19 AM

and following on twitter @icitea!

Clare Tea said... @ October 16, 2010 at 3:19 AM

Finally, I liked your facebook... I'm itsuko tea!

Tanya said... @ October 16, 2010 at 6:29 AM

Oh my gosh Jess, Congratulations! I think you already know what a Huge Fan I am of yours. Twitter is taken care of, we chat on there already. I am already your google friend and now I am subscribing in google reader! Since I don't have a fan page for my site yet, facebook will have to wait. And it's Target all the way for me!!
Have a super day-

Erin said... @ October 16, 2010 at 6:35 AM

I follow your blog! I love your blog and think you're great! You always have a kind word, a good idea, and a good eye for what your followers might like. I'd probably go to Target and...buy a lamp!!! Yeh, you know me:)CONGRATS on the Bloggiversary!

Anonymous said... @ October 16, 2010 at 6:43 AM
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Anonymous said... @ October 16, 2010 at 6:44 AM
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Anonymous said... @ October 16, 2010 at 6:45 AM
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eroomje said... @ October 16, 2010 at 6:49 AM

I am so glad I am a follower here and get mail from you regularly, you rock! I would choose a gift card from Joanne's as their store is huge. I knit and stamp and try to make everything prettier than it is, with paper and glue. Congrats on reaching one year, fantastic!

Terri said... @ October 16, 2010 at 7:22 AM

Congrats on your one year anniversary! I follow you by keeping a list of "favorites" on my computer...so yes, I stop in daily hoping for a new post. Although I shop ALL the stores you listed, I would probably choose Home Goods, they have new inventory daily it seems...who doesn't love that!?

edie3 said... @ October 16, 2010 at 9:49 AM

Congrats! I get your emails, and love your blog. And I love all those stores, but I ould have to choose Hobby Lobby. Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said... @ October 16, 2010 at 10:01 AM

I am inspired by your site to re-do some things in my house. I love old things and most of what I have seen so far I love the looks of and plan to try as soon as I find the parts I need.

I have two favorite stores . . . Michael's and Hobby Lobby. (some of the others we don't have). If I were to win, I would buy crafting supplies to make some of the things I have seen on here. First thing would be the etchant to etch my glass storage jars.

Debbie J

Sherah said... @ October 16, 2010 at 10:29 AM

I follow your blog and enjoy it sooo much! I would choose Joann's....I've been holding out on some supplies I need to revamp some furniture sitting in my garage until DH gets paid so this would be perfect!

Julie said... @ October 16, 2010 at 11:08 AM

First of all, thanks for the giveaway. I follow your blog as jelaws5.I would pick the Target card and go shopping for clothes :)
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said... @ October 16, 2010 at 11:10 AM

like u on fb-Julie S Laws
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said... @ October 16, 2010 at 11:12 AM

email subscriber
aunteegem@yahoo.co

Sara Adams said... @ October 16, 2010 at 11:19 AM

Hey! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog! I follow you through Google Friend Connect. I love reading your thrifty finds. I actually dragged my hubby to our first garage sale last week. We scored an end table for $14 that I plan to re-do. Can't decide with what yet!

We have been married for 4 months and are MAJORLY on a budget as I'm still in school. Sooo...your blog is perfect for helping me decorate and hubby liking the price! I would probably choose Target because they have so many affordable home decorations!

Sara Adams said... @ October 16, 2010 at 11:19 AM

I also follow you on facebook

Country Lovin at the Shore said... @ October 16, 2010 at 11:27 AM

Happy Anniversary! I follow you on Google/email/Facebook. I'd love to win a Home Goods gift card-it's my favorite place in the world!

Dani said... @ October 16, 2010 at 1:54 PM

Happy Anniversary! I follow you in Google. I love your blog and would probably use it at Target, as it's closest to me.

fafner said... @ October 16, 2010 at 7:13 PM

Congrats on the milestone, Jess! I always enjoy learning things from your blog!

I'm a follower and I'd love a $30 giftcard to IKEA. I can go there and get every kitchen gadget for that plus a rib dinner (but only on Wednesdays!)

Congrats again!

annesatx said... @ October 16, 2010 at 8:21 PM

Congratulations! I follow your blog through Google Reader. If I were to win this prize, I think I'd go with Hobby Lobby, as it has not only craft supplies but also home decor items. So my mood at the time would determine what I would want to buy with the gift card.

Casey said... @ October 16, 2010 at 10:14 PM

Love your great ideas and inspiration! Congratulations on your 1st anniversary. It's amazing how time flies. I'd love to win a Hobby Lobby gift card. I can spend HOURS in that place!

Karen said... @ October 17, 2010 at 9:24 AM

Happy blog anniversary Jess! I've learned so many frugal tricks from reading your blog this year. Here's to many more years of frugal living (with a flourish, of course!)

Anna K said... @ October 17, 2010 at 12:53 PM

Congrats on the anniversary of your blog. I follow in Google Reader. Love all the inspirational goodness that I find here.

Ikea would be the store I would pick. It's just like going to the supermarket for milk and eggs and coming out with $100 worth of groceries. That is how Ikea is for me.

Take care

Heather said... @ October 17, 2010 at 1:49 PM

I just have your site bookmarked in a folder and I open all the sites at once to look for new content. I would use $30 at JoAnn's so easily.
hnbutler@hotmail.com

Stephanie said... @ October 17, 2010 at 5:10 PM

Congrats!
I read in google reader.

And I love all those stores :)

LivingABonaFideLife said... @ October 17, 2010 at 10:17 PM

I follow you on Google reader and would love a gift card to Home Goods! I am working on redoing my guest bedroom and really want a new comforter. :) Congratulations on all of your accomplishments in just one year!

Extra! Extra! Blog All About It said... @ October 17, 2010 at 10:32 PM

First of all, Happy Anniversary! How exciting!

I follow via Google Friend Connect...

I'd most likely choose to splurge at Hobby Lobby ~ they never seem to disappoint with their selection. This time of year, I'd patiently wait for an after Thanksgiving sale to get fall seasonal items drastically reduced & some items for Christmas.

XO,
Kimberly

Marilyn Holeman said... @ October 18, 2010 at 1:45 AM

Hi Jess. Congratulations on your anniversary! I get your blog delivered to my email. I would probably choose a card from TJ Maxx . . . or Ikea . . .or Home Goods! :-) Thanks for the chance to win! Enjoy your second year!

Ritkiss said... @ October 18, 2010 at 5:10 AM

Congrats on a year...love your ideas and stuff. Thanks for your inspiration! I follow with Google Friend Connect. I would love a card to JoAnn's.

Young Wife said... @ October 18, 2010 at 9:14 AM

I follow through Google Friend Connect.

Young Wife said... @ October 18, 2010 at 9:15 AM

Following you on Twitter. Happy Blogaversary!

April Yedinak said... @ October 18, 2010 at 12:50 PM

I follow via GFC, Target, Christmas decorations
ape2016(at)aol(dot)com

April Yedinak said... @ October 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM

I follow on FB
FB Id april yedinak
Target
Christmas decorations

April Yedinak said... @ October 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM

Twitter follower
@ape2016
Target
Christmas decorations

April Yedinak said... @ October 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM

email subscriber
target
christmas decor

Unknown said... @ October 18, 2010 at 1:48 PM

I'm a follower! I'd choose Michael's for my certificate. I'm running out of glitter and I need some fun scrapbook papers! Very generous of you~Thanks!

Shooting Stars Mag said... @ October 18, 2010 at 2:23 PM

congrats on all the fun you've had. I follow with GFC. I'd pick target. and I'd love scrapbook supplies with it.

lauren51990 at aol dot com

Shooting Stars Mag said... @ October 18, 2010 at 2:24 PM

twitter follow- shootingstarmag

lauren51990 at aol dot com

Brooke said... @ October 18, 2010 at 3:05 PM

I follow on Google reader. And I love so many of those places, but I'd have to choose Target (love it!).

Shelle said... @ October 18, 2010 at 10:38 PM

I follow you in multiple ways... and love ya' girl!!

Happy blogiversary!

I'd love a Hobby Lobby card and I'd probably get a clock. I need a wall clock really bad.

laura @ so alaurable said... @ October 18, 2010 at 11:48 PM

I follow you through your RSS feed and Google Friend Connect.

Happy blogiversary! It's so sweet of you to do a giveaway. TJ Maxx / HomeGoods is my absolute fave place to wander for hours! (In fact, I was just there tonight!)

Lauri said... @ October 19, 2010 at 8:04 PM

Happy Blog-aversary! I've just discovered the world of blogging (I *know* - where have I been?).

I follow you through google reader (which I also JUST discovered a few weeks ago - man, I must live in a hole!).

I would choose the Home Goods gift card and find something fabulous for my home!!

Thanks for your awesome blog!

Liz said... @ October 19, 2010 at 11:30 PM

I would have a hard time choosing! But I think I would choose Jo-Ann Fabrics so I could get myself some pinking shears and fabrics! I follow with GFC!

Liz said... @ October 19, 2010 at 11:31 PM

I also follow you on Twitter! @FakeGradSchool

Liz said... @ October 19, 2010 at 11:31 PM

And I follow with Google Reader!

Liz said... @ October 19, 2010 at 11:31 PM

And I like you on Facebook!

sucor said... @ October 20, 2010 at 6:19 AM

I follow you with Google reader!

sucor said... @ October 20, 2010 at 6:24 AM

Happy blog anniversary! I follow by email. I'd pick Michael's and use it for craft supplies. They sell spray paint too!

sucor said... @ October 20, 2010 at 6:27 AM

I also follow you on Facebook.

Renae said... @ October 20, 2010 at 8:16 AM

Your blog is in my "fave blogs" folder on the favorites bar. No subscriptions or readers...I don't get the readers. But I like to click and see what you're up to. I'd love a Joann's or Hobby Lobby card because I need to make dining room curtains. Which I want in a quarterfoil print!

Anonymous said... @ October 21, 2010 at 11:54 PM

Ohh, enter me. I've just begun to enjoy the splendor of pray paint!

Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D said... @ October 22, 2010 at 3:49 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D said... @ October 22, 2010 at 3:51 PM

Hi there,
I follow through Google Friend Connect and via iGoogle.

(Actually, I kinda double follow you...since I'm a newlywed and I have two iGoogle accounts right now!)

We have our eye on a coffee table/ottoman at Ikea, so that would surely be my choice.

And, I just want to say how you've really inspired me in so many ways. Even though you said you would - I'm really glad you are blogging.

All the best,
DanaMc
danamc@gmail.com

Mary said... @ October 22, 2010 at 7:08 PM

Just found your blog last week and have it in my favs! I enjoy how frugal you are but you make everything look like it cost so much more, tyfs! Mary

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