When I began my blog in 2006 I didn't sit and contemplate the idea. I didn't think long and hard about a name. Basically I somehow did a search on thrift through Google, found a couple blogs and decided immediately that I must have what they have. Some people think I'm clever with ideas but I'll admit it here since it's just the two of us that my skill isn't the creation of ideas but the stealing of them. Oh I do tweak them so they appear unique and somewhat original. But really I'm just a thief bearing an apron and a frugal heart. Apron Thrift Girl was decided in about 10 seconds. I knew I wanted to base my blog around thrifting. I probably scanned my office full of thrifted items, set my eyes on an apron and typed in the name before I thought more about it. I never imagined that I would be writing my 300th post nearly three years later.
Besides finding a caring audience that is actually interested in thrifting, what I have most enjoyed about blogging is the friends that I have made. I love thrifting, I love buying stuff but it is the friendship that makes my life feel complete. So I especially thank all of you who have kept in touch even when my blog posts have not been so frequent and thanks to those quiet lurkers and even to those who comment but never return.
Here's my gift and giveaway. I'm offering one of my Organizer Nest Planners.
The winner can chose one of the Nest Planners from my shop or we can work together to find some paper that matches your style perfectly. The planners include enough forms to keep you organized for a month and I'll email you the publisher files so that you can print off your own forms indefinitely.
I'm also going to offer a free hour of consulting in whatever subject the winner chooses. I can offer advice on pricing items to Resell, organizing (mostly for locals), bookselling consulting and more. You can choose from my services here. The only stipulation about this giveaway is that the consulting will occur in April after our house has been clean, gutted, cleared and ready to sell. At the moment I'm not taking any new clients until the house is ready.
Thank you again for all of your support and friendship during the last 300 posts. Leave a comment and I'll draw a name next Thursday, March 12th.
***Oh and one more thing. I'm in desperate need of a new banner. Something similar to my current one but speaks spring. I'd love to barter for one if anyone is interested. Betts inspired me to change my old one.
Ooh, put me in the hat!
Posted by: Anna | March 05, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Congratulations on making it to 300 posts! What an accomplishment. :) Your blog was one of the first I found when looking for thrifty redecorating ideas.
Posted by: Monica | March 05, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Oh Boy, I finally found you first! This must be fresh off the press! You so wonderful Selena. I don't know how you manage it all. You are the one who has constantly inspired me. From notebook in hand, to google searches and more. (I've visited every single one of your "must read blogs") I just love knowing where you are and seeing you in my minds eye. I'm popping in for coffee, and bringing you raw cinnamon rolls. Aren't they good? Doesn't the coffee taste divine? I'm also helping you clean and I'm picking up the kids and entertaining them while you blog away and pack books.
Love you Darlin' Congrats on 300 posts. Oh My! xoxo Amy
Posted by: Amy | March 05, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Congratulations on your 300th post!
I enjoy your blog so much. It is so inspiring and gets me going :)
Posted by: Teri | March 05, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Congratulations! I love reading about all the treasures you find at thrift stores.
Posted by: Cindy | March 05, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Ooh, I've had my eye on one of those planners FOREVER!!! Happy THREE years!!
Posted by: Nadine | March 05, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Congrats on 300! Love your ideas and finds. Also, loving your nest planner!! I have one that I have made myself and yours puts mine to shame. here's hoping I win :)
Posted by: Sarah | March 05, 2009 at 10:45 AM
I don't even remember how I stumbled upon your blog or when. But I'm glad I did!
Posted by: Kim | March 05, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Definitely put my name in the hat for such a cool prize. You are truly one of my daily reads and I always wonder what is going on when you don't post for days at a time. So silly to worry about someone you have never met, but when you let us peek into your life like you do... you start to feel like you know the person. And I can count you as one of my friends on Facebook, how cool is that?
I am a dedicated meal planner and I love the binder idea, I just keep them clipped in a drawer in the kitchen.
Posted by: Amanda | March 05, 2009 at 10:53 AM
congrats on making 300 posts..i've just gone and checked mine and I have 342 posts.. OMG how did that happen.. cheating with short posts I think... though I have been blogging for 2 years from the 3rd of April.. some decidedly dodgey firsts posts there.. I suppose I will have to have a give away soon too!
I must admit that I lurked on your blog for a long while before I actually posted a comment.. i know I'm silly...
I can have a look through M's photos for a spring photo for you but there wont be any aprons there will be flowers though..
Posted by: Apryl | March 05, 2009 at 10:54 AM
oh, what a awesome give away!! congrats on the 300th post. I always love coming here to see what new thing I can do to save money. I am mostly a lurker but I do pop in everyday.
Posted by: peggy | March 05, 2009 at 11:16 AM
awesome give away, I've been drooling over your planners! perhaps you've noticed the drool stains?
Posted by: Lisa Martin | March 05, 2009 at 11:22 AM
congratulations on your 300th post. Hoping I can win one of your fabulous organizers.
barbara brown
Posted by: barbara brown | March 05, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Wow 300 posts is awesome! I've been reading your blog for a while now. I was drawn to it, at first simply by the name. I'm obsessed with vintage aprons and have a small collection of them hanging on a wall in my sewing room! They are sort of banner inspiring... :)...
Posted by: megan v | March 05, 2009 at 11:36 AM
You're one of my daily reads. Bloggers are indeed clever people and they come up with the most amazing things. It's nice to know there are other idea stealers out here so I don't feel guilty.
Posted by: Its_Lily | March 05, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I love your blog! It's in my Google reader and I look forward to your posts. Also, I live just down the road from you--right off of Ferncliff! :)
Posted by: nicole | March 05, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Happy 300 posts! Here's to 300 more!
Posted by: Ashley Ann | March 05, 2009 at 12:03 PM
You are an inspiration to so many, including me. Congrats in post 300. Here's to 300 more!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | March 05, 2009 at 12:14 PM
congratulations, you've been an inspiration, I'm taking baby steps to purge our house of clutter & do a good spring cleaning,
best wishes for everything good
tess
Posted by: tess | March 05, 2009 at 12:19 PM
300 is impressive! I love reading your posts on your good finds and I think you surely have a knack for it!
Posted by: mo | March 05, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Congratulations on 300! I love your writing.
Posted by: Alexis | March 05, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Cool beans! I'd be happy with just the planner, no consultation needed. :)
Posted by: Leah S | March 05, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Congrats to you...and most definitely count me in.
Posted by: Judy | March 05, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Congratulations on 300 posts. When I started reading blogs while considering starting my own, yours was the first one I found. I'll never forget my first blog >sniffle, sniffle<.
I wish I could help you with your banner, but I'm still struggling with mine. I have one up on my etsy shop, but I'm not happy with it yet.
Posted by: Betts | March 05, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Huzzahs and Salutations on your 300th!
I've enjoyed your blog so much, I actually went back to the beginning to read it all.
Looking foward to many, many more, Selena.
Cheers and Joy,
Sunny
Posted by: Sunny | March 05, 2009 at 01:05 PM