It is hard to believe it was a year ago that I dreamed up the idea of this blog in my living room. It all started with a conversation my boyfriend and I had about me supposedly being a “girly girl” and me explaining that I was no longer a girl but a woman. I had just survived cancer treatments and was in a transitional period of life. I had also recently had to put my M.B.A. classes on hold. I had just finished my e-business course where the final exam was to learn how to monetize a blog! I needed something that would keep me busy, a way I could contribute to the world. I wanted something I could do where I could focus only on positive things and knew I needed a creative outlet.
I had learned HTML back in the 90s and started working with Blogger. I realized that HTML was like learning to ride a bicycle and it all came rushing back. While my HTML 1.0 wasn’t up with the times, it would do just fine for blogging because I just needed the simple codes to begin the project.
In a year I have:
- Posted almost two posts per day on average
- Attended Bloggy Conference and met other amazing bloggers
- taught myself more advanced HTML code and CSS code
- challenged myself to migrate from Blogger to WordPress
- changed from a host that wasn’t so politically correct to one that uses 100% wind power, Fat Cow
- learned the difference between a Framework and a Child Theme and purchased/installed/configured them to maximize the performance of my blog
- increased my Google Page Rank from a 1 to a 4 (which is pretty darn good for a blog – it means that when people search for stuff on Google they are more likely to visit my site than ones with lower rankings)
- gone from hardly any Twitter followers to over 900, from 0 Facebook Fans to almost 800, from 0 Google + followers to over 800
- I’ve discovered new social networks I had never heard of, even becoming the Vice President of Entertainment on Empire Avenue
- I’ve hosted giveaways for cash, iPads, coupons, and more
- I’ve done business with and for many different well known brands such as Progresso Soup and Google through groups like the One 2 One Network, SITS girls, and Sponsored Tweets
- I’ve tried to support other bloggers and help other women through projects like my Direct Sales Directory
- I’ve brought on other contributors and am still bringing on more who are amazing
- I’ve really enjoyed creating something that other people have come to love, appreciate, and expect
To celebrate this momentous occasion, I am hosting two giveaways.
The first giveaway will be for April 1st only. This is the 1 year blogoversy date. This winner will be awarded one membership to the Cheryl’s Cookie of the Month club. Please be sure to read the details on the rafflecopter widget.
Update 05/03/12: Did you miss the cookie giveaway but really want to BUY the cookies pictured?
You can use this link along with the coupon code to save on the best cookies I’ve ever eaten:
The second giveaway will be held all month long because I want to party like a rock star. The winner will be awarded $50 in paypal cash. Be sure you have a paypal account or are eligible for one before entering.
If you are a blogger and would like to join in on the fun, please email me at liz {at} womanlywoman.com for details. You can participate at any time during the giveaway and will be able to benefit through a social media boost.
To enter one or both of the giveaways, please follow the instructions in the rafflecopter widgets below.
Liz Barnett, Editor
Liz is the Editor-in-Woman of WomanlyWoman.com. She is a 30-something Christ-following, Urban Appalachian American. She is known as "Aunt ZZ" to one niece and two nephews. You can read more about Liz on the About The Editor page or follow her on Twitter.
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