Exciting Changes & a Starbucks Giveaway!! {Giveaway Ended}

ByJen

This post may contain affiliate links and I may be compensated for this post. Please read our disclosure policy here.

Sharing is caring!

{Giveaway now over  – winner is #102 – Andrea}

Now, on to some exciting news – if you follow me on Twitter, you may have heard me talk about the changes that will be coming to Thrifty NW Mom.  My blog is officially a year old now – I started this blog a year ago in January, 2009 and I am just amazed at how much it has grown! This is all thanks to you, my amazing readers! Thank you for passing the word along and sharing Thrifty NW Mom with your friends!!

I started this blog just as a way to just keep my friends and family informed of all the great sales and deals out there. I truly just get so excited when a great deal comes up, that my first instinct is I want others to be able to take advantage of it, too! :) I used to send out emails to my friends as I’d find the great deals, but then I figured out that it would be even easier to just put it all in one place so they could check it out when they wanted to, and I wasn’t overwhelming them with so many emails in all my excitement! ;) I had no idea how much this blog would grow, though, and I have really enjoyed getting to know many of you better thru the Old Navy Chat we had all summer long and thru the Facebook Fan page, as well as the many emails that I receive from readers!!

Now that my blog is officially a year old, it is time for some changes!! Woohoo!  I have been wanting to make changes to the design for MANY months to make it more user-friendly, and have finally decided to take the plunge to switch to WordPress at the same time (I am currently using Blogger).  By making the switch to WordPress, this will enable me to have a much more organized look to the blog.  it will be much easier for you to find what you’re looking for, by creating a navigational bar at the top (I tried for months to create this on my own, but am seriously tech-challenged in all those areas! ;) )  I will also have things better organized into categories and along the sidebars, so it will have a much simpler, clean look so you can find what you need quickly.  And, no worries…I’m not making the switch to WordPress on my own – I’m working with a very talented designer so it should be a very smooth transition!

One of the most important changes that will affect all of you will be the comment section.  With the switch to WordPress, you will be able to leave comments and enter giveaways with confidence that your emails will not be shown in the comment section.  With Blogger, if you do not have a blog or Google account, you have to write out your email address with your comment. But, with WordPress, your email address will never be shown on the blog – I am the only one who will see it and that is only so that I can contact you if you’ve asked a specific question or have won a giveaway.  I think this is a huge benefit to making the switch over to WordPress!!

Now, for the fun part – I need your help!! We will be unveiling the new design here in a few weeks, along with some great giveaways to celebrate!  Since I’m now going into my 2nd year of blogging here at Thrifty NW Mom, I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions – what would you like to see on the blog, what features would make it easier for you to find information, what are your favorite aspects of the blog? Along with the ideas and suggestions you provide here, I will be creating some surveys and polls in the next few weeks (and months) to find out more about what my readers want to see on this blog throughout this year.

 I also am looking for suggestions for a tagline for my blog!! This is the short little blurb that goes along with my title at the top in my header!!  Right now it says “Bargains, coupons and money-saving tips for the Northwest and  beyond” – a bit of a mouthful, I know!! So, let’s hear how creative you guys and gals are!!

Giveaway – $30 in Starbucks Gift Cards (3 $10 Gift Cards) to 1 reader

As an added incentive, I am offering $30 in Starbucks gift cards (3 $10 gift cards) to one lucky reader!! All you need to do is leave one comment – either with a suggestion/feedback, an idea for a tagline, or what you like about the blog! How simple is that!! :)  Now, you will need to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!! :) (unless you have a blog/google acct where I can contact you).  One comment per person!

A winner will be drawn using Random.org on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at 9am pst.  Winners will have 48 hours to contact me, otherwise a new winner will be drawn. Good luck!!

191 Comments

  2. I just love your blog because it saves me so much time and money! I like how lots of your deals aren't just for the Northwest, cause I am from the Northeast! Thanks ((Jen)), you do great things for us all!
    Suzy

    Reply

  6. Jen, I can't wait to see the new design!!! Congrats on one year. I like your tagline, I think it kind of explains it all, maybe you could just shorten it to "money saving tips for the Northwest and beyond".

    Reply

  10. I just love your blog, and am so glad I found it! I wonder if there is a way you could seperate deals from coupons, and sort them my regions they're valid in on the new site. That would make it more personally navigatable for each reader. I appreciate how often you update too!

    [email protected]

    Reply

  11. I too am loving your blog and FB updates. I come to depend on them and check everyday for the hottest in daily deals!
    Hey…"hot daily deals" would be a good tagline for something on your blog!
    [email protected]
    DEB

    Reply

  18. Love your Blog! I love that you feature deals from the NW! I also like that you have a regional blog list and a national blog list, this gives great variety. Keep up the great work!!

    Reply

  19. Excited for the new changes! I have only recently started following your blog, but I am always so excited to hear about the great deals and have taken advantage of a lot of them!
    Jennifer
    [email protected]

    Reply

  21. I think your blog is great because, as a brand new stay-at-home mom, I find it to be a helpful resource.

    And speaking of stay-at-home mom, you should post on fun things to do with a child under the age of 1. I haven't seen that on anyone's blog yet.

    Reply

  22. I really appreciate the work that you have been doing – I am also in the NW so it is nice to learn about the local deals! :)

    some feedback: Tabs for the most popular posts (e.g., Target, specific grocery stores, local deals, etc.) A home tab is also helpful.

    Also, please keep with the "clean" look. I find that if things are too busy with too many boxes and adverts, I don't want to read anything. I just visited a frugal blog where a giveaway was occurring and I can't see myself going back b/c it was so busy and hard on the eyes – I couldn't tell where the blog started and the adverts ended :) Simple is good.

    thanks,
    liz
    [email protected]

    Reply

  24. Congratulations on your blogoversary! I think you have tons of great information that you share! Thanks for the hard work!
    Great giveaway! Hope I win!

    Reply

  29. Love this giveaway and love your blog! Especially love how helpful you are to those of us not in the Northwest. I'm all the way on the east coast and it was because of you that I saved so much money on Old Navy shopping trips (thanks to ONW).

    Something I'd like to see…some pics with personal tidbits every once in a while!

    Reply

  32. I love your blog! If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have known about the big Old Navy sale this past weekend. I love hearing about all the good deals you find. I have saved a ton of money on things this year thanks to you!
    -Vanessa
    [email protected]

    Reply

  33. I just found your blog and LOVE it! As a fellow thrifty mom, I look forward to visiting you often. :)

    And well, I'm really hoping to win a Starbucks card, as it's one of the treats I've missed the most after trimming fancy coffee from the budget!

    Reply

  36. I would like to see Kroger, CVS, and Walgreens deals. But I don't know if you have all of those stores where you are? Thanks!

    Reply

  38. I love your blog! I found it a few months ago and it is great, I read it daily! One of the things on your blog I really like is the weekly recipe swap. I am trying to be more challenging in the kitchen and I loved getting all the new recipes! One suggestion is maybe have it be a money or time saving recipe link up?

    Keep up the great work!

    Reply

  39. I love your blog and how much you have helped my family save money! So thankyou and keep up the good work! :) Maybe just some stuff so how we can get to know you more, some personal stuff.
    [email protected]

    Reply

  46. I found you through FB and love all the updates on where to save $. We were able to save a ton through all the deals you posted about over the holidays! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  47. I love your blog, it is very simple and easy to navigate! The only suggestion that may help a little more is to have a link that directs you to coupon deals and freebies. You've been so helpful for our family!

    [email protected]

    Reply

  48. My sister introduced me to your blog a couple of months ago and I love it!!! I especially like the old navy tips. Also, I like how positive you are.

    Reply

  50. I love your site and check it as part of my daily routine! I'm making a lot of use of your "Favorite Blogs" links and the links to coupons you provide in each blog. It would be nice if i can click on an pic to get to each store's deals, ex. Target, RiteAid, Walgreens, and etc.

    Can't wait to see the new Thriftynwmom site!

    june- [email protected]

    Reply

  52. This is kind of a fiddly thing, but since you asked…. I think it would be nice if you moved your categories up closer to the top of your homepage. I often stop by this site when I'm headed out to a specific store and want to make sure I have all the current deals. I don't like having to scroll down so far when I want is a quick shortcut to the Albertson's deals. That's my two cents! Love your blog!

    Reply

  54. Your tagline reminded me of "Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!" from the Wizard of Oz. You could do a play off of that.

    Reply

  58. I love, love that you're local right here in the NW! For me, it means all the deals you share are applicable and all the stores are just around the corner! Oh, and that your giveaway is Starbucks cards… you truly are from the NW!! It's the BEST!!

    Reply

  60. Thanks for replying to my tiny complaint. This is why you have a following on the East side of the U.S.!! And, now, I'm a Facebook fan!! Let's go Starbucks!!

    Reply

  61. I really like your blog!
    Actually, one of the things I like most is its design and color scheme. A lot of money-saving blogs are on the homely side, honestly, and it's nice to visit one so soothing and sophisticated!
    miss.maxine at gmail

    Reply

  62. I like that you will be adding a navigation bar!

    (It would be cool if you also got rid of the requirement to enter a password after you go in and press the "post comment" as another suggestion!)

    Reply

  63. How great that you are growing! I really like the simple layout of your blog, so as you thinka bout a redesign, please keep it simple and clean. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

    heatherehammond at gmail dot com

    Reply

  66. Maybe 'Saving money in the Northwest and Beyond Yeah, I don't consider myself THAT creative :-)
    cnk2cav at aim dot com

    Reply

  68. i just wanted to say THANK YOU for taking the time and energy to invest in this blog. your tips, tricks, money-saving coupons, freebie links and more have been such a help and so much fun for me! happy one-year blog-iversary…. wishing you many, many more!

    Reply

  70. Yay for you. I'd love to get some professional help with my blog. No money or time right now. I can't wait to see what great things you've got in store.

    Hmmm. A tag line. What about: ThriftyNWMom. "Taking Thrifty to a whole other level." or "It's nifty to be thrifty."

    Reply

  76. I don't really have any suggestions… I love your blog. I do like it that I can find great deals from you, even though we are on opposite sides of the country! Thanks for sharing all your deals. :)

    [email protected]

    Reply

  79. I didn't realize that your blog is only a year old!? Love it! I check it at LEAST 5 times a day : ) Can't wait to see the new format.

    Reply

  84. I love that you have "northwest" in your title. It would be nice to see more region specific deals! :) Great job!
    oshiekosh @ yahoo.com

    Reply

  85. I like the deals specific to WA, since there are so few blogs posting them. I would love to see more of these NW deals!
    Paisley_79 at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  87. I love the fact the you post deals from WA State. So many other blogs have deals from stores that we don't have. Thanks
    LKARambo at comcast dot net

    Reply

  88. I love your blog and the fact that it is local… I would love to see more deals that also associate with NW Oregon! Thanks again!!

    Reply

  89. Congrats on 1 yr! I have contemplated moving to WordPress myself, but there is no way I could do it without professional help.

    I think it would be a great idea to have different pages for Freebies, Old Navy, and Target, as well as the different major grocery stores.

    Thanks for all you do!

    Reply

  90. I'm from the Northeast and just discovered you through MoneysavingMom. Your site design looks good. What I look for in a regular blog is a homey feel. I love recipes and ideas I can incorporate into my routine(in addition to the deals). I'd also like tips on how to save beyond the routine use coupons. I'd dig a post on how to organize your pantry or pantry must haves followed by a recipe. Or a post that talks about how and why someone organizes coupons in a certain way and gives a how to on organizing in that manner. I also like little ancedotal stories that remind me I'm not alone when it comes to dealing with kids and hubbies.

    Anyways congrats on your blogaversary!

    Christine
    [email protected]

    Reply

  91. Love the new layout. As for a tag line I'm not so good at those. I'm a photographer for a reason. Love Starbucks – they are my downfall in these chilly NW winters.

    Reply

  93. Amazon deals is my favorite part. I love how you keep me posted of all great deals on Amazon-my favorite online shop.

    Reply

  94. I like that you post regional goodies from your area. So many blogs seem to be more specific to the Midwest and most especially the Eastern U.S. I used to be from the Northwest (Northern Idaho)! I'd like to see more regional recipes and photographs from your area.
    digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

    Reply

  95. I love your blog because:
    1. It pertains to the NW (and that pertains to me!)
    2. It isn't so crammed with advertisements. I can find the good deals without having to keep scrolling down to get past all the buttons and whatnot that take up some blogs' space where there should be writing.
    3. You have all the other bloggers' links on the right hand side in a list. If I want to check their blogs out, it's easy to click on them. (I don't know of many other blogs that make this so easy.)
    4. I like that you mostly blog about deals without the fluff of recipes, etc. since I can go to any recipe site or look up a blog about good foods to make with whatever certain ingredients and find those.

    The only thing I wish… was that there was a way to have links to all the store deals – like click here for Walgreens, here for Target, here for Albertsons, here for Safeway (etc.)… they could like you to other bloggers, but also would mean I don't have to sift through all of their sites to find out who blogged on the good deals or coupon match-ups for each store.
    -Beth…. princess_beth{at}hotmail{dot}com

    Reply

  96. I really love the "Saving you cents and sanity" comment above!!!

    I just found your blog… it's now on my following list! I think having categories for the major stores is a great idea.

    thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  97. Hi Jen,
    You've been such a help at pointing me towards some great deals…thank you! How about this for a tagline:
    "Thrifty NW Mom…saving you money, one deal at a time!"
    Fingers crossed on the giveaway! :o)

    Reply

  100. I love checking your blog! One idea for you would be to separate the deals into a weekly deal category and a "hot daily deals" category. That was we'd know how long we have to take advantage of the deal without having to think much. :-)

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Beth – [email protected]

    Reply

  106. I came accross your site when looking for coupons and discounts. I appreciate the fact that you have a link to sites that offer help in saving money. I like the fact also that you have ideas about how to go about savings.
    Thank you.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  108. I love a good deal but never seem to hear about special sales or promotions. Thanks for sharing that info with us!

    Reply

  112. Even though I live in Utah and all the deals don't always apply here, I still love following your blog! I really like the map taped on to the top of the blog, so when you change the site don't change that!

    Reply

  113. I love the Freebies you list on the blog. I look at it everyday. Thank you for your hard work.

    sarahjosue(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  114. I hope you aren't planning on going to far from your NW focus. That is the #1 reason why I love your blog, for the local tips and deals. Congratulations on your one year anniversary!!

    Reply

  116. [email protected] Wow, this is so great that you consider your followers' opinions important! The tagline would be enhanced if you included the word frugal in it. Frugality has become a VERY important thing in our family.

    I love your giveaways, and the blog aesthetically is very pleasing and clean.

    Thanks for the chance to win. I already promised my mom and sister I'd treat them to Lattes if I win!

    Reply

  118. I have been following this blog for about 9 months and I LOVE it! I was here for all the LONG nights of oldnavy chats waiting and waiting for the darn page to refresh! I love all the bargains and coupons!! Keep up the good work!! Happy ONE YEAR!! [email protected]

    Reply

  119. I appreciate a way to communicate with you and that you are willing to answer the questions that arise while trying to be a couponer.

    Reply

  121. I love that even though I'm in Florida (native Oregonian), I can use Thrifty NW Moms to save money! Thanks!

    Reply

  122. I do not know what I would do without all your helpful links. I have passed on your blog to many of my friends and they are grateful for the wonderful person who created it. I have saved money, received lots of free samples and information because of you. Thanks so much for doing this.

    [email protected].

    Reply

  123. With an infant at home, frequently I don't get to check your website throughout the day, so I LOVE getting the daily email with everything I missed. The only downside is occassionally you post a "Today Only" deal but I don't get it until the next day so I've missed out. Is it possible to send a special email notice for those kind of deals? That would be great! I really appreciate all you've done for all of us bargain shoppers out there. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Reply

  124. I can't tell you how much I have loved this blog! I get birthday and Christmas gifts (usually for free) for my family and friends!

    Reply

  125. "Mom deserves to save a buck"
    Can you enter me in the Starbucks drawings? I love your blog and check it everyday. It has really saved my family money.

    Reply

  127. Just found your blog and I love it the way it is. I love how up to date it is. And not overcome with ads. THANKS

    Reply

  128. Exciting! I love your blog- you have helped me out numerous times even though I'm from the SE! A nice addition would be a search engine that allows you to search for a certain promotion with keywords instead of flipping through previous entries. A tagline? "'Cause Moms make every bit count!" Thanks for all of your hard work, Jen!

    Reply

  129. i love this blog because it continues to help me save lots of money and be a good steward of my finances and resources, esp when i can help others! thanks jen! God bless your contribution to moms and families!

    Reply

  132. I am new to couponing and check your blog everyday! I love it! I saved money at the store just today using your resources! One thing to consider about your tagline is that not everyone who follows is a mom, I'm not! But I still love to save money just the same! Thank you!

    Reply

  134. I love how the blog has the current giveaway on the top left each time I log in. I know where to expect it and can easily spot it and the end date.

    One thing I dislike is the process of posting a comment. It seems that pressing Post Comment alone doesn't allow me to post the comment, I have to preview first. That's annoying. I don't think you'll have that issue with WordPress though.

    Thanks! And Good Luck!
    [email protected]

    Reply

  135. I love your blog even though I am in the south we often get the same deals. If I could change anything about your blog I would add short cuts to a nav bar at the top, so if I'm looking for the latest Albertson's deal, it would be at the top of the page. Ok maybe I'm just being lazy….

    deanenpr at yahoo.com

    Reply

  137. I just found your blog over the weekend through another blog I stumbled upon. I am LOVING it! Best wishes with the move to WordPress…the changes will be great for your readers!

    Reply

  140. I would just like to say that for me reading your blog is more than just about saving money.

    It has changed the way I feel about myself and given me sucha boost in self esteem. I have lost 20lbs and been able to put money into savings. Once you feel empowered in one aspect of your life it seems to flow into all aspects of life!

    Whitney D
    cutie_b_crazy at yahoo.com

    Reply

  142. Thrifty NW Mom

    Saving some green (and we don't just mean trees;)

    beans n rice @ live dot com

    I love your blog, thanks for your hard work Jen!

    Reply

  143. I'd like to see a post on organizing a pantry! You have a great site here, I love it!! purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com

    Reply

  144. I really enjoy your blog and appreciate your site since I am an SLP-gone-stay-at-home mom too! It is nice to feel connected to other moms who appreciate a good deal like myself! I like anything related to the organic world and tips for being more green. A tag line could be "greener moms for a greener planet!"

    Reply

  149. HI, I would love to win this giveaway, how fun! How about Bargains from the North West to you?
    coupons and money saving tips can be included under "bargains" and you're still capturing that North West feel!!

    Reply

  151. I love reading your blog when I get the time, it's definitely one I'd visit everyday if I had the time. Thanks for scouting out the deals for us!
    tamraj(at)rocketmail.com

    Reply

  152. I have just stumbled across your blog and can already tell I will enjoy future reading! My 3.5 year old son currently sees a speech pathologist!

    Reply

  153. I'm so thankful for someoone who puts their extra efforts into something that benefits so many people! Times are tough and you have helped our family lots over the past year! Keep up the good work!
    [email protected]

    Reply

  155. I'm a nursing student with a family, so every penny saved is helpful. Especially when the deals are in my neck of the woods!

    Reply

  157. I like the suggestion above, "bargains from the northwest to you" or it could be said "deals from the northwest to you". I love your links to the old navy stuff. I think a quick links to your most popular deals would be cool.

    Reply

  158. Love your blog and the fact that you are in the NW like me! Learning new ways to be frugal, thanks to you. Keep up the great work!

    cleokot at hotmail dot com

    Reply

  159. Ok so I just found your blog and I am in love! Thanks so much for posting such wonderful money savers in such a hard economic time! You are awesome and can't wait to see what you share the rest of the year.

    ~M
    [email protected]

    Reply

  161. Thanks for all your hard but money saving work! I have enjoyed getting your updates on FB and have used a lot of your suggestions! It is great to have resource! I enjoy saving a dime or many dimes, so thanks! Thanks again and you should feel proud of what you are doing. Best of luck with your change!

    Reply

  163. Just heard about your blog from a friend and am excited to see the new look. I would love to see info about deals on local daytime activities, like kids gyms, music/dance classes, etc… thanks!!

    Reply

  164. Your posts have really helped so many to save in these tough times. Congratulations on Two years of hard work and dedication to all of us thrifty NW Moms (and dads)

    Reply

  166. I am new to couponing and it all started with your blog! A friend recommended you and it's been shopping bliss ever since. thanks for all your hard work!

    Reply

  168. Love the blog, glad you're keeping it going. I'd say make the words a bigger font. On bigger screens, they're a bit tiny.

    Reply

  170. I love that this is a local blog that has posts that pertain to my local stores! I would however love to see more baby/kid stuff deals. With a little one on the way in a few weeks I would love to see more deal posts on diapers, wipes and other baby items!

    Reply

  171. I appreciate your blog so much because you take time to search for the deals that I don't have time to look for! I think my favorite 'feature' is that you always post deals for mall-type stores for the weekend! Very helpful for the busy errand running Saturdays!
    Thanks,
    Carli
    [email protected]

    Reply

  172. Congratulations on a year! I have a lot of fun reading, and knowing I'm getting much better deals thanks to your efforts :-) Anita

    soozla (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply

  173. I love that your blog features more NW items and relevant companies than other national blogs. I have such a hard time sifting through the large amount of information of national brands that don't have any outlets here on those other blogs.

    I hope you might be able to make it to the BlogHer conference this year!

    [email protected]

    Reply

  174. I'm lousy at this, but how about:
    Saving Dollars and Cents in the Northwest
    By the way, it's cool you feature savings in this area; so many blogs are from the other Coast! We in the West (not just Northwest) are kind of neglected!
    HobartsMama at AOL.COM

    Reply

  175. Great idea! Wow only one year. Thanks for all your hard work. Maybe the tag line could say something like The Frugal "Spirit of the Northwest. Or maybe you can have a more generic theme with money or just simple colors.

    Reply

  180. I like your tag at the top. It clearly describes the purpose of your blog and it's a good design. The blog seems clear to follow. For improvement: you should be able to comment right after your note rather than scrolling through all of the comments first.

    [email protected]

    Reply

  182. I absolutely LOVE your blog! You have saved me so much money over the past several months that even my husband talks about your blog to other people! We have made so many precious keepsakes because of the offers you pass along. I am eternally grateful!

    Mindy
    [email protected]

    Reply

  184. I've followed your blog for awhile now, and my favorite part is that you list Pacific NW-specific deals. I also like the deals involving restaurants – we love to eat out, and coupons help us stretch out eating-out budget every month!

    Melissa
    [email protected]

    Reply

  185. I love that you post all the regular stores deals-especially all the old navy informations. I would have been lost without it!

    BTW- you got some awesome tagline suggestions in the comments above!!

    Reply

  186. Thanks for all your info! I like being able to find some things specific to our area…feels like added bonuses to living where we live :)
    stephpax @ gmail.com

    Reply

  188. Love, love, love your blog! because you are local and share so many great deals. I like your tag line, what about just cutting it down to tips for the NW and beyond???
    Hey 188 is my best friend lol! see I shared you!

    Reply

  189. Did I barely make it? LOL :)

    I love your blog! I use it daily to get some of the best deals around. I even turned several friends your way and they are now as obsessed as I am. Thank you for this blog! I enjoy it greatly.

    mommy mo @ msn dot com

    Reply

  190. Your blog is awesome!! You've tipped me off to some great deals, and mmmmm…now a chance for lattes! Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *