It has been a year exactly since I left my steady job as a reporter at the Los Angeles Daily News and launched BargainBabe.com. I’ve published 1,012 blog posts, learned how to write a monthly business budget, and surpassed my earnings at any previous job.
Thank you to anyone who has sent me a tip, signed up for my email list, or told a friend about BargainBabe.com. You rock!
Blogging is different than any job I’ve had. I’ve learned a more diverse skill set (writing is only about 33% of what I do) and put in more hours than I expected. My income fluctuates and maintaining my focus is challenging.
But blogging satisfies me. I’ve made many new friends, been exposed to great opportunities, and am constantly learning. Through blogging I discovered my down-to-earth writing voice and re-created my career.
Coincidentally, my birthday falls near BargainBabe.com’s anniversary. Over the weekend I went dancing with girlfriends to celebrate. I was telling one friend about an upcoming business trip to New York.
“What are you going to New York for?” she asked.
“I’m going to be in a magazine shoot.”
“What?”
“A magazine shoot – for Better Homes and Gardens.”
“WHAT?”
I laughed. She hugged me.
“That’s awesome, Julia!”
“I know, I know,” I said, thinking of all the ways it could fall through.
“No, you need to stop and realize your dream is happening, Julia. Everything you set out to do, it’s happening.”
I dismissed her then. There is a lot I haven’t accomplished! But now I realize she is right. So I’m taking a moment to appreciate my success.
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Ahem. Back to work. The blog must go on!
PS. Giant, heaping, armful of thanks to Andrew, Ginna, Julie, Sean, Sarah, Aicha, my Mom, my Dad, Greg, Alex, Meital, Mariel, Steve, and Connie for your help and support.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Keep up the good work!
Goal for 2010: Bargain Babe on TV every week.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Congrats! I am proud to have been with you from the start!
January 26th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Congratulations on turning one!
January 26th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Congrats Julia! So proud to have been with you from the start!
January 26th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Congratulations — I started with you at the Daily News and I love your site. The Daily News bargains haven’t been the same since you left.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Congrats on your one-year anniversary!
You’re an inspiration! Can’t wait to see the spread in House and Garden and hope you blog about the trip to NYC. I look forward to getting Bargain Babe every day!
January 26th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Congratulations Julia.
You have done a great job with your bargain babe website. I love getting you newsletters everyday.
Your dream came true girl. Keep up the good work.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
You have done an amazing job, Julia!! Be proud and enjoy living your dream.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Congratulations Julia. I’m very proud of all that you have accomplished, which if the past year is any clue, is only the start.
January 26th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Congratulations! I’ve been reading your blog since you were with the Daily News. What an amazing accomplishment! I’ve been thinking about starting a beauty blog but was on the fence. Maybe I’ll do it!
January 26th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Happy blogaversary! You are an inspiring success story. When’s your birthday? Mine is next Monday.
January 26th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
You are an inspiration and a ton of fun! I’ve been with you from the start and enjoyed meeting you in person at the library in Northridge. Wishing you continued success, both professionally and personally. And Happy Birthday!
January 26th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Congrats Juiia ! Have been with you since the newspaper days, seen you in person at West Valley Library and the Frugal Fest. Love your smile !
Keep up the good work !
January 26th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
You’re a rock star all around! Keep it up -we’ve learned (and earned back) a lot from you.
January 26th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I am so excited I found you! Looks like a great Blog to follow. I am always looking for ways to save some bucks! Looking forward to learning some great things! Thanks!
January 26th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Congrats… I have been with you since you were a reporter and the begining of bargain babe. I look forward to the continued bargains ahead.
January 26th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
A greatly enjoy your blog and look forward to each day’s new information. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
January 26th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Wow, congratulations!!
January 26th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Wow, you have accomplished so much! Congratulations!
January 26th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Julia, I love your personal stories of saving money and staying moral. Have another good year and I’ll be with you reading every weekday.
January 26th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Love your blog! Congrats on all your success and sending vibes for TONS more in the future
January 26th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
You are providing such an amazing service for everyone, and it’s appreciated!
January 26th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
What a great accomplishment! Congrats on your successes and I look forward to reading more posts
January 26th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Congratulations, Julia!!! I wish you continued success. Great post:)
January 26th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Congrats! I love your blog.
January 27th, 2010 at 1:41 am
This is so amazing! You are livin’ the dream baby!
January 27th, 2010 at 5:34 am
Congrats! I’ve just recently joined so look’n fwd to being here for the 2 yr mark!
January 27th, 2010 at 7:21 am
I am so happy for you!
January 27th, 2010 at 11:05 am
You go girl!
January 27th, 2010 at 11:44 am
You go girl! It’s so awesome that you are doing what you enjoy, AND making money!
January 27th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Bargain Babe you are a true rockstar-striking out on your own, running triathalons, jetting around the country, making videos, and now a magazine photo shoot. I am very proud of you. Don’t forget the little people when you get even more famous.
love,
your fantastic fan,
your NY sis
January 27th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
oh jeez, julia. I think I love you, yet again!
hahhaha
Meital
PS- happy birthday to you and BB!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Congrats! You go, girl!
January 28th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Happy Birthday to youuu, Happy Birthday to youuuu, Happy Birthday Dear Juliaaaaaaaaaaaa and Barbainbabe.com toooooooooooo…you really are great! Thanks for all the hints!!
January 28th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary, Bargain Babe! I’ve gotten so many good tips and found bargains that I didn’t even know were out there so I have to say thank you and to echo others’ sentiment: Keep up the good work!
Ginni
January 28th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
DITTO ! ! ! I wouldn’t have stayed with you for such a long time (from the beginning) if I didn’t find you worth reading! I’m as proud as a mom can be for all you’ve accomplished, and know it’ll just get better and better. And dazzle H&G with that smile!
Hugs ~ E :O)
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 am
Hi…just came across your site and just thought you might like to add these flats to your repertoire. You can go directly to my blog which is mysoleilcomfyshoe.wordpress.com or directly to soleilshoeco.com to check out this line, they come in 4 great colors, incredibly affordable with a tote to carry your heels in when your feet start hurting. These flats are rollable, foldable and ultra compact so they can fit in your purse, now how cool is that!! Right now we are having a 25% sale but only until the 24th of Feb. I love heels but when my feet start hurting it’s time to put them to bed in the lovely Soleil tote and put on these comfy flats. Let me know what your thoughts are. Blessings. ps congratulations on your 1 yr.