Long ago, on a really crappy Blogger platform, I gave birth to a blog.
It was called Five Amazing Minutes back then. And I was trying to write about capturing just five amazing minutes (duh) with my kids each day.
Only I started finding myself not really writing about the amazing stuff every day – or even about my kids every day. I discovered that I wanted to write about food. And the uber-annoying things my kids do. And technology. And blogging. And pop culture.
I was ready to write more seriously about ALL the things I love to write about. Oh and also? I was ready to get a book deal, TV show and live on a big ass ranch in Montana and be taken on all-expense paid trips to Disney World and Paris and maybe an African safari.
{I’m still ready for that, by the way. Ahem.}
Five Amazing Minutes was not going to cut it.
So two years ago this week, I moved Five Amazing Minutes to WordPress. I rebranded it KludgyMom, and while I’ve been blogging for four years this fall, it’s that date in May 2010 where my blogging really began. That’s the anniversary I’ll be celebrating this coming week.
Every day as a blogger, I am given gifts – lovely gifts of support from you. A thoughtful comment, a retweet, a text from a blogging friend just to say hi, an email that says, “I loved your post today.”
I’ve got two years worth of those gifts stored up in my heart that I treasure…and will continue to treasure each day.
I’ve realized that it takes two to blog.
Me. Plus You.
Me to write, and you to read.
So celebrating the anniversary of KludgyMom is really about celebrating us – me + you.
And it’s time to go big.
Like, Oprah big.
Okay, fine, maybe not THAT big. But I am taking a page from her book – one called My Favorite Things.
Next week, I’ll be kicking off a week-long extravaganza of giveaways of my favorite things. Most days, I’ll have more than one giveaway. So don’t get angry when your email or feed gets cluttered with posts from me…it’s all REALLY good stuff!
Along the way, I’ll be taking a look back at some of the related posts I’ve written, too – a little journey back through the KludgyMom archives. (I’ll be too busy giving stuff away to write real posts).
Me + You = Win.
I’m not going to spoil the surprises just yet, but here’s what you know about me.
I like technology. Wine. Blogging. Bright colors. Not looking ancient. Taking pictures of my kids. California. A Clean House. Jewelry and fashion. And there’s more….
So get ready people…the My Favorite Things giveaway frenzy starts Sunday. I can’t wait to celebrate with you. Have fun!!!
About the Author Gigi Ross
I'm a blogger, social media geek, mom and wife, foodie, reality TV addict and Jason Mraz fangirl. Not in that order. I write here about parenting, blogging, technology, social media and pop culture.
{ 44 comments }
Whoo! Cant wait to see what lovely things you want us to win from you lol. Congratulations on your anniversary. We love and appreciate you just as much as you love us.
Thanks, AMiyrah! Hope you win something next week!
So much fun, you!
Go big or go home, right?
(And happy blogiversary!)
Galit Breen´s last [type] ..Bringing Home A Third Baby
Thanks, lady! Gotta go big! So big I’m not sure how I’m going to physically fit all of these giveaways into my tiny blog! (that’s a good problem to have, though!)
Gigi… what a fabulous idea. Congratulations on two wonderful years.
Carolyn West´s last [type] ..I Love My Daughter
How fun are you?
Happy celebration!
angela´s last [type] ..Crushed
I have my fun moments like, well…once every two years.
Amazing really these kind of moments on which we can realize like that yes now we have done something unique and extraordinary.
Goa trip´s last [type] ..Goa Holiday Packages
Thank you!!! It’s very exciting.
Oooh – FAVORITE THINGS!!!! You can’t see me, but I’m jumping up and down, fanning myself, and praising God, like one of those hysterical Oprah audience members. BRING ON THE FREE STUFF.
And congrats on the blogiversary. I love your blog because it is the perfect combo of technology, blogging tips, and laugh out loud funny. Plus, you inspire me daily that it IS possible to write about poop and still be professional and embraced by brands. Thank you for that!
Leslie @ The Bearded Iris´s last [type] ..Mama Needs a New Pair of Boobs
Ha! I love it. I am all about free stuff.
I appreciate your kind words. It’s hard to be nicheless sometimes, but with comments like yours, it encourages me to press on! And yes…there is hope on the brand front for sure. I’ve been so encouraged by method!
Well my friend…I’m pretty sure I like you More than Oprah right now!!!!
What a great way to celebrate this space, you really are amazing!!!!
Xo
Kir´s last [type] ..Proud Mommy Moment: My Mom is Here (*Bring Tissues*)
Thanks, Kir! I hope you find a fun giveaway (or five) to enter here next week!
Happy Blogoversary! Millions will start a blog but only the strong keep writing! Good for you!
Barbara´s last [type] ..Cutting The Fluff
THanks, Barbara! It’s a grind sometimes but so worth it.
Congrats to you! You’ve been a real inspiration, a great source of tips and filled this newbie with endless possibilities for her blog. I’m where you were four years ago…I look forward to celebrating this anniversary with you and hope you will with me someday!
Debra´s last [type] ..They’re Just Little Kids, Can’t They Have Some Fun Without The Pressure
Oh, that’s so exciting to be just starting out. I’m glad you enjoy coming by…and I hope you win something next week
Happy blogoversary to you, too! May is my blogoversary, too and, like you, I am going wild with the giveaways. Although I’m sure you have waaaaaay more bling than I do, I’m pretty psyched with what I’ve got lined up. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you, Gigi. Can’t wait to see where you are in another four years.
Hopefully we’ll both have have written our first book, starred in our first film, and be anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first perfume. Yours shall be called Gigi, and it will be featured in Sephora where the newest, coolest mommy-star will endorse it.
My scent — Twitty-Stank — shall promptly land in the discount bin at Walmart.
Renee A. Schuls-Jacobson´s last [type] ..Running on Empty: A #LessonLearned by El Farris
Let me know how I can support your giveaways when the time comes!
This sounds super fun! Happy Anniversary! I am where you were in May 2010 and can only hope to be as successful as you.
You’re very sweet
. It’s a lot of hard work but can be so rewarding – and fun to be able to give back every now and then.
Ooh I can’t wait. How very exciting and happy anniversary!
Thank you! I’m so excited and can’t wait for the giveaways to start!
I LOVE reading your blog! Congrats on 2 years strong! What an amazing accomplishment!
Aw, thanks Shauna! I didn’t even know you read my blog, so this is such a pleasant surprise
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to see what all of your favorite things are
Laura´s last [type] ..Felt Sushi DIY Kids Craft found via Pinterest
Thanks! Too bad I can’t give away a vacation. that’d be high on my list
Happy anniversary, Gigi.
I remember reading you for the first time on 5 mins for mom.
Like it was yesterday.
WHERE has the time gone??????
Congrats kludgy mom- what a nice & sincere way to recognize your efforts and your readers!
Deirdre´s last [type] ..Photo Friday – Color your World
OOOOhhhhh SOOOO fun!
Congrats on TWO fantastic years as Kludgy Mom! You’re a rockstar in my book!
I’m at two years in October and not nearly as fabulous – well done my friend!! XO.
Nicole @MTDLBlog´s last [type] ..5 Things I Know I Do Well as a Parent {Listable Life}
How fun. I’m in awe of all you’ve accomplished in two years. All you need at the end of this post is that SNL spoof of the women’s heads popping off as Oprah announces the prizes. I have never been able to watch her Favorite Things shows the same since that spoof.
Jessica´s last [type] ..Our World
whatever. you already gave me something…your friendship.
Katie´s last [type] ..m is apparently for “myself”
dang baby on my arm… hit publish too soon.
I was also going to say…YAY for four years and WOOT to giveaways!
Katie´s last [type] ..m is apparently for “myself”
I’ll be your Gayle.
Gayle is a hanger-on. A coattail rider. A lackluster wingwoman. You, my friend, are so much more than Gayle.
jajaja,share your comment Jessica:
How fun. I’m in awe of all you’ve accomplished in two years. All you need at the end of this post is that SNL spoof of the women’s heads popping off as Oprah announces the prizes. I have never been able to watch her Favorite Things shows the same since that spoof.
So much fun! Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.
Can’t wait to see what next week has in store. 
PS Happy blogiversary!! You add all sorts of humor & loveliness to the bloggy world, we’re lucky to have you!
Amy @ Counting My Kisses´s last [type] ..Being second
Can’t wait!! I hope you win something!
Happy Anniversary. It’s been fun getting to know you and your blog and I’m looking forward to more
Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot´s last [type] ..Spinach Pesto Pizza
Thank you, Stephanie! Have a super weekend!
Oooh! Very cool!
Gigi, I love that you shared your start story, because I have basically done the same thing. After blogging for two years, I realized I want to really do this thing, moved to WP, working on a new brand as we speak, and the rest I hope turns out much like your success. <3
It gave me some encouragement to know that this move, and redesign and name change aren't a waste of time.
Adrienne´s last [type] ..Aliens Abducted My Mom.
Awesome! That is very exciting. Feel free to email me if you ever need help!
I LOVE giveaways! How fun!
I’m picturing you standing on the stage pointing to each person and yelling, “And, YOU get a free ______! And, YOU get a free _______! And, YOU get a free ________!”
Awesome!
Jamie @ Roubinek Reality´s last [type] ..Never Thought I’d Be a Vlogger
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