I started writing the blog on May 20th, 2008 with a post titled Welcome to The Non-Consumer Advocate. Explaining that:
“Anyone knows how to live well in good times – lots of delicious dinners out, sumptuous presents for all, great clothes and furnishings. The art is to know how to live well whether your income is up or down. And live well we do. A nice big house in Portland, Oregon, classic comfy antique furniture, cool kids, really – the ‘American Dream.’ “
Over the past five years my writing has hopefully gotten a lot better. (Malcolm Galdwell writes that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in your field, and I feel like I’ve spent close to that on blogging!)
I’ve written 1845 blog posts, received 44,272 reader comments, given countless interviews and turned down a bijillion scammy advertising and sponsored post offers.
A few of my favorite posts, in no particular order (and likely leaving out the obvious) have been:
- How to Remove Demonic Spirits From Your Thrift Shop Clothing – A Tutorial
- Princess Katy and The Bedside Table
- Princess Katy and The Marimekko Miracle
- A Love Letter to The Belmont Branch Library
- Please, Introduce Yourself
- A Compact Chat
- Organization Geeks Need Not Go Broke — How to Make a No-Sew Drawer Organizer
- Making Applesauce – A.K.A. Getting Saucy With The Non-Consumer Advocate
- Each and every Goodwill, Badwill, Questionable-will post.
- Reality — I am Neither Extreme Nor Am I a Cheapskate.
- Treat Your $1 Belongings Like They Cost $700
But my favorite part of blogging has been the interaction with you guys, the readers. I’ve found amazing inspiration and ingenious ideas from all of you, and have surprised myself with what a true community The Non-Consumer Advocate has become. (The Facebook group for the blog has over 5,000 extremely active members!)
I’ve made wonderful friends through the blog and although my life would be simpler and easier without the almost daily writing task, I don’t see myself stepping down anytime soon.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being part of my world, dear readers! You make me laugh, give me ideas and inspiration and keep me in check.
Stay frugal, my friends.
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been reading our blog for a few years now. I really enjoy it, but my absolute favorite post was the Dear John letter to your hairbrush. I think I’ll go read it again now for a laugh.
Congratulations Katy! I have enjoyed every minute of reading your blog and am always inspired by your posts. One of the things you said that I try to remember is that “normal people repeat outfits, wear comfortable shoes and shy away from eating every meal in a restaurant” It helps when I am feeling downtrodden. Here’s to many more blog posts!
Funny. That’s from my post “NYC On a Budget: AKA Cheap Ass Katy in The City:”
https://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/nyc-on-a-budget-aka-cheap-ass-katy-in-the-city/
I started reading this post and I thought….”oh, no! she’s gonna tell us that she is ending her blog!” So glad that isn’t correct. I haven’t had a computer the whole time you have written but discovered it soon thereafter….I laugh, I learn and so look forward to your posts. You are so real and say what’s on your mind…..so often what the rest of us are thinking. Keep up the good work….you are indeed a blessing!
One tiny quibble: If you started writing the blog in May 2008, you’ve really been doing this for six years, not five. (Remember it’s now 2014!) But congratulations on your six years, and long may you wave!
Yep, was going to say the same thing! I sincerely love the blog and have learned tons from you and the commenters. But you may need a bit of practice counting… 😀
Yup, I’m an idiot. 😉
Hardly.
Definitely not! Everyone makes mistakes. I made a real doozy last week… Too complicated to explain here; suffice it to say that the consequences were more severe than a mid-count.
Looking forward to 16 more!
Keep up the great work Katie! I found you three years ago and have been a faithful reader ever since. I love your Things Making me Happy and One Thing That is Pissing Me off Posts. Also love the Found At Thrift Store = always entertaining. Cheers!
I love the way you are rearing your kids…ever think of blogging an article on that, or did I miss it?
Thank you Katy, It’s one of the highlights of my week!
After I check my emails, I always go right to this blog. The best!! Hope theres a lot more to come, keep up the good work.
Dear Katy, thank YOU for writing my favorite blog—reading your posts always feels like a visit with a friend.
Two short notes.
In one of the above listed posts, you talked about (I think in 2007) about buying used sheets. And it just popped up on the FB group. Some of the issues continue to surface as we all become more aware.
And the hardest blog I ever read was the one when you began to doubt writing the blog and thought about giving up. I am SO glad you stayed with us – or allowed us all to come along for the ride. You make the journey so fun and interesting.
Congratulations, Katy!! Happy anniversary, and here’s to many more years. 🙂
In my “real” life I have no one I can talk with about buying less, repurposing what I have, using coupons and in general living simply. So I come here to interact with like minded people. So thanks, Katy for making me feel not so alone or different.
Glad to hear my weirdness has a receptive audience. 😀
Karen,
I am in a similar situation, the people I know just don’t get the non-consuming lifestyle. Katy has helped me stick to my principles, so thank you Katy and blogaversary. I have enjoyed your posts for several years.
I agree, my social circle is rather small these days, so hearing what like-minded people do help
Oh, Oh, gotta tell this story. Neighbor gave me a bunch of sprouted potatoes for my compost pile.
Well, we planted them and told him we’d give his potatoes back late summer. Should have seen his face, he throws away more food every month than I buy!!!
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for creating this community where my weirdness is normal! 🙂 Love y’all!
Oh, so happy you’re not hanging it up! Here’s to many more happy/fun/funny blogging years. Thanks so much for being you and sharing your “you” with the rest of is. We are in your debt and ever so grateful.
Congratulations! I am mostly a lurker here, but I read every post and appreciate your common sense, breath-of-fresh-air approach. It’s good to be reminded that more stuff isn’t the answer to life’s problems, and that a little ingenuity can help us meet our needs and provide us with a truly rich life.
Thank You for inspiring me!
Congratulations on six years of making the world a better place through blogging! Here’s to many more!
Thank you! The blog itself is rich, funny, fabulous and informative – and your writing is truly enjoyable. I also love that the blog (along with the facebook site) has evolved into an amazing tool for community building. With appreciation and a whole lot of new frugal soul mates : ) Elizabeth
I’ve been reading the blog since soon after you began, I think. Congratulations on this milestone, and Viva la Non Consumer Advocate! I love your writing, your insight, your approach, your sense of humour… Well done! Here’s to many more years!
Thank you, Happy Mum!
Katy
Happy 10 year (yesterday!) I still enjoy reading (and rereading…)