Six Years of The Non-Consumer Advocate!

by Katy on May 21, 2014 · 30 comments

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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:

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 }

Michelle D May 21, 2014 at 10:12 am

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.

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jill May 21, 2014 at 10:14 am

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!

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Katy May 21, 2014 at 10:28 am

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/

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Linda M May 21, 2014 at 11:01 am

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!

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A. Marie May 21, 2014 at 11:33 am

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!

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Barb @ 1SentenceDiary May 21, 2014 at 12:40 pm

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… 😀

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Katy May 21, 2014 at 1:14 pm

Yup, I’m an idiot. 😉

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NMPatricia May 21, 2014 at 4:20 pm

Hardly.

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Barb @ 1SentenceDiary May 22, 2014 at 4:45 pm

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!

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livingrichonthecheap May 21, 2014 at 12:50 pm

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!

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Betsey May 21, 2014 at 2:20 pm

I love the way you are rearing your kids…ever think of blogging an article on that, or did I miss it?

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marie May 21, 2014 at 2:42 pm

Thank you Katy, It’s one of the highlights of my week!

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kathleen May 21, 2014 at 2:50 pm

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.

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Lilypad May 21, 2014 at 2:51 pm

Dear Katy, thank YOU for writing my favorite blog—reading your posts always feels like a visit with a friend.

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NMPatricia May 21, 2014 at 4:20 pm

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.

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Hope :) May 21, 2014 at 4:47 pm

Congratulations, Katy!! Happy anniversary, and here’s to many more years. 🙂

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Karen May 21, 2014 at 5:13 pm

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.

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Katy May 21, 2014 at 10:04 pm

Glad to hear my weirdness has a receptive audience. 😀

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K D May 22, 2014 at 6:12 am

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.

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marie May 22, 2014 at 7:02 am

I agree, my social circle is rather small these days, so hearing what like-minded people do help

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marie May 22, 2014 at 7:04 am

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!!!

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Joanna May 21, 2014 at 6:58 pm

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for creating this community where my weirdness is normal! 🙂 Love y’all!

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Diane C May 21, 2014 at 11:35 pm

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.

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Kathy May 22, 2014 at 5:07 am

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.

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Louise May 22, 2014 at 6:45 am

Thank You for inspiring me!

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Dorf Diva May 22, 2014 at 10:02 pm

Congratulations on six years of making the world a better place through blogging! Here’s to many more!

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Elizabeth May 24, 2014 at 2:25 am

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

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Happy Mum May 24, 2014 at 4:10 am

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!

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Katy May 24, 2014 at 6:10 pm

Thank you, Happy Mum!

Katy

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Darcy May 21, 2018 at 7:21 pm

Happy 10 year (yesterday!) I still enjoy reading (and rereading…)

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