And now we are Eight -- Happy Birthday to Mashup Mom!

Byrachel
376 Comments

Good morning, all! And happy birthday to me -- or, more precisely, to Mashup Mom. Today marks eight years into this mad mashup experiment, so thanks for coming along for the ride. Thanks especially to those of you who have stuck around during the recent changes as I settle in to a new path in the New Year, and welcome to all of you who have found your way here recently.

Birthdays are a time for reflection and perspective: Eight on its side is infinity, so let's make 2017 a year of possibilities and growth. As Mashup Mom continues to evolve it may not look the same by the end of the year as it does now, but I'm excited about the journey and what the future has in store.

I'm so glad you're here that I want to give you the presents: Here in my hot little hands I have a $25 Amazon gift card and two $5 Starbucks gift cards to give away. Want one?

  • For your chance to win, just comment here with something (anything!) positive -- because we could all use a little online positivity right now, don't you think?
  • For a bonus entry, follow Mashup Mom on twitter, on Facebook, or on Instagram and then come back and comment with which one you chose.

There's a maximum of two comments per household, and I'll pick three random gift card winners from all comments received. Comment to enter through 11:59 PM Central on Monday 1/30/17, and U.S. residents only, please. (ONLY comments on the blog will count as entries, NOT social media or email comments.)

Giveaway fine print

Prizing and information for this giveaway has been provided by me and only me. The winner will be randomly selected from all comments received on or around 1/31/17. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to email notification; if no reply is received, a runner up will be selected. Mashup Mom is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails.

No purchase necessary. The number of eligible entries receives determines the odds of winning. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery of your prize. We reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time or to substitute a prize of equal value.

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376 Comments

  4. Love that you turned 8 into infinity! Thanks for all your tips and tricks, and especially your Amazon Oddities! 🙂 Happy birthday!!

  7. 8 looks great on you :). Thank you for all of your insight on helping the average person like save money!!! Happy Birthday!

  8. Happy birthday? Still following and appreciate all the work you do!! My positive note is only 51 days until spring ?

  9. You have become like a shopping friend to me! I always look forward to the Goodwill finds and Amazon oddities...oh, and the kitty antics. I'm sticking with you through the changes.

  13. Happy Birthday, Rachel! I have enjoyed the 8 year journey with you and enjoy checking in her to see what your blogging about. Love exchanging recipes and hearing about your sugar journey.

  16. I enjoy following you page and savings money. I
    reading about the local deals. You post some great recipes as well.

  18. Happy Birthday! As the happy owner of kitties Midge and Finnegan, my sibling rescue kitties, I LOVE the photos of your bad kitty, always brings a smile to my face.

  19. Your site and following u on twitter has saved me a lot of money and given me good deals! Hope you celebrate many more anniversaries !

  20. Happy birthday. I look forward to your recipes and Aldi shopping. Keep up the good works. Thanks.

  21. Happy Birthday! Thanks for building this great online community and keeping it going during your new adventure.

  26. Love how you explain Amazon and the healthy food recipes. I always smile when I see you on my facebook

  29. Happy Birthday! Congrats on your new trombone player. I'm positive is sounds much better than when our oldest began on the oboe. It's so fun compare a clip from the first concert with one a few years later.

  32. Funny story about 8 and infinity: I have this tattoo (infinity) but when I went to get it done and gave the guy a printout of what I wanted, he inked it temporarily so I could judge placement, size, etc. "Is this what you wanted?" Ummmm, no. "Turn it on its side, I wanted the infinity symbol!" Close one! Lol
    Happy birthday!

  33. Congratulations on another year! Good for you for staying true to what your dreams are!

  42. You helped make my kids Christmas the best ever with all the awesome deals you searched out for us. Thank you!!

  45. Happy Birthday! I have been following you since the beginning!! I remember all the great deals using the Catalina's at Jewel. Wish you the best in the future!!

  46. Wow! Has it really been 8 years. Things have changed a lot during that time and I still enjoy your efforts. Thanks!

  50. I've been following you since 2010 and have enjoyed all of your helpful tips and saving ideas. Congratulations!

  53. I started following you 7 years ago when I first started being a SAHM and really needed to save my family money. I've moved away from extreme couponing, but love your site so I continue to follow. I'm excited to see how your site continues to evolve. Happy 8th Birthday!

  55. thanks for all the Amazon S&S tips! I use a lot of your suggestions! (And already follow on FB)

  64. Hi! I discovered your books two years ago and thanks to one of them, I've now started a little book selling venture on Amazon! The income is such a blessing. Thanks!

  66. I enjoy reading your page, your shopping trips and other deals you post. You helped me save a lot of money.
    I lfollow hot delas from mashupmom on Facebook.

  68. Thanks for all your hard work. I've saved loads of money from couponing. Many of your Amazon finds have found their way into my home! Love the recipes. Also love reading about your chickens too.

  70. I enjoy following you. Have for at least 6 years. I love the recipes and other things you post.
    My kids 4 & 6 are currently playing nicely together. It won't last long. Lol

  71. I already follow you on Facebook and I feel I'm too old to figure out this twitter or instagragam thing. I don't want a following or fame so I don't bother with them.

  79. Happy Birthday, MashupMom! Haven't spent all 8 yrs with you but the years that I've been here have re-engineered my brain into shopping wisely and making my family happy with my buys.

  80. I already follow your Hot Deals on FB but liked MashupMom today (altho it really doesn't look active).

  88. Thank you for your wonderful recipes and the work you put into your blog and Aldi shopping lists. My husband and family have enjoyed almost all of the recipes I have made! Thank you!

  90. Happy Birthday! Your website & Facebook posts have given me so many great ideas & money-saving tips. Here's to many more years!

  91. Happy Birthday. How time flies by. Thanks for all the wonderful money saving tips thru the years.

  94. Congrats on turning 8, Mashupmom! ? My positive comment is that it's a comfort to know that I'm not the only person with a naughty cat. Thanks for all you do, Rachel.

  97. Happy Birthday Rachel! You have saved me so much money over the past 8 years, I should be giving you the gift card! Thanks for all your hard work. My dh and family appreciate it!

  100. Love the frugal home living, we are all in that boat ?
    Thanks for all the match ups and deals heads up along the way!!

  105. Happy Birthday and many more!!! Thanks for
    all the helpful tips! I've been following you for
    years.

  107. Happy B'Day to you and may all your birthday wishes come true! Also, all my gratitude goes to you for helping me save so much on things my family would never have ! HUGS

  109. Mashup Mom, you've become a good friend. Reading your blog is a valuable contribution to each day.

  111. Happy Birthday Mashup Mom! Your site has save me so much money. It's something to look forward to every day. Keep up the good work

  112. Happy 8th year! I am just glad you decided to keep the blog going, no matter which direction it goes! Healthy living is probably actually more important than saving money. But we still love to coupon and deal hunt and save $$$!

  113. Thank you for the last several years of help! I saw you at the Plainfield Library years ago and have been hooked on your site ever since. Love your new additions/changes. Happy birthday! Many more.

  117. Happy Birthday! I am still laughing over your older son getting stuck in the car cart at Ultra I believe while you took the younger one to the gross bathroom. (how many years ago was that?) Also still laughing over the ball through the picture window courtesy of the neighbors lawn care service. (Which was just before the car cart incident.)They are worth re-posting if you can find them. Love current BLK stories and the deals. Thank you Rachel!!

  118. Happy Birthday! I ran a half marathon this morning and just saved $5 on an upcoming race. Promo codes are the best! 🙂

  119. Also - I just started following you on Instagram! Thanks so much for this giveaway - Starbucks and Amazon are my fave! 🙂

  121. Happy birthday. Loved watching your kids grow thru the years. Bad Kitty Lucy is a riot!! Thanks for all the tips.

  122. It's Saturday which means we still have one more day before the work week begins :). Thanks for all you do!

  124. Happy 8th! And thank you for helping me save so much over the years, by finding amazing deals!!
    Love following you on Facebook and look forward to what this year will bring! Keep up the great work!!

  127. I have been following you since 2008 and you have helped me save alot of money so I thank you for that!!!

  133. I enjoy your humor, and LOVE any posts involving the kitties. 😀 Thanks for saving me a ton of money by finding the deals that I would never have come up with on my own. I also have enjoyed many of your recipes.

  134. I have been following you for several years now. I also am a big reader and really like your posts on what you are reading.

  136. Loving my friend helped me find you and for all the wonderful tips you have passed on to to this mom of 3! Looking forward to 2017!

  138. It's been a fun and money saving 8 years! Thank you for all your hard work. I haven't paid for toothpaste in 5 years, thanks to you.

  139. I have only followed you for a few and years now. I loved your Kindle freebies, recipe ideas and am so happy with the Instant pot you recommend. I would also like to thank you so much for all the money saving ideas you have provided I look forward to your new format. Have a very happy birthday and hope you have a very good new year..

  149. Amazon thanks you for all my extra purchases through the years. Love when you post those deals. 🙂

  150. thanks for all the great deals. You have taught me a lot. Thnx.
    Keep up the great work, it's appreciated.

  156. I've been following you since almost the beginning and enjoy your blog so much. Thanks for all that you do!

  160. I check out your website everyday. Love the recipes!!! I'm trying to cook more for my family and you make it so easy and FUN!

  168. Happy Birthday! Thanks for continuing to post the bad kitty Lucy pictures! They are always humorous!

  169. Congrats! I believe I have with you close to 6 of the 8 years! Love all the info you provide!

  170. Thank you for all the help you've given over the years - it's been so easy to learn how to coupon on your site! Happy Anniversary!

  173. I've been following for quite awhile now, and am very thankful for all the tips, advice, money-saving, and laughs (i.e. amazon oddities 😀 ) over the years! Thanks for all the work you put into this!

  174. Happy Birthday! I can't believe it's been 8 years and I have been following this whole time. Yours is the only blog I still take the time to read and I love the recent additions.

  175. Happy 8th Birthday! I started to follow your site for findind goog Pampaers deal for my daughter. She is 8 years old now (lol).
    I learned a lot how to save on things from your site. Thank you! And, yes, I am still following your web and FB.

  178. I have been following you ever since I attended a seminar you gave in Westmont. You have always been my absolute favorite blogger. I miss the couponing stuff you used to post but have to say that I LOVE your new format as well!!!

  179. I've been reading this blog since the beginning and you have saved my family thousands of dollars. Thank you for providing relevant, funny and money saving ideas.

  181. Thank you Rachel. You changed my life and helped me learn how to use coupons, and spend wisely. Here is a funny story: I went through a couple of months where I wouldn't buy anything without a coupon. As a result my family went 2 days without toilet paper before my husband bought some (at regular price) . Lesson learned that HAVING toilet paper is much more important than saving a couple of dollars . ?

  184. Happy Birthday MashUpMom - I'm so glad I stumbled upon your site and I have shared you with many a friend. I have enjoyed watching your boys grow and the chickens and cat!! (I so want chickens) I have been rewarded with many a deal from your site and look forward to many many years ahead. You are a wonderful inspiration woman and I wish you years more of much success!

  186. Happy 8th birthday! I have followed you since you started your blog I have 2 kids about the age of yours so it's always fun to hear about your family. Good luck with your new direction....I'll keep on reading!

  190. While I certainly understand the direction of your evolution, I'm very glad that I started with your previous iteration. I was new to the world of coupons and learned so much about combining coupons with sales and loyalty programs and I've saved thousands because of this. Being busy as we all are, I also appreciated the "one stop shopping" nature of your site so I could access so much from one place. Now that I have more experience, I can maximize my savings more on my own and through some of the other sites you've recommended. Thank you very much!

  191. Congrats, this is one of my top reads every day. You have saved our family a lot of money, and helped us find lots of fun activities, too.
    Keep up the good work!
    ps. love that you love aldi, too. I enjoy the weekly menus!

  199. Happy Birthday MUM! Been following for years . My positive words are: "A negative mind will not bring a positive life"

  200. I've been following MUM for at least 4 years. I'll continue to read as you move into this new direction. Your posts are interesting, informative, and funny. I especially look forward to the book recommendations. Thanks!

  201. January 1st was my 8 year coupon anniversary, I have been following you since your Day 1 (You both were still buying diapers!!), Jill Cataldo's site led me to you and I have never looked back since. I took both of your classes and I sware, I met both of your pages right at a time where I desperately needed to. in the 8 years I have stuck by you, Jill, and Colin on Hip2Save, all other pages have fell to the waste side.

    Congratulations!

  202. I always enjoy finding great deals through your blog. I have saved LOTS of money through the years. Thank you!

  207. Happy 8th birthday Mashup Mom. I like how your site it so easy to navigate. You've done a wonderful job organizing your blog. Thanks for all that you do.

    I also follow you on Facebook and Twitter. I do not have an Instagram account.

  209. Congrats on 8! My positive thing today is that the sun is out. It's been quite a while since I could say that. lol Cat was super happy to find a sun patch this morning.

  210. I follow on twitter. Scrolling across an Amazon Oddity often makes me smile. There's some weird stuff out there! Like today's Tshirt. What in the world??? haha

  212. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping my family all these years with saving money! Your coupon matchups at cvs have been a lifesaver and have helped us tremendously through rather lean times of my stay at home status! Wish you and your family all the best.

  214. Happy birthday! I started couponing here. A trip down memory lane. I remember when we could use register rewards at jewel. Those were the days!

  215. While I am sad to see some things go, I am really positive about your new website format! Thanks for all you do!

  218. Thanks for the opportunity to comment in your blog! Here's my nice comment: we live in the greatest country on earth and while we may be divided, we're still the beacon of light that millions of people look to around the world. My hope is that we, as Americans, can heal our division and continue our leadership role as the 'greatest country on earth.'

  220. Happy 8th Birthday! Not many blogs can boast of such longevity. Thanks for always giving us the answer to "What to make for dinner?!"

  223. You've saved me tons of money over the years and I've had fun getting the deals. On a side note, the sun is finally out! Makes me feel happy!

  225. Congratulations on 8 years!! It is so nice to have a site that is so positive, has great idea and money saving tips!! Thank you so much!!

  227. Thanks for all you do. Your website is my homepage and I enjoy following your deals, as well as your personal stories and anecdotes.

  229. I'm so happy you started your blog and have saved so much money from your newsletters. I tell a lot of people about you. I'm a former DG girl class of 66.

  235. I could have sworn I already replied to this... ok, doing it again because it's important.

    Eight years, already! I you started shortly after I moved to Chicagoland and pretty much saved my life. Which is why I'm still following you now that I've moved back to Florida. I'm pretty sure I won't ever be able to quit your blog.

    Happy blogiversary!

  236. And, I thought I was following you across all of social but it looks like I wasn't following on Twitter. I am now.

  237. I am excited about your changes in your site this year, focusing more on healthier finds! I haven't been able to do tons of couponing since a lot of the coupons are for processed foods, but am always looking for deals on organic, whole foods & natural products, thanks!

  240. Yay! Happy Birthday to MashupMom! I've been tagging along since what was probably close to the beginning, and I'm still here (appreciating your progression as the industry is changing)-I really appreciate all you do here! Thanks!

  244. I have followed you here for a long time and recently on FB. In these times of uncertainty and negativity, you always offer positively great deals and information, often with a humorous twist. Happy Birthday - and many years more!

  245. It's always nice to be nice to the nice. That said, congratulations on the past 8 years and on the new direction of the blog.

  246. I read this somewhere ... kindness, like a boomerang, always returns. Happy 8th Birthday! Best wishes for the future!

  249. Its hard to believe the difference in my shopping pattern from eight years ago (had a little one in diapers then) to today but even more hard to believe is the amount of money saved by having access to your site. Thank you for everything you do!

  254. Thanks for 8!!!! But the 5lbs off as a result of eliminating sugar is just as good!! I am sure you are feeling better as time goes on. The free sunshine today is boisting me to move more as well!! 8 is great!!! Thanks for blogging......And for all your info and tips and recipes!!

  255. Congratulations and Happy Bithday! Thank you for sharing your deals and cooking tips and making my life easier.

  256. Wow eight years congrats! You have helped our household save on average $1300 a month thanks to receipt hog, check out 51, Ibotta, Berry cart. Thanks to you I learned about swag box and earning free gift cards for household as well as being re-wards also earning free gift cards for our household . As if that is not enough you tell me about Amazon subscribe and save where we save a ton of money. You also taught me how to save money and get tons of stuff for free at drugstores my drugstore choice Friday I started with that through you using wellness programs which has now moved to plenti program. And who knew you could save tons of money and get stuff free at target through manufacture coupons target coupons cart wheel and of course the red card. Not to mention how to say at department stores like Kohls, Sears etc. so I could go on and on but thank you and God bless you and good luck to whoever wins

  257. I love your blog, and it's been a life saver when life hasn't always saved me. 🙂 I'm from the raspberry era! 😀

  269. FB follower.

    Smile at a stranger because you don't know what their life is like and it could mean the absolute world to them.

  272. Happy birthday, Mashup Mom!

    I came for the deals and stayed for the fun. It really seems like you love what you do and I admire you for taking a step toward change. Cheers to a great 2017!

  276. Rachel, thanks for all of your help over the last 8 years! I love the direction your blog is going and really like seeing your posts over on FB. They make me smile!

  282. Love all the fun recipes you share! I like to cook but with 3 kids, I really like the quick, easy and healthy recipes!

  284. So thankful for your sense of humor and all that you do to help others live a frugal lifestyle.

  287. Hi Rachel. I've been following you and Mashup Mom for over five years. I appreciate all you do to help me save money. Thanks for blogging!

  288. I really appreciate all of the money you have helped me save over the years! I am excited to continue to follow you now with the new direction you are heading in! Happy Birthday!

  289. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    Im so happy to have followed you for many years! Good look to MUM in 2017 and whatever changes you continue to make.
    My positive is that I am grateful to have this forum and all the great followers that contribute deals, tips, recipes, etc. And a place where I can vent when cashiers do not know their own coupon policies and we can all commiserate together! Thanks Rachel!

  291. I follow you on Facebook so this is my "bonus" entry. I love seeing your big boys grow up. I have a Mr. 6 myself. Thanks!

  294. Who doesn't love a great deal??!! Never been a couponer, but I love getting a steal on something!

  296. Thank you for your sharing lots of great deals! Thanks to you, I got my free Werther's last week!

  297. I like that you stay true to yourself and are willing to branch off in a new direction. Congrats!

  308. You always provide useful information! I look forward to every post you do. Thanks so much!

  311. I have saved so much money and bought so many cool things at such reduced prices! Thanks for all the work you do to help me save money!

  319. ?Happy Birthday!? Thanks for all the hard work you do, and helping me save money! I always get a kick out of seeing the Amazon oddities you post!

  323. When you put positivity out there, it comes back to you! (I'm just saying) I'm going to Instagram to follow you there too! ? happy 8th birthday!

  325. I love this positive "Saving Community" !! I have learned a lot and SAVED a lot on gifts for myself....and those I love!!

  327. I enjoyed all you money saving tips and follow you on FB. I have also enjoyed watching your boys grow over the years.

  335. I follow you on Facebook and twitter. I don't have Instagram or I would follow you there too. 🙂

  338. For my positive comment, I love seeing fun pictures of your shops, hearing stories about your kids, seeing pictures of your cat and i'm grateful for all the money I've saved over the years. I also want to wish everyone GL.

  341. I've been following your blogs for years and have enjoyed your humor and saved plenty! Thank you!

  345. I'm not a cook but I find myself going your site more and more looking for "that" recipe I saw one time. Thanks for giving me some fresh ideas!

  361. Happy 8th! Thanks to your Amazon Oddities, I will always have ideas for that special family member! ?

  365. I have enjoyed following you for the past 8 years and look forward to following your blog in the future. Keep on keeping on, Rachel! You are appreciated!!

  366. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your site. Look forward to it each day:). Happy 8th birthday

  371. Thanks for helping me save money all these years! I've enjoyed the recipes too. My kids love the banana bread.

  372. Happy Birthday Mashup Mom! I always enjoy reading your ideas on how we can save. And I love the kitty photo bombs, she cracks me up. ?

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