Can you believe it! We're 5 years old!
How it all Began
On October 5, 2009 Coupons4Utah went live with it's first post. It was a silly little post about a coupon for Puffs Tissue ($1.00 off!) and it has been a crazy journey ever since. Where did the time go? I've posted many times, this website was a project of love with my children. I had NO idea it would grow the way it has. Read more about the beginning and journey here.
The Roller Coaster Ride
Over the years, I've laughed, I've cried, I've even given up, but most of all, I have grown. I have learned so much in the past 5 years that some days it feels as if my head will explode. The journey has been packed full of ups and downs.
I've made many mistakes. I've let people down, missed deadlines and posted with haste and arrogance. I've written and said things I regret, without thought to others feelings and viewpoints. At times my priorities have been skewed and out of whack. In the early years, I've even put the website above family and friends. How misplaced was I?!
I've been taken advantage of, bashed and abused, left with un-kept promises and had those I thought were ally's betray me. And everyday, you have been there, with your emails and comments of support to pick to me up again. Little by little I'm learning the in's and out's of the business world. I've discovered the boundaries one must set to keep integrity at it's highest. I've learned about managing and motivating people and am grateful to have an amazing group of contributors that keep the site running when I can not.
I have learned a great deal about myself and the responsibility of the power of blogging. My opinions are no longer black and white and set in stone. I've become more giving and community oriented. I've learned a tremendous amount about my limitations and am grateful for this very personal journey the website has taken me on.
The extreme highs and lows have run the gamut of emotions from stressful, daunting, overwhelming, powerful, depressed and most of all ecstatic, grateful, humbled and honored. Who would have thought a little Utah coupon blog, started by an ordinary grandma without a single media or PR connection, would have such an impact to those it reaches. I still have a long way to go and hope you'll join me.
Thank You! Every morning, when I open my email and read your heart felt letters it makes going on this journey one of the best things I have ever done. I do not take your trust lightly and will always strive daily, not to let you down.
Joani
Birthday Giveaway Extravaganza
Okay, enough of the blah, blah, blah and on to the celebration. If you've been on Facebook page, you know we're already celebrating with the giveaway goods. Now it's time to launch them officially. We've dug deep into our pockets to say thanks and over the next two weeks we'll be hosting a BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY EXTRAVAGANZA by giving away over $1000 worth of goods.
Here's how's it's going to work. Each day we'll put various items up for grabs. That specific giveaway will only be up for grabs on that day. To enter for your chance to win, we simply want to hear your chatter. Your opinions help us keep good direction and we need more of them. You can enter multiple times daily via the website, Facebook and Twitter.
How to enter for your chance to win
1- Entering on Coupons4Utah: Comment to a post made that day (with something relevant or helpful) and you'll be entered for that day's giveaway.
2- Entering on Facebook: Comment and/or “Like” to a post made that day (with something relevant or helpful) and you'll be entered for that day's giveaway. Go to Facebook>>
3- Entering on Twitter: Follow us on Twitter and Retweet OUR posts. (Note to Twitter followers, we like to re-tweet a lot of Utah happenings. If it's a retweet from another company, that won't count) Go to Twitter>>
That's it. Just do what you've been doing all along and you're entered.
Winners
Winners will be announced at the end of the giveaway extravaganza on Friday November 7th, which is, coincidentally, my actual birthday. You'll have 48 hours to respond to the winning announcement.
Make sure to check the site that day as we will be unable to email you, since there is no official form to fill out. The usual general contest rules apply this giveaway is open to Utah resident's only, you can view the full rules here.
Good Luck
Facebook Giveaway Disclaimer: Facebook giveaways are in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. In signing up for Facebook promotions, participants release and indemnify Facebook from all liability.
I am so grateful for this website to let us know what good deals do we have in Utah and I love this website. Happy Birthday on the 5th birthday and more birthdays to come!!
You are my #1 source for Smiths deals. Love your match ups. Thanks
I love giveaways!! And glad you guys are around!!! Thanks for the website!!
Happy birthday ! I havent been following long but Im here to stay! Thanks for all you do!!
Love your website-thanks for the Smiths good deals!
Love, love your website!! You only post the best deals & the most thorough Smith’s list, I never go grocery shopping without it!! Thank you, thank you for all your time and efforts!!
Happy Birthday! I love your Smith’s match ups! Thank you so much for all your hard work!
Happy Birthday! I love your site and all the deals and events you post. Thanks:)
Your posts and local deals have saved me so much time and money over the years. Thank you!!!!
FABS giveaway! IKEA has the best kitchen towels and a $100 GC would keep me in towels 4ever!
Happy Birthday! Thank you so much for helping me save money for my family!
I love your smiths coupon match up. It helps me save so much.
I love following your website and learning how to save money! I especially like when you direct me which coupons to use to get the best deal!
How exciting!! Congrats on 5 years! This is so much fun. Thank you for all the deals, coupons and giveaways! And Happy Birthday!
I use this this mainly for my smiths deals as well. Love being able to get cheaper groceries. Happy birthday!!!
You have helped me save a lot. Thanks
Happy Birthday! Thanks for doing such a great job and sharing the deals. You help me save greatly especially at Smith’s.
Happy birthday!!! Your posts always help me find such great deals!!!
LOVE YOUR BLOG- JUST MOVED TO UTAH AND Its been very helpful!
happy Birthday. Sorry to hear about your lows. Glad to hear you still keep kicking!!!
Congratulations! 5 years is a great accomplishment!
Happy Happy Birthday! I love all the heads up on savings! I save so much that I get to shop more!
I love your website. Love getting all the tips! Than you and happy birthday
i’m happy to celebrate C4u’s birthday, my birthday is dec 28 and it’s not really fun to celebrate even at 36! wish I had a bday in any other week of the year!! thanks for all you do!
My Grandmother was born on Christmas Day. She always used to say that too.
Thank you for all you do to keep this website Running. My husband and I have been very dedicated users and followers for the last 2 years. We love everything about it. Thank you!
You’re welcome Amy. Thanks for being such a great reader.
Thx for all the great tips and all the great deals, I have been following you for about 2 years and you are my go to site. It was fun to meet you and your husband in Target shopkicking;) My husband now helps me shopkick and we have earned over 200 in gift cards!! thx again and Happy Bday!!
Sandy, it’s always awesome to hear from you! One of the BEST things about this journey has been meeting people like you!
Thank you so much for going through the hardships that go along with creating and continuing a website. My family & I always look to your website for all our needs. Whether that is savings for dinner or finding something to do on a “boring” day. Thanks again. Keep up the good work, we depend on you! Lol
You’re welcome. I’m glad it’s helped.
In it to WIN it! Thank You!
Love your website and love giveaways even more!!
Fun giveaway! Thanks for all your hard work!
I really wish your contests were open to people outside of Utah. We live in Rock Springs WY and I follow your FB page for the smiths deals and the Salt Lake and surrounding area events. When Salt Lake is the closest place with shopping and activities like the zoo, you’d be surprised with how many trips to Salt Lake we make. It would be nice to be able to enter contests since I do read your posts and enjoy them.
I’m sorry Carol Ann. I do not mean to excludes regular readers. It was a difficult decision. Unfortunately we’ve had large freebie/sweepstakes spammy type websites share them with their audience and then get hit with a ton of traffic of people that just want the goods. We’ve ended up shipping prizes to people all over the country who either can’t use it because it’s local or have no interest in the website only winning. It’s been one of the frustrations of being local.
Please stick with me though. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised soon. Thanks for your loyalty!
Happy Birthday Nov 7!!!