Announcing The Dietgirl 9th Birthday Sell Out!

This here blog turns the crusty old age of nine today!

It has been a grand old time and I wanted to say thanks again for coming along for the ride. I have made some amazing pals through this beast. Thank you for all the laughs and inspiration and wonderful comments and emails. Again I sincerely apologise for not being able to keep up with the replies, but I do read them all and do a little chair dance!

Over the years many people have asked why there's no advertising or giveaways on this blog. Is it because you're an artiste? An elitist snob? A raging communist?

It could be the above. Or it could be I'm too lazy to figure out how to fit ads into my templates. Or it could be, to paraphrase Mr Darcy, that PR companies so very rarely get in touch with anything handsome enough to tempt me. 99% of press releases are completely irrelevant to me and/or you lovely readers.

A typical request:

Mr Diet Girl,

Would you like to write about  Crazy Bob's Tastee Granola Bar that's only available in the USA and is laden with dodgy sweeteners and orangutan-destroying palm oil?

In exchange for 500 words of copy and 16 links in your sidebar we will give you one (1) Crazy Bob's Tastee Granola Bar...

So there you have it, nine years of non-commercial bloggery. If the Fage people offered me a trip to Greece to visit the yogurt plantations... that might be a different story.

All that said, today I am going to break tradition. For the big bad birthday, I'm busting out a giveaway!

After years of offering feck all, now I'm trying to make it up to you, like an estranged parent with an ice cream cone.

For one week only, may I proudly present...

The Dietgirl 9th Birthday Sell Out starts this Monday 18 January. I'll be giving away one prize per day, for nine consecutive days.

Basically all I did was ferret through my cupboards and think about what stuff I liked to eat and do and wear and whatnot. Then I became a shameless hussy and wrote a megaload of emails to the people that make these various products. I asked if they fancied donating a prize to The Dietgirl 9th Birthday Sell Out? A number of them responded favourably to form a delightful hodge podge of prizes.

We're not talking OMG Oprah Put A Car Under My Chair kind of prizes, but they are cracking wee things that I absolutely adore that I was highly tempted to keep for myself, made by some really sound companies.

Best of all, most of these giveaways are open to readers from anywhere in the world. None of that crushing USA ONLY stuff around here! Well, a couple are UK Only but how often does the UK get to lord it over everyone since the Empire crumbled?

Anyway, if you want to join in The Dietgirl 9th Birthday Sell Out, be sure to come back this Monday 18 January when the first prize will come up for grabs. All you will have to do to enter is leave a comment with a valid email address. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator. Giddyup!

Comments

[1 · Posted by PastaQueen · January 15, 2010 at 03:13 PM]

Happy 9th Birthday! Thanks for reminding me of the date :)

[2 · Posted by Kimmi · January 15, 2010 at 03:18 PM]

Happy Birthday!! I'd be lost without this little blog of yours and I love you for not hosting ads! (as you stated the stuff is ususally crap anyways!)

[3 · Posted by Merry · January 15, 2010 at 03:20 PM]

I did once have a very nice PR lady offer me a chance to try out this Fancy New Cellulite cream. She took it very nicely when I said I really couldn't do the product justice.

[4 · Posted by Shelley B · January 15, 2010 at 03:22 PM]

Happy Blog Birthday, Shauna!!! You must be one of the earliest blogs that is still around - congratulations!!!

[5 · Posted by Philippa · January 15, 2010 at 03:36 PM]

Congrats on 9 years!! Looking forward to seeing the giveaway stash! :D xx

[6 · Posted by women's workout · January 15, 2010 at 03:44 PM]

Happy birthday DietGirl, I love reading your blog, though I haven't been a blog reader for 9 years, I think that is amazing. And yes, I will be back Mon for the giveaway info. No Mr Bob bars? jk.

[7 · Posted by Heather J · January 15, 2010 at 03:49 PM]

Okay, now that is exciting! Wheeeeeeeeeee! I love giveaways.

Oh yeah . . . Happy Ninth!! :D

Love love love!

[8 · Posted by Patricia · January 15, 2010 at 03:50 PM]

Nice! I want to thank you for a great blog that I read regularly...to (sort of) paraphrase Sally Field's 1985 Oscar speech- I like you, I really like you!

[9 · Posted by Argy · January 15, 2010 at 04:14 PM]

I'm here only to complain!

Visit Greece for the Fage plantation eh???

Shame on you!!!!

(happy birthday blog that brought this woman to my life!!!)

[10 · Posted by Karin · January 15, 2010 at 04:28 PM]

Happy Birthday!
Your blog is amazing. It is wonderful to see what a person can achieve.
All the best and greetings from a foggy Vienna (Austria),
Karin

[11 · Posted by Jennifer S · January 15, 2010 at 04:32 PM]

Happy Birthday!
I love the blog and the podcasts!

[12 · Posted by Shauna · January 15, 2010 at 04:40 PM]

@Argy - well of course I would see you while I was there! you would have to tour the plantations with me! :P

thank you for the comments everyone :)

[13 · Posted by Moonstorm · January 15, 2010 at 05:01 PM]

Happy 9th Birthday Blog Diet Girl - keep up the excellent work - you are an inspiration.

[14 · Posted by AndrewENZ · January 15, 2010 at 05:08 PM]

Here's hoping you get your trip to the Greek Islands!

[15 · Posted by Kat · January 15, 2010 at 05:31 PM]

Mr. Darcy...handsome enough to tempt me, LOL LOL LOL. That really struck me funny this morning.
Happy 9, you don't look a day over 7.

[16 · Posted by Buttercup · January 15, 2010 at 05:43 PM]

Congratulations on your 9th year! W00t!

I'll definitely be interested to see the UK only stuff (been missing the UK since I graduated uni in 2002 and had to come back to the US).

And my fingers are crossed for the Fage people to come along and offer you that trip;o)

[17 · Posted by Miz · January 15, 2010 at 06:11 PM]

HAPPY BLOGBIRTHDAY Woman.

We all are thankful for the past nine (!) years.

Carla

[18 · Posted by Denise · January 15, 2010 at 06:15 PM]

Happy Blogiversary, Shauna...I love coming here to read about your life adventures, both weight and not-weight related; if I ever get back to the UK, I'm so going to arrange a meet up. :-)

[19 · Posted by Ellen K · January 15, 2010 at 06:30 PM]

WOW! How time flies?!! I read you since the beginning and have enjoyed all of it! Happy 9th B-day!!

[20 · Posted by Shauntay Larkins · January 15, 2010 at 06:45 PM]

you know shauna (half-my-name namesake), simply put, you are bloggerific. i cracked open your book today, you know, for the "feck" of it, to a random page, started reading and just started rolling. i like to think of you as a little gift i give to myself from time to time. (like a gooey, nougaty, center in a piece of your favorite chocolate that you weren't expecting--only, well, better...)

cheers & newcastle ale,
shauntay larkins
long beach, ca

[21 · Posted by alea · January 15, 2010 at 06:58 PM]

Happy Blog-Birthday!!! You're a rockstar!

[22 · Posted by Brittany · January 15, 2010 at 07:27 PM]

Hi there!
I'm a little fan of yours! I've been reading your blog, since going on a diet and starting a weightless blog myself.

Just wanted to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!

Brittany

[23 · Posted by killertomato · January 15, 2010 at 07:39 PM]

The UK will most likely definitely crush the USA in the inaugural giveaway, as the 18th is MLK Day in the States and many of us will not be at our desks where we generally read your lovely, lovely blog. Enjoy your increased odds, UK commenters!

[24 · Posted by Jojo · January 15, 2010 at 07:47 PM]

Yay you. Happy Birthday. Wonderful book youve been a HUGE inspiration and your musing always give me a lift. Congratulations on a wonderful blog and well done.
C U on Monday!

[25 · Posted by Moe · January 15, 2010 at 07:50 PM]

Is one of the prizes a signed copy of your book?

[26 · Posted by Deanna - The Unnatural Mother · January 15, 2010 at 08:17 PM]

9 years eh? that's so cool, never knew blogging went that far back!! Congrats!!!!

[27 · Posted by Shauna · January 15, 2010 at 08:19 PM]

@Moe - that wasn't one of the prizes, i thought everyone'd be sick to death of hearing about it by now!

enjoy your long weekend, Americans!

[28 · Posted by Jeff Ward · January 15, 2010 at 08:23 PM]

Happy Birthday Shauna, and here's hoping for many more.

[29 · Posted by Sam · January 15, 2010 at 08:50 PM]

Blimey, nine years,who'd have thunk it! Thanks for all the laughs, tears and inspiration! V. excited about the giveaways... you're spoiling us!

[30 · Posted by Rand(Om) Bites · January 15, 2010 at 08:52 PM]

Happy 9th Birthday beautiful girl and thank you for sharing and inspiring so many people! I love your honesty, integrity and all round good, fun, crazy spirit :-) x

[31 · Posted by kathryn · January 15, 2010 at 09:13 PM]

Oh congratulations Shauna. Nine years is such an achievement for your blog. It'll be a teenager before you know it.

And it's been nine years of excellent, excellent writing; inspiring honesty; and really useful information.

Well done you.

[32 · Posted by Sarah T · January 15, 2010 at 09:14 PM]

And just when I thought I couldn't love your blog any more, you're finally tempted me to de-lurk to say it! (I was going to wait until Monday for the grand de-lurking but this way you know the comment is pure(er) of heart ;-D)
Every time you chair-dance to the (wonderful!) comments, you can feel even better thinking of the many many folk like me, who don't necessarily email or comment but are out here, silently reading and smiling and being so grateful that you're you.

[33 · Posted by Jkapp · January 15, 2010 at 09:31 PM]

9 years from your 20's to 30's is a lifetime.... don't want to make your feel old though :)

Loving it as always, so Happy Blog Birthday to you!

[34 · Posted by Alizoo · January 15, 2010 at 10:04 PM]

Mr Dietgirl! Happy ninth birthday! Yours is the only blog I come back to again and again. I will sure as diddly-dammit hell be visiting on Monday!

Keep up the fab bloggin' Shauna.

Love from your mad fan Al xx

[35 · Posted by K not Kay · January 15, 2010 at 10:16 PM]

Happy 9th Blogiversary. :)

[36 · Posted by Nikki · January 15, 2010 at 10:20 PM]

Happy birthday!
Thanks for sharing...you're an inspiration!!
Cheers

[37 · Posted by MB · January 15, 2010 at 10:21 PM]

Happy 9th Blog Birthday to you Dietgirl! You and Pasta Queen were the first blogs I read and couldn't ask for better inspiration.

I can't wait to see all the cracking wee things that you absolutely adore. Giddyup!

[38 · Posted by Ms. PJ Geek · January 15, 2010 at 10:36 PM]

9 years ago I didn't know what a blog was...darn it!
Happy 9th. And I lurve that you don't advertise, but I'll take your wee prizes.
Diana

[39 · Posted by G.G. · January 15, 2010 at 10:51 PM]

Congrats on the milestone, DG! Many happy returns!

[40 · Posted by Elaine · January 15, 2010 at 11:38 PM]

I first found your blog via Kathryn (of Limes & Lycopene)& I'm also commenting because of K, who reminded me one of my 2010 resolutions is to comment on more blogs more often.

Happy Birthday & Congratulations. OMG, 9 years old...so you were a pioneer blogging in the early "oughts". I hope saying that doesn't make you feel old. Just ahead of your time & one to follow.

[41 · Posted by Harrison · January 16, 2010 at 12:37 AM]

Nine years? Well done! I envy your ability to stay committed to something for so long...

[42 · Posted by Mechelle Tully · January 16, 2010 at 01:24 AM]

Thank you for all the inspiration. I am new-ish on board this blog-train but congratulations on 9 years in the inspiration business!

[43 · Posted by LaLa · January 16, 2010 at 02:06 AM]

Happy blog birthday Shauny-pie xx

[44 · Posted by Cathy · January 16, 2010 at 02:13 AM]

Congratulations on 9 years! *confetti* It's a wonderful blog - very inspirational!

[45 · Posted by momo · January 16, 2010 at 03:14 AM]

"After years of offering feck all, now I'm trying to make it up to you, like an estranged parent with an ice cream cone."

Yeeheeehee. You are HILARIOUS.

Love it, Shauny, even it hits home a bit hard. I never got no icecream, but Dad did swing me a one-off $10 bucks for my 18th birthday present to "buy a bottle of whatever you like drinking". What a charm! I eagerly await the return of the birthday-present-from-deadbeat-dad comet for my 36th birthday. Only 2 years to wait.

Haha!

I don't want no prize, but here to say happy 9 years, you magnificent woman. What a triumph you are! The journey! SMOOCH! xx

[46 · Posted by Cece · January 16, 2010 at 04:06 AM]

HI! I just discovered your site and already love it. I too have lost a lot of weight...over 140 pounds and still working on a few more LOL. Happy 9th birthday. Sad that I missed nine years already,,,but looking forward to many more> Congrats!
cece

[47 · Posted by Frances · January 16, 2010 at 04:27 AM]

Happy 9th Blogthday Shauna. I found Dietgirl around the time you moved to the UK and have loved it ever since. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone!

[48 · Posted by Dre · January 16, 2010 at 05:21 AM]

There's... yogurt plantations??? I feel like I've missed something!

lol just kidding..

[49 · Posted by Tamakikat · January 16, 2010 at 06:24 AM]

Oooh!

Nothing gets people's attention quite like reading about other people's lives and giveaways.

And you are doing both!

Go Shauna! Go Dietgirl!

BTW I wonder how many years is 9 blog years in 'people years'...as yours is on your life I'd say x 3 and +1 for every blog year. Which would make it 30. What do you think? Too old? Too young? About right?

TK

[50 · Posted by Amy · January 16, 2010 at 10:14 AM]

Wow - 9 years! Happy birthday! By the way I read your book and just loved it - am just new to your blog. I wish you continuted success (even if the Fage people don't come thru with that trip)!

[51 · Posted by vickie · January 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM]

you are just too funny.

[52 · Posted by psychsarah · January 16, 2010 at 02:09 PM]

Happy Birthday to Dietgirl! Wow! I adore that you're calling your giveaway the "sell-out"-too funny. As if you could ever actually sell-out :)

[53 · Posted by FitFunk · January 16, 2010 at 03:09 PM]

Happy happy day, Mr. Diet Girl! You are aging so very gracefully.

[54 · Posted by cece · January 16, 2010 at 05:19 PM]

WOW! There is alot to look at and read here...just getting started. I am digging in!
Cece

[55 · Posted by anji · January 16, 2010 at 05:38 PM]

What's on a Fage yogurt plantation? Goats????

[56 · Posted by missA · January 16, 2010 at 06:48 PM]

Happy Birthday! I'm re-reading your book right now for new year inspiration and it's working - down 5 pounds! :)

[57 · Posted by liz wx · January 16, 2010 at 07:33 PM]

Happy birthday Dietgirl Blog! And MANY happy returns!

[58 · Posted by Flower · January 16, 2010 at 08:44 PM]

... and the most exciting part of the 9th blog-iversary? We get a post a day!! Yah.

Shanuy writes words good ;)

Pussycat fan from way back. Then was reading both for about 6 months before realising the caped crusader and evelated feline were one and the same!!!

[59 · Posted by Karena Ohlsson · January 16, 2010 at 09:14 PM]

Not really here to enter, just here to say your are AWESOME, the 2 Fit Chicks podcast keeps me going through interminable hours on the road, and I'm doing the Edinburgh Moonwalk this year. Care to join me? Or at the very least (best??) show up on some random corner and cheer me on??

[60 · Posted by julie Hammond · January 17, 2010 at 12:03 AM]

Woohoo! Cant weight! Happy 9th birthday too.

[61 · Posted by Lainie · January 17, 2010 at 05:38 AM]

Your book changes the way I diet and see myself forever! THANK YOU

[62 · Posted by Amy · January 17, 2010 at 06:08 AM]

Happy Birthday! I've been reading your blog for years but only bought your book about a month ago. I really enjoyed it - I wondered if it would just be like reading your archives but it was really well put together. I literally LOL'd a bunch of times and that rarely happens when I read books, so thanks :)

[63 · Posted by Wendy · January 17, 2010 at 08:48 PM]

Happy 9th Birthday Dietgirl! You were born the same year as my daughter, just about 9 months earlier!

[64 · Posted by Kate · January 17, 2010 at 10:25 PM]

Happy 9th Birthday! May there be many more.
Kate

[65 · Posted by Megan · January 17, 2010 at 10:36 PM]

Happy Birthday
Bring on another 9 years of highs, lows, recipes, and general kick (boxing) buttedness!!
You do us Aussies proud!!!

[66 · Posted by Sue · January 17, 2010 at 10:39 PM]

Happy Birthday, keep up the great writing and inspiration you give all of us struggling fatties out there, love your site !

[67 · Posted by Jo · January 17, 2010 at 10:40 PM]

Mmmmmm, yogurt plantations....

[68 · Posted by Isabelle · January 17, 2010 at 11:01 PM]

Oh, happy happy happy happy happy happy happy happy happy BlogDay, dear DG! You are so clever and kind and pretty and brave.

[69 · Posted by Bella · January 18, 2010 at 01:57 AM]

Happy blog birthday!!!

9 years... wow... If I could stick at anything for 9 years, I'd be very proud! You're an inspiration, not just for the lard busting, but for being such a superstar person in general!

[70 · Posted by Allyson · January 18, 2010 at 02:35 AM]

Hi! I love your book so much Shauna! You have truly inspired me. I loved reading about your travel/journey as well. Congrats on 9 years!

My email is actress2005@hotmail.com

Allyson

[71 · Posted by Ash · January 18, 2010 at 11:06 AM]

Congratulations on the 9 years Shauna! I think I'm too late for the draw, but still! Congrats!

[72 · Posted by Alexandra · January 18, 2010 at 12:37 PM]

Happy 9th bloggy-birthday - greetings from the Auld Sod (that'd be Oz).

[73 · Posted by Ela · January 18, 2010 at 03:56 PM]

If only you knew how many people you've inspired!! Well done!

[74 · Posted by phd · January 18, 2010 at 05:50 PM]

Thank you, Shauna! A million times over!

I discovered your website over the summer, when I first set out to get healthy and I immediately felt like I wasn't alone on my journey. I was so entranced by your blog that I went back to the very beginning, just so that I could watch your story unfold and figure out how you came to be such an amazing person! I just love your writing style and your sense of humor! Thanks so much for sharing your story.

I subscribed to your podcast too and it's really been helping me fight the good fight. And yes, I miss Jillian's radio show too!

[75 · Posted by phd · January 18, 2010 at 05:50 PM]

Thank you, Shauna! A million times over!

I discovered your website over the summer, when I first set out to get healthy and I immediately felt like I wasn't alone on my journey. I was so entranced by your blog that I went back to the very beginning, just so that I could watch your story unfold and figure out how you came to be such an amazing person! I just love your writing style and your sense of humor! Thanks so much for sharing your story.

I subscribed to your podcast too and it's really been helping me fight the good fight. And yes, I miss Jillian's radio show too!

[76 · Posted by phd · January 18, 2010 at 05:50 PM]

Thank you, Shauna! A million times over!

I discovered your website over the summer, when I first set out to get healthy and I immediately felt like I wasn't alone on my journey. I was so entranced by your blog that I went back to the very beginning, just so that I could watch your story unfold and figure out how you came to be such an amazing person! I just love your writing style and your sense of humor! Thanks so much for sharing your story.

I subscribed to your podcast too and it's really been helping me fight the good fight. And yes, I miss Jillian's radio show too!

[77 · Posted by Strawgirl · January 19, 2010 at 01:49 AM]

Thanks for keeping us all going - love your blog it lights up my week!

[78 · Posted by hmadeirani · January 19, 2010 at 10:41 AM]

I've been loving your blog since I bought the book (obviously, I have not been reading for 9 years then). I use it to inspire me to keep at the weight loss and also to satisfy my bone deep longing for Scotland- every time you mention a Scottish-y thing in your blog, I feel like leaving everything in Luxembourg behind, going to the ferry and returning!! Thanks for both!!
with lots of admiration and a cyber hug,
Heather

[79 · Posted by Mandy · January 21, 2010 at 04:43 AM]

Hi! I would love a Dietgirl t-shirt. I am proud of being inspired by you and for losing 60 lbs. so far. Maybe you could use cafepress.com to send the design or quote from you and they will put it on a variety of shirts and other items. Check it out!
Luv ya, Mandy

[80 · Posted by Georgina · January 26, 2010 at 12:06 AM]

This post had both my husband and I laughing...'specially the bit about the UK only stuff. Happy 9th birthday! I am a relatively recent convertee to your lurvly blog - have only been reading for about five years. Love it!