I felt like I needed to give all of you an apology. The last six months hasn’t gone at all like I had hoped and I feel like Freebies2Deals has suffered for it.
In Nov/Dec, we sold our home and started the process of building a new one. And although our home was supposed to be done in 5 months, we ran into complications with the HOA board, issues with the builder and now… almost 8 months later we are finally getting close to the finish and moving in.
We have had to move twice into temporary locations to tide us over until our home is completed and we are literally living out of boxes. I mean, we are eating off of paper plates and using plastic forks and knives. (All of our real utensils and plates are in storage… as we thought we would have been moved in by now.) The hardest part of this is trying not to lose your mind as you can’t find anything and you dig for things you need out of the boxes piled on top of each other. Don’t get me wrong, we are BEYOND grateful that we have had places to go while our home is being finished. Family and friends have been very generous!!
But it’s just been really, really hard….I feel claustrophobic, anxious, angry, depressed just about every day and I just try to keep my head above water until my husband gets home from work.
That’s where you guys come in.
I’ve been working and posting from parking lots, dance studios, swimming pools… you name it. I’ve had issues with Internet, well, even finding Internet… and stressing out a ton because I want to get up the deals as fast as I can for all of you. I want Freebies2Deals to be the place you guys can go to find all of the BEST deals and when I feel like the site isn’t up to par, it makes me sad. I am so sorry!
Hopefully, some of you know what the moving/building process is like and can understand my struggles with trying to do that and run the website. I have a few awesome girls who help me with the site and have been a God-send during this exhausting time. Without them, the site probably would have literally fallen to pieces!
So PLEASE bear with me…. hang tight… I promise the site will be back to it’s normal self in just a few weeks. We should be moving and closing on the house in 2-3 weeks and I can finally get back to making the site what it was and even better.
THANK YOU for sticking with me! I appreciate it more than you know. And hopefully you all can forgive me for the slacking this last little bit.
Lori Black
Oh Melea I am so sorry you have been so stressed:// I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I haven’t noticed any change on the website. I truly think you are a superwoman! Please hang in there, this to shall pass, and before you know it you will be hosting wonderful family dinners for the holidays in your beautiful new home:) xoxo
Wendy
I sympathize with what you are going through! My husband started demolition of our kitchen while I was in labor and the first month of my son’s life was a mess with construction.
I agree with the other comment from Lori, the website is so helpful and I appreciate all the hard work you are doing for us as well!
Lori Stevens
You are doing a fantastic job! As a stay-at-home mom, I am amazed by your ability to juggle so much. Just continue to do what you can, knowing that your followers appreciate your hard work and dedication.
Lana
Hang in there, Melea!
I appreciate you and your site.
You have helped me so much in my effort to save.
Brittany von Arx
Oh my goodness. You SO don’t need to apologize. I didn’t even notice a real lag, and I doubt most of your followers have either. You’re awesome, and you have a great staff- please don’t stress that Feebies2Deals might not be up to your very high standards. It’s great, the deals are great, your staff is great and you’re great. You don’t need to put more pressure on yourself at an already hectic time. (We moved into our newly built house in December, so I know how you feel). Keep on keepin’ on, Sister- you rock.
Laura Finlay Adkins
I think your doing a great job! And under all that stress!!! I don’t think I could have done what you are doing. We appreciate everything you have done for us! You have helped me find more ways to budget and save money on a single income. We realize you have a family and things that come up and happen. My mom was having a house built and they had to live in their camper for 6 months because it was behind schedule. I’ve seen the stress of that first hand. Give yourself credit instead of being sorry. Your doing great!
Dawn
Melea YOU are OUR internet angel. YOU have helped us more than you know, by keeping us up-to-date on bargains and contests, and fabulous prizes. I understand your frustrations with moving and such, but you just remember, you still have a LIFE. Keep up the good work!
Aubrey
I also feel like you’ve been doing a wonderful job! We’ve also done the selling/living out of boxes/building a home for almost a year thing and it’s not fun and oh so stressful. I hope you feel settled soon! Thanks for all you do!
sarah
Sorry things have been hard! You’ve been doing great! Thanks so much for all you do!
Chelsea
That is so frustrating, but you are offering a free service, and though it’s hard for you to feel like you don’t have it all together, we are grateful for all you are still able to do! You are awesome!
Laura
I just discovered this website a week ago and I’m obsessed. I think you’re doing a wonderful job and I can’t imagine it being any better. As a newby I can’t say if the quality has lagged or not, but I CAN say that the website is still awesome! Don’t stress too much. I think all of your readers know what it’s like to be busier at certain times in our life than others. Your family is the most important thing and you just do your best with the rest. You’re doing great!
Maegan Hunter
You are awesome – thank you for working in such a difficult situation. I’ve been there and you have my sympathies! Good luck with your home!
Toni
You would have never known that you were “Slacking.” I know that I have greatly appreciated all the time and effort that you put into helping myself and others save money. We live on a tight budget and your website as helped me provide for my family and even have money left over to do some fun things too. I especially appreciate how you have helped me find ways to pay for Christmas. We wouldn’t have been able to have a good Christmas without you sharing your tips and helping find great deals. For that I will be always grateful. I’m sorry that things have been tough but, just know that we still support you and the time that you have given to help serve others has truly blessed lives. Thank you!
pamela
Melea you do a great job! We appreciate everything you do. You save us a lot of money. However, you have a family and a life. If you stopped the site tomorrow, we would understand and be grateful for all of the time and effort you gave us. No need to apologize. Thanks for everything!
Brooke
Oh my, I understand! We moved 4 times in 15 months. Two times in less than 2 months! It’s awful!! I am amazed you are doing all of this while taking care of your other responsibilities! We love you for it!!
Evi
Well, I am a newbie (relatively speaking) and must have joined your site when you started “slacking”. Oh my heck! If that’s what slacking really looks like, I can’t wait to see for the new improved version of yourself. I hate junk email, I hate having my facebook filled with junk. But I love getting your emails and I am one of the ones who want every deal posted on FB. That’s how much it doesn’t bother me.
Reading the comments above, I know I am not the only one. So, breathe, stop being hard on yourself. And good luck with your final move. You will love your house.
lori
I Had noticed a difference, and had actually stopped going to the site on a daily basis. I do understand how stressful it can be, so it is nice to know that there was a reason for the difference. Thank you for taking the time to explain and apologize:)
Julie Barker
Good Heavens! What on Earth are you appologizing for? We should all be saying sorry to you for all the added stress we’ve caused you! I’m SUPER thankful for all the deals you post, but girl, we understand that life happens. Take some time and get settled into your home. I feel your pain with building a house and moving. We lived in my father-in-laws basement while our house was being built, and although we weren’t living out of boxes, it’s always hard not having your own space and things the way you’re used to. We lived with my father in law for 6 months and actually just moved on June 14th… we’re still living out of boxes, unpacking and getting settled always takes longer than planned.
Don’t overdo things and most importantly, don’t be sorry! You’re doing us all a favor with everything you do, so again, sorry life has been so hectic! I really appreciate all you do!
Paul Larsen
Can I BEAR with you instead of BARE (scary sight!) with you? 🙂
Honestly, though, I appreciate the site and all you do with this. Quite frankly, the fact you provide a service like this at all leaves you no reason to apologize – THANK YOU!!!
Michelle
I have noticed a difference, you seem to be doing MORE than a few years ago, and I’m continually impressed. Every time it see all the great deals you find I always wonder how you do it, being a SAHM is so hard, you do it while working full time with another job, that’s like 2 full time jobs! Not to mention the moving situation. You may not feel as though you are doing a good job, but you are. Be kind to yourself, as women we tend to forget to do this 🙂
lydia
I know exactly how you are feeling! We sold or home last spring and moved into an apartment. It was supposed to finish in August/September. We didn’t move in until mid December bit the house didn’t finish until mid January. Building a home is a real roller coaster! You’re doing great and your team is amazing! Thank you for all you are doing!
April Gibson
I am so sorry to know and hear you have been dealing with so much in your personal life and being the person I am trying to deal with more than I can handle I completely understand your feelings. You have nothing to apologize for. I am truly thankful for having your site, app, Facebook posts available to me and thankful for the money I have saved and deals I have found due to your work. I haven’t noticed any changes and even I had, I commend you for continuing to take the time to do whatever you are able to do. There is no need at all for you to feel bad about anything you are not able to do for your site. Your family and personal needs should always come first. For you even post an apology which is not needed shows the type of person you are and how much you care about others and I completely sympathize with you and understand that feeling! Your time, effort, and work have truly been a blessing to me and is and always will be greatly appreciated!
deneene miller
You have such a huge giving heart. We are so lucky to found you!!! You have nothing to apologize for, we appreciate every effort you make to save us money and get us the best deal. You have been through so much in the last 6-7 months it’s a wonder you have been able to give your attention to your blog. We are lucky to be followers of you!!
Shauna Larsen
Thank you for your heart felt letter. I had noticed a change, but I blamed facebook!! (I still think most of my problems are with facebook). I appreciate the deals you post. With 21 grandchildren, I am starting now to get ready for Christmas…..so I am, and will continue to be a follower of FREEBIES2DEALS! In a very short time, all the old problems will be over, (living out of boxes) and there will be new ones to deal with (how could that sink be clogged already?) ….that’s life….so hang in there and know you are among FRIENDS who care, and have “been there”.
allison hatch
Hang in there, you are amazing to offer such a great site, amid chaos. Love the deals you find! Thank you
Tiffany O
Thanks so much for all you do! You are one of my FAV blogs. It will be over soon and hopefully you will be living in your dream home. You are in the home stretch, keep your head up!
Linsey
Thank you so much for all you do. I have been following your blog for a couple of years now and I LOVE it! Your hard work is greatly appreciated!
Morgan
In all honesty, I haven’t noticed a difference. You are doing wonderful and I’m surprised after all that moving you can actually do anything! We just recently moved (in OCT) and I’m just now feeling like I live at home.
Jennifer T
Oh my! You are doing amazing, so don’t even worry! Your family comes first and we have all had stressful, crazy times in our lives. Thank you for all you have done and honestly, I hadn’t even noticed anything different, so you are doing great! Thanks for all you do and hang in there!
Felicia
Totally understand! We’ve moved from out of state, everything in storage…& living with family for the past 3 months. Some days I feel I really am going insane!!!! We’re set to move into our home finally next week. But, i have learned that i have everything i need (my family) & since my kids haven’t missed any of their toys, etc…i’m excited to simplify & purge! Good luck with your move:)
Wendy
Without you or your helpers we would not have the bargain/deals or the nice items/offers at all! I have purchased a lot of things that you have told me about off the website, so Thank You! We all understand & will wait patiently, I honestly didn’t notice anything different or delayed about your emails. Thank you for your time & effort on even keeping us up to date during this trying time. – Wendy
Rebekah
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!
Lmccurdy
I appreciate all you do! I couldn’t figure out how you found the time to do it all, and now I am even more amazed at what you do for us! You have helped me find sooooo many great deals!
Jewell Mendenhall
So sorry to hear about your house dilemmas – praying for you – bless your heart you are always so positive and uplifting for every one else – take all the time you need for you and your family
Mary P
Melea, I have always enjoyed your site and think you do a terrific job! You have found some WONDERFUL deals for me and my friends. God bless you and your family with your build/move! Reading your posts is ALWAYS worth my time! No worries!
Michelle Joynt
Melea!
I have been here for years and never noticed. I read each one that I get too, maybe not on weekends so much. You amaze me that you have been going through all of this and you really have been doing a great job! You just feel like you haven’t. You’re a good woman and I am so blessed to be a part of this.
Keep up the good work and I’m so excited about the future here! Just get yourself settled. I’m not going anywhere…
Hugs,
Michelle in PA
Barb
We’ve had a few houses built and have lived in “transitional housing” and out of boxes every time, and it is always for longer than expected. I hate to say it, but even if you close/move in 2-3 weeks, you really should give yourself some time to unpack and reorganize, too!
Tania
No need to apologize! Honestly, I hadn’t noticed any differences. This site has been as awesome as ever! Besides, we’ve all had situations in our lives that need to take priority over others. Thank you so much for this site, and I hope you get to move in soon. Congrats on the new home!
Elke
Melea,
we moved 13 times in 17 years while my husband was in the Army. We bought a house in 1998, but had to move again in 1999 after my husband retired from the Army. Moved to SC where he started his new job, lived in a small apartment until we found a house we liked. And 3 years ago we moved into another home, hopefully this was our last move! I know all about the stress of moving and not having your items while you in temporary quarters, but I never had to put together a newsletter while moving. I am so very gratefull for all you do and you should not worry about the newsletter – you are doing a great job! And besides – it’s free, so WE don’t have a right to complain! Besides, you need to think about yourself and your family first, not us or the newsletter! Thank you for all you do and please take some time for yourself and family, otherwise you loose your mind! 🙂
Leandra
I never felt like the site was suffering. Everyday I go on here and check for deals and are never disappointed. I wish I had as much motivation as you do !!! You are doing great. Thank you for putting so much effort into this site.
Kristin
You are doing great. I love your website and all the great deals you post. I too haven’t noticed a change. But it is great that you are sharing. I completely understand how living out of boxes can feel like. We literally hopped around 4 different times in a 1 1/2 to different family member’s basements (some finished and unfinished) until we could get into our home. It can definately be stressful and depressing. So excited for you that it is coming to an end. Thank you for all your work.
Sheri Phillips
Dear Melea,
We are the ones who apologize to you. The fact that you have been feeling all this pressure to please us. You are amazing! Please know that we appreciate all that you do and we still love you. You take the time to share things with us that some of us would never find without you…and guess what? We won’t die if you miss a sale. Please don’t sweat the small stuff in life and focus on the things that truly matter. It all works out in the end, doesn’t it? Hang in there… and we will too 🙂
Tiffany
Melena, To me there is no need for an apology. You are still doing a wonderful job and helping everyone find bargains they wouldn’t have know about without you. I know we are all sometimes harder on ourselves than anyone else. Please try to give yourself a break. You and your family are really dealing with a lot on a personal level and you deserve some space to take care of yourselves. When things settle down again you will shine brighter than before. Until then breath and take care of you. Also, Thank you for all that you do. 🙂
Edward
The last thing you need to do is apologize to us! You offer such a wonderful service to is, and all free of charge! I often wonder how you can provide such valuable information, on such a beautiful website, the very informative email and giveaways.
Good luck with your move, enjoy your new home, and remember we greatly appreciate all you do for us!!!!!
Linda
I had noticed a difference, but decided that you were just busy. As your “service” is free I have no right or desire to complain, and it was not a major difference. I do understand though that your blog is your job and way of earning money for your family and that there are a lot of other blogs out there to choose from. I had started looking around at some other blog choices actually, after using only yours for a couple years, and decided that I like yours much better than the other ones that I found and plan to stay here as long as you feel that it’s profitable for you to continue. You provide the best diversity of deals around, which saves me a lot of time. Best wishes on the new home! I agree that family always comes first.
Stacy
Okay you need to know you are doing a fantastic job! Your family should be first and foremost. Heaven forbid we have to find our own /miss out on a deal for a bit 🙂 you take care of yourself! Thank you for all that you do!
Lisa Hoskins
You so do not need to apologize! You are amazing! You juggle sooooo much and do a great job. You provide an amazing service. Thank You for all you do! I am excited that you finally are getting close to moving into you new home! Congrats!
Kristen
I never even noticed! I check this site daily. Thank you for what you do.
Kallie
You do so much for all of us, and we appreciate it. You’re the BEST!
Denise.J
Your site inspired me to create my own, and it has a year so FAR. I think I have been a subscriber for 3 years! I never ever comment on anything, but it’s just pouring out of me to tell you. You have been doing an incredible job! Just like you I pour my all into my emails and when I feel like it’s not my best I think my subscribers know it. The thing is, that that’s just not the case. I have not noticed slack in your work at all, and that’s amazing considering everything you are struggling with. No need for an apology, because no matter how much your subscribers like deals, they like you much more, and that’s why they stay. With much much Love all the way from Houston,TX! -Denise.Juarez
Ann
OMG! I feel so sorry for you. I have only been around for a few months, I thought your site was the best. I actually was able to make hubby jealous the other day because I knew about the 5.00 when you download the Amazon app. 🙂 I think your site is great. I hope you get your home done and moved into soon.
Gail
I have always loved your sites and newsletter.
I haven’t noticed any difference in what you’re doing and greatly appreciate everything you are doing for us.
I hope for you and your family that you can be moved into your house soon and have some normalcy back into your life.
Roxy
Thank you so much for everything you do. To tell you the true, I did not noticed anything wrong on the website. You always do an excellent job and I really appreciate everything you do for us. I am sure everything will be better soon. God bless you my friend and take care of yourself … Xo xo xo
Sonia
Home and family first. You do what needs to be done. Thanks for everything you do. It’s so helpful to us. It is truly appreciated.!
Erin R.
Melea, no! Please don’t apologize! You are being much too hard on yourself (as we all do when things are rough). Take your time, let yourself off the hook and only do as much as you feel up to doing. Things will calm down in a few weeks if all goes to plan and then you can settle in and start to recover from what you have endured. You don’t owe anybody ANYTHING. You provide us an invaluable service that we all appreciate, whether you think it is up to scratch or not. Take care and hang in there.
Rosalee
Thank you for all you do. We have a very limited income and thanks to your site we have saved so much. Thanks!!!
ANNIE
DON’T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF…FAMILY COMES FIRST AND YOU DO A GREAT JOB FOR FREE…WHO COULD ASK FOR MORE! I DIDN’T NOTICE A THING WRONG WITH YOUR WEB SITE. YOU’RE GONNA LOVE BEING IN YOUR NEW HOME, I’M SURE BUT RELAX FOR A FEW SECONDS AND TRY AND ENJOY THE ADVENTURE GETTING THERE!
Leigh
Rather then repeat myself, just read ANNIE’s message over & over & over.
Our family moved in 2011 & it wasn’t the dream house we assumed it’d be. We had hoped this would be our retirement house but alas, we’ll eventually have to move again. *DRAT!* Anyway, I remember feeling like you in your computer comments. No, I don’t run multiple websites but, I do know that feeling of urgency & frustration!! (I just HAD to check my F2Ds page. : ) HANG IN THERE. You can see the finish line & it’ll be even that much sweeter when you cross it.
As for us (aka your extended family), I’ll say this but, you probably won’t do it, *hee* Direct ALL of your energies towards your FAMILY & YOURSELF. As you said, MANY of us have been thru this process (however, some didn’t have a lot of this technology) but, we get the jest. Happier days are just around the corner. OK, enough cliches. If they made you laugh then, they were all worth it. : )
Ashley Oakley
Love this site! It’s the only one I check!! You do a great a job!
kylee
You are awesome! The fact that you’re dealing with all of that, and even posting at all is amazing! And you’re worried about us! You’re too sweet. We, your faithful readers, will stand by you through the times of little posting and the times of extreme posting. We <3 you Melea! =)
kristal
Oh my gosh, you don’t owe us anything! I totally get the moving thing (military), it’s the worst! Good luck with everything and hope it goes smoothly! Thanks for all you do.
Jenn Rayman
Huge fan and never noticed a difference just focused in the great information! So impressive that to us you still maintained a fantastic blog! Don’t be so hard on yourself!
Forever a fan
Lorraine
Melea, I am sure none of us notice anything different on your site..Please do not be so hard on yourself..You are doing a wonderful job & it’s amazing where you source all these great deals from :-):-) Wishing you good luck & a wonderful future in your new home. God bless you & your family.
Michelle Stevens
Thanks for thae apology but it’s unnecessary, know what you mean about living in a box. Before you know it you will be in and the past eight months will be a distant memory. Take care that’s what is important 🙂
Kathy
No apology needed. You have more than enough on your plate. We take what we get and know that you are doing whatever you can to help us find bargains and save money. You really do a wonderful job and are harder on yourself than you need to be. We love you and appreciate all your hard work. You and your family come first. We all will survive.
Nicole Q
So sorry you’re so stressed! Moving alone is hard, but it’s even harder when you build! You are doing a great job and we all love you and your hard work!! You rock Melea!!
Bree Peterson
You’re amazing and doing a wonderful job ! I hope things get easier on you soon. Thanks for all of your hard work!!
Tara
Melea,
I just started using your site in the last few months and I’m already saving tons of money. I have found everything to be top notch! You just had your birthday giveaway…I have had a moving situation close to yours, and I was going to run away from home until everything came back to normal, but I realized I was an adult and had to stay…Hang in there!
Amber
I haven’t noticed either, sorry for your stress! Your website is my favorite and the only one I check everyday…other websites have tons of ads that clutter and slow the site down.
Beverly Romanelli
Melea, I am so sorry to hear of all you have been dealing with. Your website gave me no indication of what you are going through. I hope things calm down for you soon. Your site is great…keep up the good work!
Enjoy your family and lean on your Faith.