It was one year ago today that I joined the food blogging circus. In some ways it flew by, and in others, it felt like time stood still.
2009 dealt us unemployment (shock), trying to sell our house (continuing nightmare), and two deaths in the family (tragic.) Needless to say, we won’t miss last year. But Very Culinary – the little food blog that could – was a highlight that got me through some hellish days.
May seem silly, and even downright ridiculous, considering how much I have to be thankful for: adorable kids (biased), selfless husband (he really is), the most supportive family ever (for real), and everyone is healthy (whew.)
And I am thankful for all of that. Of course.
But what would a cake be without the icing? You all are my icing. Fo’ shizzle.
Thank you to everyone who follows me, who comes for a visit and returns for seconds, who leaves a comment, who sends me private e-mails with absolute heart-warming props, and thank you to everyone who passes my blog along to others.
I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
Sniffle. Sniffle.
Okay…ahem…. When you have a blog, sometimes it’s fun (and interesting) to see where your traffic comes from. I have an analytics program installed on the computer that allows me to do just that. Here is a recap of 2009.
The most popular recipe posts (based on page views)
1) Praline Crunch Bars 2) Balsamic Lemon Chicken 3) Sweet Potato and Corn Bisque 4) Potato Latkes
The most clicked on recipe posts (from search engine keywords)
1) Apple Cranberry Crisp 2) Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops 3) Halloween Brownies 4) Shrimp Stir-Fry
A few of my own personal favorites (due to subject, recipe, or both)
1) Sour Cream Peach Pecan Pie 2) Emma Krumbees Apple Orchard 3) Pumpkin Muffins with Cranberries and Pecans 4) Eggplant and Basil with Israeli Couscous
Most popular “Let’s Dish” discussion series
1) Early ‘Baby Seating’ at Restaurants 2) Will Work For Food 3) Hospital Food 4) Turning Chicken Shit Into Chicken Salad
What a long and wild ride it’s been. Here’s hoping 2010 brings us warmer weather, a sustainable income, lively conversation, and more great food!
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, honey, we also had a horrid year full of personal tragedy and I, like you, know that one thing that kept me going and made me smile was my blog and all the friends (like you) that food blogging brought me. Congratulations on your one excellent year of blogging and I know I need to spend more time hanging out here in your great, wonderful, homey place!
Kim – OMG, how sweet are you? Like syrup. You’re right…I am laughing. But I still love that you said it. I like to be delusional ;-) Seriously, THANK YOU. I will refer back to this comment many times for a sure-fire pick me up, when I’m tired, overwhelmed, or feeling mediocre.
I’m so glad you’re here, Amy. I laugh, I learn, I always feel like I’ve had a good visit with a friend. Your blog is the most wonderful space — I can hardly believe you’ve only been doing this for a year. That blows my mind. One year and look at you!!! I think of you as this super mom, incredible baker and cook and PROFESSIONAL blogger. And I’m being serious so don’t laugh this sentence off as I know you are. This is a remarkable accomplishment, especially considering how busy your life is and -truly- considering all of the things that you and your family have dealt with over the year. Your spirit and outlook are what we all need more of. So, keep it coming, Sista! I have even higher expectations of you now that you’ve hit your stride. ; )
LK – Thanks!
Melissa – Hello Darlinque! I could (and will) say the same about you. Don’t forget that chicken recipe came from you! I’ve made so many of your recipes. You are truly one of the best things to come out of me blogging… food and friendship = awesome.
Looking back at all your top posts… damn, woman, you have some great stuff!! I still have your latkes printed out. And Krysta’s. I want to try both. And I need to make the chicken again.
I’m glad you decided to join the food blog world Amy and I’m so glad we met! Happy anniversary to the icing on your cake. It really can be that extra happy something. :)
Much love!
Amy, Happy blogoversary! Looking forward to see more great recipes in 2010!
Angie – Thank you for breaking your code of silence. I love it! And thank you for following.
Ingrid – What amazingly kind words. I will read your comment many times this week if I need a quick pick-me-up. Thank you!
Pam Hi there, Pam. Thanks for the wishes! And yes, 2009 was pretty undesirable. Onward and upward, though, right? Always moving forward…
Congrats on your one year. You’ve had quite a year haven’t you?
love your blog so much. so pretty and clean, so easy to navigate. and i love your humor! the easy recipes are rock solid – i’ve made so many of them with excellent results. happy one-year!
Hi Amy, this is the first time I have left a comment but thought it appropriate since it’s your one year anniversary. I’ve been following for a long time and absolutely love your stories and recipes. Getting an e-mail notification that I have a very culinary post to look at is always a happy day. Keep them coming!
Mom – LOVE YOU!
Deb – Thank you!
Joanne – Love your blog, too, Joanne. But you already knew that, with my two paragraph comments. Zzzz. Hooray for PPN, which led me to you.
Kysta – Never too late! In the interim of getting back to Cali, can you send some temps in the teens our way? I’m freezing my butt off.
a day late and a dollar short but tell your blog happy birthday and i’m right there with you on 2009… but hopefully in 2010 you’ll be closer to where i live and we can hang out. woot!
Happy anniversary Amy! Your blog is so beautiful and is by far one of my favorites in the blogosphere. I’m so glad that you started it.
You are my icing as well. And not just any icing. You are my favorite cream cheese frosting that I could eat a whole bowl of in one sitting.
Love the round-ups. :D
Happy Blogoversary and Happy New Year. Here is to a happy, healthy 2010!
Congratulations on your 1st year’s anniversary. I’m warm and fuzzy, too, reading all the wonderful comments. Hugs and kisses and looking forward to another year of your great postings. I’ll leave the humor for Dad.
Thank you so much, everyone – I’m all warm and fuzzy now!
Just a note to say Happy New Year! I’m an occasional reader, and lover of your recipes. I didn’t know about the challenges you faced till reading your year-end post. You sure have the right attitude and from everything I’ve learned in life attitude is THE factor of success. So hang in there, keep cooking and keep writing, cause we need you too! (The balsamic chicken is very, very good by the way.)
Oh, gosh — we’re so glad you’re here!
I’m happy to be one who can celebrate this anniversary right along with you. It’s been great sharing in your journey — the good and the bad — and I’m looking forward to more of it in 2010.
Here’s to bigger and better in the new year! Cheers!!
I’m so sorry that I missed your blogoversary. (I was trying to stay off the computer yesterday.) I think that I found you on your “Turning Chicken Shit into Chicken Salad” post and knew immediately that I’d love you! It’s a good thing that I’m reading this while eating lunch because those photos are mouth-watering! I’ll take one of each, please. I hate that 2009 was such a rough year for you. I’m keeping fingers crossed that your house will sell and you’ll get to move to California. In the meantime, please just keep the posts coming and I’ll see you on Twitter. *big hug* (Oh, and your dad cracked me up, like always!)
You’ve got to ac-centuate the pos-itive, elim-inate the negative, and don’t mess with Mr. in-between. Which means, don’t watch the news, and don’t read the non-existent papers. That will improve your outlook, and free up hours and hours. It has for ours. Your blog helped you get through, too, and everyone who passes through – including the cook – has gained tonnage in the past year. Right now, thanks to you, I feel just like the 1990 version of Paul Prudhomme.
That said, I’ll have the scallops wrapped in prosciutto, a side of apple-cranberry crisp, the pumpkin muffins, latkes, and praline crunch bars for dessert. That’ll start off 2010 happy and just a little sick, but I’m going to taper off starting in August. Always have a goal. Urrrp.
A toast to your hard work and to fabulous days ahead. Mazel tov!
Happy blog anniversary! Let’s hope your 2010 is better than 2009, but you continue to stay healthy – that’s a lot to be thankful for! :D
2009 was a hard year for us too, I am glad to be done with it.
Here’s to an awesome 2010!
Congrats on a year of creative cooking! Looking forward to reading more!
I have enjoyed knowing you through your blog…..I know I would like you for real!!!! Hopefully will get the chance one of these days…
Really great job on the blog, Amy. Congratulations and here’s wishing you a much better 2010.
I’m hungry now, which is simply amazing, since I’m nauseous (vertigo). To that, I have to say, Amy *you’re* amazing if you can make me drool in this state!
Happy blogoversary!
Happy blogoversary and I hope 2010 is a good year!
Love you blog, Amy. Every week I look forward to reading a new post. Keep it up and we’ll cry and laugh right along with you.
Congratulations on your first blogoversary! I like you are very ready to start a new year and I’m excited for what change the year may bring. Hopefully, one change will be the Flanigans moving back to California!
Loved making your recipes and reading about your culinary adventures, although wishing your family a lot less stress this year! Love your blog, Amy! Always happy to pass it on.
Happy blogoversary and happy new year!!!