I can hardly believe how much unfolded over the past year. It was both the best and the hardest year I’ve experienced. I began this blog with a few goals in mind, and I exceeded them. Thank you for being here—whether you comment or simply read quietly, I know you’re out there supporting me. Today I want to reflect on the year’s milestones, to celebrate what I accomplished and to document these moments. I hope this inspires anyone who feels stuck—whether you think your photos will never improve, your audience will never grow, or that a year is too short to see progress. Think again.
Portabella Mushroom Pot Pie – my first #SundaySupper post
In January I started becoming more active. I needed to recover from a rough end to the previous year and get back on track. I was invited to join #SundaySupper, and that community changed everything. It became an online family where I could share freely and feel supported.
Award-Winning Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes
In April I won my first contest with my Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes. Shortly after, I moved from Blogger to a self-hosted WordPress site with my own domain — a move that signaled how committed I’d become. When money is involved, you suddenly have to think seriously about direction and goals.
Award-Winning Strawberry Pecan Upside-Down Spice Cake
In June I won my second contest with a Strawberry Upside-Down Cake.
5 Photography Lessons Your Manual Won’t Teach You — my most popular post with tens of thousands of views and shares
That post became my most-read piece, and around the same time I started getting more photos accepted by Food Gawker and Tastespotting — two of the toughest food photo sites. I now contribute regularly, and while rejections still happen, acceptance has become far more common.
The Big Summer Potluck
July brought my first food blogger conference—more of a retreat—and it changed me. I’m not someone who likes meeting new people easily, but being with folks who understand the quirks of food blogging felt different. People who wait for perfect natural light, shoot while balancing on chairs, plan weekends around photo sessions, and still pour their hearts into unpaid projects. The experience taught me to be mindful, to accept occasional jealousy while recognizing progress, and to value the stories my words and photos can tell. It reminded me that success doesn’t require fitting every trend—what matters is the voice and the craft you bring.
Smores Hot Cocoa — featured multiple times across the web
I was featured in several online publications, including twice in the Huffington Post and on Foodista’s Drink Blog of the Day. I added a press page to document those features and other coverage.
Award-Winning German Chocolate “Cake” Sandwich Cookies
In December I won a third contest for these German Chocolate “Cake” Sandwich Cookies.
Homemade Caramel Sauce — the most popular recipe of the year
At the start of the year my social presence was small: about 100 Facebook likes and 200 Twitter followers, no Instagram, and maybe no Pinterest. By the end of the year those numbers had grown significantly across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus, and Instagram. I also went from posting sporadically to publishing three times a week, organizing content with a monthly calendar, and treating blogging as a daily priority. The planning and excitement kept me motivated.
Jalapeno Popper Dip — my most popular savory recipe this year
But 2012 also brought heartbreak. In July our dog Murray began drooling heavily. After a dental check and extraction, the vet warned of possible bone cancer. A week later Murray disappeared for nine days; I feared I’d lost him. He returned, but symptoms worsened and a large tumor was found in his jaw. There was no cure—only pain management and comfort. He struggled to eat, drooled constantly, and the tumor affected his eye. Despite this, Murray managed through the holidays, and we cherish each day with him.
We’ve had Murray since he was about a year old; he’ll turn 13 in January. He’s my first long-term pet and the one who taught me about steady companionship. He’s still lively and hungry when he can be, and we’ll keep caring for him as long as he keeps going.
This year taught me that life is a mix of triumphs and trials. With Murray’s illness, I expect hard times ahead, but I also anticipate growth and new opportunities. This blog has opened doors I never imagined and has even improved my videography. I’m hopeful for what’s next and grateful for every reader who’s joined me on this journey.
Found this on Pinterest; original source unknown
Here’s to the coming year—may it bring both challenge and reward, and may this little corner of the internet continue to grow into something meaningful.
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The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Liz for winning.
Disclaimer: This giveaway was sponsored entirely by me. Bon Appetit is not involved and may not be aware of it.