Monday was my first Blogiversary. I made these over the top Fudgy Brownie Cupcakes with Cookie Dough Frosting to celebrate. I had wanted to make a list of things I have learned and document my journey, but decided to wait until later in the week.
I have learned so much over the last year of blogging. When I started I knew nothing! I had seen a few food blogs, but really under 5 of them. I knew a few friends who had personal blogs, but that was the extent of my knowledge. We had a really nice camera my husband had just bought for our trip to New Zealand, so I was set for taking pictures. Never mind that I didn’t know how to use it 
I started very naive, but I was excited and ready. I remember the first few days, and people were actually reading my recipes. I had like 50 views, and thought that was amazing. Really, it was. There are billions of people out there, and for 50 people to stumble across my first couple posts was a miracle. I did my research, looked at the buttons on peoples blogs, and started joining networking sites. I first joined Foodbuzz, and counted down the days until I could apply to be a Featured Publisher. They accepted me, and I was off and running. I have “met” some amazing people since I started this journey. I know I would not be here without their guidance, support, and friendship.
So what have I learned……
1. To ask for help. I am not good with this in real life. I like to think that I am independent, and can take care of things myself. But sometimes you just have to reach out and ask fellow bloggers for help. Everyone I have talked to is so gracious and willing to help. Whether it be a tech problem (thanks again Kita), photo advice, or even guest posting because you are busy, bloggers always seem to be there to help.
2. To be yourself. You can not fake who you are. I have learned this very much recently. In real life, I am shy. This may sound strange to the people who know me, but if you think back to when we first met, I was shy. Until I get to know someone I am quiet and reserved. This can be taken in a bad way sometimes (read the “B” word). So when it comes to social media (twitter and facebook), I seem to be quiet and reserved as well. I see conversations on twitter, but I am too shy to butt in
3. It is ok to change. In November, when I was 7 months old, I changed to by own domain. It was a lot of work, but it is so nice to have my own site. Also, just recently you may have noticed I am no longer with Foodbuzz. I have changed my ad company to BlogHer. I am excited to see how this change will play out.
4. How to use my camera. I have gotten a lot better with my pictures over the last year. I have been using the full manual mode with my camera with great success recently. I still can not get pictures on Tastespotting. They claim my composition is bad in almost every shot. But I can get quite a few accepted to Foodgawker and Tasteologie, so I am going to call it a success.
5. There is so much I don’t know. I am constantly learning and trying to grow. My pictures for one, still have a long way to improve. I am constantly amazed at some of the photography I see out there. Daily I am trying to improve my writing, networking, cooking, baking, and so much more. Maybe in another 10 years, I will know it all
No recipe today. I will be back tomorrow with a great lunch or dinner idea that involves some of my favorite things – chicken, avocado, and corn tortillas. Any guesses?
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I kept meaning to stop by and tell you Happy Blogiversary!!
I’m glad we’ve “met” and I’m so excited to see where your blog goes.
Happy Blogiversary gorgeous!! I’m so happy to know you. I’m on my way to year 2 this May and I can’t believe what a ride it’s been. Here’s to many more recipes, blogs, friendships and calories consumed…..and miles run while we’re at it.
Happy Blogiversary!!!!!! Here’s to a great second year.
Happy Blogaversary, once again.
Your food blog was one of the first I started reading when I started my own journey.
Keep the delicious flowing, my friend!
This is so great, Erin! We have learned a lot of the same things along the way. So glad to know you!
Happy Blogiversary, sweetheart!! You’re doing a fantastic job! ♥
Happy Blogiversary! Your website truly has grown since you first began. Your recipes, photos and writing voice along with your site design has changed and improved dramatically since I first stumbled on your lovely blog. Congratulations on all of your success, it can only go up from here. Keep doing the amazing job you do and congratulations again Erin, I’m really proud of you and excited for what is to come. <3
It is kind of amazing what you learn from blogging isn’t it. I can relate to your shyness and others perception of me. I’m glad to have gotten to meet you through blogging and food and how it brings all of us together!
I loved reading through you blog’s mind.. lovely read! Happy blogging.
Erin, I LOVE this post. It is so nice to read what a blogging friend has learned over the past year. As a new blogger myself, you make me very excited for all the things I’ll be learning down the road. You are right, even just *50* views a day is a miracle. Now look at you! Tastespotting is SO picky. None of my pictures are accepted, but Foodgawker seems to like me, so i’ll take it. Congratulations on everything Erin!
Your dedicated reader,
Sally
Great recap!! We started around the same time and I’ve just been so Wow’d that your dedication has never wavered!! Keep it up!
It’s really interesting to go back to some of my early posts and wonder what the heck I thought I was doing. LOL
Love your blog and look forward to many more years of enjoyment.
I love this post. I am also relatively new to blogging and, though I have so much more to learn, feel like I’ve come a long way.
Go us!
I love your post today! It all sounds like what I went and still going through. I understand about Tastespotting, they turn me down everytime. It’s the same as you composition. What does that mean? I gave up on them!
Cheers to you and another year! I love your blog and enjoy reading it everyday!
You are a wonderful person and you have a beautiful blog!! I think you have learned a lot in one short year.
I still can’t get into any of the big “food photo” sites like Foodgawker or Tastespotting… 
I always say it’s because I don’t have a DSLR camera… but I don’t put a lot of thought into food composition. I think your food composition is always pretty and inviting. My photos have more of a deer in headlights look 
Congratulations on your blogivarsary! One year of documenting is such an accomplishment.
Congrats on your first blogiversary–such an accomplishment!!
x
Congratulations on your blogaversary Erin, here’s wishing many many more for you! It has been a joy getting to know to you, I only hope that someday we can meet in person!
Woo Hoo! I love what you shared with us today. There really is so much to learn about blogging and you have done SO well in your first year. I love your photos, recipes and cute stories. I think you have totally got it all together!
congrats on 1 year!! and I would be interested to hear what your main reasons were for switching ad networks and how things go with Blogher!
Happy Blogoversary! WooHoo!
tht’s such an honest and hearty post- wishes for many more milestones; keep spinning up all the lovely dishes !
Happy 1 year! Great list of things, we’ve learn a lot of the same things over the past year, my blog turned 1 last month!
Happy belated Blogiversary! You’ve done such an amazing job with your site that I would never think that it’s only been 1 year. I think your photography is pretty great and your recipes are awesome! Here’s to many more years to come!
Hi Erin, first time on your blog. I think some tweet led me here.
I’m as novice in ‘blogosphere’ as you are, learning a lot on my way too. Can totally relate.
Was checking out your recipe index. That’s a LOT of posts within your one year of blogging! Keep it up
Erin this was so nice to read. Great to learn more about what you have learned. You are doing so well for your time blogging. It’s nice of you to share your experience with others.
Happy Blogiversary!!! This is a great post. There is so much learning from what you shared. Thanks E! And here’s to many more delicious years.
Happy 1st Blogviersary Erin! I read your post reflecting my first year too. I share a lot of similarities with you and your experiences and we’re all same. Your post made me very positive about the future. Lastly, it was wonderful that I found your blog, got to know you even more, and happy to follow you all the way. You will know it all in less than 10 years and please guide us!
Happy first year! I am quite new to your blog (just found it like 3 days ago haha) but I already like it and am looking forward to reading more! Here is to another year
Happy 1 year! I think you’re doing great and I’m so happy to have “met” you!
Congrats again on your blog anniversary. I can relate to all your bullet points but most of all, item 2. It’s been only two years for me so the learning curve is still steep in some areas. You’ve done great and I wish you many more years of blogging!
Happy 1 year, Erin!!! I have enjoyed this post a lot, I can so relate to many things… I may not be commenting often due lack of time lately, but I am following you and your wonderful recipes regularly, and all I can say, is: You are doing a great job!!
I really enjoyed this post! It seems that most of us (food bloggers) go through a similar journey. I think it’s great to look back and see how much you’ve grown and also to aspire to be better. And I would have never guessed you were shy. I am too (and often misunderstood too.) But it’s nice to have an outlet in my blog. But I actually get embarrased when people in my real life read my blog
Happy 1st Blog Birthday! You are doing a wonderful job here and I am looking forward to many more years
Congratulations! It has been truly inspiring to see your blog grow to what it is today. You give me hope haha
I am a little late but Happy Anniversary. You may have a lot to learn still (as do we all) but I think your photos are great! I am the one looking to you for improvement.