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It was the summer of 2006 and some of my girlfriends and I were sitting around chatting when the topic of blogging came up. Among the six of us, not a single one of us had ever blogged. We just did not understand the point of blogging, and who has time for silly stuff like that anyway? Fast forward to November 26th, 2006… the day that I wrote my very first blog entry here at Dine and Dish. I wrote in a post a few days ago about why I initially started the blog. Since that day, my reasons for continuing to blog have stayed the same… to stay connected, to have an outlet to express myself, and for the pure enjoyment of it.
I have been amazed over the past year the number of connections I have made through my blog. Some of these connections have lead to non food related paid writing and photography gigs. Some of these connections are long lost family friends who somehow stumbled upon the blog and put two and two together and discovered who I was. Some of these connections have come in the form of new friendships… both online and local.
One example of the greatness of food bloggers comes in the form of “recipe rescue”. At one point in time I was looking for a really great pizza crust recipe. Several of you responded with a plethora of tried and true recipes to choose from. Claire was the first to respond, so I gave her recipe a try and have not deviated since (well…until this past weekend when I tried a new recipe simply so I could have something new to post about!)
Our annual Christmas party is coming up and I had a crab cake recipe from last months issue of O Magazine all set to make. Thankfully, I did a trial run this past Saturday and discovered that this recipe just didn’t work for what I was going for. Blogging friends to the rescue. I sent a 9-1-1 SOS e-mail out to Kate and Kirsten, and received replies from both. My friend Kate is having surgery this week (thinking of you Kate!) so she was not able to help out, but Kirsten responded by sending me exactly the kind of recipe I was looking for.
For those of you who have been hesitant to start a blog, don’t be. “Blogland” is a wonderful place full of support, tips/ideas, and great opportunities. I have enjoyed reading back over my Family Blog and reminiscing about the past year… things I probably would not remember had I not captured them in my blog. I go on a ride through past recipes and food related experiences every time I read past posts on the food section of my blog. Each recipe posted brings back memories of the meal surrounding it.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share part of my life with you all.
Pizza looks delicious, love the filling there.
Blogging is not at all easy as some might think,not to mention the time we spend on commenting on other blogs EVERYDAY!! Phew!!:D
I have posted a Crab cake at FH,(recipe Index, non-veg section or http://foodieshope.blogspot.com/2007/01/winter-munchies.html) with spicy Remoulade sauce.LOve Crab cakes if it doesn’t smell fishy!:)
Everything . . . . yes you are so right! Happy to started and happy you stay in the game. I wish this had all been around when my kids were little. I always think what a grand record a blog is!
I agree whole-heartedly about the blog. What started off as a little recipe post with WhistleStop products has turned into a lot of fun!
Blogging is a lot of fun, and also a lot of work. My advice to anyone who wants to start a food blog? Do it — but be sure you have something to contribute, whether it’s recipes, good writing, photography, etc.. Congrats again on your one year blog birthday — it’s a real achievement!
This does look like a good pizza crust! I really need to make pizza some time soon…it’s been a while! Congrats on your blogiversary!
I would have to say that blogging is probably the most fun thing that I do in my internet business
I feel really fortunate for being a blogger – I have "met" so many wonderful people (like you, Kristen) that it just makes me feel like blogging forever!
I had never even heard of food bloggers early 2006… now here we are… making friends and chatting with people miles and miles away, but that just brighten our days…
Pizza looks great. Sorry to hear about your experience with the Oprah crab cake recipe. I will be sure to mention your experience on my blog. Feel free to swing by sometime and check out all of our crab cake recipes from around the web. http://www.crabcakeguy.com
Thanks and good luck cooking crab cakes!
Isn’t blogging just the best? Who ever thought you could make so many friends with people you’ve never met??
I am very glad you started blogging and also that we made the connection. It’s been fun to watch your family grow.
Thanks for the kind thoughts about the surgery, Kristen! I really appreciate them.
Happy Blog-Birthday! 🙂
LOVE that pizza shot! Not only is the pic pretty cool looking, but it’s also making me drool…. 🙂
Hope your friend Kate has a speedy recovery, btw!
I started blogging so I could remember details about things that I’ve cooked, but the online community is what has kept me going!!
This crust looks delish!
Congratulations, you have become an amazing, admired, and inspired blogger.
Hi Kristen,
Blogging is indeed fun and now addictive! It gives a opportunity to know more about different kinds of people and if the wavelengths match.. Wolla! U have a friend..:) It was great reading ur post and to know that it had been fun blogoride! Hope u have the same joy of blogging in future too.
Cheers,
Siri
This pizza looks great!!! I wonder if I’d be able to do the mass… I don’t have a breadmaker… I don’t know what that is… Is it a machine?
About the blogging THING, in my particular case, it changed my life a lot!!! For the good/food!!! 😉
oooooooooooooh ya mmmm the pizzaaaa
Yummy! And such a nice photo.
I’ve started my blog (in portuguese) not long ago and it has been a fantastic experience – it became so addictive, I even started an english version. But yes, blogging can be great. Now I wonder why it took so much to do it!
I really love that photo!
After seeing that picture, I think I’ll be making pizza for lunch today. Who wants quinoa and veggies after seeing that?
I am soooo glad you startede your blog. It has given us a chance to keep up with you and your family and to bask in the admiration your friends have for you. Love, Mom
Sorry I missed your "blogiversary!"
Thank you for sharing your life, loves and, of course, recipes with us!
Getting to know others and sharing throughts with them, whether in person or cyberly, makes the world so much more "delicious!"
Congratulations on your fist blog year! I agree, blogging opens up the world for you. It amazes me to get notes from people around the world- and they’re all so nice!
Hi Kristen,
Bloggers are indeed a helpful and thoughtful bunch. They never failed to come to my rescue!
And it’s been great learning so much about you && your family).
Take care,
Nora