It’s a big day over here. I celebrated my 21st birthday yesterday (no not really, but wouldn’t it be fun to be 21 again?), Mommie Cooks is turning one AND I’ve officially posted my 200th post as of this morning. A celebration is definitely in order. But before we get to the good stuff I thought it might be fun to take a look back at where this little blog began. Most of you probably remember the original rolling pin. After all, this beautiful new design has only been around since earlier this week. But were you around when this banner was gracing the cover?
How about this one?
And how about a look back at my very first post?
I personally can’t believe how far Mommie Cooks has come in a year. It’s gone from a simple way to share recipes with friends to a full on hobby/wanna be business that I love with a passion and just can’t seem to get enough of. The best part about the whole journey has been the amazing food blogging community. I know I’ve said it before but food bloggers are a truly special group. We look out for each other, prop one another up and throw our support where it’s needed in the community. It isn’t uncommon to see bigger, more well known bloggers donating their time and resources to help out a newer member of the community. I’ve met so many amazing men and women and couldn’t imagine the experience being even remotely as magical without them as a part of it.
And what’s a celebration without a present? I’ve been working really hard to get this gift finished in time for the big day. A few more stitches and I’m done. I made the exact same gift for my sister in law for Christmas so I thought I’d share a picture of my beautiful niece modeling it for all of you.
So who wants to win a brand new apron to sport around in their kitchen? I know it’s not a sponsored gift or anything fancy like that, but I really wanted to share a piece of me to say thank you to everyone who’s stuck with this little blog through the ups and the downs. This apron was a labor of love and I hope one of you will enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoyed making it!
You don’t need to do handstands or jumping jacks to enter. Just leave me a note at the end of the post to let me know you’re there. If you aren’t already a regular and you’d like to stick around and see what’s cooking for the upcoming year, feel free to join in through facebook, RSS, or email. I would be honored to have you. I’ll announce the winner on Monday so be sure to get your comments in by then.
Thank you so much again for an amazing first year!
Happy Birthday Julie. I wish to you many flavorful posts to come. And you chose the right model for this beautiful apron!
Congrats on turning one! Blogging is a fun adventure; I’m glad you have had such a postive experience. Your recipes are always fun to read.
The apron is beautiful! I would LOVE to wear it in my kitchen 🙂
Congrats on a full year of blogging!
Happy anniversary to you. I think a gift from the heart is better than any gift at all.
LisaDay
Julie, Happy Anniversary!!! So grateful to have met you here and wish you much well~deserved & continued success with Mommie Cooks!!!
Happy Blogiversary, Julie! And 200 posts, that’s so cool. It was great meeting you last September and very glad to know you! Your blog is so beautiful and you shine right through it. Can’t wait to see you in May and maybe meet up when you’re in Florida in April for vacation.
Congrats on one year! That is great.
It is so fun to look back and see how a blog has changed over time. Haven’t hit a year yet and still have a ways to go, hope I am as successful after a year as you have been!
Thanks for the chance to win, that apron is adorable.
Happy One year anniversary. Hoping you will be blogging for many years as many days you and Kay (the Church Cook) have been my kitchen inspiration!
Jackie
Happy 1st Birthday! Congratulations. Looking forward to many more years stopping by your place!
Happy Anniversary Julie!!! You have a wonderful blog and I so enjoy visiting. Here’s to many more anniversaries!
Wow! Only 1 year to get to this point? You have really worked hard – you should be super proud! The site looks great and your photos are gorgeous.
Happy Birthday Mommie Cooks…and many more!
Happy 1st Birthday! and many more!!! Congratulations and looking forward to more!
Love it, so fun to see your first post, I have similar plans for my blogs first birthday coming up soon. I cringe at my first post and how it looked. It is amazing how much we learn in a year. You do a fabulous job on your blog, congrats on your first year 🙂
Happy birthday! I love all of the headers you’ve had over the last year. And that apron is adorable!
Happy Birthday, congrats. I’m new to your blog, found you through Tasty Kitchen (vegetarian tamales).
I would love to win the beautiful apron. It’s lovely Julie. I would think of Mommie & Me wearing it while I cooked.
Have a great weekend!
Pamela
Love the blog…..Happy Birthday!
Cutest little apron-wearing model ever!!!!
Happy blog anniversary, Mommie! Feels good to be a part of this blog and knowing & interacting with you. Best wishes for many more of such wonderful years to you.
Congrats, I have found some recipes I’m going to try, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for a year of wonderful recipes and ideas! Can’t wait for more!!!
Hi and happy birthday! I just looked at your first post and wow–your photography has improved a thousandfold! =)
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I would never have guessed that you had not been doing this for years already!! LOVE your recipes : )
Happy web-year!
Happy Anniversary Julie. I am so glad to have found your blog. You’re such a great person and your cooking is out of this world 🙂 Very talented and I wish you continued success.
Have a great weekend.
Wohoo! Happy Birthday to u n ur little baby Julie! U have come such a long way in this short one year and I’m sure u must be so proud of yourself! achieving so much with three kids running all around is something unimaginable for me but u DID IT!! 🙂
Congtaulations and wish u many many years of success!
Congrats!! Cute apron 🙂
A cute apron like that is perfect for continuing to cook all day long! I may have to give up my day job and become the perfect housewife!
Happy 1st Blogiversary Julie! I am so glad we “met”. That’s a cute apron 🙂
Julie, I tried your Cherry Orange Bread yesterday. Excellent! I am looking forward to trying mire recipes. Hurray, I finished “A Fine Balance”.
Carol
Happy blog birthday!!!
Happy Blogiversary! Congrats on making it to a year.
Happy blog bday! I think I discovered you on the 1 year birthday and am looking forward to the next year’s worth of recipes.
Ps don’t pick me for the apron as I live in northern Ireland… 🙂
Happy 1st Blogiversary Julie! WOW, just one year. I had the feeling you’re blogging for a longer period. Love reading your blog and so happy I meet you (even online). Congratulation and looking forward to much more.
The apron is so cute.
Have a wonderful Friday Julie
p.s. LOVE the new look of the site
Congratulations, Mommie Cooks! I know you’ll many more anniversaries to come, you have a great blog. Thank you for all you recipes.
Blessings 🙂
I can’t believe you’re only ONE! You seem so well established. Come to think of it, I believe my blog’s first bday is also coming up…. or has already passed? 🙂 Oops. I’ll have to look in to that. Happy Birthday and keep the posts coming for Year 2!
Happy Blogiversary! Soon Hallmark will be making a card for this I’m sure. Keep at it!
Congratulations on this milestone!YAY 🙂
Wish you many more to come.All the best my friend.
Here’s to an awesome year and more to come~
Omedetou tanjobi!!
Happy Anniversary Julie! I agree with every word you say. The foodie blogging community is awesome and I’m enjoying this new activity immensely. I follow each and every post you publish through google reader and I’m always amazed at the beautiful and delicious things you do. Congratulations!
Good Job! Best of luck! I’m new to this but have to say I’m having a ball. Peace
congrats on your blogs birthday great giveaway all the very best for your endeavors
hugs Rebecca
Congratulations on your 200th post and blogoversary! You have a truly wonderful blog — I always enjoy your writing and your recipes, and it’s always done with such style, class and panache! The apron is gorgeous. Love, love, love the ruffles!
Happy blogiversary!! I LOVE that apron, seriously! It looks fabulous!
Happy Bloggy Day Julie. You know I love your blog., enjoy my visits & some of your recipes have definatly made it into ‘the folder’ & even to ‘the table’ 🙂 200 posts in 1 year is a big deal girlfriend.
The apron is awesome…, your so clever stitching this little number up…. I could easily see ‘me’ strutting my stuff in this one 🙂
Happy b’day to you! Congrats on a great year and I look forward to seeing you again soon! 😉
aw, congrats! you’ve done a lot of great work and should be proud. 🙂
Oh Happy Happy Day! I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this for a year…your blog is just wonderful and that apron is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, my dear! May your week burst forth with love, good food and peace!
Happy Blog Birthday Julie! I can’t believe it’s been a year already. I love love the new blog design and remember your older ones too. I think the first post that I read of yours was when you went to the Bon Jovi concert. I laughed so hard that I kept coming back. I love your hilarious writing style, enjoy your recipes and.. wait a sec! You sew too? You are truely and inspiration to all us Mommie’s cooking out there :0)
Congratulations on your 1st year of blogging, and I sure look forward to many more 🙂
aprons are my favorite. congrats on your beautiful blog.
Happy First Year – what an achievement!
Oh no!!! I’m too late!! That’s what I get for being a slacker. That apron is gorgeous!!!
I’m so glad I found you and your blog. Happy birthday, blogiversary and 200th post!!!! I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished!
Now…I need one of those aprons!!!!
Happy first year of blogging. You have come a long way and hope you will entertain us with your posts and recipes for many more years.
Congrats im a new fan but look foward to reading more. That apron is bright and cheery i love it .. thanks
darkgothdoll@hotmail.com
Happy Anniversary. I would say you have accomplished a great deal in only a year.
The moment I saw the smoke from the candle, I said, “Oh man, this is a beautiful photo” .. that smoke made all the difference
Happy blog birthday!
Happy 1st Birthday Julie! We’ll be 21 forever right? I remember your blog back then and I love the new look! And that apron – you have totally impressed me. Gorgeous!