Blogiversary & A Giveaway!

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tapioca pearls

Today marks my first blogiversay! Happy Birthday, blog! I honestly can't believe it. I've shared so many recipes and stories with you over the past year. When I first started blogging, I didn't know what I was getting myself into, where I was headed, or, really, what I was doing. I had no idea my tiny food blog would grow so much or reach thousands of people every day. Thousands! I still can't believe it.

I remember the first time someone commented on my blog, but I remember the first time someone I didn't know commented much more. How did this person find me? Where did she come from? But, more importantly, will there be more?

This first year of blogging has been one of trial and error. It was about learning. Learning how to blog, how to write recipes, finding my voice, and trying to make food look good. I can only wonder what the next year will bring. I hope you stay tuned to find out! But until then, these photos are here to give you a little hint at what is coming next.

Thank you for being such great followers. You continually inspire me to keep writing and find new and interesting things to bake. I don't know what I'd do without you!

big straws

In celebration of this special day, I want to host a giveaway! I've recently been very interested in vintage clothing and kitchen supplies and try to hunt them down whenever I can. I like the old fashioned feel of vintage items. Certainly they've been used, but they've also been loved. They are worn, yes, but worn well. I like to imagine the history behind them, and the journey they've been on to reach me.

In the last couple weeks, I've spotted many vintage aprons around town. I love a good apron (even if I do have trouble remembering to put one on before covering my clothes in flour). I think you might, too. The blue, lacy, flowered apron comes to you from Traveling Trunk, this fantastic little vintage shop selling a little bit of everything (if you're ever near Bismarck/Mandan, ND, make a stop!). The pink umbrella apron was a find at an antique store and it was so beautiful (and in such perfect condition) that I couldn't pass it up.

vintage apronvintage umbrella apron

Since I already own my fair share of aprons (I've run out of room in the closet), I thought I would share these with you. Whether you're a new follower or one who has stood by me since the beginning, I can't tell you how much I love having you around. Your comments and thoughts are such a bright spot in my day.

To win one of these aprons (and maybe a little something extra), simply leave a comment below and tell me what you love about this blog and what you'd like to see more of in the future. Make sure to include your email address when leaving a comment so I can get ahold of you! The contest will end on Saturday, May 28th at 11 pm (cst) and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Good luck!

Edit: The contest is closed and the winners have been chosen.

Strawberry Smoothie

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Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberries were the fruit of my youth. In the summertime, they were consumed almost daily. We would chop up the strawberries and mix them into a bit of vanilla ice cream (topped with a generous dose of chocolate syrup, of course). On special occasions, they were spooned on top of angel food cake and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Usually, though, we ate them simply—sliced and sprinkled with a spoonful of sugar to make them sweet and ooze strawberry juice.

I never could resist liking that bowl clean.

Strawberry Smoothie

One of my favorite bedtime snacks was the classic strawberry smoothie. I would sip them up on hot summer evenings. The chilled drink would always cool me down until I got goosebumps. The taste was close enough to a strawberry milkshake that I felt like I was getting a special treat even though my smoothie was anything but unhealthy.

Mothers are good at tricking you like that.

Nowadays I tend to enjoy them while strolling around outside or for a light breakfast when I'm on the go. One of my favorite qualities of smoothies is the versatility. They are perfect for all hours of the day. Morning, afternoon, or evening, you can always enjoy this understated treat.

Strawberry Smoothie

This strawberry smoothie is a light, fruity drink that will satisfy any sweet (or health conscious) tooth. The base of the smoothie is low-fat vanilla yogurt and milk. Strawberries and ice provide a nice variety in texture, while a splash of vanilla extract will help round out the flavors. Remember, you control the amount of sugar in the drink. If you're afraid it may be too sweet (or you're watching your sugar levels), add a little sugar at a time until it is just right for you.

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Baby Sugar Cookies

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Regrettably, I'm still feeling under the weather. I feel a bit like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, with a raincloud over my head and I keep misplacing my head (or tail, as it may be). In addition to losing 5 pounds in the last week (which I will certainly gain back in eating many, many cookies), I've temporarily lost my sense of smell and taste.

Moment of silence.

Now I ask you this: is there anything worse for a food blogger? How am I suppose to share delicious food and decadent desserts with you if I first can't test them out for myself?

Devastating is what this is. Maybe even a little bit ironic.

So today, we're going to try something new. I'm going to ask you to eat with your eyes instead of your taste buds.

My cousin Missy has been expecting a sweet little girl for some time now and she's finally arrived! Congratulations to Missy and Kurt (and new big brother Dylan)!

I can't wait to meet the new baby. Since my brain is always focused on butter and sugar, I wanted to give the new, soon to be very sleep deprived, second-time parents a special treat while they spent some time in the hospital with their new bundle of joy (and something to feed the visiting guests who have come to Ooo and Ahh over the cute baby toes).

Earlier this week, I baked up a batch of baby themed sugar cookies to send their way. I have already shared a couple sugar cookie recipes on this website which you can find here and here. Since I can't think of anything cuter than baby items (I literally squeal over them if I happen upon them in a store), I filled a bunch of pastry bags and quickly set out to decorate them. I used a royal icing to decorate the cookies (recipe below).

If there is enough interest, I would love to do a cookie decorating tutorial for you. Let me know if you'd like to learn!

I hope I've inspired you to try out cookie decorating for yourself! Or, if you know of a baby in the works, a few ideas to use to decorate your own baby themed cookies.

Royal Icing
3 3/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
6 tablespoons water

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add food coloring, if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To thin icing to fill larger areas, use a few drops of water at a time. Remember, a little bit of water goes a long way and it will take a lot of powdered sugar to compensate if you've added too much water.