Blogiversary & A Giveaway!

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!

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.

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.

Comments

[Chris Fried]

I love food. You should post more about food.

[Erin]

I loved the s'more cupcakes, even though I haven't had a chance to make them yet! I do miss Savory Sundays, though. The pumpkin alfredo was delicious, and I'd like to see more main course entries.

[Tammy]

Kristin- congratulations on your 1st year's anniversary of your blog. The year has gone by so fast! I've followed your blog from the beginning and can honestly say I've read every post. You are a talented young woman and I'm so proud of you and your accomplishments! I love the variety, your witty and insightful writing and fabulous pictures. Besides the terrific finished product, I enjoyed the pictures of the creative process and the steps along the way to the finished product. Thank you for the past year and wishing you many more successful posts in the future!
Tammy T.

[Helen]

I don't know what you can improve - I honestly think you are doing a great job! The title of your blog clearly states your focus - so whenever I want a sweet idea, this one of the places I visit. I am a new visitor, so I haven't made much yet, but your strawberry milk was a great hit with my kids!

[Kerry]

I just recently found your blog, and I'm really enjoying it! Your recipes, writing, and pictures are all wonderful. Keep them coming!

[lynne]

Congrats on your blogiversary! I love your amazing photographs and can't wait to see more delicious recipes!

[Meredith]

I love that even though I've tried out no less than 25 of your recipes, I have had the will power to go to the gym and not gain 100 pounds. It's nothing short of a miracle!

[Kelsey]

I love your photography! In the future, I'd love to see even more brunch recipes.

[Silvia]

Hello!
I entered into the drawing. I really like your blog. Not only the photos but delicious recipes that we always bring.
I'm Silvia from Spain.

* Forgive my English is not very good.

[Debbie H]

Love your ideas, recipes and beautiful images. Happy Anniversary!

[Amber @FromTheHeartsOf]

Congratulations! You do a fantastic job with this blog. I just love the versatility of it. There is something new and different everyday!

[Marina]

As a university student I don't do much baking (because then I'll eat it all) but I get my needed baking fix from your blog. I love all the entries! However, when I visit my family I bake all weekend creating your delicious recipes. I as well miss savory sundays but other than that keep up the good work!

[amy t.]

extra large congratulations. looking forward to more lovely, tasty inspiration from this swell affair.

[sara]

I enjoy reading your blog very much. I think your pictures are beautiful, and your recipes are unique, but not overwhelming.

[Betsy]

I love the pictures. My favorite recipe is the Black Forest Cake, which I made, and which was amazing!!
I don't know what you could do better.
I really enjoy your blog!

[Amanda]

Congratualtions on your 1 year mark! Hopefully there will be many more to come. The drink recipes are great and I have enjoyed your cupcake recipies for something special for work party pot-lucks. I would love to see some savory pastry dishes. I love that kind of comfort food in the winter for a lazt Sunday of cooking. Plus it is my birthday on Saturday...;).

[Mamabird]

I love the pictures. That's what drew me to this website in the first place. You make the food look so yummy. I have tried several of your recipes and have loved them all. I can't wait to try more. I also love the fact that you try to keep it healthy. I am a weight conscience person and love to make things that I don't feel are cheating when I am on a diet. I also like to have healthy and also tasty options to feed my family. I love it when they can't tell it's whole wheat. Keep up the good work!

[Rebecca]

I love this blog! I love the pictures and how delicious (and adorable) everything looks! And the great variety of recipes there are to try! Happy anniversary!

[Amy Healey]

I love how colorful the blog always is. it's so fun to read and I love the different posts each time!

[Dianna @ The Kitchen Prep]

Happy Blogiversary to you, Kristin! {A day late, I know, but still just as heartfelt. I suppose tardiness is what results from ignoring one's Google Reader for a full 12 hours!} How very exciting. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog not too long ago, I've truly enjoyed coming along on your journey and learning from you as I undertake my own, as well! Wishing you many more {delicious} years of continued success!

[Jess]

I love the variety of recipes...how some range from very simple, such as the roasted pineapple, to more labor intensive, like cakes for instance. You give us a lot to choose from. And your pictures are amazing!

[Claudia]

I have just started reading your blog and I already love it. You inspire me to be adventurous in my cooking, and I love the new ideas of food combinations which you post: keep it up. Thank you.

[Leah O]

I love your blog because every recipe you post, from cake to popcorn, makes me fall in love with food all over again. Your passion and the way you write helps me to remember that the simplest ingredients can come together to form something delicious and beautiful. You inspire me with food! Thank you!

[K-ko]

Your pictures are by far my favorite part about your blog; they have me salivating everytime!
And of course your recipes and blog name!

[Joan]

Isn't that umbrella apron the cutest!!! Your recipes are so different and its fun to see what you're up to next. The photos are fantastic! Congrats on your anniverary!

[Diana]

Congratulations!
I love your blog, and have made many of the recipes you've posted! You are awesome!

[Jeanette]

I'll admit that I've only been following your blog for the past 3 months but I've quickly fallen in love with it. Being a high school student, I have many opportunities to bake for school bake sales and lacrosse games, and my first stop was always the pastry affair. I've made every recipe on this blog and loved every one of them! I've even made some adjustments to them and experimented with my own recipes at home. I know it's cheesy to say...but you're blog has really inspired me to try my own recipes and continue baking! Congratulations on your anniversary and I hope to see many more recipes!! ~Jeanette

[Lou]

yay happy blogiversary! i will be supporting you always, your blog is amazing :)

[Avanika {Yumsilicious Bakes}]

Happy Blogoversary!!! I love aprons, would LOVE to win these. I love your pictures, they're not overly styled like some, so they're approachable, yet gorgeous!

[Kerri Rachelle]

I've recently discovered you on FoodPornDaily.com and have already made your coconut ice cream with raspberry sauce! Thanks so much for the inspiration and stories. I've also learned more about how to photograph food. Looking forward to another year!

[Kaitlyn Graves]

Congrats on having such a wonderful blog for an entire year! As an eighteen year old who just graduated from high school four days, I'm still at a bit of a loss as to what I want to do with my life. At least, I was until I found your blog one day on a whim and decided to try out your recipe for Blueberry Lime Panna Cotta. It turned out so well and I had so much fun doing it that I immediately went on to try out your recipe for Creme Brulee and the Chocolate Raspberry Pots de Creme. Every single cooking experience has been amazing, and I check your blog every day to see what else you've posted. You've helped me realize a love for cooking that I didn't even know I had. I love your blog for this reason - it's given me another option for my future, and a very fun, rewarding option at that!

As far as what I'd like to see, perhaps more recipes (both desserts as well as actual meals) involving fruit other than berries (as delicious as those little suckers are, hahah!). I'd also love to see more pasta dishes and soups. Lighter dishes would be lovely, seeing as summer is just getting started.

Once again, congratulations on the one year anniversary! You're doing a great job here.

[Jordan]

Congratulations & Happy Blogiversary!

I love 1) your passion for food 2) your love for sweets (I am always amazed at those who don't care for desserts...pure insanity because OBVIOUSLY they do not know what they are missing) and 3) the pictures! As a recent college graduate, I asked for several cookbooks for gift ideas, and as I did not have any particular ones in mind, one of the REQUIREMENTS was that they have to have pictures! For some reason, I just don't end up baking something if I can't see what it will look like (Probably because when I see a picture, I start to drool and realize I HAVE to make it or I cannot survive). Anywho, keep up the good work! I am excited for another year of great recipe ideas!

And if I HAVE to tell you something that I would like more of, it would be more desserts. See above Item #2.

[Izzie]

I love the photos on this blog- so crisp and such pretty colors! :) Happy Blogiversary!

[heather]

Honestly, i just found your blog a few weeks ago....and ive been on a diet. So the only think ive made so far are the sweet potato fries.....and honestly i dont even like sweet potatoes, but i loved these. I love to cook and bake so i cant wait to try out some more of your recipes....but right now i am enjoying your beautiful photos!

[Liz]

Congratulations on your anniversary!! I've been following your blog for a few months now - I absolutely love your photographs and use of colour. I think your blog is one of the prettiest! And the great recipes :) The aprons are lovely! What great finds.

[Laura]

O! I just found you! On Pinterest. And I'm DYING to make those honey rolls!!!!!!!!! Good photog for you foods, a nice (not overwhelming) bit of writing. Gonna bookmark you!

[Ashley]

Congrats! I am recently new to blogging and am loving every minute of it. Your S'more Cupcakes were featured on a friend's fb status and I was instantly in love with them and your blog. I will be making them this weekend! Keep up the great work!

[Amanda Thompson]

What I love most about your blog are your gorgeous photographs! I also think you are funny and pick great recipes to share with us ~ Here's to many more blogiversaries!!

[Mama Rose]

Congrats on a wonderful first year! You are an incredibly talented baker and photographer. Cheers to many more wonderful pastry creations! P.S. Thanks for letting me be one of your taste testers! ;)

[Shauna P]

I love your blogs and follow you on facebook! You have the most amazing recipes and I love sharing them with my friends and family! I also love the pictures that you post of each recipe and can almost taste what you've posted before I make it! Happy Blogiversary and I hope that there are many more to come! : )

[Di-licious]

What a wonderful way to celebrate your first blogiversary! I'm a recent Pastry Affair follower and I'll be honest - what keeps me coming back is your writing. Your photography and recipes all look divine but I enjoy your prose the most. With so many blogs dedicated to baking (mine included) I'm looking for one with the X factor (or maybe I should call it the W factor?) Whatever you call it - you've got it baby! The aprons are just to die for!

[Rebecca@A Dusting of Sugar]

I know this is closed, but is that tapioca in the first picture? Where in the world did you get it? I can never find it.

[Kristin Rosenau]

Rebecca-- You are right, it is large pearl tapioca. I find it impossible to find in grocery stores, but you may be able to find it in the international section. Otherwise, You should be able to find it at your local Asian market or, as a last hope, the internet. I hope that helps!