My 3 Year Blogiversary

Today celebrates 3 years since my very first blog post. It’s kind of hard to believe it’s been that long. I first started this little blog to share the recipes I was trying with my family and friends and as I continued forward, it became so much more. It has pushed me to go outside the box, try new things and become more adventurous with food. I don’t just make a recipe exactly as stated any more…I mix it up, change things, add different ingredients, even create my own recipes. I’m no longer afraid of yeast. I now like salads and avocado and mustard and sweet potatoes and so much more I thought I despised.

And I have over 1500 followers going on the journey with me. What? I never imagined so many people would be interested in what I’m cooking, baking and eating. I feel so humbled and I appreciate all of you! I love blogging and sharing recipes with all of you but there have been times that I just wanted to give it up for awhile. Like after having Hannah. But every day I would log on and see I had a new follower and thought “I don’t want to let them down, they want to hear what I have to say!” And I love having something of my own, just for me. It’s hard being a stay at home mom and sometimes I feel like I don’t have anything for me. I give all of myself to my kids (and I wouldn’t change that for the world) but it’s nice to have something else that I really love to do. Thank you all for sticking by me, even when I struggled to share just 1 post a week. Thank you for your comments, words of encouragements and “likes.” You guys rock.

I’ve come a long way in three years. I mean, seriously, check out these photos…bleh. I’ve considered retaking these photos (and many more) but it’s kind of nice to see the journey. My photography has improved and although it’s not as spectacular as some of my favorite food bloggers out there, I’m pretty proud of myself. Especially considering I’m usually taking these photos with two impatient boys breathing down my neck, waiting for the ok to inhale.

So to celebrate, I thought I would share some of my favorite recipes from throughout the years. The recipes that I always go to when I need something fast, delicious, decadent, satisfying or no-fail. Thank you trusty internet friends for being an invisible support system. I truly hope you continue to enjoy everything I share here.

So, I had a hard time just picking a few favorites. There have been a lot of recipes shared over the past three years! My top 15 favorites (in no particular order) are pictured below with a link to the recipe. Below that is a big list of my other favorites that I just couldn’t resist sharing too. Enjoy!

Chipotle Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans