1st anniversary

I’ve now been blogging for a whole year! In my head it’s only 11 months, as I don’t think I actually did anything with my registered blog for the first few weeks…

Gaining readers has been difficult enough amongst all the other foodie blogs out there; I don’t work in the food industry and I’m not in PR or marketing (all the respected food blog writers in this country seem to fall into one of thos categories), so I’m at a distinct disadvantage. I’m doing my best to counteract this, but with a full time job to hold down (like so many of you) it’s REALLY hard!

Beautiful view

However, as I’ve said time and time again I have extremely loyal readers. Some of you feel like friends at this stage, even though I’ve never met any of you.

Firstly there’s Elaine, my foodbod mate. She’s been such a support over the last year, it’s hard to believe her blog is only a year old too. Then there’s Dimple from shivaay delights who now has over five thousands of members on her amazing Facebook page, clever lady!

Angie is crazy amazing! Every week she holds Fiesta Friday over at her blog the novice gardener. This party idea has made preparing for post on a Friday so much fun! Celia over at fig jam and lime cordial introduced me to her monthly In My Kitchen series,  that I love taking part in.

In My Kitchen.... loads of books

Thanks to some pretty crap cooking last week I was left wondering what on earth the next year might bring? Better things I hope! So i’ve stopped sulking-in part because you lot won’t let me and i’ve come up with a plan….

One of my big goals is to be front of mind within the Irish blogging community. Not only do I want to be nominated again in the food and drink catagory at the Irish Blog Awards, but I want to be shortlisted too. Then the next year my goal will be to win it!

Coriander and sesame seed sausage rolls

I’ve also promised myself that I’ll learn more techniques and baking processes this year. Last Saturday when I spent the day making pastry! The one day course was brilliant, but exhausting. I’m now pretty confident making rough puff pastry (used in the sausage rolls above), choux pastry (used in the profiteroles and eclairs below) and pate sucree! It was challenging and inspiring and I can’t wait for my next course.

I had my first official blogger engagement last month, thanks to the lovely people at Dr Oetker. I’m hoping the next year will be filled with many more exciting offers (please please please). I’m off to the Food and Drink Show NI in Belfast at the end of the month…. Two words JAMES-MARTIN! If you don’t know who he is….. Google him!

So whether the sun is rising at the start of a glorious day or the rain is pouring down and i’m sat by the stove, i’ll keep blogging away at The Glen House. Oh, and remember that you can find me on Twitter @the_glen_house

Elderflower cordial

Melissa xx