Monday, December 23, 2013

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza

An easy read for a busy time, heavy on photos and light on words.  I hope you'll take a moment to drop in and catch up with me!

This is my last post for 2013.  I'm taking time to hang with the family, catch up on reading for pleasure, updating my recipe indices, writing up recipes and typing up blog posts.  I'll be back on January 1st, 2014 with a new recipe:  Soy-Sriracha Roasted Mushrooms (which will join the crowd at  Awesome Veggie Apps and Snacks--link to my Pinterest board).

Since 2013 was my first full year of blogging, I figured I'd post a year-end wrap up.  Because my inbox is overflowing, I'm keeping this up a while and sending the entire thing out on the RSS feed (want to follow me via RSS?  Click over there on the right to do so).  No need to stop by the blog, though page views are always welcome . . .

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza | Farm Fresh Feasts
Google Analytics' Overview

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza | Farm Fresh Feasts
Blogger's Overview (starting 5 years before I did ;)

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza | Farm Fresh Feasts
My personal blogging stats
Speaking of page views, here's a few snapshots of my blog statistics.  I added Google Analytics in April, so that's why there's no data for the beginning of the year on that image.  The Blogger statistics include all the spambots who leave comments telling me how fastidious my writing is, but I don't think I'll change my comments to moderated just yet.  The final image is my own spreadsheet, where I keep track of the various numbers, including returning visitors (you came back!) and my monthly Adsense earnings.  I haven't actually gotten any money yet, but it's nice to see the numbers going up each month.

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza | Farm Fresh Feasts

Most people who find my blog are searching for recipes, which is unsurprising to me.  The most common search terms for my blog involve variations of 'make ahead mashed potatoes',  'green tomato recipes', and 'tomato pesto recipes'.  Some of the search terms that are used to find me, though, are pretty funny ('can my dog eat tomato pesto [they like it]') .  My favorite search term is 'my husband wants me to wear pasties'.  And after googling that, she clicked on this recipe?  Okay then.

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza | Farm Fresh Feasts

My most viewed pages are not a surprise to me, and they are completely due to Establish Bloggers choosing to feature or Pin one of my posts.  Thank you for giving me the increased visibility!  I enjoy joining in link parties and recipe round ups, and the two round ups I've done will not be my only ones (though I don't have specific plans for the next one--any suggestions?).  This post is shared with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop, the From the Farm Blog Hop, the Wednesday Fresh Foods Link UpTasty TuesdaysWhat's Cookin' Wednesday.

While I have met many bloggers online this year, I've only met one in person (and she's shorter than she looks on her blog).  Thanks to Meghan I now have a granola habit.  Could be worse--she got stuck with Thai soup!

I've done two guest posts (someone wants me to fill in for them? how cool is that?):  one for Kristy of Gastronomical Sovereignty She Eats in which I rambled about gardening and putting up what I grow; and one for Jennifer of HOMEGROWN.org's CSA Cookoff series in which I actually managed to photograph a farm share box, create a recipe using the contents, photograph it, and write the whole thing up within a week.

I've been inspired by many cookbooks, and fortunate to review two this year:  Carrie's Experimental Kitchen: A Collection of Mediterranean-Inspired Family Meals where I got this delicious green bean recipe; and Melt:  the Art of Macaroni and Cheese where I got this amazing mac and cheese in a pumpkin and which inspired my pumpkin cranberry maple kugel.  If you didn't get what you wanted, or got cash--I recommend getting these books.

2013 Year In Review Photo Montage Palooza | Farm Fresh Feasts

This is the 159th post I've published this year.  I blogged before, during, and after the growing season of my Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm share.  I blogged before, during, and after my spouse's most recent deployment.  I blogged during vacations.  I stayed up late and got up early because words were inside of me that needed to come out.  I debated how to break down my favorite posts of the year, and opted for a collage of my favorite muffin recipe, favorite pizza recipe and favorite focaccia recipe, favorite entree recipe, favorite appetizer recipe, favorite breakfast recipe, favorite condiment recipe, favorite soup recipe, and favorite side dish recipe.  You'll notice there's no dessert.  To be honest, since I live within walking distance of both Salted Caramel Killer Brownies and Salted Caramel Ice Cream--and because I have so many beets to roast--I usually leave dessert to others.

Want a peek behind the scenes?  Join my FB page, where I occasionally share what's happening right now in the kitchen (warts and all) and spotlight great recipes I find from other bloggers.

I hope you've enjoyed my summary of 2013.  Thank you, I appreciate that you stopped by to visit. I'm looking forward to 2014!

16 comments:

  1. Congratulations on how much your blog is growing!

    I did laugh at the "pasties" query because I have just been reading about a nipple tassel making class to be offered at Slamseys Art studio over at Life in Mud Spattered Boots (http://annewheaton.co.uk/2013/12/18/slamseys-art-in-the-barley-barn/).

    Funny how occasionally similar topics crop up all over. :)

    Enjoy your family over the holidays and I will look forward to hearing from you next year.

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    1. What a hoot--I had to hop over there and see, and that barn looks just lovely. It constantly amazes me what passes for "old" over in Europe vs what is "old" over here in the States.

      Thanks, and enjoy your holidays as well!

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  2. I'm happy to know I look taller on the blog since I am most definitely short. 5'2 to be exact. This might also be the real reason I love heels. A girl has got to get her height where she can. I'm also pleased to know I spurned a granola addiction. Believe me, it's a good addiction to have. If you ever want to form a support group, count me in. I'm also glad you're taking a break and spending some much deserved time with your family for the holidays. You work hard, and it shows.
    Before I sign off, I have to say thank you as well. You have been a great support to me and for me on so many levels. I'm not sure my summer would have been as enjoyable without your Fattoush Dip (also my favorite appetizer) nor my freezer so full without your guidance. I really, truly appreciate it and you. Thanks and have a great holiday. Merry Christmas Kirsten.

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    1. Merry Christmas, Meghan!
      You're my link with hipsters, I'll have you know :) and I truly appreciate your unflagging support and lovely comments. Even for things you'd never eat! You rock.
      Thanks!

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  3. That's impressive. You make me want to check out Google analytics. And 159 posts in a year! Wow. I think that's what I've accomplished in three years.

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    1. Tammy,
      I won't say I'm addicted to Google Analytics, but I do enjoy doing my monthly updates to my spreadsheet. Perhaps the engineer/geekiness of my spouse has rubbed off on me?
      There's something satisfying about reflecting on the year.
      Thanks!

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  4. You are very organized Kirsten, which is so impressive! I go along, all nicely organized for awhile and then just slide right off the rails into chaos when it is time to start up the garden in the spring time. In any case, I greatly look forward to your new posts in January - wishing you many blessings in the new year!

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    1. Donalyn,
      I had to snort when I read your comment. Organized? Ha! I'm so not a list maker, though I'm inspired by the blogging organization tools from Anyonita Green of Anyonita Nibbles and Dani from The Adventure Bite, and plan to get some structure in place once everyone clears out of my work space and returns to work/school/normal routines.
      Happy New Year!

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  5. Wow, you've been busy, Kirsten! I can't wait for that mushroom recipe. Happy New Year!

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    1. Frances, wait no longer--it's up! (I need to edit this post) While I didn't get everything done on my mental To Do Re Blog list, I did get a fair amount accomplished--and had lots of movie and game nights with the family--so I'm glad I took the break I needed.
      Happy New Year!

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  6. You're incredible. I can't believe it's only been a year!!! You've done so well and I'm so proud of you and your blog Kirsten! I know I just said this on my last comment but I really am so glad to know you - and honored. You're a force and totally awesome and I'm so pumped to have hosted you on my blog this past year. You're welcome back anytime :)

    xoxoxoxo!

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    1. Kristy,
      Aww, thank you! Ok, technically it's been a year plus 3.5ish months, but who's counting? :) Reading your comments always brings a smile to my face.
      Thanks!

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  7. Happy New Year! LOVE your blog, your photos, your family, your guinea pigs and your polish pottery :)
    xoxo Allison

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    1. Dear Allison,
      The dogs are feeling slighted, but luckily they don't read as well as the pig.
      Thanks for your wonderfully sweet words!
      Happy New Year!

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  8. Yeah, so my holiday season got crazed and I definitely intended to comment on this post earlier, like when you wrote it, but I guess better late than never. Anywho, I hope you had a wonderful holiday filled with love and cheer and good eats! I love reading your blog and love reading your comments on mine. Thank you so much for your friendship! Happy New Year!!

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    1. Talk about a crazed season, Julie--I've been putting off "respond to comments on my blog" for over 2 weeks! Finally the email is pared down, the jotted notes have been typed up, the photos have, for the most part, been buffed and polished . . . and here I am. Well, Wee Oliver Picklepants is with me, "helping" me drive the trackpad.
      Thanks!

      Thanks!

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