One-Year Belated Blogiversary!

The giveaway for a free visit to Blo West Hartford ends TODAY in a couple of hours (12PM EST). Be sure to enter AND hit up the last Pink Thursday at Cuvee tonight!

Yesterday I mentioned that I’d missed my one-year blogiversary! Don’t be embarrassed if you didn’t notice my mention of it yesterday…I wouldn’t be surprised, since you were probably too busy drooling over my recipe for a pesto salmon broccoli pizza. WHICH by the way, was posted to the Gorton’s Seafood Blog! What a nice blogiversary present!

I’ll drink to that!

So I guess this will be a belated blogiversary celebration. And I wouldn’t be surprised if my brain subconsciously forgot about my blogiversary on purpose, JUST so I could use the word “belated” in this post’s title and incorporate alliteration.

My girl Meg looooooves alliteration!

My first post on September 21, 2012 asked the question “Why am I here?” (and eww, I hate how Am and Here aren’t capitalized, what was I doing?!). Some things haven’t changed since then! My life still “moves at a million miles a minute”. This photo was featured in the post, and was taken in May 2011:

Greek lamb burger at BGR in DC.

I still raise my eyebrows most time I pose with food, and I’m still a ham. 

Hamming it up with vegan pizza (wait that doesn’t make sense…) earlier this month.

But a lot has changed since September 21, 2011! Maybe listing my top ten favorite posts I’ve done will help you – and me – see how:

  1. I’m Amazing Because…: This is a given. The post brought me so much inspiration through the way it inspired others. I have never felt so loved as I did whenever I read (and still read) feedback. I still keep my list in my purse and I want to start a full #AmazingMe project someday – but it’ll likely have to wait until after I finish my MBA.
  2. Summer with a Side of Guilt: I think this is the first time I really truly opened up here about feeling anxiety and guilt over enjoying life through eating and drinking. I was nervous to do so, but the encouragement I got from this community made me see that it was totally worth it, and encouraged me to keep opening up in the future.
  3. Why I Didn’t Go To Church Today: I wrote this post on Easter Sunday from La Petite France. The bakery’s atmosphere had me feeling cozy and a trip to Bikram that morning had gotten me in a pensive mood. I really enjoyed using this blog as a place to “sort out” my own feelings about religion and also loved the thoughtful comments the post got.
  4. Fitness Magazine Meet and Tweet: Writing this post was just so much fun and memories of meeting some of my favorite bloggers for the first time still make me feel warm and fuzzy :-P as do the compliments I got on my recap!
  5. Three Generations Dine at Max Fish: I just had such a good time this night with my family. A memorable meal with great company!
  6. Teachings of BlogHer ’12: I loved sharing with you guys the marketing/blogging techniques I nerded out over at this conference, and also what I learned about myself!
  7. Too Blessed to Be Stressed: Talk about fate! A chance encounter that was meant to be shared on this blog…and it gave me one of my new favorite mantras.
  8. Cafes do Brasil Week in NYC: It didn’t seem like as big of a deal to me back then, but I went into the city by myself for the day and just spent it all in a state of pure bliss. I had my first “blogger event” and felt like my blog and what I had to offer truly had value. I also got to try some fantastic food and taste lots of COFFEE!
  9. Pure Food and Wine: One of the most memorable meals of my life, shared with one of the best gifts blogging has brought me!
  10. A Day at Reebok World HQ!: Another unforgettable experience that made me feel like I’d really “made it” as a blogger! And more meeting and hanging out with so many ladies I’d admired for so long.

Myself and tons of amazing bloggers – still can’t believe I’ve been able to hang out with them several times over!

How am I different? I’ve learned to open up and be more OK with appearing vulnerable – with not being perfect. If doing so will get me support I need to make me happier in the long run, it’s the right thing to do. I’ve picked up countless sources of inspiration and tricks for combating mean mental thoughts, and I’ve filed them away – files that are pulled every day. I’ve found that I’m not alone, and that it’s possible to come out on top, but that it won’t be easy. I’ve realized where my true passions lie, and that whatever they are, I will find a way to live them out. I’ve gotten better at putting myself first…#sorrynotsorry. I can recognize when I’m comparing myself to others, and check myself before I let it go too far – most of the time. When it does go too far, I recognize it and come back instead of declaring failure.

I can do anything!

I’ve built relationships with new friends, with restaurants, with brands, with like-minded people interested in the same things as me (I guess that’s a bit redundant). I’ve explored new places, and experienced old places in new ways!

Are you really surprised to see Heather in this post?

I’m #AmazingMe, one year (and six days…) later!

What’s the more important lesson blogging has taught you?

Think back to where you were a year ago today…any surprises now?

Where do you hope to be a year from today?

47 Responses to "One-Year Belated Blogiversary!"

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  1. Pappa Don't Preach

    September 27, 2012 at 10:57 am

    You truly are amazing little nugget! Can’t believe we have similar blog birthdays! So happy and proud of your accomplishments, both in the connections you’ve made and the life experiences you’re so open with.

    Personally – I wish I would have been more ahead in my career today. I had high hopes last year and I’ve fallen short. Mostly due to my own slackage (if thats a word) but I’m already further along in the past month than I have been all year – so I’m hoping this momentum keeps up!

    Excited to see you Saturday and celebrate our blogiversaries! xoxo

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 11:13 am

      I know right, another similarity between us! You’ve been dealing with moving – now that you’re settled in a new place I know you have that new drive to amp up the career momentum!

      Reply
  2. 4loveofcarrots

    September 27, 2012 at 10:58 am

    I feel like I am the first person to comment a lot lately lol! But happy blogiversary you have certainly grown over the past yr and I am certain you will only continue to grow!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 11:12 am

      Haha guess you’re a big fan? Thanks Kaitlin!

      Reply
  3. Alex @ therunwithin

    September 27, 2012 at 11:24 am

    happy blogiversary! I am so happy I found your blog and can’t believe you have only been blogging for that short amount of time, you are such a pro!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 11:48 am

      Aw shucks! Thanks girl. I’m so glad we found each other. I feel like we are so helpful to each other each day.

      Reply
  4. lvanderwerp

    September 27, 2012 at 11:32 am

    Happy blogiversary – my first one is coming up tomorrow too!! I’ve learned and grown so much over this past year, and I know that I am only going to continue to grow and improve. Love this healthy living community!!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 11:48 am

      Thank you – it seems like many bloggers popped up last September!

      Reply
  5. cleanfoodcreativefitness

    September 27, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Happy Blogiversary!!! How exciting! Can’t wait to read up on your favorite posts!!!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      Thanks Danielle! You rock.

      Reply
  6. Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's

    September 27, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Happy Blogiversary, I believe some celebrations are in order :)

    Reply
  7. Lisa

    September 27, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Happy blog birthday! Your amazing my friend. And I am so happy we have become friends through this journey! You are such a kind hearted person, and I couldn’t be happier we have met and have a friendship through this community. Love you lady!xo

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      LOVE YOU LISA. Ahh you are just such a gem, I’m so glad we found each other. Thank you for your email and I will reply soon!

      Reply
  8. daileeblossom

    September 27, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Happy belated blogiversary!! It’s so inspiring to see how this year has changed you! I especially loved reading your one-year reflections because I just started my own blog a couple days ago – maybe in a year, I’ll be reflecting as well :) Thanks for blogging, Caitlin!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      Oo, major congrats girly! Get ready for a great journey! I will check out your new blog.

      Reply
  9. Amanda @ Run Principessa

    September 27, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Happy belated blogiversary! I loved the posts you picked. You’ve certainly come a long way. Even though you were fantastic when you started. So I guess that means your superfantastic now? Makes sense to me!! Have a wonderful day. :)

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      <333 aww Amanda you always make me feel great!

      Reply
  10. Heather @ Better With Veggies

    September 27, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! I think it’s amazing how much of a community blogging provides and how it teaches us it’s okay to be open, vulnerable, and imperfect. Hope your next year is even better!

    Reply
  11. betterwithsprinklesblog

    September 27, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    Happy blogiversary! I have trouble believing you’ve only been at this a year – you’ve got some talent, girl! Hoping it just keeps getting bigger and better for you. :-)

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 27, 2012 at 2:57 pm

      You’re such a sweetheart. Thanks babe!

      Reply
  12. Claire @ Live & Love to Eat

    September 27, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    I love following your blog – always have major food-envy of the amazing restaurants you visit! :)

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 4:00 pm

      <3 thanks Claire! I wish my spam filter didn't always throw you into the spam folder but I rescued you again!

      Reply
  13. Caroline

    September 27, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Happy blogiversary! I’m also surprised you’ve only been blogging for a year!

    I’ve learned so much from blogging, a lot of which you mentioned. The biggest one for me has just been listening to myself and how I’m feeling a little more. Not just about my body/how I’m physically feeling, but also about what I want out of my life. Blogging makes me stop and reflect more than I used to.

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 10:22 am

      I agree Caroline, such a great lesson!

      Reply
  14. Linz

    September 27, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Yay for your blog’s first blogiversary!! Blogging has taught me a lot in the sense of comparison… It takes a lot for me not to compare myself to other bloggers, but I have to remind myself that bloggers are people.. just like me. :) :)

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 10:22 am

      Ahh yes Linz this has been way important for me!

      Reply
  15. Caroline

    September 27, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    Happy blogiversary! My 1 year of blogging was on the 25th- I wrote a post about it here:
    http://fightingforwellness.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/celebrate-1-year-of-blogging/

    Reply
  16. Lisa

    September 27, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    Great reflection on the past year! That’s definitely a perk/benefit of blogging–having it all documented along the way so you can look back and remember how you felt at certain times.
    I’m not sure what I’ve learned from blogging…I think the biggest benefit I’ve experienced has been the interaction with so many great people!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 10:23 am

      Definitely many special relationships have been made!

      Reply
  17. Tina Reale (@tinareale)

    September 28, 2012 at 7:36 am

    Yay for one year of blogging. Isn’t it amazing how fast time goes and all that can happen in a year. Looks like a great one. :)

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 10:23 am

      Thank you Tina <3 means a lot.

      Reply
  18. Candice

    September 28, 2012 at 11:18 am

    Happy one year of blogging! Looking forward to another year (and hopefully many more after that) of reading your awesome blog!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 11:21 am

      You’re way sweet. Thanks girl!

      Reply
  19. Jordan

    September 28, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    Happy blogiversary!! I love your amazing me post.

    I would never have imagined being where I am a year ago…and as hard as it is, I’m okay with that. A year from now, I want nothing more than to be healthy and happy. :)

    Opening up is definitely something I’ve learned in the short time I’ve been blogging. I started blogging as a way to open up about what I’ve been going through. It has really helped. People are incredibly supportive when you give them the chance to be and it’s incredibly healing not to keep everything to yourself.

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      September 28, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      I’m so glad you like it Jordan! Your wish to be healthy and happy is my same wish :) and makes me realize I’m already blessed! I’m so glad that you’ve experience the same supportive community that I have.

      Reply
  20. Meredith @ DareYouTo

    September 28, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Happy happy blogiversary to you! It’s shocking that you’ve only been around a year — you’re so well established and successful already! Keep up the good work. (And I agree with many of your ‘favorite post’ selections. The “Why I’m Amazing” is something that EVERYONE should read (and do!) !!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      October 1, 2012 at 10:06 am

      Thank you Meredith – you too, you’ve seen so much success early on! I’m still jealous of your Reebok CrossFit store experience in NYC!

      Reply
  21. Diana @ VeggieNextDoor

    September 28, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    Congratulations on 1-year, Cait! I’d have sworn you were at it much longer than that by the HUGE following (me included!) that you have – you have had such an amazingly successful year, and it’s still so clear that you are truly passionate about what you blog about – no burn-out on the horizon for you!

    Pure Food and Wine so right-fully made your top 10 list. and you and Heather are a match made in heaven!

    In addition to all the great people I’ve met through blogging, my definition of “healthy eating” has changed and evolved so much. I definitely learn SO much from this community!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      October 1, 2012 at 10:05 am

      Thank you Diana, you are always so complimentary! Hahaha Heather and I are indeed a good match, I feel like many members of this community are! I love your insight about your definition of healthy eating evolving. Mine has for sure!

      Reply
  22. GOtheXtraMile

    September 29, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    Love this and so glad we both started blogging so that we could meet each other! <333333

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      October 1, 2012 at 10:04 am

      I know! and reunite again in two months!

      Reply
  23. greensandcoffeebeans

    September 29, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    Happy blogiversary! I didn’t realize your blog was only a year old, it looks and sounds much older and more put together. My little 7-month old blog has some catching up to do! I love reading your blog and look forward to the year to come!

    Reply
    • Caitlin

      October 1, 2012 at 10:03 am

      Aw that’s so sweet of you! thanks for reading!

      Reply
  24. Pingback: A Whole New Accomplishment! « Cait Plus Ate

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