My First Blogging Anniversary

Happy Birthday!! Not only is today my 30th birthday, it’s also Bakes & Blunders’ first blogging anniversary.  This year has been spectacular and I need to reflect on it all.  I’ve had so many positive experiences in both my personal life, and my baking life.

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My First Blogging Anniversary – Personal Accomplishments

 

This past year has been an amazing period of growth and change for me on a personal and baking level.  If you don’t mind, let me kick this blogging anniversary off with the personal side of things. Maybe you’ll get to know me even better too!

Shortly after Bakes & Blunders was born, we moved from Texas to Maryland and I went from a dank closet of a kitchen, to a beautiful open space to bake and create.  I also finally committed to braces for the third time.  Y’all, please make sure your kids wear their retainers.  I’m about a third of the way through and I am already loving the difference.

 

 

Starting Bakes & Blunders

 

If you’ve never created a website or started a blog before, holy heck.  This shiznaz is tough stuff! There is so much to learn and even one year in, I’m learning more and more about the technical side of things.  Recently, I learned how to revamp my Resource Library. That’s on my to-do list!

In the first few weeks, before Bakes & Blunders even launched, I found myself in tears just staring at my laptop because it was like learning a new language and I was trying to take an advanced course in it!  But, thanks to my sweet husband, an amazing uncle, and the fantastic blogging friends I’ve made along the way, Bakes & Blunders made it and is here to celebrate my first blogging anniversary.

 

Applying to The Great American Baking Show

 

This might sound like a baking accomplishment, but I consider it a personal one because the main takeaway was overcoming fear and self doubt.  I am still flabbergasted that someone asked me to apply to this phenomenal baking show. And I’m even more impressed that I had the guts to do it!

I have struggled with anxiety my entire life.  So going through the casting process was nerve racking on so many levels.  But I did it! I even drove up to New York City (with the help of my dad!) and presented three of my bakes to a culinary producer.  It was an amazing experience.

 

 

 

 

My First Blogging Anniversary – Baking Accomplishments

 

I’m blown away by how far my baking skills have come since last year.  Back then, I was sticking to more common recipes like cheesecake, basic cakes, and cookies.  But now I’ve made pastries from scratch, tiered cakes, and macarons! Heck, even compared to 5 months ago, my baking has improved.

Not only that, I’ve started taking baking classes at my local community college.  Attending these classes alone pushed me outside my comfort zone and also has introduced me to some wonderful people in my community.

 

Recipes I Take Pride In

 

Choosing favorite recipes is like choosing a favorite child (thank goodness I only have one little!).  Every recipe has special meaning to me and brings me back to a certain time. But, of course, there are some that stick out more than others.

 

My Top 3:

 

 

• Geode Cake – This was my son’s 5th birthday cake, so it’s automatically special.  Besides that, it’s also the largest cake I’ve made. And I love how the geode cut outs and agate slices look.
• Green Tea Macarons with Ginger Buttercream – Turns out, I’m obsessed with ginger.  I love the floral earthiness of matcha as well. Combine these two in a macaron and you’ve got one unique cookie!  My husband gets the credit for this fun flavor combo.  I want to use this ginger frosting on so many more cakes and cupcakes!
• Coffee Cake Layer Cake – This was my first drip cake and the first project I completed with the Sweet Arts Guild.  It’s an original recipe and so gosh darn good. In fact, it’s one of the bakes I brought to my tasting in New York!  

 

 

Cake Orders

 

People used to tell me that I should sell my treats or start my own bakery.  I would just snort a laugh out, roll my eyes, and move on with life. Well, I did it!  I started taking limited orders this summer and it has been so exciting!

To be honest, I still kinda feel sick to my stomach with self doubt every time I take an order.  But it gets easier every time I sell a cake. I still plan on taking limited orders for the foreseeable future.  Nothing could be worse than taking on too much, too fast.

 

Reflecting on My First Year

 

When I started Bakes & Blunders, I just wanted to document my personal baking journey, including any mishaps that occurred along the way.  This journey turned out to be about more than just baking. I have grown so much as an individual because of this blog.  

The lessons I’ve learned this past year go way beyond baking.  I’ve learned to push myself out of my comfort zone and pursue what makes me happy.  In the past, fear would have stopped me from applying to TGABS or from selling my cakes to strangers.  It’s been uncomfortable at times, but I’ve been tiptoeing into the unknown and have found that it’s not as horrifying as I expected.

 

 

Looking Towards the Future

 

It’s my first blogging anniversary and I cannot wait to see what the next year brings.  I plan on continuing with regular recipes, taking orders, and learning everything I can about blogging and baking.  

 

If there’s something you’d like to see in the coming year, don’t hesitate to send me a message!  And if you’ve been loving Bakes & Blunders this past year, consider subscribing to my newsletter.  You’ll not only get access to my Resource Library, which is full of exclusive recipes, printables, cheat sheets, and more, but a quick email from me every three weeks that will include updates and baking tips.