05/02/2014, a beautiful bright sunny day.
It has been a year. Already.
I distinctly remember that moment when my hands were unsteady, the thought so random and my gaze intent yet distant. Just how out of the blue, I decided to start a blog. With absolutely no expectations, no speculations and no definite idea or vision or plan, I set to write. My first post had me just express my wish to write new recipes and contribute to the existing ones. I had no notion of the kind of journey I was going to have. And oh.. what a journey!! Replete with new friends, new recipes, ardent interest in photography and a phenomenal medium to express my thoughts and opinions, I now have a clear road to walk upon 🙂
‘Do you get anything out of it’, is one query I get asked the most :). What they mean is, do I earn anything out of the blog. I was stumped the first time, but now I am so used to it that I have the answer memorized. Aww…no money, but I get immense creative satisfaction… blah blah, but saying it so many times makes it all a bit apocryphal… but the fact is, It is true. The kind of euphoria that this baby of mine garners cannot be compared to anything except maybe having real human babies of our own. I am so in love with what I do. Now this is a huge blessing as you all know, to find love in your chores or work or life is no small feat.
To celebrate this blogversary, I have listed my top 10 most viewed and favorites posts of the year that has been –
1. HERB CHEESE PULL APART BREAD
Herb Cheese Pull Apart Bread
Little monkeys turn into cute chefs.
3. SPINACH CORN DIP AND SOME CANAPES
Tasty Finger Food
Gyro Un wrapped!
5. RAJASTHANI GOURMET – SKINNY DAL BAATI
Rajasthani Special – Daal Baati, Spring Onion Stir fry and Garlic Red chili Mint chutney
Tandoori Masala
Thai red curry with brown rice
Date-Fig Nut Rolls
Purple Rice Bowl – Chinese Style
10. BEET PESTO AND SOME PINK PENNE PASTA
Pink Penne in Pesto Sauce
A special mention for one of my most favorite posts.., I have a sentimental attachment with this one:
PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING CHALLENGE: MORNINGS
One of my favorite shots
Recipes aside, my random contemplatives have also been a great way to let some steam off once in a while 🙂
I’ve had the best time contributing to this space, hope you enjoy reading my posts too. My efforts would all go in vain if you are not there to read and reply. So, thank you dear friends and foodies for your constant feedback and encouragement.
love,
Namrata
MyFoodTapestry 
Congratulations! Love the idea of posting your TOP 10 posts, thanks for sharing all your great recipes 🙂
Thank you Rakhi. I took the top viewed 10 posts from the stats. some of them surprise me too! Simple posts can sometimes can garner so much traffic, its mind-numbing.
Happy anniversary Namrata :))))) I love your blog and great to see your top ten, lots of me to look through xx
Thanks Elaine!
Happy first blogiversary carry on with your wonderful posts and recipes 🙂
Thank you Chintal.
Happy blogversary, Namrata! Such a lovely blog and person. I’m so glad we met. 🙂
And I know exactly what you mean when some people ask if all the hard work is worth it. What they mean is, why bother if you aren’t getting anything in return. Little do they realize the creative satisfaction you receive seeing your ideas come alive on screen!
exactly Anjana. I knew you would get it. Thanks for always being there. Love, Namrata
🙂
Namrata,
A very happy blogversary my dear :). I have to tell you that I look forward to your posts and thoroughly enjoy your writing skills, photography and Ofcourse the recipes :). I can so see myself sitting in your kitchen with you over a cup of coffee or chai!
I hear ya when you mention about “do you get anything from this? ” lol….people people people…
Also, loved those little chefs in training.. Must have been a delightful riot to organise that party ;).
Sonal
🙂 Sonal. Thank you from all my heart, you have been so inspiring and encouraging. I envy your dedication and commitment that you towards food and marketing and promoting your page! I love what you do on CAL. 🙂
Thanks Namrata :)))
Congrats on an amazing blog year! I can’t wait to go through all of these posts!
Thank you Laura
Happy Blogiversary, Namrata! And many more. I know exactly what you mean about this strange, surreal yet satisfying journey through blogging. One day i’ll be able to make sense of it. For now, let’s just enjoy it! XOXO
Yes, it doesnt make much sense I know, but like how u say, lets simply enjoy it!
Here’s to many more happy blogiversaries, Namrata! You have a special style of writing that is so you, and so easy to connect with. Looking forward to many more gems from you! Hugs! 🙂
Thank you Priya.
Congratulations Namrata ! I just checked out Milee’s bday party. Man, what a party that was ….. Lucky Milee :).. Looking forward to your posts as always.
Thanks Shankari.
Happy blogoversary! Congrats. It is something to be proud of and your blog is beautiful!
Oh thanks Amanda!
congratulations! That is a very nice and candid expression of your love for blogging. My next thing to do- try some of the top-rated recipes that you shown here!
Thanks Apsara and happy browsing, hope you find soemthing you like.
Congratulations and celebrations Nams!! We always believed in you, its high time you do the same. I am so happy that you are doing something that you thoroughly enjoy. Best Wishes – from Charu and Vinay 🙂
Charu, thank you. You always acknowledge my efforts. Love you. Muaah!
Heartiest Congratulations Namrata!!! 🙂 I can understand how it feels… to complete a year and be a part of the blogging world… Personally, i really enjoy reading your posts and have drooled over the pictures… am sure the posts to come will be equally delightful… Congrats, once again… And having a chefs theme for Millee’s birthday was a great idea.. really liked that one… 🙂
Thank you Elson. I hope I am always kicked about this blog for many years to come… I’m scared I get bored too fast. 🙂 Milee’s birthday was fun, thanks for reading.
Sure Namrata!! We’ll cheer you enough to keep you enthused for many more…
Good luck 🙂
Congrats for completing one year of writing.I enjoyed a lot reading all your blogs.wish you keep writing years after years & we enjoy reading.Best wishes.
Thank you so much Uncle. I really appreciate it.
Happy Blogoversary Namrata! So glad to have known your lovely self through the blog! Your writing has always been such a poetry to read.
Here is to many more years of blogging and delicious recipes! Cheers!! 🙂
Thank you Riddhi.
Congrats namrata. You have an unique style of writing which makes the reader visualize things instantly. Looking forward to your posts and recipes 🙂
Many congratulations Namrata! You are truly an inspiration to me x
Congratulations Namrata!