A year ago I sat in front of my computer and pressed “publish”. A few hours before this my family had dined on the lasagna I made with a ragu sauce and fresh pasta. This recipe was my very first blog post and I was leaving a week later to go on a three week holiday with my husband. We always take our vacations in April and last year we were lucky enough to enjoy spring in Rome, Paris and London. I thought a blog was a great way to update my family about our journeys.
I had originally called my blog “Oh No! Not Another Food Blog!”. With all the scores of blogs out there – I truly felt that there was nothing new or different I could contribute – so might as well admit it and just say well, my blog was just another one of the many. Nothing special… who would even bother to read it?
I had four comments on that first post. They were from my Dad, my sister, my cousin and my aunt. I was thrilled! I slept that night dreaming of the day I would reach 20 comments! If I could get to 20, I knew I’d reached my goal. Funny… but true.
To be honest, looking at the post now, I am filled with a mixture of chagrin and pride. One part of me thinks “Oh my, how could I post such ugly pictures, what was I thinking!” and yet another side reminds me that we all have to start somewhere. I am also amazed how much I have changed in just a year.
Had I been told a year ago that I was going to get myself an SLR camera, drive to Cabramatta or make my own puff pastry I would have scoffed at such looney ideas! Had you told me that I would meet so many new friends, learn new cooking techniques, try recipes I would have never dared attempt before and even make some up myself, I would have denied any of this would actually happen. I must admit, I was secretly hoping I would find myself experiencing all of this but I just couldn’t imagine how it would happen.
And then I met the best bunch of bloggers one night at a restaurant in the City and all of them were so enthusiastic about blogging and food. It was like I found a group of friends that I had been searching a long time for. Then we organized our first “forensic” themed dinner and one thing led to another and a year later here I am.
I’ve made so many new friends, but sadly lost the trust of a really good one. For a time I lost myself in trying to get better at this funny little thing called blogging that I hurt a few people along the way. Believe it or not, the cyberworld is full of politics! But, for the most part, it’s been a wonderful experience.
So 112 posts later, here I am, about to leave for another three week holiday (This time Paris, Madrid and New York and Yes! I will be blogging while I’m there!) and tonight I made lasagna for my family again.
I often ask myself, where to from here? I never have an answer. This year has taught me that no matter what your intentions are at the start of every journey, you can’t really map out what’s going to happen. For the most part, you just enjoy the ride… and hope you don’t get lost too many times.
So I’ll leave you with a recipe Recipe for this gorgeous seafood lasagna. It was inspired from Jane Lawson’s Cocina Nueva. The original recipe is for a Basque Crab Ravioli but I’ve changed the recipe around a bit.
And If you’re interested, here are a few of what I consider my best posts. To be honest, I like them not because of the recipes nor the food. They’re just stories, of me, my husband, family and friends. If you’re bored – have a read… or not… it’s up to you.
Closure – and a recipe for Raspberry Macarons
The Great Australian Sausage Roll – and a story about my Australian Citizenship
The World’ Most Expensive Chocolate Mousse – and why it cost so much to make it
The Affair – and a recipe for Mexican/Cuban Style Corn
When Things Aren’t What They Seem – and a recipe for Smoked Ocean Trout with Squid Ink Pasta
Blueberry and Vanilla Mousse Tart – and the generous person who shared time to teach me
Eggplant Ravioli and Second Chances – and why I have my lovely second Labrador today
Tuna Nicoise on Choux Pastry – and a story on lost friendships
The Sushi Party! – and a great day with two lovely kids
Vanilla Mousse with Fresh Raspberries – and my ghost of Christmas past
Santa Choux Pastry – and the end of my innocence
Learning from Mum and Teaching Mum – and a recipe for The Blog Monster’s Cannelloni
The Blog Monster’s Sombrero Pie – here the Blog Monster goes crazy and cooks up a storm
The Blog Monster Strike Again – and in this episode she makes Mango Jubilee
Family Gems – and a lovely recipe for Pate de Fruit
Cooking Lessons – my first cooking class and an easy recipe for scrambled eggs
Forgiveness – an attempt to make amends
Chicken Empanada from the Kulinarya Club – The cooking club I started with Kath and Trish to celebrate Philippine cuisine
[…] this looks irresistible. Trissalicious created this mouthwatering recipe filled with fresh crabmeat, prawns, thyme, butter, cream, and […]
[…] Ree from the pioneer woman cooks and i thought i MUST share this ^_^ all amazing recipes but the prawn and crab lasagna by Trissalicious is what i liked most […]
I enjoyed reading your blog….. congratulations, well done! I will be one of your regulars. What great talent….. I am so impress, even the way you train your dog! lol
Congratulations! I only found your blog about a month ago. I like it so much, that I assumed you’ve been doing this for years.
Enjoy your holiday 🙂 It truly is amazing how time flies when you’re having fun…
How quickly time flies. You’ve done an amazing job with your blog over a short space of time. I love reading your posts, so here’s to many more!
It’s been great to “meet” you through our blogs and I look forward to every one of your posts. Not just for the delicious recipes. Not just for the photos (gorgeous as they always are). But foremost for your interesting and often moving stories. Congrats on your 1st blogiversary and happy vacationing! I could only dream to achieve as much as you have in just 12 months.
Would you have thought you’d make it to where you are now within a year from when you first started?
I had the same feeling you did when I went back through by body of work over the last year. Aghast as for what passed as a photo/post but pleased that there has been gradual progress over time.
Great work with your blog over the past year. I’m sorry to hear that someone close has lost your trust. However, trust is earned, and not given, for a reason. I wouldn’t sweat it 🙂
Here’s to another year of great posts 🙂
HAPPY BLOGGY BIRTHDAY Trissa! Wow I wish I’d improved as much as you in a year!
I was all excited about doing a first anniversary post too, foolishly thinking that my first post was in April 09 when it was in fact in Feb 09! Sob… I totally missed it!!
Oh Trissa, I hope you find ‘closure’ with that one lost friend. I know how hard that can be. Congratulations and I am so happy you are on the road of self-discovery. There’s nothing more exhilarating and humbling at knowing ‘YOU’. I am glad for your blog! Have a great holiday
Happy 1st anniversary, Trissa! Love your pictures and the heartfelt stories that come with them – here’s to many more anniversary lasagna posts to come!
p/s: please take lots of pics in Paris, Madrid and New York!
Here, here. Habby Blogger Birthday! I can never forget your empanada post, makes my stomach growl. I get what you mean about the cyberworld, but a agree that for the most part- the experience and people that you meet are priceless.
Keep bloggggggging!
Happy 1st birthday to Trissalicious and looking forward to many more posts to come!
Happy 1st blog birthday! I’ve been doing it 4-1/2 years now and besides the fun and meeting cool people, it’s also a huge learning experience. Our blog evolves as we evolve 🙂
Happy 1st bloganniversary! Your pictures and recipes are always stellar. I’m looking forward to meeting you when you are in New York!
A toast … to goals attained, to new goals, to continuous growth … as a new blogger, I learn from every other blogger that I visit and read and look at … I am thankful for your blog Miss Triss. May you have many more successful posts!
Happy First Year! Thank you for taking the time and sharing such wonderful recipes and adventures with us…
Looking forward to more!
Well done, Trissa! Your blog is so beautiful and constantly makes me hungry! The best part is that I don’t always just look at the pictures (as I do with most food blogs) – your words are always what makes the blog so compelling. Have fun….and gosh, I wish I was coming to New York! Eat some yummy food for me!
Happy bloggiversary! Looking forward to more delicious recipes and beautiful photos.
I m joining the chorus of congratulatory comments! Thanks for a great blog and wonderful reads!
20 comments? Pfft! 20 is a quiet day for you these days!!! 🙂 Congratulations Trissa and awwww thanks heaps for the special mention. I still remember that fateful night when we all had dinner together, and everytime I walk past Pony I think of us ladies snap snap snapping away and talking about food and getting all excited about it! 🙂 Happy happy birthday Trissalicious and here’s to more anniversaries ahead!!! 🙂
Congratulations and happy blog anniversary Trissa! Have a fabulous holiday and looking forward to hearing about your adventures. I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know your blog and thank you for all your honest, heartfelt stories. Here’s to many more successes to come!
Happy Bloggerversary! It was such an interesting read (as always!). I too am coming up to my 1 year bloggerversary and so I could relate to all that you said. Life is just so funny x
Well done Trissa. I love reading your stories and drooling over your amazing creations. Enjoy your holiday, you certainly deserve a great one!
Happy Blogniversary… did i say it right? Congratulations for a job well done! It’s been only a year and look at your blog… you’re a PRO… and as my kids would say “it’s so legit!”
I love coming here because it’s so serene and calm and relaxing. I would imagine it as a resthouse or a cottage house where I could unwind and relax and put my feet up… thank you for sharing your life and your joys and your creativity… you truly inspire!
Enjoy your holiday… and I’m looking forward to hear about your trip. Be safe!
Happy bloggaversary Trissa! I love your blog, your stories and your two cute dogs! Here to many more exciting eating and blogging to come! Looking forward to your El Bulli post already!!!!
Congratulations on your Blogsoversary Trissa! May there be many more to come 🙂
Your blog is a pleasure to read 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Well done on this past year, Trissa! I think you need to reassess your yardstick of success with the 20 comments though, seeing as you’ve hit this pretty comprehensively… what’s the next thing to aim for?
I also have to say, I totally agree with your statement about not being able plan things out. Sure, life requires some degree of forward thinking but for the most part I think you just have to roll with it with an open mind.
Have a fantastic, well deserved holiday xx
Food for people like us is never just about food. You have the process of making and the process of sharing. Food is so rich in culture and, in homes, so full of love. And I absolutely love that you share the stories behind the food!
Congrats on your bloggiversary Trissa! I always love reading your stories 🙂 I hope you have a fabulous trip. I am not jealous.at.all. Haha. 😀
you’ve come a long way, trissa! your blog is one of my favorites and i hope you keep at it. 🙂
incidentally, i’ve often considered deleting my dreadful earliest posts, but they tell the story of my progress to this point, so i have to leave them be. 🙂
enjoy your vacation!
Happy Trip
Congrats on your bloggiversary! And happy to meet you. What I love the most about this blogging is that we meet new friends from all over the world. And it’s great to see our experiences through blogging. This lasagna looks fantastic. And fabulous picture as usual.
What a holiday!! I would love a holiday like that! Have a fantastic time! It doesn’t seem like only a year of blogging for you – You’ve progressed so much and are so talented – I am in awe! I love your photos Trissa, any tips?
Happy Blogiversary ^^! Keep up the awesome work hee hee but have fun on ur trip first!!
Hi Tris,
Let me add my own congratulations on your first blog anniversary. Along with the super food you share, your writing style is simply charming! It must be the St. Scho training (what else?!). Congratulations again, Tris. Let me tell you that when I am tired out at work, I simply turn to your blog to get me going again. Have a happy and safe trip!
T. Lou
I am a new food blogger, and i thing the same thing you thing. How to catch 100 comments! IO wish in a year from now, to read an article as yours !
Keep good work!
A year! Congratulations Trissa!! I am so happy I found your blog a couple of months ago as I think your stories are definitely among the best out there! Have a fantastic holiday too and looking forward hearing about all your adventures!
Enjoy your trip while I savor your delicious prawn and crab lasagna. 😀
You have a fabulous blog and I enjoy it.
Have a fun filled vacation! I enjoyed your photography and writing, keep up the good work =)
Oh Trissa! What a gorgeous post – I”m yet to reach my first blog birthday but can completely relate to all your hopes, excitement and achievements!! 🙂
I have made some wonderful friends, vented about things that have gone wrong and shared some successes.
I love reading your blog and hope that you have MANY, many more blog birthdays to come!
xx
This lasagna looks so delicious, Trissa. I’ve developed a real love of pasta and lasagna lately, which I really never had before. I crave stuff like this-your photo is sparking that in me now. By the way, that is so cute that your dreamed about comments-so cute!
Mmm, that looks delicious, and gorgeous photos to boot ;]
Have a great trip Trissa!
Ah yes, politics! Just do what YOU want to do and to hell with everybody else! Well done Trissa!
Congrats on one year!
happy bloggerversary trissa you have come such a long way, have fun on your trip x
Happy blog anniversary again. I remember when I started blogging I had the same thought, that this was another food blog, but I wanted to write my thoughts about food and went ahead anyway. Your pasta looks incredible, I need to make fresh pasta again, it’s definitely a cut above.
This has been an interesting post Trissa. Everybody approaches things differently and of course things will develop over a period of time. And this is very true for blogging. Keep at it and I look forward to your many beautiful creations in the near future!
Oh my gosh! Happy BLOG Anniversary!!! Can you imagine you have gone super far? Wow! One of the best bloggers around, my friend! And of course, one of the best of the bests photographers out there! Congrats on the success!
Of course, good luck on your trip! You should bring me pasalubong! hehe, joke.
Anyways, take care and HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY!
wishing you many, many more years of blogging! even if i do not reply most of the time, i enjoy reading them.
when will you be in ny? pls send me your phone number so we can connect (after many years) again!
more power and love,
tita c
Congrats on your first year. As I’ve only discovered you this week I have lots of catching up to do.
Happy bloggy birthday and I have very similar sentiments as you. Have a great vacation and looking forward to hear all about it when you get back.
PS – You are super creative. I love the blog and hope you don’t stop!
Daaaaaahling, your ugly pictures are prettier than my best ones LOL. Congrats on your bloggoversary . I guess our blog babies are the same age. Mine has its bday on the 31st.
*kisses* HH
It was months before anyone commented when I started. ( I don’t count my computer teacher!) My kids still have not commented! After nearly 3 years! What I learned was the time you have to put into this…you MUST comment on others to get comments. So many people read but do not comment. And we all need and want feedback, don’t we?
And you’re so right…we posted some of our best recipes first. I have gone back and re-posted two of them.
I’ll take time to go over your list and see your favorites!
Great post Trissa!
Happy 1st Blogoversary! And a great recipe to celebrate! All cheesey and delicious!
Congratulations on your first year of blogging! You’ve not only hit your early goals, you’ve surpassed them by miles! I’ve come to find blogging to be a balance of good and bad – I love the community and friendship that I’ve found, but worry about the time spent online rather than out doors or reading blogs over reading books, etc. But it’s a continuous process to find equilibrium. I feel that your blog really achieves that!
Wishing you many more wonderful years of cooking, eating, and blogging, and a marvelous holiday! And thank you for listing your ‘Best of’! 😎
Trissa, you know what, I constantly ponder about the same things about blogging… it’s funny that you spoke about cyber-politics for I saw that very early when I first started blogging and had remarked on that to friends – though I have not been a part of it so far -I just find it all a little amusing – in an unimpressed way… well, let’s just do our own thing and try to have fun while at it…. I enjoy what I am doing now and feel blessed that there are actually people out there who are willing to read my ramblings…:)
Congrats, Trissa! LOL, over a year later, I still am at 4 comments and my pics look like your early ones. I’m glad I have someone to look up to!!
i love pasta….actually not just love for it…addicted to be precise, this looks so good, never made fresh pasta before. I’m still in my learning blogging stage and like you very excited with other people’s comments…hehehehehe! When I got my first comment, it was like a sugar high=) Thankyou for being so friendly and helping me with a decision on a blog matter before, have a happy trip!!
I’m glad I discovered your blog, Trissa (and by the way, thanks for reaching out to me and Duncan!). I wasn’t here from the start, but your posts are always a great mix of inspiration, humor, and of course, recipes from the finest cookery books out there and great photos.
Without your blog, we won’t meet (I hope you understand my bad english). It’s a real pleasure to read your stories, try your recipes, and meet you last month. Enjoy your holiday!
Hello Trissa. Congratulations on your first year of blogging. I know, same comment here on my own blog, “not another food blog”. But what makes it special is that you have your own voice and you are truly in your element. No question about that. You have your own style and stories to share that only you can do it. I could say that your blog is unique in many different ways. And whatever happens, it is still your blog and nobody could take it away from you. I so agree that the cyberworld is full of politics. I’ve experienced that too. But, it’s really nice knowing you. Do you remember I told you that if ever we’re going to hang out, all we’re going to do is laugh out loud aside from eating? I could still imagine that today. 🙂
Love your post and congrats for your one year in blogging. I remember when I started my blogging no one in my family were interested. They just thought I won’t last long and didn’t bother to read or comment 😦 A lot of my friends just didn’t know what to say when I excitedly told them I would start a blog. I’m really glad that I had started. It has been fun and really glad to know you through blogging. Love your blog. Have a fun holiday.
Wow, a year’s gone so fast, and you’re up here so quickly!
Congrats on what you have achieved and enjoyed so far!
Enjoy your holiday too. I’m also looking forward to mine. Maybe after you come back, Trissa.
Congrats and a happy blog birthday, Trissa! I love your blog, and truly believe that it’s all about doing what you enjoy and celebrating what we all love : food. Sad to hear about politics getting in the way. If it starts becoming a numbers game or a popularity contest, then all true meaning has been lost.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday (take me with you! Please?) 🙂
Happy Anniversary~
Thank you for leaving all these links to past posts because I discovered you along the way not at the beginning~
The lasagna looks super..
Oh have a ball in the towns you are visiting..You will have an even richer time this year I think because of everything you saw ..taught and learned through blogging~
Again Bravo.
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! Your blog is very special and I’m so glad you share your wonderful recipes and stories with us! Btw, I like your original blog name! 🙂 It’s very interesting to compare blog’s first and last post to see how the blog has developed during its lifetime, you did a great job!
Prawn and crab lasagna sounds delectable! I’ve never tried to make lasagna with seafood. What a brilliant idea!
Congrats, Trissa!! Yeah!! While I was reading the story of your blog, I was the same at the first time!!
You have grown so much with this beauty of a fine blog!! I also love your writing style & the fun you have creating the recipes!
hahahaha,…you have become a close friend to me!! I am so lucky!!
Have fun on your trip!! Have a lovely & fab vacation!!
Many greets from Brussels, Belgium!
I have only recently discovered your blog, it is so rich with love and honesty. Quite often I think about my mistakes… past, present and future. What you want and what you get are two different things. The sign of a soulful, kind and true human is when you learn from your mistakes and forgive, not only other people… but also yourself.
Cheers, to another year of love and honesty.
Yay, congratulations, Trissa! I’m so glad you started blogging and that we have had the chance to enjoy your lovely creations (through the net, at least). 🙂
Trissa this is by far my favourite post. I’m so jealous that you are going to so many wonderful places. I cant wait to hear about it. You have come so far and I am so glad I met you. People make mistakes Trissa, it takes times. Hopefully one day you’ll get the trust back. Keep up the awesome job. Stay true to yourself and stay true to why you love to blog. Cheers to many many more years of blogging. Thanks for being such a lovely person and for teaching me more than you know.
Kath
Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Thank you, Trissa, for taking me along your fantastic journey of discovery!
Have a fabulous trip.
I will be looking out for your blogs from across the miles….
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Great lasagna, gorgeous photography! Congratulations, Trissa and well done! You’re one of my favourite bloggers any day, and I hope you never stop blogging. Oh, we ALL look back at our old posts and laugh at the horrible photos. 😉 Enjoy your trip, and have a ball!!!
Congratulations! Enhorabuena! Félicitations!
Happy 1st birthday to Trissalicious! I can hardly believe how far you’ve come in such a short time! I love the stories that accompany your posts and your honesty and reflection in sharing them is both compelling and humbling. Am very envious of your upcoming trip. Keep on blogging and may you relish every bite of deliciousness ahead 🙂
Lucky I’m one of Trissa’s sisters who gets to try almost everything she makes – tonight we had this and it was as usual, to die for! Thanks for keeping us posted and entertained for the past year, Tris. I can’t believe how talented you are and how fortunate I am to be related to you! Ha HA HA!
Keep up your wonderful blog, it never fails to delight and inspire us!
Happy Birthday! I can’t believe it’s been one year. With the astounding quality of your posts I thought you’d been around for so much longer. Here’s to many more gorgeous meals and great experiences. Looking forward to another year.
xx Emma
This Lasagna was so yum and I’ve convinced myself its very healthy as well! (well its made of seafood right??)
Felicitations (that’s French for Congrats!) on your first year anniversary and please make sure to make us some more yummy lasagna next year!!!
Happy bloggiversary! Your first photos are better than my best photos Trissa, I am so glad I’ve found your blog because it is one of the prettiest and most interesting reads 🙂
Congrats on reaching the one year mark (it seems so far away for me)! You have acheived so much in that time and produced many lovely goods and shared many wonderful stories with us. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Heres to more delicious post in the future 🙂