Hello friends, this Merci Beaucoup Thanks Muchas Gracias post is for YOU! I realized just yesterday that May 6th marked the six month anniversary of the launch of Through Her Looking Glass. Somehow the date quietly got by me. And it occurred to me that you might be interested to hear how things are going behind the scenes.
So here goes. Thankfully things are going well and I’m so grateful for all your help. If you’re reading this today, it means you either discovered this blog along the way or you’ve hung in there with me from the beginning as I tried to figure out where this blog was going. I know many of you had never followed a blog before, and so thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this crazy wonderful adventure. Also thanks for your many great comments that make this such a fun on-line community to be a part of. A friend recently told me she loves visiting the site because she can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
When I was preparing to launch the blog last spring and summer, I spent lots of time writing stories. I love to tell stories. And when the blog initially launched, I thought I’d include a recipe here and there, but mostly write about my life, experiences and New England. But I learned on the journey that recipes are something that people the world over are interested in. And who doesn’t like a great new recipe? So I’ve slowly moved toward mostly sharing recipes on weekdays and my musings/writing on the weekends. I hope that works well for you also.
This blog wouldn’t be here without some great mentoring along the way. The advice of my friend Amy who authors She Wears Many Hats has been invaluable. She’s been so encouraging and helped me navigate the journey from the very beginning. So thank you Amy, you’re a gift. She strongly encouraged me to network with other bloggers. To write the next post. To work towards excellence. And reminded me (more than once) that the people who make it in the blogging world are the ones who don’t quit. (!)
I’m thrilled to say that Through Her Looking Glass now receives 11-12K hits monthly. Several advertising networks have contacted me in the past few months, and there are now ads in the sidebar.
I was also invited to be a primary blogger for The Daily Meal , a national foodie/recipe website out of Manhattan. My Chocolate Raspberry Tart was featured last week on The Daily Meal and yesterday, my Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake.
And just last night my tart post was included on MSN.com. These are exciting days!
So where is Through Her Looking Glass going in the next six months? Forward, God-willing. I’ll continue to strive towards excellence, grow the readership, foster site community and solicit advertisers. I can’t thank you enough for being a supportive part of the THLG community here, reading the posts, sharing with family and friends and commenting when you can. I’ve met so many wonderful people along the path I now call friends. Such a joy to be able to do what I love. If you have ideas you’d like to see included in future posts, please let me know!
Thanks for all your encouragement and support, means the world to me.
XO,
allie
Dana says
I have never commented on your blog before but have enjoyed your sense of humor and “down to earth” attitude in your writing and yes, the recipes are wonderful too! I have shared your blog with others and am thrilled to see it prosper.
Allie says
Dana, thanks so much for dropping in to say hello and for taking time to follow the blog and share it with others. I hope we meet someday. My mom tells me what an amazing person you are and what a wonderful and full life you lead. XO
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Allie – Congratulations on hitting the six month marker. You’re such a positive light and I’m so glad that we get to hear what you have to share. Your recipes are delicious! I’m glad that I can connect with people through writing and blogging, people who I might not have the opportunity to meet in person. I love your stories about your family and giving back as well as your experiences in New England. 🙂 Keep up the hard work. You should be proud of your achievements.
Allie says
Thank you Erin. You are one of those fun people I’m so glad I’ve met on this journey. I love following your cooking and travel adventures on your blog. You are down to earth, and….drumroll please….you’re a New England girl, right up there in my book. So many great recipes and stories on your blog. Many thanks for your encouraging words!
Madeleine says
Happy 6 month birthday! Congratulations on the victories along the way…and thank you for providing us, your readers, with stories and recipes that brighten the week!
Allie says
Thank you so much Madeleine. Perhaps we should light some candles or something. Thanks for being a part of this journey, I really appreciate your support and the kind words you often leave here. Cheers! XO
Susie Mandel says
I can’t believe it’s already been 6 months! Congratulations and I am so very proud of you, Allie, and blessed to also know you and call you friend. (That’s the best part…friend. 🙂 ) I was THRILLED to read about the msn.com post!! YIPPEEE!!! Here’s to many more advertisers, shared posts, lots of success, and most of all, God’s richest blessings on you and your dear family.
Allie says
Susie, you’ve been here on every step of this blog process, even when you’ve had monumental situations going on in your own life. You’ve been a gift to me. Thanks for all the encouragement and support and prayers. “Someone” has been listening. We are so blessed to have people like you and your family in our lives. Love you. XOXO
Susie Mandel says
I meant to also say that Amy is awesome, too!!! 🙂
Julie says
What a wonderful thing to celebrate!! It’s ALL been a delight-the stories, the food, the pictures, the comments. Keep up the hard work…more adventures ahead!! xo
Allie says
J – hard to know what to say here. You’ve been a joy on this crazy adventure, a sounding board and a constant support on many fronts, despite often overwhelming circumstances in your own life. Thank you dear friend. There’s something beautiful about living life in community, sharing in each other’s joy and hard times. XO
Nancy Hammett says
Happy 6 months. I have enjoyed reading your stories they are very uplifting and encouraging. Also enjoying the recipes. Sending gods blessing to you and your family.
Allie says
Nancy, thank you for being such a wonderful part of the community here. I love reading your comments and I’m so glad that you are blessed by my writing and recipes. XOXO to you and your dear family
Ellen says
so very proud of you! Such great things happening!
So glad you are being rewarded with your sticktoitiveness!!!
Allie says
Ell – do you feel like you’ve been on this journey with me for years? I sure do appreciate your listening ear and kind encouraging words when I’ve needed them. So thankful for our lifetime friendship. Life can be hard and full of disappointments, but friends like you are very rare. And very precious. XOXO
Rebekah says
I love being able to hear your stories and get my hands on your amazing recipes even thought we’re so far apart now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your spirit with us, Allie! Love you.
Allie says
We sure do miss you and Dave and Charlotte around here, but I’m so glad this blog is one way we can keep connected. Another way is when you visit NH or we are in the south. The boys look forward to seeing you all very soon. Hugs. XOXO
Tracy says
Hoooray!!! Congratulations!!! I am so proud of you and all of the hard work you have put into to this blog! I enjoy it so very much. I have made a lot of the recipes and they have all been delicious. I know first hand you are a wonderful cook so I knew your recipes would be fantastic. Congrats on Msn.com! Wooooo! You are going places! So cheers to you, with my Blueberry Mojito in hand. Well……I’ll wait a few more hours before I do a real toast 😉
Allie says
Ha ha. My glass is raised high to clink with yours, friend. SO glad you’ve been on this journey with me. I’ve loved bouncing ideas off you and chatting about the process. Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement, and for trying so many of the recipes. XO
Aunt Pinkie says
Happy Anniversary! Am Soooo proud of you! Your blog is a highlight of my day, your recipes are awesome and your family stories are encouraging to read! You’re doing a great job-keep up the good work! Here’s to the next six months!
Xoxo
Allie says
Thank you A. Pinkie, you have been such a bright light of encouragement on this adventure. Thank you so much. I’m so glad you’ve made so many of the recipes. XOXO
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Congratulations Allie – this is such a significant achievement! You’ve done an amazing job. Keep up the good work! I’ve loved following you. 🙂
Allie says
Kristi – thank you so much. I’ve loved “meeting” you on this journey and so enjoy your beautiful blog also. So many fantastic recipes. 🙂
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Happy anniversary. Great job on the blog. I never would have guessed you were not a long time blogger. I love everything you post. Such a natural. I’m sure God has great plans for you and your blog.
Hugs,
Karen
Allie says
Karen, You are one of the friends I’ve had the the joy of “meeting” on this journey. Thanks for all your encouragement. I so enjoy following your family on your wonderful homestead blog. Hugs back. 🙂
Aunt Margie says
Yip yip hooray! You are one half year old and going lickity split! I’m so proud of you. Your stories melt my heart, your recipes rate an a-plus. Your joy spilleth over!
Allie says
Thank you Aunt M. You listened to me chatter on and on about this blog up in VT at your kitchen counter when it was still just a twinkle in my eye. Thanks for all your love and encouragement. XO
[email protected] says
How fantastic!!! I love your blog. You make me think and reflect and … you make me hungry.
All the best to an amazing future!
Leslie
Allie says
Leslie, thanks for reading. You’ve inspired me on many occasions… XO
Angie Brooks says
So happy for your success! Keep it up, we love reading what you write!
Allie says
Dear Angie, thank you. For reading and being you. XO
nancy mcmahan says
Happy 6 months. Congratulations on all the wonderful things that are happening for you and your blog. I love your blog. Don’t always comment but always read it. I feel like I have a new friend. Look forward to the next 6 months and beyond.
Allie says
Thank you Nancy for taking the time to read and be a part of this journey. I’m so glad we “met”. It’s been such a joy. XO
Maggie says
YAY!!! Congrats, Allie! So happy & excited for you. You have inherited such a wonderful gift of storytelling. Can’t wait to hear & see what’s “up the road”:). Love to all of you!
Allie says
Thank you Maggie, for your very gracious words. Love you. And am also excited to see what’s “up the road” for YOU! XO
Christy Smith says
Thanks for the update and progress report. It is thrilling to see how the “inch by inch life’s a cinch but yard by yard, life is hard” philosophy ring true for your THLG blog. Your perseverance encourages me to persevere. So exciting to read about other publications and news agencies getting a taste of what we taste ….good, satiating nourishment! My tribe of five headed down to Paradise Point for a long weekend to enjoy some family time away and I brought a fresh batch of Nantucket Bike Path Cookies along for the ride! Such a sweet treat! Congrats and warm wishes!
Allie says
Thank you so much friend. Have a fabulous weekend! Enjoy the cookies! Woo hoo!!!
Sallie says
congratulations on a job well done! Your gift for writing is evident and I love that others get the privilege of your inspiration! The journey has been a joy to witness! I look forward to your daily encouragement!
Allie says
Boy am I blessed to have encouraging friends like you, Sallie. Thank you so much for all the kind words from afar. Love to you and all your dear family. XOXO
Barbara B. says
Dear Allie,
Your 6 months seems incredible – remember when you told us about the journey you were going to take and it is a reality beyond expectation!!! You are a marvel and gifted beyond measure. I am very proud
and excited about your success, you have the makings of being one of the GREATS!! We have been friends for years and have loved you always, but until your new adventure, never realized the extent and giftedness you possessed – outstanding writing ability, photo genius, and last but not least delectable gourmet experience, although have tasted many of your creations!!! Many kudos and congratulations on your superb efforts, very proud and thrilled, keep the vibes flowing my friend!
Allie says
Dear Barbara — seems eons since I told you and Carole about the blog. My hopes and dreams. You were both so kind to listen to my stories. (And even laugh.) Thankful to have such loving, long-time friends. Thanks for the love and prayers, your joy in the good news. XOXO
Carina Spring says
Wow – Congratulations Allie! I know we’ve only “met” recently, but you are a gem – a truly caring person. I am so happy things are going so well. You deserve it.
Allie says
Carina, you are one of those people I’m so glad to have met on this journey. Love reading your beautiful and thoughtful blog http://www.HomeHurrah.com. Such a joy to connect, many thanks for your kind words…cheers to many more wonderful shared adventures ahead!
Carina Spring says
Aw… Thank you, Allie – the feeling is so mutual. Your kind words truly made my day, both through this comment and also many other times since I have found your wonderful blog.