third time’s a charm

Hello again!

It’s blogiversary time, and Donuts, Dresses and Dirt is officially a toddler!

This has been my biggest – and best – year yet, and as always I am forever be-YOND grateful to all of you who join me here on a regular basis.

And, as anniversaries are wont to do, I took a look back at my “year two” post, to see what goals I set for the coming year:

1. More regularly scheduled features – Done. While not 100%, I was much more consistent in my goal of creating – and maintaining – an editorial calendar. Weekly favor-“ettes”. NYC finds. And monthly “blove” posts. Committing to this kind of scheduling was a big step in acknowledging – even if it was just to myself – that this blog of mine was a “thing”. That I was taking it seriously, and was committed to putting the steps in motion to prove it.

2. Continue improving my photography skills – This was a two-parter, to be achieved through continued practice as well as an on-line class. Well, I for sure continued practicing, and I’m so pleased to see how far my photography skills have come. As for the class? Well, truth is I signed up – twice – and didn’t attend. Ugh, I know. It was on my life list (#27) and everything, and I couldn’t do it. I finally had to accept the reality that taking a class was not something I wanted to commit to right now, and that the prospect of doing so was giving me way more anxiety than pleasure. So I shelved this goal. For now. And you guys, it felt SO good.

3. Writing “elsewhere” – Specifically, guest posts and collaborations with other bloggers. This TOTALLY happened (holla!) and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve gone on and on about how much I love my blogging community, and my greatest joy – and privilege – in being part of that community is partnering up with writers I admire. I hope you’ll be seeing more of that in the coming year.

Not bad, right?

Now here’s the really cool part – because I also achieved the goal I had set for THIS year. That is, to begin earning an income blogging. Writing for Babble has been one of the most challenging tasks I’ve ever undertaken professionally, and one of the most rewarding too. And landing my twice-monthly gig at Buttoned Up was just the icing on the cake.

So what’s up for year #4?

I’ll admit – since starting at Babble I’ve struggled with how to keep this space fun, vibrant and compelling enough for you to keep coming back. Much of my food content is now “over there” – which on the one hand has made room for other types of content, but on the other hand has often left a hole. So I truly appreciate your patience as I’ve been figuring stuff out.

I think I’m there, and the goal is clear – to tighten up that editorial calendar (from goal #1) even more. You’ll still find “favor-ettes” every Tuesday. And “blove” is here to stay. I’m bringing back “couple of things” because I really do love sharing great links with you all. And I want to get back in the groove with regular NYC outings.

Gardening (the “Dirt” in D, D and D) is a question mark. I’ve officially shut down my business, for starters. But I remain a passionate gardener. Yet there seems to be – unless I’m mistaken – little interest out there. Would love your thoughts on this one?

And I’m toying with a couple of new features too.

This year has been truly charmed for my little blog, and I feel like I’ve finally hit something of a “stride”. I hope this means only good things for my readers. Your support and input are EVERYTHING to me.

Signing off here for the week but you can visit me over at Buttoned Up today – I’m sharing a recipe for classic pound cake that is sheer perfection for these cold dark winter days.

classic vanilla pound cake

Hugs to you all. xo

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21 Comments

  1. Laura Rossi on February 20, 2014 at 10:03 am

    Congrats Sheri! So happy for you and your goals. I LOVE your blog and all your writing. Cheering you on !!!

    • sherisilver on February 20, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      Thank you Laura – SO happy to know you! xo

  2. PJ on February 20, 2014 at 10:22 am

    You deserve every success you’ve achieved this year! Happy blogiversary!

    • sherisilver on February 20, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      Oh PJ – thank you so so much! xo

  3. Sandra on February 20, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Congratulations! Well deserved. I’m so happy how things have worked out for you!

    • sherisilver on February 20, 2014 at 7:37 pm

      Thanks my friend – you’ve been my cheering squad from the beginning! 🙂

  4. Carol Papalas on February 20, 2014 at 11:38 am

    I’m glad to be part of your community, and I congratulate you on your success. When I posted my need for an olive oil and honey cake, you came through with a wonderful recipe. I appreciated your response enough to continue receiving your blogs. You are the first blogger that I have ever followed. I do not live on the east coast. In fact, I live in Scottsdale, Arizona, a part of the country that has not received snow. We have gotten so little moisture that it’s scary. I wish you could send us some.

    • sherisilver on February 20, 2014 at 7:38 pm

      Carol you made my day! Thank you so much for your lovely note. And I’d give anything to send you some snow!! 🙂

  5. Melanie Biehle on February 20, 2014 at 11:41 am

    Happy blog birthday, my friend! You have had a stellar year and I’m so excited for you. Here’s to year four! xo

    • sherisilver on February 20, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      Thank you my friend – you are one of the joys I referred to in this post – love you. xo

  6. Shalagh Hogan on February 20, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    I think of you as being in my big sister class. Ahead of me but where I’m looking to go. And I too finally felt the shift into my blog being my “thing”. The goals work! And knowing what you don’t want to do. You’ve found you and that must feel great. I enjoy your posts so much. Thanks and congratulations.
    Love,
    Shalagh

    • sherisilver on February 20, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      Shalagh you know the feeling is mutual – your support means so much to me. xoxo

  7. Kristina on February 21, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Congratulations! So much thought and commitment has gone into this blog of yours – it shows! And don’t completely abandon the “dirt” if you don’t feel compelled to. There are some erstwhile gardeners out here, speaking for myself!

    • sherisilver on February 21, 2014 at 9:54 pm

      Thank you so much! And yay for gardeners! 🙂

  8. Jill Parrella on February 22, 2014 at 8:46 am

    I’m thrilled for you my friend! I know how much you wanted to move forward with your blog and you have accomplished things you felt you never could. Such focus, determination and smarts!!

    I’m cheering you on through the next year and beyond!

    • sherisilver on February 22, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks my love – you ladies are the best “wing women” a girl could ever have!! xoxo

  9. Elizabeth on February 25, 2014 at 9:06 am

    Happy birthday Sheri! I am so impressed by all you’ve done here. I have a feeling that the year ahead is going to be big! Cheers, and happy birthday!

    • Elizabeth on February 25, 2014 at 9:06 am

      (*Blog* birthday, that is.)

      • sherisilver on February 25, 2014 at 12:03 pm

        Thanks so much my friend! xoxo

  10. Marti on March 6, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    Congratulations !!!
    It’s not a surprise to me that you’ve been attaining your goals – you have a great Blog, I’ve gotten to know you through your posts and your genuine with your readers. Not sure how I came across your blog but I know it was right before you flew out west to Palm Springs for blogcademy??? not sure but that’s when I became one of your fans, I still am and I wish I could write more often but work gets in the way of that Darn ! lol However I always try to let you know I’m reading and following because I at least try and Retweet your postos whenever possible
    Once again congratulations and I know you’ll be much more successful than you ever imagined.
    Marti
    xoxoxo

    • sherisilver on March 6, 2014 at 5:45 pm

      Marti you are SO SO sweet. I appreciate every retweet (and hope I thank you for each one!). I always say that it’s my readers that are one of the most joyful aspects of this blog and you are shining proof of that! xo

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!