Peppermint Stick Ice Cream and a video for my 2 Year Blogaversary!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Yesterday was my 2nd year blogaversary. Yay! It is hard to believe that I have been at this for two years and what a ride it has been from that first post on November 23, 2009 that was titled “Hello. Is anyone out there?“! In fact, I almost called today’s post “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” because it seemed quite fitting after all of our On the Road experiences (and you may recall that I do like Dr. Seuss). 😉
Blogging is much like marriage, I have decided. The first year is really tough and you struggle with your new life and how it fits with what you used to know as “normal”. You get frustrated and want to quit and cannot seem to figure out how to manage all the new responsibilities and still lead a normal life. Then, the second year becomes easier and you settle into a groove of sorts.
This anniversary is very different for me than the last one. Yes, I still get upset with some of the things I see in the blogosphere in general. I spoke about some of those topics on a panel at the International Food Blogger Conference (IFBC) in New Orleans in August. I don’t agree with everything that goes on out there in the food blogging world, but I have decided to do what I think is valuable and quality work and that good things will happen.
I also continue my love-hate relationship with some of the food photography sites after two years. I wish they would just say what they really think rather than making excuses like “too tight” or “lighting/exposure” or “composition”, especially when I see what they do accept. How about saying “I just really don’t like your picture today” or “I had a really late night last night and the photo of your food is making me kinda sick.” It would make those rejection emails far more interesting. 😉

Will they accept or reject this photo?

How about this one?

Maybe this one?
I have also learned to “just say no” to Twitter and Facebook and all the other social media. Yes, I might miss some things by not constantly interacting on these sites (just like you did when you were a kid and missed school for a day), but, guess what, everyone will be out to play again tomorrow. I have chosen to spend more time enjoying the people that are here with me in the room and get outdoors and enjoy the day rather than worrying about my hits or some other “measure of success”.
If you don’t already know this, I am really quite the sentimental sap. I get all teary-eyed at sad movies (especially involving animals), I cry at chick flicks (even Pretty Woman after 100 times!) and get all choked up over anniversaries and weddings. Well, this 2nd anniversary has me choked up a bit, especially after Mr. B spent all day and night yesterday working on this incredible video as a surprise for me. There are even some teasers for some people and places that I have not written about yet.
Happy Anniversary. In the past year we have traveled 20,000 miles by car and 10,000 miles by plane. What a ride it has been and such a pleasure to meet the people and share their stories. Best of all, no matter how far we travel, the food is still best at home (well, there were a couple of restaurants along the way that were pretty unbelievable).
Your hubby is a prince: that’s a beautiful gift he’s given you! Thanks for letting us share portions of your journey.
The bison kiss was the best.
But, then, I’m mighty partial to bisons. They’re amazingly tender. 😀
I follow you on Twitter.
I’m your fan on Facebook. 😀
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I love Roger’s present to you! Happy Happy Blog Anniversary and I can assure you that I, for one, am thrilled you are still around! I think you are incredibly talented and your chef interviews and On the Road Culinary Adventures will carry you far! Look where you are today! Amazing! This video shows how many incredible things you’ve done, people you’ve met and interviewed, the places you have been. Keep plugging away, Gwen (and Roger) and yes “Oh the places you’ll go!”. I am so happy we met and have become such great friends. You make me laugh, you inspire me, your encouragement and reassurance helps me on my own path and you make me believe that there are still good, generous and talented people in the world of food blogs. And thanks for including me in the video. I am honored and thrilled. xoxo (oh and I love the llama and the bison!)
Oh my favorite part? You and the llama I think…. really.
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Oh, I agree……..what a wonderful gift from your husband. And how we are blessed to be able to share it! It’s like we were on the trips with you. I loved the portion about New Orleans and John Besh. Beautiful, beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
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Happy Anniversary to you and your blog Gwen. It’s a challenge for sure but hopefully more joyful than not!
Hate to mess up your count but count me out; just wanted to send you my best wishes; I have the Cuisinart ice cream maker and I think I need to make some of that peppermint ice cream stat!
Congratulations on your success!
Ahhhh ….I so love the South. The crab cakes started a craving, thank you. 🙂 And I loved the mask set in the center of the King Cake. Time for a visit back …
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My favorite part in the video is the New Orleans section! The images of the King cake and beignets at Cafe Du Monde look so delicious. I have always wanted to go to New Orleans so this part really stuck out to me! Happy Blogaversary!!
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I love your food photos, you do a great job!
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Other than the sexy seared tuna from Chef Craig Deihl, I so enjoy seeing the ‘back of the house’ shots of the crew; the chefs, etc. Whether it’s fileting a fish, or just a quick candid shot in the kitchen, you can see and feel their passions. Thanks for sharing. You get around!
I love the photo of the fountain in Savannah! Stunning!
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The Charleston picture on the water is beautiful. Thanks for writing me back this year. Best wishes on your third year!
I am a RSS subscriber.
I just became a Facebook fan.
I subscribed to your RSS feed. Even though I’m already subscribed to several dozen more (plus the several hundred Foodgawker posts per day – which is where I saw this post), there’s always room for one more great recipe site.
Love the scenery and never would I think the music would match up w/ the theme, but it works!
Congratulations on your Second Anniversary! I’m a fan on Facebook and get your emails too. I have especially enjoyed your journeys through the south showing us the wonderful places we can go. May you have many more excellent adventures!
I loved the entire video, the photography, the music, and all the beautiful colors of life. …ok, I especially liked you holding the tiny chick. …am new to your website, but love it and am trying some of the recipes besides enjoying reading the posts. Thanks.
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My favorite part of the video is the New Orleans section. I have always wanted to visit that area, so this was like a mini trip!!!
My favorite part of the video is when it showed the king cake and beignets.
I’m a fan on FB.
Hi Gwen, so glad to have met you through this crazy thing called blogging! I follow you on Twitter!
And I’m a Facebook fan! And if I win, no need to ship – we’ll just meet for lunch!
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happy blogiversary! haha…I know what you mean about ‘those’ food photography sites!! It drives me mad! my hubby always tells me to not worry about it, but it just annoys me so much some times. btw…I’m in Australia, so can’t enter your giveaway, just wanted to say hello.
I love everything about your video! The photography is exceptional, and the music was very upbeat. It included one of my very favorite songs…”Hey There Delilah”!
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Congratulations for the 2nd wonderful blogging anniversary!
Congrats on your blogiversary! I follow you on twitter.
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And I am an email subscriber. Love the blog!
I have to make this ice cream for hubs sometime! He was requesting I pick up some peppermint stick ice cream at the store but I didn’t see a single carton. BTW I completely agree w/the photo site comments. It would be more interesting if they gave an honest answer and more thought out than just the simple basic ones. Composition is the absolute worst. Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving 🙂
Gwen congratulations on your 2nd blogoversary! You have come so far in two years and its been my pleasure to get to know you over this time.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next, because like you said, oh the places you will go!
Cheers
Dennis
Hey there Delilah, what a lovely Valentine from your husband! Continued success, you certainly deserve it!
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And now I follow you on Facebook as well. Congratulations on your anniversary! I always love reading along.
Happy Anniversary, I follow you on RSS.
Oh, I loved your video!!! Such a fun year 🙂 I think my favorite part was when the bison licked your hand…although quite a few of the delicious dishes caught my eye. And your peppermint ice cream looks amazing!
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The Charcuterie Platter at Husk. I NEED to visit that restaurant ASAP! Oh and the music selection? LOVE IT!
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Hi Gwen. Happy anniversary!! Your husband did an awesome job with the video. Hope you had a lovely turkey day. I sure did. Red, my youngest, showed up for dinner on a whim, it was his birthday too.
Congrats on the blog success. For the record, I think your photos are the bomb! I’ve heard other bloggers complain about the photo sites. The pro photogs tell me food is one of the hardest to capture. I think the food phhotog sites are biased, maybe not all pros, and yes a hangover will alter one’s judgement, they should just admit it!!!
My favorite part of the video is the fountain in Savannah.
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what a sweet treat and what an equally sweet video 🙂 i loved the shots of north carolina. it’s been so long since i’ve been, i miss it. that bison was beautiful!! keep up the quality work 🙂
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I follow you on Facebook. Loved the entire video what wonderful husband you have!
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Happy Anniversary, Gwen! So sweet of Roger to include me! 😀 Many, many more years for you to come! I loved where you were feeding the bison…he looked friendly.
Gwen! Happy blogging anniversary. You know I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said about blogging, and I am impressed with all you have accomplished: the video is so fantastic…I loved every minute 🙂 ps I already have an ice cream maker so I am not entering the giveaway, but the ice cream looks delicious. I love peppermint stick!
Feeding the Carolina Bison is my favorite part!
I like you on facebook! Happy blogiversary!
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I love the feeding the bison clip!
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Hi sweet woman. Happy blogaversary! I, for one, am so glad that you are who you are. You are such a refreshing presence in the blog world, and I’m honored to know you! Thank you for sharing such a tempting treat and a great giveaway. I want to go to New Orleans so badly now…my family (grandparents) are from there but I’ve never visited!
I LOVE, LOVE LOVE my Cuisinart Ice Cream maker! My elderly mother likes ice cream and needs high caloric intake, so I have had fun experimenting with flavors and richness by using things I have in the cabinets. My favorite experiment has been coffee–Starbucks Via packets make excellent coffee ice cream, and you can use as much as you like depending on how much coffee flavor you like. A little goes a long way.
Hi Gwen,
Happy Blogaversary! I loved your Best of the Best video and love your site! I will definitely try that Salted Caramel Tart, it looks amazing!
The food in the video makes my mouth water!
Hi Gwen-Finally watching the rest of the video and it is fantastic. How kind of Roger to put this together. All the images and footage is incredible! You have accomplished so many things in such a short time. You both should be proud for all you have done. I adore the llama but especially like the Carolina Bison. :)Thank you for including that fun image of us from the wonderful IFBC event. What a memorable weekend and I was blessed to have met you and Roger.xx
My favorites…..Meyer Lemon Martini…..Serenbe and Crab Cakes!!!
Cafe Du Monde looks delish! Thanks for this splendid giveaway
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i like the scenes with the master distiller when you are tapping on the barrel.
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Love the video … the music, photography, and journey was wonderful.
I also follow you on twitter …
And … I follow you on Facebook too, lol, so what’s with the “I don’t do so much soc media? You’re everywhere I’d like to be!!
Happy 2nd Blogoversary Gwen, I loved seeing the pics from New Orleans and Cafe du Monde. We hope to visit there next year. Also, I loved your pics of the animals, especially the pigs and chicks.n
I’m already a fan on Facebook.
I’m following you on twitter!!! Who doesn’t like ice cream?! YUM!
Hey
My favorite snap is the one in front of the computer with an empty 😉 glass of wine
That’s where I saw myself in the video! 😉
And I’m a follower 🙂 @alexsandrat
I know I’m late for the giveaway – I just wanted to say HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY! We started about the same time, so it’s kind of fun to see how much you’ve grown with your blog, while I’m still peddling my four readers. 🙂
We just found our ice cream maker in the garage after months of not being able to find it.
This ice cream is on the short list.
[K]
Made your pepperminstick ice cream for Christmas dessert–used to be my favorite flavor before Friendly’s took it off the menu. Great recipe!
Hi Liz,
Thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed the recipe. We have made it twice now and love it!
Happy New Year!
Gwen