September 1, 2016
Aww.. My Blog is Three Today! Happy Birthday, Blog!
Yippeeyayy! Before I dwell into any details, look at how I celebrated! That’s some delicious cookie balls for you, my dear readers who were always there by my side, being a part of my world, my happiness!
Three years ago, when I started this blog, it was with the sole aim of maintaining a record of the recipes I tried in my kitchen. I was newly married and I wanted to keep track of the ‘Eureka moments’ after experimenting. I took baby steps and began to scribble few poems and snippets from my life, which was well received. Awards and Accolades came her way and she evolved.
There are two highlights or the best things that happened to my blog which I wanted to share on this special occasion.
a. Participating in the #AtoZChallenge – all three years. I absolutely love the madness and chaos that come with it. It opened doors for knowing some amazing blogs and bloggers, every single year. I had 5.9k views this April, my highest ever, of course. This year, I chose a topic that is close to my heart, rather, I should say, it is my very being- 26 things on being Married to the Olive Green. I was humbled by the response I got. Honestly, I am unable to express my happiness right now.
b. Blogging Communities – It was only days before the AtoZChallenge that I came across a random tweet by Blog Chatter. I joined their regular chat session that Wednesday and it piqued my curiosity. The next thing I knew was that I was showered with a lot of love from so many bloggers who guided and motivated each other. You tell me, who else would send across a lovely @rangroute journal to all those who completed AtoZChallenge with them? I am so happy and delighted to be part of such a close-knit community, for they are just a ping away- always!
I am also part of two other fabulous blogging communities- Blog-A-Rhythm (BAR) and Write Tribe who have helped me regularize my blogging and inspire to churn out excellent if not, exemplary posts.
I am glad that I am connected to Book Club, there by having a golden opportunity to know many authors and review their works. I am happy that I have been approached by quite a handful of authors through emails asking me to review their books. Being a part of Indiblogger, Blogadda and Blogmint opens doors for contests, sponsored posts and writing for some great prompts. I had a huge opportunity to attend a Blogging Conference by Indiblogger and it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Having had the chance to meet few renowned names in the field of blogging, I knew I had to up my game.
And thus, I decided to take a small step by moving my food blog to self-hosted and my Tomato Blog is now Kohl-Eyed Me. Huge decision! I just wanted to let go of many things that was attached to the previous title- few wounds are hard to heal.
The best moment for this little space was when I had the chance to meet Brett Lee as part of Sounds of Cricket Campaign. Yes, it was Fabulous, especially when he said he loved the question I asked him.
A handful of WOW posts, few contests won on the blog and Twitter, my blogging journey this year isn’t much to brag about. But, here are my Popular Posts:
Eight Questions Never to Ask An Army Wife
So, it is Three years, 444 posts, 55K+ footprints, a max of 579 views a day, and 13k followers later, I am set to begin another exciting year on Kohl-Eyed Me.
I’m setting few goals for my blog, this year:
1. Write at least 3 posts a week (so that I can dedicate time for my food blog too)
2. Do/Ask a guest post every month
3. Participate for the contests and not procrastinate
4. Read more
5. Make friends
6. And celebrate all her baby steps.
Thanks again for being a part of my journey. Keep visiting. Keep encouraging.
Much love,
Shalini
I am taking my Alexa Rank to the next level with Blogchatter
Current Status of Alexa Rank: 5,240,998 🙁
Awkward Earthling says
Congrats 🙂
And all the “baby steps” you have taken are indeed huge..Yes.. You have to know that 🙂
Write. More.
Post. More..
And keep the awesomeness on !!
Wishing you a wonderful journey ahead 🙂
Shalzzz says
Thanks very much, Sam 🙂 Means a lot!
Awkward Earthling says
Welcome & I meant it 🙂
Ruchi Verma says
Big congratulations on happy blogday
Cafenined Words says
Congratulations and celebrations .
The chocolate balls are yummy .
Really love your blog, you have made it a beautiful place for us too, to visit when in search of reading good content .
Good luck for #MyFriendAlexa and happiest birthday #kohleyed girl
Lovey says
Awww, heartiest congratulations on this special day.
I always look forward to reading your posts.
I am very thankful to you for guiding me to establish my blog and sending you warm wishes for your future goals 🙂
Sid Balachandran says
Happy BlogDay, Kohl-eyed you 🙂 And your lovely blog, of course.
Atulmaharaj says
Congrats for the amazing feat ! Wishing you more visitors and lower alexa rank in future 😛
Bikramjit says
Happy birthday to your blog. . Here’s wishing many many manyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more …
Party time..??
upasna1987 says
Hey Shalini,
I loved your new theme and the name just suits you. Congrats and 444 posts in just 3 years is a huge number to brag about. Great going!
anoop27387 says
Hey Congrats!! keep jotting !! the way you articulate each blog defines your personality 🙂 Big fan!! Wishing you many more anniversaries like this 🙂
RamyaRao says
Hi Shalz!
I loved the feel and look of the blog. And you rocked the A-Z Challenge. I hope you achieve all the goals and Happy birthday 🙂
Modern Gypsy says
Congratulations!! I love the progress you’re making with your blogging. Your baby steps are more like giant leaps! Here’s wishing you many more years of bloggy love. 🙂
Sweety (Kokiash2015) says
Congrats S !
saumynagayach says
Congrats Shalzz! This is something extraordinary..444 posts, 13k followers in just 3 yrs. I bow before u for this feat 🙂 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful blogging life ahead! 🙂 Good luck! 🙂
Novemberschild says
Congrats on your 3 year blogging anniversary! You’ve accomplished a lot since then and your staggering growth is inspiring to so many bloggers. Keep up the great blogging. I enjoy reading your thoughts and the community. Looks like there is still a lot of work ahead of you!
Parul Thakur says
Happy third!! Lovely wins there and need for a celebration. Those cookie balls look yum 😉
Hugs, Shalini. Lots more success to you.
deepagandhi says
Happy wala bday to your blog..wow..3 years..thats awesome..keep going 🙂
Masoom Jethwa says
Congratulations. ?
nomadwrites says
Amazing Shalini 🙂 Congratulations. Hope you meet all the goals penned down 🙂 Cheers.
Tina Basu says
OMG 444 posts is awesome. Happy Birthday blog. I too took the decision lately to move both of my blogs to self-hosted sites. Always a good decision.And kudos to you for participating from both the blogs. Big Salute
Neha Kapoor says
Hello. Looking forward to this blogchatter campaign with you all 🙂 Dropping in a hi here!
Jaibala Rao says
Happy Blogversary! Celebrate everything and regret nothing is my mantra these days. Wishing you many more reasons to celebrate. Good Luck with the Alexa Rank too.
Shalini Sharrma says
Wow.. Congrats girl ! And honestly i love your blog design and order. Keep it up ! I too have that goal to take part in contests held by blogging communities. Yes, even your rank is good than me am in crores you see. All the best, Shalini !
Lata Sunil says
Congrats Shalini.. Your blogs are getting better and better everyday. I love to visit them. It picks me up instantly.
anindya0909 says
Wishing you many many more successful blogging years
shalzmojo says
Lovely read and very encouraging to read that one day this is where all the hard work can land you – inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing you many more dizzying heights of blogging success. Cheers
aseemrastogi2 says
That’s quite a fantastic list of achievements and accolades :). Congrats for the third anniversary :D. While I admit that I haven’t been a very active reader of your posts beyond the A2Z challenge, I must say your posts on the Olive green and the recipes were fantastic :D. Keep writing and I am sure that this is just the start of a journey which is going to get even better :).
Subha Rajagopal says
Congrats!Big Milestone!
andthereshegoesagainblog says
Wow! Sounds amazing! 🙂 I love how you are balancing everything you love (We have many common interests 🙂 ). I know from my personal experience, that it is not easy. So, BRAVO! and cheers!
mahekg says
Congrats Shalini
PRB says
Congrats on the Blogoversary 🙂 Love the look and feel of your blog. Keep up the great work.
mEaL tO tHe HeArT says
Congrats on the Blogoversary?
Keep up the great work.
doctorsblogging says
You inspired me.
Thank you for that 🙂 and best wishes for your blog.