Monday, May 14, 2012

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins

I struggle with comparison.

Especially with this food blog.

I struggle when other bloggers get comments, and I don’t get as many.
I struggle with my food photos not looking as beautiful as my friends who blog.
I struggle with recipes I think my readers will love and don’t get any feedback on, yet see another blogger post a similar recipe and see many pins and comments.

I struggle.

See, in my mind I have a standard to which I compare myself. And, for some unknown reason, I feel inadequate when I don’t stack up to this invisible standard.

Why is it such a struggle to just be different?  To be who God created you to be without comparing oneself to others?

I know my blog is different.
It’s not fancy.
I don’t use strange ingredients I don’t have on hand.
I cook without nuts due to allergies – there goes chocolate peanut butter goodness. 
I don’t stage my photos.  What you see is what you get.

So why do I struggle? 

I have a unique niche – a unique flavor, if you will.  Why do I struggle with that?

These muffins remind me of my struggle.  If you compare them to the restaurant or coffee shop blueberry muffin, you will be disappointed. 

But, if you take them for what they are – a unique blueberry muffin – then, my friends, you have yourself a terrific muffin. 

So, I’ll take a lesson from these delightful breakfast bites.  To stop comparing myself, and rather see my blog for what it is & what it offers rather than than what it isn’t

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins – Adapted from Searching for the Light

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 C white whole wheat flour
  • 1 C whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 C sugar {heaping}
  • 1 C plain, Greek yogurt {heaping}
  • 1/2 C applesauce
  • 1/4 C milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 C blueberries

Directions

Begin by combining 1 1/2 C white whole wheat flour and 1 C whole wheat flour together in a large bowl, or base of your mixer.  Add in 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. baking powder and a pinch of salt.  Add in 1/2 C sugar & 1/8 tsp. nutmeg.  Stir to combine.

 

In a second bowl, combine the 1 C Greek yogurt, 1/2 C applesauce, 1 egg (an egg white works just fine), 1/4 C milk and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Stir until well combined. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and stir until just moist.  Note – the dough will be very dense.  If it’s too hard to stir with a spatula, add in additional milk – beginning with 1/4 C additions until it’s pliable. 

If you use fresh blueberries, carefully fold them into the batter to prevent too much injury to the fruit.  Frozen berries take stirring a bit easier.  Scoop 1/4 C of the dough into a well-greased muffin tin. 

Top with coarse sugar, if desired. 

Place muffins into an oven heated to 385 degrees.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned. 

Enjoy!

Makes 24 muffins. 

Delicious and wholesome blueberry muffins.  Not the coffee shop variety, but excellent in their own light. 

59 comments:

  1. Don't get down on yourself! I've been a follower and LOYAL reader for years now. I do not comment but I do use your recipes and they are fabulous!!

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  2. I love all of your recipes! Our younger son has peanut and tree nut allergies. We think our daughter may also be allergic to tree nuts. I can't wait to try these muffins!:)

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  3. I enjoy your blog and recipes. Everyone has her own unique perspective, if everyone thought alike and wrote alike, how boring the blog world would be. Keep on writing.
    Jodi

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  4. I just discovered your blog and love it! The muffins look delicious, but even more appealing was your commentary on your feelings. Have you ever heard of the "impostor phenomenon"? Check it out!

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  5. I just wanted to pipe up and say I am an avid reader of your blog and sometimes check it several times a day just to look around. Your recipes look yummy and the ones I have tried so far are great! So, try not to feel discouraged. There are those of us lurkers that read but don't always comment. :) I really look forward to reading your blog everyday.

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    1. I'm a lurker and I love your blog. I've two 4 yr olds with a severe allergy to soy. Almost nothing premade, boxed or canned. Your blog is great because it's from scratch with ingredients on hand. It's so awesome my boys can help me with cooking. I love you blog!

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  6. I'm exactly the same with my blog - if nobody repins my recipe or something like that then I get really sad! Especially if it's a photo I was proud of, or a recipe I thought people would really enjoy. But if you enjoy it , just keep at it - I for one read every post you write, and enjoy them all :)

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  7. First of all, let me tell you... Plz. don't struggle with this anymore...I'm a new blogger pretty much...I struggled with no comments etc...But then I told myself I'm here to plz me...and say what I want to say...I don't have to be like everyones else's blogs...I love many of them. but it's just best to be me and myself and share me with everyone... I don't know alot about blogging and I learn along the way..I take pictures with my cel phone cause it's all I have...So take it or leave it... For me your blog is fine that's why I became a follower and your muffins look and sound divine. I will be making them shortly...Your photos are beautiful and real...that's what I like real...So no more struggle just continue being you and do what you do and just share it like you have been...wishing you a lovely afternoon..come by some time...with love Janice @spoonwither.blogspot.com...hugs

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  8. for what it is worth, I LOVE your blog! I love checking it and love using your recipes! Thank you! :)

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  9. I Thank You for continuing even though you struggle! Your muffins, quick breads, and breads are my go to recipes for your use of whole grains, limited sugar, and limited fat. And my 2 grandsons-who have no allergies but we try to be healthy and organic-love everything I've made. So Please continue to struggle or accept you are different for many of God's reasons!

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  10. I really like your blog and the recipes I have tried have been very good. I subscribe to it in Google Reader. Last week I made the Tortellini with Italian Sausage & Spinach. It was good. It was easy. It was healthy.

    But I understand your struggle: "Why is it such a struggle to just be different? To be who God created you to be without comparing oneself to others?" I really like the Christian perspective you write about from time to time.

    Keep up the good work!

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  11. Thanks for sharing this friend - it was honest and real, and addresses an issue every single blogger (and person!) has felt. Keep reminding yourself that your blog was started so that you could find JOY in your kitchen, and don't you for one second let the enemy steal that joy. He tries to do that every time he can get us to compare ourselves to others (he knows comparison is one of my biggest weaknesses, too).

    PS - for what it's worth, I love that your photos are real time and not staged...they're beautiful! And I could totally go for 5 of those muffins right now with a BIG glass of milk! ;)

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  12. I, for one, love your blog and firmly believe that the number of comments a blog gets is less related to the quality of the blog than to the amount of time the blogger spends networking and commenting on other people's blogs. Between your yummy recipes, your caring and sincere attitude, your faith in God, your responsiveness to questions...and your Minnesotan roots...you're one of my favorite bloggers out there and I hope you don't change a thing! :)

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  13. I love your blog and that you cook with real food that normal people would buy. Thanks for sticking with it and for all the inspiration!

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  14. I follow several cooking blogs and yours is the one that I use the most because of the healthier options that you give us. We have enjoyed all of the recipes that we have tried so far and as soon as our rhubarb is ready, we will be trying several more. I rarely comment, but I really love your blog! Thanks

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  15. Just stumbled across this blog searching for homemade crackers tonight, and have only looked at a few posts so far, but love what I see! I usually don't post comments on blogs, even if I like them, because I'm lazy, but just thought I'd give you a shout out to let you know more people like your blog than you think. We're just lazy viewers. :) Your writing style is really entertaining to read, and I love, love how you don't use weird, fancy, random ingredients. It makes me want to jump up and bake your recipes right now, because I know I have what it takes. You keep us beginning bakers hopeful for good stuff. Keep up the good work!

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  16. Thanks for the lesson/reminder to those of us lurkers who use your recipes but never post a comment. I check out your blog often because you use real, healthy and whole food (there are actual blueberries in your blueberry muffins and we know that's not always the case with those "perfect" store bought ones). So thanks for your hard work and here's a shout out to my favorite recipe so far--your refrigerator pickles only I use beets from my garden instead of cucumbers and they soooo good, I had some in my salad for dinner tonight!

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  17. Keep that struggle going so you will keep your great recipes coming! Your desire for perfection allows me to lurk around and enjoy all the goodness you create. Also.....I love your Christian slant to blogging. We need more of that in this world to go along with all the yummy goodness you bring to us!

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  18. Aww! I think these muffins look absolutely yummy! And I love that they have more protien and less sugar and fat then most muffins. I love muffins, but I have a hard time finding recipes that aren't just little cakes.

    And I love that your blog has different recipes...that's why I come here! I don't know that I've commented before and I don't have issues with nut allergies, but I really appricate how healthy and from scratch you cook!

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  19. Aww hun don't feel that way!! If you love what you do it shouldn't matter!!! I LOVE your blog nd your recipes....have been a follower for quite some time, just don't always have the time to do more than flip thru and pin......I think we should all take a moment to stop and thank those we follow for doing what they do. Blogger let us into their lives, if only for a few brief moments....and reading their blogs is like visiting with an old friend!! Keep doing what you do...I bet you have so many more people who truly appreciate you, they just don't say it :):)

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  20. You are one of my favorite cooking and recipe blogs! Dont ever doubt your reach out to those of us that look for quality recipes. I admire your candor, your sharing of your faith and family stories, and your no-nonsense approach to food. You've helped me try new things, and Im trying to approach food and cooking in a healthier/whole foods light. I feel like Im rambling, but you really are my go-to recipe blog, and trust me, Ive looked at alot! Keep up the good work, you are reaching out to alot of us!

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  21. I do the same thing with comparisons, not only with blogging (I'm relatively new at getting started with that) but other crafts, my garden, my health, my possessions, etc. It can be overwhelming. But I think that the comments already posted are a testimony to your silent masses of followers that are either shy to post or for whatever reason enjoy the fruits of your labor in silent appreciation.
    My photos aren't staged, and often I don't even think about taking a pic when I'm in the throes of making something because I'm so excited about just making it and all I'm left with is a final product that will just have to do :)

    Please be encouraged and continue doing what you do in the unique way that you do it - and do it so well!

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  22. Howdy! Just thought Id chime in as well. Have been following your blog for at least a couple years. I have to say that your blog taught me to bake and cook healthier. I have a list of about 10 blogs I stop by and visit but yours is on the top of the bookmark list because its the one I most often visit. Thanks for all your recipes!

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  23. Being a blogger myself I really should comment more on your blog because I adore your recipes and I think your pictures are delicious too! I appreciate your healthy ingredients, and I share your recipes on facebook often when Im trying one out. We seem to have very similar tastes actually. I look forward to seeing what you create and post. Thank you for continuing to post even when you feel like no one is watching. We are, we are just lazy commenters!

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  24. I am one of your true loyal followers even though I don't comment much! I have a blog and I rarely get comments and I have ceased to write much recently. But I always come to your site when I want to find a yummy dinner or dessert. Your blog is very special. These muffins look delicious! I like the fact that you use ingredients that I have. That makes what you do very appealing.

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  25. SnowWhite! I LOVE your blog--just the way it is! I tell all my friends about it and I have tried so many of your recipes, I can't even count them all! I think these muffins look just scrumptious (and I think your photos are just lovely). Keep up the great work, because I for one really appreciate it and rely on your recipes to keep my family well-fed! ;)

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  26. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. I, like some others here, am a lurker and rarely post a note, but rest assured, I have tried many of your recipes and my family really enjoys them. I made several of your Christmas cookie recipes and they were all a big hit. I enjoy reading your blog knowing you, too, live in Minnesota. I can relate when you talk about the weather. :)

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  27. Wow these muffins look so good and they are pretty too! Thanks for sharing! I am your newest follower. xo

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  28. I think all bloggers struggle with those same feelings, in fact I think most people do also. It is hard not to keep comparing ourselves with others. And these muffins look great. I would take them over a coffee shop muffin any day. :-)

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  29. Yours is one of the first blogs I started following and I read it every day on my RSS reader. I love your recipes! As a new blogger myself, I can totally relate to those same kinds of struggles though.

    Regarding the muffins, I think anyone who buys food or tries a recipe based solely on the photo or looks is a fool anyways. Your photos look REAL and genuine. And these muffins look DELICIOUS and they will be on our table come Sunday! :)

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  30. Our family are faithful readers, and I have always admired how much time you put into your blog. It really is awesome! You have a lot of great recipes, without being targeted to just one type of food. I also love the addition of your own personal stories, they really are great!

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  31. I found your blog a few months ago and have tried several of your recipes. I faithfully check your Friday Finds and have found lots of great recipes there also. Just last night we had the Tuscan Lemon Chicken. So good. I shared your link on a FB recipe swap group. My son was thrilled when I found your stuff crust pizza dough recipe. I appreciate the healthier baking recipes especially. We're trying, little by little, to eat more whole, real foods.

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  32. These look very good; however, I'm weird, I don't eat nutmeg. What can I use in it's place? I use a lot of cinnamon, but not sure about that with blueberries. Thanks!

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    1. Cinnamon will be great with the blueberries! Otherwise, a splash of vanilla will work too.

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  33. I love looking at food blogs and yours is one of my favorites (and 1 of only 2 food blogs I subscribe to so that my inbox doesn't end up too cluttered!) I have made many of your recipes for my family and we have several in our regular meal rotation. I will have to try this muffin recipe! :)

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  34. Wow! I have many of the same struggles. I don't have much pantry space in the RV and a trip to a real store is 80 miles round trip - so basic ingredients have to do. Yours by the way is one of the blogs I compare mine to - and feel it falls short. I love your recipes and just reading whatever you have to say!

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  35. Just adding as so many others have already said...I thoroughly LOVE your blog. I found your blog a few years ago through a Meal Planning Monday linky and was hooked from the start. I love that you use what you have on hand, you adapt and make things so much better for you, and that you have such a wide variety of menu items!!!!! Your blog is where I head each week when planning my menu and I can not count how many recipes I have made and loved from your site! I have shared your site with many of my friends. Thank you for doing what you do, for being so honest and real with us, and for giving me the tools and encouragement to cook healthier for my family too!! You are doing an amazing job:)

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  36. I feel the same way at times about my blog, but just know that I am an email subscriber to yours b/c I don't want to miss a single recipe! I love that you use "real" (normal) ingredients, things are made healthier - just as I try to do, and the pictures are keepin' it real too. As pretty as 'staged' photos are, I like the what you see is what you get. I usually snap photos just before the kids and I are about to dig in...so no time for staging - we're hungry! These muffins look and sound fabulous!

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  37. I love your blog because: it is different, it is not fancy, there are no strange ingredients, and your pics actually look like what I might end up with! You are my go-to blog for family breakfasts, dinners, and breads for those reasons. Those other "fancy" blogs are fun to look at, but for this busy mom and teacher, yours is the one I depend on to get good, wholesome meals on the table night after night. I've made dozens and dozens of your recipes, and there has yet to be one that my family didn't love. Your recipes are wholesome, simple, and delicious, which is exactly what I'm looking for! And you can let Frog Prince know that his Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Pancakes are pretty awesome too - my kids eat them like cookies!

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  38. From all the comments, looks like you have lots of 'hidden' FRIENDS! And I am one of them!!! I have enjoyed your blog so thoroughly and have recommend it to several of my friends,and my daughters. I have used many of your recipes, copied them and shared them with friends, also. SO! you are loved, Snowhite! you are loved! Thank you for all the Goodness you represent! and thank you for telling about what you celebrate at your church. Friends, Polly

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  39. I like your blog! Yea, I do not usually comment, but I have you in my google reader so I check you out whenever you post! I like your photos. Never occurred to me that they might not be as good as on other blogs! Anyhow, keep doin' what you're doing. I also especially like when you do "Friday Finds". Keep up the good work! Don't let the devil bring you down!

    kelliinkc

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  40. I so absolutely LOVE your blog!! I don't post much unless I have a question, but you are hands down the food blog that I actually print, make, and love the recipes from!

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  41. Hi! I have never commented on your blog but couldn't resist. I am 51 year old mother of three. I've cooked with whole foods for the last 22 years. (I began back when whole wheat products were rarely found in grocery stores.) Out of all the food blogs out there, I only have a few bookmarked and yours is one of them. You are so special! I have three sons and would consider myself blessed if they found a godly young woman like yourself. Have a great week!:)

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  42. I, too, love your blog! I love how healthy and simple your recipes are. I skip over blogs with fancy ingredients or unhealthy recipes. I've been following your blog for years and have watched it grow and change. It has been a blessing to me! Keep up the great work!!

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  43. I think there is always a temptation to compare ourselves among others, but you do an excellent job! You are one of my favorite recipe blogs...so please don't get discouraged! These muffins look wonderful!

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  44. Your blog is a wonderful representation of a REAL kitchen! Some food blogs out there make "regular" cooks, moms, wives, etc. feel bad because they aren't making perfect, beautifully plated food for their families at every meal. So thank YOU for your healthy, simple recipes!

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  45. I love your blog, but I think I've only ever commented on a rhubarb recipe I found on another blog that I thought you would like. I love your food blog, I check it once a day and I am a fan of yours on Facebook, I love your recipes, but I am pretty shy and I hardly ever comment on blogs although I read them daily. Thank you for all your wonderful posts and please know that a small family in PA love your recipes and check your blog daily! :)

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  46. Please know you're not alone in your feelings. I get caught up in those thoughts as well, but then I have to remind myself that I have a full-time job outside of blogging and (while I enjoy it), it's my hobby, not my job! I blog for my own enjoyment. I must say though, I love your blog and your recipes. I've made quite a few of them and I appreciate your healthy mindset. I don't comment too often (since I'm usually quickly reading blogs at work!), but I do read your blog daily!

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  47. I'm a few days behind, but I LOVE your blog. I struggle with comparison too. I love your blog because it's real. I don't comment often, but I read regularly and make your recipes all the time. Thanks so much for blogging!

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  48. I for one think you have a very nice food blog, and you shouldn't get down on yourself! I know it's hard not to compare ourselves, but if you're doing something because you love it and it makes you happy, that's all that matters. Oh, and I cook and bake without peanuts and nuts due to my allergy too...so it's nice to see other bloggers who do the same! :-)

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  49. I'm on food stamps and your blog is a life saver. I cant afford fancy ingredients or cooking equipment. i just follow your menus and make good food for my family.

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  50. I am on Food Stamps and your blog is a life saver. I can't afford fancy ingredients or cooking equipment. Because of you I can make good nutritious food for my family.

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  51. i love your blog i'm just a lazy non commenter !
    i struggle with comparing myself to some invisible standard. i think all women do. my boyfriend is always telling me to stop comparing myself to anyone else. He thinks its so odd. i think he just has low standards for himself :)
    cheer up and keep on being yourself !

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  52. I struggle with all the same things. . . but I love the act of blogging so much that I haven't let it hinder me. I love everything about blogging from the cooking to taking photos to writing up the post. It makes me sooooo happy. Happier than anything else ever has. I'm thinking that you feel similar. It shows in your dedication to posting every day. And I love your food! I think our styles are similar. Looking at all these comments I can see that you're more popular than you may think! I'm glad some of the "lurkers" came out to support you. I hope you keep on doing what you've been doing. I would miss you if you stopped.

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  53. I think ALL bloggers struggle with this. For this reason I stop reading other blogs or blogging altogether for a period of time because I can get so caught up in myself.

    I think in all honesty that those on blogspot get less traffic than those on wordpress simply because of the way the sites are designed to show up on google searches.

    Aside from blaming it on the platform, many bloggers have fancy cameras nowadays. Blog readers are very visual and want to see pretty pictures with the recipes...those staged, professional-looking ones. Your photos are beautiful, but it's hard when you simply don't have the equipment.

    I think that this blog has true followers. Ones that care about you and care about what you have to say. Obviously there are many who don't comment on a daily basis, but we are all busy and probably feel like you know how awesome you are already so another "wow this looks great" generic comment won't help you out at all.

    You are a fantastic woman and (although I struggle with the exact same thing so I am saying this to myself as well) I know it is all in God's timing and plan whether we become bigger-than-life bloggers. Or get a book contract...how awesome would that be?? Really, when I compare my blog to yours I feel bad...so I don't! :-)

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  54. I think your blog is fantastic. It's one of my favorite food blogs. I'm a holistic health coach, and I love that your recipes are nutritious and healthy! Most of all, I like that the recipes are simple. Anyone can follow them. Your pictures are great. Thank you for sharing.

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  55. Your recipes are fabulous! In fact, I linked up to this one today on my blog (www.YourOwnHomeStore.com) and chose YOUR picture to feature! (-: Great job!

    One thought....someone may have already said this, but you may get more comments if you allow for a name / url option. Not everyone has one of the accounts listed. (-:

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  56. I appreciate your honesty. I blog myself, and don't really have a large readership and I'm not actively seeking one, mostly because I don't have the energy. But that's not to say that I don't want people to read what I write. I love it when people respond to something I've written about being a parent or about knitting. It makes me feel connected.

    Thank you for your recipe! I'll be making these today!

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  57. Hi! I just found your blog and I am loving it!! I made these muffins this afternoon and they are wonderful and just what I was looking for! I already have quite a list of "recipes to make" from your blog. Thanks for the great tasting recipe! Helen - a new follower :)

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Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you; especially how you're finding JOY in your kitchen.

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