Maple Leaf Mommy

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012! I was going to do the typical round-up of one favourite post per month from my site, and then had the brilliant flash to instead share with you my year in review via my interactions with others... because for me 2011 was definitely all about connecting with peeps online.


In January I fell in love with a recipe from Kat's Confessions. My girlfriend later told me she'd previously been given this recipe under the rather questionable name of The Wife Saver. Either way this simple Ham & Egg bake quickly became a family favourite. (We skip the corn flake topping, and mix it up depending on what's on hand. Yeah I mentioned this before, it's worth repeating. Yum!)

In February Dear Crissy posted a Tutorial on how to add Twitter's @Anywhere to your Word Press blog. I poked around a bit and later wrote a tutorial of my own, on how to use @Anywhere on Blogger. Love the Tweet Box. LOVE IT.

In February I also started co-hosting the Canadian Friendly Giveaway Link-Up with Jennifer from Mom vs the Boys. It was her blog that first inspired me to start blogging, so I was tickled pink to be co-hosting something with her, and even more pleased when I had a chance to meet her in person later in the year (nicest gal ever). 

In March I was sort of fixating on my Grandmother's stuff, when the Chief Blond, over at Still Blond After All these Years suggested I take part in her Declutter 365 Challenge. Now I will be honest and say I did not end up keeping up with this, but I LOVED the concept and I did end up getting rid of a fair amount of stuff. It also lead to me setting up a cardboard "charity box" in the kitchen, and discussing the idea of charity with my little one.

In April I manged to fool a few folks with my post about the new Mommy Workplace Standards act. I was pleased as punch to have folks ask permission to reprint it.

In April I also wrote what was for me a "surprise hit" post on How to Thank a Blogger.  I was quite surprised and happy when it ended up getting reposted and linked to all over the place, and scored me a later guest post over at Oh So Savvy Mom.

In May a couple of friendly readers were able to help me figure out what the heck I was doing wrong with my potato bin. Here's a hint - no onions near the potatoes please.

In June and July I took part in the Great Canadian Blog Bash - hooking up with so many AWESOME Canadian blogs. I simply can not wait for the repeat event for 2012!

In August I was extremely honoured to be chosen as a Mom Central Canada Blogger Grant recipient, for my post on my Grandmother's experiences with Postpartum Depression. I also made the somewhat frightening switch over from faceless icon, to headshot - which sparked an interesting conversation on my blog and Twitter as to the merits of each.

In September I learned to let go of my little one (just a bit) with support from my readers and help from this post by Multi-Testing Mommy, For all the New Kindergarten Moms.

In September I also had the honour of being invited to take part in the She's Connected Conference. I had the chance to meet so many awesome fellow blogger's, and I even spoke on a panel.

In October I had a truly amazing experience - thanks to my awesome sponsors (Thank you greenmunch and Sammy Gs!) I was able to attend Blissdom Canada. I learned things. I met some wonderful woman. I left feeling truly inspired. My roommate Nancy's recap says it better they I could -- Blissdom 2011: The Experience.

In November I announced what is pretty much the most exciting thing to happen to me since I started blogging - taking the leap to finally get my Driver's License with the help of Young Drivers.  This is something that probably never would have happened if I hadn't had the chance to attend Blissdom Canada and connect with Young Drivers in person.

In December ongoing health complications forced me to ask, "Is this what Diabetes feels like?"  The amazing and helpful response I have had from people both in private and in public has been heartwarming. (And for the record, I still don't know what the heck is going on with my bod).  I ending up reading through several months worth of back posts over at This Is How We Do It, the hey welcome to diabetes blog of photographer Evan Ashenhurst. Evan was even kind enough to spend a good chunk of time in chat with me trying to help me figure out the right questions to ask my family doctor.
  

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I am not making any wishes or resolutions for the New Year, because a year ago I truly couldn't have guessed where I would be now.  I have made so many amazing connections over the past year thanks to my blog. For starters, each comment I receive from you guys really makes my day.  I am looking forward to continuing to connect with my readers and fellow bloggers in 2012.