Happy Anniversary Canarygirl.com! Plus 2 Awards! Plus a cookbook giveaway! Woot!
(insert balloons, streamers and confetti here) Time to Par-tay!
Canarygirl.com is one year old! It seems like just the other day when I started off on my own in the blogosphere…I had been blogging at Vox for quite a while, and before that had just shared recipes and photos on various sites across the web. So now, a few hundred recipes later, and almost as many posts, I’m proud to celebrate my anniversary with you! Thank you all so much, dear readers…your comments and encouragement have meant (and mean!) the world to me, and I am always inspired by your wonderfulness. (yes, I invent words when I feel it’s necessary. lol) There are so many of you I look to for my morning food blog fix! I am so thrilled to be celebrating this anniversary with you that I’ve decided to Have a contest on the site! I’m going to give away one of my hardcover cookbooks to one of you awesome readers.
All you need to do to enter the contest, is leave me a comment, letting me know you’d like to be entered, along with your email address (this will remain private–just fill it out before commenting) so I’ll be able to contact the winner. :D This will need to be done before Monday, May 19th (that gives you 2 weeks, kids). On Tuesday, May 20th, I’ll randomly select a name from the bunch and that person will receive a copy of Cooking With Canarygirl. Good luck! :)
Recently, I have had the enormous pleasure of being nominated for not one, but TWO awards! I cannot even tell you how happy I am, how absolutely humbled and honored I feel that there are folks out there who think my little old blog is award worthy. It just seriously blows my mind. THANK YOU! :D From the bottom of my heart and soul I thank you so much for thinking of me when nominating. You are the absolute best! 
First off, both Amy at Dinners for a Year and Beyond and Gaga at Gaga in the Kitchen have nominated me for a Blogging with Purpose Award! Both of these girls have fabulous blogs…Amy is personal chef that shares recipe ideas to last the whole year through! Gaga is another fab blogger that shares delicious recipes from around the world! Check out their blogs, you will be happy you did! 
Basically, this award is designed to commend blog writers that are thoughtfully sharing their insights with the rest of the world.
I’d like to nominate 5 more bloggers for this award:
Shaye, over at Smarter than Pancakes just began her own blog, though has also been blogging at Vox for quite some time. Shaye’s blog is all about living a healthy lifestyle, eating delicious foods that are not processed, or loaded with chemicals or high fructose corn syrup. She has a lot of vegetarian selections, so be sure to check her site out!
Elle, at Elle’s New England Kitchen is one of my favorite blogs on the web. Elle and I have practically the same tastes when it comes to food, and I can honestly say that every single recipe I have tried of Elle’s has been absolutely fantastic. She’s an adventurous eater, so go and check out her latest delights!
Mark, over at Manggy is one of my favorite food writers. He’s always got a great story to tell, and you should just see his desserts. I don’t know how many times I have simply fainted into my keyboard looking at his ice-creams and cakes! People often wonder about those square bruises on my forehead, btw. 
Bellini Valli, over at More than Burnt Toast is such a joy to read as well. She has such a big heart, and amazing recipes. If you haven’t tried her English Muffin Bread yet? I recommend that you check it out! That recipe is a keeper, folks.
And, Noble Pig, over at Noble Pig is my latest food blog find! She is super funny (read the “Get your fat pants out” post! LOL), and Oh my GAWD the recipes! I think I might even have a crush on her or something.
Congratulations Winners! You truly deserve this award, my friends.
These are the rules:
1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.
2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.
3. In their post about the award they need to link back to this entry.
4. Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site. The banner must remain linked to this site.
Next up, the lovely Bellini Valli at More than Burnt Toast (see her name above in the nominees for Blogging with Purpose!) and Diva, at the Sugar Bar Diva’s blog not only has delicious food, she also writes about delicious Art, and other interesting things. I’m so happy to have found her site! These lovely ladies have both nominated me for an Arte y Pico award! Thank you, Val and Diva!
This blogging award is meant to showcase those blogs that really touch us in some way with their creativity, design and interesting material. I’m taking the liberty of nominating some non-food blogs for this one, because there are a few blogs that I simply must read every day…they have captivated me with their wit, their heartfelt stories, and their genuinely fantastic personalities. So here they are, folks:
Flutter, at Flutter.com is an amazingly talented writer. She tells such heartwrenching stories with an eloquence that is so rarely seen. She will have your eyes brimming with tears, only to throw you a curveball and say something so incredibly funny, that the tears of sadness turn into tears of laughter–belly busting laughter even. She is awesome, and I recommend you read her beautiful words.
Crystal, over at Boobs, Injuries and Dr.Pepper is another incredible writer. I have been reading her site for the last few months, as she tells the story of her past. With each installment, Crystal fully captivates you with not only the story she tells, but the amazing talent with which she writes it. She can also make you laugh so hard your sides hurt.
Van over at Furiousball is a great writer as well…he tells his story, day by day, of his life as he lives it. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the hilarious. He’s a musician, web designer/fixer guy (you’ll have to tell them your real title, Van lol) and dad. His kids are so darned cute, too.
Anne, at Anne Nahm, is a wonderfully talented and funny blogger who writes about the joys (and suckitudes) of being a mom and wife. I love the way she writes, always insightful and funny!
Lotta, at Mom-o-Matic is a super funny and talented mom who writes about her experiences as a wife and mom, as well as her journey with weight loss and sanity checks with her “Gin in your apron pocket” segments. She also makes beautiful handcrafted jewelry that she sells at the online store Etsy.
Here are the rules:
1)You pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award with their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogger community, no matter what language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award-winner, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the ward itself.
4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y pico” blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5) To show these rules.
Wow girl!!! So many exciting things in the same post… first of all Congratulations!!!!! Your words and posts are so positive and brilliant and fun… the awards are so well deserved
:D 
FELICIDADES too on your blog 1st birthday (see the inflated colored balloons and the trumpets sound?)I’m looking forward to mine too! It’s such a special date
And count on me on the contest! Did I miss something? We don’t have to enter a recipe or anything?
Comment by Núria — May 5, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
Oh honey, thank you! You are such a doll.
Comment by flutter — May 5, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
LOVE YOUR SITE AND YUMMY RECIPES SO ENTER ME PLEASE
Comment by NANCY — May 5, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Congrats on the awards. We also gave you an Excellent award.
I’d like to enter the competition!
Comment by Psychgrad — May 5, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
thanks for the award and check out that swanky book, i’m in!
Comment by furiousball — May 5, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
Nikki, congrats on 2 fab blogging years and aside from your nice award, you’ll agree your blog’s popularity, amount of your dishes tried by others and the wonderful comments you get are the real success. Relish the moment and keep on cookin’, blondie!
PS….count me in for your draw.
Comment by Peter — May 5, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Nikki–congrats on your Blogiversary and your totally deserved awards! and thanks so much for passing one along to me. I’m flattered like you wouldn’t even believe. After all, it was you that inspired me to start my own. You’re my blogging hero! I love you lots–muac!
And please enter me, baby!
Comment by elle — May 5, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Thanks for the nod, Nik! Happy blog-a-versary, and congrats on being recognized for being the awesome person I’ve always known you are!!!
(Oh and I want a cookbook! Me! Me! Me!)
Comment by Shaye — May 5, 2008 @ 8:40 pm
Congrats on your awards
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog.
Count me in for the contest
Comment by Mandy — May 5, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
Thanks so much for the well wishes, everyone! You are the best!
Psychgrad, you did?!?! Thank you! Omg! I’m just brimming with pride today! (crap, I think that’s one of the 7 deadlies, isn’t it?
lmao) 
Comment by nikki — May 5, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
How exciting, Congrats on the awards! Love your blog!
Comment by Trisha — May 5, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
Nikki,
I cannot believe it has been 1 year already. Where has the time gone!
Congrats Sweet Girl!!!!!MUAC!
Comment by Jen — May 5, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
Congrats on everything… your blogoversary and the well-deserved awards. I would be honored to win your cookbook!!
Comment by RecipeGirl — May 5, 2008 @ 10:43 pm
Happy blogaversary! I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago, but I have fallen in love with it. Congratulations on the awards, they are very well-deserved. :)OH, and I want that book! Hehehe
Comment by Ben — May 5, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Wow! Sign me up for that cookbook contest if it’s not too late! Thank you so much for saying I’m an everyday read. And all the other amazing compliments. I feel like blogging has helped me to “meet” so many awesome women like yourself. I’m luck indeed.
Comment by Lotta — May 5, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
Hi there! Congrats on your anniversary! I’ve made a few of the recipes you’ve posted and they’ve been absolutely delicious. I could put that book to good use, so I’d love to enter to win. Thanks for the chance!
Comment by gunderson bee — May 6, 2008 @ 12:28 am
Paxton from Vox here. I *definitely* want in on the contest!
Comment by Daryl Branson — May 6, 2008 @ 12:56 am
Congrats on one year, mommy (lol)!
Keep sharing those delicious recipes for us to attempt to try at home!
Comment by inga — May 6, 2008 @ 3:05 am
Happy Anniversary! Congrats on a great year!!!
Comment by Ginny — May 6, 2008 @ 4:39 am
Wow! You are famous!! Congratulations. Please enter my name in your giveaway. Jancd
Comment by Jancd — May 6, 2008 @ 5:15 am
I just wanted to congratulate you! Muchas Felicidades!!!!
Que brutal!!!! xoDDD
Comment by Narami — May 6, 2008 @ 6:17 am
Congrats! Your recipes and photos are wonderful, I would love to have a copy of your cookbook. Although I don’t believe I can make my food come out looking like yours
Please enter my name, thanks!
Comment by Tracey — May 6, 2008 @ 6:35 am
Congratulations on a year of blogging and on the awards! I’d love to enter your contest.
Comment by Nicole — May 6, 2008 @ 7:10 am
Congrats on your awards. And yes kindly, put my name in the hat- you never know I might just get lucky.
Am enjoying all of your recipes so far- I hope to one day, find some time to browse through them and try a few as well of course.
Comment by Pixie — May 6, 2008 @ 7:47 am
Nikki, thanks so much for the award! And happy blogaversary
I was afraid for a little while that you’d lost all your entries, haha 
Comment by manggy — May 6, 2008 @ 7:55 am
i have a feeling you’re gonna get a gazillion comments for this one.
i have a stellar track record of NEVER WINNING ANYTHING, but i’m sure this is the event that’ll turn my luck around.
Comment by grace — May 6, 2008 @ 9:39 am
Yes, I’m in for the contest. I love coming to your site for inspiration and you are a fantastic cook.Well done on a brilliant website.
Comment by nina — May 6, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
congratulations! That’s so exciting. You deserve all the fabulous comments and praise.
I would love to be entered into winning a cook book!
Keep up the good work. I’m so glad all your hard work wasn’t lost, but I think I would have broke down if I thought I was going to loose my blog.
Comment by Hallie — May 6, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
Congratulations! I love your site and have tried some of your recipes. They are oh so yummy!!! Please enter me in your contest!
Comment by Lisa — May 6, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Happy blog birthday, sweetie!
I’d love to take part in your contest.
Comment by Patricia Scarpin — May 6, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
First of all congratulations on being nominated for these awards by so many. These are so well deserved Nikki, you are truly blessed to be recognized for your achievements. Congrats also on your anniversay. I will look forward to so many more delicious foods coming from your home and heart. And lastly..is this turning into a novel???…. thank you for the nomination. I appreciate this award much more than anyone will ever know and I’ll be sure to pass it on!!
Comment by Bellini Valli — May 6, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Congratulations on your awards. You more than deserve them. <3
I’d love to be entered in the contest. I would scream like a little girl if I won your book.
Comment by Amanda — May 6, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Man! You really got it goin’ on in the kitchen! I mean, when it comes to your food– I am the biggest, baddest, high-voltage suckin’ machine to ever come into contact with food!
Comment by Hetta — May 6, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
I love your blog, and your humour that goes with it! Would love to be entered into your draw for your cookbook! Thank you so much!
Comment by Shelley Somerville — May 6, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
i’d love to win your cookbook, your website is great
Comment by Jennifer R — May 6, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Feliz blog-pleaños, CanaryGirl!
Que sigas muuuchos años mas con este blog tan estupendo!!!
Y a mi tambien… me gustaria tener ese librillo tan lindo!
Besos!
nek0
Comment by nek0 — May 6, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
Congrats on blogging for a year and thank you so much for the award you are an absolute doll!
Comment by noble pig — May 6, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
I’m in. for the contest, for the food, for the photos of the food!!!
Thanks.
Comment by Tricia — May 6, 2008 @ 9:56 pm
Wow, congrats on all the awards!
I would live to win your book, count me in!
Comment by megan — May 6, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
First, I want to congrats by your Awards! Well deserved. Nice blog and nice recipes. And really I would to wine your book, if is possible cont me in!!! xxGloria
Comment by Gloria Baker — May 6, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
Congratulations on the one year anniversary, and I’d love to win the book, too fun!
Comment by Kalyn — May 7, 2008 @ 5:00 am
Congratulations on the one year anniversary and the awards!
Comment by Kevin — May 7, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Hello…. I’m Hanim and I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have been reading you blog ever since I got to know about VOX in 2007 ( a bit late i guess) But I love all your recipe. Please advise on how to enter the competition as I would love to get your book.
Comment by Hanim — May 7, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Happy anniversary. Yay! So exciting that my first favorite blog is turning two
Of course, count me in the giveaway.
Comment by Elly — May 7, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
love your blog - and i am enjoying the links as well! i just started, myself, but have already gotten so much inspiration from my fellow food bloggers! the cover picture alone makes me want to enter the cookbook giveaway!
Comment by jessica (the delish) — May 7, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
You deserve the best! Happy anniversary too!!!!!!!! Cheers!!! 
Comment by Mag — May 7, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
I left a comment on the mousse post, but in case you miss me, I’d love to be entered!
Comment by heather — May 7, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
I would love to get a cookbook from you! How exciting!
Comment by My Sweet & Saucy — May 7, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
I’m always up for a cookbook giveaway! And I haven’t heard of many of those blogs - I will be checking them out!
Comment by Deborah — May 7, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
I’ve been a long time reader of your blog! Would LOVE it if you could please enter me in the contest!
Comment by Michelle Clifford — May 7, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
Congratulations on your one-year blog anniversary as well as your awards! They are well deserved.
Please enter me in the cookbook giveaway. I would love to be able to prepare “beautiful, delicious and deceptively simple meals” at home.
Comment by Jacqueline — May 7, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
Congrats on all your awards! Please enter me in the giveaway, Thank you!
Comment by toontz — May 8, 2008 @ 3:54 am
I’d love to be entered!! Thanks.
Comment by chris — May 8, 2008 @ 3:57 am
Congratulations on the 2 years! I’d love to be entered in your contest!
Comment by Christiane — May 8, 2008 @ 12:32 pm
Just so you guys don’t think I’m ignoring you…I have entered everyone’s name that’s commented so far! This is so exciting! Thank you all so much for stopping by and for entering the drawing! We still have a little over a week, so keep those entries coming!
Hanim, by commenting, you have been entered in the giveaway, simple as that!
Comment by nikki — May 8, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Happy first birthday Nikki! How awesome!
Of course I would love a copy of your cookbook! What a great idea!
Comment by JennDZ_The LeftoverQueen — May 8, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
I absolutely love your site and I would love to be entered in the contest.
Congrats on all the awards!
Comment by Jen — May 8, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
I have secretly admired your blog for many months now, since my husband discovered the pictures of your food (fab pix!).
I have since linked to Canarygirl’s Blog from my own, and would dearly love to enter (and win, of course!)your contest!
Comment by RJ — May 8, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
Love your site and your many posts! Congratulations!
Comment by Samantha — May 8, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Ooh, I’d like to be entered in the contest too… And congrats on being nominated for those awards! And now I have a lot of reading to do (after you posted up all those blog links… haha!)
Comment by Shippo — May 8, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
I just discovered your site last week and I love it!! Thanks for sharing all of your great recipes. Congrats on 100!
Comment by tabitha — May 9, 2008 @ 3:03 am
I adore your blog - having spent a lot of time in the Canaries, it’s nice to see a slightly different side of it.
Congrats on the anniversary, and I’d like to be added to the book draw!
Comment by Jackie — May 9, 2008 @ 9:38 am