Cafe Munchkin’s Birthday Blowout
Cafe Munchkin turned a year old on February 12th. I didn’t forget, I was just too busy that week, Valentine’s week, that I had to hold off the celebration for another day…TODAY. :) But before we get the party started, let me bore you with some details about this food blog.
Cafe Munchkin started off as Munchkin Cafe in October 2007 when my friend, Thess, convinced me to have a food blog and offered to host it as her subdomain. A truly generous offer, I should say, and I gladly accepted. Those days, however, I was more passionately blogging about my daughter and my family than about food, that between October and December 2007, I only came up with 15 entries.
That’s no longer the case today. Since February 2008, I have posted 375 (food related) entries and have approved 2158 comments. I am now so much more attached, fond and overly passionate about this site. It’s readership is not as wide as other food blogs, but enough to elicit a silly little grin from me. Here’s Cafe Munchkin’s vitals as monitored by Topblogs since March 25, 2008:
Total Unique Visitors: 38,473
Total Page Views: 69,285
It might interest you to know what my top three posts are:
Plastic Grocery Bag Origami (17,605 Views)
WS #34: Banana Pudding (3,965 Views)
WS #28: Tapioca Pearls with Coconut Cream (1,382 Views)
On its busiest day ever, Cafe Munchkin had 2994 hits. Not bad I say! That’s a good enough excuse to celebrate. Giveaways are in order! So, here’s the fun part.
FOR BLOGGERS
One lucky blogger will receive this package:
The package includes: (1) Chico reuseable shopping bag which can carry a load of upto 25 lbs.; (1) Step by Step Quick Pasta Recipes cookbook; (1) Step by Step Crazy for Chocolate cookbook; (20 pcs.) blank recipe cards; and (1) magnetic list pad.
I love the recipe books and will be keeping copies for myself. They have beautiful photographs of the finished products as well as a step-by-step photos of the procedures. I have a preference for recipe books with photos. It helps to have an idea how a dish should should like. :D
The shopping bag, by the way, looks all wrinkly because it originally looked like this…
All you have to do is post an entry on your blog about who or what you consider to be the greatest influence/s on your cooking, food preferences or views on food (that is, if you yourself don’t cook) and how that influence comes through. Don’t forget to link to this entry so I can get a pingback from you. Then, come back to this post and leave a comment informing me that you have already posted an entry. You have until 11:59pm (CST) of March 9th, that’s two weeks from today, to post your entries. Competition shouldn’t be so stiff among you 5 blogger readers of mine. Hee hee.
If this is too much work for you, you might want to join the contest as a non-blogger instead. :D
FOR NON-BLOGGERS
I didn’t forget the five other readers of this site who are non-bloggers. :D Two readers will receive one of two prizes…
Prize #1: (1) Quick Pasta Recipes cook book; (1) magnetic list pad; (20-pcs) recipe cards
The inside pages of the recipe book look like this…
Prize #2: (1) Crazy for Chocolate recipe book; (1) magnetic list pad; (20 pcs) recipe cards
Here’s how the pages of the book look like…
Like the bloggers, all you have to do is tell me about who or what you consider to be the greatest influence/s on your cooking, food preferences or your views on food in general and how that influence comes through by leaving a comment on this post. Comments received on or before 11:59pm (CST) are eligible for the giveaways.
A randomizer will be used to pick the lucky winners. :) The winners will be announced on March 11, 2009.
Have fun, good luck and cheers!
sasali ako! hahaha! how are you and abby doing? happy happy first to Cafe Munchkin!!!again!
cess last blog post..Lasang Pinoy, Sundays: EATS a WRAP
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hi Ces! Thank you! I look forward to reading your entry. I will also post my own entry. :D Good luck! :)
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happy anniversary to cafe munchkin! i’m so happy for you! :)
abbys last blog post..Adobong Spinach
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Hi Abs! Thank you! We’ve come a long way since that first batch of chocolate crinkles. Hee hee! :) Sali ka ha! :D
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happy birthday… great site you have…
i like your giveaways and i just joined in.
http://snapeat.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-birthday-to-cafe-munchkin.html
tnx…
ingat…
:p
ings last blog post..home-cook…
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Hi Ing! Thanks for joining my little game here. I’ve already left a comment on your entry. :) Good luck!
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Happy Happy 1st Birthday, Cafemunchkin! Grabe Weng, naalala ko pa unang dalaw ko sa iyo, tapos ngayon Birthday na nya!
Keep up the good work Weng, more power…love you much *muah!
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hi Thess! Thank you for convincing me to get into food blogging. :) When I like at photos from a year ago, I can’t help but cringe sometimes. Hee hee. I’d like to think that I’ve improved a lot in a span of one year…as a wannabe home chef and as a wannabe photographer. Love you much, too! Uy, sali ka ha! Wala kang choice! :D *mwah*
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ooohh… crazy for chocolate… must… join… must… win…. ;)
Sleepless In KLs last blog post..Luggage Lockers At Amsterdam Central Station
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Hi Mimi! Must join….to win… Hahaha! :) I am so crazy for chocolate! Good luck! :D
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Weng, happy anniversary! Todo na to… those stats are really impressive! You know you have arrived as a blogger when you have pa-contests in your website (and people join). Galing, galing mo!
Keiths last blog post..Who Would Have Thought?
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Hi Keith! Thank you! Well, it’s not everyday that I hit a thousand mark. It’s a once in a blue moon thing. :D When that happens, I wonder if there’s something wrong with the stat counter. Promise. Hee hee. Your better half has already posted her entry for my pa-contest. Best of luck to PInks! :)
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Congratulations and happy birthday! Your stats are incredible – almost 3000 hits in one day?! I’m happy when I get 30! 8-)
Here’s to another wonderful year of happy blogging for you!
Tangled Noodles last blog post..Family Treasures: Wood Bowls and Cabbage Rolls
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hi Tangled Noodle! Thank you so much! Hitting the almost 3000 mark only happened once! :D I’m happy if someone comes to visit my site at all! Really! :) Aren’t you joining the contest?! Come on! It’s very easy and fun! :D
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Tangled Noodle Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I’ve actually been trying to come up with something coherent so that I can join! I have almost 2 weeks – I’m pretty sure I can talk about who or what has influenced my thoughts on food and cooking (I hope – there’s so many different influences)!
Tangled Noodles last blog post..Family Treasures: Wood Bowls and Cabbage Rolls
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Todo na ito, cousin!!! Galing-galing talaga – idol! :D
From the time you started your food blog until now, I never cease to be amazed at how perfect and delicious your kitchen creations always turn out – and am sure they taste as heavenly too… ;) My cousin and Abby are truly so lucky to have you!
Teka, wala bang rules against relatives joining sa pa-contest? I so want your loot (*drool*) :mrgreen:
Pinkys last blog post..Baked Cream Dory with Spinach
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Hi Pinks! Thank you for keeping me company since the beginning. :) Uy, my creations aren’t always perfect and delicious. :)
No rules against relatives joining the contest…e kasi, puro relatvies ko lang naman talaga ang nagbabasa ng blog ko! Hahaha! I managed to put together a good give-away package, don’t you think? Puwede na, diba? :D
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[...] February 25, 2009 · No Comments Just a shout-out to my fave blogging cousin and kitchen guru extra-ordinaire, Munchkin Mommy, on the first anniversary of her oh-so-fab food blog, Cafe Munchkin! [...]
Weng, may I just say – dapat may special award pala si Tito Kit since yung plastic bag origami niya ang most-read post mo – hehehe! ;)
And yes, kamag-anak or not – join ako!!! Here’s the proof:
http://tkkt.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/spreading-some-munchkin-lovin/
Halata bang na-excite ang Lola sa mga give-aways? Hahaha! Oh randomizer…be my friend – pretty please!!!
Pinkys last blog post..Baked Cream Dory with Spinach
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munchkinmommy Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Pinks, oo nga. Pero have you read the comments? Some were horrified that I keep so much plastic bags. That’s why I’m making a reuseable shopping bag part of the prize. :)
Thanks for joining the contest, Pinks! I wish you the best of luck! :D
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[...] Specials Spam Musubi Leche Flan Cafe MunchkinCafe Munchkin’s Birthday BlowoutLasang Pinoy, Sundays #37: Deli WrapsHearty OnigiriMakiWS #45: Luscious Chocolate Cake M. MemoriesLP [...]
Weng, sumali rin ako, he he…. Tama kaya yung pag link ko sa page mo? Crossing my fingers and toes para manalo ng iyong freebies!!! he he
http://cofiaza.blogspot.com/2009/02/food.html
Camille
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
Hi Camille! Thank you so much for joining! Good luck! :)
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happy happy anniversary sa cafe munchkin!
congrats at 1 yr na pala ang yong food blog. nananakam ako pag dumadalaw ako rito e :)
elapots last blog post..the past anniversaries
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Hi Ela! Thank you! Ang bilis ano? Sali ka sa contest, dali! :)
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happy anniversary!
here’s to many more years of great-looking, and i’m sure, great-tasting treats!
pareho tayo ng anniversary month ng GG! bisita ka din sa aking contest ha :)
miss ka na namin sa plurk!
mavers last blog post..STICKY POST: GOSSIP GEHL TURNS ONE!
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:03 am
Hi Maver! Thank you and happy 1st anniversary to Gossip Gehl! Sige, I’ll go to your contest page. :) Cheers!
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Gaya ng nasabi ko kay Ate Pinky, kinilabutan ako sa post ninyo at very timely dahil sa award kong ito para sa inyo: http://twinkiegolosino.blogspot.com/2009/02/best-mom.html.
Congratulations sa akin at na-diskubre namin ng Ate Twinkle ko ang Munchkin Mommy tapos Cafe Munchkin. (Ka-birthday pa namin Topblogs mo.) Swerte talaga mga tulad namin na nakabasa ng blogs ng gaya ng sa’yo. Pot of gold ang blogroll mo kaya ang dami ko pang dapat ipagpasalamat sa’yo.
More power to Cafe Munchkin. Pwede na rin bang entry ang post ko na iyan? ‘Di na ko maka-english kasi antok na antok na ko. I’ll be back for more. Thanks again.
Twinkies last blog post..Best Mom
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi Twinks! Si Twinkle pala ang nakadiscover sa akin eh! Hee hee. :) Thank you for the kind words, for keeping me company and for the award you gave me. Hmmm, gawa ka ng bagong entry for the blog contest. :D Hee hee! Istrikta ano? Sige na! ;) Or, kung tinatamad ka, leave another comment and answer the question there. :D Game?
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magt-try akong sumali :) sana ay manalo ako hahaha
happy first anniversary cafe munchkin!
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Hi Dyes! Thank you for dropping by! Please do join the fun! I look forward to reading your entry. Good luck! :)
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gusto ko lang bumati!!! happy anniv! :)
incoherents last blog post..Ehh.
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 am
Hi Jen! What a pleasant surprise! Thank you sa pagbati. Ayaw mo ba sumali? You can give the recipe books to your mom and then blackmail her into making the dishes. Hee hee. :)
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happy birthday cafe munchkin..sasali talaga ako dito..i just have to come up with my entry! baka swertehin ako…in fairness, alam mo na address ko so pwede mo ng imail ahead..biro lang..;)
talaga namang napakaganda ng food blog mong ito kaya dami kami laging bumibisita..
hay..sarap alalahanin.. those were the choco crinkle days (plus the extra pounds)..sarap namnamin!! basta basta, magsusulat ako before the deadline!..hugss…
dangs last blog post..LP 42 Kahel
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 am
Hi Dang! Thank you! I’ve missed you! I look forward to reading your entry. Nakakatuwa yung crinkle craze na yun na inumpisahan ni Abby. Marami tayong nahawa! :)
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Hmm… sali din ako! my pasta recipe book is in Manila and I don’t plan to buy one. Kuripot ko kasi hehehe i wanna go back and take it with me to NZ. But maybe this is my chance to get a new one :-) I have Asian Cooking by that same publisher.
Happy birthday to Cafe Munchkins!
iskas last blog post..Garlicky Lemon-Parsley Chicken
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Hi Iska! I have a recipe book which I’ve had for over a year. I buy recipe books only to leave them gathering dust on the bookshelf. And recently, I browsed through them and the magazine I’ve been keeping and I realized, my bookshelf has become a gold mine of sorts! There are a lot of simple recipes which I am now itching to try! Hahaha!
Thank you and I’ll be eagerly awaiting your entry. Good luck!
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Wow! Happy one year blogversary! You have some nice stuff up for grabs there Mommy Munchkin!
Zrizs last blog post..Flan
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
Hi Zriz! Thank you! I had a hard but fun time putting together the goodies I’m giving away. It’s not that much really but I still think they’re kinda nice. :) Aren’t you joining? :D
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Zriz Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Yes they are nice! I’m thinking about joining but I don’t know what to write….. yet hehehe :) There’s still time though… heheeh :)
Zrizs last blog post..Tricolore
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[...] Cafe Munchkin’s Birthday Blowout [...]
[...] 12! To celebrate this one-year blog anniversary, Cafe Munchkin’s resident chef is having a birthday blowout! [...]
happy anniversary weng!
I joined of course and here is my post:
http://treasurejar.info/2009/03/01/cafe-munchkins-birthday-blowout/
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Hi Teacher Julie! Thank you for joining! I enjoyed reading your post. :) I still have to do mine. I have not been able to post my entry as I was busy the entire week last week. :) Good luck!
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Hi Weng and everyone. Here’s my non-blogger entry for Cafe Munchkin’s Anniversary give-away. What can I say? I’m just Crazy for Chocolate ;).
April has always been my favorite month when I was a little girl. It was time for us to pack up our bags and head to my lola’s house in Batangas for my long awaited summer vacation. I would hear my mom on phone, calling my aunts non-stop to ask what ingredients they need for this and that. It was time for our town fiesta which was a major thing in our little province of Calatagan.
I was always looking forward to our summer vacations there, where I can roam free with my cousins without my family asking too much questions. We would watch the crazy filipino town fair shows featuring: The Mermaid or The Frog man (which now I concluded were just people with genetic defects).
My lola now 84 (aside from my Mom), is my also one of my biggest influence in cooking. She would be like the Iron Chef in our family (for me) she would usually raise a pig in her back yard and make it really, really fat in time for April. I really had fun feeding it during our visits in November for all souls day and Christmas too! She would ask our “kasama” (people who live on their land and till and plow their plantation), to kill my pet pig which I was every year sad to know that its going to pig heaven to serve a greater purpose of feeding most of our town! After killing the pig that where all the action begins. No ready ground meat for embutido so they out lay out their wood stump chopping boards and start choppin non-stop. The noise would usually drive me crazy!
My aunts and grandmother would do their own thing in preparing the feast for the fiesta. Making all different kinds of pork dishes: menudo, asado, dinuguan and ang more… not wasting any part of the pic for that matter! We kids would wait for the intestitnes while it was frying but my favorite part was the chicharon bulaklak! Desserts were not to miss! She would make halaya ube, suman, maha mais and ginataan bilo-bilo which they had to use these big stone grinders (i don’t know what they call it).
Wishing one day that my kids would experience these childhood memories with our relatives all cooking from th heart! Would one day too want to go back there and get all the filipino recipes from my family to pass on to my children too. Though my Mom admits that her sisters and mother was far better cooks than her, I would say that she was by far the best for me since she had to come up with wat to serve her family 3x a day! Not repeating any viand! As for me, Im a repeat offender :D.
Again, Happy Anniversary to Cafe Munchkin! Later, Weng.
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Hi Lori! Thank you for joining the contest! While many have left me warm greetings, you are the first to comment and answer the question I posted. If this trend continues, you may just find yourself walking away with the prize. Hee hee.
I enjoyed reading your answer. I’ve always envied people who had a province to go and I can feel from your answer that those summers you spent in Calatagan during your childhood were indeed precious. You got me really hungry and lusting for all those pork dishes! Hee hee. I hope you get to bring Lica and NIsa to Calatagan so that they, too, can experience the joy of your childhood.
Cheers and thanks again!
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[...] more days before winners for the Cafe Munchkin Birthday Blowout are [...]
still a day to go, pwede pa sumali. hahaha
kotsengkubas last blog post..Tifa Mari | Two-Year Old Extraordinaire
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Hi KK! Thanks for dropping by. Puwede pang sumali until 11:59pm of March 11th, my time (US – CST). Haha! ;)
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[...] afraid to try new things and experiment. I wrote the above hoping I could win some goodies from Munchkin Mommy. Joke! But as the saying goes, jokes are half meant. [...]
Nakahabol ako haha!
Again, happy bday to your blog!
iskas last blog post..Foodie Musings
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Hi Iska! Almost photo finish ah! Thank you for joining. I already left a comment on your entry. :) Good luck! :D
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yes, cramming to the max! pasensya na estudyante lang po..
eto na ang entry ko..yehey..sana manalo ako!
happy 1st birthday ulit..
http://dangcharlie.blogspot.com/2009/03/one-saturday-morning.html
dangs last blog post..One Saturday Morning
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munchkinmommy Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Hi Dang! Akala ko natabunan ka na ng homework eh! Hee hee! :) I’m so happy you made it! I already left a comment on your entry. Thank you so much for finding the time to join our katuwaan here. I know how very busy you are with school and mommy matters. :)
Good luck and thanks again! :D
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[...] after midnight last night, I headed to Random.org to draw the winners of the silly little contest that was launched here two weeks ago in celebration of Cafe Munchkin’s blog anniversary. I [...]
namiss ko to sayang!
alam mo naman busy-busyhan hee hee
nevertheless, happy birthday cafe and I am so lucky to have tasted one of your yummylicious goodies.
more goodies to come alright?
mwah!
something purples last blog post..pataas ng pataas
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