A couple of months ago an email dropped into my inbox congratulating my little Tumblr blog on turning five. Five! Five years since I made Joel Birch a fail-filled vegetarian lasagana in exchange for designing me a little home on the internet to talk dribble and share good food.
Realising all the cool kids were blogging on Blogspot, I moved all my posts over on March 21, 2010, and declared Veggie Mama open for business. The following year I had a baby on that day, so it overshadows my blogiversary somewhat, although I always have a moment somewhere during that week where I go “huh. would you look at that. This bloody thing’s still around”. And believe me, I’ve tried to quit it. Several times. It appears I can’t.
Sorry, internet. You’re stuck with me.
But it’s not my fault. It’s yours. If you all weren’t so funny and awesome, I’d have walked away long ago only to remember nostalgically now and then about that one time where I wrote a diary on the internet heheh those were the days.
Since you’re single-handedly responsible for keeping the VM Mothership afloat, it’s only fair you tell me who you are. Who is it that reads here, shares these posts, laughs at with me, and whips up veg goodies for their family? Who are the people who never say a word? Look, I’ve made you a cup of tea, the least you can do is sit yo’ ass down and tell me some stuff.
Who are you? Where do you live? Do you hate singing reality TV shows as much as I do? Would you eat a cupcake or a toasted cheese sandwich right now, given the opportunity? Do you have kids? What song is stuck in your head right now?
If you can remember, I’d love to hear how you first found this here blog. That would be fun!
Meanwhile, thank you.
(Well, most of you anyway!) xo
sammie@theannoyedthyroid.com says
I’m Sam. I used to live in London but now I get to call Sydney home. I used to love singing reality shows but now I hate them and I have transferred my affections to Game of Thrones, Danish crime dramas and Downton Abbey (an eclectic mix, I know!) If I had time, I would eat the sanga followed by a cupcake chaser because if I only chose one I would surely be in the grip of FOMO! I don’t have any kids, but I do have a man baby and a penchant for watching Frozen so I guess the song that is always in my head is “Let it go!” I have a brain like Swiss cheese so have no idea when I found VM but I know that it’s the high level of deliciousness that keeps me coming back! The internet is a better place with VM in it, so keep on sticking, OK?!
Veggie Mama says
Danish crime dramas? spill!
sammie@theannoyedthyroid.com says
So awesome! First you should watch “The Bridge” (be wary of the American copy) there are 2 series and it’s a Swedish/Danish hybrid and the then “The Killing” of which there are 3 series of pure Danish crime drama at it’s best. It’s like the most awesome TV I’ve watched in forever and as a bonus you’ll be almost fluent in Danish by the end of it (or at least have a few keywords… same thing!) Get on to it!
The Vegetarian Mermaid says
Happy 5th “bloggerversary”! I’ll be going on four years in September (although it was first created in July). 🙂
And I am Adi, I don’t have kids yet but would like to soon. I’ll always take a lovely cupcake and accept your kind gesture of handing me this virtual tea. lol
I don’t watch a lot of television, but, like you, am committed to my blog and the friends I’ve made here. Your recipes are always a delight and I hope you never stop blogging!<333
Your vegetarian mermaid pal {from Los Angeles, CA},
Adi R.
Veggie Mama says
The best vegetarian mermaid pal I’ve ever had!
Chloe says
Happy Anniversary! I found your site while googling for vegetarian family recipes 4ish years ago and stayed around because I enjoy your writing (and snark). I’m from England but living in Melbourne. I love to read blogs but I am hopeless at joining in – this might be my third comment ever. I have two children and a dog who thinks he is a child. Definitely a cupcake right now. I wouldn’t say hate but I am pretty much over the singing – but I did get sucked into watching lip sync battle on Youtube yesterday and that was fun. I didn’t have a song going round until you asked but now its ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ – thanks for that!
Veggie Mama says
hahah I’m terrible for getting songs stuck in people’s heads. How are you liking Melbourne? I love it here this time of year!
Katie Rainbird says
Nice one bruvva. Happy FIVE! X
Veggie Mama says
THANKS!
Pinky Poinker says
Congrats V.M.! I wonder if I’ll still be going after 5 years. I’d much rather have a cheese sandwich. Toasted cheese sangas are my comfort food when I get sick. Those singing reality shows are only interesting at the beginning when the awful ones get up. I stop watching once that part’s over. ‘Take me to Church’ is played every damn time I get in the car so I’m often singing it as I walk around the grocery store. It’s a definite ear worm.
Veggie Mama says
I’ve tried to quit and just eat cheese sandwiches but my hands keep opening my laptop. I think if I’m around in another five, someone’s going to have to set fire to the internet.
Erica says
Happy Birthday!
I’m Erica, living in Launceston Tas now, but when I found you I was in Sydney. Can’t remember how I discovered your blog, but most likely when on a recipe hunt.
Loved singing shows when I was a teenager, but now give me a good doco any day (or the Bachelor… gotta have a guilty pleasure!).
Cupcake for sure… almost every time!
No kids, but I have a step-son who spends sometime with us 🙂
Don’t have a song in my head – listening to the radio which seems to clear them out – but my current favourite is Dynamite by Asta ft All Day… so good.
Thank you for doing what you do! 🙂
Veggie Mama says
Thank YOU for being here while I do it! Is it getting cold in Tas now?
Tasha Batsford says
I’m having a scary throwback to my younger days now: I feel like I’ve woken up beside you and can’t remember how I got there … or less stalkerish-ly, I can’t remember how I found your blog.
Live in Wellington, NZ, cupcakes all day (especially the Nigella chocolate Guinness ones I made over Easter!!), I have three offspring, and because of all of the above, I now have Self Esteem in my head.
Thanks for that.
Happy anniversa-bloggery anyway!
Veggie Mama says
haha well there’s worse songs to have!
Tasha Batsford says
Oh I’ll take it, happily!
Danica Burrows says
Happy Blogday!
I found your blog through some chick at work… by the way I am back in that office again. Still as odd as ever. I’d really like a cheese toasty right now since you mentioned it, but I’ll settle for the vegemite and avocado that i have. Since I just gave away the Foxtel I have no idea what is actually on TV so I am not really watching anything. I have one yard ape and accordingly the song stuck in my head is the damn Iggle Piggle song.
Veggie Mama says
Haha what’s it like there these days? who is me?
Danica Burrows says
just as mad as ever. Currently we have no ‘you’ – but apparently someone will be appointed soon…
Veggie Mama says
I can’t imagine that’s going down very well?!
Danica Burrows says
Not at all
Jo says
Happy 5th Birthday lovely! Big hugs!! I’m not sure how I discovered you, perhaps it was via Nikki? It must of been my destiny! (Haha! Sorry, watched Back to the Future recently). It’s my 6 month anniversary today! I say we get some pints and celebrate
Veggie Mama says
Aw six months, that’s rad! Congrats!
Tash @ Little Bit of Thyme says
Happy Birthday! I can’t actually remember when I started reading, I know it was a while ago! Here’s to the next five?
Veggie Mama says
here’s to the next five indeed!
Cheryl @blissandmayhem says
Happy birthday Stacey! I discovered you about a year ago. I’d so go a cheesy toasty right now, this Melbourne weather today FREEZING is killing me! I’m in love with reality tv, it’s my go to when i need to chill and un stress myself. I have 2 boys, 12 and 3. I had my first at 19 and discovered he had Autism a couple of years later. I love anything Sauv Blanc and discovered recently that I can cook I just don’t enjoy it. Any song loud and proud blazing in my car is a good thing. Thank goodness there are no cameras in there as I’m the driver in bumper to bumper traffic singing away like she thinks she’s Mariah Carey! oxox
Veggie Mama says
Oh man, I am AGONISINGLY embarrassing when it comes to loud music in the car! I don’t care that anyone’s watching haha
Smaggle says
I think Nikki tweeted us at the same time… and then I was like OMG all the things in common! Love you. x
Veggie Mama says
mwah!
Desiree Fawn says
Woot! Congrats ^_^
Veggie Mama says
Thank YOU!
Samantha Marshall says
Happy Birthday!
I’m in victoria, australia, out in the south east suburbs. I hate TV in general and would gladly get rid of it, if it wasn’t for the fact that I like my Nintendo all too much. Even if it is just the kids playing it these days! I would eat a cupcake right now. Right. Now. Thinking about it makes me hungry!
I have two tiny dictators in my life, one is 4.5 and the other is 1.5, a boy and a girl. They like to cuddle, dribble and throw things. Sometimes at me, usually at each other.
In my head right now, I’m singing the theme song to Chuggington, because that’s how I roll. Yesterday it was Peppa Pig.
I found out about this blog because Fat Mum Slim recommended you one day, and I found Fat Mum Slim because Retro Mummy recommended her. It’s all a big fun circle of love and fun-ness.
I love your refreshing take on life and the fact that you are not afraid to tell it like it is. I also like the mental image of you as the official bees’ ankles of Chantelle.
Keep rocking it! I think the best creative works are those that we can’t walk away from.
xox
Veggie Mama says
I really should get a shingle for the front of my house. “Official Bee’s Ankles for Fat Mum Slim. Enquire Within”.
Samantha Marshall says
That would be awesome! You totally should. 🙂
Nikki | Styling You says
I remember meeting you in real life … and then you moved in next door. The internet is indeed a wonderful place and all the better for you being in it x
Veggie Mama says
wouldn’t be here without you!
Lisa@twinklelittlesoul.com says
It’s VM’s birthday. Lettuce celebrate!
I honestly don’t remember when or why I started reading. I don’t read many food-centric blogs actually – I have very little care for cooking (sorry!). I’m here for the giggles, kidlets (I have 2 little girls also), grinspoon references, excellent use of memes and the realness.
Mwah
Veggie Mama says
hahah I’ll eat the food, you stay and keep me company 🙂
Josephine says
Yo! Happy blogiversary! I’m really quite glad you can’t seem to quit, your internet place is one of my faves… Pretty sure I started reading after you were featured in Peppermint mag!
I’m Jo from Sydney. I would devour a cupcake right now, and probably nine times out of ten, given the choice. I have two boys – the eldest will be 5 in a month and the youngest will be 3 in August. I work 3 days a week as a book designer for a publisher. The song most often stuck in my head lately is Full Circle by Half Moon Run https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azV0Y7v6wsg
My hobbies are baking (followed closely by eating) and sewing (clothes for myself).
Woo, that was fun! I’ll toast your good health when I get home this evening!
Veggie Mama says
oh man, you’ve been around for yonks! Thanks for sticking with this old broad!
Tina Lacy says
Yay five years 🙂
Im from New Zealand, Love cupcakes of any kind, would read over tv any day and don’t have kids yet but hope to start trying at the end of the year. Oh and I think i found your site many months possibly years ago when you were linked to cooking with my kid!
Veggie Mama says
I would read over TV too!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
So I am me in sunny (well it’s night time but twas a beautiful day) Brisbane. Toasted sandwich for sure but if the cupcake has butter frosting it may be hard to refuse. Kids, two but you know that. Song in my head…”Put that kid back where it came from. So help me. So help me!” Monsters Inc got a run today.
Congrats on 5 years! Keep on plugging. I have no idea when or how I first started following you. I know I was in Airlie Beach at the time so would have to be around 4 years ago but through what or whom I have nothing.
Veggie Mama says
yeah I can be swayed by buttercream!
Reannon @shewhorambles says
I wil be forever grateful to the blog hole I fell down that led me to you. I’m so glad you don’t quit because I’d be too too sad!
As for your questions-
I’m Reannon, named after the Fleetwood Mac song Rhiannon
I live in Perth
Yes I hate reality singing shows but I’m addicted to the Kardashians HARD!
I’d have a toasted cheese sambo followed by a cupcake. Sweet always follows savoury in my world.
As for songs in my head, all I can hear is the bass of my kid’s music pumping from his room. It’s a mix of screamo, American rap,pop punk, bangers. It’s a constant revolving door of sounds.
Love your work lady xx
Veggie Mama says
how is she one already?
That Bettie Thing says
Oh please don’t ever quit blogging. Where would I moan about the weather and washing? I’m Cat, and despite trying to escape to the warmth several times I am still in Tas-Vegas. One day I will get there. And not leave again. I’m not much of a reality tv show person. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m an ABC nerd. Give me Poirot or Miss Marple any day. Only we just became minimalists and I don’t have a tv anymore!
Honestly, I couldn’t face eating anything right now. I’ve eaten too many Easter eggs. I should apply my minimalist tendencies to my appetite huh?
I have four kids aged 1,2,6&7. As for a song, it’s more of a poem – but do you know the one about “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe?” ….
Veggie Mama says
Poirot is fabulous!
That Bettie Thing says
Oh my god. I made this with tinned peaches and it was divine! I can’t immagine how good it was with fresh. I have just bought another tin of peaches to make it again. X
Lauren @ the-thud.com says
My name is Stevia Sally. Actually no, I hate her… My name is Lauren. I vomit rainbows. I found you via Robert Fraijo the babe from Veggie Mama USA who turned me down cold.
The more I know about you, the less we have in common, which makes me like you more and more (despite your best efforts). Because I know you’d have the toasted cheese sanger and you know I’d eat the arse out of that cupcake.
And the song in my head right now… Raa Raa, you are, a noisy little lion…. FUCK OFF RAA RAA.
Love your work Boss xxx
Veggie Mama says
Is that not the worst TV show ever? I mean besides Rastamouse and Bookaboo.
Lauren @ the-thud.com says
FFS now I have Bookaboo in my head!
Hugzilla says
Happy 5th birthday!! I found you when I asked the brains trust in the Blog Chicks FB group to let me in on who the funny bloggers were. And damn right you must be, because a food blogger I aint. You know me, I stick around for your awesome self. Unlike you, I am a sucker for singing reality shows and given the choice I would make sweet love to a hot cheese toastie right now. I’m currently drinking a glass of wine and watching Desperately Seeking Susan while I prepare dinner, so I have Madonna’s “Into the Groove” lodged firmly in my scone. Here’s to another five years x
Veggie Mama says
cheers!
Shari from GoodFoodWeek says
I started reading you because my boss told me to {she also let me read the Hunger Games series whilst at work when I said I’d never read them}. We loved chatting about blog posts over our morning coffees… Now I don’t work, but I still love your blog! I am currently breastfeeding my second, whilst my first watches Dora {and I have the new Dora intro song in my head – HELP ME!}
Veggie Mama says
Oh man what a cool boss! “Your duties shall include reading Veggie Mama and using the hole punch”. I’m in.
ange_des_anges says
Hi, hullo! I have posted here once or twice before (which is once or twice more than most of the other blogs I lurk on), usually prompted by something you’ve said / posted that was so funny it possibly made me snort a little. I actually have no idea how I came across the blog, but it was around the same time that I moved to Torquay last year & it was quite comforting to know that somebody else was as filthy at the Vic weather as I was. I have no kidlets, but am vego….mostly though, I stick around for the gratuitous cursing and because I think you’re fucking hilarious. Don’t ever leave.
Ange xx
Shit, I almost forgot about the sanga and the cupcake. Yes to the cheese toasty – there is never a bad time for melted cheese on toast. The cupcake – probably….my arm wouldn’t take much twisting, let’s put it that way.
Veggie Mama says
You hate musicals? I kind of understand but boy howdy can I do a good Mary Poppins.
Katie says
Hi I’m going to steal someone else’s words ( thanks Reeannon) about not being sure which blog hole I fell down. I loved that and it’s so true once you start reading blogs and yours initially appealed as I have a son who was a vego and now vegan. My kids are grown up and left home.
I’m not a vego but I love that your blog has really inspired and educated me about amazing vego food and I eat a lot more vego now. We love your lazy vegetable satay and many other recipes you have shared. I am now addicted to roasted pumpkin and quinoa
I live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland but am very envious of people who live in places with four seasons and sometimes weeks and weeks of heat are just too much.
I have never liked reality singing shows but I must admit I did love Jessica Mauboy in Brand Nue Day and The Sapphires.
Also you also inspired me to visit the the south island of NZ last year and it was beautiful.
I have discovered some other amazing blogs through you – I love Eden Riley. Did you used to have a blog roll thingy?
I would happily eat a cupcake and a toasted sandwich – bugger this CHOOSING nonsense. I have actually just devoured some toasted Ciabatta with avocado, tomato and feta – I bought the former at the Currimundi markets this morning and it amazing. I can also recommend making your own feta – I did a workshop in Cooran but for those with a superior attention span than mind i’m sure you could youtube it.
I must confess i haven’t been following your blog as much as I used to so i have some catching up to do.
Congratulations on your 5th anniversary!
Veggie Mama says
Thank you so much! And I lived on the Sunshine Coast for 12 years so I know what you mean! And yes I did have a blog roll, I’m going to reinstate it. Eden is amazing.
I’m SO glad you went to NZ! I can’t wait to go back, that place is magical.
Mel @ Coal Valley View says
Happy 5th bloggy birthday mate! I honestly can’t remember how I found you but so glad I did, loved sharing a wine on the deck last year. And its toasted cheese, most definitely 🙂 xxx
Veggie Mama says
I can’t wait to drink YOUR wine!
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
Lol! Okay you got me. I’m sittin my ass down. I’m one of those ones who tends to read and run, but know this dear Veggie Mama – I bloody love your blog and you! You were one of the first ones I ever started following because a) You blog about vegetarian food b) You’re a mama c) You’re smart and love education d) You’re so cool it’s a crime. I’m always like omg she’s so cool I want to BE her! (I mean that in a completely not-stalky way.) It’s around 5.45am and I’d murder a toasted cheese sanga. I LOVE singing reality shows, although dancing ones are better. I live in BrisVegas. I woke up with Katy Perry’s ‘this is how we do’ in my head. Don’t hold it against me. It’s no big deal 😉
Veggie Mama says
You can totally be me! Right now you’re covered in texta, squished between two kids, busting for a wee.
cityhippyfarmgirl says
Melted cheese sanga yes. 3 kiddos. Sydney. Singing reality tv shows, hell no. (Survivor fan though, yes indeedy.) How I first found you?…hmmm, the rabbit hole of the blog land internet thingy many, many moons ago lady.
Veggie Mama says
I should have a third kid, right?
Jeanette says
Jeanette from Adelaide here. I found you in February which is our annual month-off-meat. My daughter and I could easily ‘almost’ go veggie – but for bacon. Sigh. My kids are 12,14,16. So every February 4/5 of our household goes vego or semi-vego. I can’t convince my eldest lad to attempt it at all. I was looking for something to tempt HIM with, and have followed you ever since. I DETEST reality singing shows SO much, that I turn off the radio if a former contestant should darken their airwaves. (which being a triple jjj listener is admittedly rare) I would much rather read a book than watch tv (except for Masterchef – hanging head in shame). The song in my head is City and Color ‘Paradise’ because it is school holidays and I am not teaching Kindergarten with kids songs rattling through my weary head. at 11:26 pm carbs and sugar would be rather a bad idea, but the toastie for the win.
Veggie Mama says
Hahah that isn’t the first time I haven’t been able to tempt a teenage boy! fully approve of the masterchef, city and color, and toastie! Thanks for sticking around 🙂
MotherDownUnder says
Oh I’ll take a grilled cheese…buttery with lots of cheese. With a candle in it for your fifth blogging birthday!
And thanks to my lack of sleep last night, I have INXS in my head, “I need you tonight. Cause I’m not sleeping.” I picture Lyddie singing it to me.
Veggie Mama says
hahahah the stupid songs I used to sing about non sleep. Good god. that’s a tough time!
Robyn B | Modern Day Missus says
Nice one – congratulations! Here is to another five…. aaaannnd the baby woke up as I started typing….
Patricia Mirasol says
Happy blog anniversary!! Found your site via ProBlogger. Yes, I’d definitely have a toasted cheese sandwich right now, given the opportunity. 🙂
Veggie Mama says
Thank you! and excellent choice…
b-positive says
Live in Adelaide (LOVING the rain today! ). Like both toasties & cupcakes, so let’s be honest, I’d have both.
Veggie Mama says
That’s so cool, thank you! And I’ve already started being told not to sing… oy it’s going to be a long 20 years!
b-positive says
“Apparently” I hum a lot too, unbeknownst to me! Whatevs…
The Plumbette says
I found you because a reader from my blog recommended I read your blog. It was a bit random cause I was a meat eating plumber who loved modern wares and you’re an antique vintage lover who cooks and eats vegetarian food. WTF? But you lived in Qld, had daughters like me and I loved what you wrote. I continued to read your blog to get ideas on more veggie type meals for the family. And then when I found out I was pregnant with Phoebe, your posts about having girls 18 months apart helped me get my head around having 17 months between my second and third. So there you go. That’s how I found Veggie mama and I’ve loved it here. Seen you do some changes with your blog too? The layout and pictures are fabulous. X
Talia Carbis says
I don’t even know if I should comment on this, as I’m such a slack, slack blog reader, but I will anyway… :-/
Normally from the Sunshine Coast (as you know!), but currently in Jerusalem, Israel.
I would almost always choose a cheese sandwich over a cupcake, but I have baked anything in 3 weeks, so I’m getting kinda desperate… So many amazing sweets and pastries here, but not so many cupcakes!