Celebrating a Decade of Flavor: Join Our 10th Blogiversary Celebration with Exciting Giveaways and Beloved Recipes!

On March 2, 2021, a remarkable milestone arrived: my blog turned 10 years old! Whether you prefer to call it a birthday, an anniversary, or a blogiversary – I call it a reason to celebrate, and we’re going to PARTY! To mark this incredible journey, I am dedicating the ENTIRE month of March to a grand celebration, filled with all sorts of fantastic giveaways, exciting prizes, and, of course, a bountiful collection of beloved recipes. Join me as I reflect on the incredible path we’ve walked together over the last ten years, sharing stories, culinary creations, and the joy of connection.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Culinary Community

When I first embarked on this blogging adventure, posting to what was then a free Blogspot website hosted by Google, I honestly had very little idea of what I was doing. My technical expertise extended only to the rudimentary design skills I’d acquired from personalizing my MySpace page (yes, you read that right, LOL!). It was a friend who planted the seed, mentioning her own recipe blog and suggesting I start one to share photos from the parties I loved to host. I thought, “Why not?” and dove in headfirst.

My early posts chronicled events like a delightful Valentine’s party I organized for my girlfriends, followed by a series of photos and food menus from a few more gatherings over the subsequent months. However, a person can only host so many parties before the well of new content runs dry! A turning point came when several friends began asking for the actual recipes for some of the delectable dishes I served. It was then that I began to incorporate those recipes into my posts.

To my surprise and delight, the recipes resonated far more with my nascent audience than the party photos ever did. This pivotal discovery gradually transformed the blog from an “entertaining blog with a few recipes sprinkled in” into the vibrant food blog it is today, occasionally featuring those fun entertaining ideas that are still close to my heart. This evolution wasn’t just about changing content; it was about discovering a passion and realizing where my true connection with readers lay.

Curious about the inspiration behind the name “An Affair from the Heart”? Click here to discover the story!

The Heart of Our Community: Family, Friends & Followers

It truly humbles me to pause and consider the sheer number of people my content reaches every single day. Looking back to the early days when my only loyal followers were my dear Mom and a couple of friends, to now reaching millions of people all over the world each month, it’s absolutely mind-boggling. This journey began as a simple, fun hobby during my time as a stay-at-home mom to our four wonderful children. I never imagined it would grow into such a vast and connected global community.

Over the past decade, I’ve had the immense privilege of meeting so many incredible individuals, some of whom have blossomed into my closest and most cherished friends. (They know exactly who they are!) From vibrant online groups and collaborative projects to bustling, insightful conferences, the people I’ve encountered along this path are truly some of the greatest. This community of women, in particular, surrounds me with unwavering support, genuinely wishing nothing but the best for me, as I do for them. There’s no room for competition, pettiness, or jealousy; we simply champion each other’s success and happiness. What more could anyone ask for in a network of friends?

Unwrapping My Favorite Things: A Blogiversary Gift Extravaganza!

To make this anniversary month truly special and fun for everyone, I racked my brain and even consulted with my supportive and brilliant friends for ideas. The concept I landed on was inspired by Oprah’s legendary “Favorite Things” Christmas shows. While I dearly wish I could give each of you a car (wouldn’t that be amazing?!), I’ve done my absolute best to curate a collection of prizes that I hope you’ll find exciting, useful, and truly reflective of who I am. These aren’t just random items; they are things that genuinely bring joy and convenience into my life, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.

Throughout the month of March, I will be giving away a total of 11 fantastic prizes. Why 11 instead of 10 for ten years? Well, that brings us to one of my favorite quirks – 11 is my absolute favorite number! So, I’ll be offering 10 incredible prizes, each representing one of my “favorite things” to commemorate each year of the blog. The eleventh prize, however, is a very special one for which I’m enlisting your help. So, without further ado, let’s unveil the ultimate prize!

The grand 11th prize I’m giving away is a coveted KitchenAid mixer! For those who are already proud owners of this kitchen staple, you’ll have the option of receiving a $250 Visa gift card instead. It’s my way of ensuring everyone has a chance to win something truly valuable for their culinary adventures.

Your Chance to Win a KitchenAid Mixer or a $250 Visa Gift Card!

Participating in the KitchenAid mixer (or gift card) giveaway is incredibly simple and fun – it’s all about cooking and sharing your culinary creations! Here’s how you can enter: simply choose any recipe from my blog – whether it’s a comforting bake, a hearty dinner for your family, a delightful new appetizer, or a refreshing drink. Prepare the recipe, snap a photo of your delicious result, and email it to me at [email protected] with the subject line: “Here’s My Recipe!”

I will be accepting entries throughout the entire month of March, from March 1st until 11:59 PM CST on March 31st. There’s no limit to how many times you can enter! Feel free to make as many recipes as you like; each unique photo submission will count as an additional entry. Just be sure to include a brief note in your email telling me what you made and what you thought of the recipe. It’s a pretty easy and delicious way to win, wouldn’t you agree?

Bonus Entry Opportunities!

Want to increase your chances even more? You can earn a bonus entry for *each* recipe photo you share on social media. Simply post your photo, include the recipe title, and tag my Facebook page or Instagram page. Crucially, please remember to include the hashtag: #AnAffairFromTheHeart. Due to privacy settings on many social media accounts, I might not be able to see your shared posts directly. Therefore, I kindly request that you also send a screenshot of your social media share to my email address to ensure your bonus entry is counted. Happy cooking and sharing!

More About Me: The Person Behind the Recipes

Here are a few personal facts about me. While they might seem a bit random at first glance, you’ll find that *most* of them directly reflect the thought and sentiment behind the prizes I’ve chosen for this special anniversary celebration. These are just some snippets about who I am, in no particular order, revealing a little more of the heart behind “An Affair from the Heart.”

• **My Soundtrack to Life:** I immerse myself in music all day, every day. My playlists are an eclectic mix of everything imaginable – you’d be surprised by the sheer randomness! But deep down, to my very core, I am and always will be an ’80s rock girl. This love for music often fuels my creativity in the kitchen and sets the mood for a joyful day.
• **Seeking Joy, Avoiding Noise:** I simply cannot have the TV on during the day; I find daytime television utterly mind-numbing. My aversion extends even more strongly to watching the news, especially over the past year, as I believe it’s a significant contributor to feelings of depression. While I hold political views like everyone else, you’ll never hear me discuss them on my blog or social media channels. My goal is to create a happy, welcoming, and non-confrontational space for you to escape and find joy.
• **A True Sun-Worshipper:** The sun is a profound source of happiness for me, whether it’s witnessing a breathtaking sunset, a glorious sunrise, or simply feeling its warmth high in the sky. It’s an instant mood lifter. Back in the ’70s and early ’80s, I was one of those kids who loved to lay out, slathered in baby oil. I know now it wasn’t the best idea for my skin, but oh, it was certainly fun at the time!
• **Embracing Uniqueness:** Growing up, I actually disliked the color of my eyes and always wished for striking blue ones. These days, however, they’ve become one of my favorite features. I’ve never encountered anyone with quite the same unique shade as mine. It’s quite amusing how many people have commented on them recently, especially since we started wearing masks!
• **The Paradox of My Mind:** I am, without a doubt, a master over-thinker. I tend to internalize things far too much and struggle deeply when I don’t get closure. Yet, paradoxically, despite being such an over-thinker, I often make decisions incredibly quickly – an odd but true trait. This trait, combined with another…
• **My Own Toughest Critic:** …is that I am my own worst critic. I’m terrible at accepting compliments, often deflecting them. I am actively working to overcome these traits, as I recognize them as some of my biggest personal challenges. Learning to be kind to myself feels almost as difficult as learning a foreign language. However, I am making progress and have learned that sometimes, the hurtful and confusing actions of others may never have a clear explanation, and that hurtfulness belongs to them, not to me. Why do I say this? Because another one of my traits is that I give people *a lot* of chances – probably too many.
• **From Dream to Career:** As a little girl, I always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom, just like my own mother. And I was fortunate enough to fulfill that dream. Who would have thought that as my children grew and we became almost empty nesters, I would discover a full-time career that I absolutely adore? Another fantastic perk of my job? I can do it from anywhere – and boy, do I plan to take full advantage of that!
• **My Pillars of Joy:** My greatest loves are traveling, my cherished family, and my two boxers, whose goofy antics and loving presence bring smiles to the most chaotic of my days.
• **Simple Pleasures & Passions:** I adore Mexican food, despise clutter, and the only things I truly “collect” or “display” are photos, candles, and pottery. Oh, and cookbooks, of course! (I fully intend to have my own published someday – just wait and see!)
• **Lottery Dreams and Philanthropy:** If I ever won the lottery (besides taking care of my loved ones, naturally), I would do three specific things: ensure my home always had a huge bouquet of fresh flowers, sleep in freshly washed sheets every single night, and donate generously to my three favorite charities: one dedicated to animal welfare, one supporting veterans, and one focused on suicide prevention.
• **A Journey to Baking:** I love coffee and wine, and I’ve always loved to cook. Interestingly, I never used to enjoy baking, but now I do! It’s become a source of peace for me, something I turn to when I’m nervous or upset. I’m a bit of a “girly girl”; afternoons spent getting pampered at my daughter’s salon are the absolute best. Yet, I wouldn’t call myself high-maintenance – I’m just as content in a ball cap and a Husker sweatshirt. My love for Nebraska runs deep!
• **The Joy of Giving:** Above all, I *love* giving gifts. There’s nothing quite like the sight of someone’s face lighting up when they open a beautifully wrapped present I’ve chosen for them, especially if it’s something that surprises them, deeply touches them, or even something they didn’t realize they needed or wanted.

And that, dear friends, is precisely why, even though it’s *MY* 10th anniversary, *I AM* the one giving out the presents!

Truly, giving gifts is one of my MOST FAVORITE THINGS to do!

These incredible prizes will be highlighted alongside corresponding recipes throughout the month, offering even more ways to celebrate. Beyond the ultimate KitchenAid mixer, here’s a sneak peek at what else YOU can win! The total value of this amazing giveaway collection is over $1400! This main blog post will be regularly updated with photos and specific recipes for each prize as the month unfolds, so keep checking back for more details and opportunities to enter.

In addition to each of the fabulous prizes listed below, every lucky winner will also receive one of my custom-made 10th Anniversary T-Shirts. These special shirts feature one of my all-time favorite Julia Child quotes: “People who love to eat are always the best people.” The charming graphic for these celebratory t-shirts was expertly crafted by JAK Designs, and they were beautifully printed by a longtime friend of mine at his local print shop in my hometown, Midwest Impressions. Please note that t-shirt sizes are limited to what I currently have available on hand, ensuring each one is a truly unique piece of our celebration!

Netflix & Cuddle Package

Gift Value: $65

Embrace the ultimate cozy night in with our Netflix & Cuddle prize package! You’ll win a $25 Netflix gift card, perfect for diving into a new series or revisiting classic movies, along with a luxurious Berkshire brand snuggly blanket. Drape yourself in comfort while you binge-watch your favorite shows. As much as I adore getting dressed up and enjoying a night out, there’s truly nothing that beats an evening spent on the couch in your comfiest PJs, wrapped in a warm blanket, with a big bowl of popcorn. Pure bliss!

What could possibly be better than a great movie and a bowl of popcorn? Perhaps a delightful popcorn cake! This festive and easy-to-make POPCORN CAKE recipe was the absolute perfect culinary companion to highlight with our Netflix giveaway, offering a sweet twist to your movie night experience.

Exclusive Fontanella Wine Experience

Gift Value: $136

I’ve been a dedicated wine club member of Fontanella Winery since my first magical visit to Jeff & Karen Fontanella’s family winery on Mt. Veeder in Napa Valley back in 2018. It is, hands down, my favorite wine producer. When that much-anticipated box arrives on my porch, only my favorite FedEx guy gets to witness my signature happy dance! They meticulously grow all their own grapes, craft their exceptional wines, and sell them exclusively onsite and through their website – you won’t find their unique vintages in stores.

As part of our anniversary celebration, throughout March 2021, you can purchase their exquisite wine and have it shipped directly to your front door at a special discounted price! Simply visit their website and enter the exclusive discount code: AFFAIRHEART15 to receive 15% off your entire order. The fortunate winner of the Fontanella gift will receive two bottles of their highly acclaimed 2019 Mt. Veeder Zinfandel, a true taste of Napa Valley excellence! (Please note: cannot ship to Mississippi or Utah.)

This delectable Bucatini with Italian Sausage, made in a rich and creamy white wine sauce, is an ideal pairing that beautifully complements a bottle of Fontanella Zinfandel, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

The Essential Frank’s Kraut Collection

Gift Value: $48

My relationship with Frank’s Kraut dates back to 2005, and it’s a brand deeply rooted in my upbringing. I grew up eating Frank’s, and it remains the only sauerkraut I ever purchase. My blog boasts a substantial collection of both sauerkraut recipes and a variety of mouth-watering Reuben recipes; I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore them and discover your new favorites!

March is a special time, being National Reuben Month, and I always make it a point to create a new recipe to honor this delicious occasion. Frank’s Kraut has generously partnered with us for this anniversary giveaway, making it even more exciting! The lucky winner will receive a fantastic prize package including one Frank’s Kraut Celebrate Flavor t-shirt, one jar of Frank’s Kraut, one can of Bavarian kraut, and one can of their classic regular kraut. Get ready to celebrate flavor!

This savory Reuben Breakfast Casserole, crafted with tender crescent rolls, offers the perfect, hearty start to any day. It’s an especially fitting and delicious way to kick off your morning and celebrate National Reuben Month, thanks to the wonderful flavor of Frank’s Kraut!

The Ultimate JR Simple Salsa & Seasonings Haul

Gift Value: $124

Tortilla chips and salsa are my ultimate kryptonite – I simply have no willpower when they’re around! This anniversary giveaway wouldn’t be complete without ensuring someone gets to enjoy my absolute favorite snack in style. Julie & Rich Kemp, the brilliant owners and creators behind J&R Simple Salsa mixes and seasonings, are true culinary innovators. I was incredibly lucky to receive a jar of their salsa mix as a Christmas gift, and I immediately placed an order for more. I am officially *hooked*!

Each of their unique “pails” of salsa seasoning yields a generous 18 servings. All you need to do is mix it with a can of diced tomatoes, and you’re instantly ready for some serious dipping! Beyond salsa, their Award-Winning Chili Seasoning and various dip seasonings eliminate all guesswork, ensuring you create fantastic meals and appetizers every time. Rich, a foodie himself, shares a wealth of creative recipes on their website, which I highly recommend exploring!

J&R Simple Salsa has been incredibly generous! The lucky winner of this prize will receive one can of each of their exciting salsa flavors: Mild Green Hatch Chili, Fiesta Medium, Jalapeño Lime, Bacon, and Fiesta Mild. In addition, the winner will receive a packet of their Award-Winning Chili Seasoning, a Guacamole Seasoning, and one of each of their delectable dip mixes: Monterey, Onion & Garlic, Smokehouse, Jalapeño Ranch, and Chipotle Ranch. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

These hearty Breakfast Burritos offer a protein-rich and incredibly delicious way to kickstart your day. They are made even more flavorful and enjoyable when paired with the vibrant and fresh taste of J&R Simple Salsa!

Precision Cooking with Thermaworks Mk4

Gift Value: $119

Thermaworks, a leader in precision temperature measurement, is generously giving away one of their highly acclaimed Mk4 Instant Read Thermometers. This is, without a doubt, the best food thermometer I have ever owned. Its speed and accuracy are unparalleled, making it an indispensable tool in my kitchen. I not only rely on it to perfectly cook meats to their ideal doneness, but it also performs exceptionally well for delicate tasks like candy making, ensuring precise temperatures every time. This tool will revolutionize your cooking accuracy!

Crafting a perfect Spatchcock Chicken & Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner is effortless with a Thermaworks Mk4. This indispensable tool ensures you’ll never have to second-guess whether your chicken is cooked to the precise, safe, and juicy perfection you desire.

My Signature Midnight Citrus Candle

Gift Value: $30

Indulge your senses with my absolute favorite candle scent: Midnight Citrus. For years, I was devoted to a scent called Volcano, but it became increasingly difficult to find. Happily, I discovered Midnight Citrus, and I am so grateful! This candle fills any room with a delightful, uplifting aroma that brings a sense of calm and freshness. It’s a simple pleasure that truly elevates my home environment, and I’m excited for a lucky winner to experience its magic.

My bright and flavorful Lemon Sweet Roll Recipe was the ideal culinary match to share, perfectly evoking the fresh, zesty citrus notes of my cherished Midnight Citrus candle. It’s a sweet treat that brightens any day!

The “Grow Nebraska” Artisan Basket

Gift Value: $105

It’s no secret that I am a proud Nebraska girl, through and through. As much as I cherish traveling and exploring new places, for me, Nebraska will always and forever remain my cherished home. I am truly privileged to be a member of Grow Nebraska, an exceptional statewide marketing program dedicated to promoting Nebraska products, arts, and businesses. This wonderful initiative was the brainchild of Janell Anderson Ehrke, launched in 1998, and it creates invaluable opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to thrive and make a sustainable living from “Anywhere, Nebraska.”

Grow Nebraska has graciously donated a delightful basket brimming with some of their finest local products, many of which you may have already seen me incorporate into recipes right here on my website. This amazing basket includes delicious Bakers Chocolates, the iconic Dorothy Lynch Dressing, crisp Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus, flavorful Herbal Gatherings Mustard, versatile Gary’s QuickSteak WOW Seasoning, and aromatic Arbor Day Coffee. It’s a true taste of Nebraska’s entrepreneurial spirit and culinary delights!

I’ve combined two of my absolute favorites from Runza, a beloved Nebraska institution, into this incredibly comforting Swiss Cheese Mushroom Runza Casserole! This dish is a true celebration of local flavors and a perfect representation of my Nebraska roots.

Fresh Flower Delivery from Bouqs

Gift Value: $70

I truly adore having fresh flowers in my home. Last year, during the height of quarantine, almost every time I made a grocery trip (roughly every 7-10 days), I would pick up a small grocery store bouquet. These simple blooms would grace my kitchen counter or my office desk. The sheer presence of something so beautiful and natural brought a much-needed touch of brightness to some very challenging and dark days for me, and it’s a habit I’ve continued ever since.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves to enjoy simple pleasures like this, making their surroundings a little more vibrant and joyful. The fortunate winner of this particular giveaway will receive a stunning bouquet of fresh flowers delivered directly from my favorite place to order them: Bouqs. Prepare to bring a burst of natural beauty and happiness into your home!

This exquisitely beautiful Russian Rose Bread was an absolute delight to share on “Flower Day” during our celebration! Despite its elegant appearance, it’s surprisingly easier to make than it looks, and this captivating cinnamon wreath bread is guaranteed to be a showstopper at any table.

Luxurious Bag of Beauty Essentials

Gift Value: $180

This giveaway is truly beauty-licious, focusing on self-love and self-care! Today, I’m thrilled to offer a Rae Dunn cosmetic bag brimming with some of my most cherished beauty products. I absolutely adore all things Rae Dunn, and this “Love Life” themed cosmetic bag (complete with matching socks!) sets the perfect tone for pampering. This exquisite gift includes travel-sized Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash and Rinse and Repair Me Wash and Rinse, Kevin Murphy Doo Over Spray and Session Spray, J Beverly Hills Rescue Me shampoo and conditioner, an Elf Kabuki brush, and a luxurious jar of Rodan + Fields Body Hydration.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Oak Salon Studio in Omaha, and specifically to stylist Kenzie Sabaliauskas, for their generous donation of my favorite professional hair care products. We also extend our gratitude to Marci Lundquist, a Rodan + Fields Consultant, for contributing the incredible active hydration lotion. This collection is designed to help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and utterly pampered!

Homemade Sugar Scrubs are not only wonderful handmade gifts but also incredibly effective for soothing dry skin right at home. The lemon variant, for instance, is perfect to keep by your kitchen sink! With so many delightful ways to adapt this Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe, it was the ideal recipe to share in conjunction with our fantastic cosmetic bag of beauty supplies, encouraging a little DIY self-care.

The Ultimate Coffee Lover’s Kit

Gift Value: $75

For many of us, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s the indispensable ritual that ignites each and every day. It’s the comforting aroma, the energizing warmth, and the perfect start to any morning. To celebrate this universal love for coffee, our lucky winner will receive a comprehensive Coffee Lover’s Kit designed for peak enjoyment. This includes a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks, allowing you to indulge in your favorite handcrafted beverages. You’ll also get a durable Yeti coffee cup, perfect for keeping your coffee hot (or cold!) for hours, whether you’re at home or on the go. Finally, we’re including two packages of delicious Omaha Bakery chocolate-covered espresso beans, providing a delightful and energizing treat. Get ready to elevate your coffee experience!

So there you have it! All eleven amazing prizes showcased in one convenient spot! Remember to come back often throughout the month of March to discover the new recipes that coincide with each prize, and to enter the giveaways daily for more chances to win. And don’t forget the grand prize: the KitchenAid Mixer! To get your name entered, you simply need to make my recipes and send in your photos. There’s no limit to how many recipes you can make and submit for entry, so get cooking! Which delicious recipe will you choose to make first?

This Old Fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake was my grandmother’s absolute favorite to bake. Its comforting flavors and delightful aroma never failed to bring smiles and joy to everyone fortunate enough to enjoy a slice.

ENTER TO WIN THESE INCREDIBLE PRIZES NOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to each and every one of you who enters!

From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you all for being here with me on this incredible journey. Your support, engagement, and love truly are the reason I do what I do!

xoxo