One year ago today I sent an e-mail to everyone in my address book announcing the launch of The Manly Housekeeper. In that e-mail I described how the site was a combination of my two passions: New media publishing and housekeeping.
I’ll admit that in the early days, I felt a little sheepish admitting I liked housekeeping. I balked at saying the name of my site out loud. I got more comfortable as I heard more positive feedback from readers. Today, I’m over it. I literally am a man who keeps house, after all.
At the end of 2011, I recapped my most-viewed posts. I wanted to share some of my personal favorites – which might not have as many hits – to commemorate this first year.
Over the past year, I’ve done a number of theme weeks. I covered spring cleaning, and spent a week writing about sourdough recipes. I published 12 different cookie recipes over 12 consecutive days in December.
One of the best things about writing for this site is that I’ve gotten to expand my areas of expertise and learn more in the process. I wondered how hard it was to make pasta by hand, so I tried it. I had never baked croissants, so I tried that, too.
Thanks to my container garden, I’ve experienced crushing disappointments and surprising triumphs.
I’ve honed my scientific approach to cooking and cleaning. I’ve determined the best method for roasting pumpkin seeds and the best way to make fluffy matzo balls. My most popular post continues to be a study of the best way to clean limescale from a glass shower door.
My favorite post of the past year is from the run-up to Thanksgiving. I wanted to test all the recipes I was considering. When it came time to test desserts, I invited friends over to taste and vote for their favorite pie. I got to spend much of the day baking, share the results with friends, and then spend the next day writing about it. And that’s why I’m so happy I started The Manly Housekeeper.
By far the most rewarding part of the past year has been the interactions I’ve had with you, my readers. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your feedback, your ideas and your participation (share any ideas for future topics in the comments). The Internet can be a surprisingly lonely place. Thanks for reaching out.
I’m so excited to begin the second year of TMH. I have much more cooking, cleaning and housekeeping to do.
