It's my 3 year blog anniversary so I'm celebrating with chocolate , sugar-free chocolate of course!!
I can't tell you it's been easy or a piece of cake (pun intended) to write a blog and have it become successful enough to make a living, but it can happen because hard work truly does pay off.
Three years ago I was with some friends for a mom's weekend away and sharing with them my idea to start SugarFreeMom.com. I had no idea how it would work, if it would work or how I could possibly make it work. Being a mother of 3, homeschooling, tutoring part time I was all ready so busy, but I knew my passion was cooking and I was willing to work my butt off to get to the place where I could quit tutoring part time.
It certainly didn't happen over night but consistently for a good year, I posted 6 days a week! Crazy right? Yes I know but I had a goal; to get my recipes out there sharing with people that a sugar-free way of life is attainable, enjoyable and delicious! I've found so many people just never realized how good it could be or how easy it could be to live sugar-free. I've been doing it for over 10 years and that's why I share what I do, and what I love. I am thrilled when someone is shocked no sugar is in an amazing dessert they just tasted.
As the first year was a difficult time of working as a tutor to special needs kids, raising my 3 kids and teaching them at home and living life with busy activities for them, it was stressful, but again when you can do something you love, it's not a chore. Cooking for my family is never the difficult part, but all the other responsibilities of course get in the way LOL, wish I could just cook, bake and take photographs all day, ha!
As the second year began I was able to quit tutoring which freed up my afternoons and evenings 4 times a week and I was able to reduce the posting to 4 times a week. That first year and even the second, I did nothing else but share my recipes and pray you all liked them. I never went to any food blogging conference, never networked with others, and didn't even get paid to work with brands at that point.
I remember my hubby telling me, just focus on the content, be reliable and steady and the rest will come. He was right on with that!
By the start of the 3rd year brands were finally reaching out to me and I didn't work for free. I was able to attend my first conference in the spring of this year as well as this summer. I actually went on my first paid business trip to Maine to explore the Wild Blueberry barrens as well. And the biggest news was that I was approached to write a cookbook! The Sugar-Free Mom Cookbook will be out December 9th!! If you've ever written one you know it's truly a labor of love and when it's finally complete you feel like you've given birth, no lie!
But again, nothing would have happened if you all didn't try my recipes, enjoy them and share them.
I'm so very grateful for the faithful followers of my blog and appreciate every single comment I receive!
To show my appreciation in a tangible way I'm happy to share some chocolate that I love with you!
Lily's is celebrating with me by providing 3 Sugar-Free Mom readers a chance to win their chocolate goodies!
- Creamy Milk Chocolate bar made with 40% Chocolate - Rich and smooth, this melt-in-your-mouth bar is a favorite for those who enjoy the sweet, simple pleasure of milk chocolate. With 20% fewer calories than traditional milk chocolate and no added sugar, this tasty chocolate bar is perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth, guilt-free!
- Salted Almond and Milk bar made with 40% Chocolate - Salted almonds roasted to perfection unite with velvety, smooth chocolate in this delightfully sweet-and-salty bar. Perfect for dessert, with 20% less calories than traditional milk chocolates and no added sugar.
- Bag of Premium Dark Chocolate Baking Chips - For flavorful baking, these great tasting stevia-sweetened vegan chips contain no added sugar and are so good they make a delicious snack right out of the bag!
Disclaimer: I've not been compensated to write this post, I just truly love this brand of sugar-free chocolate. A big thank you to Lily's for generously providing all the winners their gifts.
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Contest ends on Saturday October 25, 2014 at midnight Est. US residents only please. 18 years of age to enter. Winners will be notified via email and have 24 hours to respond before new winners will be chosen. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Bethany+S
I haven't tried it yet, but really want to. It's the kind recommended by Trim Healthy Mama, the new eating plan I'm on.
Audra
I've never heard of this chocolate before but it sounds awesome! I have a weakness for chocolate and this would be a great alternative!
Dora
I had never heard about Lilly's chocolates until today, so I went online to see if they sold them in my town. I found the chocolate bar at Sprouts, but not the chips. I just had to try it. This chocolate is very good. Love you're site and all the great recipes.
Lindsay
I recently bought some at WF and love it!!
Leslie
I really enjoy your blog and your recipes. Congrats on the 3 year anniversary and kudos regarding your upcoming book! I love Lily's chocolate and am happy you are getting the word out to all your followers.
Leslie
freebird7100
I have never heard of this chocolate but I will have to try it for sure
Katt
I have never heard of Lily's chocolate. I am a diabetic and would LOVE to give it a try. I love your blog and recipes. 🙂
theresa krier
hi, i've not tried this brand of chocolate but sounds so yummy, thanks for the chance to win some!
Lauren
Congrats on 3 years! I've always wanted to try Lily's, because I love chocolate! 😀
paige babikian
love this stuff…so grateful for you introducing it to me!!
Dori
I've never heard of this brand, so would love to win and get to sample them!
Congratulations only your anniversary:)
Marsha A
Happy Anniversary!! I would like to try this chocolate! Thank you!
Esther R.
I really wish I could find them locally. Love this chocolate.
christine
Congrats on your wonderful blogging journey! I have never tried this brand but will keep an eye out.
Cheryl
Oh my gosh, I need to try these!
Joanna J
I have never had a chance to try that chocolate. Will be thrilled to do so 🙂
Dawn
I am looking forward to checking out the Lily's chocolate -- especially since they are sweetened with Stevia. Congratulations o on your anniversary! I'm looking forward to making some sugar free white chocolate soon, and I've already made several wonderful items from your recipes! Yum!
Tamara
If it weren't for you I wouldn't even know about Liliy's chocolate. But thanks to you, I use it, and share my sugar free stories in my seminars! Keep up the good work, we all love what you do!
Joyce
Love your blog and would love to win some Lily's chocolate. Have not tried it yet.
Pam
I have never heard of Lily's before. I would love to try some of it. It looks so good.
Jamie+H.
I love this chocolate and always have some in the house for the kids to snack on. It is the best!
Crystal
Congrats on 3 years and making your dream come true!
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom
I have never tried Lily's, but I would love to win this.
Crystal
Congrats on 3 years and making your dream come true! It would be great to try this chocolate. I have never seen it before.
Iva
Congrats on three years of hard work and delicious no-sugar recipes. I have found your blog only recently when I started my own pursuit of healthy , no-sugar baking (cooking is not a problem, I cook balanced and healthy food since always). I have to admit that I still use honey and maple as sweeteners, and sugar in rare situations, but it is has been the hardest with chocolate 🙂 Therefore, I would be very happy if I would win Lily's chocolate, I hope it would convince me to choose it as my new chocolate option. Best, Iva