When I first started writing this blog, I just shared recipes. My alter-ego, Sensible Amanda, didn’t think anyone would be interested in what I thought, just what I cooked. Eventually, I started to add a little splash of me to my posts and to Sensible Amanda’s great surprise people started to read the blog.
In April this year, when Kidspot first emailed to tell me they’d included Cooker and a Looker in their list of top 25 food and wellbeing blogs, Sensible Amanda wondered if someone was taking the piss. When the launch party invitation arrived in the post, I booked a ticket quickly before Sensible Amanda crashed the party. We were both shocked when I won a $500 cash prize for writing the best wrap up post. Things were starting to get serious and I was beginning to look at blogging a bit more seriously too. You see, this weeny bit of cyberspace has become my new job. It’s affording me the benefits of returning to work without, you know, actually leaving the farm.
I used my Kidspot winnings to buy a ticket to a blogging conference that was held on the Gold Coast in September. I left Problogger with a plan and I’m putting it into action before Sensible Amanda has a chance to rain on my parade.
I'll be launching a digital magazine for iPad in November. I've named it Flossie - my childhood nickname and the moniker David continued to use in our adult lives. I’ll share recipes and seasonal food ideas in a format that will better serve my readers (and with any luck attract a few more!). I'll fill it with things that I love* and hopefully it will strike a chord with home cooks who enjoy entertaining and the joy that sharing good food brings.
The first edition - December/January is scheduled for release in the last week of November. Sensible Amanda keeps reminding me of the insurmountable obstacles that will need to be overcome before the launch but Flossie seems ready for a show down.
I’ll be giving all of my subscribed blog readers a free three month subscription when Flossie goes live, so make sure you’re signed up to receive my emails.
In the mean time, keep your fingers crossed that Flossie delivers Sensible Amanda a last round knock out punch.
Flossie on facebook
do you have a sensible alter-ego?
ever had a crack at something crazy?
* Flossie will be 100% certified craft-free.
Robyn de Beer says
I can't wait!!!!!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Robyn!
Jay @ Moodie Foodie (@moodiefoodiejay) says
It'll be amazing I just know it! Good luck!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Jay - it's good to know one of us is sure! 🙂
Sit Down Mummyit Down Mummy says
Congratulations Amanda! This is very exciting. Your energy is amazing. From a BIG fan, Katy x
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
I spotted that you shared this, thank you Katy! If only my energy extended to housework! 🙂
Shari says
Take note, Sensible Amanda there is some awesomeness brewing! Much excitement for you! xxx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
LOVE this comment Shari - thank you.
Just quietly, Sensible Amanda feels like she might be sick this morning! 😛
Sarah@Slapdash Mama says
I am inspired by and proud of you. So fab!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Slapdash, you're a darling. xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
How exciting lovely - I really can't wait to see and subscribe to it - I'm also keen to help you flog it as much as I can 🙂 xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Em - I saw you shared it this morning. Really appreciate the support. xx
Jodie@FreshHomeCook says
You rock Amanda - pfft to Sensible Amanda, tell her to chill - this is going to be amazing, YOU are amazing!! Am so excited for you. Cannot wait to see it. xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Jodie. Sensible Amanda does not 'chill', but maybe she can just shooosh a bit!
womblywoo says
Looking forward to seeing it. Good on you for putting thoughts into action!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Wendy.
Beth Mantle says
EEEEEEeeeeeeee!!!! Can't wait!
Debra Dane says
so excited to see what you put together - will be sharing today - love the name of it too - fun and personal!
BOYEATSWORLD says
Can't wait. Honey. Tell sensible Amanda that it's going to be AMAZING and if she wont listen to you... I'll give her a good talking to. 😉
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Aleney - I might have you on speed dial by the end of this!
Lisa says
oooh how wonderful!! Congrats!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Lisa. The clock's ticking now! 🙂
veggie mama says
You are such a clever girl! I haven't gone past thinking of a name for mine, haha. I can't wait to see what you come up with xo
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Stacey. I did spend a long time trying to think of a name for it and when Flossie occurred to me, it was a 'why didn't I think of that first" kinda moment!
Desire Empire says
What do you call the other Amanda? It seems letting her out of the box is working wonders. Congrats on your future launch. I look very much forward to following your exciting journey.
Carolyn
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Carolyn. I'm not sure what I should call her - Snoop Doggie changed his name again last week, perhaps I should take a page out of his book! 😛
maxabella says
AWESOME, just awesome. x
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Bron. My mood swings from crazy excited to packing it. Suspect that come November my mantra will be "please don't tank, please don't tank"! 🙂
Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors says
Well done Amanda - truly I think sensible Amanda has her hand in your success more than you think. xxx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
You might be right Annaleis: Sensible Amanda is certainly finding the most cost effective route.
Kirsten from Kirsten and co. says
I LOVE this SO much!!! What an awesome idea and how good are you to a) think of it and b) actually do it?! Well done. You deserve all the success that comes your way xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Kirsten. Looks like we're both getting out of our comfort zone this week!
Zanni Louise says
Wonderful work Amanda! What an inspiration! It has been so great watching your blog and your writing evolve since I first discovered you way back when. Go you. xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Such a lovely comment Zanni, thank you. x
Author Bek Mugridge (@bekmugridge) says
So excited for you and it will be amazing! Can't wait.
PLUS it has to the best name ever - so I'm already in love with it!
XX
mumabulous says
I'm really proud of you. Which is odd considering I've not actually met you in person yet but ... It's a fantastic achievement and is going to lead to many big things.
Me says
What a fantastic idea - and one that I know you will absolutely nail !!!
Good for you !
Have the best day !
Me
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
OMG Congratulations this is soooo exciting and I am beyond thrilled for you hun. I have many alter egos and I am probably the most sensible of them all ... which is saying something. lol xx
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Good on you Amanda! Can't wait to read all about it.
Anne xx
Dawn Pereira says
Well Flossie I never had any doubts about your writing skills and knew you would go places with it as Cook andalooker is so damn good. congratulations and well done. So proud of you. Can't wait to see what Flossie comes up with.
Emily says
Congratulations! That's so exciting. Take that, Sensible Amanda!
redlandcitygirl says
Sounds exciting! Good on you for chasing your dream!
becc03 says
How fabulous! Congratulations. It is amazing where some things can take you, isn't it?
Kate says
How inspiring, great idea and best of luck. I think I need to go to problogger next year!
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Amanda, how fabulous!!! Can't wait to see your new "baby". Good on you for getting out there in such a huge way hun! xx