Wow. 5 years. Half of a decade. I cannot believe that I have been blogging that long. It just doesn’t seem real. So much has happened in my life in the last 5 years. We bought a home. I got pregnant. We had a baby. I decided to become a stay at home mom and focus on little dude and the blog.  And Wednesday marks yet another milestone: 30. Yep. I’ll be 30. GULP.

And the blog has been there through all of it and has become my place to share it all with you through food. Some of you have been here since the very beginning when I posted my first post Spaghetti and Meatballs. While some of you have just now found this little blog o’ mine. But whether or not you’ve been here from the beginning, I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for reading. Thank you for trying the recipes. Thank you for letting me know how they work for you. Just, thank you.

As a way to say thank you for being totally awesome, I’ve decided to host a giveaway!

Last year I gave away a box full of my favorite things to celebrate my blogiversary and I decided to do the same this year. Think of it as a little care package from me! A couple of the things were included in last year’s box but I decided to include them this year too because I love them so much. The other things are things that I fell in love with this year and wanted to share with you.

This year I’m giving away:

Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet: This skillet never leaves my stove. It hasn’t since I got it as a gift last Christmas. I use it every day. I use it to cook bacon. Fry chicken. Sear steak. Make pizza. Everything.

Le Creuset Silicon Handle Sleeve: I couldn’t give away a cast iron skillet and not include this. I adore mine. You can choose red or black. I’ve got the red one :)

The CraftBeer Cookbook by Jacquelyn Dodd: I just got this cookbook a couple of weeks ago and I love it. It has already become a favorite. I’m sure you will love it too.

 The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg: I gave this away last year and if I could I would give this to every person I know. It is such an important book in my kitchen and I think everyone should have it.

Theo Chocolate Orange Bar and Theo Chocolate Mint Bar: I nibble on these things Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style. Peel back the wrapper and savor it, bite by bite.

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract: A perfect addition to your pantry to help with all the holiday baking in the coming months.

And lastly, Sriracha Sauce: Because it wouldn’t be a care package from me without it!

So how can you win this box full of my favorite things? Leave a comment below telling me something you’d like to see a recipe for here on Life’s Ambrosia.

You can also get a bonus entry by:

Following Life’s Ambrosia on Pinterest

Liking Life’s Ambrosia on Facebook

Following Life’s Ambrosia on Twitter

Just come back and leave a separate comment letting me know you became a fan. Each comment gets you another entry for a total of 4 possible entries.

The Deets:

4 entries max per person (One via a comment on the blog post, one for facebook like, one for pinterest follow and one for twitter follow)

Due to shipping costs I can only ship to US mailing addresses. 

Also due to shipping costs, the cast iron skillet will be shipped separately directly from the retailer.

Contest ends 10/11/13 at 5:00PM PST.

Winner will be picked at random.

I have personally purchased the products. I have not been compensated in anyway for this post or product recommendation.

Deseree

Whether it is cooking it, eating it, shopping for it or watching TV about it, food is one of my favorite things.

131 Reviews

  1. Naomi October 11, 2013

    And I follow you on Facebook. I don’t use twitter, or I’d follow you there too :) I found your blog through the “Mulligatawny Soup” recipe and have been hooked ever since.

  2. Naomi October 11, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest

  3. Naomi October 11, 2013

    I’d like to see a recipe for dal saag (indian lentils and spinach)

  4. Tina kuykendall October 11, 2013

    I follow you on Facebook.

  5. Jenny October 11, 2013

    I have “liked” you on facebook for a while and i just started watching your boards on pinterest :) Happy Anniversary :)

  6. Jenny October 11, 2013

    Hi! I love your food blog! I dont follow any other food blogs except for yours. I ran across one of your delicious recipes a few years back and now I check your page daily for new recipes! I love how often you incorporate jalapenos into your recipes. When Im in need of an appetizer to bring to a function, I always check your blog. LOVE IT!

  7. Tina October 11, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest and Facebook. Love a recipe for Butter Cake

  8. Margaret Mitchell October 11, 2013

    Short ribs baby!

  9. Margaret Mitchell October 11, 2013

    Love your page! I guess it would be fun to see some short rib recipes. I am in love with them right now.

  10. Debbi S-M October 11, 2013

    Would LOVE to see some more recipes for dutch oven cooking (one pot type stuff)!

  11. Debbi S-M October 11, 2013

    I follow you on pinterest!

  12. Laura October 11, 2013

    I currently subscribe to your blog. And congrats on 5 years!

  13. Debbi S-M October 11, 2013

    I follow you on FB!

  14. Laura October 11, 2013

    Just started following you on Pinterest

  15. Sean October 11, 2013

    Following on facebook/twitter/pintrest!

  16. Laura October 11, 2013

    I follow you on facebook

  17. Julie Gordon October 11, 2013

    I’ve followed you Facebook for 4 years, and recently started following you on Twitter as well. Thanks for all the deliousness you’ve imparted!

    Julie

  18. Tiffany October 11, 2013

    Follow you on Pinetrest

  19. Tiffany October 11, 2013

    I follow you on Facebook.

  20. stephanie October 10, 2013

    I like you on FB!

  21. stephanie October 10, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest. islabee

  22. stephanie October 10, 2013

    WOW! What a giveaway. I just started following you this year and you have quickly become one of my favorite blogs. You cover a lot of my “game-day” needs! I always need more healthy side-dishes, though.

  23. Tina Davila October 10, 2013

    I am a fan on facebook. I love your page. I would like to see a recipe for vegetable lasagna.

  24. Nicia October 10, 2013

    Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday! You seem to be handling turning 30 MUCH better than I did a few years ago. Keep those awesome recipes coming! :)

  25. Erica Conger October 10, 2013

    Hi D! I did not know you had a cooking blog! Thanks for the heads up Alison :) I cannot seem to bake sugar cookies. I have tried so many recipes and they all taste terrible! Do you have a special one that you use? Thanks :)

  26. Lindsay October 10, 2013

    Follow you on Pinterest

  27. Lindsay October 10, 2013

    Like you on Facebook

  28. Lindsay October 10, 2013

    As a fellow home cook food blogger, I enjoy seeing what you are up to in your kitchen. Would love to see more about what kitchen gadgets you can’t live without.

  29. Wendryn October 10, 2013

    And liked on Facebook. :)

  30. Wendryn October 10, 2013

    Followed you on Twitter.

  31. Wendryn October 10, 2013

    I really enjoy your recipes!

  32. Amy Theberge October 10, 2013

    It’s been such fun re-connecting with you through your blog and our mutual love of all things FOOD!

    All your recipes are great and inspire me. I would love to see more low-carb recipes on here, since that is how we eat most nights. Keep up the good work!

  33. Maureen October 10, 2013

    …and just started following your PInterest Board. Love the recipes!

  34. Maureen October 10, 2013

    Follow you on Facebook!

  35. jmk October 10, 2013

    I love your blog!

  36. jmk October 10, 2013

    Pinterest followed!

  37. jmk October 10, 2013

    Facebook like!

  38. Pamela Joy October 9, 2013

    I follow you on twitter.

  39. Pamela Joy October 9, 2013

    I follow you on Facebook.

  40. Pamela Joy October 9, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  41. Pamela Joy October 9, 2013

    Happy 5 year blog birthday ! I would more ‘vegetarian ‘ recipes Love today’s which is the chickpea cakes. I am a bit late on thinking about what to ask for. :) Love your blog and today is the one year anniversary or it was a few days ago that I found your blog!

  42. Megan October 9, 2013

    I follow on Fb.

  43. Megan October 9, 2013

    I follow on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/javaaddict/

  44. Megan October 9, 2013

    I’d love to see more recipes that are one pot meals – either slow cooker or preferably french oven! Happy Anni!

  45. Tammy October 8, 2013

    Following on twitter!!

  46. Chicagomark773 October 8, 2013

    Chicken gizzards and frog legs.

    Now following on Twitter and Pin, liked on FB.

    Mark

  47. Megan E. October 8, 2013

    I liked your Facebook page!

  48. Megan E. October 8, 2013

    I followed you on Twitter!

  49. Megan Eunson October 8, 2013

    I look forward to your daily email – always something new and tasty to make.

  50. Tammy October 8, 2013

    Just saw i was already following you on facebook and pinterest.

  51. Tammy October 8, 2013

    Hello, wanted to congratulate you first! May you share your wknderful thoughts and recipes with us for forever. Thank you for making such a great blog i love trying your recipes because everything I’ve tried so far tastes delicious and your directions are great as well. I would really love to see your take on pumpkin bread I have a recipe for it but would love to see how you would do it. Also I’ve always wanted to make lobster ravioli but never had the guts to give it a shot until I found a good recipe. Since I love your flavors I think I’ll love your recipe for it. Will be followkng on pinterest, liking on facebook and tweeting on twitter.

  52. Linda October 8, 2013

    I also pinned you on Pinterest!

  53. Linda October 8, 2013

    I liked Life’s Ambrosia on Facebook!

  54. Linda October 8, 2013

    I love your website and recipes! I made the turkey siracha meatballs and love them!

  55. Melissa October 8, 2013

    Following on pinterest-yay! More recipes, many I have not seen!

  56. Melissa October 8, 2013

    Any kind of soup! You do comfort food so well!

  57. Maegan October 8, 2013

    Happy Blogiversary! I’ve been following your blog for a few years now and it’s one that I check on a daily basis. I remember I first stumbled across it because I was Googling recipes for homemade shrimp po’ boys (and they were delicious — that spicy mayo you included is still one of my favorite blog finds!) and then I liked teh recipe so much that I went through all of your archived recipes, too. Congratulations, Des — you do a fantastic job!

    As for new/future recipes, I love all things texmex and asian, so more recipes of that nature would not be unwelcome! :)

  58. Nahall October 8, 2013

    You are Fab and love to try all you post! Keep on cooking!

  59. Jae October 8, 2013

    Congratulations! How about a good Pork chop recipe!? Either Brined and dry rubbed or marinated?

  60. Jessica October 8, 2013

    Liked on Facebook.

  61. Stephanie October 8, 2013

    I’ve liked you on Facebook, as well.

  62. Stephanie October 8, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  63. Stephanie October 8, 2013

    I would love to see more desserts! Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

  64. Robyn October 8, 2013

    Following you on Pinterest now!

  65. Robyn October 8, 2013

    I already follow you on FB.

  66. Robyn October 8, 2013

    I’m always looking for new and interesting egg dishes, because they are such a good source of protein. Nothing runny though, so the little one can eat it. Happy blogiversary! I love reading your blog!

  67. Charlyene Cisneros October 8, 2013

    Love you on Pinterest! Happy 5th Anniversary. Been looking for a recipe for a great seafood including crab lasagna in a red sauce

  68. Cindy B. October 7, 2013

    I follow Life’s Ambrosia on Twitter.

  69. Cindy B. October 7, 2013

    I like Life’s Ambrosia on Facebook.

  70. Cindy B. October 7, 2013

    I follow Life’s Ambrosia on Pinterest.

  71. Cindy B. October 7, 2013

    Happy 5th Blogiversary Deseree! I been loving your recipes for awhile now, so keep them coming, maybe you could throw in a carrot cake recipe or dessert for me :)

  72. Charlyene Cisneros October 7, 2013

    I love your blog, just found it when checking a recipe on Pinterest. I would like a great recipe for seafood lasagna a red sauce

  73. Melody Frye October 7, 2013

    I can’t believe u r going to turn 30. I still think of u as a teenager. U havegrown into a wonderful woman with a. beautiful little family. I am still laughing at your little man chasing u saying “Beast Mode”. It is too cute. I have used so many of your recipes and they r so good. Is there a good unique recipe for bananas? No bread or frozen beverage. Thanks Sweetie. Happy Anniversary.

  74. teresa sulyok October 7, 2013

    happy blog 5 birthday! i really enjoy and appreciate your recipes.

  75. Leslie October 7, 2013

    I’ve been looking for a recipe for old fashioned tea party type cucumber sandwiches. I especially like vintage old style family recipes.

  76. Gloria R. October 7, 2013

    I am always looking for new casserole and soup recipes. This is the time of the year when I look most of all. Cold weather will be on us soon (already in some parts of the country) and these are the foods that are made for winter, plus a great loaf of fresh baked bread. :)

  77. Gloria R. October 7, 2013

    I am following you on Twitter.

  78. Gloria R. October 7, 2013

    I am a fan on Facebook.

  79. Gloria R. October 7, 2013

    I am following you on Pinterest <3

  80. Edie October 7, 2013

    Following you on Twitter – Happy 5th Anniversary!

  81. Sarai October 7, 2013

    What I like about the blog is that you really think about your ingredients. I think that if anything I would like a recipe that uses what most people keep in their pantries but still kind of fancy

  82. Diane Haberlack October 7, 2013

    Love your blog and many of the recipes you share with us!! I have been looking for a celery root salad recipe similar to the one my dad used to make without any luck. All I can remember is sour cream vinegar and paprika. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for all the sharing with us.

  83. Debbie Currier-Hornyak October 7, 2013

    Follow you on FB – just love your recipes and little look-see’s into your day-to-day life! Thank you for a wonderful blog and congratulations!

  84. Diane Haberlack October 7, 2013

    Have been following your blog and Pinterest as well, now Facebook! Love the many recipes I have gotten from you. I have been looking for a recipe for celery root salad like my dad used to make. Many out there but not the right ones. I remember sour cream and vinegar and paprika. Any ideas? Thanks for sharing with us!!

  85. Rekaya Gibson October 7, 2013

    I would like to see more slow cooker recipes during the fall/winter months and more drink recipes in Spring/Summer months.

  86. Rekaya Gibson October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Twitter already.

  87. Rekaya Gibson October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Facebook already.

  88. Rekaya Gibson October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest already.

  89. Joyce October 7, 2013

    Following on Pinterest!

  90. Joyce October 7, 2013

    I love all things salad and tacos!

  91. Jen B. October 7, 2013

    I would like to see different twists on enchilada recipes.

  92. Jen B. October 7, 2013

    I follow your Pinterest page.

  93. Jen B. October 7, 2013

    I am a fan on Facebook.

  94. Patsy October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Pinteres.

  95. Patsy October 7, 2013

    I’m a fan on facebook

  96. Patsy October 7, 2013

    I’m so glad you started writing this blog. I came here a while back and made your Oven Fried Chicken with panko and I’ve been coming back ever since. Happy blogiversary!!
    I only make hot chocolate using the Mexican chocolate called Abuelita. I’d love to see you make a dessert using this chocolate.

  97. Sherri October 7, 2013

    I love, love, love all your recipes! They are my go to recipes when entertaining, especially when I have my annual Fall Girls weekend get-together. I would love to see a recipe for a vegetarian meatloaf. Congrats on 5 years!

  98. Lenelle October 7, 2013

    Liked on Fb^_^

  99. Tina Stewart October 7, 2013

    Following your boards on Pinterest

  100. Tina Stewart October 7, 2013

    Liked you and following you on FB

  101. Zoe October 7, 2013

    I’d love to see another recipe featuring halibut. :) Happy blogiversary!

  102. Lauren October 7, 2013

    follow on pinterest

  103. Lauren October 7, 2013

    follow on fb

  104. Jessica October 7, 2013

    Could you put srircha in a dessert??? Hmmmm.

  105. Lauren October 7, 2013

    Happy anniversary! How about some good easy dessert bar recipes… for when I’m too lazy for multiple cookie batches.

  106. Megan October 7, 2013

    Anything involving a slowcooker

  107. Sarah October 7, 2013

    I have liked your facebook

  108. Sarah October 7, 2013

    I already follow you on pinterest

  109. Sarah October 7, 2013

    Clean eating recioes

  110. Jessica October 7, 2013

    Follow you on pinterest :)

  111. Jessica October 7, 2013

    Liked on facebook

  112. Jessica October 7, 2013

    I would love to see a lasagna.

  113. Pearl dang October 7, 2013

    I follow u on Pinterest

  114. Pearl dang October 7, 2013

    I would love to see a recipe for pho or a potato soup. Comfort foods for the cold days ahead.

  115. Pearl dang October 7, 2013

    I like u on facebook

  116. Melissa October 7, 2013

    I follow you on pinterest

  117. Melissa October 7, 2013

    I like you on facebook

  118. Melissa October 7, 2013

    Poached eggs.

  119. Celeste B. October 7, 2013

    I like you on FB.

  120. Celeste B. October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  121. Celeste B. October 7, 2013

    Scallops. They intimidate me.

  122. minta blankenship October 7, 2013

    I follow you on facebook :)

  123. Nami | Just One Cookbook October 7, 2013

    Congratulations on the 5th blogiversary! Wow!!! You’re a food blogger pro! I wish I knew your blog when you started, but I guess it’s better than never. I’m just happy that I found you this year. :) And what a generous giveaway! Since I already have a giveaway, you can exclude me so your other readers have more chance to win. :) Congrats again!

  124. Rachel October 7, 2013

    I’d love to see a recipe for pork belly. I’ve had it in restaurants and love it, but I don’t have any idea how to make it! :)

  125. Emily October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Facebook!

  126. Emily October 7, 2013

    Congratulations on 5 years!! I love your recipes, especially your different takes on pizza. Keep those coming!! :)

  127. Nikki October 7, 2013

    Your blog has been so helpful with easy and fast recipes for get togethers. Everyone loves the roasted garlic cream cheese wontons! :) Happy Birthday to you and to LA! :)

  128. Nikki October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Pinterest! :)

  129. Nikki October 7, 2013

    I follow you on Twitter

  130. Nikki October 7, 2013

    Facebook liked

  131. Karen October 7, 2013

    Your blog has quickly become my Go-To Site for recipes. With the saturation of sites out there, it’s nice to find a favorite that is consistent, funny, and friendly. Off to post on FB, then follow you on Twitter. I don’t dabble too much in Pinterest, but maybe I will now…..

    Thanks D!!!!