For the Love of Valentine’s Day

Did you know that in addition to being a low-sodium foodie, I also play CUPID to people from around the globe?  It’s true!  Sort of like Santa but with a far smaller suit, I spread my love of LOVE worldwide, thanks to the wonders of technology.

Shortly after launching this website, The Daily Dish, I created an adjunct personal blog also known as… The Daily Dish.  My blog allows me to share more of myself and write (rant) about whatever I want, without turning off or alienating my recipe readers, many of whom would prefer not to read about (for instance) my 18-year old towels.

Beginning in 2008, I wrote a series of posts on my blog highlighting Valentine’s Day and my adoration of its specialness.  I did silly things, like send other people’s loved ones “Secret Admirer” cards on their behalf.  I talked about making things for my own loved ones.  And I wrote this post, Great ideas for Valentine’s Day. Creative. Thoughtful. AND CHEAP!!   Never in a million years did I imagine that post would become popular.  I penned it in an hour, simply hoping to help out the next guy or girl.  But over the course of the past 4 years, it has become the blog equivalent of a snowball rolling down the hill.

Just after Christmas, the hits begin.  Only a few at first, but growing in number with the days.  By January the daily count is in the hundreds, and by February 1st – WATCH OUT!  Last week, when daily hits on the post were hovering around 5000, I decided to do a little research.

I started looking at the search terms people were using to find the post on my blog.  The phrases were very similar, just slight variations of one another.  I plugged one of them into Google just to see what came up and I couldn’t believe it.

Just beneath the “Top 3” advertised links, in the #1 spot on Google was MY POST.  I couldn’t freaking believe it.  How was this possible??  I tried variations on the same search theme.  “Valentine’s day ideas for my guy / for my man / for my boyfriend,” etc.  Over and over again, my post came up, if not in the #1 spot, just below it on the first page!

If this isn’t proof positive that I am indeed cupid, I don’t know what is. And as your very own personal cupid, here are some recipe suggestions for next week’s special day.

Not what you’re looking for?  Check the RECIPE INDEX for hundreds of other delicious low-sodium ideas!