Baking my way through the trials and triumphs of life!

Made by me!

Some food for thought today… I received an email this week telling me that one of my photos was posted on another site without any link back or credit. Basically, the person took an entire 60 seconds max to cut, paste, post it on her site, and then took full credit for my creation. I emailed the person nicely letting her know it was my original photo and that it’s only blogging etiquette to link back, or at least say where it came from. And no, I did not call her a thief (at least in the email). I never did hear back from her and the photo is still up. Interesting, isn’t it?

This is a highly sensitive issue for food bloggers, and I completely understand it. Putting up a post on your blog is the culmination of several hours of baking, photographing, and writing. I currently have been blessed cursed with way more wacky issues at this point in my life, so as far as this incident… I’m annoyed. I think it’s pretty tacky. Am I angry? Do I have blogger’s rage (similar to road rage)? No, not at all.

I do love to post and share other people’s recipe, photos, and ideas on my blog. (Some bloggers even disagree with this.) When I see an amazing idea, I get excited to share it. I always give credit, link back to the source, and explain why it’s so fabulous. I also search the person’s blog and try to find his or her name so I give credit to the person, not just the blog (not always as simple as you think). If I see another recipe or idea on a blog and am inspired to try it or tweak it a little, I do my best to credit the person for his or her original idea. By giving credit and link backs, it informs and encourages readers about other creative blogs… Spread the love, if you know what I mean.

There was one time that I was accused of stealing someone’s idea (not photo) without giving her credit. I had posted mini cupcakes or cheesecakes and had put a few chocolate eggs on top. Okay, google “Easter Cupcakes” and you will find a plethora of photos with chocolate eggs sitting on cupcakes. That is what we call a very unoriginal idea. So yes, there is a bit of a gray area, but let’s not be ridiculous folks.

As much as I enjoy Pinterest, one huge downside to it is that people are pinning photos that don’t link back to the person who took the photo. When I click to see the source, it often takes me to google images, another search engine, or some other site. That’s really a bummer.

Made by me!

Here is how I look at it, if I share your idea or photo and give you credit, I increase the chance that you will gain more readers, get more hits, rise in your popularity, etc. If someone did not want me sharing their ideas or photos, I would totally respect that.

But without further ado, here are a few of my favorite St. Patrick’s ideas from some very creative bloggers.

I saw this treat idea on Tip Junkie, created by the girls at eighteen25 . I’m kind of addicted to Lucky Charms. On occasion, I will even eat Lucky Charms with a glass of wine, and call it dinner (wish I was kidding, it’s very true). What an easy and festive treat this is to make for friends. You can print out the “Lucky” topper at Tip Junkie.

Rainbow Cake Pops found on Etsy… I have an entire shelf dedicated to sprinkles in my kitchen. I admit it, I hoard sprinkles and cupcake liners. I had to come clean when my girlfriend Deb was helping me organize my kitchen cabinets and pantry (is that an awesome friend, or what!). Deb banned me from buying sprinkles or cupcake liners (no matter how cute they are), until I use a whole bunch of what I have.  Rainbow cake pops may just do the trick!

Rainbow waffles, is this not the best…Kelli shares how to make these on her blog Random Thoughts of a Supermom. Now this is what I call an original idea!! Oh how I LOVE those puffy, whipped cream clouds.

And if you’re more of a pancake lover, these Rainbow Pancakes made by I am Baker are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day morning. Kids would love to help in making these.

This Leprechaun Trap Cake is pretty fabulous, isn’t it. But you can’t possibly know how fabulous it is until you click over to see what’s inside. Megan whose blog is called Not Martha is the creative cake genius behind this.

I’ve seen bakers make cake in little jars, but this one takes it a step further with sprinkles and a darling little rainbow tag on top. Sprinkles make EVERYTHING better. The  Rainbow Cake in a Jar was made by Lisa at Sugar Celebrations.

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day this weekend! Hope the leprechaun leaves you a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!