From The 21st Century Housewife to April J Harris
Originally published in October 2015 to celebrate my 13th blogging anniversary, this blog anniversary reflection post is like a time capsule from an earlier chapter in my journey.
Over a decade later, as I approach my 24th blogging anniversary in October of 2026, I’m proud to say that I am still here – writing, creating and curating a life I love, at home and away. And I am more grateful than ever for you, the readers who have been a part of that journey.
While my style and focus have evolved, I have chosen to leave this post largely as it was – because it tells part of the story of my blogging journey and how my little corner of the internet came to be.
13th Blogging Anniversary Post Written In October 2105
This post marks The 21st Century Housewife’s 13th Anniversary Blogiversary – the 13th Anniversary of April J Harris and The 21st Century Housewife! Whoa, where did the time go? My very first blog posts – uplifted with FTP software on dial up internet – seem a long way away now. Back in 2002, blogging was in its infancy and so was The 21st Century Housewife. This was my logo.
Designed by my son – he drew a picture as a surprise for me when I launched my website – and realised with the limited technology available at the time by my husband, it was truly a family affair. That’s a tiny me sitting on the ‘y’ in Century! This was my family and I back then.
My first blog posts were formed from a collection of essays I had written with the aim of encouraging other housewives and stay at home moms like myself. As the years went on, I found myself sharing more food and travel. Becoming a co-host of The Hearth and Soul Hop was an exciting step in my blogging journey.
A few years later, it was time to move forward so I asked Neil and Jessica at Kohler Created to redesign my logo and website, more modern but still with a nod to the original design.
My family was growing up and evolving too.
Then I decided to write more under my own name but I didn’t want to forget The 21st Century Housewife. With the help of Kohler Created I rebranded and redesigned once again, incorporating everything under one roof (sorry, I couldn’t resist!).
My son is grown up now – at 22 he’s even taller than his Dad! How did that happen so fast?
Not only has my son grown up, my blog has grown up too, and honestly, so have I. And there is more to come!
I have a new mission- to help you achieve your highest potential and really enjoy family life, whatever form your family takes. It has been exciting working with Peppercorn Creative on this and on the new newsletter which will be launching soon.
Over the last thirteen years I’ve been privileged to watch a supportive, nurturing community develop here at April J Harris and The 21st Century Housewife. I’m working with brands more and more plus I’m writing my first cookbook. It’s been an amazing journey and I’ve had some wonderful experiences and opportunities. Thank you so much, all of you. Whether we’ve only met virtually or I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you in real life, I’m so grateful that you are part of this journey! I’m excited for the future and I can’t wait to share it with you all!
Once again, thank you! Watch this space, there’s more to come!
Updated March 2026 – As I revisit this post today, on the cusp of celebrating my 24th blogging anniversary in October 2026, I am filled with gratitude for all the friendships, experiences and joys this journey has brought to me.
On a personal level, the little boy who designed my first logo is now 33 years old – and my husband and I have just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary!
If you are new here, I hope you will stay a while to explore some of my favourite recipes, fashion and travel stories. You can also join my newsletter community, where I share inspiration to help you curate a life you love. And if you’d like to know a bit more about the person behind the blog, please visit my About April J Harris page.
My current logos and website were designed by Laura of Pixel Me Designs.
It has been a joy to share this journey, and I look forward to all that is still to come. Thank you for being part of it all.
Comments & Reviews
I’m already suscribed to your newsletter!
Thank you 🙂
I have subscribed and I love you on Facebook! Congratulations on 13 years April!
Thank you so much, Cydnee 🙂
Wow, 13 years!! Congrats!
Thank you, Marina!
April – many, many congratulations!!! I always thought I was subscribed to your site and liked you on Facebook. I know I used to subscribe to your site, did something happen? I have liked you again on FB (I think it’s my other FB that likes you) so you now have 2 likes from me (and well deserved!!!!!!!!).
Is your cookbook going to have gluten free recipes in it? I will still buy it anyway when it’s for sale and convert them. I wish I could get my act together to write a book (everyone’s been trying to persuade me at home).
Again, many congratulations!!
Vicky xo
BTW I subscribed to your site (again) x
Thank you so much, Vicky! And thank you for the likes and for subscribing. I’m not sure there will be many gluten free recipes in my book as I’m basing it on old family recipes – although some main courses may be gluten free and the odd dessert. Thank you for saying you will still buy it 🙂 And I agree, you definitely should write a book too!
That fantastic April! Happy Blogiversary and Congrats on 13 years! Subscribed and Liked! I enjoy reading your blog, and would buy your book in a heartbeat! =)
Enjoy the rest of your week, and Happy Halloween!
Thank you so much, Christine! Thank you for subscribing and liking too and for the wonderful vote of confidence about my book 🙂 That is really lovely of you! I hope you have a lovely rest of your week and Happy Halloween to you too!
Congratulations on your 13th Blogiversary ! I look forward to all your posts .
What fun it would be to sit and have a cup of tea and go through your Mom’s recipes with you . I found a sifto pickling salt recipe booklet of my Mom’s recently and remembered her canning the dill pickles , they were delicious .
Lots of memories 🙂 . Looking forward to your cookbook !
Keep up the great blog 🙂
Beatrice
Thank you so much, Ruby 🙂 It would be fun to spend some time going through all those family recipes together 🙂 And thank you for the compliments and your encouragement!
Congratulations Christine! Your entry (number 6 for subscribing) won! I will be in contact by email shortly 🙂 Thank you so much for entering!
Wow … thirteen years! And you’re writing a cookbook? I’m subscribed to your newsletter now so I won’t miss these little tidbits 😉
Oh, and I follow you on facebook. Congrats on your anniversary.
Thank you so much, Laureen! I’m relaunching my newsletter and hope to have the first new edition out within the next week or so 🙂
I like you on Facebook!
Thank you, Michelle!
Congratulation dear, OMG 13 years, is along period of time. Wishing you man more .
First photo is awesome though all pics are very nice.
I have already subscribed your newsletter and liked your page.
Thank you so much, Sadhna!
13 years, wow!! Congrats!!
Thank you, Marina 🙂
WOO HOO, NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE COOKBOOKS AND THE CATALOGS FOR YOUR RECIPIES 🙂 I AM REGISTERED AND LINKED TO YOUR PAGE…
TAKE CARE 🙂
I checked and you are signed up to my newsletter, David, so that’s probably the best way to keep up to date for the moment. I’m due to send out a newsletter this evening actually 🙂 I’m working hard on the cookbook, hoping for publication sometime mid 2017. It’s lovely when people let me know they are looking forward to it, I really appreciate it! Take care and thank you for your support 🙂