2023: A Year in Review {Blogging and Life!}
2023! What a year!
I thought it would be fun to put together a highlight of 2023 month-by-month. What was happening on Mel’s Kitchen Cafe…and what was happening in real life, too!
Thanks for being here every step of the way. Through all the recipes, life updates, weird jokes, interesting comment threads, and more.
January
Blog:
I posted this comfort soup recipe, and it was instantly one of the most popular recipes of all time! So many of you made it, loved it, raved about it, and then made it again.
Life:
Sick with Covid, I was flat in bed for an entire week and used the time to finally watch Crash Landing on You. I would end up watching this best-ever series three times in 2023, which is no small feat for someone that doesn’t watch a whole lot of TV. (Turns out, this was just the start of my K-drama obsession.)
February
Blog/Instagram:
I made an Instagram reel for this epic twisted croissant French bread and it hit one million views. Here is why everyone should make this bread: a) you get to pound the guts out of a butter packet and b) you also get to enjoy twisty, buttery croissant-like layers without having to spend three days of your life making actual croissants.
Life:
I had a birthday and turned the whopping 4-5. I also fell in love with these dill pickle pretzels. (Still in love with them almost a year later.) We were hit with unexpected news when Brian’s position at work was eliminated.
March
Blog/Business:
March would prove to be a huge month that would impact my entire year: I decided to write and publish a cookbook! I had been thinking about this for years, but finally took the plunge based on life circumstances that meant Brian could be around to help out a bit more while I took on writing a manuscript, testing and photographing hundreds of recipes, and navigating deadlines, bi-weekly design and editing calls and more.
Life:
See above. 🙂
April
Blog:
I only posted two new recipes this month, which I think is the least amount of new recipes to hit the blog in a given month since the onset of my blog in 2007 (even when I had a new baby!). Lots of you reached out to ask if I was ok (thank you! the cookbook process was hitting full force and I was buried!). Also, Gladys the hen and her no nonsense side-eye made their debut on Instagram. (Gladys is no longer with us, so I’m glad she had a moment in the spotlight.)
Life:
Two family birthdays, middle school tennis meets, and beautiful spring weather rounded out this month. I started drinking Athletic Greens/AG1 after a bunch of influencers told me I should (hoping it would help with hair thinning and magically cure all my ailments). It was gross. I stopped. Upon further reflection, I realized all my ailments are likely due to age, life choices, and my consumption of dark chocolate. #worthit
May
Blog:
I made up for April and posted six new posts this month, including these copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls, which you went CRAZY for.
Life:
School got out for the summer, my parents came to visit from Montana (which doesn’t happen very often, so we loved every minute), and my second kiddo headed off to the Dominican Republic for a 2 1/2 week humanitarian trip with HXP (this program is amazing and has been incredibly impactful for my two sons who have gone on trips).
June
Blog:
My son, Ty, convinced me to finally post the recipe that has become his signature bake. Mini banana chocolate chip muffins. That was a good decision because you guys have loved them, too! Fun fact: he made the muffins that are pictured in that recipe post (and even took a few of the photos!).
Life:
We got away for several days to one of my favorite places on the planet (Redfish Lake) and it was just the reset my mind and soul and body needed after one of the busiest spring seasons of my life. I also wore crocs almost every day this month with zero regrets. Apparently, based on this picture, so did my kids. 🙂
July
Blog:
Ok, OKKKK, the second month this year I posted only two new recipes. 🤪🤪🤪 #sendhelp 😂 In my slacking, however, I DID give you these Hawaiian Chicken and Veggie Teriyaki Bowls and they were (and are) spectacular.
Life:
Celebrated my 21st wedding anniversary with huckleberry milkshakes on the back porch, gratefully got news that ruled out a major medical emergency with one of my kids, and helped out two good friends with food for their kids’ weddings. Also, Boise is HOTTTTT in July and August, and I hate it. I’m a high-60’s kind of girl.
August
Blog:
Chocolate Oreo Crumbl Cookies. Need I say more?
I also made some changes with a few areas of focus for my blog (video, email, etc). That’s probably not terribly exciting to anyone else, but there are big changes looming on the horizon for bloggers and the way they are able to earn revenue (spoiler alert: it’s not great news), and I’m trying to transition and stay up with the changing tides in order to be able to continue doing what I love here on the blog.
Life:
Took a totally spontaneous trip (18 hours round trip 😜) with Camryn, the only willing family participant, to go sleep in a tent and pick huckleberries with good friends who willingly shared their secret picking spot. Best three days of my life (except for the sleeping in a tent part).
Also, school started up again, which meant I could stop pulling all-nighters to get things done and rely on the quiet(er) school day to knock things off my to-do list in this awesome, weird world of being a stay-at-home-but-also-work-at-home-mom.
September
Blog/Instagram:
Strayed from real recipes for a hot second and posted an Instagram reel for my go-to “recipe” for window washing. It quickly hit one million views and landed me on the Yahoo news page, which subsequently had me regretting my innocent attempt to share something helpful and fun as I told my kids that going viral is highly overrated when it means people send you vicious hate comments about how you wash your windows. 😂
Life:
Started a major kitchen remodel (!!). Also felt overwhelmed by some personal/family challenges and took a lot of evening prayer-walks by myself to try to figure out life. Spoiler alert: never got any big answers, but I sure did see some beautiful sunsets and feel God’s acknowledgement and love.
October
Blog:
Mini pumpkin donut muffins and homestyle chicken noodle soup came from this month (both were some of the most popular recipes I posted this year), however, the most exciting thing to happen this month was when I was finally able to reveal the secret I had been keeping since March and I announced my cookbook. Your response was OVERWHELMING. I still get teary-eyed remembering how your comments of support and excitement just kept pouring in.
Also, I started a Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Insiders group on Facebook (totally free, totally fun), and it has been amazing! So much community support and feedback to questions people ask. It’s honestly such a great little spot on the internet.
Life:
Got the stitches out from another skin cancer surgery and began the facial scar healing process. Had at least 6 1/2 post-it notes flying around with unproductive lists written under the heading: Things Stressing Me Out.
Avoided every instance of Bulgarian split squats on my workout app (no regrets). And somehow managed to make it through another month without a kitchen.
Also witnessed some sweet friends face unimaginable trials this month. 💗
November
Blog:
I told you how to make the best gravy of your life, and wow, DID YOU EVER. The reports back on how this gravy saved Thanksgiving made the whole year of blogging worth it. This recipe post somehow made google very happy, and I had millions of extra visitors to my blog this month.
You also showed up big time and helped supply the items needed to put together over 1,600 winter kits for refugees (my goal was 100!). This was a huge project that consumed several weeks this month, and it was one of the highlights of the year for me and my family. It wouldn’t have been possible without your help!
Life:
The majority of the kitchen remodel finished up just in time to host almost 50 people for Thanksgiving! I got misty-eyed when I finally saw double ovens in my kitchen (waited 22 years for this) – I’ll post some before and after pictures soon.
My 16-year old son, Cade, traded social media for a new puppy. Hi, Walter. And my 19-year old son, Jackson, moved kind of far away to New Mexico, which elicited lots of tears from this mom.
December
Blog:
Cookbook pre-orders went live this month, and again, you blew me away with your support. Seriously: THANK YOU.
Also, these chocolate crinkle cookies stole the show this month. I made them six times this month for different occasions (and twice just because), and they might be one of my favorite cookies ever.
But wait! There’s more! You came together AGAIN (over on Instagram) to raise over $50,000 for a family friend whose mom is battling pancreatic cancer. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen such an outpouring of generosity and love in such a short amount of time. I was humbled (and brought to tears several times), and it made a huge impact on this sweet family.
Life:
Brian started his long anticipated goal of small business ownership. With the craziness of personal and work life (for both me and Brian), some heartbreaking challenges near and far, and two of my high schoolers in the middle of their wrestling season, I just couldn’t accomplish everything I wanted to this month, but despite the angst of having to abandon some traditions, I’ve appreciated the time I’ve had to simplify and spend with family.
I also got Legos in my stocking for Christmas, which basically made my life complete.
Well, that’s a wrap on the highlights of this year! I appreciate you more than you know. And I love when you share your highlights (and even the “lowlights”) with me.
This little space has been a bright spot for me in 2023. Thank you for making recipes, commenting on recipes, and reaching out in all the ways you do. 💗
Are your parents the Temple President and Matron at the Billings Temple? I’m sure your mom has helped me several times. She’s an amazing lady. The temple is three hours away from us in Northern Wyoming, but we try to go regularly.
I just love how real you are – sharing the good and the bad, but always with an overlay or faith, love, family, and passion. Thanks for being someone so real that we can relate to. Sending prayers for all the hardships of life. Also perimenopause is REAL! Estrogen drops and everything changes. Ugh. Hang in there – a bunch of us are in the same boat.
Mel, thank you for sharing the highlights (and lowlights) of your year. I genuinely love seeing that your blog has been so successful. You deserve every bit of that success! I am so happy for you. I love your you use your platform as a way to serve others. You have a beautiful family. I love getting glimpses of your faith and how you are so centered on Heavenly Father and Jesus as your source of comfort and strength. Your post made me lol several times, especially that part about AG1. Thanks for your honesty! Didn’t you also tell us earlier this year that you tried Nutrafol and didn’t like it? I LOVE your blog and am excited for what you’ve got in stir this year. Happy new year!
Loved EVERYTHING about this post!! The recipes are A-#1. But I have to just say, now that I’m completely hooked on ‘Crash Landing on You’ and have binge-watched it in just two days, there needs to be some discussion on it. When you’ve got an extra minute would love to hear/read a few of your thoughts and some recommendations for other K-drama. TIA! And Happy 2024!
Oh, my. I’m totally binge watching Crash Landing and it’s marvelous! Thanks!
You and me both!!
Thanks for sharing! As a mom with a boy a few years behind yours, I enjoy your views on navigating technology and such.
If you have time to squeeze in extra things, I will say that lego Fortnite has been a lot of fun. My kiddo and I, and husband too!, have been building a world together. It’s relaxing and a different way to connect. And the way it is set up there’s no online with strangers component. Just our family, including some extended members.
Looking forward to the cookbook! And love that you got Legos for Christmas. So did I! As well as the preorder for your cookbook, I got a pre-order for the new lego camera.
Is New Mexico a mission? I bet adjusting to the heat had been tough for your kiddo!
May 2024 bring you the things you need, some of the things you want, and joy in all things.
I just love this! You are cool and real and just awesome and I’m grateful for all your content!
PS Thank you for the honest review about AG1 and helping me feel better about not giving into influencers and realizing with age comes change. I feel it!
LOVE this recap! You need to do this for every year–and I have been following you for over 12 years! Thank you Mel! You are awesome! I also think getting Legos in my stocking would be awesome! I will have to suggest that next year! Thanks for what you do! SO excited to get your cookbook!
Your posts always make me smile. Loved the recap!
Hi Mel, love your blog and I loved this recap post. I’ve been following for probably 5 years now. Keep up the great work. This made me smile:
“Upon further reflection, I realized all my ailments are likely due to age, life choices, and my consumption of dark chocolate. #worthit”
Mel, I absolutely love your posts and the fabulous recipes. All my family and my friends know that i love Mel. When we have people over to eat and they enjoy the food they can expect a….It’s Mel’s. Can’t wait for the arrival of the cookbook.
Thanks for sharing your life struggles and joys. It always helps to know others are getting through things with the help of our Savior.
You are just a remarkable momma, wife and all around human.
Thanks so much!!
Hello Mel, I love you blog! You always make me smile and bring me joy! Thank you!!
No wonder I have loved everything about you – your parents live in Montana ( I grew up in Southwest Montana). Every recipe you post is incredible! Your cinnamon roll recipe is the best ever!! And Many memories have been created around your recipes! Thank you for being such a trusted source.
Hey, quick addendum since I’m getting a lot of questions in the comments about my son and his puppy-for-social-media trade. We’ve delayed social media for our kids (my oldest son didn’t get social media until after he graduated high school – he asked about it a lot and snuck it a couple times in HS, so this wasn’t a perfect process, and I realized, as one does when they have no idea what they are doing as a mother, that it would have been better to help him learn how to navigate social media within the boundaries of communication and gradual privileges).
As a sidenote, all of our kids get phones when they are a freshman in HS and/or starting to drive. Just a dumbed down iphone that has texting/calling/maps and scriptures. No games. (My older teens ask for games now and then like game pigeon and chess and we kind of take it on a kid-by-kid basis – they usually have one or two games on their phone with screen time limits by the time they are a sophomore or junior.)
My second oldest son is a senior in high school, and since we are learning as we go, we have allowed him to have social media this year (he’s convinced that’s the only way his friends communicate…no texting anymore, I guess?) and it’s definitely had ups and downs. I have a lot of strong feelings about phones and technology and social media for teens but it’s too much to type here (if you followed Colin Kartchner before his tragic passing several years ago, he’s my role model for social media + teens). ANYWAY. For my third son who is a junior in HS – the one who ended up with the puppy – he’s been begging for snapchat because all his friends have it. We always say no but also share our reasons why (there are many) – and let him know that we’ll keep talking about it and it’s likely he’ll get it around the same time as his brother who is a senior. One night at dinner, he said “mom, I have my Christmas list ready” I lighteheartedly said “sweet! Hit me with it!” and he said, “I want snapchat, fortnite, puppy and pants” I choked on my dinner and then laughingly said “looks like you’re going to be getting a lot of pants!” we all had a good laugh (well, he didn’t laugh that much, tbh), He knows how I feel about snapchat, fortnite and puppies (no judgement to anyone else who embraces all of those thing), so his Christmas list was definitely given a bit tongue-in-cheek.
He followed up my response with a question: “seriously, though, of those top three things – snapchat, fortnite, and a puppy – what would I be most likely to get right now?” and I said “oh, definitely a puppy, but there’s no way you would want that kind of responsibility right now, and if you did get a puppy, it would have to be a trade for social media in high school.” I thought for sure he would balk at that idea, but I was wrong! He spent three full days researching puppies, putting together a contract of how he would take care of a puppy (including a plan for feeding and playing with the puppy during high school and wrestling season), and we had a lot of long talks about what this means. Like, if he got a puppy and it didn’t work out for whatever reason, it still meant social media was off the table for the rest of high school. He was 100% on board with a complete puppy trade for social media. Suddenly in the face of having a puppy/dog of his own, he didn’t care about social media anymore. It took a lot more convincing for me – we already have a dog and I swore we’d never get another, but I caved.
Anyway, we’re 8 weeks in, and honestly, it’s been the best trade I’ve ever made so far. He spends a lot of his free time playing with and training the puppy, and I don’t have to worry about social media right now. Yes, the puppy has been more work for me, too, since he isn’t home during the day, but it’s been ok (we have a huge fenced in yard and the weather has been mild and the two dogs love to play with each other, so they spend a lot of time outside during the day and inside a designated area when he gets home).
I’ve asked him several times if he’s regretted it (like when he has to clean up after Walter or get up with him in the night on a school night or when I make him clean up the poop in the yard for the 15th time because it wasn’t done thoroughly enough) and he insists he’s still really happy about it. We’ll see how it all goes! But that’s the story in a nutshell. And like I said, social media and phones with kids/teens is a whole THING and this just scratches the surface, but there you go. I’m definitely not recommending this plan for everyone. Haha. Just giving a bit more background. Also, I’m the very last person to every give advice to any parent, so take all of this with a grain of salt as I’m over here just faking it til I make it. 🙂
Mel, I so appreciate your blog posts, recipes and the new cookbook. My goodness, you are one busy woman. Truly give yourself some rest, enjoy your family and a very Happy and Healthy New Year to all.
Mel, tell me more about the no social media. Is that for a specific period of time? Does that include Snapchat/ TikTok/ games? Just not texting? I never thought of this as an option. Thank you!
Mel,
I live in Nampa, I’m assuming you are somewhere in Middleton or close. I know someone that knows you personally. I lived in Oregon for 40 years and we made the jump to this location 2021. I early retired as an RN. I LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO SHARE. I have used so many of your recipes over many years. You are a treat to my life. (no pun intended). I am not a solid chocolate fan, tummy is too delicate. I do however love to bake and have put to use many of your recipes. My subs in Primary love their “thank you for subbing cookies.” I provide each week. Just FOR YOUR INFORMATION, trials are for everyone. We support each other to buoy and strengthen one another. ITs the best therapy there is, with prayer of course.
again, THANK YOU.
S. SMITH
This was the best review of a year in the history of ever! I always walk away from reading your posts feeling encouraged, inspired, and uplifted. You’ve been blessing my life through the highs and lows of life for the last sixteen years. I am so grateful for you and so grateful that you share yourself and your life with us. Oh, and your life-changing miracle recipes. You are one in a million Mel! ❤️❤️❤️
I enjoy reading your posts, thanks for sharing! We share a birthday month and I’m 45 too! Old age is great isn’t it?
Happy New Year to you and yours. I can’t wait to get your cookbook!
I love hearing your voice & recipes & stories in this space. You are a gem!
Thank you so much for giving us a little peak into your world! I am sure it feels like (for all of us) we know you. Have watched your kids grow up. I am so excited for you and your new cookbook. I ordered 4, one for myself, my two daughters who are married now and my daughter in law. My kids have grown up eating Mel’s recipes and two of them now have started families of their own! I became a grandma in 2023, twice! A boy and a girl! Definitely some highs and lows for our family too and 2023 has had its challenges but God has been faithful and His steadfast love endures forever! I pray a blessing on you and your family in 2024. Thanks Mel!
I am lying here still in pain from
Bulgarian split squats done two days ago. Never again. They are the WORST!
Thanks a million for all your work and effort to bring us such wonderful recipes! I have been around for lots of years and you are definitely my favorite to follow for the best food! Also, I really appreciate you sharing about the good and hard in your life. It can be easy to imagine that the people we follow online have it all together and that life must be grand for them all the time, so it is comforting to know that you have challenges and are working through life just like the rest of us. Thanks for all you do and share with us!
Thanks, Mel, I would just love for you to move to Iowa so we could get together and cook! Seriously, my family LOVES your recipes and I was hinting for your cookbook for Christmas. You are an encouragement to me and I want you to know that the good food I’ve made off your blog has made good memories and friends for us. May God bless you for all your work.
Love all of this, Mel—thanks for sharing! My husband had his job eliminated two years ago and it’s been a rocky road since, but two moves and two jobs later we are feeling more blessed than we ever have been, though grief still affects us for what we’ve lost.
Life is challenging but beautiful. I love your idea to go on prayer-walks and may adopt that. I spent a lot of time during the Covid lockdown going on walks for self care. It’s darker and colder where we live now and I haven’t walked as much—I’m inspired to make it work anyway! Love you and your contributions to making life better for all of us through recipes and a sense of community.
Somehow I missed both opportunities you provided to help out other people. Sorry I missed those and will be more watchful in the future.
Loved your Creamy Tomato Basil soup recipe this year. Yum!!!
Busiest fall I’ve had in a long time including hernia surgery for my husband (low) and a trip to a England for my sister-in-law’s wedding. Almost nothing has made me feel cooler than casually mentioning, “I’m headed to England for a wedding…”
This December, my husband and I made the difficult choice for him quit his job, without having another lined up. It was a choice to have more family time this holiday season. And WOW! It has been worth it! So much together time this Christmas. We’re very grateful and hopeful he’ll find a job quickly.
I’m the meantime, looking forward to turning 50 in a couple of months (I didn’t realize I was older than you! You’re so put together and are doing amazing things with your life!) AND, especially looking forward to a cookbook I’ve already preordered from my FAVORITE food blogger!
Merry Christmas darling. It’s been a crazy year but you made it to the end. I had kidney stones in October and they hit me hard. Sometimes God has a way of forcing us to simplify super quick!!
We live in Albuquerque NM and lots of sunshine.
It’s super hard when your mama heart has to say goodbye to kiddos. Your life does not feel as complete when they are gone. Hugs
Mel, glad to see you are on board with the Asian Rom Coms. Crash Landing on You is a great one to start with. I am obsessed with these shows too. My husband watches them with me. The shows are so refreshing and sweet. I think you had a great year. Everyone is moving forward…that is what we wish for. Lynda
Amazing,wonderful post! Your family sure has grown up with this blog. I’ve loved your blog for years and thank you for being a part of many, many years worth of meals and desserts at our home! Happy 2024!
You warm my heart and bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for taking the time during your holiday to post this.
I must say that I am tickled that you are barefoot in most pictures; you are so down to earth and beautiful.
My 19 year old has made this year a rough one, so let us pray together. Happy New Year for a great 2024
Merry Christmas. Love your post of notable moments through the year and all the good recipes. Have a wonderful New Year!
This was so fun! Through all of it, I was like, “I remember this!” but it’s crazy to see a year of somebody else’s life condensed in this way. I’ve been following you since the beginning (I’m an OG Mel fan!) and appreciate all you do for this corner of the world.
My best blog to read: MKC. What food blog do I recommend? MKC Couldn’t be in the kitchen without you!
All the very best to you and your entire family in 2024.
I love you to the moon and back, Mel! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Mel I so appreciate your realness. I’m sorry this year has been hard. As a fellow mom of adult kids I feel like we should have been more adequately warned about how hard it can be. I appreciate you sharing this little corner of your life with us.
You’re just lovely Mel, inside and out. I enjoyed reading your recap of the year and continue to enjoy so many of your recipes too! <3
Hi Mel. My daughter is now 26. I started cooking from your recipes over 15 years ago, I believe. Well, low and behold, I opened a small gift from her (Jory) and it was a card reserving your cookbook. I was so surprised and extremely emotional (embarrassingly so). Not sure what brought the tears but I figured it was the many years of following your recipes and your blog. You feel a bit like family. Jory has turned into quite the good cook and hosts many parties and turns to your recipes often. I am proud. Happy New Year!
You share so much light and goodness!
Thank you for the deliciousness you add to the world as well. I always check your site when I have questions or need ideas. Thank you!