Let’s Talk: This Is Why I Blog
So I warned you a couple weeks ago at the onset of this Let’s Talk series that I was going to talk about anything and everything. And today’s schpeel would most likely be considered one of those “anything and everything” posts. If you’re usually here for recipes and tips, this post might not be for you so feel free to check back Monday for the most amazing dessert bars on the planet.
But for the rest of you (hi, mom), this Let’s Talk post is up close and personal. And truly, I wish I had you guys right here in my kitchen sitting on the island stools and chatting. Keeping me grounded and laughing.
Lately, I’ve really been thinking about why I blog. The reasons why probably don’t matter a whole lot to anyone else but me. However they actually impact the look and feel and face of my blog quite a bit. So can we say they really affect all of us? Yes, let’s say that.
Eight years ago when I started this blog, I truly had no intentions of still blogging in 2015 – it wasn’t even a thought in my mind. I didn’t know that my blog would start to get comments from random readers across the interwebs or that I would move from mykitchencafe.blogspot.com to www.melskitchencafe.com or that I would go from 10 pageviews a month (again, hi mom) to over 2 million pageviews a month or that I would look back and realize how truly terrible my photography was when at the time, I thought I was a budding food stylist (ha!).
I mean, none of that was even on my radar. I really just wanted to make food and share the winners on a real, live food blog instead of boring all my family members by posting them on our family blog (which, by the way, am I the only remaining person on the planet that still has a family blog? just curious).
And on a personal level, blogging has seen me through quite a bit: four major moves (from Utah to Wisconsin to Minnesota to Idaho), two new babies, a bout with cancer and subsequent radiation, two major health-related surgeries thrown in there and lots of other personal ups and downs.
Through it all, this little food blog has grown and morphed and changed beyond my wildest expectations over the last almost decade. When I first started, there were only a handful of food blogs widely known and even then, if you said the word “blog” most people thought you were swearing at them. Now, there are thousands and thousands of food blogs and new ones starting every day.
Entering the food blog world when I did was sweet timing and I’m grateful for it every day; I think it plays a big part into why my blog has grown (new social media avenues don’t hurt either). But as my blog has grown, it’s taken on some new challenges and I’ve had to really stop and ask myself why I blog.
What started out as 100% a hobby (I posted whenever I wanted to with literally no thought to anything except for which really bad picture to choose to post with the recipe) has evolved into something that takes a lot of time. Lots and lots and lots of time.
I average about 40-50 hours of work on my blog each week and while this is a choice (no one is forcing me to do it), it definitely sometimes feels overwhelming. As most of you know, I have a large-ish, busy family (+ a cat, a dog, two cows, and 11 chickens if that matters at all).
Hi, guys.
These faces are and always will be my first priority. I try my very hardest to avoid the time-sucking computer/social media work while my kids are awake since I don’t work outside the home and several of them aren’t in school full-time yet (and of course during summer, all their blessed souls are home) which means if at all possible, blogging tasks are relegated to afternoon naptimes (when I can structure my older boys’ time for quiet activities while littles nap) and kiddo bedtimes (hence the reason I stay up way.too.late). Although they do get a lot of hands-on chances to help cook in the kitchen (we’ve talked about that before remember) since all the cooking and baking is done during reasonable daylight hours.
Blogging is more than just food, though – it’s website functions that break, keeping up with social media (blah, totally a subject for another time), paying hosting fees and putting a lot of money into development and design and fixes, hiring an assistant (my cute sis – she’s awesome!) to help keep up on the hundreds of comments and emails I need to respond to each day and manage the aforementioned social media tools as well as many other projects. It’s the highs of really positive comments and the lows of mean-spirited ones.
And sometimes, you guys, I want to stop. I want to stop blogging and just read novels 40-50 hours a week instead. Or maybe exercise more. Or sew? I think I used to know how to do that. Or wait…sleep. I’d like to sleep.
But every time I have a little crisis (my husband seriously deserves a therapist’s salary for talking me off the ledge each time), I go back to why I started blogging in the first place.
To share my tried-and-true favorite recipes with the world.
I know that sounds cheesy and a little trite but it’s so, so true. And every single time it’s what causes me to recenter and realize that even though there are a bajillion other things that go into this blog now that it’s grown, that – THAT is the reason I’m still blogging.
Other food blogs will come and go. Many of them will surpass me in numbers and social media followers and revenue and cookbook deals and sponsorship opportunities and all the other things that come along with blogging. And I’m not going to lie, the overachieving, perfectionist side of me struggles with that sometimes. But every time I decide to go down that route (finally say yes to a publisher, start working with more companies to promote their stuff, burying my face in social media and never resurfacing just to get another “like”), it doesn’t take long (I’m talking mere hours) before I’m completely miserable. It’s not me. It’s not how I blog. To business-savvy, eagle-sharp minds, it’s stupid and naive – I’ve had more than one fellow blogger and family member and acquaintance tell me I’m shooting myself in the foot by blogging the way I do – for not capitalizing on more opportunities and that I’ll never get ahead.
Is it bad to admit that I’m ok with that? All I ever wanted, actually more than I ever wanted, in blogging I have right now. Call it unmotivated or unambitious or what you will. I call it staying true to my roots.
I have loyal readers who are so dear to me, it’s unexplainable. Your comments and stories and wittiness and recipes (ah, I love the recipes you send me) make all the endless work of blogging worth it and totally counteract the minor instances of negativity that come through.
And there’s the food. I love food. I love good food. I don’t post a recipe unless it rocks. No filler recipes. No content just because. I only post because if I didn’t, I’d explode from having to keep that ridiculously awesome recipe to myself instead of sharing it.
At the end of the day, just like eight years ago, it’s still about the food. But amazingly and kind of crazily, it’s also about the people who come here – you’ve made this a community. Maybe just to me, I don’t know, but as awkward and socially problematic as it sounds, you are a very bright spot in my day and have become some of my dearest friends (even though I haven’t met many of you) and I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you.
This is not all to say that in the future I won’t decide to take opportunities that come my way or that little bits and pieces of my blog won’t change. There are some exciting things in the works as I speak, in fact, but those aren’t the aspects that drive and motivate me to keep blogging.
Phew.
No, really, phew!
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. You certainly deserve some type of reward if you really truly made it to the end of this post. I try to keep super personal, weirdo emotional, blogging-specific things like this out of daily posts because for the most part, I know you come here for great food. And I’m totally ok with that. I love it and don’t intend to vomit up all my feelings all of the time.
But I guess today I just wanted to make it known, even though I hope you know it just from being here day after day, that I value sincerity and realness and that’s what I hope to convey through blogging. I don’t have ulterior motives. Sometimes I don’t even know what tomorrow holds for blogging let alone the next five years.
I just blog.
And I’m so happy you are still around.
You are just ridiculously sweet – and real. I’ve followed and unfollowed dozens of food blogs, and though I don’t make all of your recipes (or many…I’m a chronic recipe-changer), I love following along. You spark my own creativity and really give me the confidence to try things I might otherwise skip (hello bread!). Thank you for doing what you do. But also, if you decide to call it quits someday (though I hope not), I’d understand. Cheers from northern Michigan.
You are so awesome Mel! Admittedly, I haven’t been cooking much these days, I just can’t find my groove, but I still check our your blog everyday! You are such a genuine person and it shines through your blog.
Family comes first and maybe, just maybe, when your kids grow up, you can do some of the things you mentioned (if you want!), but raising kids is a HARD job and I don’t know how you even keep us with this blog and raise 5 kids (and animals)! You are a rock star and an inspiration.
Mel, as the others have said so well…I can just repeat the same. Every day I check your blog because it’s honest, down to earth, funny and totally trustworthy recipe-wise! I LOVE you! and I’ve never even met you! how can that be? I appreciate that you haven’t sold-out for the book deals and network cooking shows…because it changes those who have done just that- IMHO 🙂 Please be encouraged that your hard work and efforts are so appreciated and are helpful to so many people…and how cool is that?? Thank you
Mel, I’m so glad you’re still blogging. I would totally understand if you ever gave it up (gotta do what’s best for your family!) but I would be so sad. At least half of my meals each week come from your blog and your website is the first I check when I’m looking for a specific recipe. Thanks for your hard work!
Hi Mel,
I have never commented before but I wanted you to know how much I love your blog!! I appreciate so much the hard work you put into it. I have been following your blog for years. (I recognize both of those old logos!) I found your blog through The Sisters Cafe and have LOVED it ever since. I cook a LOT and people always love the things I make from your blog. I know I can always trust your recipes and I recommend your blog to everyone I know. I too love food and I am so happy to have a blog that I feel like is similar to my taste and cooking style. Thank you for all you do!!!
You seem like such a sweet and sincere person. I love that those characteristics shine throughout your posts! Feel free to “vomit up” your feelings anytime! It is what connects as humans. Even though I have never met you and rarely get to comment, I have thought so many times, “Man, we could really be friends!” Your words are true and heartfelt, and thank you for that, Mel!
I just have to say that I love your website/blog. Love it. I love to cook and I love to experiment and I love your recipes. I have never been disappointed! My mom is a spectacular cook, (She won the Beef Cookoff) and she has taught me so much, but I have learnedso much from you too. Please don’t ever stop! I must miss most the mean comments but i am willing to head up “Mel’s Mafia” for you. I love to read about your sweet family and all your adventures. Thanks for making a real blog, it brings me great joy! Thank you for all your efforts!!!.
Mel, I don’t comment but I check in and see what’s cooking. I have tried many recipes from your blog that my family loves. You would be missed if you stopped. Thanks for sharing it is appreciated.
I’m a big fan, Mel! You’re genuine, down to earth and much appreciated for the great recipes you provide here. Many of your recipes are used time and time again in my house and for that I thank YOU:)
I love your blog for this reason. I love that you don’t post fillers. I love that you don’t title things in ridiculous ways (i.e. : She mixed quinoa with chocolate and THIS happened…. ). I love that I can always find the perfect recipe that uses simple ingredients that I usually have. You blog with integrity and honesty in your purpose, and that is why I keep coming back, and why I recommend your blog to everyone.
You are definately spicing up your blog by getting more personal and sharing things other then food . I always loved the Rachael ray show because its not just food. She talks about so many other things. Fashion, hair, makeup. That keeps me coming back. I am so glad your blog is taking a similar avenue. It keeps me coming back. The food is an added bonus. You’re doing awesome! !
thanks for sharing your heart. I’ve wondered about a million times how you have the time to make and post the highlights of your recipes, since I can’t even find the time to make the ones that you post! Just hoping you know I’m truly grateful I am for your work. You not only share such awesome food, but you are a like a friend to me. It sort feels like maybe we were roommates at BYU and now just keep in touch via blogs. Even though I don’t say hi as often, I hope you feel my support even if only in a “worldwide web conglomerate” kind of way. I’m 30 of your 2 million hits a month since I’m here looking up some new or favorite recipe at least daily. Thank you for time, and giving up sleep, sharing your cute family and even your running journey!
I must second (and third, and fourth) what has already been said so many times. I am so glad that you started and have continued sharing not only your recipes but, your thoughts, your family and yourself with us. Anytime I make something unusually delicious, my family always comments “this must be from Mel’s!” Now, when they cook, you are their first resource as well. Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family make so that we have access to “Mel!” I must agree that the food is awesome, but it is definitely the sweet stories and details you share that have kept me coming back daily. Thanks Mel!
I have been reading here and trying your recipes for the longest time. Mel, your food blog is the best – I love your style and your passion for food and serving delicious meals to the people you love. A couple years ago, you had a post about a meat smoker and my husband and I went out and got one and now we have this awesome new hobby together. So glad you are sticking around!!
I’m also a long-time reader but this is my first comment. I thank you for this blog. Your recipes are healthy comfort food that my family loves. This week has been a really tough one for my family where we were eating out like crazy and dealing with a lot of stuff. Yesterday, I came to your blog to cook one of the meals that I’ve made before and it gave me back some “normal”. It may seem that something like that can’t have a profound effect but it did. I feel like with that and a couple other things, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Again, thank you for all you do!
I love that the favorites come from your kitchen to mine. u r really helping people care for themselves & their loved ones by sharing the goodness. aside from all the breakfasts & suppers I make each week, exclusively from your website. I recently posted your lunch box solutions inside a kitchen cabinet–not for kids’ lunches (they r college age & r home just for vacations) but for my husband’s. he works at least 6 days a week, & that nutritious, yummy lunch I pack each day makes all the difference. plus, your favorites at holiday time make shopping a breeze. I could go on & on; thank u for helping families…thank u for spreading joy~
Mel – just had to comment as well. I don’t usually comment on blogs either but in fact, the few times I have commented on one have been on your site! I have been following you for the last 4 years or so since I found you on Pinterest and you are the only one that I come to regularly (99.9% of the time the only one I come to at all!). I absolutely LOVE reading your blog. Not only for the great recipes (and pictures!) but I love “listening” to you – I wish we were neighbors as well! Basically I agree with all the previous commenters: you are real and down to earth and we love reading about your family and seeing pictures and glimpses into your personal life of someone we can relate to on top of all the awesome recipes. You are very inspiring and always give me a smile when I read your post. I cannot even count the number of people I have told about your blog either, usually after eating something that I have made from your site. If I say “Mel” in my house, my husband and three kids know who I am talking about! LOL. I cannot even imagine how much work it is and know that your family has to come first. I wish you success in life, in whatever form you want it in, but to me, you are already successful. Thank you for all the hard work you do!
Mel, you’re an absolute peach – vomit your feelings up any ole time. I love hearing about the lady behind all the fabulous, tried-and-true recipes (baby)!
Mel, I don’t comment often on your blog but I’m going to comment now to say that I hope you keep on blogging for those of us who enjoy your honest, sweet posts and, most of all, the recipes that we can count on to be fabulous!!! You are my “go to” person when I need a recipe for something good (making your pie crust today!). God bless you for being an amazing blogger on top of the huge job of being a wife and mother. Love ya!
Mel, it’s your realness that keeps me coming back. I can feel your sincerity in your posts. Thanks for all you do. I am glad that even though this blog takes so much of your time, that you put your family first! That makes your bog even better to me.
Mel…what a great post! You know I love your blog and I wish I had discovered you at the beginning so I could have experienced this entire journey with you. I love the sincerity of your writing and the truly tried and true recipes that go with it. Yours is only one of a few that I follow consistently and it’s because the love for what you do and the honesty with which you present it shines through with every post. It really resonates with me. I now know what it takes to maintain a food blog and I’m nowhere near your level, so I know that you have far more than I have on my plate. I still don’t know how you do it with all the kids. And then you add in the extra things you do like grind your own flour and train to run marathons! I think you’re amazing on so many fronts, but the most important one to me is your heart and how you support others. I like to think that good things come to good people and I hope that good things keep coming your way 🙂
Your blog has kept my family fed for years. I’ve never had a major fail and my family actually loves the stuff I have made. I don’t know how I would live without your recipes! Your site is the first place I go to when I need a dinner recipe. Thanks for being so awesome.
First and foremost I want to thank you so very much for your time and talent. After reading all of the comments I agree wholeheartedly with them all. I am a bit sad to know you were blogging for so long and I had only found you about nine months ago. But what a nine months they have been. I open your emails immediately and go to only your site when a am looking for what to make,or take or bake! I even thought the other day that it is time to donate all of my cookbooks because it is here where I get my recipes. Last night for dinner I made your San Francisco pork chops, baked brown rice and green peas for dinner. I enlisted the help from my 4 and 2 year olds great-nephews. After dinner the 4 year old said “our dinner looked just like the picture!” When I was cleaning up he came running in to the kitchen exclaiming “look what I found!” He went to your site on his own and was looking for the next Mel’s recipe to make. You have another fan. Thank you for all you do!
Mel, I just want to say that I love your blog! It is my absolute favorite food blog – if I HAD to cancel all but one, YOUR BLOG would be my one! I love how real you are, and love that the recipes are real too. Real food that real people would look forward to eating. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Have a blessed day.
I wanted to chime in and say thank you, too. Almost all of my go-to recipes are from you. They have been since about 2009. Not only do I love your food, but in some weird cyber way, even though we have never met, I feel like you are one of my good, long-time friends. When my 3 little boys overwhelm me, I can escape by reading your blog and I always feel a little better. Like talking to an old friend. Err maybe I need to get out more. 🙂 Anyway, thanks and keep it up!
Thank you for all your hours of work! My whole family thanks you because 80 percent of what I cook come from
here. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve told about your site and who now love it. thank you!
Thank you for your blog! I’ve been following you for a few years now after finding you through thesisterscafe. I make your recipes almost daily. You are often the first source I turn to when deciding what to make. I don’t remember if I’ve ever commented, but I really appreciate the down to earth recipes you share and your fun sense of humor that comes through so well in your writing. I look forward to every one of your posts (emotionally filled or not). 🙂 Thank you for the gifts of your time and talents. My family thanks you too! We love Mel!
Mel- the reasons you just stated are the very reasons this is my very favorite, hands down “go to” blog! I am a busy mom and I also love good food! I have tried hundreds of your recipes and the food is why I come back for more- your food is the food my family loves……and I don’t need a “cookbook” to make it!
I say Thank you today for your time, talents and efforts with making your fans happy! You are amazing!
Misty… Your Aunt Jeanette’s neighbor! 🙂
Mel, my comments are similar to all of those above but I feel like I have to say it anyway. I too have been following you since Wisconsin. I faithfully read the blog and cook from the blog. Cooking has joy for me again because of this delightful blog.
I have to furnish some meals this week for a friend who is sick. I will be making recipes from your blog because I know they will be delicious! I cannot begin to thank you enough, thank your family enough, for allowing you to do this.
Ok, I’m getting emotional just reading your post and all the lovely comments from people.. So you must be bawling your eyes out! I’ve only been around the past year or so but I recognized your blog as a gem the moment I laid eyes on it (further verified by all the amazing recipes I tried from you with nary a single fail!)If ever I want to impress my husband or my guests, straight to your blog I go. This is my first comment, I’m really not the commenting type *kicks rocks sheepishly*. I’m east African and have no tolerance for bland food..so I’m forever tweaking spice levels of every recipe I ever try..but not yours! So big thumbs up for that! I’ve shared many of your recipes with friends and my husband knows you as “that blog lady Mel” LOL, his stomach thanks u just as much as mine. From your carrot cake to your tuscan chicken pasta to your blueberry angel food cake trifle and beyond .. I even prepare shredded chicken using your method in every recipe that calls for it.. Man, your the best =’) ..and you have a brood of five–mostly boys? Koodos to you! You are highly appreciated for all that you do on here. Love your easy to navigate layout btw. Another reason why your my fave blog.
I can’t tell you how many of your recipes I’ve made and enjoyed. I have over 100 saved in Word that I can “tap” into when I need something special/yummy/fast. On behalf of those of us who have been with you for years, we thank you; for your time, your wit, and the window into your charming family. You invited us into your life and we are better for it. Again, thank you.
Hey Mel, I want to add my ditto to all that has been said. You really are my go-to blog! It’s obvious you care about your readers and we really appreciate all the hours you put into this blog to help make our lives a little easier by helping us make delicious home cooked meals for our families. I respect you for always putting family first. I will always come here first for any recipe search and will continue to plan my meals around your blog for as long you desire to post all of your fantabulous finds!
I found your blog from a link on Pioneer Woman and now I visit your blog more than PW. (Don’t tell Ree!) Ha! I seriously consult your blog first if I’m looking for a recipe for something I’ve got in mind. Just Wednesday, I made your Sloppy Joes again. I’ve made so many of your recipes, I cannot keep them straight and more to try!
My motto: So many recipes; so little time!
I have been using your recipes for YEARS–starting back when you were My Kitchen Café. (And for a while, I couldn’t figure out what had happened to that wonderful blog where I got *insert delicious recipe name* from. It took me a bit to figure out that things had just morphed. I blame it on two major moves and baby #3 (from start to finish) happening within less than a year and a half.)
ANYWAY–I absolutely LOVE how real this blog is. How you’ve kept your focus and, therefore, kept this blog so personal and relatable. There are actually quite a few food bloggers who have gone a more commercial route and I have stopped following them. I feel like they cannot relate to trying to get dinner on the table for a family of 7, while the baby is screaming and the other kids are underfoot. It seems they have forgotten what that feels like–but you have not. I always tell people that your recipes are manageable for a family in servings, ingredients, and time required.
Thank you for being authentic and realistic. The world needs so much more of that! You are helping so many of us improve the ways we are able to serve (food-wise and otherwise) our families. Thanks for the hard work!
I really enjoy your blog. And I prefer to read the blogs that are genuine and I feel like your blog is just that.
Mel, I have followed you since you lived in UT and I make at least one of your recipes every day. I love to cook and read a LOT of food blogs and you are my absolute favorite, hands down. I know everyone else has said this too, but the reason I love you so much is because your blog is just what you really love and feed to your family and not a giant advertisement. You seem like such a great, genuine, happy person as well, who is raising great kids. Plus, I won an ebelskiver pan from you a few years ago and my family still loves it, so you earn extra points in my book!
And this is why I love your blog so so much. I love how real you are. I love all of your posts. I love how positive you are. I love your focus on family. Honestly, your blog has helped me get through some rough times too (as strange as that sounds) – there was a time I had very very little time to myself and things were super stressful. I really looked forward to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – the 5 minutes it took to look at your most recent blog post, dream that I had enough time to make all of your recipes. It left me feeling buoyed up and energized by your positive attitude and humor and then I could get back to all of the other most important things in my life with more energy. It was like my hobby to read your blog. 🙂 Thank you so so much for everything you post and mostly for being who you are! I seriously wish we were neighbors. You are just that fun and real. 🙂
Mel,
I love your blog and appreciate the time and dedication you give us. I know when I make one of your recipes, it will work. I look forward to reading your messages, browsing the recipe section and reading your most recent post. I am always looking for better recipes, or to update some old tired ones that I have. Your ideas are just what I am looking for. I have gone elsewhere and often times, the recipes don’t work. As a seasoned cook, I am in my sixties, I do not have time or money to make something that doesn’t come out right. I know what I am doing, so if it doesn’t work, I know something else was wrong. I hope you continue blogging for a long time to come. I will continue trying your “stuff” and pass on the ideas to others. Thanks
And we are so happy YOU are still around, Mel!!
Mel, I do not comment on blogs but just wanted you to know that your post was heartfelt. Your blog with its unique humor, style, and simple but delicious recipes is fantastic. Your blog is one of 2 other blogs that I will not unsubscribe from even though other subscriptions come and go. I have no idea how much time it actually takes to run a blog, along with all the recipe testing, raising kids, etc. but sincerely hope you do not stop. Thank you very much for allowing us into your world of food and family!
Hi Mel, Since I looked for a curry recipe 2-3 years ago and found your blog and website I have been a subscriber. Yours is the only food blog I subscribe to. I don’t often comment but your blog is my go to site for recipes. I enjoy the fairly simple recipes, the good explanations, trusting that it will taste good and that you are a curry lover. I also enjoy your blog and read it even if I am not interested in the recipe because your enthusiasm and sense of humor shine through and it brightens my day. I know this whole comment is corny but through your blog, you make a positive difference in people’s lives. Thanks for what you do.
PS-I also would expect you to do what you need to do to earn a living at your work.
Hi Mel!
I found your little space, oh I don’t know, a few years ago perhaps. I rarely comment on any blog, as I’m usually clicking quickly as I get ready for work, or am rushing off to a meeting or commitment.
I will say though I appreciate your frankness and especially those tried and true recipes! You’re like a breath of fresh air, void of the narcissism and overtly stylized messages that seem to dominate the web waves. Perfection is a pipe dream, and I thank you for just keeping it real.
So, thank you, for saving me from meal disaster on more than several occasions (!) and for all the time and energy you devote to motivating those of us who are kitchen-challenged!
Have a wonderful weekend with that beautiful family of yours!
Mel! I am so glad you wrote this post. So, so glad. I’ve only been following your blog since, oh, 2012 or so, so I wasn’t even aware of some of the things you mentioned (cancer!), but I love this blog. I’d say 90% of the new recipes I try come from you. My husband, an equal-opportunity recipe guy, even comes here first when he’s looking for something new. We trust you. You are a household name around here.
Anyway, I was so happy to read this post because a few weeks ago I stumbled upon the pinchofyum blog and was reading their posts about how much money they make from their blog and where it all comes from. And I couldn’t help but think of you and hope that you were making bank from your blog, too. And I wondered why you haven’t published a cookbook and why you’re so careful to not use affiliate links (much of the time) and why there isn’t more diverse monetizing efforts on your blog and why you aren’t keynote speaker at all kinds of blogging and cooking conferences. Because I love you and want you to make money and be “successful.” I even thought about sending you an email, but decided it’s none of my business, so thank you for sharing here. I totally understand that sometimes it’s all more work than it’s worth, and peace of mind is the most important thing.
Anyway, super long comment, but know that you are loved and appreciated. And I don’t mind the affiliate links and sponsored posts and ads one bit, because I know they support my fave food blog! Keep doing what you do.
Agree with everything said above, you have impeccable taste for what makes a good recipe and I trust your judgment on all recipes. Also wanted to add that I really appreciate the comments on your recipes and it’s one reason I like your blog above all other food blogs. Most commenters post when they’ve actually tried the recipe, with what worked and what didn’t. I appreciate not having to read through hundreds of comments just saying how good something looks, since I prefer to see what others think and have tried. So good job commenters! But it also speaks to you and the type of person you are and the type of people who follow your blog.
You have spoken the words that need to be heard. I don’t read blogs that are nothing more than an ad campaign, filled with just enough fluff, coaxed out of a tired idea, to qualify as a post. Yes we all want our content to be read, because blogging is hard work. But some ideas and concepts don’t take hold with the public. That can be hard on the writer because it was still important to them. Every book written won’t be a best seller, and along that line, every blog written won’t be a hit. Because you have stayed true to your beginning ideal, you continue to improve and inspire. Thank you.
I am so grateful for you and the time you spend blogging. So many of your recipes have become staples at our house (spaghetti sauce, pulled pork, beef & broccoli). I always come to your site for new recipes and appreciate that it isn’t full of filler, but seriously good recipes interspersed with snapshots of your life.
Mel, thank you so much for continuing your blog. I started reading 2-4 years ago (I’m not quite sure I remember when, but it was probably a referral from Pinterest). You have a great welcoming blog style, and your recipes are not intimidating. I know that when I make something of yours, it is guaranteed to be good! I also really appreciate that you don’t do filler posts and you hardly ever do sponsored posts. I almost ALWAYS check your blog first when I’m trying to find inspiration or a specific recipe. Thanks for all you do!
I have never commented on here either but I do come every single day for your recipes. The main reason I love this food blog is because you aren’t writing your fifth cookbook for money and you aren’t sponsored by a million companies. I used to go to “those” food blogs daily too but they are so into making money they no longer really care about those of us who are looking for better recipes and hearing about your beautiful family. Now I seldom get daily recipe emails from the other blogs because they’re just too busy with promotions and writing and selling cookbooks. I’m happy they’re successful if that’s what they want but I just want some simple recipes and you provide that for us so thank you for that.
Mel, you are a treasure!!! I’m not exaggerating when I say you’ve changed my world. I no longer fret about what to feed my family and friends. People actually think I’m a great cook now and it’s all because of you. You write so well that I, like most people who read your blog, consider you a close friend. What a talent. Don’t ever change!!!
Mel, I know you already know this, but I’ve been following your blog since you lived in Wisconsin. I know the food is important, but your sweet personality is what originally kept me coming back. And when it comes to food, I’ve had such a high success rate with your recipes. I just can’t say the same about many other blogs. You inspired me to start my own blog, and I was immediately blown away by how much work is involved. You’ve always made it look so easy, Lol! I love blogging too though, so I understand. I hope you find the right balance for you and will always be in your corner. Thanks for all that you do, my friend!