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.
I just want to add my voice to the choir of love. You are my favorite blogger, the only one I read regularly and my first place to check for a recipe. I feel as though we’re best of friends (even though we don’t know each other), and I love he little peek into your life and the life of your cute family.
Thanks for always posting such delicious recipes and being true to the food.
I’m so glad you blog. I love your blogging personality, your love of your family and your fans, and, of course, I love your recipes. So many of your recipes are favorites of ours, and I love recommending them to other people. When younger women (like newlyweds) come to me wondering what to cook and are confused by how many (bad) recipes are out there, I point them your way and they love me for it. Thanks for being you and doing what you do.
Mel, YOU ROCK!!! Even though I found your blog only a year ago, you have helped me raise my game in the kitchen. I unfortunately have health issues that leave me bedridden for about 90% of my life (and I’m only 45-not fun). On days that I felt ok enough to cook, it was the same things over & over again. Then you came along, with your wonderful recipes that DON’T require a packet mix of this or a can of cream of something soup or a mountain of butter. Your recipes are beautifully easy to cook and taste great! And almost all the ingredients are easy enough to find here in Australia-something that can’t be said for most other North American food blogs. You have even taught my husband to cook-a god send on those days I just can’t make it to the kitchen. My 3 boys (late teens/early 20’s) are loving the change!
Your bread making tutorials are fabulous, too! I’ve stared making my own bread for the family (with the help of my fab mixer & an old office chair), and all of your recipes rock! In fact, I don’t think you should worry about making a cookbook; I have 2 binders full of recipe printouts and about 80% are yours! 🙂 And they are being added to daily.
To sum it all up, thank you from the bottom of my heart & the bottom of the planet, THANK YOU for everything you do! <3
I loved this post and I wanted to say how much I appreciate what you do! I’ve made your recipes for other moms after their babies were born, for guests, and they are weekly staples in our home. Everyone loves them! Most of all I love your honesty, your commentary for your recipes, and seeing your family. I can really relate to your family and I honestly feel like when I read your posts I’m sitting down with a friend chatting. Plus I get great recipe advice! I love your recipes, your blog, and I appreciate you making dinner time a little easier for me (it’s hard enough with two kids under 2) because I know your recipes will always turn out great! Thanks so much for your blog!!!
I have been addicted to your blog since the very first time I stumbled onto a recipe from Pinterest a couple of years ago.
Your site absolutely changed the way I cook. I had never cooked with yeast before and avoided making most desserts. Now I make my own pizza dough, rolls, and Lord help my rear end…. COOKIES!!
All other blogs are measured against Mel’s Kitchen Cafe and I haven’t found one yet that I care about as much.
Thank you so much for all of the work you put into this. It has really helped me develop a love for cooking and trying new things. Aside from the recipes, I have also loved getting to know you through your personal photos and posts. I look forward to seeing those and always have a ton of questions that I wish I could ask you.
THANK YOU Mel!
Mel, yours is one of the blogs I follow that I KNOW when I make something from here, that it will really be good! I have been following for about 5 years now! I love that there aren’t so many darn pop-up ads that slow down my poor computer, but if you did want that, I would still be a reader. Your family is precious, keep up the good work!
It’s nice to read a personal post =) My husband and friends and I, we’re all on a first name basis with you. You’re a household name for us. If I get complimented on a dish, my response is usually, “Well, it’s a Mel recipe, so…” And I start many sentences with, “Mel says…” Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping on keeping on.
I love that your site is all about the delicious food you post every week and not about posting because someone is paying you. That’s why I ALWAYS trust your recipes and make them weekly. In all actuality (my husband can attest) you have made me the awesome cook (my husbands words) I am today! Thanks!!!
I just LOVE your blog – you have such a “true” voice, and your recipes are really foolproof. I also love how you really respond to reader questions in the comments section. Keep it up!!!!!!
I wish I could talk to you in real life. You are always so approachable in your writing (and the food is amazing, too, of course. I nearly die every time I eat your Butter Chicken recipe.) anyway, I have followed you for years but had no idea of your health struggles. I am recovering from cancer and have had two years of hard health stuff in our family. Hearing your story gives l me courage that we may have a normal, happy life after all this. Wish we could chat about it all.
Thank you so much for this blog! I have been following since 2012 and this is my first comment. I can honestly say that you have made me into a cook! Your recipes are awesome and have given me confidence to feel comfortable in the kitchen and I cook from your recipes 99% of the time.
Mel, I remember those old logos! And your simple tone without selling out to sponsorships and such has kept me following you for 8 years! (The consistently awesome and tangible recipes doesn’t hurt either!) Keep up the good work. And kudos for you for doing what you love for the right reasons.
You’re the best Mel. Always inspiring and personally I love this post and you and your cute fam! I wish I’d been able to make it to see you when you were here. Hopefully next time we can finally meet up in person. You’re still one of my favorite people and my favorite blogger for guaranteed recipes!
I’ve been a follower for a long time, and check your site every day — your site has a coveted spot in my bookmarks bar. 🙂 I SO appreciate the fact that you don’t post recipes that aren’t fabulous — other sites make you wonder if a recipe should be tried — but here there isn’t any guessing — your recipes match my family’s tastes perfectly. In fact, if I put something down they haven’t seen before, all I have to say is “It’s from my friend Mel.” and they dig right in! 🙂 I’d rather wait a week for a new post from you than have a new recipe everyday that wasn’t up to Mel-quality. 🙂 Thanks for all your hard work — I love everything about your site – pics, recipes, commentary, — it’s all good! <3
Your blog is my favorite because of you, even if that is also weirdo- emotional:) my kids know melskitchencafe by name, and I feel, like probably every single other person that reads your blog, that we would be real life friends if we lived close by:) thanks for keeping it real and taking about the realness. It’s why we would totally click:) (once again, moving into the weirdo- emotional stuff;) you are the best!!!
I’ve never been one to follow a blogger, though I love browsing through tons of recipes; but when I accidentally stumbled upon your blog a couple of years ago, I fell in love!!! Not only are your recipes amazing and successful, you bring life into them with your bubbly and humorous (if I might add) personality. I can only imagine how time consuming keeping up with this blog is, but I am to grateful you do. I probably check your page everyday to every other day for new recipes :). I normally do not comment on all the recipes I have tried, but know I have never been disappointed. I am sure you have many more quiet followers like myself; just know we are here, faithfully following :). Thank you for doing what you do!!!
Mel,
I simply love your recipes. I enjoy checking out your blog every single time, it’s like a treat for me to see what is coming next. I have made so many things from your website, my whole family knows your name. And I even have a Silhouette machine thanks to you now! Your chocolate chip cookies (and the giant cookie also) have been made many times. Your family is so sweet, thanks for sharing your gifts. I will keep checking in, I love food almost as much as you do!
Mel – I’ve never commented on a blog before but I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do. I love that you post yummy recipes. I love how your writing sounds so genuine. I love that I don’t feel like you’re trying to sell me anything. (Recommending something that you like is not the same as trying to sell something.) Anyway, I haven’t read the other 180+ replies that have been posted already today, but I’m guessing they are all saying close to the same thing – thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
You are the only food blog I’ve looked at religiously for the past 4 years and it’s precisely because of the way you blog. It certainly helps that we have very similar opinions about cooking — but other food blogs simply got so big, that I felt completely out of touch with them and lost interest. I love that you’re so real. I refuse to think about how many people feel like your #1 fan – because, quite honestly, you relate to everyone so well we all feel we’re it.
We love you Mel! A big heartfelt thank you to you for your selfless hard work and to your family for supporting you through it.
You are a joy to read each day! I love that your posts aren’t the same words day after day about each recipe you post. Keep up the awesome recipe sharing – I LOVE IT!! 🙂
Hi Mel! (This kinds of sounds like we’re friends, right since I’m calling you Mel? Because you know that all of your blog followers would love to live next door to you and hang out with you every day for lots of reasons besides your food.) Thanks for doing what you do! I have a little blog which I make pennies off of…seriously, but I keep posting because I love it. It’s a habit. It helps me stay sane. It’s a fabulous way to share great food and other things with friends. And it’s a great legacy for your kids! It’s an amazing journal. Thanks again for all you do!
Mel, I love all of your posts. You have such a wonderful balance of food and family. I love hearing all of your adventures with running and must say – cried when I read the post about your son sneaking up on you and finishing the long training run with you. I love what you do and someday I hope to get around to sharing a couple of recipes with you for you to perfect!
Mel,
I absolutely love your blog. I check it every day or at least every other day. I can say that about only one other blog. I love to read what you write, you are so witty and you are always good for a laugh. Your recipes are the best out there and your name is a household name here. I just say oh’ this is Mel’s. Thank you for all of your hard work and effort. It is very much appreciated. Also, I didn’t know that you were a fellow Utahn. Good to know.
ps. I have a family blog too. Handy when you live far from family and makes it really easy to quickly input it into a book at the end of each year for a family journal/ album.
Thank you for your dedication to your blog and blog readers. I’ve been the world’s worst cook, but thanks to you and your recipes I’m now able to feed my new husband without worrying about poisoning him! I still have a long ways to go, but your website has been a God-send. You’re truly a God-send in my life!
Wendy
Thank you for your blog. I never realized what kind of hours and details went into keeping up a blog! (I have a personal family blog, by the way, but I just post whenever I want or to keep my mom happy.) I love your food blog! I check it weekly for new recipes and have been using it to feed my family for years! 6 years, maybe more? I think you have been around longer than that… Anyways, thank you for what you do; my family LOVES your food!
I’m loving the new series you started! Thanks for keeping the blog true to what you want it to be. I love your site and it’s usually the first place I go to when I need a trusted recipe or meal inspiration. I love that you make real food and I usually check your site everyday just in case you added an additional post! 😉
Mel,
Thanks so much for sharing these heartfelt words. I enjoyed learning how your blog evolved. Please know I enjoy your posts just as much as the tasty recipes you highlight. Your realness and sincerity shine through! Something I just realized also, is that I enjoy reading the comments you get as well. Your blog is just a great place to visit!
Mel, I love your blog because YOU are so fun and real. And the food is ALWAYS awesome. I have never been disappointed by a recipe. And you took the time to email me photos of your corner sink when I asked about kitchen design–now that is dedication. I admire the work you’re doing in your family and in your kitchen! My family thanks you–especially my four tween and teen boys. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story! I have been following your site for a few years now, and when ever I need a recipe idea, I go to your blog! I also have gotten several other people hooked your tasty, easy, family-friendly cooking. I think its wonderful that you put your family first and let your blog work for you, not the other way around. Thanks again for all the wonderful recipes… keep up the good work! 🙂
P.S. I still have a personal family blog too, but I must admit I don’t update it as often as I used to!
Your blog is about so much more than delicious food with recipes given in an excellent, instructive way with professional looking photos. It is about a wise woman with a huge, giving heart. An excellent wife and mother. An incredibly hard worker. A fun-loving, adventurous person who continually challenges herself in various ways (such as running). A woman of strength who has overcome serious health problems in an incredible way seemingly never missing a beat. A woman of faith. A loyal, steadfast friend. A beautiful woman of integrity, realness, compassion, kindness, common sense who will not allow greed to take control of her life. You inspire all of us to grow in the graces you allow us to see in you through your website. So my journey with you started out so excited over the fabulous recipes until I got to know you and your adorable family. Then I found myself eagerly following to enjoy your humor and insight, to hear about your adventures, to hear about what you have been up to (100 pounds of cherries, chickens), to read of the wonderfulness of your husband (loving actions, support) and the sweetness of your children, etc.
Having stated these facts and because I am so thankful for the virtual friend you have become, I am truly concerned about the amount of work hours you sacrifice to maintain your site. And I am saddened that it is so costly of an endeavor to you and your family. Shout out to Brian – as much as I would miss the beauty of Mel in my life multiple times a week through her site, please, please, please pull the plug if it gets to be too much. Seriously, 40 to 50 hours a week with much cost seems to be too much giving of herself to others. Did I mention a giving woman with a tender, humble heart?
Oh, Mel. You are the best. Your sincerity and humor and feet-on-the-ground voice are all reasons that I love you. Your recipes are an inspiration to me on a weekly basis and my family knows you by name. What, you don’t seek this kind of fame? All the more reason to love you. Thanks for all you do!!
I have been a devotee for years. I LOVE your recipes and your cute personality. I tell everyone about your blog and say, “I’m to the point where I’d pay Mel to not do a cookbook!” I feel like bloggers that monetize give up on content and yours is always spot on. If you want a $20 let me know!
I, for one, am really happy that you blog! If I am ever wondering what I should cook for dinner/for company/for dessert, melskitchencafe is the first place I check. Thanks!!!
This is exactly why I love you and your blog. I have been following you for years and whenever I need a new recipe yours is the site I visit. I will be forever grateful that I found you. Thanks for all you do!
So I was introduced to your blog several years ago when we lived in Wausau Wisconsin. At that time we had some friends that knew you and told me about your blog. Since then I’ve made many of your recipes and I rejoiced when you’ve moved and when you had your baby girl. I’ve laughed at some some of the things your kids have done and my family knows your recipes well. It’s almost like you’re part of our family as much as we are a part of your blog family. I hope you’ll be able to keep blogging, but if it ever ends our family will be forever grateful for all the things that we have found through your blog. Thanks!
Sorry, it was Wisconsin Rapids, not Wausau. Oops.
So well said. I think so many of us feel like we know you, I know I do. If I saw you on the street, it would be so fun to strike up a conversation. And I’m 71 yrs old, but sure do share your sense of taste. My hubby and daughter and her family benefit also. Live in South Jordan, UT too, so feel a closeness with you up in that beautiful state of Idaho. Hope you keep on blogging, you are definitely my favorite.
I don’t usually post comments but I am always getting recipes from you! I love your blog and family and life lol! I have been using you for new recipes since 2011 and I have never been disappointed. My favorite by far is the super easy alfredo sauce! My family and I love it. Thank you for everything!
Thanks for putting out the best.
Hi! I just stumbled upon your blog and I am so grateful. I am a busy mom of 4 kids ages 11 to 5- and life is nuts. I struggle with meal planning… I mean, is it bad to send your 7 year old into the grocery store with $10 for a rotisserie chicken? That’s ok right? I never seem to be prepared for the nightly meal. So, I’ve decided that if I lived in Idaho we’d probably be friends- so you are the new friend who is going to help me navigate this food thing! Thank you for your recipes and your candid commentary! I so enjoy your blog!
Mel, Your site is absolutely amazing and as many other faithful fans have stated – you have changed the way I cook and I will always be grateful for that!!
Mel, I appreciate your genuine love for food and people! I love your recipes and am successful every time I try one. You really make me look good in the kitchen! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, time and talents with us and your sweet family!
I keep coming back to this website because the recipes are easy, don’t have weird hard to find ingredients, and work out for me every single time. keep up the good work!
OMG you are my favorite blogger…and I really don’t cook much as I live alone! But I love your writing and reading about your sweet family and every now and then I do try a recipe! (I have a couple out to try this weekend when my granddaughter comes over!) I have picked up so many tips over the years. Thank you for being there!!!!
Thank you so much for doing what you do and continuing to share your wonderful recipes and stories and sweet family with the interwebs! I rarely comment, but have been a reader of your blog for several years and the majority of the food I make for my family comes from your blog because we love it so much.
I respect your choice. A couple of years ago one of my baking sites began openly endorsing a flour company (not one of the better brands of flour). Reading recipes that call for a specific brand is off-putting, to say the least. I don’t mind that she’s being rewarded financially for the hard work she puts into her site but a little subtlety would be nice.
I have to say I have never tried one of your recipes that I haven’t liked. I agree with the poster above who lauds your love of curry. Me too.
I cannot express enough over the internet how much I truly appreciate all your work. This blog is by far my favorite recipe source ever!!! Your tutorials and step by step pictures have helped me love and learn about cooking! If your blog went away I would die!!!! Seriously. Ok, I would still breathe but my cooking would go back down to mediocre status and then my husband might die lol. I have used your blog since 2010! So, thank you I sure appreciate you!
So, I just wept… is that weird?! Anyway, thanks for all you do. xo
Also, I had no idea about your health related issues, especially cancer (not sure if you mentioned it here) but I hope you are in remission and remain that way forever!!
Love your blog and check it a couple times a week even though I haven’t ever posted. Keep up the good work!