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.
Mel, I absolutely love, love, love your blog. I don’t mind cooking and I love to bake but I am definitely not the type to create a recipe out of thin air so your blog has been a huge blessing to me and my family. Every recipe I have tried has been successful and tastes great. What I love most is that your recipes are simple and made with ingredients that real people keep in their kitchens. Even my 4 college aged kids are using your recipes and cooking real food. Their roommates and friends love it! Thank you!
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your time. I have learned to make bread from you, and I can’t tell you how much it has blessed my family. Aside from the startup cost (wheat grinder and bread pans), it has saved us so much money in bread! And I have started helping our neighbors, who have no money and are supporting their expecting daughter and deadbeat husband. I make 5 loaves of bread a week, and take two over to them. We eat about two a week. We don’t make a lot of money, and without your help, I wouldn’t be able to help. Also, I have a reputation of the best cinnamon rolls in the ward, and am called upon frequently to make them (I am always sure to tell people where I get the recipe and how awesome you are.) So thank you, for taking your time to post these. Your efforts are blessing people, even people who don’t read your blog.
P.S, I really wish you would say “yes” to a publisher, even though I understand why you don’t. I could junk all the rest of my cookbooks if you did that…
I absolutely love your blog. And my hubby knows that if a new recipe came from you, that it is going to be good. I have also loved that I can come to your site and not be bombarded with the “advertisements” that many blog posts have become on many other sites. It is just one recipe after another featuring someone’s product that they are trying to promote. And it is hard to know when someone really really really likes a product or that they were paid enough to endorse it. Knowing that this is not why you blog makes it easier to fully trust your recipes and recommendations. And it keeps me coming back. I love that you keep it real. This is the type of blogging that I enjoy and appreciate.
I just wanted to say thank you! I love your recipes, your humor, and your honesty. I love that I can come here for a tried and true recipes, with your positive, fun touch added! You’re inspiring!
I just have to say that I would cry for days if you stopped sharing all your delectable recipes with us! This is the first place I come when I need a recipe for any reason. Your recipes are the best and never disappoint! Thanks for all your hard work so that I can look like a rock star in the kitchen instead if the average cook I really am! You rock!
Thank you so much for all the work you put into this blog. I had no idea it consumed that much of your precious time – it’s totally appreciated by me (& my family!). I’ve referred many family members & friends your way over the years and your recipes continue to brighten my inbox. If you ever do put out a cookbook, I definitely would buy it! I have so many of your recipes printed out, it’s really a cookbook already :). Thanks again for keeping your blog real!
Well I’m super glad you blog!! … and I hope my clicks on your pages when I’m snooping around for a yummy recipe help contribute to a reward/paycheck/compensation… because lady, you’ve earned it!! π
I can’t imagine the amount of work involved in this blog.. but I do know very well the amount of work in raising 5 kiddos (whoa!!) … so doing this blog on top of that.. kudos to you!!
Just have to share…. We were at a church summer BBQ last week and my husband and I were visiting with two other couple friends. One friend mentioned something about your blog to me .. and the other lady had the look like, huh? My HUSBAND said, “what, you don’t know Mels Kitchen Cafe??” Then he leaned over to her husband and said, “you need to hook her up with Mel, she has really good food!” haha! My hubby knows that if its coming from your blog, its gonna be good!
Thank you for all your hard work and effort to keep this blog up! Our kids tummies thank you too!
And, I just gotta ask: Are you still running??? π ( I loved the running updates!)
I love your blog!! I am so thankful that you take the time to blog! You’re famous in our house Mel!!
I still lovingly refer to your site as “the only blog that matters”, and even through the .com change, you still will always be the only blog/.com that matters!! I love everything you post here! Never had a recipe fail and never eaten better in my whole life! You saved my cooking life and I hope you never stop posting! Your humor, true to life experiences, and amazing food have kept me coming here for years. I seriously owe you for all your time and dedication! Thank you, THANK YOU!
I feel like everything I was going to say has been echoed 100x over, but I just wanted you to know that I have 6 girls (all of whom, love good food) and we all think you rock! We have loved everything and I love knowing I have a go to place besides CI and CC to get great recipes (and often yours are faster and easier for “those” nights). I can’t tell you the number of people I have referred to your sight, so keep up the good work. You are my first stop for weekly menu planning. We all appreciate your hard work, your cooking from scratch and whole wheat flour.
Just piping in to say that even tho I don’t comment much I love you and your blog β₯οΈβ₯οΈβ₯οΈ
And Mel, the #1 reason why I come to your blog is for the food. So I would say you are 100% successful! (Your blog is always my first go-to when I am planning the weeks’ menus). So, thanks for keeping it delicious π
I love your blog, Mel! I love it for the reasons you listed, mainly your sincerity. I know that if I need a tried & true recipe, yours will never fail. You share great recipes with real ingredients that are available to all of us & not crazy expensive. These little personal snippets are a nice break every now & then. Keep up the excellent work & stay true to yourself!
Mel, your blog has literally been life-changing for my family. Because of you, I have stopped using canned soups in cooking, made bread more, made cheesecake for the first time, used vanilla beans for the first time, cooked tilapia for the first time, and……I could go on and on. I’ve learned about new kitchen gadgets and other fun things for the home. Our family started reading a Christmas book every night in December after reading your idea. I LOVE your blog and am so glad that you have kept doing it. And not only do you share great ideas and recipes, your writing is fun and entertaining. You make me feel like I can try anything new! So thank you, thank you, thank you for still sharing.
You’re amazing, Mel! Your recipes are a staple here at our house. That being said, I hope that you do keep blogging out of love of food, and not out of pressure! For me, you could stop blogging tomorrow, and there would still be a literal treasure trove of deliciousness that I could keep pulling from for.ev.er. As long as you don’t flee the internet with all your recipes, I could be set. To be clear: I don’t WANT you to stop, because you and your recipes are fantastic, but I also want you to know that, if it ever got to be too much, you’ve definitely gifted us all with PLENTY! Thanks for all the work you put in, and effort (both on the blog and behind the scenes). I (and all my dinner guests…ever) really appreciate it!
Hi Mel,
Thank you for your tried and true recipes. I love your blog because in this crazy world of overwhelming news and over-the-top personalities, your blog places feeding your family healthy and delicious meals as a priority. Your blog grounds me and helps me keep my priorities in check.
These days, with kidsβ activities, work, and other life obligations, I feel like there is no time to go next door and talk to my neighbor or friend about everyday things. Your blog keeps this very important communication alive. You and your blog are like a very special and trusted friend who we can go to when we need advice, a laugh, or a delicious recipe! Thank you so much for sharing.
I loved reading this post! Several years ago, my daughter in law told me about your great recipes. We shared your gold mine with the rest of the family and you quickly became the “go to” authority for all our recipes and cooking questions! (like Julia Child, without the wine, impossible ingredients, and complicated instructions!)
We think of you as our BFF, not only because you share the BEST.RECIPES.EVER. …but also because you have shared your life with us; the ups and downs of nurturing your family; the reality of trying to do it all and sometimes falling short… as well as your successes! Thank you for being genuine… your openness and honesty are inspiring! Hope you are feelin’ the love!!
You rock! And let me tell you thank you for not being like the other cheesy bloggers that write very artificial sounding posts on sponsored products. You have no succumbed! Good job. Great food.
You are my favorite blog in the world. Thank you for doing what you do and for evaluating along the way whether it’s something you can keep doing. It’s a good example to us all.
So, I don’t usually comment on blogs. But you must know that I love your blog. My family loves your blog. I have three sisters and we all love your blog. I think we all feel like you are another sister. We talk about you and your recipes like they are part of the family (sorry, that sounds creepy). Your blog is the first one I go to when I want to make something new. I know that when its on your blog, its safe to try. It will be good and it will be a success. I too love food, My sisters and my mom all love food. And we love making good food! Thank you for staying true to your roots and to who you want to be. It is so refreshing! Keep up the AMAZING work. And squeeze in a nap every once in awhile. You deserve it!
Just wanted to raise my hand and let you know that I’m one of your loyal readers in Idaho. Funny, but I just found out that I’m also friends with one of your Kiddos teachers too. I was sharing my love for your blog and she said “I think she’s one of my students parents”. Sure enough (small world) it was you. Can’t tell you how many recipes I’ve made that are yours, because there’s not enough digits on both hands and feet. I check your blog every other day and it meant the world to me that you posted one of my pictures of your broccoli recipe. God bless you Mel!
We all use your blog in the extended Montague family and are glad you were roommates with Kate once upon a time. You’ve made us all better cooks and we know to come to you for a good solid win in the recipe department. My boys spell “love” F-o-o-d…so thank you for helping me love my family better. We appreciate it.
Dear Mel,
I love you for all the things you have to say about blogging. Blogging is a daily struggle for me. I love it. I can’t believe I make money doing it. I have to do it. I’m supporting my family by myself right now with it. And that is freaking amazing. But it is a ’round-the-clock’ job if you let it be. I’m trying to pull back, but there is guilt associated with that. Anyway, keep being you, Mel. We all love you!
XO,
Christina
Well I have to say that your recipes are fantastic!! I have four young boys and cook constantly so I’m a pretty reliable source!! Seriously none have failed me yet and I’ve tried I bet half of them!
You are the best. I love your blog and have told you before. YOU and this blog is my number one go to when I’m thinking of a recipe before anything else in this world. I tell all my friends THIS is the one and only food blog they need in their lives, seriously! I tell everyone to go to this site for recipes and that you will never fail them. THANK YOU a t on over for taking the time to blog. I’m a 24 year old mother to 3 boys under 3 and YOU have made me a confident cooke in the kitchen, I can’t thank you enough!
My family and I appreciate you and your blog so much. You are a household name, I’ve been using your blog pretty near daily for the last 2 years. Thank you for everything you do and I look forward to many more years of Mel recipes!
THIS is why you’re my favorite blogger ever. Sometimes I feel like you’re the “other woman” because your recipes are so frequently used in my kitchen. Thanks for inspiring me to get in the kitchen and make something delicious for my family to enjoy together.
I love your blog! Thank you for all of your time, it blesses my family and all those I take treats to π
I was on vacation last week and came back to this wonderful post. You are truly the best out there. While I love all the outstanding recipes, and make many of them, your easy, breezy style and adorable personality are what shine through, too. It’s the highlight of my day to read one of your posts. So happy to have found your fabulous blog and to have gotten to know you as well. You are just the sweetest, and despite all the work it takes, I hope you keep blogging forever!!!
THANK YOU for all the work you put into your blog–I am among the many who love your recipes. I always stop here first when I’m looking for a recipe for great food–I know I can count on you! I also love these honest glimpses into your life because otherwise I would be drowning in tears of inadequacy because how do you do it all??? I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now–stumbled upon it completely by accident when I found your oatmeal pancake mix recipe (which we make and love). Thanks so much for all you do! π
No, Mel. You rock!!!
And that is why I am happy that You are still around! Thank you.
And those are the reasons I read your blog! You are real and genuine and your food is awesome. I know these aren’t filler recipes, so I know they will be good. I wonder all the time how you do what you do, so I just wanted to say thanks! And also to say that if you ever come to a point where you decide you are done, you’ll still be my favorite. (Plus, I have lots of recipes I still need to try!) I would totally respect and understand that decision. Whatever you decide to do, I’m along for the ride. π
After a few years of hearing about this mel’s kitchen something blog I finally stopped by last fall. I perused your blog for HOURS the first time (the kids were in bed, I’m sure you can relate). Well, I’m sure glad I did and you’re one of my top stops. Thanks for all the recipes and great cooking ideas!
On a side note, I live in SW Idaho- Boise specifically and have thought, ‘man, I would be super nerdy if I ran into her!’
thanks!
Mel,
I came across your blog about 11 years ago when I was first married. Thanks for posting the best recipes! Your website is my go to for 90% of my cooking. I love that I can make something and everyone loves it!
I am a new reader of your blog and discovering it gave me new inspiration to cook yummy things for my family! Your detail and enthusiasm are much appreciated. I joke when we cook for friends now that my recipes came from my new ‘friend’ in Idaho! It’s so nice to have a place to go for recipes that I know will be good, no trial needed. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us out here!
I love your blog and your food. It’s saved my family from bland and boring meals. Eating is so much more than just putting food in your body, it’s an experience. And those experiences turn family time into memories. Thank you for all your effort!
Hi Mel,
Thank you for posting great recipes. What really sets you apart is your sincerity. You are real and genuine. When you respond to your readers, you do so with kindness and appreciation. I’m sure it can be annoying to have a reader ask if you can freeze the dish or sub some crazy ingredient. You respond with a sincere, “I’m not sure, but let me know how it turns out!” Everything I’ve made from your site has been fantastic. In the last week alone, I’ve made the Orange Meatballs and the Blueberry Cheesecake Pie. Thanks so much!
Thank you for all the time you spending bringing us delicious recipes. For quite awhile my husband would refer to anything yummy and new I made as being from “that blog” – because there was (and is) only one place I can consistently find the best recipes. The work you put into tweaking everything until perfection shows. I love trying new recipes but hate messing with flops so your blog is the best. It is fun hearing about your cute little family’s food adventures. (Little in size not number – I’ve got the same number just bigger kids.) I have been inspired to let mine help out in the kitchen a bit more. It would be a shame to send them out into the world unprepared, but at least I could count on them coming back if they are hungry, right? π Over the years you’ve brought lots of delicious meals and treats into our home. I totally think you deserve to “cash in” on your hard work, but if it is stressful, it is so not worth it. I personally hate sponsored posts – but ads are fine. Do whatever works for you. We are happy on this end. Anyway – you’re the best!
Love you and your real-ness (new word for ya). I pretend like we are best friends and that you and I can cook delicious foods to our hearts content, even if our kids and husbands will not touch the things we make. Thanks for doing all that you do Mel! <3
A big THANK YOU, Mel! Your recipes are so delicious, and they’ve helped to me branch out and try so many new things! My family now knows and trusts your recipes! We’ve yet to make something that wasn’t great. Thank you again for sharing with all of us from your kitchen (and life!)!
Loved this. So great to get a glimpse into who you are. Your blog is my go-to for “hey I have _____ ingredient, what should I make tonight?” or “I need a an enchilada/lasagna/chicken/etc recipe I can trust”. So thanks.
Just want to add my word of thanks. Your blog is my favorite and I have never made anything we didn’t like. My children know you by name. As someone who makes a homemade meal every night, you have made a big impact on our family. Thank you!
You can tell you blog from the heart and not to get re posts,likes,etc. You always have the perfect mix of delicious-ness and personal life. I have yet to make a recipe I don’t love. Keep doing what your doing for the right reasons because it is perfect and I appreciate all your hard work. Thanks Mel!
My daughter’s and I love your blog and recipes (and have for years). I never comment or give you virtual pat on the back, but I’m a loyal reader and my family eats well because of you! Good job π
I have followed you from the beginning, along with many other food blogs. I never look at those anymore, yours is the one I keep coming back to! Thank you for all your hard work to make my life a little simpler. I’ve turned so many people to your blog, everyone knows when I make something delicious it’s from “Mel’s” π
Loyal reader here and I have turned many friends onto your blog. I am also a mom of 5 and stayed home with them for 17 yrs. Each one needs you in that special way only for a short amount of time. But… if you ever decide to write a cookbook I am totally buying it! Keep up the good work!
Not the best recipe I’ve ever made? Lemonies. Were more like like dry cakies with delicious lemon icing. I even undercooked them on a lower heat for less time. Not great!
Sorry!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have no idea how you keep up with it all, and I hope if it ever gets to be too much you reduce your posts vs stop altogether. My family loves any recipe I have made from your site. And three cheers for your strive for balance. I realized a long time ago that I had to let go of many career aspirations…which was fine since I really wanted to stay at home but we needed my income. It is more important for me to be there for my kids than working on some snazzy project. I just finished Pam Anderson’s book (the cooking Pam A lol not the Baywatch Pam A) with her two daughters and she talks about stepping away from her high profile cooking job to be with her daughters and the path her career then took. Being there for family is priceless…and with your blog you have helped countless others feed their families and establish memories – thank you!
Mel, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes despite all you have going on with your family and personal life. You honestly make my life so much easier and I trust your site more than any other! I’m so glad you are true to yourself and how you feel you should do things. I think you seem to be balancing your life very well, and you give me hope that I can do the same with my growing family! Thanks again π