So you guys may have noticed that along with my rapid decrease in blogging frequency, there’s been a lot less… well… food.
When I started this little blog’o'mine, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted it to be. I started reading style blogs a few years ago as a way to inspire my evolving post-college wardrobe, but quickly realized I could never have one of those because a. I suck at taking pictures of myself and b. Brandon would never agree to being my personal photographer, nor would I want him to be. Also I just don’t think my style is anything groundbreaking.
Then I found healthy living blogs and I felt a kinship to many of them. I’ve always been into working out and eating healthy, and OMG I love peanut butter and oatmeal TOO! But… I also smoked for like 10 years and love nothing more than to take down a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and an entire frozen pizza on a Saturday night.
So after some soul searching and trying to find my “voice”, I decided I would start a cooking blog. I love to cook, always have, and eating healthier food was a big part of my triumphant pre-wedding weight loss where I discovered all kinds of new foods and cooking blogs that inspired me weekly, daily even. So like a bolt of lightening, it was decided: I would be a food blogger, but with a dash of fashion smattered here and there and whatever random thoughts that I should feel the need to share.
But lately… I’ve found myself uninspired. When I sit down to edit photos of sliced up veggies and bubbling casseroles, I feel “meh” about it. I still love to cook, but with life being a little busier these days, and trying to find my stride with a job change, I don’t have the same fervor I once had for rushing home to whip up a fabulous meal and snap a bajillion (that’s a technical term) photos of it. Instead, I’ve found myself sitting down to type, and just wanting to, well, talk. When all is said and done, I think my favorite parts about blogging are the times when I get to spill my guts to all of you, and hear your thoughts. I feel like I’ve found my “people” and I can be myself. I’m not saying I’m never going to post another recipe ever again, but I think I need to embrace the shift. I hope that you guys will still come back and indulge me in my ramblings about life and whatnot (another technical term), and don’t worry, I promise I’ll still share all my favorite crockpot recipes with you. Who am I to deny true love?
What’s your favorite part of reading and/or writing a blog?
May 2, 2012 at 9:49 am
Definitely the interaction with other bloggers/readers – I tried to keep my blog 100% food-focused and it’s not that easy – since there’s more to life than food.
May 2, 2012 at 9:51 am
Everybody always stresses about finding “their voice,” but unless you’re blogging to fit someone’s niche or become big and famous, shouldn’t you just write in “your voice” anyway? I blog because I like the conversations and connections and not because I think someone wants me to write about something.
I’m burned out on blogs trying to “be” something new or fake instead of just being themselves. Yours is one of the few that I read simply because I love you for you, whether it’s writing about food, fashion or that cute-ass dog you have. To be honest, the food was the last thing I concerned myself with
May 2, 2012 at 4:54 pm
I think that was my trouble in getting started (the whole “voice” thing) but once I did I felt myself gravitate to a style that felt natural. Now that I’ve got a little over a year under my belt, I feel like I need to make sure that I’m writing what I want to write,not what I think I “should” write. And I love YOU for YOU
May 2, 2012 at 10:03 am
I love this! I think your blog should be whatever the heck YOU want it to be. Sometimes bloggers get all wrapped up in who is reading and what they think and we stop doing what makes us happy. And isn’t that the reason we all started blogging in the first place — because it makes us happy?! I’ll still be here to listen to your ramblings–even if it’s at 1am on a work night when I’ve finally made it to my bed and am too tired to think of something witty to put in the comments
May 2, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I hate when I can’t think of something witty to say. At least your crazy tax season is over!!
May 2, 2012 at 10:11 am
I love this.
I think yo should feel free to write whatever you want to. After all, your blog is about you. It should be focused on what you want to talk about. That is how I feel too. I get much more satisfaction from blogging and having an outlet when I talk about my life. I love reading blogs where I find out more about a person than just recipes. 
May 2, 2012 at 10:15 am
Interacting with other bloggers. I prefer the smaller blogs where the writer actually cares about their readers. The big bloggers who only care about page views and blog for a living are ones I tend to stay away from. Only so many pics of carrot sticks and oatmeal I can handle. Plus they rarely respond to comments & if they do, it’s only to those readers they know in person.
I think one of the reasons I like your blog so much is because your post frequency isn’t heavy & overbearing (posting 3x per day is unnecessary, IMO) and the content is HONEST and not forced. While I appreciate the recipes, the blog is your own and you’re free to write about what YOU want. That’s the point of blogging, isn’t it?
PS that mozz-stuffed chicken recipe has become a staple in our house – SO delicious
May 2, 2012 at 12:03 pm
DITTO.
May 2, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Thanks, Melissa, that means a lot! And I’m glad you liked the chicken, I think the best part is that is super freaking easy!
May 2, 2012 at 10:34 am
I agree with everyone else that interaction with others who share similar or very different opinions is important to me. But when reading blogs, I like honesty and genuine writing. Even when I can’t really relate to the blogger but feel that they are being themselves, I read…happily.
I, for one, am glad you are taking a newish direction with your blog because my favorite posts of yours are the ones where you talk about your life and the ups and the downs. But keep the recipes coming too please!
May 2, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Parita, you are so sweet. Thank you
And I agree- genuine writing is a must for me too.
May 2, 2012 at 10:36 am
I feel the same way. It’s my blog and I blog about what I want, when I want. I’m not trying to fit some kind of mold. I just use it as an outlet when I get really excited about something and want to shout it from the rooftops. Instead of climbing on the roof, I go to my blog. Sometimes it’s a recipe, or a book or show, but most of the time these days it’s makeup/shopping related. I know and accept that it’ll be forever changing. I know that I personally read your blog for you and your humorous writing style that I can relate to and keep coming back no matter what you want to write about
May 2, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Thanks Mila, and I love that the topics of your posts are always changing!
May 2, 2012 at 10:41 am
Nope, that’s it, you’ve lost me forever.
May 2, 2012 at 4:58 pm
pssshht. Whatever, you know you can’t quit me…
May 2, 2012 at 10:45 am
So you hook us in with recipes and now I just get random ramblings?! Kidding .. I love them. I always get a kick out of your blog posts! And love random ramblings. And pics of Mac!!
Love you!
May 2, 2012 at 4:59 pm
that’s right, the ol’ bait and switch! SUCKA!
May 2, 2012 at 11:09 am
ugh, I so agree with you.
honestly, the blogs that keep me reading are the ones that are DIFFERENT. I have no interest in cookie cutter blogs that are all replicas of each other. so, go on with yo bad, unique self.
I love it.
May 2, 2012 at 4:59 pm
It’s funny bc I totally agree with you, so why do I worry about my own blog being “right or wrong”? Oh, life’s mysteries… xo
May 2, 2012 at 11:27 am
Ha! I’m in the same situation. Blogging hasn’t held the same appeal as of late. There is a lot I want to say and share, but it’s more just me babbling and I’m not sure how that will be received..or if I even care!
I enjoy your mix of blog posts and I’ll keep reading ..in fact the more you just verbally vomit, the happier I’ll be…how’s that for ya?
May 2, 2012 at 11:50 am
Honestly, I read your blog because I think you’re awesome. You could post about nothing but your dog (omg please do that!) and I would still read. I like the blogs where people are just themselves, and make no apologies for it. I want to feel like there’s an actual person on the other side of the screen that I would get along with if we met in real life. When it stops feeling that way, I stop reading because it just seems like a waste of time.
May 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm
I totally agree. Now you just need to trek down from the Great White North so we CAN hang out some day
May 2, 2012 at 11:53 am
I definitely like how, over the past few years, blog “lines” have blurred. When I started up my blog as a “running” blog only, I feel it only took a few weeks to realize that even I was getting bored with talking about it. It seems natural for it to evolve into something else. Obviously we’re still here listening… so go ‘head, girl!
xoxo
May 2, 2012 at 5:01 pm
I totally agree, I like that you don’t have to stay in one “box”. I like LOTS of boxes!
May 2, 2012 at 11:56 am
I dont have a blog yet, but I love to read all different types of blogs too. It is cool to see how creative everyone is, from cooking, exercise, and fashion. You got a great blog and Im getting ready to sign up for the Birchbox, they sent my invite THANKS TO YOU, where I first learned about them.
May 2, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Thank you Shellie! And I hope you like Birchbox, at least you get to open your own little present each month
May 2, 2012 at 11:57 am
I almost always read a blog because of the person writing it. I say write what you want to write! I went through the same thing as you a while back.
May 2, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Great post! At first I tried to stick to a blogging schedule but have more fun just writing whatever ‘inspires’ me that day. I do find the recipe/food posts to take the most time!
May 2, 2012 at 5:02 pm
SO much time!
May 2, 2012 at 12:25 pm
All I can say is don’t stop telling us about the wine. We must always have the winez.
May 2, 2012 at 5:03 pm
oh please, girl. You know some things will never change
May 2, 2012 at 12:40 pm
That happened to me, so, I feel ya. I did this giveaway on my blog last summer when I was still posting fairly regularly, and after that I just thought wow, this is NOT for me. I started my blog as a way to keep in touch with family and friends, it evolved into a HLB, then I tried to de-evolve back to my original blog, but it just felt too late for that. Too many people know about it, you know? Not that I’m famous (hah) but just too many people for me, the introvert. Anyway, I love your blog, not because you provide some service, but because you seem so genuine and you’re funny. The great recipes are a bonus and many have become staples for us here. Whatever you do, I’ll still read
May 2, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Thanks, Marie, you are so sweet
May 2, 2012 at 1:23 pm
I’ve always enjoyed your writing style. It’s a bonus that I also like food, but I’m sure your best writing will come from whatever moves you. Keep it comin’ sista, whatever “it” may be.
May 2, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Thanks, Tiff! And I think that’s what made me decide to address it. I want to stay inspired instead of just start to dread writing and slowly just stop blogging altogether.
May 2, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I read your blog because you’re my lady lover and we’ll forever be sister wives. You can write about whatever you want, I’ll be here.
Oh, and my blog is never the same, one week it’s all emotional rambles, then 500 restaurant reviews, then 2,000 pictures of random booze and stories to match. It’s whatever
May 2, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I thoroughly enjoy your schizophrenia and wouldn’t have you any other way <3
May 2, 2012 at 2:13 pm
I’d read even if you didn’t post recipes (though I do value those). I like your writing style and have always enjoyed more lifestyle type blogs. I’m actually pretty new to cooking/recipe and healthy living blogs.
My favorite part of reading and writing is actually getting to know people and seeing how they change and grow. I’ve been blogging 10+ years and gotten to know a lot of people through my blog and through their blogs. I also get to see how someone goes from a single guy, to in a relationship, to married, to kids. Etc.
May 2, 2012 at 5:05 pm
You really do get to know people way more than I ever thought I would. It’s nice to feel like you’re part of a “community”
May 2, 2012 at 2:27 pm
…love nothing more than to take down a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and an entire frozen pizza on a Saturday night…
Twins, Basil. Twins.
May 3, 2012 at 8:52 am
I heart you so much for the AP reference <3
May 2, 2012 at 3:04 pm
I can really relate to this right now girl. I’m kinda feelin’ the same way, with everything going on in my life right now it’s definitely hard to get the energy/desire to cook AND blog about it as often as I used to. I feel like I’ve been doing alot more going out / eating out type posts too since that’s what has started to evolve with my life changing as well. I’ve decided to roll with it – and definitely think you should too. You know we’ll still be here reading your crazy funny words on the regular!
Oh and ps, I feel ya on the wine/pizza thang anddddd guess who else smoked for upwards of 7 years (believe it!)… whoops.
May 3, 2012 at 8:53 am
It’s always so crazy when you find out people smoked. I never would have thought you did!
May 2, 2012 at 4:47 pm
I think we all go through this shift. It took me a couple years, but I finally realized that I want to write about, well, whatever it is I feel like writing about. And for some odd reason I’ve found people who want to read it! Althought it feels like all my fave bloggers are going through some sort of slump or transition….maybe all of our cycles synced up or something. That happens to lady friends.
Write whatever you want, sistah friend. I’ll read it with pleasure!
PS saw a comment somewhere else…you’re reading 50 shades?!?!?!?! Please email me if you want to to talk about it. I need to talk about it.
May 2, 2012 at 5:52 pm
I would worry if your blog didn’t change over the years because it would mean that you haven’t changed and that’s just not normal. Your blog is never boring and I like coming here not knowing what I’m going to get. It could be a recipe, it could be an outfit, it could be you just talking about your day. You keep it interesting and YOU are interesting so just keep doing what you’re doing Jess!
May 3, 2012 at 8:53 am
thanks, Nibs. <3
May 2, 2012 at 10:50 pm
I think as long as you’re being YOU, then it shouldn’t matter
I love reading whatever it is that people are really passionate about! That will totally shine through!
May 3, 2012 at 7:00 am
I love reading your blog. I wasnt around in the very start of it but were about the same age and I can relate to a lot of your blog now. So I’ll keep coming back to read
May 3, 2012 at 8:55 am
It really is the best when you see someone going through similar life changes/experience/whatever as you and feel like you can completely relate, I totally agree.
May 3, 2012 at 7:45 am
I’m with you – the best part about blogging is the community you form and the friends you find. Getting to know everyone is a really enlightening experience, and when it comes down to it, THAT is what keeps people coming back. Not particulars, but the person behind those particulars. Your blog will continue to be awesome no matter what you write!
May 3, 2012 at 8:55 am
Thanks, girl
May 3, 2012 at 11:02 am
I agree that it’s the people that keep me around. I’ve been blogging less with outlets like Instagram to post my pics on. But I love your blog, so I’m glad you’re going to stick it out.
May 3, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Shift away. I think keeping yourself in one category can somehow be setting yourself up for failure if you’re not diehard about it. I seriously don’t know how some people most about the same thing over and over and over again.
You know I love my food but sometimes I look at my pictures and feel exactly how you do meh and hav no inspiration to write.
May 4, 2012 at 9:59 am
I also started my blog talking about food but then realized I like to make fun of my husband and child way more…some may say I’ve found my “voice.” So glad that you have too and frankly, I love your writing style. So anything you write? I’ll be here to read.