Guess what today is?!** 10 years – a whole entire decade – of blogging. That breaks down into 6,844 posts, over 365,000 comments, and a gazillon photos.
Girl Kath from 2008!
I think at most I have missed a handful of days of posts all these years. Some of you guys have been reading since the very beginning, and some of you remember more details about my own life than I do! Some of you might be new! If you are, this is how it all began:
I started blogging in March of 2006 at Calorie King as I set out to lose 30 pounds. A year and a half later, at the request of family and friends, I decided to start a photo blog of my recipes and meals. I began writing at Blogspot in September 2007 under the title Sweat, Eat, Sleep, Repeat, which then was rebranded and moved to WordPress less than a year later, and finally to my own domain, KathEats.com. You can visit the original blog, which is still live in all its blurry, dark photo glory.
After working in public relations for a few years, I went back to school to become a Registered Dietitian in 2008. Read some of my nutrition-focused posts on this page! For five years, I blogged three times a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can see highlights of years of blogging this page. In addition to food, recipes and life recaps, I have pages on oatmeal, blogger events, travel across the world, races, home organization, photography, blogging and groceries.
After my son was born, I slipped back to blogging once a day, and then in January 2013 I switched my format from diary style to topics with slices of life here and there.
A lot has changed over the past decade, and in many ways I feel like a totally different person. I look back at old posts and barely remember what it felt like to be the girl behind the screen. When I read old posts it’s almost as if I’m reading about someone else’s life. You can read a post I wrote about comparing old and new me here.
I thought in honor of 10 years, I would pick 10 posts that were notable, memorable or otherwise favorites of mine throughout the years. When I set out to choose 10, many more posts came to mind, but a narrowed them down to 13 – half of 26 – which if you have been a follower for a hot minute you know is very significant. I have all but one year covered too, which seems fitting!
My first brand trip with Quaker // November 2008
This trip was the first time I brand had invited me to travel – expenses paid – to learn more about them. How fitting that it was Quaker?! Jokingly known as the Queen of Oatmeal on those days, I was thrilled to get to go behind the scenes of my favorite food. I still love partnering with Quaker 10 years later!
A trip to Kenya with Lipton Tea // March 2009
I think this trip remains the coolest opportunity I have ever gotten through KERF. I spent six days traveling during my spring break to Kericho, Kenya to tour some of Lipton’s tea estates. I was chosen by Foodbuzz for the trip and had three weeks to prepare. It was an incredible experience that I will never forgot! While there, I planted a tree. I wonder what it’s doing now!? Other notable travel posts are on this page : ) I always think about how much I loved this day in wine country with blogger friends, and our trip to St. Lucia was one of my favorites to share!
The Healthy Living Summit // August 2009
Way back when, a group of fellow blog friends and I started talking about how cool it would be to gather in person. And what if we had 100 blog readers join us for a fun weekend in a big city? The Healthy Living Summit was born, and we spent hours and hours planning a fun weekend for 100 digital friends. We did a second annual summit the following year and then passed the torch on to another group. Those were the days!
My One And Only Half Marathon // April 2010
This was definitely my favorite race of the dozen or so I did back in the early days, mostly because it was the longest and took the most training and planning! I had hoped to run a marathon next, but my foot issues had me benched for the weeks to come and I realized that 26.2 was just not ever going to be in my cards. So I switched to other forms of foot torture – like soccer ; )
Passing the RD Exam // August 2010
Obviously this was a big moment in time for me!! I spent the 2.5 years prior working towards passing this test. Funny how none of my nutrition school posts made it on as favorites ; ) That internship was grueling, and I was SO HAPPY to have reached my goal! My life as an RD looks a lot different than I thought it would when I set out to go back to school in 2008, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Being published in Oprah Magazine // February 2011
While there is nothing particularly dramatic about that post, this accomplishment always comes to mind when people ask me about the cool opportunities I’ve gotten through the blog. While going ON the Oprah Show would certainly have been a lot more exciting, the show had already gone off the air, so I was very happy to have my oatmeal recipe published in Oprah’s magazine. It was my favorite freelance project to date!
Great Harvest Opening Day // June 2011
I remember what an exciting day it was to actually have an open bakery store front! We had lines out the door, and we sold out of most of our products that day. It was an exhausting, emotional time, but also one filled with celebration because our bakery had been such a long time coming.
Mazen’s Birth Announcement + Birth Story // September 2012
This ranks as the most exciting post I have ever put up! Of course my life dramatically changed when he was born, and I couldn’t wait to share the news with you all. Mazen’s birth month marked my highest ever pageviews and traffic. I think many of you were refreshing the blog every minute for a week to see if he had been born! Those newborn days are some of the most precious posts I have too because I wrote them as much for me to re-read as I did to share with you all.
The Squiggly Line Effect // March 2013
While this wasn’t the first time I had brought up this concept, when I think back on all of my nutrition posts this one comes to mind as the most memorable. It’s my nutrition catch phrase! I should have it on a t-shirt. What goes up must come down!
Crate and Barrel Brunch // December 2015
I wanted to include a brand partnership in the bunch, and when I think back on all of my sponsored posts, this one with Crate and Barrel always comes to mind as the one I am most proud of because of the the time and planning that went into creating the whole post, including the video. Videos are HARD, and while it’s by no means professional looking, I thought it turned out really cute. Also: a Crate and Barrel shopping spree was involved, and that was just plain fun!
Visiting the White House // March 2016
I almost forgot about this but I think it deserves a spot in this list! Getting a personal invitation to the White House alone was exciting, but to hear Michelle Obama speak was something I’ll never forget.
Things I’m Afraid To Tell You // January 2017
This post comes to mind as one that was particularly memorable to me because I was in such a vulnerable state when I wrote it. I loved the prompt from The Lively Show, and when I listened to her podcast I knew I had to be more open with you guys. Thomas and I had been dating for a while, but I didn’t feel comfortable writing about him for the longest time. I was starting to feel like I was hiding such a big part of my life, and I knew I had to share more. The post received so many lovely comments, and I was so glad to have written it! It was one of my most emotional posts to date. Announcing our engagement was also a really noteworthy post for me, and I hope sharing some wedding pics will be too!
I want to say thank you to all of you, because without you there would be no KERF! I am humbled that anyone is still reading this blog a decade later, but also so very, very thankful. Here’s to 10 more years!
**You made it to the end! Actually my real blogiversary is August 29, but I decided in this post to make it September 1 for the future!
Heather R says
CONGRATS!!! So proud of all you have done. I knew I had been ready for awhile, but I didn’t realize how long. Many years to come.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy 10th blogiversary! What an achievement, you’ve done so much and built such a great platform! Keep it going!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Nancy LaRoche says
Congratulations on ten great years! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and daily life with us so freely!
Barbara Younger says
Congratulations! I am so proud of all you have accomplished with KERF!!
KathEats says
Thanks, first reader!!
Louise RD says
Congrats on conquering a decade’s worth of blogs! Still, by far, my favorite blog site- keep up the good work!!
KathEats says
Thank you : )
Tonya says
Congratulations, Kath! You definitely took control of your life and made it what you wanted. Here’s to many more years of just that. Be it with blogging or whatever the future holds!
Ann Duncan says
10 more years!!! 🙂
Katie says
Woah! Time flies! Congrats! Your post about you & Thomas was one of my favorites!
Linda @ the Fitty says
Happy blogiversary, Kath! The girl Kath version of you looks SO YOUNG!
KathEats says
She was 10 years younger!
Laurie says
I’ve been reading from the beginning! Congratulations on 10 years! I started reading when I was living in Taiwan and you were the first blog I went to when I lived in Kenya. Actually, I’ve taken you to many, many countries over the past 10 years!!
KathEats says
So cool!!!!
Carrie this fit chick says
This is crazy! Congrats on 10 years! I’ve been reading for 6!
Sian says
What an achievement, congratulations Kath! I’ve Been reading since 2010 (in Sydney, Australia) and love your positivity, honesty and commitment to good health…excited for what lies ahead in your future posts!
Kori says
I’m still in awe of all that you’ve accomplished, and you truly were the reason I started writing my blog! I love your platform, messages, and appreciate the help you’ve given me at times. Congratulations, and I look forward to hearing about your magical wedding later this year! Cheers to many more years of blogging!
Anne @ fANNEtastic food says
What a fun trip down memory lane! Thank you for inspiring so many of us to follow in your footsteps – not just with blogging, but becoming an RD, too! I know your blog definitely played a role in my decisions to do both – and I’m so thankful to you for that. Also – can’t wait to see you tomorrow 🙂 xo
Janet says
Congrats on the 10 years. I didn’t realize I had been reading as long as I have. Probably joined in around late 2009. Enjoyed the changes over the years. Just like life, we change with our seasons.
Christina @ montessoriishmom.com says
Congratulations!! Yours is the first blog I started reading, many years ago, and is still one of my favorites!
Diana says
Aww so many fun memories! Thanks for sharing your world with us, Kath. It’s been fun getting to know you. You and your blog have inspired me to be a better, healthier person. 🙂
Kaci says
Love! Congrats!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
Thanks for inspiring us every day and every year! Also for inspiring RDs they can make their own way and share a great message!
Katie says
Wow, 10 years, that’s amazing! I haven’t been around since the very beginning but for a LOT of it. It’s been fun to read and watch as you evolve. You were a big reason I started blogging over 6 years ago and I’m not still on the same blog as I was back then and haven’t grown mine nearly to the same place, it’s still fun to think back to those early days.
Heather says
Congratulations on your anniversary! I have been reading since 2008 and love how you keep sharing through all the changes :). Here’s to 10 more!
Nathalie says
Wow, congratulations! 🙂 I have been reading your blog almost daily since about 6 years. Thank you so much for sharing parts of your life (and lots of delicious recipes) with all of us! Your blog inspired me to go back to school to become a registered dietitian as well and I am very grateful for that. Also, I couldn’t live without your banana oatmeal for breakfast. 🙂
Erin m. says
Congratulations!! I’ve been reading from the beginning and love the format of the blog!
Sharon says
Congratulations Kath! I have been reading your blog for the past 6 to 7 years. I am from New Zealand and enjoy reading your informative posts on food and nutrition as well as seeing parts of another beautiful country and lifestyle! Also congrats on your upcoming wedding. I think you and Thomas are a lovely couple and it shows how much you care for and respect each other and Mazen in your extended family.
Karen D says
~~***CONGRATULATIONS!!!***~~ I can’t believe I’ve been reading KERF for 10 years–and I can’t believe I was reading you on blogspot prior to KERF. Where has the time gone??
Thank you for sharing your stories. Your life, the ups & downs and everywhere in between has been quite a journey for all of us, and I’ve long admired your strength and perseverance through it all. I was inspired in your early years and have appreciated your vulnerability and candor in the later years, and I wish you many happy years to come!
Sam @ G & G Nutrition Co. says
Happy anniversary!
I remember coming across your blog, maybe in 2011?, as I was starting the journey to go back to school to become an RD. It seemed like an impossible journey at the time and I enjoyed reading your post about becoming an RD!
jamie r says
I’ve been reading since about 2011 and think your blog is always interesting, inspiring, friendly and warm 🙂 thanks for keeping it up all these years!!
heather says
Happy Anniversary!! Cant wait to see what the future holds 🙂
Rosie says
Congratulations Kath! I began reading in 2009 so not quite from the beginning but pretty darn close! I always enjoy coming back to your site and I’ve always thought you, your family and friends just exude what I think of as “the South”. I love it. Happy anniversary and heres to many more successful and happy years for you.
Karen H says
Congrats and thank you! I have learned a lot about nutrition, technology, other cool websites, and enjoying life from your blog wasn’t a reader at the beginning, I’m so glad I found you about 7 years ago!
Julie says
Happy 10 year anniversary! I’ve been enjoying your blog for 8 of those years, I still look forward to reading your posts every day!
Ann says
Congratulations! You are an inspiration to us all.
KathEats says
Thank you all SO MUCH for your kind words and loyalty all these years!!
Tracy says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Such a proud achievement for you. And you’re still going strong! I’ve been reading almost from the very beginning. Yours was my the very first blog I ever starting reading and remains my favorite today 🙂
As a long long time reader, this was such a fun post to read! I read through all the linked posts… a fun walk down memory lane. Please keep the greatness coming! I love your current format and I’m so excited to see where you head. (I’m also super excited for wedding posts this fall! I’m a romantic at heart and so happy for you and your family <3 )
Jeanie says
Happy anniversary! So many accomplishments. Blogging has been good to you.
Jessica says
i wish you had included your divorce post. that was the most truly honest and well-written post i have ever read here.
Lauri says
Thank you for sharing your life, love, and everything in-between the past 10 years. I read your blog daily and hope to continue another 10. Congrats!
Diana Lopes says
10 years?! Wow! Congratulations on your blogging anniversary and may more awesome posts come in the many years to come!
Erika says
Kath!! Happy 10 years of blogging! I’ve been reading since 2009 and have loved following your journey. Because of your special corner of the internet, you helped spread the word of Wild Friends in the very early days! For that, I will be forever grateful. <3 Thank you for sharing your life with all of us readers. Hugs!!
-Erika
KathEats says
Aw thanks for stopping by Erika!
Amanda says
I’ve been with you since almost the beginning. Your first brand trip with Quaker was when I started reading KERF! Leslie Goldman “introduced” me to you and your blog, and I’ve been a loyal reader ever since. Congrats on the milestone!
Han says
Congratulations!!! I have read and adored KERF for 8-10 years! I cannot believe 10 years has gone by. I miss some aspects of years past about your blog, but I wish you the best for the future! I was one to refresh to see if Baby Mazen was born! I have adopted some of your recipes as my favorites – including your salmon.
(I strayed away from blog following a few years ago to spend my time better with people in my life and to better adept my dietary needs. Also, I thoroughly enjoy lusting after your bread and cheese plates, etc, but am to follow a gluten free and dairy free lifestyle at present.) Thanks for all the memories!!!