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Blended and Frothed

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Smoothie in a bowl 🙂

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A frozen banana, a cup of milk and a quarter cup of oats – blended up and topped with Hemp Plus granola and Wild Squirrel PB.

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Have a great day!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle@PeachyPalate says

    Loving the smoothie in the bowl; have on just like it! 🙂 Random question…do you freeze bananas or is it something you can buy frozen in America?

        • Jen says

          I thought this was a silly question at first, but then I realized that they sell other frozen fruits – berries, mangos, peaches- so really, it’s not silly!

            • Meredith says

              I’ve definitely bought frozen bananas at Costco before (I’m in Canada) in a strawberry-banana mix.. definitely not a stupid question!

              • Michelle (Peachy Palate) says

                I’m so jealous of you being in Canada! Not just because of the frozen bananas..I just loved Canada when I was there! 🙂

  2. Cait @ Beyond Bananas says

    I love blending oats into smoothies! It gives a great texture! 🙂 Have a good day!

  4. Jessica / Green Skies and Sugar Trips says

    I LOVE oats in smoothies!!!! I’ve been drinking them for a few years and it never gets old! ‘
    Love them 😀

    • Sarah says

      How does the texture change when you blend oats into a smoothie vs. without oats? Is it really noticable?

      • KathEats says

        It’s more of a flavor than a texture, although I’d say it’s slightly thicker with the oats. It’s doughier in taste!

  6. Melissa @ HerGreenLife says

    Brrr! Still haven’t warmed up this morning — just reading “frozen banana” makes me shiver. I’m headed for a big hot bowl of oatmeal now 🙂

  7. Roxanne says

    Love the snowflake placemat.
    Your bowl is too cute!
    My kitchen is almost ready, this week the dry wall is being put back up in the ceiling and the tub surround is being barker boarded up and we will be able to use the kitchen and bathroom the first time in two weeks. I am tired of cold cereal, I am used to eating oatmeal throughout the winter months. And I miss it!

  8. The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says

    I saw those bowls at Sur La Table (or very similar). I want to grab one or two of ’em and I believe they’re having a sale right now. Look at that, you talked me into buying something and you didn’t even know it! 😉

  9. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    Bananas are a staple in my smoothies too. I can’t remember the last time I ate one that wasn’t frozen!

  10. Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says

    I really like those towels in the background! They really go very well together 😀

  11. Her Sunday says

    I should remember never to look at your blog when I’m sitting at work with no food! Lol. Everything always looks so dang good!

  13. Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says

    Just lovely! I had a tofu scramble, then a post work out smoothie. Yours looks better, more like dessert!

  14. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says

    this is making me want a smoothie! I haven’t made one since it started getting cold in September!

  15. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

    Such a great combo of a smoothie and overnight oats – I have made a smoatie in way too long!

  16. Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says

    Smoothie in a bowl…and not just any bowl… it looks so regal and extra special with the spoon! Love it!

  21. Kim says

    Such a boring post, why even bother anymore??

    I’m officially done with your blog, unsubscribing the second after i click submit on this.

      • Kelly says

        I’ve been wondering this, too. Your blog doesn’t contribute anything anymore. Why? You have the education and knowledge to provide so much to the community. I don’t understand why you continue to think that everyone is interested in what you put in your mouth. All the other healthy living bloggers contribute something – take Caitlin’s blog as a good example. Even Emily, with a newborn, provides better posts than you do. It’s an insult to your readers – longtime readers – and I would think to yourself, given you likely have a lot to give back, considering your education and experience. I’m not really trying to be critical, just curious.

        • Nik says

          I’ve read KERF for a couple of years now and I have to agree as well. Not even going into comparing to other bloggers because to each their own but when something like this is your job, and money goes into your pocket because of your readers it would be nice to see some content. :/

            • Andi says

              Too little, too late, sorry Kath. You used to be one of my favorite reads, and I’ve been reading since at least 2010, but I can’t remember the last time I visited recently before today. I was hoping maybe something interesting had popped up–but low and behold, just more pictures of the same food you eat on rotation every week (nothing wrong with that…it’s just, well..boring). One project that’s still a few weeks coming, when I literally can’t remember the last time you had real content isn’t really trying anymore. Sorry, I’m done.

    • Lauren says

      Have to agree as well. I don’t claim to have an interesting life, but that’s why I don’t have a blog.

      • Marybeth says

        Totally with you on this one. I wish I could take 4 different pictures of a bowl and make money. Where’s the content???? So boring. Done.

        • Larbs says

          I think everyone is allowed to have an off day. I had a migraine last night and published a boring post. It happens.

          • beth says

            But this isn’t a one time thing. I think that’s the point people are trying to make. It’s an every morning thing. Maybe scaling back on the number of posts but making them more interesting? Maybe moving onto something else you are an expert in, like nutrition, and writing about that?

            I too was a reader and have dropped off checking in here. “See ya” is all well and good, but you could also keep your finger on the pulse of what your readers and interested in.

            • KathEats says

              I think you guys just need to find a new blog to read! Tons of readers are still here emailing me everyday about how inspiring this blog is. It has always been intended to be a “what I ate” diary – showing people how to live a healthy life through the lens of real food with sidebars on other topics. I would rather you find a blog that fits with your goals than stick around here unfulfilled, but I’m not going to change my format since there are thousands of people who like it this way and it’s worked for me for 4+ years.

              • Meaghann says

                As a RD, my opinion is maybe you could add additional content to your breakfast posts (if you want to keep them and the “what I ate” diary) like choosing one component and describing why YOU choose it. For example: Hemp Plus because it’s fair trade, or the benefits to consuming hemp to you are xyz. This would also be a smart way to showcase the credentials you worked so hard for and also give people insight into WHY you choose to eat the foods you do (not just WHAT) you ate.
                I do think that people are expressing their opinions because they expect more from a HLB. Not a bad thing-you just have to keep up with the competition that is Healthy Living Blogging. Are you up for the challenge? Then please show us.

                • Nik says

                  Yeah it’s sad to see somebody who is clearly very intelligent not want to change or listen to other readers just because you’re benefitting anyways. Thanks for your answers, Kath.

                • Emily G. @ from my messy desk says

                  I think posting why she chose to eat what she did would get a bit repetitive. Like someone earlier said – her breakfast items are pretty much the same weekly (which is fine with me – I’m NOT complaining). Telling me the benefits of eating hemp a couple times a week would be boring.

                  To be honest – when I view the morning post, I’m here for the photos. I’m half awake and just skim the post. The photos are gorgeous and they really brighten my morning (I am NOTTTTT a morning person). There are only so many ways you can make overnight oats or pancakes but I like to see the toppings and different combos she uses. I don’t want a lot of content to comprehend so early. Plus – what exactly can she say in the morning? She just woke up – her day hasn’t even started!! All she has to report is what she ate. I’m really interested in the lunches and dinner. By this time the day is in full swing. And the lunches and dinners typically aren’t repeats (unless they’re leftover).

                  Kath – I enjoy what you do. Keep up the good work!

                  • Meaghann says

                    I don’t think that the issue was breakfast-I believe it is a larger issue that readers just want more content. Obviously I was not suggesting posting the benefits of hemp every morning if that’s what you choose to eat (this would be just as redundant as what commenters are complaining of now) the pictures are pretty and I do think add to the feel of the blog. It’s more depth that I think a lot of readers are requesting.

                  • Katherina says

                    It would be easy enough to prewrite a post with actual content and then just include the morning breakfast. That might be a little too much effort though.
                    There are work hours and then there are the hours that Kath puts into the blog. Feels like this blog gets no more than 2 hours of her time a day. The photos are auto edited and she has to eat meals to survive. There is nothing special here.

                • Kelly says

                  I actually really like the idea of this. I don’t always want to eat the foods I see on a HLB (especially if it is something that is a regular staple on the blog), but knowing more of the hows and whys behind it is more engaging.

                  Your blog was one of the first I read (after Eat Like Me) when I was discovering healthy living blogs. At the time I was dieting and I appreciated the recipes on your blog. I still remember making Matt’s recipe for bagels and learning about baked oatmeal. But mostly, I could relate to the story of someone trying to balance a healthy lifestyle while working a corporate job.

                  I can understand wanting to be true to your blog vision and always believe that a blogger should have the ultimate control over their blog and not be a mouthpiece for whatever people want to hear. BUT by the same token I think to completely dismiss constructive criticism seems a bit sad, especially when making a business out of a blog is largely based on traffic and readership. I think a lot of people read blogs because they connect with the story of the blogger, but that connection can feel less than satisfying if it feels like that blogger isn’t interested in your perspective unless it is effusive praise.

                  Personally rather than looking at it from the perspective of “a lot of people are already happy and inspired” I’d see the feedback as an opportunity to potentially strengthen your relationship with many readers and possibly even broaden your readership base further. I think you’ve really grown in your photography so why not in other areas as well?

              • Greta says

                Wow, way to bite the hand that feeds you, Kath! You should be thankful that people have been coming back to your blog and reading it despite the fact that you’ve clearly been phoning it in for several months now. I’ve been reading since 2008, and have even caught up on even earlier posts and the content is dramatically different…aka, there isn’t any content now. Nothing of value to me, which is why I’ve been coming back sporadically – glad to see I haven’t missed anything. Just remember, folks, only the strong survive – especially in the competitive atmosphere that the blogworld is turning into. If she doesn’t make a change, eventually people WILL stop reading…errr, looking at pictures of oatmeal…and Kath will find herself back in the real world at a desk job.

      • Jodi says

        I think maybe the problem is posting at breakfast, lunch & dinner times. I can’t imagine coming up with interesting content 3 times a day.

        • jane says

          i agree with all of the commenters, but think it could have been done a little nicer. I just choose to skip the breakfast posts. once you have read one of Kath’s bfast posts you have read them all. i find the posts that are more intimate or informative much more interesting. a bowl of oatmeal? seen one seen them all… I am glad someone brought this up though because I have a list of blogs i read every am and i keep forgetting to read this one….

          • Kelly says

            It’s not just the breakfast posts. It’s EVERY post. That’s the point. And, if you have been a long time reader (2008 here), you will see how drastically the posts have deteriorated in content – and just overall enthusiasm. It seems a little more than an “off day”. Sad, especially since SO MANY people do look up to you, Kath, as an example of healthy living and eating – not to mention all the bloggers you’ve inspired to follow your blog as an example. A little does of humble pie and taking into account some constructive criticism may go a long way.

            • Tori says

              I totally agree! You take good pictures, Kath, and I enjoy many of your recipes but the content seems to have gotten a bit stale. I would love to read more about nutritional issues, information, etc. on occasion from the perspective of an RD. Other topics as well, that was just what came to mind first.

              I do hope you take these suggestions seriously and don’t think of everyone as just being mean or that we all need to go find another blog to read. Your blog is a business and if I was to go to a business such as a restaurant, for example, and critique something they provided me with I wouldn’t think they would ask me to go somewhere else!

              • Jules says

                I agree with the thread. I’m a long-time reader of your blog, Kath, but your recent posts have left me wanting more. And I would think, that from your perspective, that’s actually a good thing! I used to really look forward to reading your blog- which says something, I would think, about you and your perspective. I hope that you can bring back more content- the content that initially brought in the loyal readers you’re losing.

                • Katherina says

                  It is a good sign for her that enough people are here to complain instead of already abandoning as she suggested.

            • Jessica says

              I still like Kath’s blog very much but it HAS changed a ton content wise since 2008/9. Life changes, so do blogs, but there used to be much more insight, information and Kath’s personality in every post. It used to be a ton more than 4 pictures of a meal… there was Kath’s feelings about the food, how she felt before/during and after she ate it, what was planned ahead etc. However, that may not be a big part of her life anymore.

              Like the blog I do, but there is no denying it is much different. Evolution happens.

              • Tessa says

                I couldn’t agree more. Three sentences? This is what you do for a living! Put some effort into it!

                  • Jules says

                    I hope you feel better Kath, and I’m sorry to say this when you’re feeling under the weather, but the feedback that you’re receiving in response to this post (at least from my perspective) is not based solely on today’s post. Today’s post is merely indicative of a longer term shift.

                    • Jules says

                      PS- Kudos (sincerely) for not deleting this comment feed, as I’m sure some people may have expected of you. Cheers to open discourse!

                  • Katherina says

                    Actually mentioning you’re sick would be a part of healthy living… What are you doing to take care of yourself, you know? Being relatable is a huge part of a successful blog. And I hope you feel better.

    • Katie @ cooklaughmove says

      I have to stand up here and say I’d rather see a post with pictures and few words than a cheesy, forced, reptitive post. How many times can I read “this meal may look weird/gross/unusual but the flavors are delicious/yummy/nummy/spot-on,etc”

      Just keep being YOU through pictures, words, videos, whatever and you’ll have readers (new or long timers) that will enjoy you and your content!

  22. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    I need to start blending oats up in my smoothies. I use chia now, but it seems like oats would be creamier.

  26. Allison says

    I really want to make a smoothie for bfast one morning this week/end! Only problem is that I wake up before the sunrises during the week and I don’t think my fiancé or pup would be too happy with a blender as their unset alarm 😛 And don’t think they’d hold up well in the fridge/ would solidify in the freezer…

  27. Cat @Breakfast to Bed says

    My grocery store just started carrying kodiak cakes. I got so excited!! I know this is unrelated to your smoothie, but I’m a weiner.

    • Emily G. @ from my messy desk says

      I’m not sure if you have a Big Lots near you, but I found all of their mixes for right at $2/mix! I feel like I’ve been bamboozled paying $6+ per mix elsewhere! High prices of mixes are why I’ve been making my own lately!

  28. Susan (Oliepants) says

    This reminds me how much I miss blended oatmeal and that I need to freeze some bananas! 🙂

  29. Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says

    Food is always more enjoyable when presented in a gorgeous bowl!

  32. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

    When it comes to coffee or lattes or smoothies, the frothier and foamier the better for me!

  33. Sarah says

    I had the most depressing oats this morning, my husband picked out some chocolate oats with flax…and I mixed in PB thinking that would be brilliant and yield Reese’s style oats… I was sorely mistaken! Blech!

    Love this bowl by the way!

  34. Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says

    I recently tried oats in smoothies and love it! That is a wonderful bowl!

  35. Rachael @ FreshlyMinted says

    Forgive me. I have to RAVE about Wild Squirrel for a sec:

    I got the four-pack from Open Sky and LOVE the flavors! The texture of each one is different (and awesome) and the flavors are so unique. Who knew you could put pretzels or raisins in PB?!

    Thanks so much for introducing me to a new {healthy} addiction 🙂

  36. Laura @ She Eats Well says

    I love that bowl! And your pictures are so pretty and inspiring. Also, oats in my smoothie is a new favorite; love the texture!

  37. Jessica says

    Screw all the negative bs earlier in the comments, Kath. This post just inspired me to make a delicious and healthy smoothie for a snack later instead of processed, crappy junk food. LOVE your blog. I also love the posts you do on the bakery, keep ’em coming!

    • Felicia says

      I don’t think it’s fair to advise Kath to screw readers who disagree with her. The comments should be a source of critique as well as praise, right? The push in the blog world for everything to be positive-only is unrealistic and, honestly, kind of immature.

      It’s not BS to call Kath out on a post that has more photos than sentences. It’s just not. Posting only positive comments validates this behavior when years ago she was producing more, better content. In the real world, if your work is not up to par you are called on it and expected to improve. Why is it different for bloggers? What will happen if blogs become irrelevant and these ladies have to return to the workforce? It seems like they will be completely unprepared to receive criticism in a way that they can’t delete/ignore/pretend never happened.

      I like Kath but I do think that her current method of writing is insulting to readers.

      • Kat says

        I have to agree with Felicia. I used to read KERF daily but pulled her from my reader a few months ago after the content seemed to stop coming. There are any number of websites I can go to to look at pictures of food – I like to learn something from the blogs I read. I check in every now and again to see if anything interesting is going on, but it’s usually not.

        • Alice says

          I have to agree, listening to readers, customers, etc will ultimately preserve a business’ longevity. But maybe that’s not the goal here, totally fair but disappointing. I advise reading the criticism and just absorbing it. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it’s personal or requires an immediate reaction. That’s how I would advise my clients.

  38. Leah says

    I don’t take well to the comment Kath made about if you don’t like it, there are other blogs. Kath that SCREAMS arrogance, and to be blunt, very unprofessional behaviour. You have said yourself that this blog makes you enough to finance your house, go to Jamaica, build a new porch and other significant home renos most can only dream of. Is this how customers are treated when they have complaint at GH? How about a performance assessment an office job? Ofcourse not, we respond with GRATITUDE about constructive feedback and respond appropriately. Saying there’s the door is plain flippant and insulting.
    You may wish for us “difficult” readers to go away, but remember, readers are your customers and the customer is always right.

    • Jen says

      So, if your job was something you were passionate or interested in – but everyone hated or didn’t like what you liked, did, said or wanted – would you change what YOU like and what YOU value to suit your customer??? No, the customer is not always right. KERF is not a department store!! God, get real here people. If you wrote books for a living, would you start writing only what your readers demanded or wanted? Sure, it would please them and sell books – but you wouldn’t be happy. You should stick doing what you enjoy because in the end – it’s YOUR life to live. And you can’t please everyone. And you will find someone, a market, that DOES like and APPRECIATE what you like and have to offer.

      Don’t make this into something it’s not. A blog is not Kellogg’s coming up with the next flavor for cereal. If she did what everyone wanted her to do, then she’s faking out and just a robot.

        • Jen says

          Yeah! But you don’t get it – everybody’s job is different!!

          Would the CEO get fired from his job all the time? No! Not is it’s HIS business and his investment! Millions of people hate what Presidents’ have done with their jobs – even the “big”, real Presidents – Bush, Obama – but the former was voted in more than once and the second might be in a second time.

          Kathryn Stockett was rejected 60 times for her book “The Help” – did she stop because every editor hated it?? No, she stuck to what she wanted and believed in.

          God – there is really no getting through to you. I totally GET what you are saying yes. But the truth is – if you don’t like it, go elsewhere!! I hate the Kardashians and talk shows. I hate certain grocery stores and snotty service people at high-scale restaurants. Does that mean they should all get fired because I (and millions of others) hate them too?? NO, of course not! I’m really not that special! Because they still have thousands of others that do like what they do – even if it is wrong or boring.

          So instead I choose to not watch those shows and not go to those places I don’t like. I don’t sit there like a child and demand they do it my way. Grow up!!! There are thousands of other blogs out there! If you hate what she does – then just stop reading and stop paying her money.

      • Leah says

        Um if I want to pay my bills, then yes I would accept feedback and at least try to be open to it. So if I have a mortgage and my readers are paying it, they the customers (readers) are “right”, and I should do what I can to at least accept their feedback. Posting if you don’t like it, go elsewhere is offensive, whether you white knighter wants to believe it is or not.
        Besides, I have often found myself resistant to any change but sometimes pleasantly surprised to valuable feedback. What is life if we are continually learning? Seems unhealthy to me.

        • Jen says

          I am no white knight. I just have a life that involves more than dictating to someone what they should put on a blog. Maybe you should get a life too if something like this upsets you so much.

          • Amy says

            There is nothing wrong with readers who once felt a connection to Kath’s blog expressing their disappointment with this 3 sentence breakfast post. Nothing wrong at all.

          • Leah says

            I think you need to re-read my comment very carefully. I never told you to get a life, and I am not upset at all. I stand firmly by my opinion, now how about we stay on the subject at hand?

          • Anne says

            Your life does allow you to dictate how others should comment on blogs though? You seem to be the only one getting upset here

  39. Amy says

    I have to agree with the others. Kath, even you MUST recognize how wimpy/pathetic this post is. Amp it up. Oh wait, you don’t care what I think and want me to find another blog. Got it.

  40. greenbean says

    I’ve had very similar feelings for awhile now, but I don’t know why I keep returning. I genuinely like the blog, but I often feel disappointed when I check in for breakfast. That’s my bad I guess…I keep coming back. Perhaps I’ll just check in later in the day.

  41. Erin says

    Who could honestly come up with three posts, chock full of interesting content, each and every day? And who actually has the time to read three long posts each day? I know I don’t. She usually has fairly lengthy lunch and dinner posts. There hasn’t been time for anything to happen between dinner and breakfast. Skipping the breakfast posts sounds like the best idea for lots of folks.

    • Jessica says

      How about the people who don’t want to read the breakfast posts, dont? I know I enjoy reading the breakfast posts as much as I enjoy reading every post. I have been reading here for several years, yet still get inspired by her delicious and healthy breakfasts. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. Some of us do enjoy it.

      • Priscilla says

        Same! I love reading Kath’s breakfast posts and her blog’s the only one that I visit everyday and trusted to have posts daily. This is due to the fantastic pictures and the different toppings that she have for breakfast that inspire me to make my own. Breakfast has even been transformed from the meal that I often used to skip, to the one that I look forward the most!

      • Erin says

        I can definitely agree with that. I for sure wouldn’t want to have to post anything three times a day. Shoot, I wouldn’t want to do three times a week, but blogging is not my job. That being said, if she quit posting three times a day I would bet that there would be just as much negative feedback about that. I learned a long time ago that you can’t please everyone! 🙂

  43. Kate says

    I (sadly) agree with most of these negative comments as well.

    I read every single day – I don’t even know why anymore – maybe just habit? When you were setting up the Bakery, that was really interesting because I have never run a small business and every day there was different things happening in your life. Now that things have become more steady, it would be great to see a post on a specific topic with your thoughts and opinions – ie: how you reviewed the resort.

    One post that would be great, and very interesting from a reader perspective, would be on general blog management. How you decide what to post, when to post, how you deal with commenters, how much money you make from the blog and why, what things work and dont work, where the blog is headed in the future, long term goals etc. (here is an example – http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2012/01/why-i-blog-on-facebook.html). I also know that things can get harsh in the blog world – especially with GOMI threads about you every day. It would be nice to see a post addressing that negativity and how you deal with it.

    You give readers a play-by-play of your life every day, but more than any other blog I read, I cannot seem to relate to you because you do not post much if anything about your feelings/goals/hardships etc.

    For me your blog is like a book that starts out slow and I keep hoping it will get to the interesting part. Please use all of today’s comments to help you get to the interesting part!

    • Amy says

      “but more than any other blog I read, I cannot seem to relate to you because you do not post much if anything about your feelings/goals/hardships etc.” Very well said indeed.

      • Jessica says

        In regards to this: “but more than any other blog I read, I cannot seem to relate to you because you do not post much if anything about your feelings/goals/hardships etc.”, I agree so much that this is what Kath’s blog used to have and no longer does….
        However, I wonder if it has anything to do with the snarking that occurs at times on this blog. Surely it is difficult to have one’s personal life snarked about, but unfortunately its also part of putting yourself out to the internet public. A thick skin is often required, as is owning who/what you are even if others don’t like it.

        • Jen says

          Writing about yourself and your personal life can be really hard sometimes…I mean would you want to share all your thoughts, views and everyday life all the time?! I wouldn’t! And yeah you can argue that “this is her job” – but it’s not! A blog doesn’t mean you have to share all that stuff. There are hundreds of thousands of blogs devoted to other things.

          Otherwise, it becomes no different than the Kardashians letting everyone into their freaking life – it just becomes so invasive. Sharing a lot about yourself on line can be weird and also increase anxiety and feelings of restlessness. You come home at the end of the day and feel you have to check your computer to update stuff, read comments, respond to comments, respond to stuff said about you that was misconstrued…there’s no escaping it.

          I don’t think it’s right that readers want or “demand” that bloggers, such as Kath, give more posts about themselves and stuff. It’s not right. That opens yourself up to a lot of criticism – and even praise or so much “oh my gosh I love that” comments that you can’t distinguish what’s real or not. It’s just, well…fake. Sharing stuff about yourself should be with friends and family, not a whole wide internet. People are against posting info about where you live or pictures of your family and kids on line – so why would you expect bloggers to do that and more?

          • Leah says

            True being a blogger can take a bit of thick skin. Its like living like a celebrity but not being a celebrity. But the truth is… you can’t have it both ways. I would see this as downside of the “job”, but if it is causing a blogger grief, there is workopolis, I am sure a day job could be attained.

    • greenbean says

      I so agree. During the building of GH, the posts were awesome and so interesting!

      Now it’s just a post with too many pictures of either oatmeal, pancakes, and smoothies. It’s disappointing. I keep checking back for more interesting content but it never shows up.

      You obviously have great things to share, maybe you don’t think we would be interested in them, but I think they may liven up the blog a bit. cheers.

      • Katherina says

        It’s crazy because the business isn’t even a year old! There are Great Harvest posts to be written that readers would obviously love.

  44. kate says

    I’m impressed that you let these negative comments be seen.
    I hope you are not curled up in a ball crying like I picture you are.
    All this and the flu…what a crappy day.

    • Laura says

      I hope she isn’t as well! Because there’s been nothing mean said here. I agree with all of the points above, and I think they were expressed in a very respectful way. All of that ^ is exactly what is meant by *constructive* criticism. People are telling Kath honestly the reasons why they aren’t enjoying her blog as much anymore and offering suggestions for improvement. She can take them on board or not, it’s completely up to her, but I’ve read nothing that was negative just for negative’s sake. The very fact that people *want* reasons to come back and read is a compliment to Kath. There are thousands of other sites out there if one wants something to flick through on the net and yes, of course people could just as easily go and choose another one. But I really don’t think Kath wants all of her readers doing that, or she might as well just be writing a private journal at home. I have no patience with bullying and spite, whether it’s in person or conducted anonymously over the internet – and I include the comments sections of blogs in that, because unfortunately things have escalated to the point where people are afraid or unable to express genuine concern or have any kind of meaningful difference of opinion in the comments sections because they’re immediately jumped upon and dismissed as “haters”, which is often ridiculous, demeaning and very immature, or simply deleted by the blogger. There is a difference between trolling and leaving obnoxious, spiteful comments just because you can and are able to hide beyond a certain anonymity, and expressing a dissenting opinion or offering constructive criticism. Both of which can often lead to interesting discussions and changes for the better. If every single person came here and left a variation of the comment, “Hey, nice oatmeal”, it wouldn’t make for a very engaging community. And I assume that to engage with readers, and have readers engage with one another (and let’s face it, for other bloggers to advertise their own blogs), is the motivation behind the comments sections, since Kath doesn’t have to have them open.

      • Kate says

        Re: (and let’s face it, for other bloggers to advertise their own blogs)

        I think that it is an excellent observation! I couldnt help but notice that this is the first post in a long time where most of the comments were not from other bloggers. It makes me think that many readers who read Kath’s blog for personal enjoyment rather than free advertising, feel the same re: content.

        • Ali says

          AGREED. Would love to see more posts to get readers involved – not just bloggers looking for clicks. And I want to see that on THIS blog! I like your food, I like your photos, I’ve liked your video’s in the past. I don’t want to go “elsewhere” to be stimulated (even though I do, I read a lot of different blogs – not just food). I respect that what you have been doing has worked for 4+ years, and maybe that’s ok from the “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” or “reinventing the wheel” perspectives, but I see nothing wrong with subtle, or not so subtle, changes to make it more fresh and interesting! Ideas evolve, cars evolve, computers evolve, people evolve, and blogs should evolve too. I haven’t seen anyone yet who said they would leave because of more changes that made it more engaging.

        • Ann says

          AGREED. If you read the comments every day, the first people to post “OMG I JUST LOVE YOUR OATMEAL TODAY!!” are, in reality, just pimping out their own blogs by hoping someone will have the curiosity to click on their name and be reverted to their website. The irony is, most of these people post comments for Kath several times per day -some, every post!- yet we rarely see Kath give any of them a shout out on her blog like we see other bloggers do. On other sites, I see bloggers highlighting other bloggers’ sites – everyone has to start somewhere, right? – but none of that here. Kath is all about Kath and only Kath.

  45. KathEats says

    To all of you who have commented:

    To be honest, my pull back to more simple food posts was intentional. I was really getting uncomfortable with the amount of assumptions being made along with a daily desire to defend myself and decided to just share less of my life and re-focus KERF back on simple real food healthy meals rather than about my life. In an attempt for more privacy, perhaps I have become a bit more boring.

    We’ve obviously settled down a bit since my intense internship, the days before we owned a business of exploring Charlottesville by bike and the hectic days of opening that business, so I’m sorry if the lifestyle content in general is less entertaining.

    I’m not really sure where I want to go from here. I don’t want to morph KERF into a recipe-only blog and I really enjoy the journal format that it has been for four years. Yes, maybe oatmeal gets boring, but I have people email me every day that it has transformed their life, and breakfast remains my most visited post of the day, so I don’t think that part will change. Some of you have suggested that I shift this into a nutrition blog, but my passion has always been for living and celebrating back-to-basics healthy eating as it fits into life rather than micro-analyzing it or following the latest trends.

    Most bloggers get in ruts, and I must be in one now. But I am happy and busy with a variety of projects. Thanks for your feedback – I will give it some thought.

    • Jen says

      Hi Kath,

      I’m not going to get into it but we all evolve as the years go past. New interests and phases will come. A few years from now your focus may be somewhere else – maybe even not on a blog at all!

      Have you considered pulling back and just doing one post/day? Sometimes I find your evening posts the most ‘interesting’ because they can tell a little more about your day or feature more of a meal vs. just usual breakfast and lunch (because frankly who has time to come up with eating something new everyday? Simple is best and it’s important not to be so focused on food that it takes up most of your day). Maybe with just one post a day you could just highlight one meal if you like showcasing food or focus on something different or discussion wise – even something simple and fun! – like books or issues in the media. I don’t know – that’s just random lame ideas 🙂

      Either way, some bloggers, like ELR and OSG has cut back and only posts a few times a week now but she still has good quality content and it’s sensible because most readers are busy anyhow. She also has moved on to other pursuits and passions as well such as her cookbook work, etc. Not saying you should write a book(! hah it seems everyone jumps on that bandwagon), rather think about what you want in your future and what is meaningful in your life. Where you want to be in 5, 10 years.

      That’s my (non-sensical?) 2 cents.

      Either way, don’t let it get to you. Hey, if this is the worst thing that can stress you out in life – then you’ve got it pretty good right?! Some of us get reprimanded by our employers or co-workers in everyday life – face to face! That’s real life. And it sucks doesn’t it?

      • Jessica says

        Did you even read her comment? Breakfast is the most visited post of the day. Yet you want her to change her format and do one post a day. Yep, your 2 cents is non-sensical 🙂

        • Jen says

          Uh, yeah – I’m referring to all the comments above that also mimic that it’s the same post/foods over and over. Did you read those comments? I’m not here to argue or banter with juvenile behavior. Breakfast is probably the most popular post of the day because people probably have a few moments to read over breakfast or coffee and catch up. Then, they actually have to work, have kids, busy throughout the rest of the day so don’t have as much time.

          • greenbean says

            Yeah, I don’t think breakfast is the most enjoyed post, but it is perhaps the most visited. Those are two completely different things.

    • Amanda says

      As I read through your comments, I feel as if people have way to much time on their hands and are living their life through your life! At times, I felt as if you were also telling to much private information in your blog! I would not want the entire blog world wondering when I was going to be pregnant!

      I think you do a great job! I love the fact that this blog does not do hundreds of giveaways! I love the fact that you inspire me to eat healthy! There are so many things that I have tried because of you! Thank you for the amazing job that you do!

  47. Jillian says

    I typically just move on from something when I’m not interested in it anymore, and don’t necessarily voice my opinion unless its regarding a personal relationship or something of that sort, but I will admit that I agree with what everyone seems to be saying, in general. At this point, I have been reading purely out of habit, I suppose, and I haven’t voiced any opinions about the content because I’ve been aware of Kath’s stance – she doesn’t care what her current readers are looking for if its not what she’s already doing, and she’d rather that we go elsewhere than to mention it. I totally understand her not responding to overly mean comments, and to the people who “hate-read” her blog, but I haven’t been one of them- I’ve stood up for her many times, while simultaneously getting the feeling that she pretty much isn’t interested in any opinions because she’s already getting paid very well for posting what she does. I’m just taking this as a reminder that she’s right, considering that is her stance- if we don’t like the content or lack thereof, we should just move on and read something else. I have to commend you for being more mature than other bloggers that have faced the same criticism, Kath. That’s actually why I’ve continued to read- because, even if this is your stance, you don’t merely act like a brat when you receive criticism, and you don’t just immediately start deleting everything. CNC was the only other (supposed) HLB I followed for a while, until her behavior started to seem more obnoxious than anything. I did have the inclination to support you, but I’m sure you’ll do well enough without all of us extras, anyhow.
    Heres to everyone finding what they’re looking for 🙂

  48. Laura I. says

    I agree with the other commenters. I used to enjoy your blog, then got the point where I felt the content was too commercial (when you were raving about very expensive products you’d been given for review), and that jaded me about the blog, but I still read. Now that it’s mostly just a picture food diary, I have totally lost nterest, and feel that whatever I could have learned from you, I’ve learned it and there’s no point in coming back for breakfasts, lunches and dinners that rarely vary. Maybe you’re happy with being a gateway blog and just attracting new readers to the HLB scene, but considering the money you say you make from this blog, it’ll be hard to maintain that amount if you actively tell long time readers just move on.

  49. Elizabeth says

    I don’t understand all the negative comments. A blog is what the blogger chooses to write. People follow blogs that are of interest to them. If the content of a blog doesn’t interest you, or you don’t agree with how the blogger chooses to present their subject matter, don’t read it. Why criticize the blogger for what they chose to blog about? Considering that blogs are a matter of personal preferene, both for the blogger and the reader, I think Kath’s response was appropriate – if you don’t enjoy her blog you should look for something else.

    • Leah says

      I think this is fine, except that Kath blogs for a living. True its still her right to say if you don’t like it, theres the door, but I think Kath does have an obligation to her readers to at least accept feedback. You are right though, ultimately if people don’t like it, they should stop reading, and I suspect when the comments that have arisen out of this post die down, readers will leave, and so will $$$ generated from hits. I guess the paycheck will ultimately dictate the desire to accept feedback for alot of big bloggers.
      As a side note, I don’t think the comments are negative, they are not mean, they are well articulated and honest.

      • Jessica says

        Really? You think the comment that started all this-
        “Such a boring post, why even bother anymore??

        I’m officially done with your blog, unsubscribing the second after i click submit on this.”
        Was well articulated? LMAO.

        • Leah says

          You are right, that one wasn’t, but for that ONE example, most others are. I find it interesting that the white knighters are the ones getting nasty.

          Just for my .02 cents. I don’t mind Kath’s posts. I like her breakfast posts and photos. What I took exception to, was her directing readers to the door, not wanting any feedback or taking constructive critisism into account.

  50. Mai says

    I enjoy simple posts like this one because I mainly just look at the pictures. I’ve gotten a lot of great breakfast ideas thanks to you too–combinations I would never think to put together!

  51. deanna says

    I’m really sorry Kath but I have to agree with the others. I was obsessed with your blog earlier in the year when I discovered it. But now I go to your page in hopes of finding a great recipe or some really valuable information. And again, it is the same posts as the day before. No new thoughtful recipes but instead you post family recipes that are not yours. You don’t even bother to post what ingredients are in the photo your showing us in your meal most days. The blog really has changed and not for the better I’m sad to say 🙁 please choose quality over quantity like so many bloggers do. I think all of us faithful readers deserve that..

  52. deanna says

    I’m really sorry Kath but I have to agree with the others. I was obsessed with your blog earlier in the year when I discovered it. But now I go to your page in hopes of finding a great recipe or some really valuable information. And again, it is the same posts as the day before. No new thoughtful recipes but instead you post family recipes that are not yours. You don’t even bother to post what ingredients are in the photo your showing us in your meal most days. The blog really has changed and not for the better I’m sad to say 🙁 please choose quality over quantity like so many bloggers do. I think all of us faithful readers deserve that..your response to the constructive criticism has really disappointed me; it’s a tad arrogant. We can all use feedback in every aspect of our lives…

    • Emmie says

      I do have to agree with the previous comments. I removed your blog from my google reader months ago when I really didn’t find myself enjoying it anymore. I did before however, and check back often to hope something has changed but have not had any luck yet. I can fully understand why you would want to keep some parts of your life private, but there are plenty of things you could write about that other than just the food diary style. In the end, it is your blog, your choice though, and I think it’s just my time to move on from reading.

  53. Caitlin says

    Um, are you people SERIOUS?! It’s a BLOG. Read it. Don’t read it. Who cares?! This thread made me laugh out loud until I realized how Kath must feel after today. Contrary to what some of you have said, most of the comments are mean-spirited, rude, and passive-aggressive.

    The worst are the ones commenting about the $ Kath makes from her blog. Uh, last time I checked, none of us had to pay a cent to read/peruse at our leisure, right? Leave the $ talk to who actually has a stake in the exchange of $.

    • Jessica says

      Well said. I cannot believe many of these people keep saying the comments are well articulated, not mean, etc. There are several that would hurt me, if I was the blogger. So that right there says goodbye to those readers, if they can’t even tell what is mean and what is not.
      Why is it my business if Kath makes money from this blog? If I don’t want her to make money from it, I wont visit it. Duh.

      • Sue says

        Agreed, many of these comments make it sound as if the readers are paying to read this blog….reading this blog is FREE, people. While I think that reader feedback is important and some of these comments are valid, there is no need for commenters to act as though they are being “ripped off.” The tone of many of the comments is just ridiculous. The fact that Kathy makes money from this blog (none of which is being paid directly by the readers) is none of our business actually.

        Kath, I enjoy your blog, LOVE the pics and mostly just skim to see what’s up. I’ve learned so much about real food from you and what a healthy active lifestyle looks like. Remember, you can’t make everybody happy. And unfortunately, this blog puts you in a position to be criticized by strangers who most likely would NEVER have the guts to say what they’re saying directly to your face…..Hope you are feeling better today.

    • kim says

      The problem is- this is her living. These people are her customers. Is the blog paying her? Are the people reading her blog the ones generating her income. The bloggers need to look at the big picture here:you put yourself out there and you say “look at me look at my life” and then you get upset when people criticize it…..

        • Jules says

          Definition of a customer: a patron; one who purchases or receives a product or service from a business or merchant, or plans to

          So yes, we are customers of this blog. This is Kath’s living; she makes money from page views generated by her readers.

          • Jen says

            Yes – but if you don’t like what you are purchasing…then don’t purchase it!! No one is forcing you! If there’s a book series I don’t like, I don’t buy it! I don’t like the Martha Stewart empire – her show, magazines, website – either – and according to you, I’m a “customer” if I read/did read her site. But I don’t expect Martha Stewart or her staff to change her style/focus/brand because I don’t like what she’s putting out there and selling! That’s ludicrous! I simply decide not to read/listen to it and move on to something I don’t like. I hate Kellogg’s cereal bars – and I’m a “customer” – but I don’t expect them to stop selling them and change their products solely for me! That’s silliness. There’s a whole other market they can target, and the owner/visionaries of that company can sell and do what they want. It’s a big, wide, expansive world – if you don’t like what Kath is “selling”, go buy elsewhere…it’s not rocket science (and I’m not saying that disrespectfully – it’s just the plain, obvious truth). Stop and think and ask yourself why you’re so upset about what someone else does with their own life and living…why does that bother you so much? Because the issues are coming from within you and your own issues, anger, hostility and insecurities. Put that energy into finding what makes you happy.

    • Leah says

      Just take a moment and ask yourself, does my comment respectfully state my opinion without attacking others? Can I make my point without resorting to name calling?
      You know, you can disagree with someone without insulting them.

  54. Fancy says

    I agree with you, Kath! I would never want your blog to become a “recipe only” blog…I really like the journal format you use and have been using for years. I like seeing your day to day life and activities and how you tie in healthy living into them….I find it very inspiring!

  55. Kaitlyn says

    I read different blogs for different reasons. The reason I read KERF is not for the same reason I may read something else, and that’s the beauty of it. Kath, I really enjoy your journal format and the frequency of your posts. While it may take other bloggers 1 – 2 days to post new content, I know I can always rely on 3 DAILY posts from you! Your pictures are beautiful, and you’ve certainly inspired me to begin eating a number of healthy food items. To be quite honest, I find many recipe-based or nutrition-based blogs to contain long-winded posts which I usually skim over anyway. Keep up the good work. 🙂

  56. Hillary B says

    Kath, one of my favorite things about your blog is the simplicity. Much of what you eat at home is simple to make without a lot of prep time. It’s a nice reminder that it’s not rocket science to have a healthy, fast meal. I appreciate that your blog is mostly easy-to-replicate meals that fit into a busy lifestyle as opposed to longer, more complicated recipes (which are a fun occasional adventure, but most days after work I’m not in the mood to dirty up the whole kitchen or spend two hours prepping dinner).

    I also love the Charlottesville aspect of your blog – living in the same town, I really appreciate how you talk about local restaurants, local products (like No Bull burgers or the Organic Butcher), ways you get exercise around town or the things you do do/see around town (like festivals, events). I find it very inspiring and your posts often motivate me to break out of my rut and take advantage of all the neat stuff literally at our fingertips!

    Just wanted to share with you some of the reasons that I’m a returning reader day after day! 🙂

  57. Laura I. says

    Hey Caitlin–that’s a great idea. Foodbuzz pays her for pageviews, right? Maybe they’ll care.

    No, I don’t pay anything to read this blog, but I have given it time and attention and purchased products she recommended. And that’s the bottom line for me. Kath is SELLING her lifestyle, don’t you get that? That’s why “they” pay her and probably you money–her advertisers are paying for influence over her readers. They want us to buy the things and do the things that she talks about. I’ve just gotten to the point that my time and attention are not worth what’s being sold, and I’ll gladly take my pageviews (time and attention) elsewhere, if honest, polite opinions from formerly happy readers are going to be sneered at.

    Grow up, for god’s sake. It’s called earning a living and responding to feedback, which I guess she’s done by saying “Go away–I don’t want you.” Which I guess I will.

    • Caitlin says

      Of course I’m going to sneer! You, and other’s posting similar whine-filled rants, are RIDICULOUS! Its hilarious and sad, all at the same time.

      Poor Laura I.! She purchased products that Kath recommended, then was PUNISHED with a 3-sentence post! Then Kath had the audacity to tell her to “go away”!

      Boo-freaking-hoo. Get a life!

      • Nik says

        Caitlin, people were having a grown up discussion, and then you come in here with your “UM, are you serious?!” and made yourself look foolish. Nobody was being mean, a lot of us have been readers for years and are not snarking about Kath as a person. I used to think it was negativity that provoked the girls behind the blog to delete comment threads, but now I am starting to think maybe it’s people like you, who bring a certain level of immaturity into it.

        • Leah says

          Agreed Nik. Caitlin, you are not making an impact by calling people names. Lets keep it civil and on point.

            • Leah says

              Well calling the ladies on GOMI losers for one. I don’t agree with everyone who posts there, but it certainly doesn’t strengthen your arguement, with the people that post there, rather its seen as trolling and people will not take you seriously.

              On KERF, in this thread in particular, you are calling people foolish, to get a life, that they are whining, etc, etc. I guess these example don’t technically define “name calling”, but it does not lead to respectfull disagreement. It can occur, not all disagreements need to be immature and volatile.

  59. Laura I. says

    Caitlin–I HAVE a life, and a job where I have to work hard to earn my money. My time and attention are valuable to me, even if they aren’t to you, or to KERF. In fact, I’d say Kath needs her readers now more than I need her, as long as she wants to maintain her current lifestyle as a PROFESSIONAL blogger, whose blog is her COMMERCIAL product. And my life doesn’t have to include KERF, which will no longer have any part in my day.

    She has her choices to make, and I have mine. That’s BUSINESS.

    • Caitlin says

      You’re right, your time ISN’T valuable to me. Should it be???

      See ya! Don’t let the door hit ya!

      • Leah says

        Sigh, this would be another example. As an aside, why do you think your comments are any more desirable than Laura’s? Are you the appointed gate-keeper for this blog?

  60. Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie says

    Hahah for a second, I thought you used your frother to make the smoothie!

  61. jennie says

    I have to agree with the constructive comments above. I have been coming here fairly regularly for years and for the last six months or so I have found the blog less and less engaging. I’ve been wondering if it was just me, but now I know that it is because Kath is in fact less engaged herself, something that has become obvious in her replies to the discussion as well. Now that I know where Kath stands I guess I will do as she said and just go someone else’s blog.

  62. Amy says

    It’s really sad that she would leave such an arrogant and snarky response to people who are just trying to tell her that we really used to enjoy her blog and are truly disappointed with the continually disintegrating content of the posts. Such a shame.

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