I’ve been thinking about how I always tell you guys I miss KERF as a food diary, but I never actually get back into blogging in real time. Mostly because 1) My life is so much more unpredictable now that I am a mother and 2) Social media has changed the way live blogging feels to me. Wouldn’t you guys feel that a post simply about my lunch was boring? I dunno! When I have done surveys in the past, that’s always the style of post you guys request most.
When I started blogging back in 2007/2008, there was no Instagram/Snapchat, etc. Blogging was the main “live” platform at the time, and lots of blogs tried to be as in the moment as possible, including mine. I think I missed one post in five years! These days blogs seem to be the best platform for “evergreen” content and social media is where people share day-to-day stories. I am torn between sharing more meals in real time on Instagram and “saving” them for these round-up Lately posts. And I feel pulled between the platforms on where best to share daily life stuff because I don’t want to duplicate content.
I think I continue to share meals in a weekly round-up because I am a little scared to get so far away from KERF’s roots as a food diary blog, but then again, shouldn’t I be evolving with the times? And I also worry that I’ll get tied up with something and miss a day of blogging while I am trying to get something up in real time and I’ll leave you guys with an empty day (that’s the Type A in me 😉 )
Maybe I should split the difference and share just one meal in a single post here and there spontaneously (when my schedule allows) and share the rest on Instagram?
I’d love to hear some of your thoughts on this.
In the meantime, here are some recent meals!
Breakfast green smoothie with toast. I find that a smoothie alone isn’t enough to power me through the morning and I miss the warmth of a hot breakfast. But a slightly smaller smoothie plus toast is the perfect combo!
A massaged kale salad with maple-soy tempeh I whipped up for lunch one day. For the tempeh, I just cut it in cubes and then cooked in a skillet tossed in some maple syrup and soy sauce for 5-7 minutes.
Split pea and sausage soup for dinner! I found this tree trunk in my neighbor’s yard, and it’s the perfect photography spot : )
I had some jalapeño and spinach soufflé for breakfast (and lunch and dinner!) that I was testing for a recipe. You’ll see it soon!!
Lunch as a chopped romaine salad with blue cheese and smoked trout and a lemony basil dressing. Apple on the side!
And dinner – Cook Smarts Chicken Tagine with apricots, green olives, almonds and rice. YUM!
Breakfast pumpkin pancakes with raspberries and raspberry jam. A non-traditional combo that worked well.
Lunch was leftover chicken tagine over a baby spinach salad with pepperjack and corn chips on the side.
Cook Smarts Garlic Shrimp with roasted vegetable rice. This was SO GOOD! Cook Smarts continues to impress me with such tasty recipes.
Hope you are all having a great week!
Morgan says
These are my favorite posts and I would hate to see them go! I like the predictability of being able to read them in the morning rather than waiting for random times on your Instagram.
KathEats says
Thanks for the feedback!
Tonya says
I’m curious– what do you envision this blog to look like/be about if you were to move away from the meal round ups and food diaries?
I’m all for it btw. I like your topical posts more than the meal round ups. I don’t mind seeing what people eat in context of “I went to TX this wkend!” or “This weekend was XYZ Festival!” and food pics are included with the story. But I don’t really read the meal round up/food diary posts anymore. Like you said if people are interested in them, they can find people that type of stuff on snap and IG.
KathEats says
Less round ups and more food diaries/lifestyle posts with topical and sponsored posts mixed in.
Amy says
I love the meal posts- I’m super busy mom and I love your ideas bc I always eat the same stuff…boring!!
JL says
I agree completely. I don’t need to see a week’s worth of posts, but if you had something awesome somewhere you wanted to share with us or a recipe you made that turned out great, share it. I read the daily meal posts religiously, but I don’t care for the round-ups at all. I much prefer the lifestyle and in-the-moment meal posts.
Emily says
I honestly think that the “old-fashioned” way of blogging is more refreshing and what I want to see more of right now. Social media is so frantic and fast-paced that I am actively trying to remove myself from it, but I do enjoy reading and savoring certain blogs still (including this one) in my down time (with three kids, it’s not much)!. Therefore, I would be thrilled if you continued to at least do meal round-up posts. Thanks for caring about our opinions 🙂 P.S. Those pumpkin pancakes look great…any chance at a recipe?
Emily says
Also, when I find a new blogger I like, especially through social media, I like to go back to their blog and read all the old content so that I can be well-acquainted with them. Maybe that is unusual, but it makes following them on other platforms more enjoyable, so I would consider how this blog will stand the test of time compared to IG stories or Snapchat posts! 🙂
Kathleen says
I agree with Emily!
Sarah says
Completely agree with Emily. I like more of the in depth food posts rather than something quick on instagram. Mom of 2 Littles, I don’t have time to scroll through instagram looking for your posts, but if I know there is going to be a blog post, I can make time to read. I’m old school and prefer to read blogs over a snippet on instagram
KathEats says
Thanks for the feedback. They are the Trader Joe’s mix!
Taryn says
This is honestly so refreshing to hear! As a new blogger, I am feeling overwhelmed with all of the social media platforms I need to join/engage in in order to “keep up with the times.” I, like you, prefer the old-fashioned blogging style, and still have my favorite “mommy bloggers” that I enjoy keeping up with. It will be interesting to see the direction blogging takes over the next few years.
And as a mom of 2 young kids, I definitely understand the limited free time!
Cindy @ Cookies and Chemistry says
This looks amazing! I had some pumpkin pancakes myself this morning. They tasted awesome with peanut butter!
Karen says
So many people use Instagram that I think sharing daily meals there is your best bet for new/continued interest of a varied demographic. Maybe do a food blog post once a week of your hits/misses or just favorites from the week as you may have many misses!
Emily says
Ok, so your blog is a light-hearted food/mommy blog, so i guess I understand you not getting into politics. However, if you are asking about what readers want and have designed a post around that subject today, then I will just tell you that as an old loyal reader from the early days, I don’t check in as much as I used to. And the only reason I did just now was because I was hoping as a Mother you would have mentioned the presidential election results. I am deeply saddened that my daughter will not grow up with our first female President. I was looking for some sort of empathy or solace in a beautiful post from you today but all I found was a post all about how Kath wants to blog and hear from readers about what we think of her blogging style. It’s totally fine to vote for whomever you want, but as a reader I am just sharing my disappointment in you for not even attempting to be relevant to something that I’m guessing a huge percentage of the readers (many of us Moms now) cared deeply about. I’m sure you will probably respond that you prefer not to get into politics on your blog. Fair enough, but it is just my opinion that you lack of mentioning it is a disappointment for me.
KathEats says
Yes, that is my response. I am a huge Hillary Clinton fan, and I am extremely disappointed with the results, but I am just kind of at a loss for words today. I also didn’t want to create a political argument here, because I know I have readers on both ends of the political spectrum.
mollie says
I don’t think there’s ANY expectation to write a post about the election. I think people do feel some sense that you’ll meet people where they are – and I think this morning – many readers are in a very different place than wanting to provide feedback on how you run the blog. Feels trivial at a time when many have so many deeply rooted concerns and questions (I’m sure yourself included). I think part of it might be because readers got used to the “real time” posts and even though that’s not what this post is – people read it as such and it makes it feel very out of touch.
KathEats says
Yes, I agree. I didn’t write this post this morning, and it went up before I had a chance to intercept and make any introduction edits.
Margaret says
Two comments – one about politics and one about your blog. I’ve been reading since 2012 and I think my favorite posts are the lifestyle ones, particularly about home decor (it seems you don’t do as many of those) and cleaning/organization. The “lately” posts always seem a bit disconnected to me and might be better on Instagram, as others have suggested. I always enjoy your beautiful photography!
As for politics, I totally understand that you wouldn’t want to post about politics on your food blog. However, even knowing that this blog is your livelihood, it’s disappointing to hear that you hesitate to say anything that might offend readers who supported Trump. Trump was endorsed by the KKK and has encouraged hatred and violence. I don’t see why readers who are on board with that should have their feelings protected.
I’m very sorry, but I had to say that.
KathEats says
I don’t disagree with you…
Emily says
Lol at people expecting you to have a political blog all of a sudden.
Tonya says
I, on the other hand, clicked onto this blog as an escape from the nightmare I woke up to today. I am SO glad this post wasn’t about the election. I think Kath is wise to stay out of the crap storm.. Heck, I’d read a thousand food round ups if it were the sole oasis from all the drama that’s a brewin!
But, Emily, I appreciate you stating your opinion so respectfully.
Zoe says
i am of the same mind as OP. this was a contentious election and you live in a swing state. it would have been timely to post some kind of something and turn off comments if you didn’t want it to get crazy. if you’re asking what readers want, at least two of us are telling you.
Denise says
The last place I would come for politics is a food/lifestyle blog. I am happy it is a pretty much politics free, safe space. And it surprises me that a person who feels the need to talk about the election would go on a food blog.
Ellie says
Kath, long-time reader here — all the way back from when you used to share your meals on KERF — but I have some problems with the timing of this post. I know you have no responsibility (or desire) to engage in political discourse here, though I think I remember you posting about voting in the past, but we all woke up in a different country this morning. For a lot of your readers, me included, we are scrambling.
I’m sure it isn’t your intent, but please realize how flippantly this post looks. I woke up this morning, concerned for my job and the cause I have dedicated my life to, like many around the country, and it appears that your biggest concern is how to monetize your lunch. I’m well-aware it’s your job, and I’m implicitly supporting it, but you have to realize how privileged and out-of-touch you look.
KathEats says
I seriously considered postponing this and writing about my thoughts on the election, as I was up a a lot last night keeping track. But ultimately I decided that this is not a platform for political discussion, and no matter what I wrote I would likely offend people on one side or the other and create more stress on a day when I think we all have enough on our minds. So I chose to continue my posts as usual in hopes that some people might be looking for some non-election internet reading.
Tonya says
Kath, you are right. This is NOT the platform for political discussion. I can link to 55 bajillion other blog posts, IG posts, youtube vids, news articles, FB posts, etc etc etc where we can all go and express grief or joy over the election results. But urging you to alienate half of your readers by bringing divisive politics onto a blog about oatmeal is like going to Chipotle and demanding they serve pizza.
PLEASE JUST KEEP IT ABOUT THE OATMEAL HERE, PEOPLE. LOL!
KathEats says
Hahaha!!
Kaci says
What Tonya said!! hahaha
I love all of your posts. I love the ones about organization and cleaning, and I think the round-up posts or “lately” posts are sweet and fun. They show a little of everything and are just light-hearted. I enjoy seeing all of your food, but I think that is sprinkled in with links to IG to cover the best of both worlds.
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I second that!
Eileen says
I’m going with this argument. I don’t need or want my food bloggers to take a point of view on politics.
Maggie says
Agree with this tenfold! I have actually considered deleting the foodie/decorating/mommy blogs that I like to read as escapism because they have chosen to become political pundits today. I can get that from blogs devoted to politics. I come here for the oatmeal and nutbutter, pictures of Mazen and Kath’s food pics.
Ellie says
Love this and thank you. We have no choice but to move forward right. To learn from our mistakes and become better humans. Isn’t that freeing. As my mother told me this morning, this is not over and young women like you will keep fighting.
Ellie
Ellie says
Thank you for replying — I really appreciate it. I know that this isn’t the space for a political discussion, and I didn’t want this to turn into one. There’s just something about the post today that didn’t sit well (like a lot of things that aren’t sitting well today). I guess it all goes back to what your priorities are — you mentioned in the post that sometimes you get too busy to post, and while I certainly understand that, that’s not something that most people get to decide when it comes to their livelihood. The program I work for is currently at the risk of being defunded, I just cried together at work with my coworkers, and at the end of the day, I have a new boss on January 20. I guess I’m just asking for perspective.
KathEats says
I’m sorry your program is at risk. I’m sure that creates a lot of worry and stress for you. <3
Tracey says
Ellie, that is heartbreaking. I am so fearful of all the changes that are coming. I do hope your program is allowed to carry on.
Sarah says
I totally respsect your decision to keep you blog non-political. However, since blog posts appear “in real time” (even though we know that they are often pre-written and posted on a schedule) you probably would have done well to start the post with a single sentence acknowledging that although this is likely a difficult day for some people, you have decided to keep your blog free of political discussion, and hope that it is a welcome distraction. As it stands, the cheery “Hope you all are having a great week!” at the end came across as flippant and tone-deaf.
Denise says
I found the Spindrift waters at TJ’s, and I’m in love! Thanks for sharing those, and I’m going to try the maple soy tempeh too.
Debbie says
I’ve been following you since you started! I say continue doing what you’re doing! 🙂
Althea says
Food “dairy”? Am I missing something? Is this a “Got milk?” sponsored post or a double typo?
KathEats says
A typo – brain was on milk!
Sarah says
I will happily read whatever you choose to post, but I have one comment. I follow you on all of your social media platforms and I find it gets repetitive. Most of your Instagram pictures show up on your blog posts. I find this gets boring. I would love if each of your platforms were unique.
Laura says
I think you made the right choice not posting about the election. I’m at a loss for words today too. I’m raising my 12 year old niece and had really hoped to wake her up last night with the news that we had our very first female president. Instead I went to bed feeling ill and wondering how our country could have allowed this to happen. But the hard truth is that it did happen and we have to rally, like it or not. I put a smile on this morning and told my kiddo (and myself) that things will be OK, because they will be. We, as parents, have the strongest influence on our kids and this just reinforces to me that we need to model good behavior at home so that we/they are not looking to others; presidents, sport figures ect to be their inspiration. OK, rant over… : )
Now onto the fun stuff, I’m a longtime Kerf reader and my favorite post are your lifestyle posts. I like meal posts too but I like it best when meals aren’t featured but are simply part of a longer post. My least favorite posts would probably be recipe posts, (sorry!) but I feel a little cheated when it’s just a recipe and not a recipe within a blog post if that makes sense?
That said, yours is my fave blog so I will keep reading whatever you decide. Thanks for the years of inspiration! : )
PS I also really appreciate posts on weight/ the squiggly line effect. I am always trying to find that healthy balance and it helps so much to see you (and others) share honestly about what works and what doesn’t work for them
KathEats says
Great comments. I also don’t really like recipe posts without lifestyle when I’m reading blogs, and I just am now realizing I need to intertwine the two here more!
[email protected] says
I love these types of posts!
Ashley says
Kath, long-time reader. The timing of this post is a little tone deaf, particularly in the light of last night’s election results. However, since you asked: your blog is at its best when you are firm in your convictions and post about what YOU want to post about. If you are interested, then your readers will be too! I understand that as a monetized blog, you make more money when you make posts like these because readers come back to see what other commenters say. However, it is always apparent to the readers when your heart is not in your blog. Your best posts are when you are interested and involved in the subject you are posting about. Decide what type of blogger YOU want to be. Do you want to share just small snapshots of meals, as in a food diary? Are you sharing recipes you find? Are you providing commentary on food and nutritional trends, since you have that great RD background? Or are you providing a day to day look at the life of a Cville mom (more of a lifestyle/mom blog)? Any or all of those are fine and interesting, but when you can’t focus on one, the readers can tell. People are more likely to engage in comments (and thereby drive traffic through your ads) when you post about something you enjoy and not something you feel obligated to do. I wish you all the best as you figure out what YOU want to do with your blog. I’ll keep reading.
KathEats says
Thanks for these comments
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I think it is such a hard balance between in the moment and evergreen content. I continue to share my meals on my blog because social media is always changing. Sometimes it is really hard for my followers to see a post, I follow you and almost never see your posts (except for your snaps which is why I love snapchat). Just something to consider when thinking about if you continue this post. PS I don’t think you have any responsibility to comment on the election, that’s ridiculous. I probably shouldn’t say that but really now, that’s just ridiculous.
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
Thanks for showing us your eats! Everything looks delish
www.hyggewellness.com/blog
Molly says
I think what I like best about your blog (and what keeps me checking in) is to see your example of makimg healthy eating a priority as a busy, working mom but also allowing for life’s interruptions (birthday cake, winery trips with friends) and folding those in to show that they are also part of a balanced, happy, healthy life. All this to say I like to hear more of the back story on the blog, which maybe couldn’t be captured on Instagram but perhaps you could share a “real time” pic of the food or experience itself on IG and then share more of your perspective in words on the blog?
Molly says
I do want to say that I understand where the commenters are coming from about remarking on this historic, sad day but I guess I was also looking for a quick respite (how I usually use blogs).
Leigh says
Ummmm, this is a food blog (check out the title). While Kath might periodically comment on other issues, the LAST thing I would even think about seeing when logging into KERF this morning would be a discourse on the election results. It’s personal, it’s a sensitive and divisive issue right now (and for a long time to come), and for anyone to tell Kath that she “should” have posted on this topic is not really for us to say. (I like how Tonya put it.)
And to reply to what you were asking, Kath, I start my day with you every day, reading the blog while I’m waiting for my work stuff to download. I love seeing the daily meals, and I actually love that they look “real” and are not always those Instagram/Pinterest/picture-perfect images… they look like normal, healthy meals, which is WHY I come to the blog. Not for that other stuff.
KathEats says
Thank you! Sometimes I worry that my meals/photos/styling isn’t good enough and I do remind myself that these are real meals and they aren’t shot in a studio. I actually eat them : )
coco says
no, your photo shots are still by far my favorite!!!! Real but stunning!
Alana says
I also love that you make an effort to make your photos look nice but not like they were shot in the studio. It keeps it more real for the reader (and frankly more relatable).
I’d say do what you want and not what your readers say they want. I know you need readers to make a living but you’ve clearly acquired a very loyal readership base. For me, I’ve been reading since I first found you through a comment on a paleo blog, probably 7 years ago (or more)! I don’t think most of us are going anywhere no matter what you end up writing about. We’re interested in your story and that’s why we keep coming back. <3
KathEats says
Thank you for your loyalty all these years! It’s hard to believe 2017 will be my 10 year anniversary!
Lindsey says
Yes! I also love realness in presentation/photos.
Mom says
I’m your mom, so I’ve really been with you since the beginning. As you know, I love what you do here. I understand and have witnessed what a hard worker you are, too. I say follow your gut, shake it up some (creativity rocks!), and keep on keeping on whenever that feels best. And I know how sad you are about the election too, and I respect that you chose to keep it off Katheats this morning.
KathEats says
Thanks for chiming in : )
Emily says
I definitely respect that you chose to keep politics out of this post. Even when your sister posted an innocent insta pic with #imwithher, controversy in the comments ensued (which is absolutely ridiculous). I feel like (especially in this election), simply stating your candidate results in arguments that go nowhere. Why stir up that nonsense on a food blog lol.
Ellie says
As another note I like your new style but I miss your old style. I’m a dietitian and I use you as an example for eating balanced meals. That aren’t perfect when people are new to this whole nutrition thing
Wendy says
I just want to comment and say that I loved your old format and I also enjoy your new format. I think it is important to do what feels right for you. Your blog will evolve as your life evolves.
I also want to say that I am very appreciative that I did NOT see a political post when I signed off this morning. As someone else expressed I came to your sight to escape the barrage of political talk.
Thanks for providing a daily escape for us every day!
KathEats says
Thank you : )
Abby says
I’ve been following for 7 years and would be so bummed if you stopped sharing daily meals! I’ve actually stopped reading most blogs that have switched over to just posting recipes and workouts because it lacks voice and personality to me. I prefer seeing the unique differences in more healthy “lifestyle” blogs that show snippets of day to day life. 🙂
Molly says
Hi Kath, I’ve been reading your blog for years. I always look forward to your what you’re eating lately posts. I enjoyed it when you posted them three times a day but I love this format too. I miss things on Instagram – especially since Instagram puts the posts in non chronological order. If you do post your meals on Instagram, please put them on your blog too. Your photos are so beautiful and your meals give me great ideas. I follow you on Instagram but it is a rare day I actually see one of your posts, I don’t know why. Thanks!
Cyn says
All about the oatmeal-yes! Right now I’m trying to adjust to something that feels so surreal. I came here today for some comforting normalcy. Thank you, Kath! Plus like it or not we are all in this together so we’ve got to stick together. (Like oatmeal?)
KathEats says
Haha!
Sally says
I honestly find the “Lately” posts hard to follow. I would rather see one day of meals, chronologically. It’s much more fascinating to me to see what someone (especially an RD) eats in a day, than a snipped of meals over the course of a week or so. I know that’s impossible to do everyday, but maybe once a week? And then have the rest of your posts be topical / lifestyle/ sponsored? I love those, too! I also love when you do product reviews – beauty, home, clothes – love those types of posts! Especially when you share your Stitch Fix or other shopping hauls 🙂
Also, I totally agree with whoever commented above about posts that incorporate meals eaten while traveling. I’ve been able to find some great local gems while in other cities based on what I’ve read on blogs 🙂
Sarah says
I agree – I don’t find the “lately” posts with a bunch of breakfasts, etc., all in a row very compelling. A post with three meals from the same day would make more sense to me.
K says
I like the recipes, as well as lifestyle stuff, such as the Stitch Fix posts, skincare, budget, etc. I’ve read off and on since about 2008/9, and I admit I do so mainly as a way to procrastinate. I think I see the type of posts I like as more useful to me, and perhaps as a way for me to justify reading. I don’t mean that as a criticism of the blog, just a reflection on what I get out of reading. Honestly, it feels a little weird to me to read about the more personal aspects of your life. I tend to just scroll through or not read the more day in the life stuff.
Tracey says
I was happy to have something else to think about this morning!
I have been reading your blog for many years, and I have always enjoyed it. But I must say, the last few months have been simply wonderful to read. I vote that you keep doing what you are doing. 🙂
KathEats says
Thank you : )
coco says
I love your daily meal posts but understand how becoming a mom makes it nearly impossible. I’m mom of two and full time worker, even one post per week seems challenging nowadays.
However, if I have to choose between blog or other source of media, I’d choose blog. It’s still my favorite way to read and comment. I’m too overwhelmed with new forms of media, so I’ve cut them off but maintained blog following.
Michelle H. says
I am a reader from Kelowna, BC in Canada and have been following your blog for years. I think that you do such a wonderful job of mixing food, motherhood, sponsored posts and tid bits of your daily life. It is obvious that you take your job as a full time blogger incredibly seriously and I appreciate your hard work. I love reading your blog and I think your pictures are beautiful. Your work life balance is admirable. I have learned so much reading your blog in terms of healthy living, nutrition and other blogs and books to read. This comment (first one ever) is just to say thanks for all that you do and keep up the great work !
KathEats says
Thank you so much <3
Maggie says
I’ve been following since before you had Mazen. I usually flick through the roundups and meals pretty quickly and just look for new products you might introduce. I like seeing your silverware choices for some odd reason and I have purchased many of the beverages you have pictured. Other than that I really just like old style blogging about people’s daily lives…not so much specific topics repeated over and over.
Tiffany says
The “Lately” posts are the least enjoyable for me to read, and I tend to just scroll through them. Your meals always look lovely, but I prefer to get a personal touch when I read blog posts; seeing several meals without any context doesn’t do much for me. I’m really pleased with how KERF has evolved over the years. In fact, I stopped reading for a while because the daily meals felt monotonous but returned about a year ago and really enjoy your content these days. I hope that’s helpful.
KathEats says
Thanks it was!
Marlow says
I love the old style – sharing daily glimpses into an entire day of eating. For me, there is something almost relaxing about that old style. What I struggle with the most in healthy eating is trying to figure out what to actually eat in a day – your old posts were so helpful. The new round ups are overwhelming for me. I almost never make it through an entire post before I just click away. I do appreciate that all of your posts aren’t sponsored. With all of this said, ultimately it’s your blog and you should write what is most authentic to you. I’ve been a reader for many, many years – I don’t see that changing due to style!
polly says
Kath THANK YOU for not posting about the election. I think you are a smart girl 🙂
Your food pics and Mazen stories and just life events are all fun to read. I think you do a fabulous job. XOXO
St. Louis Electrician says
The pumpkin pancakes with raspberries and raspberry jam looks to die for! Are you sure that’s healthy? Haha
KathEats says
Depends on your needs!
Beth says
These are my favorite posts and I would hate to see them go! As a woman who is battling anorexia, I can’t even express how grateful I am to see examples of what a healthy woman really eats. <3
KathEats says
Hope things are on the up and up for you <3
Katy Electrician says
The Garlic Shrimp with roasted vegetable rice looks amazing! It looks super healthy too!
Katie says
Oof! The pic of the road and the past tense in the blog title had me shaken up. Glad to see the blog isn’t going away any time soon, as I first believed with that combo. You’re doing a great job! You’ve got style. Do what you want– we’ll read & enjoy it.
Susan says
Hi Kath,
I’ve read for about 5 years now. As a nutrition buff, I loved seeing some of your in depth posts about nutrition and research and translating that into everyday life. I’m sad those are few and far between lately. I admittedly also love the lighter hearted posts about things you’re digging lately. I don’t think the “Lately” posts add much and would rather see one day of eats posted all together. A lot of the sponsored content I could do without, especially when I’m not sure you would have gone out and purposefully bought that product if the company had not approached you. Alas, I understand that you make your living off the blog and that money has to come from somewhere. Lastly, I absolutely love the mommy part of your blog and hearing about your daily life. I know you have decided to be more private in the last year or so but I would absolutely love a peak back into your daily life instead of vague “with a group of friends” posts. Thanks for wanting to hear about what your readers like and thanks for taking our opinions into consideration!
Emily says
I started the political comments this morning beryeary as i was breast-feeding my 3 month old daughter. I was hesitant to comment because I have read Kath’s blog for a very long time, so I am well aware that any comment that doesn’t sing her praises is often met with many mean comments from other readers. Aside from one person unnecessarily calling my honest and very sincere feelings “rediculous”, I am feeling uplifted that everyone else was respectful and some even felt the same way. Other articulated my thoughts much better than I- that the post was just fine, but it’s timing did not sit well with me. I knoe it was not intentional Kath, as you posted before the election. I felt it important just the same to mention. And even gonas far as to say that my other favorite blog that I miss, HTP, would have definitely mentioned the election and I was wishing another blogger would fill that void. Thank you.
Jeanie says
I love reading about your meals!
Catherine says
Hi Kath! I miss the old style, too, but I can understand with your life now that posting so frequently is unrealistic. While I loved seeing what you ate, what I really loved is seeing HOW you ate. How you balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner into a yummy, but also nutritious day. How you pulled together stuff from your fridge on a whim to make a tasty and healthy dinner on a weeknight. I also loved to see how you flowed through your day and how you were still able to fit in exercise and time with friends, even with a busy schedule. I have taken so much of my own healthy eating habits from reading your blog the last 6 years. I echo what others say that I will continue to read no matter what, but I think instead of round ups, I would prefer one or two “day in the life” posts a week.
Also, I am so grateful that I signed on today, read your blog, and was able to forget what was going on in the real world for a little while. 🙂
Pat says
I agree mostly with what Catherine wrote. A day or two a week of what you ate THAT DAY would give me much more information. I often scroll through the Lately posts. But I love you lifestyle stuff, some of the sponsored stuff, and of course pictures of that adorable son of yours. Thanks for avoiding election result comments. I have more than enough on FB and in real life!
Nancy says
Prefer to see a full day worth of meals more than a recap of many random meals. Also really enjoy your restaurant reviews.
Julie says
Hi Kath, I’ve read your blog for about 6-7years, and will continue to read it regardless of how it evolves. My favourites are your posts about your daily activities, as well as your “new finds”. I enjoy reading about how you balance your life- motherhood, nutrition, work/play. Your “Lately” posts are my least favourite: I tend to just scroll through quickly. I think when your meals are out of context, it’s not as interesting/helpful. The past few months, I have to say I have been really enjoying your blog.
You have a reader for life in me! (however long you decide to do this blog).
Katie says
I’ve been reading for close to 8 years. To be honest, I tend to skip over you in my feedly. You rarely provide actual recipes anymore, it’s mostly photo dumps and sponsored posts. I find that there is little to no actual content. Your days revolve around daycare drop off, going to the gym, and eating. I can’t relate, as I have to do all of that plus work full time. I think your blog would be best suited if you wrote what YOU wanted to write about. I know you’ve evolved as a person and so have I, so maybe we’re just not a good fit anymore. From the comments it sounds like there are still people who find your site helpful, so I hope you find a balance that is good for you and them. Best of luck.
barbara says
It a old dog/new tricks thing. I’m old enough to be your mother but reading your what I ate posts sometimes inspires what I eat. That being said, at the end of the day its your blog/job you need to do what is enjoyable and fulfilling to you. I’m a long time reader. I enjoy your mother’s blog as well.
Kaci says
Hi Kath! Thanks for asking for our feedback. At the end of the day, you really need to just find what works best for you and reflects your vision for this space. That being said, I loved seeing the three times a day post about your life and what you were eating and what was going on in your life. The lately posts don’t inspire me like the daily round-up of meals mostly because there’s no context like other readers have said. I like the idea that on days when you have two soccer games, etc you have chosen to eat such and such. Thinking about the evolution of the blog, I tend to miss hearing your voice the most. Sponsored posts is definitely a reality these days but I think the balance of real time blogging instead of writing it ahead and scheduling it to post would bring back more of your voice and food choices for that day.
I hope this helps! And, yeah, leave politics out of this. We all have differing opinions and literally a million other places we can go to talk about those!
Jessica says
I honestly enjoy your blog and it’s one of the first things I do to start my day. I like the variety of posts that you have. (In no special order:) From what you’re digging, to your Stitch Fix purchases, to vacation posts, Mazen posts!!, organization and cleaning posts, budgeting, how you buy groceries, the squiggly line effect, what your workouts are like, what your day is like, what it’s like to be a professional blogger, what you ate and what you did over the weekend. I like it all. I do admit that I usually scroll quickly through the Lately posts, though. I like it when there’s more of a story and I can get a glimpse of what your life is like.
The biggest negative, to me, is all of the advertising that has popped up all over the blog. Videos that play automatically, ads at the bottom of every picture, etc. It’s taken over the blog and it slows allowing me to see what I actually came there for – your blog! And the ads at the bottom of every picture are distracting and detract from your gorgeous photography. I’m hoping there’s a way you can strike a better balance with your actual blog content and the ads that help support it.
KathEats says
Thanks for the feedback!
Fancy says
You are my favorite blogger and I’ve been reading you since the very beginning. I will be honest and say that I miss your old blog. I liked it so much more than the new way of blogging that you are currently doing. I, like many others, read your blog in order to see a healthy lifestyle and how all of those pieces fit together each day. I used to love when you would show us your complete days and all of the choices that went into them. I love seeing your food but I don’t like “lately” posts…I’m coming here to see how you incorporate your food into your healthy lifestyle, not just a list of all the food that you eat. I love seeing all aspects of your life and miss “Home Neat Home” posts! I used to absolutely love your blog and a big part of that was because you were sharing so much more of your day and your choices with us each day. I’m still a loyal reader, I just don’t enjoy your blog nearly as much as I used to. Another big part of that is that your posts seem so much more guarded now and you’re not sharing nearly as much as you once did. I’m not on Instagram, Snapchat, etc. so your blog is all I see each day. Your blog will always be my favorite, but I used to love it so much more! I vote to bring back your old blog!
Fancy says
And… I love seeing all of the food that you eat each day! I loved when you would blog each of your meals, snacks, etc.
Lynne says
I enjoy your blog and have read it for about 4 years. I find that I have liked it less over the past year when it has seemed to be more of a forum to promote the latest product, with little of the food/healthy living/nutrition information I used to enjoy. I like your lately posts, but agree with some of the comments that a full day of meals would be better, to get an idea of what an RD eats in a full day. I also really, really like your nutrition posts, either written by you or by guest RDs. I read RD blogs to get more reliable nutrition/healthy eating information than non-RDs post, but this type of post has been less frequent lately.
Amanda says
I love the Lately and food diary posts here. Sometimes life gets too busy for me to be checking Instagram and Snapchat all the time. But I enjoy sitting down with a cup of coffee (or lunch like today!) and taking some “me” time to catch up. Even if it’s a few days after the post comes out.
And I love seeing what other people eat. It gives me inspiration when sometimes I get stuck in a rut!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) says
I think your blog posts will be best if you post whatever you enjoy posting most 🙂 That’s what I do … if people like it, they’ll read … if not … oh well. Make yourself happy, and then it will be engaging for your readers, as they’ll feel your passion through your posts 🙂
Jennifer says
As another busy mother of two, I have less and less time for blog reading. My current go to food blogger is David Lebovitz. I follow mostly his Facebook and Snapchat content and only occasionally read his full blog, which is more sporadic. I really like his voice and the style of his posts. Also….. Paris.
Silvia says
I like the blog, whether about food, new recipes, sponsored posts, weekends on NY or Dallas or Sonoma. If it was all on Instagram or snap chat or other I would not follow it. Trying to stay away from that fast paced, face stuck on a phone-life, I hate it. I would much rather read the blog. My opinion!
Laura says
I miss your organization and home neat home posts! Those were my favorite. I tend to skip the lately posts or sponsored posts that don’t apply to me. I also like the mommy stuff as well since I have two little ones. But you should do whatever inspires you!!!
Anne says
As a long-time reader from back in ’08 or thereabouts, these lately posts feel like the old days. I like some of the new content but these are generally unsponsored and unfiltered posts that feel more personal and just regular day to day. I also don’t keep up with all the social media platforms, so these feel fresh to me. Also, they do a great job of showing how a regular person eats without too much else to distract. I say keep them up. They’re only about once or twice a week and I love catching up with them.