This is a big year for KERF – the big 10 year anniversary – and I think it’s ironic that what I want most for this site is to go back to basics, back to my roots, and keep it real.
I’ve always had two goals for my blog:
- Blog about what feels most natural to blog about. This could mean blogging about my meals, my life, nutrition topics, round-ups, recipes, motherhood, personal life, home organization, and more. Some of you have commented that what you like most about KERF is the variety, and I’m glad to hear it because I share your sentiments!
- Share the how behind living a healthy life. From the beginning, I have said that people usually know the What and Why when it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices, but it is the How that is hard to put into action. When I go back to my very first blog posts, along with the topics mentioned above, my mission is to share things that are working for me and things that aren’t. I want to be relatable and to share my tips and tricks along with my struggles and real life experiences. I love having you all along for the ride as we navigate life together as digital friends.
I listened to a Young House Love podcast (love those guys!) recently about how the internet changed and found myself nodding in agreement. I can’t remember exactly how Sherry worded it, but she spoke about how, when blogs were first getting going, their biggest draw was that the bloggers were real people. Blogs were personal, relatable, and approachable, and that’s why readers felt so connected to the writers behind them. In contrast, magazines and other big brand media were formal, polished, and uber professional, but not-so-relatable. During the past 10 years, there has been a shift for magazines to speak more to the everyday person (particularly through social media), and bloggers have upped their game by cranking out magazine-style content.
While I admire and respect the bloggers who turned into big brands with teams of people, in-house photographers, graphic designers, apps, and more, that’s never been what I wanted for KERF. I am my brand, and I like the simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility of working solo. I knew that outsourcing things would take the personality and fun out of it, so I have teetered in the middle, trying to create content that is shareable while also trying to put a realistic, personal spin on my posts. I felt somewhat pulled between the two extremes of a diary-style blogger and a site that produces evergreen, Pinterest-friendly content.
Real life on a Thursday morning –>
That same week, I read this post on A Healthy Slice Of Life and the head nodding continued, especially when Brittany said “oversharing is my love language” – haha!!! Yes. I agree with her thoughts – the only thing I am an expert on is me. (Although even that statement could be questioned…ha.) I am not an expert on nutrition, motherhood, cooking, or even blogging. Bloggers are real people who are allowed to change their minds, make mistakes, and go with the flow. I am always learning and growing and sharing the journey with you all as my friends.
I am extremely fortunate to be able to make a living blogging, and for that, I thank my lucky stars when I get up for “work” each day. When I collaborate with brands on sponsored posts, I still want the experience of real life to shine through. I try to put context on these posts as much as possible so they fit within my lifestyle in a natural way.
As a blog reader, my favorite blogs are those with real life woven throughout. That’s why I continue to share real meals that aren’t shot in a lightbox, to post photos of me and my family enjoying our weekends as they actually happened, and to write about my experiences with brands in the hopes that they are useful or inspiring to you guys in a practical way. That’s my very long-winded way of saying that I hope that me keepin’ it real is still what you guys really want to read <3
Love to you all.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Wow, ten years. That is a huge milestone. Happy birthday to your blog!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Katie says
That’s why I keep coming back every day to read 🙂 You keep it simple & real <3
Doro says
Thank you very much for these words! I really appreciate you being you here and that is definetly a reason why I love KERF! I really like to feel like a part of your through reading your blog and really hope that you continue like this!
Amanda says
These reasons are why your blog continues to be my favorite to read! Keep on keeping’ it real. And congrats on 10 years!
montessoriishmom says
I’ve loved your blog for many years and absolutely like the personal style of posts. I often skim the “evergreen” type content on even blogs I love – I just like the daily life posts, I don’t even know why! I’ve noticed your blog has been more like it was in the old days lately andhave been loving it!!
Carrie this fit chick says
Oh my gosh 10 years is incredible. I love daily posts and helpful posts, but daily moreso. We read yor blog because we love YOU, so we love reading about you and your life.
Reghan says
Long time reader! Love your blog and how you keep it real! xo
Ann says
I’ve been with you since the beginning and I seldom comment and we’ve never met 🙂 I felt connected to you then because I am from Charlotte, went to Duke, and had a close first cousin at Davidson (where my dad and grandfather went as well!). Even when I was in the Peace Corps from 2008 to 2010, yours is the blog I checked first when I found internet in the capital city! You’re my favorite blog – keep Keepin’ It Real! Thank you for all you do!
KathEats says
Awww thanks Ann! We are friends for sure 🙂
Kerry says
Love the daily life posts, it does exactly what you intend, which is give other busy women ideas how to incorporate healthy living into daily family life. My lunch game has improved dramatically from ideas I get from yours! Thanks for sharing!
Evelyne says
Congrats on 10 years!
I appreciate this post – and I think the way you blog, and what you blog about will keep people coming back. Some other bloggers have switched to more evergreen content (even Tina carrotsncake announced yesterday she was going to focus on easy recipes/workouts) and i think that won’t work.
People google recipes or workouts, they don’t follow a blog religiously if it lacks the “personal” aspect of it.
Susan says
Yes to all of this! Thank you for keeping your blog authentic and personable. I have stopped reading so very many blogs (many of which were some of the first to the scene) due to “magazine style” content and feeling like the personality is missing. You do not have to tell everything to be real and you do a great job of that. Congrats on 10 years!
Kelli H says
& for all those reasons that’s why I come back. Thanks for not turning into a shiny “magazine” blog. I don’t need to check up on a persons life who appears perfect. I like relating to people who seem to live like real people. Thanks for keeping your blog real!
Kelly says
Love the mix of content on your blog; I wouldn’t change a thing!
Rachel says
Kath,
I’ve been a reader for at least 7 of your 10 years…maybe more. Yours is the only blog I read daily – I even kept up with it when I studied abroad in college! Just this year, my husband matched for his neurology residency at UVA. We’ll be coming to Cville this summer. It’s a big move for us (both born and raised in the midwest) but I feel like I already know Cville – or at least pieces of it – thanks to years of reading your blog. Thanks for creating this familiar, fun space for so many readers!
KathEats says
Yay!! Definitely email me when you get here 🙂
Rachel says
I absolutely will! Thanks!
Lily says
You are the most consistent blogger I follow. It is evident that you are the type of person, that if you’re going to do something, you’re going to do it WELL. That really shines through in your content – you never “phone it in”. I particularly notice that a new injection of life has been shot through your writing since the “sharing your heart out” post. The intention and effort behind your work does not not going unnoticed by your readers, and it is so appreciated. Thank you!
coco says
can’t agree more!!!
Jessica says
Agreed, with everything, 100%.
Sarah says
Happy 10 years! I read your blog every morning and appreciate you keeping it real! 🙂
Lindsay says
Nailed it! You’re doing a great job Kath – love the variety, slices of life and how you keep it real!
Emily @ Always Emily H. says
I’ve recently turned away from blogs I used to love because they seem more intent on sharing content and less about real life. Reading about real life is why I liked blogs like KERF in the first place! Looking forward to another 10 years (maybe?!)
Ella says
I agree with this! I have moved away from some of my former favorite blogs because… well… I don’t need some random recipe tips or workout tips, I can get that anywhere! I want to read about what sets a blogger apart from anyone else, and that’s always the personal side of things.
Kath, you hit the nail on the head about why your blog is perennially one of my favorites. You and Emily at Daily Garnish strike a wonderful balance, and it helps that you’re both good writers. 🙂 I encourage both of you to keep living YOUR lives, and with no apologies!!
Shana says
So much yes! I love blogs that feel genuine, whatever that ebb and flow may look like over time. Thanks for keeping it real!
KathEats says
Thank you for the comments, love and feedback everyone! I am reading every comment 🙂 <3
Sara says
I think I love your blog because it doesn’t seem like you’re writing posts to try to make money, so you really succeed in being “real.” I feel a little put off with food blogs who go all out with the magazine-style food photographs. While beautiful and I admire them for their artistic value, when I see food styling (you know, like orange peels artfully twirled around on a cutting board, precisely placed sprigs of thyme, etc) that doesn’t register in my head as a recipe I’m going to make at home in my real life. Those look like recipes that float around Pinterest but never actually make it into anyone’s kitchen. Your recipes are easy, healthy, and always look like something I will enjoy putting together at home.
To be honest I’m not really interested in recipes because I love being creative in cooking, so I’m more interested in ideas, and that’s what I get from you blog! You give the idea that it’s possible to live a fun life AND eat beautiful, healthy food without spending all your time slaving in the kitchen.
leatitia says
Love this! and you’re realness is why we’ll continue to read! Happy 10 years!
Linda @ The Fitty says
There are two types of blogs I like: Purely informational, and this kind, the one where you share personal stories from your life! 🙂
Audrey says
Thank you for keeping it real! I’ve been reading since almost the beginning (2008-2009) and it’s been an amazing journey.
Congratulations on 10 years!
nandaudadventure.wordpress.com
Amanda says
Ten years is an amazing milestone! I think I’ve been a loyal reader (e-friend?) for 8 years. <3
Allison says
So I guess this means that I have been reading your blog for 10 years! Time flies. I think that most people are looking for someone to relate to when they read a blog. I don’t want advice from bloggers. I don’t want exercise programs from them. Truth be told, if I was looking for a recipe, I would look for a recipe blogger. The one thing that I don’t like about personal blogs is how rude comments can be. If you wouldn’t say it to someone in real life, you shouldn’t say it to a blogger. Ultimately these kinds of comments limit what bloggers feel comfortable saying and I really can’t blame them.
Lindsey says
Happy 10 years Kath! I’ve been a reader for about 8ish years and only started commenting recently 🙂 Like many others here, yours is the only blog I read. I feel like I can relate to you because of your openness and honesty. You’ve got a one-of-a-kind blog, keep it up!
I’ll be back 😉
alan says
I make occasional comments (usually regarding this very subject today) and the only reason people like me come back daily is because of the “person” and not the “brand”. Brands are a dime a dozen (sorta) but people are all unique and have ups and downs just like me!
thanks for the honesty with which you post all the time. We the readers know what you let us know and that personal touch is really great. Here’s to another 10 years or more. Good luck in your next decade here.
Best wishes
Leigh says
I agree with the sentiments expressed by the other commenters. Your blog is genuine and real; it is also consistent and interesting. (And consistently interesting! :-)) I have stopped reading other blogs because of the constant barrage of sponsored posts. I get that this is how you and other bloggers make their living, but I leave when it’s clear that the sponsors are running the show. So glad you have kept the Kath in KERF! Congrats on 10 years!
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
Love this! I can imagine how tough it’s been to balance making the blog a business and staying true to what you want to do. You’re doing great, though! Thanks for everything you share with us : )
Eileen says
This is a really nice post. I guess all your readers have things they prefer and things they don’t. I know I have voiced my criticism of some of your sponsored posts. But I do enjoy your blog and I’ll look forward to another 10 years!
Sarah says
This is why I LOVE your blog! I have been a reader for a long time. I got pregnant with my first child right after you had Mazen. I literally purchased EVERYTHING you recommended and I loved all of it…and still use it for my second child. I don’t doubt for a second that if you say something is good, it’s really good! When I read other blogs, sometimes I’m really not sure if the blogger really likes the product, or is just pretending for that post becasuse it is sponsored. I know you are the real deal, and that’s what I love about you! Keep the realness coming!!
KathEats says
Haha I love that you purchased everything the same!! <3
Sarah says
I have also purchased many baby items because of your blog! I started reading around the time that you started blogging, read consistently for several years, took a year or two off when I got busy with my career, and circled back in when I had a daughter (she’s 4…just a bit younger than Mazen, and it’s just so nice to read others’ mom journeys). I agree with everyone else who said that the time, thought, and intention that you invest into this blog are so obvious. I have e-mailed you several times with questions, and you always replied quickly and made me feel like you valued me as a reader. You have definitely found your niche, and deserve the recognition you have achieved. I don’t know if I have ever left a comment, but I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading all these years, and how glad I am for the happiness you seem to have found recently. 🙂
KathEats says
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad to hear I emailed back prompty!!
Taryn says
Thanks for this post! I started a blog 6 months ago (mainly because I love oversharing, I wanted an online scrapbook of my life, and I felt like I could “help” busy moms like me be as healthy as they can be). I never started to make money. About a month in I started getting so overwhelmed with all the “stuff” I wasn’t doing (like Instagram, Pinterest, magazine-worthy photography, etc). I spent a few months stressing about that, then just realized I am going to keep churning out posts that I feel inspired to write, and not really worry about the rest (like site stats, pageviews, etc). It’s such a freeing feeling 🙂
coco says
Kath, please keep being real and share your life with us. I know what you mean those bloggers than turned their personal blog into a business, sometimes only business. I un-subscribed many of those because that was not the reason I started following them. You’re among the first one that I follow back in 2008 and probably the only one that I still do until today from that time because you kept your authenticity, your honesty and all of your sponsored posts felt natural. In fact, I’m looking forward to see some of your sponsor posts because i trust you and I know you wouldn’t sponsor a brand unless you believe in it, and more importantly, I like your style and taste so I find those posts informative.
Maybe you won’t turn into the most popular blog, nor become a millionaire, but you’ll have a loyal follower! 🙂
Moira says
Thank you for being you! I enjoy the day in the life, real life posts the most. Keep up the good work!
Martha says
Your blog is the first thing I read when I get to work in the morning (after I check my email). Congratulations on 10 years and thank you for being so open, honest, and real with us.
amy says
I have been reading your blog since 2012 when a co-worker showed me Mazen’s birth story with the line “You won’t believe what this person shared!” Haha I loved the story and when I was pregnant followed along on Babykerf and I love your realness!
Just out of curiosity can you share your favorite blogs?
Thank you!
KathEats says
Hahaha!!
I read a handful of HLBs from the early days who still write about lifestyle 🙂 And a scattering of home blogs like Young House Love and I Heart Organizing.
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Kath, your blog is one of the first blogs I ever read and loved! Indeed, your “realness” is what draws me to your blog. Thank you for sharing your food and life journey with us! I look forward to continuing to follow your journey 🙂
Theresa says
I’ve been reading your blog for 9 years after I found you via the “green monster” trend that Oh She Glows started. I’ve loved following your journey and also favor real, true blogs where you get to know the women behind the blog. Yours is one of the few I still read daily from all those years ago, keep it up!
Colleen says
I have been following you since 2009. I love your blog because it is so relateable and real. I just got divorced, and your posts about your own experiences really helped me through it. I’m glad that you are REAL about things, instead of sugar-coating it or trying to make your life seem different than it really is. I will always be a KERF fan! 🙂
Carrie says
Congratulations on 10 years!!!! I can’t remember when exactly I started reading but it was before Mazen was in the picture. Love your blog!!!! I’m a big fan!
Tracy says
3 cheers for KERF! Thanks for keeping it real, Kath. Yours was the first blog I started reading (from almost the very beginning!) and yours is still my favorite and first read every time 🙂
Ryane says
It’s exactly why I’ve kept reading for almost 10 years (whaaaaaaat)! And the past couple months have been really refreshing to read – you definitely seem very content right now and I love your light-filled pictures – all of that comes through in your blog and it’s just been a pleasure to read/tune into.
Still at the top of my reading list <3
Cyn says
Happy 10th Anniversary Kath!
Truly an achievement-be proud, celebrate!
I think you are so right about keeping it real-that’s why the space you’ve created here is so inspirational and appealing.
It’s always a bright spot in my day.
Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Kimberly says
I agree with what most other commenters have said. I like reading the personal posts and although a sponsored post every once in a while is fine, I appreciate blogs that are not just a new advertisement every day.
Lara says
Love this post and the interesting reflections on blogging. Been reading since 2009!
Sandra says
I have been reading since I linked over from I think “eat like me” SELF blog almost 10 years ago! You have created a beautiful space to come read & learn and I really appreciate the time and personality that you have put into it.
Monica says
So much yes!!!! I have followed your blog since the beginning and your writing inspired me over the years to carve a niche in the blogging space. But I struggled because instead of finding my own style and voice I mirrored what I thought bloggers were supposed to do. Instagram now mucks up that whole “should” of sharing as well. But I keep reminding myself why I love to write through a blog and share through an Instagram account, which helps me quiet that ‘should’ question.
Laura says
Great post Kath! I love your blog & have been reading since the very beginning. Keep on keepin it real.
Catherine says
I have been reading KERF every day since I found it in 2009. I live in Cville and love your insight of the town, but most of all I have loved learning how to be healthy on an every day basis. Your blog opened my eyes that you don’t always have to diet, you can do little things each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I can continue to enjoy wine in moderation and have a cheesy quesadilla, if I want to, but maybe add some spinach to it. You changed the way I cook and look at food. The “squiggly line effect” drives how I eat and I owe it all to YOU! Thank you, Kath!
KathEats says
Aww thanks neighbor!
Jeanie says
I’m late to the party today, but just wanted you to know I enjoy the variety of your blog. I’ve been reading for several years, but I couldn’t begin to guess how many with any accuracy. I’m also very happy to see dog pictures on occasion!
Sam @ G & G Nutrition Co. says
Happy anniversary!!!
Sandra says
Congrats on your 10 years, well done. I have been reading from the beginning but seldom comment. Always enjoy reading what is going on in your life, and hope it continues for at least 10 more years.
Ingunn says
Thank you for this post! Lately I’ve felt like I should specialize my blog a little more (I really don’t know why, since I hardly have any readers and I really mostly do it for my own pleasure) because it’s kind of all over the place, but, like you, my favorite blogs are the real life blogs. Nothing makes more sense than writing what you’re actually inspired to write, not what you feel you *should* be writing.
Katie @ Live Half Full says
Thanks for saying exactly what’s been on my mind with blogging lately. I prefer the real, back to your roots posts and am so happy to have found your blog several years ago!
Kara says
Congratulations!! I love your blog!
Kathy W. says
What they said!!
Have been reading since your Africa trip, however long ago that was, and back then, when I caught up on your even older pasts, I was hooked. There’s only a couple of other bloggers I have continued reading for years, and it’s because they were writing about their real life (and not in a professionally posed, carefully lit way). I’ve loved reading about your extended family, including your wonderful grandparents, and teared up at their passing. (And somewhere in your house may lurk that Davidson College plate I pointed out on eBay!)
Here’s to many more Kerf-y years!!
Sarah says
I’ve been reading your blog since before Mazen was born and I have really enjoyed your posts! You have introduced me to so many new foods that I now incorporate into my cooking. Thank you for keeping it real and letting us be part of your world.
Christin says
Wow ten years? I stumbled upon your blog I think within that first year, as I was sitting at my desk at work, looking for exactly what your blog represented and still does: Relatable content and photos that share the HOW of being healthy. I’ve followed you through getting your RD, Mazen’s birth (and used your posts as valuable reference the year later when I was pregnant with my first child) and beyond. Congratulations Kath, and thank you for being such an inspiration. Hugs!
KathEats says
It touches my heart that so many of you have been there for all my life’s milestones!
polly says
Kath i love you and your blog and feel like REAL FRIENDS!
and girl, I hardly read any blogs anymore at all, because if I wanted a magazine style blog I would read a magazine. 🙂
I get why bloggers need maybe a weekly sponsored post, because I need to make a living! but I adore all your posts about real ife and just everyday stuff, normal meals, life experiences, kids, love, family and TV shows and country music. YES TO ALL OF THAT! haha
Keep being you and lately i have really loved it because it reminds me from the “old KERF” back when you blogged live all the time and it was normal life and I just love that. Because most of us out here in the good ol USA have normal lives with kids and don’t make fancy food and we love that life gets messy for others too and we are all just humans doing the best we can. Keep being you, and keeping it real.
HUG
V says
As a reader for over 5 years, it seems as though you’ve finally found your voice. That’s what age can do, right? Those glorious 30’s when we just stop caring what others think. For a while it felt like you were OVERpolishing life to be pretty and perfect and relate-ability went down. While I think readers like to see the “pretty” edited parts of a blogger’s life (I mean, a lightbox does make a dish look incredible!) we also want to say, “Oh, hey, she is just like us!”
You’ve tossed the idea of a Stepford Wife and it REALLY comes through in your writing. Your voice sounds so genuine now, and it definitely has your readers coming back for more.
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) says
Yes! This is SO true! I started blogging back when blogs were just becoming a thing too. I used to read soooo many blogs, but then I found that so many of my favourite blogs started to get boring, and I no longer felt like I knew the writer behind the blog, and I didn’t know what was going on in their lives anymore. They lost the personality and familiarity that I came for.
I too have kept my blog real, personal, and non-magazine like. It may not looks as polished as other food blogs out there, but I don’t care. I don’t even edit photos, use special lights to take pictures, etc. It’s as raw and real as it comes, but I think that is what my readers like.
Ann Marion says
I’ve been reading since the beginning, and have always enjoyed the peek into your life. Glad to still see you going strong after 10 years!