Happy Friday!!
This post is going to be quite different from my usual "here's a recipe, I hope you try it" posts. I didn't even know how to title it! You see, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about what this blog means to me and where I see it going. About 2 ½ years ago, I started blogging under the domain "Savor the Rainbow" (anyone still following me from back then?), and as I reflect, I realize how much my lil' space on the web has changed.
Sure my collection of recipes has grown and my food photography has improved drastically (lots of dedicated time for sure), but somewhere along the way, I lost my voice. After much pondering, I came to the realization that while I used to love writing about my thoughts and how I do life, as the number of visitors on my site increased, so did my insecurities and self-consciousness. As long as I only shared recipes, I was "safe." Safe from what? That I haven't exactly figured out yet. Perhaps judgement? Loss of followers? I want everyone to like me! (The Hungryman is rolling his eyes right now).
Don't get me wrong. I love to cook and show people how easy and delicious healthy meals are, but I also don't want to be just another food blog. Some of my favorite bloggers are those that are authentic and relatable, and I desire to develop that kind of relationship with you all.
So I've decided... I'm returning back to the beginning when I used to share openly about my life - fertility issues, my 4-legged best friend Kona, recent travels, etc. It sure was fun for me to read through all these old posts!
From this point on, you'll find me sharing more about my daily happenings, eats, fitness routine, meal planning, spirituality, struggles, etc. Also as a registered dietitian, I'd love to share with you up-to-date nutrition tips and advice and what my approach to eating and well-being looks like.
It's time to get real ;). Hope you guys are ready for it.
What will remain the same is there will always be pictures of food because that's just what I do 😉
My recent eats...
Microwaved Simple Smoked Paprika Salmon // Regan Jones @ Healthy Aperture Blog
Salad with Cilantro Dressing //Deanna @ Teaspoon of Spice
Vegan chickpea and cauliflower soup w/grilled cheese
Slow Cooker Beef Tacos // adapted from Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum's Skinny Chicken Enchiladas.
I was too lazy to fill, roll, and bake the corn tortillas so I simply put all the ingredients she suggested (used beef instead of chicken) into the slow cooker and served it with some cheese, guacamole, and cilantro. We enjoyed the leftovers for days! To keep it exciting, I served it over rice (reminded us of a Chipotle burrito bowl) as well as a bed of greens.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm going to spend it with my family in Houston. My little nephew is turning 3!!! What?!?! Stop growing...
felicia | Dish by Dish says
My dear Min, I'm so glad I came across this post - I think it takes a whole lot of honesty to share what you feel and are going through, and sometimes as readers increase, there's the added pressure of sharing only what our readers would enjoy or share on social media.
Like you said, it's easy to lose our voice in this sea of food bloggers, and I'll tell you this - don't ever lose your uniqueness. You are a beautiful, amazing person, with talent and strength, and your voice and personal thoughts are what make you unique, and why I love reading your posts - there's warmth, sincerity and love emanating from each post.
Thanks for reminding me how important it is to hold onto our "voice". Sending you plenty of love.
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
So glad you wrote this - I totally remember you from the Savor The Rainbow days and while I'm always drawn in by your recipes and photos, you have a wonderful voice that really makes your blog come to life - and makes you so personable and relatable. So writing about what you want will definitely resonate with your readers (at least with this reader!)
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
I can't wait to read all of these stories about you! I feel like you have such a clear voice already Min, so I'm excited for what else is in store. PS. Everyone DOES like you;)
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says
I think this is a struggle of every blogger, but I know for me, my favorite posts are always the ones where I am using my "real voice" instead of the ones where I say what I think everyone will like... Can't wait to see how your blog will continue to grow! I love your recipes!
ellie | fit for the soul says
Yayyyy unnie!!! I was wondering if you would come back to sharing more personal posts. 😀 I understand how challenging it can be when trying to balance recipes, life, and reflective topics. I struggle with it myself and constantly "evolving" to become a better blogger in that sense. 🙂
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I'm still following you from Savor the Rainbow days and am really glad you're going to bring back more personal content 🙂 I adore all of your recipes too, and your photographs are stunning, but I enjoyed the insights into Min you used to share and will be delighted to have them return.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Absolutely love this, Min. I went through a moment of questioning last year of how I was losing my blogging voice by focusing too much on recipes but then went back to my classic ways of life posts, random rants the recipes between.
Can't wait to continue following on (but also drooling at your recipes. Hands down, best Asian recipes of all the bloggers I follow).
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
I think it's a great idea to change things up. if you are going to put time into writing then you should be able to share what you want to share.
Rachael@AvocadoADayNutrition says
Min, when I first discovered your blog, I instantly knew you were someone I would be friends with in "real life." Probably why we had such an awkward "hey, I LOVE you!" introduction when we finally met! You have such an incredible voice and writing style, but I totally understand what you mean. Looking back at my old posts, I think I definitely went through that phase when I felt like I was just writing words, not storytelling or sharing anything valuable. Figuring out what to share and what to keep personal was an important step to sharing (what I hope is!) more authentic posts and getting more spiritual fulfillment out of my writing. So excited to see where this will take you! xoxo
Min says
Rachael!! I love you!! 😉 Did you think it was awkward? maybe a lil'...but we hit it off immediately, didn't we? We were meant to be friends, no doubt about it hehe. And you get me as that's exactly how I'm feeling - I'm just writing words and feeling totally uninspired. I, too, am excited for the change. Thanks for always being there for me!! Hope you have an awesome time in ATL!!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says
Can't wait for this new side of your blog! I'm sure we'll all love you and your blog even more!
Min says
Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm so glad we connected this year, and I look forward to getting to know you more as well!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Blog more personally! It is so great and can only ADD to the blogging experience!
Min says
Thanks, Rebecca for your support and encouragement! 😉
Kara @ The Foodie Dietitian says
Awwww! I loved reading this, Min! I can't wait to read your new series and am always down for a dose of REAL on blogs. 🙂 (but honestly, I've always thought your voice and your presence on this blog was authentic). Cheering you on girlfriend! xo
Min says
Hi Kara! Your mindful monday series are one of my fav posts (I look forward to it every week and wouldn't miss it for the world), and it really inspired me to share more about my life and my thoughts whatever that may be...good or bad..no judgement. So thank YOU for the inspiration!! Love ya!
Marisa @ Uproot from Oregon says
Looking forward to continuing to get to know you better through your words. You have always come through as a genuine voice to me through this blog!
Min says
Thank you, Marisa! I, too, look forward to getting to know you more! 😉
Julie @ Lovely Little Kitchen says
Cheering you on as you go! No fears when you are being real and authentic. It would be hard not to love you!
Min says
You are making me blush, Julie. Thank you so much for all your love and support!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Good for you Min! I'm really looking forward to following you down this new path. And you have nothing to fear, we all love you!
Min says
Aww thank you, Sonali!! You are too sweet and kind for words, and I'm thankful for our blogs which brought us together ;).
lindsay says
yes, i totally want to encourage the NO FEAR min, you have God's purpose for you, right there! <3
Maggie Perkins says
I've been struggling with the same thoughts, and I just want to encourage you to return to your world, and all of the real-life it contains, in word. There are a million food blogs out there, so it's the personal, I believe that really makes a connection.
GO FOR IT!
My best,
Maggie
Min says
Thank you so much, Maggie, for your encouragement! And I look forward to connecting with you through words..and in person! I'd love to meet you at the Cedar Park Farmer's Market!!