Home Β» Family Friday (vol. 74): Why Continue Blogging? Plus, What Food Photography Looks Like In a House of Dogs and Kids!

Family Friday (vol. 74): Why Continue Blogging? Plus, What Food Photography Looks Like In a House of Dogs and Kids!

I started blogging in 2009. The same year I got married. The same year I became a Registered Dietitian. The same year I couldn’t find a job. The same year I moved from Chicago to Tulsa and away from everyone and everything I’d ever known.

When it came to blogging, I had no idea what I was doing and spoiler alert: I still have no idea what I’m doing. For YEARS, I blogged EVERY DAY. A new recipe EVERY DAY. My blog wasn’t a hobby, it was a part-time job. A part-time job that I absolutely loved and had time for as we lived the DINK lifestyle, states away from our family and friends. I made friends online, some of whom I’m still in contact with today and who I’ve met in person over the years. I spent a LOT of time at my computer and not only creating content, but also networking and growing my readership. It was definitely successful, but it absorbed a LOT of time.

Fast forward to 2012 when I was approached about writing my first cookbook, my blog was seeing what I consider to be GOOD traffic. My pageviews were well over 10,000 a day and I was still devoting a ton of time to blogging, albeit not a post a day. A leadership position at work, a long commute, and then our first born all contributed to less time devoted to blogging, less posts, and less traffic. With my traffic a fraction of what it once was, sometimes I think, “Why do I still do this?”

And then come times like my chili contest where I receive the most incredible, thoughtful, and heart-warming emails. Sometimes I’ll get a single comment on my blog over the course of a month when I used to get hundreds a day. It’s easy to think, “if no one is reading, why am I doing this?” And then people come out of the woodwork and make me so incredibly grateful for the OPPORTUNITY to continue blogging. My drive-by visits are way, way down but who cares? Pinterest and Facebook algorithms are smarter than me, my images are laughable compared to some of the food photography I see, and I envy the people who are able to quit their day jobs and make a go at blogging full-time. (P.S. Even if I had the skill or desire to do that, Mark would never approve!). I’m just another blogger who so happens to blessed with some of the most loyal and appreciative readers there are.

Along with a chili contest entry, a woman wrote to me…

I’ve been reading your blog going on 4 years now! I love to follow and read your blog, I can so relate with your little ones, Shea and Piper. I love to read about the laughter and stresses of being a mom and working full-time. You got me through the toughest part of going back to work full-time after maternity leave. I was so stressed out and upset, but reading your story helped me out immensely and I told myself I could do it too!

And a second along with a chili contest entry…

Also, I just wanted to say, I absolutely love your blog, the recipes you share, and the stories of your family. I have a daughter who is a similar age to your youngest (she’s 21 months), and I completely related to your stories of Piper being a not-so-great sleeper.

My love tank is SO full. Blogging continues to be SO rewarding, even if I’m not inundated with affirmations of this 😉 (FYI, Words of Affirmation is my #1 love language, ha!) My blog is truly an extension of who I am and much to Mark’s dismay, it is who I am to just throw is alllllllll out there for the world to read (or not read) and hopefully enjoy!

Thank you to the best readers there are – it means so much!

Be well,

Share With Your Friends!

34 Comments

  1. Becca
    August 17, 2018 / 1:22 pm

    My heart certainly dropped when I started reading this post, so glad it wasn’t a farewell! I applaude your continued loyalty to the blog, you’re a busy lady! So many of our favorite recipes come from your site and cookbook – we make pizza puffs on the reg. Thank you!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 17, 2018 / 5:08 pm

      Becca, thank you tons! No, no – not quitting! Didn’t even think it could be a misleading title…but definitely see how it is πŸ˜› Thanks for your comment and reading along! Means a lot! <3

  2. Stephanie
    August 17, 2018 / 1:45 pm

    I read the title and thought you were quitting! I’ve been reading since before I had my 4 1/2 year old and some of your recipes are family favorites! I’ve enjoyed reading along as your family has grown (mine too!) and it’s so nice to relate to another full time working mom.

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 17, 2018 / 5:07 pm

      Thank you so much, Stephanie!! My recipes have certainly changed with little mouths to feed, but it’s ALL good! So appreciate you reading along and your sweet comment!

  3. Meredith
    August 17, 2018 / 2:13 pm

    Hi! I’ve never commented before, but just wanted to drop a note and say thank you for all your time, effort, and recipes on this blog! Yours was one of the first I started reading regularly (I can’t even remember when I became a lurker in the food blog world…5, 6 years ago??). I love drawing inspiration from your recipes and truly enjoy reading your blog posts. Thank you!!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 17, 2018 / 5:05 pm

      Meredith, thank you! That means a lot! <3

  4. Hannah H.
    August 17, 2018 / 2:35 pm

    In my circle of friends, I’m one of the few working moms, so it’s always nice to hear how others survive (whether I know you in real life or not)! πŸ™‚

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 17, 2018 / 5:06 pm

      Same, Hannah!! Same! Thanks for your comment πŸ™‚

  5. Katie
    August 17, 2018 / 6:04 pm

    I’ve been reading your blog on and off again since 2010. I don’t always read every post, but do follow along with you on Facebook and Instagram. Love your recipes. Thanks for blogging!

  6. Sarah
    August 17, 2018 / 6:24 pm

    I’ve been reading your blog for years and years, have participated in the chili contest (coffee chili), and follow you on instagram from both of my accounts (mother.unicorn_ & hungry.mother.unicorn . I am not the best at reaching out/commenting regularly, but thank you so much for what you do! I love your recipes and the snapshots you share of your family (your girls are the cutest and I love that you keep it real)!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 18, 2018 / 7:33 am

      Hi Sarah! Mmmm…your Coffee Chili! Hard not to forget some of the recipes over the years, but as a coffee LOVER, your recipe is near and dear to my heart! Really appreciate your comment and glad you can follow along! Thank you! <3

  7. Suzette
    August 17, 2018 / 6:26 pm

    Nicole, I have been a follower for 5 years, and I am probably older than your average reader. I began a quest to get healthier and lose some weight when I turned 55. I began researching healthy eating and found so much information, sometime contradictory, that it was confusing and discouraging. I loved your philosophy and sensible approach and I settled on limiting processed foods, increasing my fruit and veggie intake, and trying to prepare foods that I enjoy so that I want to continue eating this way. I have both of your cookbooks, and I am in awe of how you balance work, motherhood, exercise, and the blog. I enjoy reading about your family along with the recipes you share. Thanks for helping me on my quest for healthy and active older years, and just know that your efforts are appreciated.

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 18, 2018 / 7:32 am

      Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Suzette! I feel blessed to be in the nutrition field for my work because gaining health at any age is both hard and so rewarding. Your readership means a lot – both online and in print πŸ™‚ It fills me up to hear that my path has helped others, too. Lord knows I’m a forever work in progress! πŸ˜‰ Thanks again! So much!

  8. Rebecca
    August 17, 2018 / 7:00 pm

    I’m so glad that you will continue blogging! You had me worried for a moment. I love your website! I love many of your recipes. I know I can trust them to be healthier options for my husband and me that we really enjoy eating. Your family Friday’s and personal anecdotes are so fun to read. Your blog is a gem!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 18, 2018 / 7:29 am

      Thanks so much, Rebecca! That’s what is so important to me, too – food that people actually WANT to eat! Thanks for following along πŸ™‚

  9. Jennifer Santana
    August 17, 2018 / 7:03 pm

    I agree with everyone, you do what you love and it shows, plus your recipes are delish. <3 <3

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 18, 2018 / 7:27 am

      Thank you, Jennifer <3

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  12. Rebecca
    August 18, 2018 / 9:46 am

    I think I’ve been reading since 09 when I lived in France. Your site was where I got all my recipes to make for my then-boyfriend. You post great content and I always feel (and felt) like I can (and could) make whatever recipe you show(ed). Everyday ingredients and accessible instructions! Keep doing what you’re doing- it is valued by so many people ! πŸ™‚

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 19, 2018 / 10:52 am

      Thank you, Rebecca! That’s my vision and I’m so glad that comes across! Food has to be approachable for those with busy lives who still want to lead a healthy lifestyle. Really appreciate your readership and sweet comment! <3

  13. Erin
    August 18, 2018 / 5:58 pm

    Long, long time reader here. I started reading when were DINKs too, and now have a 2 year old & 4 month old. I’ve loved reading & watching your family evolve along with mine. <3

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 19, 2018 / 10:51 am

      Erin, I love it! Ahh…the DINK lifestyle. Can’t ever remember what it was like!! Congratulations on your growing family and thank you SO much for reading along. Means so much!

  14. Sara
    August 19, 2018 / 3:09 pm

    GASP! Along with other commenters, I had a moment of panic when I thought you might be saying goodbye! Glad to hear that’s not the case, and was very excited to see my email featured! πŸ˜‰ Your blog is truly my favorite; whenever I read your stories I always feel like I’m catching up with a friend. I don’t know how you find the time to do it all, but I’m so grateful you do.

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 20, 2018 / 7:12 am

      Hi Sara! πŸ™‚ You’re truly too sweet. Your email (and comment!) mean the world. It’s a blessing! Thank you!! <3

  15. Joy
    August 21, 2018 / 12:35 am

    Like many others, I read the post title, and thought “oh no, I hope this isn’t a farewell post!” I love you blog because your recipes and stories are relatable and realistic…plus when I make your recipes they always taste good. I started reading your blog early on (2010-2011?) when I was miserable in another career – and just starting to play around with the idea of leaving it behind for something better. I distinctly remember reading your Q&A about becoming an RD one day…and long story short, I am now a relatively new RD trying to screw up the courage to start blogging (my day job is in LTC). You and your blog have been inspiring! Thank you!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 21, 2018 / 6:01 pm

      Joy, wow! That’s so fun to see come full circle – I hope you find your career to be as rewarding as I have found mine to be. Thank you SO much for reading along and your super sweet comment <3 Really appreciate it! πŸ™‚

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  17. alex
    August 26, 2018 / 11:16 am

    I’ve read your blog for many years (2010ish) and have never commented. I often think about how i SHOULD comment on blogs more often, as I know it would motivate me to continue writing! So, here is my first comment πŸ™‚ thanks for all your delicious recipes. I always look forward to chili season because I like to try the submitted entries for your contest! And your kiddos are so cute!

  18. Biz
    September 1, 2018 / 12:43 pm

    It’s crazy how a blog can bring people together that otherwise wouldn’t have known each other in real life – including us! I am so happy that we got the chance to meet in person – and while I don’t comment all the time, know that I am a loyal reader. Hugs!

  19. Kim Thomas
    September 6, 2018 / 9:56 am

    I am also a registered, licensed dietitian and have enjoyed your sincere art of blogging. Your passion for communicating about food and how to make it enjoyable shines through. Your recipes look delicious and I’m sure are so,… down to the last crumb! Thanks!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      September 6, 2018 / 9:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Kim! That means so much! I so appreciate other RDs reading along <3

  20. Jennifer
    December 2, 2018 / 9:06 pm

    I love your blog! I’m also an RD and a mom to little girls. Thanks for showing that we RDs are real people, too, and not just food-crazed folk! When I am in a recipe rut, I come over to your blog for inspiration!

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