When I first started this site over six (!!) years ago, my focus was food, with a little bit of life thrown in. A place to document some of my favorite recipes, and some of my favorite memories. I shudder to look back on some of those earlier posts, and especially the photos. The phrase “We’ve come a long way, baby” has never been more appropriate. Right around the three year mark, I feel like I really found my footing. Or honed it in more. Still concentrating largely around food and family.
But then, over the last few years, particularly after my separation from The Ex, I felt a shift. And started to expand the topic wheel a bit more to include crafts, things to do with your kids (and without), some fashion, divorce, a bit of this and a bit of that. And I felt like my voice has gotten even more targeted, even though it’s a wider spectrum of topics. Does that make sense? I felt the words were more and more from my heart and soul, filled with emotion, as opposed to just words coming after the blinking cursor. It’s more me than ever.
Since the site was so focused on food in the beginning, broadening its scope is something I’ve struggled with over the past six months or so, from a readership viewpoint. Am I alienating people who come solely for the food? Certainly not my intention, but this is so much of who I am. I’m not just about food, although the presence of food in our lives is like a ribbon that ties it all together. I am so much more. We are so much more.
I am food.
And family.
And the kids. Oh those kids.
And home.
And parties.
And field trips.
And photography.
And new nail polish obsessions.
And a statistic of divorce.
And dating.
And laughter.
And love.
And tons more.
Just like you.
And it seems only natural that this site is an extension of that.
When I was at the Starbucks event back in May, one of the Starbucks team members mentioned me as “the mommy blogger.” It kind of took me aback for a second. I am a mom. And a blogger. But I guess since I don’t fit neatly into that category, I don’t think the category fits neatly on me, you know?
Someone very kindly nominated my site to Babble’s Mom Food Bloggers. I don’t know who did, but THANK YOU. I was very chuffed to find out. And if you feel so inclined, you can click the little thumbs up once you find Sweetnicks on the below link.
Food blogger?
Mommy blogger?
Yes to all. And more.
Farnoosh Torabi, she of MSNBC fame, called me a lifestyle blogger.
That was pretty cool.
I’m not sure where exactly I fit. But I do hope you’ll continue along for the journey.
July 26, 2011 – Bonus Photo
This is actually from a few nights ago. You’ll have to forgive me. An hour past the kids’ bedtime, I heard scampering and giggling. I stopped working and made my way upstairs to remind them what “bedtime” meant. Only to find out that they made my bed, cleaned the bathroom and their bedrooms. How can I be mad at that?
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Lifestyle blogger, I like. Mommy blogger? I don’t know that you fit the stereotype because, like you said, you’re so much MORE than that.
Plus your kids are adorable and I WANT to read about them, whereas with most “mommy bloggers” I’m like SHUT UP ALREADY.
I think Lifestyle Blogger sums it up perfectly! Great post… on my way to give you a thumbs up on Babble! :)
I like lifestyle blogger! I’ve followed your blog off and on since the early days…mostly on, but sometimes off when I’ve had too much work time on the computer. Yours is one that I come back to even when I forget about the others though! I tried to do a thumbs up on Babble, but it won’t refresh or something. Will have to try again later, perhaps on another browser!
When I first found your website I read all the way back to the beginning because I was so impressed with your writing, Cate. Your blog is so unique and one of the first I check out daily on my list of favorites. Just keep doing what you’re doing because it’s definitely working for you! On a side note, while on vacation last week in Colorado, we spent a day in Breckenridge. Beautiful place! If you’re ever there, eat at “Downstairs at Eric’s”. It’s a cool place with great food. Anyway, when we were walking back to our car, my son suddenly yelled, “Mom! Look! A burnese mountain dog!!!”. The lady walking him was nice enough to stop and tell us all about her dog. Drew, my son, informed me that he WILL own one someday. He is in love with the breed now. And it all started with your blog!
okay, I finally found you and you are liked
Hard to be mad about that.
I “met” you on the CLBB and started following your blog near the beginning. I enjoyed reading your posts about food, but I also really like your other posts as well. I’ve watched your kids grow up, and I feel like I know you and your family, even though we have never met and I’ve only lurked on your blog. I like the balance of topics that you talk about, and you’re a good storyteller. So I say, don’t change what you’re doing! :)
I enjoy your “new style!” Guess I’ve been reading since the all food stage…and haven’t left. :-)