From Passion Project to Purpose: My Evolving Blogging Journey and the Evergreen Broccoli Slaw Salad

The landscape of blogging, much like life itself, has undergone a remarkable transformation since I first embarked on this digital adventure. When I launched my blog, it was a quiet corner of the internet, a personal outlet born from the everyday joys and challenges of being a stay-at-home mom to my two young children, then aged three and one. This was a time before the ubiquity of iPhones, when a digital camera was still a relatively new gadget, and the sprawling universe of social media as we know it today simply didn’t exist. Blogging wasn’t a career path; it was a sanctuary, a cherished means to connect with others without needing to step outside my home. Publishing a new post brought a unique thrill, a quiet anticipation of who might stop by and leave a comment. Initially, it was a familiar circle—friends, my husband’s co-workers—but soon, this digital space blossomed into genuine friendships with fellow bloggers like Lisa, Jenny, Maria, and Leslie. Our comment sections became our virtual meeting spots, a delightful way to stay in touch and share our culinary passions. I remember the sheer excitement when my sister-in-law, Jamie, started her own blog; despite living nine hours apart, it felt as though we were constantly cooking side-by-side in each other’s kitchens, sharing stories and recipes.

The Evolution of a Digital Passion: From Hobby to Business

Fast forward to 2014, and the world of blogging had evolved into something entirely different. What began as a heartfelt hobby had, almost imperceptibly, transitioned into a burgeoning business. Even then, I grappled with the notion of calling my passion “work,” but the reality was undeniable: it allowed me the immense privilege of working from home, a blessing I continue to be grateful for beyond words. Through this platform, I forged some of my deepest friendships, some with individuals I’ve had the immense fortune of meeting in person, others I still hope to embrace someday. Reflecting on the doors that have opened and the enriching experiences I’ve garnered is truly amazing. However, the demands of blogging in 2014 were far removed from simply cooking a recipe, snapping a photo, and hitting “publish.” A vast amount of intricate, time-consuming work now unfolded behind the scenes, a significant portion of it dedicated to navigating the ever-expanding realm of social media.

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Social Media and the Quest for Balance

For several years, I diligently kept pace with the relentless rhythm of social media, trying to master its nuances and meet its expectations. But lately, a profound shift in perspective began to take root. The arrival of my third child, a beautiful addition nine years after my first, coupled with the rapid growth of my older two, brought a stark realization: this precious time in life is fleeting. It underscored the importance of intentionality and presence. Let me be clear: I am not abandoning my blog. That thought is far from my mind. However, I have finally embraced the understanding that I can no longer, nor do I wish to, keep up with every single demand of the digital sphere. My resolve is now firmly set on working smarter, not just harder. My aim is to create a harmonious balance between my online engagements and the irreplaceable moments of my real life. While I confess I’m not entirely there yet—and perhaps never will be, as balance is a constant dance—I am actively figuring it out. The bottom line is this: I never want to look back at this invaluable period of my life with regret, feeling as though I merely spun my wheels instead of making deliberate and meaningful choices with my time.

On that reflective note, I hadn’t intended for today’s post to become such a lengthy ramble. My initial goal was simply to update a photo for a beloved recipe I originally shared back in September of 2009. Yet, revisiting that old post and seeing the recipe transported me back to that earlier time, making it impossible not to ponder how much has changed and evolved over the years, both in my life and in the blogging world. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed these personal musings. 😉

Have a wonderful Monday!

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(Originally posted on September 23, 2009, photos updated on March 10, 2014)

Rediscovering Simplicity: The Appeal of a Quick & Healthy Lunch

I genuinely love the idea of having fresh salads for lunch. The reality, however, often tells a different story. In the rush of daily life, unless all the ingredients are pre-chopped or the salad is already assembled, I’m far more likely to grab something quick and easy, like a simple turkey sandwich, rather than take the time to prepare a truly nutritious meal. This is precisely why I adore this Broccoli Slaw Salad. I first created it with a brilliant little shortcut in mind: using pre-bagged shredded broccoli slaw, readily available in the produce section of most grocery stores. To this convenient base, I added vibrant grape tomatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, crumbly blue cheese (or its milder cousin, gorgonzola), and a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It’s a dish that comes together in mere minutes, yet delivers a burst of flavors that genuinely satisfies your taste buds. And the best part? It’s incredibly good for you, embodying everything a fantastic salad should be – wholesome, fresh, and utterly delicious.

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