My main focus for this blog is health and eating foods that nourish your body and prevent disease. As I have gotten a little older I have watched a number of friends struggle with cancer, tumors, viruses, autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections and plain unhealthiness. My hope is that I can help people recognize the value of eating real food and prove to them that vegetables actually taste good!

Recently, I was approached by the local paper in regards to my connection with Royal Acres Farm and CSA. They wanted to do a piece entitled Health Matters that featured both Royal Acres and myself since we often collaborate and promote one another. I was flattered beyond belief and for the first time thought that maybe the blog was in fact helping others on their path to healthful eating. Here's a glance at the article!

'Healthy vegetarian adventures'

I have not been blogging for very long, less than a year and boy has it been a learning experience. Initially, I thought to myself that since I have been cooking, taking photos, and writing for most of my life that this would be a great outlet for me; simple, easy, creative. I was wrong, blogging is not for those looking for a simple outlet, it takes a lot of time, energy, and thoughtfulness. There is also a significant amount of self critique involved in the process -

Are my images good enough?

Is the recipe easy enough for the average person to follow?

Will anyone like this recipe?

Is anyone making this recipe?

Is anyone actually reading this thing?

A lot of unanswered questions go into this process and often you wonder if it is even worth it. Blogging is also not as simple as typing some words and posting an image. Recipes have to be tested, photographs have to be taken and edited, and social media needs to be engaged. In general, we are a visual culture, photographs inform our decisions and we essentially eat with our eyes. The images need to draw people in and be available across various platforms; Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and of course on the blog itself.

The other major component is that others want to feel like they know you and are connected to you, and the only way that that can happen is if they read your word and much like your food, see your image.

I love taking pictures of food but I do not like selfies so in order to let you all know me a little bit better, I enlisted the help of the amazing photographer and graphic designer, Mai Fung. Mai is based in New Jersey and is super talented. She was very patient with me and allowed me to be my silly and corny self which was captured in many of the images. Check out her website maifung.net for more examples of her work and check out my silly mug!

Two of my favorite images - me goofing off

If you are thinking about becoming a blogger, just remember that although it is a lot of work, it is a creative outlet, a lot of fun, and a great place to make new friends, educate others, and share your passions.