Hey guys! So today we’re going a little outside of the normal stuff that usually happens around these ‘har parts.
No brownies for you guys today. That’s tomorrow. (so come back tomorrow, ‘yo)
So have you guys heard of the Writing Process Blog Tour ‘thang that’s going around the blogging world? Basically, it’s just a way for bloggers to showcase the process of the writing and work that goes on behind a blog.
I was nominated for this challenge by my good friend Krista over at Joyful Healthy Eats. She wrote an awesome behind-the-scenes post about her blog that was so much fun to read!
Also, she JUST shared a killer tomato soup recipe that I’m currently dying over. Just had to throw that in there. 😉
So let’s get started shall we? I first entered into the world of food blogging in October 2012. I’d always loved testing out new recipes in the kitchen and thought a blog would be a great way to showcase some of my creations. Little did I know how much my blog would grow into something so much more passionate and important to me…
Back in the “dark days of blogging” I call ’em, my photography was less than appetizing (I took all my photos in my dark, natural light-less kitchen) My writing was super-short and sounded forced and dull, and even my blog design and layout was pretty terrible….
Since those nearly 2 years ago, I got things together a little bit: I splurged a bought my first DSLR camera and then spent countless hours throwing myself into learning how to take good photos, developing and testing recipes numerous times, and even hired a web designer to fix my site up into a more navigable, user-friendly blog.
If you were to ask me 2 years ago if I would still be blogging today the answer would probably have been no. I never imagined Whole and Heavenly Oven would grow into what it has for me, but I’m so thankful to YOU my readers who have made that possible!
1. What am I working on right now? Right now I am still working on vastly improving my photography. The biggest challenge by far I have with photography is lighting and recently I’ve been moving around my house to just about every window trying to find the best lighting for photos.
Oh, can I have two things? I’m also going crazy pumping out the apple and pumpkin recipes. Fall is my FAVORITE season, primarily because of the comfort food and I usually always go a little crazy this time of year with the fall recipes. 😀
2. How does my work differ from others in my genre? Whole and Heavenly Oven is primarily a health-and-whole food based food blog, but my parents taught me that healthy food doesn’t necessarily have to taste boring and dull just because it’s healthy. — I believe food should not only be healthy and GOOD for you, but it should also taste amazing!
Many of my recipes are versions of all your favorites, such as death-by-chocolate cake or the perfect loaf of banana bread, but they ALL have my own healthy twist on them that makes them taste indulgent but they’re still whole and good for you.
Hence, the blog name: Whole AND Heavenly Oven. (I added the “oven” because I have an obsession with my oven)
I’m not one to skip out on cookies, after all. Couldn’t live without my sweets. 🙂
(Bakery-Style Double Chocolate Cookies)
3. Why do I write what I do? This may sound weird, but the actual WRITING part of the blog is one of my biggest struggles. Some days the words just pour out of my head and my writing turns out great, but theeeen there are those not-so-inspired days where I can’t think of a thing to say. — On those days, I usually take a break from the computer and I go do something that will relax my mind—usually a walk, run or bike ride does the trick. 😉
I feel as though right now, I’m still trying to find my “blogging voice” and trying to make myself heard. My writing tends to kind of lean towards an “upbeat” and “bubbly” tone. — I love making people laugh!
In real life, I’m actually a pretty quiet and reserved person to people I don’t know too well, but on my blog I feel like I can come alive into the passionate, lively person that all my close friends and family know I am.
4. How does my writing process work? My writing process always starts with the actual recipe or even just an ingredient. I usually get crazy-inspired when I make something super-tasty and can’t wait to to tell you guys all about it! It might be something simple like cherry tomatoes, or it could be something extravagant like pie in the form of pancakes. Whatever it is, I’ve got to be inspired and passionate about it, otherwise my writing won’t be “real.”
Now comes the fun part! I get to nominate THREE other bloggers who I’d like to see write their own Writing Process!
First up is Kelly, the talented lady behind Life Made Sweeter.
Like me, Kelly is passionate about all things healthy, but there is definitely no shortage of indulgent and sweet recipes on her blog! I’ve known Kelly a few months now and the longer I know her, the more I fall in love with her awesome blog, beautiful photos, and delicious recipes!
Right now I am currently DYING over her Apple Pie Pecan Cinnamon Rolls and oh-my-gosh these Salted Caramel S’mores Brownies. — Really, Kelly is just the queen of all things sweet. 🙂
Next up, we have Danielle from Live Well Bake Often.
I don’t even remember HOW I ended up on Danielle’s blog a few months ago, but I am so glad I did because we instantly hit off and became good blogging friends. Danielle’s food photography is always so inviting and she’s so kind and funny and always leaves thoughtful comments on my blog that instantly put a smile on my face.
At the moment, I’m kinda wishing I could wave my magic wand make her gorgeous One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls appear in front of my face. With a side of this perfect-o Pizza Grilled Cheese. 😀
Last but not least we have Olivia from Primavera Kitchen. I haven’t known Olivia that long but seriously she is the SWEETEST and most genuine person I’ve ever met and I feel as if we’ve known each other forever!
Her photography and recipes are positively mouth-watering, and I really admire the clean, professional feel of her photos.
On my list of things to make from her blog include her gorgeous Strawberry Coconut Chia Pudding and heavens-yes this good-lookin’ Zucchini Couscous Salad.
Thanks for reading guys! For real, you’re the best. 😀 More food, tomorrow!
Awww… great post girl! I didn’t realize you started in 2012! Your photography has seriously grown so much, keep up the good work girl! Loved reading the post and how you write. 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats recently posted…Creamy Kale Spinach Artichoke Dip
Haha! Technically I started in 2012, but I basically did NOTHING on the blog for about 6 months. LOL. And thank you so much for the photography compliments and again, for the nomination, Krista! You’re awesome. 🙂
I loved reading this post! Writing the posts are definitely the hardest part for me too.. some days I feel like I can go on and on and on and other days I can’t even start a sentence.
By the way, you totally made my day! You’re way too kind! I’m really so glad you found my blog!
Danielle recently posted…Homemade Honey Roasted Peanut Butter
I totally get that, Danielle! Those days are the worst.
And I’m pretty happy I found your blog too! Can’t wait to read your own writing process!
Great post Sarah, I’ve been admiring your blog ever since Izzy talked about you a couple of weeks ago! I love your writing and your photography is amazing too! I am always floored when young people such as yourself have SO much talent at such a young age. Thanks for sharing!
katie recently posted…Chickpea Almond Chicken Salad
Thank you so much for stopping by, Katie and for the kind compliments!—Izzy is the best and I’m glad you found my blog! 🙂
I love reading these types of posts! It’s always fun to see behind the scenes if you will 🙂 haha and I hear ya on the photography – my old photos are horrrrrrribleeeeee. They make me cringe whenever I see them … or whenever they get pinned! lol
Ashley recently posted…Asheville Love (Via Lots of Pictures)
Hahaha! Oh, boy do I ever get that—I hate it when people pin my old photos too! I’m just like reaaaally? You think that looks tasty?! LOL.
Loved reading this post, Sarah! I also really love reading your blog and looking at your photos! Your writing always sounds so natural and you really do make me laugh and smile a lot!! I struggle a lot with the lighting too, it doesn’t seem like it should be that hard, but it is!! I also really struggle with the writing part. Sometimes I write a few paragraphs then read over it and I get so bored reading my own writing! I like the idea of going for a walk or run to shake things up 🙂
Isadora recently posted…Vegan “Chicken” Patty Sandwiches
Right?! Lighting is definitely my biggest struggle—sometimes it cooperates, sometimes it doesn’t and when it doesn’t I’m just like, gahhh WHY?! 😉
And yes, usually some moderate exercise puts the words right back in my head and I’m ready to tackle that blog post!
Yay!! I’ve been meaning to put together my post and I just haven’t been feeling inspired to right, you know? It sounds like you and me are very similar – if I’m not feeling inspired, my writing will be vapid. Though I have always loved your posts and recipes! Those chocolate cookies…dying!!!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking recently posted…Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thanks, Lindsey! I can’t wait to read your Writing Process, girl!
Awesome awesome post girl! I loved what you wrote and seeing what goes on behind the scenes. I always love coming here and drooling over your photos and reading what you have to say 🙂 I hear ya on the writing – some days I have no idea what to write too and have to come back to it. I love when I read your posts it just feels like we are hanging out and chatting it up in your kitchen 🙂
Aaw and you are the sweetest, thank you so much for the nomination and the nice things you said – I feel the same about you girl 🙂 I am always drooling over your food – totally wish I could grab a cookie and that apple right now!
Awww thank you so much, Kelly! You always make my day with your sweet and thoughtful comments. 🙂
And yes bloggers block, as I like to call it, is the worst. But your writing ALWAYS seems so natural and real to me. 😀 xoxo
What a great post, Sarah! I love reading about how other blogger’s minds work. And I’m totally the same way with you in writing. I have a love/hate relationship with it and am still trying to find my voice. Your recipes are absolutely amazing, I can’t wait to see what else you come up with! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…{Skinny} Red Velvet Truffles
Thanks so much, Gayle! I think your writing is awesome! You have a real, from-the-heart writing style that I really admire. 😉
Great Post Sarah!! Its always fun to know what goes on behind the scene.. Love reading your posts and your recipes.. your writing always tend to cheer me up and your pictures are drool-worthy.. 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted…Dark Chocolate and Crystallised Ginger Ice Cream
It is fun seeing the behind-the-blog work! I love learning more about other bloggers too. 🙂
Thanks so much for always being so supportive and kind, Arpita! You’re the sweetest, girl! 🙂
Hi, Sarah. I just saw this awesome post today and I love it! Amazing post girl! I loved seeing what goes on behind the scenes. It is so fun! I always love coming here and admire your photos 🙂 I hear you on the writing because some days I don’t have any idea what to write too!!
Thanks so much for the nomination and the beautiful things you said about me and my blog. I feel the same about you girl. You are so sweet!
Olivia – Primavera Kitchen recently posted…Peach Carrot Smoothie
Aww thanks so much, Olivia! You’re always so so thoughtful and sweet with your comments. 😉
It was absolutely my pleasure—I’m excited to see your own Writing Process!
Wad fun learning a little more about you : )
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Five Things for Friday