*The pictures above are of my top 10 most popular posts. Continue reading to find out which are the top 5.*
March is a big anniversary month for me. I rescued Samantha 10 years ago this month. I filed for divorce from my first husband 7 years ago. I also got my belly button pierced 7 years ago (it's not so much the fact that it's pierced that's important- I don't even wear a belly ring!- but the story behind that event holds a lot of importance to me). I moved to Los Angeles 6 years ago this month. Chris and I moved into our current home 4 years ago in March. It's also 17 years after Notorious B.I.G. (or Biggie Smalls, as some of us knew him) passed away, if you're counting (I always pour a little out for my homie.)(Not really.)(I love Tupac too, BTW.).
Today also marks the 2nd anniversary of Keepin' It Kind's first post. One month before that first post, I was sitting in a production office for the film Lovelace (I do locations coordination for film when I'm not living the glamorous lifestyle of a vegan food blogger), trying not to cry as I watched yet another farm factory horror video (I didn't want my coworkers to think that the vegan girl who brought her own lunches to work was any weirder than they already assumed). Some days in that job are very fast-paced and 8 to 10 hours is really not enough time to get everything done and some days are unbelievably slow. That day was a slow day and I'd already spent a couple hours on Pinterest (new to me at the time) and was now killing time by watching videos that had shown up in my Facebook feed. I suddenly felt like my life didn't have purpose. I was sitting there, doing nothing meaningful at all, while animals were being brutally tortured and murdered. I was not doing enough. Just being vegan didn't feel like enough. I felt like I needed to be doing something. Anything.
These thoughts began to ferment inside of me over the coming weeks, becoming more powerful and more overwhelming. Meanwhile, I had been finding my happy place in the kitchen. I'd always liked cooking but it wasn't until I became vegan that a new creative, passionate side of me had been released. Cooking was something I looked forward to every night. All week I would plan the big things I would attempt to cook over the weekend. One day, a couple weeks after the show had ended, I found myself at home with nothing to do and all of these feelings and passions swirling around inside of me. So without any knowledge of anything blog/tech/web-related, I bought a domain name (Little known fact: Keepin' It Kind was very nearly called "Blissful Kris" until I researched and found that Christy Morgan's blog was called "The Blissful Chef" and I thought it sounded too similar, "Kind Kris" sounded dumb, so did "Classy Kristy," "Keeping It Classy" was already taken, and so was "Keeping It Kind," so there was only one more obvious choice...). Then I set up a Typepad blog, quit it because it was too difficult, and then started a WordPress blog. The rest is history. Sort of.
Two years later, Chris and I are very proud of how far Keepin' It Kind has come. Chris's photography has improved immensely and I feel that my writing has become (somewhat) more focused and my recipes (somewhat) more polished. Our following has gone from just my childhood friend and a couple of my cousins to, well, way more than that. We've been featured in a lot of cool places and even got a book deal. We've met so many inspirational people and have created such an awesome little community here at the blog (seriously- all of you totally rock. Hard.). The blog has turned from a whirlwind idea to something I'm excited about everyday when I wake up.
We've also learned a ton of things along the way. We've got some more specific posts planned for the future with resources, tips, and how-to's in the world of food blogging, but today I want to share a few basic things I've learned about blogging during this time (and I bet I still have a lot more to learn).
TOP 5 THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM BLOGGING
5. There's 2 kinds of writing: Writing for yourself and writing for your readers. Finding the balance of both is where you'll find success. When I go online, I'm usually looking for something specific and I love finding resources that answer my questions. But I also love personal stories and learning more about who the writer behind the post really is. I think the key is to provide useful information to your readers (in my case, recipes that they'll like along with helpful vegan tips) while also engaging with them. Even if your blog is just a journal, I'll read along if you're funny, or have some sort of inspirational thought, clever tip, or revelation about something you've learned. I love hearing the round-about way a blogger came up with a recipe or even just stories from their life that are somehow remotely linked (or sometimes not) to the recipe being shared. After reading those, I've not only discovered a new recipe or idea, but I've been entertained as well. And once I feel like I know you a bit, I'm more likely to check in with you again (and again and again).
4. Be mindful of the energy you share as well as the energy you take in. Energy is contagious and the energy you choose to have in your life is the energy you will share with others. The name of this blog is Keepin' It Kind so it probably comes without surprise that I try to keep things pretty positive over here. I try to not to even use words like "hate," "anger," "evil," or any other negative wording in my posts because the second I write it, the second you read it, we ingest the idea of hate or anger and even if just for a second, it affects our energy. It's just like when you read the comments on YouTube or Facebook. Even if you don't participate in the argument, just reading someone's negativity brings you down a bit (or at least it does for me). The same goes for reading blogs or articles- when the author is negative, aggressive, or abrasive in any way, I'm less likely to read the whole post. There's always a nice way to get your point across. Always.
The second part of this concept has to do with the energy you take in. There are rare times when I get a not-so-pleasant comment or email and if it even for a second ruffles my feathers, I delete it. I don't let that person's bad vibes affect me. There are situations in blogging that are not the most fun to deal with, like when another blog steals your material and uses it as their own. It happens. When I come across this sort of situation, I will send a polite yet assertive email reminding them of polite blogging etiquette and copyright laws. I've never had a person refuse or argue with me and it's always resolved peacefully (though I know I'm lucky in this respect). I don't ever berate other bloggers and I don't go looking for trouble. Any decision made in anger never turns out well. Plus, I don't like having that "Grrrrr" feeling inside of me and I choose not to invite it there.
3. Building your blog is like building a fire. The more wood you add to the fire, the bigger the flame will burn. It takes time to build your blog (Lord knows I'm still building mine!)- it does not happen overnight! The more posts you write, the more opportunities readers will have to visit your site. The more you add, the more portals you create for people to visit your blog. The bigger your fire will burn.
Quality content also comes in to play here. A post with a poor recipe or bad writing or photography (I'm guilty of all 3. Please don't look at my earliest posts!) is like throwing a piece of paper into the fire. It burns up quickly and after the initial flare, no one cares. Construct a good, quality post with a kicking recipe, engaging writing, and pretty photos (thank you, Chris!!!), it's like throwing a huge log into the fire. It will burn for a long, long time.
2. It's okay to not care for your blog sometimes (AKA Blogger Burn-Out). Ok, maybe you don't dislike your blog, but you're sick and tired of looking at your stats, trying to be witty on social media, and coming up with interesting things to write about, and all you've been cooking recently is actually not cooking but take-out. It's okay to take a step back sometimes. Your readers will not all spontaneously combust if you don't post anything for a week or so. At least I hope not because I'm planning on not looking at this computer for about a week once this book is done... Anywho, like I said, it's okay to take a break. You'll come back more refreshed and passionate about the blog and your readers will appreciate it.
1. Your readers are everything. Except when they're not so nice, but then again, you don't want readers like that anyway and that's a whole other topic for discussion. Responding to all of their comments is paramount. If you can't respond, that's okay, but I feel that it's important to let your readers know that you hear them. And this is coming from someone who has barely responded to any comments in the last 8 months. I miss having the time to talk to each of you individually and I love engaging with you when I can. I do appreciate each and every one of you , though, and I do read your comments and emails and I still get giddy with each one. My readers are absolutely the best thing about blogging and without you, this blog wouldn't be what it is. Thank you for making it an awesome 2 years.
Now, as I bid you adieu, let's close with a montage of the 5 most popular posts in Keepin' It Kind's history, set to the 90's hip-hop classic, Big Poppa* (Just hit play, wait for the ad to end, and then come back and scroll through the pics below. I'm not tech-savvy enough to put together a whole slideshow for you or anything).
5 MOST POPULAR KEEPIN' IT KIND HISTORY
4. Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
3. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Frosting
2. Sloppy Chicks (Chickpea Sloppy Joes)
1. Buffalo Cauliflower Wing Pizza with Tofu Blue Cheese Spread
*This song has nothing to do with the pictures/posts but a montage seemed appropriate and also, Notorious B.I.G. representin'!
Shannon
This is such an insightful post! I'm just getting involved in the blogging world (start of 2014) and I really love where it's taking me! I'm more attuned to what I eat, how it looks, what I do for my workouts, and keeping track of it all is very eye-opening! Thanks for your great tips! 🙂
And those Sloppy Chick sandwiches look KILLER! Added to my Pinterest recipe list!
Caitlin
congratulations on two years of keepin it kind! i adore you and this amazing space you created! it's amazing what you have accomplished so far- i'm excited to see what lies ahead for you!
Shannon
Congratulations on two years! There are so many things I love about your blog. The funny stories about Chris swearing when he likes something, the vegan stories series, every single one of your pizza recipes... Your blog brings so much positive energy, creativity, and deliciousness to the vegan community and I'm so grateful that you do it!
Emma
Congratulations to you and Chris on 2 fantastic years! Keepin' it Kind is honestly one of my favourite blogs and I read for so much more than just the recipes (though they are amazing of course!). I love all your stories and how your kindness really shines through.
That song was the perfect background music for ogling at these pictures!!
sarah@thesweetlife
Love this post! Your tips are so insightful! congrats on two years! Keepin it kind is the best name for sure. My 2 years is coming up next month and I had already started writing a 5 things I learned. Great minds...;)
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I love this!! I'm still learning the ropes, but all of this rings true, without a doubt. Keep doing what you are doing girl, you are awesome!
Millie
Congrats! 🙂 your blog really is lovely 🙂 and It's nice to hear a vegan food blogger talking about being vegan for animal welfare rather than just health reasons 🙂 x
Richa
Congratulations!! i hear you about all the blogging tips. esp not letting some one individual affecting you.
Here is lots more wonderful years at Keepin it kind!
janae @ bring joy
Virtual high-five Kristi for the 2 year anniversary! I'm amazed by so many "newbie" bloggers out there. My blog has been around for 5 years, but it's taken me about that long to discover all that you have in just a short 2. Way to go girl, & I'm excited for your book!
ox
janae @ bring joy
And I meant to write Kristy, not Kristi! I know several Kris'es, Kristen's, Krissys, Kristis, Kristy's--who knew there could be so many variations 🙂
And one other thing, I LOVE love your positive energy. I'm so drawn to vegans who focus on the joy & empathy, compassion & light of the vegan lifestyle. That's why I love being vegan & it's why others are drawn to it too!
Anna {Herbivore Triathlete}
Congrats Kristy! It is hard to believe you've only had this blog for 2 years! I love your stories, your recipes, Chris's photography, all of it! You truly are "Keepin' It Kind" in the blogosphere and it is greatly appreciated.
I can't wait to hold your cookbook in my hands, it is going to be EPIC!
Johanna GGG
Congratulations on 2 years. Your blog looks really beautiful and I love your recipes - I made the buffalo cauliflower pizza a couple of months back and it was fantastic. Sorry to hear you get some less than pleasant readers but I think you do a lovely job of keeping yourself nice.
Ted
Awesome post, thanks for sharing!
Lynette
Thank you for sharing such valueable and insightful lessons learnt! You and Chris really are making a positive and inspiring contribution.
Amy @ parsley in my teeth
What a great, heart-felt piece. Thanks for sharing your insights. And the Brownie Ice-Cream Sandwiches were my personal favorite!
Katie @ Produce on Parade
A great post! I agree, though I would add that there are many different voices in blogging and some of them are super nice and friendly (like yours), some are aggressive (I don't read those!), some are funny, and some are introspective and thoughtful.
It's good to have a nice balance of all of these things. Sometimes I give up a little rant about a particularly horrid day on my blog. My readers can relate, and it's a way to bond with them. We're all human! I love all the different bloggers' voices, each one is unique with their own perspective on the world 🙂
Alice
Happy anniversary. I appreciate your blog and book "The Kind Life" which I found at the library. After watching Earthlings I was no longer able to eat meat or dairy and your book was very encouraging and helpful getting me over the bridge to cruelty free cuisine. Now I am thinking of starting a vegan cookery class in my area. I would like to have a free class for beginners and "flirters" and maybe a more advanced option that would pay the bills. I would welcome feedback on this idea. Have a Kind day!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Alice. I'm so thrilled that you like my blog. I did not write "The Kind Life," however. That was written by Alicia Silverstone. I'm afraid I don't have any feedback on cooking classes since I've never taught any myself. I think it's a cool idea but I don't know anything about it. Good luck!
Sarah
I found your blog after clicking on a repin of the Buffalo Cauliflower Wing Pizza with Tofu Blue Cheese Spread. I am so very glad that I clicked! Your blog is my favorite of all the vegan blogs I follow.
Kelli Estes
Congratulations on a wonderful two years! I love your positive attitude and outlook on life. Keep it up!
Алина - Thinking Creature
Congratulations!!! Your blog is amazing. Absolutely love your photographs. I get hungry just by looking at them. Wish you all the best and lots of inspirations years to come!!!
Allison @ Clean Wellness
I read your blog not only for your AMAZING recipes, but for your advice, stories, compassion and candor. Happy blog birthday! I look forward to many more inspiring posts 🙂
And OMG Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches! I need those immediately.
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I am so so so so so x 9734873478 HAPPY that you started blogging. I feel like through reading your blog and having chats in the comment sections I have found a true friend and I am so so grateful for that!
I honestly can't even imagine how someone could find something negative to say about your blog. It is beautiful as are you 🙂
congrats on 2 amazing years, I know the next 2 will be huge for you!
Marissa
Congrats on your two years! Your blog is such a happy place to visit, so I hope it's around for many more years to come! 🙂
Ashlae
Congrats on two years, lady! I've been sick with a nasty bug for the past three days and that buffalo cauliflower pizza just made me salivate for the first time in DAYS. And now I've gotta fierce pizza craving. 😉
Ele Goudreau
Hello Kristy. I came across your website via Indulgy.com after putting in a search for vegan pizza. I hence tweeted a blog you wrote on a Brooklyn vegan pizza spot due to the fact that I have been told I need to go there someday.
I am writing because I related to your post on your 2nd Anniversary, congratulations!
I am a member of the Costumers local 705 union in Los Angeles. I have been costuming for over 20 years, contributed to the film industry for 13 of those years, and am now working on Operatic productions in Michigan. When I left CSINY after 2 years of hard intense commitment, I was also 9 months pregnant, and contemplating veganism. I had one month left until my due date, yes they say pregnant for 9 months, but it is actually 10 when you do the math for a full term. But I am no expert, I have just one, lovely, gorgeous, wonderful daughter. Off track. I went vegan right before my daughter was born. The internet was just getting busy with websites and .coms. Facebook did not exist, however myspace did and I loved it. I connected with likeminded people and now am just kicking myself for not realizing my passion of cooking, educating, communicating and reaching out about all things humane via a blog or website. I have started following you on Twitter and am going to bookmark your blog. I am very excited to come across you and hope we can connect via twitter or some such thing with information that helps people make better choices and most importantly helps the animals, the earth and our future. I am also a pencil illustrator and my subject matters are environmentalism, human footprint juxtapositions etc.
Have a great one!
Michele
Congratulations on your first two years. I hope there are many more to come as you are a beautiful voice for veganism. Can't wait for your book 🙂
Sarita
Some really good points on blogging here. I especially like your thoughts on energy -so true. And now I'm drooling over the brownie ice cream sandwiches. I'll be back!
Deborah Moggach
I guess that when you can combine writing to yourself and writing to your audience - you've reached your goal. Or at least mine 🙂 Thanks for this post!
Laura
Thanks for the great post! I just started my healthy food blog, Bon Gout, last week so I really value learning from other bloggers' experiences.
Aysegul - Ice
Great information for new bloggers like me.
I love the part with the energy. So true!
Thanks for sharing!
Lauren
Kris,
Congrats on your 'shout out' from The Vegan Woman's top blogs of 2014!
You're a great writer and the recipes are outstanding. I've been writing my own plant-based blog since last September, and working on my photography. I can't wait for your resource section on food photography.....hurry!!!
Cheers,
Lauren
Edible Musings
Ana
How can anyone have anything mean to say about you? Your fantastic! And I'm amazed you have only had your blog for two years! I've had mine for almost one, and I've progressed to about the point you had by your second post!!! Your just so amazing! And I really like 'listening' to your 'voice'!
Sara @ Know More Veggies
Congratulations on two years. I loved your write up about what you have learned. My blog is only three months old and I have learned so much already. I cannot imagine how much I will grow over two years!!! Thank you, Sara.
Cherie @ Food Recipes Easy
First, Congrats on realizing your dreams. Second, your post is truly inspirational for new bloggers like me. Thank you.