2023 Rewind: A Personal and Blogging Journey

Blog & Recipe Highlights:

January kicked off with a comforting sensation that quickly captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of so many of you. I posted this Creamy Beef and Tomato Noodle Soup recipe, and its reception was nothing short of phenomenal. This hearty, flavorful soup instantly soared to become one of the most popular recipes ever featured on Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. The sheer volume of messages and comments from readers raving about how it became an instant family favorite, a quick weeknight solution, and a repeat performer in their kitchens was truly heartwarming. Its rich, savory broth, tender beef, and satisfying noodles made it the ultimate comfort food for a chilly January, and I was thrilled to see it embraced so enthusiastically.

Life Updates:

While the blog was bustling, my personal life in January started on a quieter note. I was unexpectedly struck with COVID-19, which left me confined to bed for an entire week. Despite the discomfort, I utilized this unexpected downtime to finally dive into the highly recommended K-drama, “Crash Landing on You.” Little did I know, this decision would ignite a full-blown K-drama obsession, as I ended up watching the entire series three times over the course of 2023! For someone who rarely settles down for extended TV viewing, this was a testament to how captivating and emotionally resonant the show was. It provided a much-needed escape and introduced me to a fascinating new world of storytelling.

Blog & Instagram Highlights:

February brought a viral sensation to Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s social media presence! I created an Instagram reel showcasing this incredibly easy and delicious Twisted Croissant French Bread, and it exploded, hitting an astounding one million views! This recipe truly embodies why home baking can be both fun and rewarding. It allows you to playfully “pound the guts out of a butter packet” (a surprisingly therapeutic step!) while enjoying luxurious, buttery, croissant-like layers without the multi-day commitment of making traditional croissants from scratch. It’s the perfect combination of impressive results and achievable effort, and its popularity was a fantastic highlight.

Life Updates:

On a personal note, February marked my birthday, where I turned the magnificent age of 45. It was also the month I discovered and instantly fell head over heels for dill pickle pretzels—a love affair that, almost a year later, is still going strong! However, the month also brought significant, unexpected news: Brian’s position at work was eliminated. This sudden shift created a period of uncertainty and reflection for our family, prompting us to consider new paths and opportunities.

Blog & Business Highlights:

March proved to be a pivotal and life-altering month that would profoundly impact not just Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, but my entire year and beyond. After years of contemplation, dreaming, and sketching out ideas, I finally made the monumental decision to write and publish a cookbook! This leap of faith was largely catalyzed by the recent life circumstances, which meant Brian would have more availability to lend a hand with family responsibilities. This support was crucial as I embarked on the daunting yet exhilarating journey of conceptualizing the manuscript, rigorously testing and photographing hundreds of recipes to perfection, and navigating the relentless schedule of deadlines, bi-weekly design, and editing calls. It was an entrepreneurial and creative endeavor unlike any I had undertaken before, marking the beginning of an intense and rewarding chapter.

Life Updates:

As detailed above, my life in March was inextricably linked to the significant decision of starting the cookbook project. This undertaking naturally consumed much of my personal focus and energy, merging the lines between my professional aspirations and daily family life in a wonderful, albeit challenging, way.

Blog Highlights:

April saw a noticeable dip in new content on the blog, with only two new recipes making an appearance. This was the lowest number of new posts in a single month since Mel’s Kitchen Cafe first launched in 2007, even surpassing periods when I had a newborn! Many of you, my observant and caring readers, reached out to ask if everything was alright. Your concern was so touching, and I’m deeply grateful for it. The truth was, the cookbook process had hit full force, and I was utterly buried in recipe development, testing, and writing. It was a period of intense focus behind the scenes. Amidst this, Gladys the hen, with her wonderfully expressive, no-nonsense side-eye, made her memorable debut on the Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Instagram. She quickly became a fan favorite, and although Gladys is no longer with us, I’m so glad she had her moment in the spotlight and brought a smile to so many faces.

Life Updates:

Beyond the cookbook demands, April was a busy month filled with two family birthdays, the exciting flurry of middle school tennis meets, and the delightful arrival of beautiful spring weather. In a quest for better health and perhaps a magical cure for all my “ailments” (including thinning hair), I briefly succumbed to the influence of numerous online personalities and started drinking Athletic Greens/AG1. Alas, it was not the miracle elixir I’d hoped for; it was, quite frankly, gross, and I quickly stopped. Upon further, more humorous reflection, I realized that most of my perceived ailments are likely just natural consequences of age, a lifetime of diverse choices, and my unwavering, generous consumption of dark chocolate. And honestly? #worthit. Life is too short for gross greens when there’s delicious chocolate to be had!

Blog Highlights:

Making up for the quiet month of April, May saw a resurgence of new content, with six fresh posts hitting the blog. Among these, these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls absolutely stole the show! The response was incredible; readers went CRAZY for them, replicating the beloved restaurant favorite in their own kitchens. These soft, buttery, slightly sweet rolls proved to be a massive hit, reaffirming the joy of bringing popular culinary experiences directly to your home with accessible recipes.

Life Updates:

May brought the joyful end of the school year, marking the official start of summer break. We were also thrilled to host my parents, who made the journey from Montana for a visit. Their visits are a rare treat, so we cherished every moment of quality family time. Additionally, my second son embarked on a significant adventure, heading off to the Dominican Republic for a 2 1/2-week humanitarian trip with HXP. This program is truly exceptional and has proven to be incredibly impactful, profoundly shaping the perspectives and experiences of both my sons who have participated in their trips.

Blog Highlights:

June brought a heartwarming addition to the Mel’s Kitchen Cafe recipe collection, thanks to my son, Ty. He finally convinced me to post the recipe for what has become his signature bake: Mini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. This was undeniably a fantastic decision, as these delightful, whole-grain-friendly muffins have also garnered significant love from all of you! It’s a joy to share recipes that have such personal significance. Fun fact: Ty not only baked the muffins featured in the recipe post but also took several of the photos himself, making it a true family collaboration!

Life Updates:

After one of the busiest spring seasons of my life, primarily driven by the intense cookbook work, June offered a much-needed respite. We managed to get away for several days to one of my absolute favorite places on the planet: Redfish Lake. This retreat was precisely the reset my mind, soul, and body craved. The serene beauty and peaceful environment provided perfect rejuvenation. On a lighter note, I embraced comfort and convenience by wearing Crocs almost every day this month, with zero regrets. As you can see from the picture, it appears my kids enthusiastically followed suit!

Blog Highlights:

Alright, alright, alright! July marked the second month this year where I only managed to post two new recipes. 🤪🤪🤪 #sendhelp 😂 The ongoing, all-consuming demands of the cookbook meant less time for regular blog content. However, in my “slacking,” I did deliver these spectacular Hawaiian Chicken and Veggie Teriyaki Bowls, and they were (and continue to be) absolutely phenomenal. Bursting with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, this recipe proved that even with fewer posts, quality always takes precedence, providing a delicious and memorable meal solution.

Life Updates:

July was a month of significant personal moments and emotional highs and lows. Brian and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary with a simple, sweet tradition of huckleberry milkshakes enjoyed on our back porch – a quiet moment reflecting on two decades of partnership. We also received incredibly grateful news that ruled out a major medical emergency with one of our children, bringing immense relief and perspective. Beyond our immediate family, I had the privilege of supporting two dear friends by providing food for their children’s weddings, a small way to share in their joy. On a less positive note, Boise in July and August is notoriously HOTTTTT, a climate I perpetually struggle with, as I’m definitely a “high-60s kind of girl” when it comes to ideal temperatures!

Blog Highlights:

Chocolate Oreo Crumbl Cookies. Do I need to say anything more? These decadent, fan-favorite copycat cookies were an undeniable hit in August, bringing joy to countless bakers and sweet tooths alike. Beyond the delicious recipes, August was a significant month for strategic planning and adaptation for Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. I implemented several changes focusing on key areas like video content, email engagement, and overall blog optimization. While these might not sound thrilling to everyone, they are crucial behind-the-scenes adjustments. Major shifts are on the horizon for bloggers regarding revenue generation (and frankly, it’s not all great news), so I’m actively working to transition and adapt to these changing digital tides to ensure I can continue doing what I love here on the blog for years to come.

Life Updates:

August brought a wonderfully spontaneous adventure! I embarked on an 18-hour round trip journey with Camryn, the only willing family participant, to go tent camping and pick huckleberries with good friends who graciously shared their secret picking spot. Despite the “sleeping in a tent part” (which isn’t always my favorite!), those three days were truly among the best of my year, filled with nature, laughter, and camaraderie. August also marked the return of school, which, for a stay-at-home-but-also-work-at-home-mom like me, meant a return to a more predictable schedule. I could finally stop pulling all-nighters and rely on the quieter school days to tackle my extensive to-do list, bringing a welcome sense of routine and productivity back to my awesome, weird world.

Blog & Instagram Highlights:

In September, Mel’s Kitchen Cafe took a delightful detour from traditional recipes to share a helpful, if unconventional, tip. I posted an Instagram reel for my go-to “recipe” for window washing. To my surprise, it quickly soared to over one million views and even landed me on the Yahoo news page! This unexpected virality, while initially exciting, quickly led to some humorous (and slightly exasperating) reflections. As I explained to my kids, going viral is highly overrated when it means receiving a deluge of vicious hate comments about how you clean your windows. 😂 It was a unique lesson in the unpredictable nature of internet fame and the varied responses content can provoke.

Life Updates:

September marked the exciting (and slightly terrifying) beginning of a major kitchen remodel at home. This project, while long-anticipated, introduced a new level of daily chaos and required immense patience. Simultaneously, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by some personal and family challenges. In an effort to navigate these complexities and find clarity, I took many evening prayer-walks by myself, seeking answers and solace. Spoiler alert: I never received any grand, definitive answers, but I was consistently blessed with breathtaking sunsets and a profound sense of God’s acknowledgment and unwavering love. These quiet moments of reflection became a vital source of strength during a challenging period.

Blog Highlights:

October brought two of the year’s most beloved seasonal recipes to the blog: Mini Pumpkin Donut Muffins and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, both quickly becoming immensely popular for fall comfort. However, the true highlight of the month was finally being able to reveal the exciting secret I had been diligently working on since March: I officially announced my cookbook! Your response was nothing short of overwhelming. I still get teary-eyed recalling the deluge of supportive and excited comments that poured in from all of you, an affirmation of years of hard work and a testament to this incredible community. Additionally, I launched a Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Insiders group on Facebook, a totally free and fun space that has blossomed into an amazing hub of community support, recipe exchange, and helpful feedback. It truly is one of the internet’s great little spots.

Life Updates:

October was a month of healing and navigating various stressors. I got the stitches out from another skin cancer surgery and began the process of facial scar healing, a reminder of ongoing health journeys. My home office was inundated with at least six and a half post-it notes, all filled with unproductive lists under the apt heading: “Things Stressing Me Out.” Amidst the chaos, I successfully avoided every single instance of Bulgarian split squats on my workout app (no regrets there!). And somehow, despite the ongoing kitchen remodel, we managed to make it through another month without a fully functional kitchen. This month also brought poignant moments as I witnessed some sweet friends face unimaginable trials, deepening my empathy and perspective. 💗

Blog Highlights:

November was an absolutely monumental month for Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. I shared my definitive guide on how to make the best gravy of your life, and wow, did you all deliver! The reports flooded in, detailing how this incredible gravy “saved Thanksgiving” for so many, making the entire year of blogging feel profoundly worthwhile. This particular recipe post inexplicably resonated with Google’s algorithms, leading to millions of extra visitors to my blog this month – a truly astounding surge in reach. Beyond recipes, November also showcased the incredible generosity of this community. You showed up in a massive way, helping to supply the items needed to assemble over 1,600 winter kits for refugees (my initial goal was a humble 100!). This huge project consumed several weeks of my month, and it stands out as one of the most heartwarming highlights of the year for me and my family. It simply would not have been possible without your overwhelming help and kindness!

Life Updates:

Personally, November brought immense satisfaction as the majority of our kitchen remodel was finally completed, just in the nick of time to host almost 50 people for Thanksgiving! Seeing double ovens installed in my kitchen brought tears to my eyes – a dream I had waited 22 years to realize. I promise to share some before and after pictures soon! In other family news, my 16-year-old son, Cade, made a significant decision, trading social media for the companionship of a new puppy. So, say hello to Walter! Meanwhile, my 19-year-old son, Jackson, made the big move to New Mexico, which, as any mom can attest, elicited plenty of tears from me. It’s a bittersweet stage of parenthood, watching them spread their wings.

Blog Highlights:

December rounded out the year with a flourish of community and sweetness. Cookbook pre-orders officially went live this month, and once again, your overwhelming support left me speechless. Seriously, a heartfelt THANK YOU. Your enthusiasm and trust in this project mean the world to me. These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies were the undisputed stars of holiday baking this month. I personally made them six times for various occasions (and twice just because!), and they have easily become one of my all-time favorite cookies. But the most impactful highlight of December was the incredible outpouring of generosity you demonstrated. Working together, primarily through Instagram, you rallied to raise over $50,000 for a family friend whose mom is bravely battling pancreatic cancer. I have never witnessed such profound kindness and love materialize in such a short amount of time. It humbled me deeply, brought me to tears multiple times, and made an immeasurable impact on this sweet family during a critical time.

Life Updates:

December was a month of new beginnings and managing the intense demands of the holiday season. Brian officially embarked on his long-anticipated goal of small business ownership, marking a significant new chapter for our family. Between the whirlwind of our personal lives, both mine and Brian’s demanding work schedules, heart-wrenching challenges affecting loved ones near and far, and two of my high schoolers in the thick of their wrestling season, I simply couldn’t accomplish everything I had hoped to this month. However, despite the pang of having to abandon some beloved traditions, I deeply appreciated the unexpected opportunity to simplify and prioritize quality time with family. It was a reminder that sometimes less is truly more. And to top it all off, I received Legos in my stocking for Christmas, which, for me, basically made my life complete!