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September 18, 2010

Reflections: How I Started Blogging

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Do you ever feel like after years of confusion, you’re finally doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing?

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Because that’s how I feel.

Almost exactly one year ago, I started this blog. I wanted to give myself an outlet for my writing and photography, a place to share my recipes, a way to inspire others to lead healthier lives through fitness and nutrition. What started out as a simple hobby has become so much more — it has become my passion.

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During college, and in the many years that followed, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew was that I loved to write.

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I love the way beautiful words can paint a picture in the mind. And the way reading about food, such as a juicy pear or hot homemade bread, can immediately make me imagine exactly how that food would taste and feel in my mouth.

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During college, I decided to pursue my love for writing in the form of journalism. In the summer of 2003, before my senior year, I interned at a tiny newspaper in rural Kentucky. Due to the small size of the paper, I was afforded the luxury of spending my internship actually getting sent out on assignments, instead of just picking up coffee for the real writers.

I loved my time at that newspaper. I was sent out around town, my aim to find fun “people’s interest” sort of stories. I interviewed residents at an ice cream shop on “National Ice Cream Day.” I wrote about new walking trails being added to the area (a front page story!). I attended a children’s community outreach weaving class, talking to the kids and writing about their experiences there. I even got to write a special column about my experiences studying abroad the semester before in Australia.

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When I graduated the following summer, I was offered a job at that little newspaper, but I knew I wouldn’t be happy living in such a rural area. I applied and applied and applied to DC area newspapers, magazines, and TV stations, with no luck. Eventually, I got a job working in PR.

But I was unhappy. I knew PR wasn’t for me, but I didn’t know what was. I wanted to be allowed to be creative and free with my writing, not restricted by press release formats and endless client approvals. I jumped around from job to job for 5 years. As I did, my interest in food writing and nutrition grew. I spent more and more of my free time reading food blogs and magazines and started doing a lot more cooking for myself. Little did I know, I was finally on the right track.

Scrambled Egg Muffins

In the fall of 2008, I decided it was time to cash in on a long-standing pipe dream: teaching English overseas. I spent an amazing 9 months in Prague, Czech Republic, teaching, traveling, and, of course, eating.

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While in Prague, I started my very first blog, called “Czech Anne Out.” It was a wonderful outlet for me to start writing more again and to share my growing interest in photography.

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When I returned to the U.S., I decided it was time. Time to pursue my dreams of a food-related career and go back to school to become a Registered Dietitian. I signed up for prerequisites, started studying for the GRE, applied to schools, and worked part time as an editor.

And I started this blog. Finally — everything was starting to fall into place.

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Friends ask me why I spend so much time writing, cooking, and photographing for this blog, and I say, simply — because I love it. I love making others drool when they see my food photos, I love taking the time to craft a perfect post, I love spending hours dreaming up and then bringing to fruition a new recipe creation, I love angling my camera to just the right angle and hearing the “click” when I finally press the button.

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In short, I love food blogging.

I think food blogging was what I was searching for all those years that I wanted to write, but didn’t know how or where to do so in a way that would make me happy. I want to be an RD not necessarily so that I can counsel clients… but so that I can write about food and nutrition, just in a more knowledgeable way. And I can’t wait to do so.

- anne
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59 comments
  • Jen Robinson September 18, 2010 · 6:14PM:
    Great post :)
    Reply
  • Katie from Run Little Legs!
    September 18, 2010 · 6:24PM:
    I love this! And you bet I'll be voting for a fellow Tar Heel! :)
    Reply
  • Kristina @ spabettie
    September 18, 2010 · 6:28PM:
    I love this entry - very creative and unique, and a fun story to read! You are lucky to find what you truly love - not everyone does! Good luck with this - I look forward to your entries ! :)
    Reply
  • Sara
    September 18, 2010 · 6:47PM:
    It always makes me happy to see others pursue their dreams. Keep up the good work Anne. I look forward to reading your blog every day!
    Reply
  • maria @ Chasing the Now
    September 18, 2010 · 7:40PM:
    How funny that you worked for the New Era. One of my college roommates was from Hopkinsville. I also interned at a small, rural newspaper in college, but unlike you it showed me that journalism was NOT for me.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 19, 2010 · 5:35PM:
      No way! How funny. I heart the New Era :)
      Reply
  • Renie September 18, 2010 · 8:22PM:
    You are already a Star in my eyes, Anne. I love reading about your ambitions and play time. I am an empty nester and you have inspired me greatly. Thank you Dear. Keep the food and stories that accompany them coming.
    Reply
  • Renie September 18, 2010 · 8:27PM:
    PS I will certainly vote for you
    Reply
  • Lawyer Loves Lunch
    September 18, 2010 · 8:41PM:
    This is such a genuine post! It totally captures your motivation for food blogging! Fingers crossed that you rock this contest! You have my vote fo' sho' :)
    Reply
  • emily
    September 18, 2010 · 8:44PM:
    I am a Dietetic Intern so in about 1 year I will be an RD! Are you still working toward your RD?
    Reply
  • Ashlee
    September 18, 2010 · 8:51PM:
    Thank you for sharing your life with us.. I am loving this challenge. I posted my FBC this morning check it out and let me know what you think. Ashlee http://ashandlewplus2.com/2010/09/18/project-food-blog-ready-set-blog/
    Reply
  • yummiee cupcake
    September 18, 2010 · 9:32PM:
    i love how you discovered your passion and just literally went for it. there was something that comes in and out for the past 10 years and the passion wasn't strong enough for me to dig in or maybe because i didn't believe in myself that i could do it. i've thought about it lately and decided to take one step to find out if its my passion. btw, i'm not new to your blog. i've lurked in here sometimes :P
    Reply
  • Za
    September 19, 2010 · 12:14AM:
    I totally agree that sometimes, things just start falling into place. And you end up doing what feels like is meant to be yours. Lovely post and love czech pics.
    Reply
  • Sana
    September 19, 2010 · 1:33AM:
    You are going to make an fANNEtastic RD <3
    Reply
  • Kate
    September 19, 2010 · 1:37AM:
    This is definitely one of my favourite entries so far! I have been an occasional reader for some time now, and this is the best sense of "you" I think I have had so far. Great work!
    Reply
  • DHP September 19, 2010 · 8:51AM:
    Thanks for sharing this. It's wonderful -- and a great entry for the contest. I look forward to helping you out! Well done!
    Reply
  • Adventurer September 19, 2010 · 9:00AM:
    This is really nice. In fact, I agree with Kate -- it's one of your best entries, ever. And that's saying a lot. Just let us know how to vote! :-)
    Reply
  • Nicole
    September 19, 2010 · 9:02AM:
    I loved reading your journey to get to where you are now. I agree I put so much time into blogging because I love it too.
    Reply
  • Kennedy @ Running After Balance
    September 19, 2010 · 9:06AM:
    Anne, what a wonderful post! I've been reading you for a while now, but I never knew your whole story. We have much more in common than I thought!! I share your love for writing, it's what I've been passionate about from day one. I also work in PR. I'm currently not happy in my job. I started my blog about healthy eating and running about 6 months ago, soon after I made the decision to go back to school for nutrition and ultimately become an RD. Right now I'm taking high school chem courses to apply. And I cannot WAIT. Will definitely keep reading to hear how school is going for you - good luck!!!
    Reply
  • Kris S September 19, 2010 · 1:09PM:
    Very nice! :) Good luck with the contest! From someone who has known you over a decade now, it's wonderful and uplifting for all of your friends to see you finally identifying and following your passions! :) Mwah!
    Reply
  • Robyn @ Wannabe Writer Runner
    September 19, 2010 · 1:47PM:
    What a great post. I love learning more about how people found their way into the blogging world.
    Reply
  • Linda - a Canadian RD September 19, 2010 · 2:32PM:
    You will do great as a RD writer! I love reading your blog!
    Reply
  • Johanna B
    September 19, 2010 · 2:50PM:
    You keep writing em and I'll keep reading em girl.
    Reply
  • Johanna B
    September 19, 2010 · 2:53PM:
    BTW - I did lots of long slow body stretches last night on the mat. I miss the off the floor mats at rehab but I'm almost able to get up off the floor without hurting myself now. It felt so good. Even if all I do for a few days is stretch at least it's something and it's a restart. Thanks for the response.
    Reply
  • Jeni
    September 19, 2010 · 3:05PM:
    This sounds amazing! I'm on a journey like this myself and you inspired me to start my own blog. (again) My sister (re)planted the idea of teaching overseas and I wondered if you would be willing to share the name of the program you worked for. Thanks! I love your blog!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 19, 2010 · 5:36PM:
      Sure! I didn't go through a program to get a job, but when I first arrived in Prague I took a 5 week TEFL training course so I'd be more marketable. The course I did was called Oxford TEFL - http://oxfordtefl.com/ - and they have a couple other locations besides Prague. I'd definitely recommend them! :)
      Reply
  • Lisa September 19, 2010 · 4:16PM:
    Your blog is fabulous! Thanks for sharing amazing recipes and tips--I now (most of the time, hehe) crave green beans rather than fries :) And my sister and I take requests for the vegan almond butter banana bars at work! I will be voting for you!
    Reply
  • Kelly
    September 19, 2010 · 5:10PM:
    Love your story! Beautiful photography! You have a gift! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  • Doty September 19, 2010 · 6:29PM:
    Anne... Thanks for sharing how you got to this point - your passion shows through your blog. I enjoy checking in on you off and on...I even used one of your photo techniques on an antipasto platter we prepared today! Let us know where to vote!
    Reply
  • Pat Elserry September 20, 2010 · 9:50AM:
    Anne, what a genuine, heartfelt entry! I'm on my way over to the Foodbuzz site to vote! Good luck!
    Reply
  • Lauren @ 40Apples
    September 20, 2010 · 10:43AM:
    A wonderful post, and I'm so happy you're found your passion. It shows - in your posts, your pictures, your recipes... I'm so glad you're sharing your passion WITH us!! :)
    Reply
  • Alyssa
    September 20, 2010 · 11:59AM:
    Great post! Good luck!!
    Reply
  • Sokphal September 20, 2010 · 2:23PM:
    Good luck! FYI: I tried the Black bean/spinach burger recipe along with the sweet potato fries....TWO THUMBS UP! :)
    Reply
  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries
    September 20, 2010 · 4:19PM:
    Great entry!
    Reply
  • Joan Nova
    September 20, 2010 · 7:48PM:
    Glad to know via your entry post. Good luck in the challenge. I'm giving you one of my votes.
    Reply
  • whitney
    September 20, 2010 · 8:09PM:
    great writing, amazing story! Good luck with everything. Maybe if I visit Jillian I will get to meet you :)
    Reply
  • Nour El-Zibdeh, RD
    September 20, 2010 · 9:38PM:
    I love this post! Good luck!
    Reply
  • Katherina @ Zephyr Runs
    June 21, 2011 · 4:28PM:
    Aw I love this, it's great that you found something you love... the reason I stopped pursuing writing is because I realized I don't like writing about things I don't care about! Blogging is the perfect solution :)
    Reply
  • Michelle December 4, 2011 · 11:25PM:
    Hey Anne! Just started reading your blog and love it! Completely relatable because I was in my third year as an English major when I decided to switch to nutrition. I'm trying to get excited about running as well, so thanks for the inspiration!:)
    Reply
  • Gina January 17, 2012 · 3:04AM:
    Hi fANNEtastic Anne! I've just discovered your blog yesterday and I've read practically every recipe! I want to try all of them, trying to choose an order :) Mmmm... gotta try the muffins first. Thanks for the healthy recipes!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      January 17, 2012 · 7:52AM:
      Hi Gina - welcome to the blog! :) I hope you love the recipes - start with my "favorites" section on my recipe page for sure. Let me know how you like them!
      Reply
  • Danielle
    January 24, 2013 · 9:54PM:
    You wrote this a couple of years ago when I was going through similar things (no wedding though)...and I'm just finding you now! I am trying to grow as a writer. I feel a lot of the things you felt, more more so about the food than the writing! I look forward to discovering more of your stuff.
    Reply
  • Anna @ Fitness à la Anna
    August 5, 2013 · 1:32PM:
    As a recent food/fitness blogger myself - really only just a little side project at the moment - this was an amazing view on the passion that is involved in food blogging. Many thanks for the inspiration!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 5, 2013 · 5:19PM:
      Thank you for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Jenn@Be Me
    December 7, 2013 · 1:39PM:
    I just found your blog and so glad I did. Spending the weekend cooking some of your yummy recipes. I'm new to DC and have been looking for fellow DC bloggers. So glad I found yours.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 7, 2013 · 2:27PM:
      Welcome to the blog and thank you for saying hello! :)
      Reply
  • Alana February 25, 2015 · 11:08AM:
    I am not an RD yet--still in the process. When starting a health blog, is it ok to pass on nutritional advice, or should I wait until I am licensed? We are warned about the risks of this in my courses. Is it recommended that BEFORE you obtain your RD to blog about recipes and stray from nutritional advice, unless of course, it is completely factual?
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 25, 2015 · 11:15AM:
      Just put a disclaimer on your site that you are not an RD and that any changes that people make are at their own risk.
      Reply
  • Amanda June 24, 2015 · 2:42PM:
    Hi Anne! I love your blog! I too, have decided to go back to school to become an RD, and will start the program in September. Since it's a long road, and since I've already been studying nutrition and fitness on my own for years, I would like to offer nutritional and fitness consulting for weight loss and general wellness. Then when I become licensed I'll be able to do clinical work as well. Do you think it's a good idea? I would charge much less and then raise my fees later as I gain credentials and experience. Any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Amanda
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 24, 2015 · 7:50PM:
      That's great to hear you're going back to school, too! I would probably recommend you wait to work with clients until you are officially an RD... but it's obviously up to you! Just make sure you are abiding by any state nutrition counseling licensing requirements/laws. Some states require a special license to do nutrition related work.
      Reply
  • Rachel
    August 15, 2015 · 11:29AM:
    Hey! I absolutely LOVE your blog! You are so inspirational! I've been working on my own blog more so recently and was wondering if you had any tips to help me expand or make it better? Thank you :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 15, 2015 · 1:23PM:
      Aw thank you! And yes - check out this post: http://www.fannetasticfood.com/tips-for-new-bloggers/?m
      Reply
  • Lovely
    November 8, 2015 · 4:12AM:
    Hi Anne! I just randomly landed on your blog looking for inspirations as I'm starting to get into blogging and just recently launched my own site. I love how your journey is almost like what I'm going through now. The only difference is that I moved from Hawaii to California (not to Europe, hehe) and I'm going back to school to become a PT (not an RD). I'm so glad I found a blog like yours!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 9, 2015 · 9:00AM:
      Thank you for reading, and good luck on your journey! :)
      Reply
  • Laura Sienkiewicz
    January 11, 2016 · 10:57PM:
    You're my role model, Anne! Your post are so inspiring -- keep up the incredible work!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 12, 2016 · 11:37AM:
      How sweet - thank you! :)
      Reply
  • Becky Goodell
    January 24, 2016 · 10:44PM:
    After working in the field of Dietetics for 29 years and recently retiring from the workforce, I started writing a food blog called Honeydews Kitchen 14 months ago. I am still new to this so I enjoyed your article about starting to write a food blog. I became a little frustrated with Word Press since I couldn't use a custom theme for my blog. I may take your advice and use the blog host that you recommended in the article. I want to make some other updates to my blog and your tips were a great help to me! Thanks! Becky
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 25, 2016 · 11:37AM:
      Glad to hear I've helped -- welcome to the blogging world!
      Reply
  • Robin Jameson
    September 10, 2019 · 3:05PM:
    Thank you for sharing Anne!
    Reply
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about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

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