Hot Topics and Off Topics
Nikki – the Fashion Expert in our Family.
Do you know something I have to remind of myself often – especially when posting recipes? That you don’t HAVE to be an expert on a topic to write about something on your blog. You can still teach people without knowing everything about a certain subject. These are blogs, not professional journal submissions or resource texts.
I get so paranoid about sharing recipes on this blog. I don’t do it often, even though my new design encourages me to. This is because I’m insecure. I don’t know the rules. I don’t feel like someone who started cooking as recently as I have, should be allowed to share recipes. But then I do, and someone inevitably thanks me because it looks like something they’d like to fix.
It’s the same with parenting. As long as you’re not preachy and self-righteous – anyone can learn from your experience. None of us are experts at parenting, yet we should all tell our stories. Just because you’re a first-time Mom doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share what works for your baby’s teething. Doesn’t mean that those of us with more kids won’t value your story.
That’s the beauty of blogs, it gives everyone a voice. I just worry that sometimes we’re scared to use it. I used to talk about infertility and miscarriages a lot. Was I an expert? No. Had I been suffering the longest? No. But did I write about it anyway? Yes. Because it helped me and periodically, especially when someone Googled certain keywords, women stumbled upon my blog and found my entries helped them too.
But when I post recipes? I feel like an idiot. Like I have no right to talk about cooking since I still don’t even own (or sometimes even care to own) most of the cooking tools I see on other food blogs. And the more I think about it – the more there are other topics I get nervous writing about. Clothes (even though I really wanted to write about some of the fashion choices I’ve been making lately), cosmetics (even though I’ve found a moisturizer I love), and social causes (even though I believe so strongly in them) – I can’t seem to write about these things even if I want to. Simply because I don’t feel qualified.
I used to even feel like this way posting pictures on my blog, like I’m showing off my own photos when I’m just an amateur. But – I’ve gotten over that a little bit. I think I like my pictures enough on my own just to get over my own insecurities. Somewhere a long the way I washed the insecurities away and just posted pictures because I wanted to.
Not there with recipe-related insecurities yet. I’m still paranoid and waiting for someone to say, “What? You don’t have a food processor? AND you’re still using a hand-held mixer? You are not qualified to post recipes on your blog!”
(Because we all know this happens all the time, right?)
Are there topics you’re insecure talking about? Whether in person or on a blog? Are there topics you’ll approach freely even though you’re not an expert?
I’m insecure in general, but when it comes to putting things on the blog, I don’t feel like I know enough about anything to share. I did recently start a product review blog (under my real name) so I guess I’m trying to work through my issues too.
Also, I really like reading about your new experiences, whether it be trying a new recipe or a new camera trick, because you’re never condescending, even when you are an expert on the subject. I feel like your how-to stuff is more accessible and (maybe) more real, if that makes any sense.
When it comes to cooking, you have to refuse to feel bad about what is or is not in your kitchen. I cook mostly ethnic and it seems most of those recipes involve a knife, cutting board, cooking pot and stirring utensil. Although, you can pry my garlic mincer from my cold, dead hands. No, really!
All I am saying is post more recipes! I see that saltine recipe getting served at my Superbowl Party!
I love getting recipes from newbie/non-professional cooks because they’re less likely to be over my head and use words I don’t know!
Yeah, I’ll approach almost anything I have any experience at all with. I figure if I’ve dealt with it, someone else will be too, and so why not.
Plus, I like to talk. About myself, especially.
Kidding.
Sort of.
First let me say this, I am a blogger and I read tons of blogs. Never do I say oh that person shouldn’t write about this, they can’t even tie their shoes. I think blogging is a fantastic peek into someone else’s mind and experience without having to leave your chair, unless of course you want to. I love to read your different experiences, and I am not just saying that. What you might not realize is your “not an expert in your face approach” is so very approachable that it makes it easier to relate.
I stopped blogging because I had a hairy experience with my job, then I picked it back up again and haven’t really found my niche, but I didn’t stop because I wasn’t an expert. I dabble here and there, but I specifically like the “non-experts” because hearing from a person you can relate to about design or fashion, or baking, shopping, kids, etc is enjoyable.
Here is something off topic I wanted to send you
http://www.spacecamp.com/museum/csi?q=csi
Maybe Lil Z might be interested in this. The man person was told they may be moving his installation from Patrick Air Force Base to Huntsville, so I have been on the prowl to what to expect in Alabama from Florida.
I haven’t blogged in forever (not sure where I would find the time anymore, although I feel like I should get back into it). My opinion is that you blog what you know. You don’t have to be an “expert” at a specific subject like cooking, but if you’re blogging about your life, and the things you do in your life, who knows that subject better than you? No one!
I’ve been cooking for myself and my household for 35+ years. Does that make me an expert? Perhaps not an “expert” qualified to teach culinary school, but definitely an expert at the things I cook day in, day out — which is the same kind of things you share!
Same with photography. I’ve never taken a class, but I’ve taken many thousands of pictures and have plenty that I’m proud of, that I like to share via Tabblo, Flickr, Facebook, and gifts I make via Snapfish. I am not a professional (do not charge for my services, do not use professional equipment, do not get very heavy into “actions” or “filters” or various processing techniques), but it’s my hobby, something I enjoy, just like you.
I don’t come here for expert advice; I come here for YOU! For your pictures, for your writing, to learn what you and your family have been up to, and to participate with my experience and suggestions when asked.
I love to cook and I love to read about people who are just learning to cook. I think we can all learn so much from each other. Your posts about training for the marathon inspired me to start running. Kepp up the great work!
I want to hear about your clothes! And your new moisturizer! Please!
If I wanted to read about semi-professional cooking I’d read a blog written by a semi-professional cook. I very much prefer to read cooking (and fashion and makeup) posts written by a “real” person. That way, it’s not over my head and I can more easily see myself cooking the recipe or putting together that outfit. Please, blog about everything!
If it makes you feel any better, I got a food processor a year ago (wanted one for years and years) and have used it once and I still only have a hand mixer. I’m 45, I love to cook and have always wanted a food processor (for those recipes I felt I couldn’t make because it was “required”). I’ve been eyeing one of those pretty, pretty Kitchen Aid stand mixers but haven’t been able to make myself buy one because I’m afraid 1). that it will have the same fate as the food processor and 2). it will require me to bake (to justify its purchase) and I DO NOT LIKE to bake.
I like hearing your thoughts on whatever
And sometimes it’s nice to see somebody’s recipes who’s not all fancy pants in the kitchen, because then I can relate much better 
Do write about clothes, moisturizers and social causes! ~~^^~~ x
I love reading your blog and I especially love your pictures. I look forward to going to your site. I want you to write about everything. I am interested in your cooking, fashion, moisturizer, social issues…anything….another thing…..I love your recipes because at least I know what all the ingredients are. Some of the recipes online….I have no clue what the heck some of the ingredients are!!! Keep posting, sister!
Forget about cooking – I want details on NikkiZ’s shoes! They’re so cute!
Also, my criteria for trying a new recipe are 1)minimal time 2)minimal ingredients 3)tastes good, so I’m not necessarily looking for pro-advice. I just need something to get me out of our usual rut every now and then.