Thank you for all your questions via email, comments, and social media! Connecting with readers is one of my favorite things about blogging. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that I get from you babes.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
Literally the most common question so I’m putting it here first. I get inspiration from a lot of places: friends, family, restaurants, magazines, other blogs, seasonal produce, Pinterest, certain flavors or smells, the list goes on!
My process for recipe development goes something like this: I find something that gets me excited, whether it’s a flavor, an ingredient, a picture (read aforementioned inspiration) and brainstorm ingredients or recipe ideas that would go well with it. If it’s something I’ve never made before, I research methods and then I experiment a bit. As I experiment I write down each step and ingredient and if it goes well. I make it again, take pics, and publish a post for y’all!
CAN I USE YOUR PHOTO OR RECIPE?
Shoot me an email and ask permission! I’m actually really freaking awesome and I’ll usually allow you to use my recipes and pictures for free if you ask prior consent AND link back to my recipe and blog.
Whether you want to republish a recipe or a picture, just ask and credit me. I’ve encountered one too many people trying to republish my work and falsely claim it as their own. There are some copyright issues there and stealing is so not cool. You don’t want those bad vibes, so let’s all just be cool.
RECAP: 1) ask, and 2) credit me. See, easy!!
DO YOU HAVE A BACKGROUND IN FOOD?
None 🙂 I mean as a human being, I’m a food consumer. My palette has definitely expanded as I’ve gotten (ahem) wiser. I have no formal training and am totally open to any pro tips you babes may have for me! Most of what I know comes from experimenting and trying new things!
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECIPES FOR _________?
If I do, it’s probably on my blog. Check out the search bar in the righthand toolbar and search for a specific ingredient. Or, you can search the dropdown categories on the top menu.
If you want me to make a recipe that’s not on the blog, shoot me an email thetoastedpinenut(at)gmail(dot)com and I’ll come up with something delicious 🙂
DO YOU FOLLOW A PARTICULAR DIET?
Yes! All the recipes on my blog are low carb and gluten free. If they are also paleo, dairy free, or vegan, I usually note it. But, you can count on all the recipes being low carb, diabetic-friendly, and gluten free.
DO YOU EVER PUT OTHER PEOPLES’ RECIPES ON YOUR BLOG?
I don’t typically, but if I do use someone else’s recipe as inspiration, I link the inspo at the bottom of the post. If I use the exact recipe (rarely ever happens) I’ll note it in the recipe card section of the post.
WHY DIDN’T YOUR RECIPE WORK FOR ME?
I’m not sure why! Shoot me an email and let me know what happened. Sometimes I get emails that go like this: “Ugh! I made ____ only I subbed out the almond flour for coconut flour and it was gross.” GUYS!!
I try to be available for you. If you’re standing in the kitchen about to make something, or in the food store and they’re out of something, or on the couch, planning out your weekly meals, just shoot me an email and ask for ingredient substitutions. I usually give the best alternatives I can and try to steer you in the right direction for any specific dietary restrictions.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BLOGGING ADVICE?
Yes! This should probably be a blog post in and of itself and perhaps one day I will. For now this is what I usually tell people:
Focus on what YOU’RE doing. Find a style you love. Fall in love with every picture you take. Die over every recipe and make it your “new favorite.” Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t let failures stop you. Put yourself out there. Ride the waves of highs and lows. Find a tribe. I know it all sounds cliché, but I mean it.
I spent the first year of blogging doing it solo. I struggled finding my tribe. Then one day I decided to show some love to a couple other foodies and that grew to finding more foodies and sure enough, I eventually found a crew that I love and admire and support whenever I get the chance. Since I began finding my blogging friends, my growth has increased AND my love for my blog and business has increased. Find people in the same stage of blogging as you, support one another, and grow together!
WHAT CAMERA DO YOU RECOMMEND?
I spent the first year and a half with a simple point and shoot digital camera. If you don’t want to invest in a professional camera right away, you totally don’t have to and you can still have a baller blog. I know some bloggers who do the whole shebang with their iPhone!
But, I’m someone who really loves photography and this craft and I decided to nerd out and upgrade. I got a Canon EOS Rebel T6i
and am OBSESSED!!
DO YOU WORK WITH BRANDS FOR SPONSORED POSTS AND CAMPAIGNS?
Yes!! I love working with brands that support The Toasted Pine Nut! I think it’s so fun to develop recipes around my favorite products and share them with you guys! If you have any suggestions for brands you want to see me work with, email me thetoastedpinenut(at)gmail(dot)com!!
If you are a brand and want to work together, I’m definitely open to exploring potential collaborations!! Email me at thetoastedpinenut(at)gmail(dot)com!!