Hi Friends!  If you’ve been following along this weekend via snapchat (@hungryhobbyrd) you’ve seen I had a ton of fun things going on!  Saturday I woke up not feeling so hot so I decided to skip running and took Nala to the dog park instead. Then it was time to get ready to go to the WCF (Women’s Christian Fellowship) luncheon, I mean who doesn’t like to get dressed up in hats?

I know the ladies who organized it really put a lot of time, attention to detail, and love into planning and it did not go unnoticed.

We had two speakers during the luncheon but the part that was the most memorable to me was when the first speaker talked about honesty in prayer.  She was hilarious in her example about praying for her ex boyfriend.  I was dying laughing!  This is also something I remember from when I was doing my internship in Palm Springs, the priest there would often bring up “honesty in prayer” during his homily’s.   He would give examples such as, “you can pray for financial prosperity, growth and continued career success.”  He would then say, you can also pray about that mustang you really want or the hurt you  feel getting passed over for that promotion. As someone (despite writing a blog) who has never been good with words (I’d rather stab my eye then write in a holiday/birthday/etc card) I’ve always loved the honesty approach in prayer.

After the luncheon I came back and practically threw off my cloths because being outside in 120 degree weather is not for the faint of heart.  Did some work and watched a movie with Mr. Hungry and my SIL.  I still wanted to get my run in though so I headed to the gym for a late night sweat sesh.  I’m rather proud of getting in that 6 mile run at 7pm at night.  I was also super thankful Sunday morning that I had already got it done!

That meant I could do a strength training workout upstairs while I waited for this epic healthy egg casserole to finish baking!  (Recipe coming soon!)

For the last couple months I’ve been rocking the work Sunday – Thursday schedule (Fridays tend to be appointment days).  So, after working out and eating I got down to it starting this post and a few others for the week.

3rd Blogiversary

My first year, I remember thinking what a huge deal it was that I had completed one whole year of blogging.  Last year, I was a bit disappointed with my progress and the amount of time I had for the blog. However, I loved my new job working in the fitness industry so I knew it was a necessary trade off.  Last year I made a mental note that I wanted Hungry Hobby to be a more consistent part of my life.  As you guys know, in December I left Life Time to fully launch my private practice and focus more attention on Hungry Hobby.  Now that I’ve got about 6 months of more consistent focused blogging I’m find myself incredibly thankful for all the skills the blog has given me.  

9 Things the Blog Has Given to Me

1. Understanding the Nuances of Social Media & How To Use It

   At the beginning of this year I read Jab, Jab Right Hook and it really helped understand that I was using social media all wrong.  Yes, I was sharing other people’s content but I wasn’t being genuine in my interactions.  I now make sure that social media is a community I’m engaging in and not a one sided street (it is way more fun that way anyway).

2. Improving Photography

   Other than the blog design I paid for a couple of years ago, my camera has been the biggest investment I’ve made for the blog.  Like my blog design, it was worth every penny.  Doing real photo shoots and editing sessions have significantly increased the amount of time it takes to create a post.  However, at the end of that post I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.  Sure sometimes I still get photos rejected by foodgawker, but I understand why and how to improve. It’s more fun and exhilarating than I ever imagine to produce food photography.

3. Improvement in Writing —> grammar

   I’ll never be a copyeditor grammar master.  Hello I can barely remember if grammar is spelt with an ar or er.  Starting a blog made me realize how bad I was and forced me to dramatically improve my writing skills.

4. Improvement in communication of nutrition information/research to my readers

   We practiced creating pamphlets in grad school a bit, but nothing like I’ve done on the blog. I’m very proud of my 52 Healthy Habits Series I started back in January which allows me to focus on what real people need to know about implementing nutrition changes in their lives.

5. Staying consistent and up to date in nutrition information to share with my readers (you guys!).

   Same as above but I think it was worth making its own point.

6. Understanding how to write a recipe properly for publication.

   Admittedly, I don’t always follow this one but for the most part, I do try.   

7. Knowing what SEO is.

   If you found me through google search or another search engine then I’m doing something right!

   8.  Gaining Real Friends, Community and Network of Professionals

   This took time but it happened organically and I’m so thankful for it.  I’ve got friends all over the United States with similar interest to me which is freaking amazing.  People who don’t think I’m crazy when I tell them I own my a company called Hungry Hobby LLC that consists of private nutrient clients, blogging, food photography, and speaking.

   9. Opportunities

   Every day my favorite part of the day is opening my email.  I never know what I will find from people and companies I might get to work with, places I might get to write for or events I might get to attend it’s all wonderful.

   Blogiversary Giveaway!

   My first blogiversary I learned that a giveaway in the middle of summer must be handled with extreme care.  Homemade goodies were out and food needed to be handled with caution.  Last year I gave away UCAN since it was my new favorite thing.  This year I’m giving away three $15 dollars gift cards to my three favorite places Trader Joes, Starbucks and Chipotle.  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post with which gift card you’d like the most and which posts you enjoy the most and the least on Hungry Hobby (recipes, Nala, workouts, day in the life/meal recaps, other).  I’ll announce the winners on Friday morning before the weekend (aka America/Kelli’s birthday bash) madness!  
   Whether you are new to Hungry Hobby or have been reading all three years it’s because of you that this blog is even possible.  Thank you.