Everything Else

On setting goals…and making changes

So: 4 years ago…all the way back in 2010, I launched this little piece of the web. Today happens to be Ruffles & Truffles’ 4th birthday, and I’m taking a few moments to reflect on setting goals…and making changes.

silhouette bird

I find it interesting to look back on my old posts, and it is one of the great things about having a blog. Looking back to get perspective on where you came from, as well as looking forward to the direction you are hoping to go. When I started Ruffles & Truffles, it was just a fun little site for me. I was a hobbyist and enjoyed sharing the things that were going on in my life.

Ruffles & Truffles

Then I got a bit more serious. Even though blogging had just been a hobby for me, I thought it was important to set some realistic goals for myself. In the beginning, my first blog related goal was to be a part of an ad network. I thought it would give me a sense of legitimacy in my blogging. I was oh so pleased when I met that first goal, and it spurred me on to dream a little bit bigger. I began doing some sponsored campaigns, and realized that my passion truly was for the blogging world. The next goal: earn enough income from my site to consider it as a “part time job,” if you will. It took a while, but I’ve crossed the finish line in regard to that goal. And I’ve had some awesome opportunities cross my path in the past four years, from working with one of my favorite stores (Marshalls), to meeting celebrity chefs, to participating in a chili cookoff, to hosting a live food demo…just to name a few. The people, brands, and places I’ve come in contact with over the years have been incredible.

But after reaching my “part time job” goal, I had to set a bigger one. The enormous goal that I always thought about, but in the back of my mind I always figured would be impossible. That goal, of course, was to delve into a full time gig with blogging.

Katie

…and I’m doing it. This is where the making changes part really comes into play. I wanted to pinch myself when the opportunity to work with the Sunday Supper Movement presented itself to me a few weeks ago. A chance to work with a group that I truly believe in and support…a chance to be involved with the blogging world full time…a job that will allow me to push myself technically and creatively…I was SO in.

And by SO in, I’m not kidding. Within a week of starting with Sunday Supper, I was plunged into the final planning period of the Food & Wine Conference…and ran all of the A/V for the weekend. Talk about diving right in to the deep end! It was awesome. If you’ve been wondering why it’s been slightly different and a littler quieter around these parts lately, now you know why! I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things as my “new life” settles in.

Katie and Justin

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not give a special shout out to my husband, who always shows me such support and is one of my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to making my dreams come to fruition. I know I don’t tell him enough, but there is no way I would have been able to come as far as I have without him standing by my side. He has truly become a faithful blogger’s husband…

Sherman & Lucia

As Ruffles & Truffles begins it’s journey on to year five, I can’t wait to see where things progress. It is absolutely mind blowing to me to realize I won’t be returning to my old job at the end of the summer…and that I have been able to make what I thought to be somewhat unattainable goals into a reality. Funny enough, Sunday Supper has been partnering with American Family Insurance for the past few months for their #ChooseDreams campaign, and I have to say it truly has hit home for me. I am so thankful for the opportunities that have come my way that allowed me to choose dreams and bring them into existence. Does it get better than that? I don’t know that it does.

So, happy birthday, Ruffles & Truffles! Here’s to another inspiring year….

16 Comments

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  • Congratulations on your 4 year blogiversary and I can’t wait to see what happens here in the years to come. And I’m so glad you have joined the Sunday Supper team!! I see great things for you ahead.

  • Happy blogoversary! Funny, I started my blog six years ago on 7/29. My blog began as online journal to keep me accountable for my running, but then morphed into a more lifestyle blog as I began to share more and more about my life as a mom on the run.

    Congratulations on your new direction and I wish you all the success!

  • Katie! Our blogging journeys sound so similar, and I’m so happy to hear that you keep reaching and surpassing your goals! Wishing you all the best as you enter into this new, exciting chapter. How awesome to be able to call this world of blogging your “job”! 🙂 Congrats!

  • Congrats! I think all bloggers secretly wish that they could do it full time. Very few bloggers actually get to. I am so happy for you!! ..and a tad bit jealous..haha.

    I didn’t realize that your blog shared my Birthday with me! Happy Birthday to us! <3

  • Happy 4th year blogiversary, Katie! You are an amazing woman – so energetic, positive, sweet, hilarious and fun. That’s reflected in your blog and in everything that you do. I’m so happy for you that you’re reaching your goals and having such an amazing time doing so. It was a pleasure meeting you at the Conference – you did an amazing job, lady! Here’s to many many more years of reaching for the stars and attaining your dreams!

  • Happy anniversary and major congrats on the new chapter! I can’t wait to see where Ruffles & Truffles takes you in the coming year! 🙂

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