from crate and barrel. love pieces that are functional + stylish.
Lately I haven’t felt very inspired the idea of blogging. This month, my career has taken a few hits on a few different levels, so while I’ll spare you the details, I will admit that I feel a little lost on the internet. And…well, off the internet too. But namely, here. I am unsure if I want to keep doing what I am doing even though it isn’t getting me where I want to be…or if I should start from scratch with something new.
The thing is, I don’t know what something new will look like…and at the risk of sounding both cliché and cryptic in equal measure, I’m not so sure I will until I do it. So, until I get my act together, I’m going to share some pretty pictures that are the result of spending the past two and a half hours straight scouring Pinterest, a social sharing site that lets you create boards of images from the internet.
In lieu of any more of my blah-blah-blah, here are some things that are making me smile, giving me something to look forward to…or sending me straight to the kitchen in a fervent search for something sweet.
rustic fall cider bar. if someone wants to bring me a table to decorate like this, I’ll supply the cider (and the brandy).
pumpkin donuts. i love everything and anything pumpkin. especially: donuts.
salted caramel frosting. last week i brought a cake to a bar for a friend’s birthday. i made a lot of new friends. i bet i would make more if i made this.
sunday breakfast. all you need is the Eiffel Tower, no?
bulldog puppy. this is so cute it should be illegal.
butternut squash galette with kale and gruyère. i’m pretty ready for fall to get here.
keep calm and drink champagne. i can do one of these two things. guess which one?
jacques torres chocolate chip cookies. when life hands you lemons, make this many cookies.
{ 77 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sorry you’re feeling a bit lost. I love the space you’ve created here and often come back for recipes and ideas. Its so frustrating when you can’t get to where you want to be. I am sure though if you decide to create something new, its going to be absolutely fabulous.
I’m ready for fall as well. I’ve been eying the canned pumpkin in my pantry and am so glad that I get to attend the local pumpkin festival before I leave for Georgia (where I’ll be arriving just in time for a peanut festival). I love that table with the cider.
rustic fall cider bar, the jacques cookies, the champagne picture..I love it all. great visuals!
Sorry life has handed you lemons and you’re feeling so…meh…about it all. Hang in there!!
Sorry to hear that things have been out of control. Love cider. Bulldog puppies are sooooo cute! i never wanted to leave franks side when we first got him
I love your blog, but I’m sure that what ever you decide to do will be equally as good! Those pumpkin donuts look delicious
I am sure things will fall into place pretty soon. Things reminds me of a Russian saying “every change is for the better”. Nice pictures.
I really hope you wont go away from us. Ever! I adore your blog..
I’m sorry you’ve hit a rough patch – and I know how hard it is to stay motivated and creative when that happens – but you seem like a focused and smart woman so I bet you’ll figure this out and come back to whatever you choose to do even bigger and better.
You know what you love, so I hope you’ll find a way to keep making a living at it!
Love that cider bar, too!
Good luck -
ooooh. Pumpkin donuts! I just want you to know, if you didn’t already, that I love In Good Taste.
sorry to hear things aren’t going very well right now – you’re clearly very talented and are full of amazing ideas so I know something fabulous is going to come along soon!
Those are all great picks…I’m so ready for fall, too. Good luck revitalizing…I know sometimes I just have to step back and breathe for a while, too…get my wits about me. Thinking of you…
Bummer – it’s always a downer to feel like blogging is a chore, or not getting you what you want. Hang in there while sorting through all the decisions about your future.
My sweet friend. I am sad to hear this about you but I know you are amazing at cooking, writing and blogging so I know you will do great at whatever the future holds. I am not sure what this something new might be but go for it if you want to. Go for it even if you have to start from scratch as long as it is making you happy and taking you where you want to go! I believe in ya and I’ll follow you all the way
You have me worried, friend. What’s up? Call or email if you want to chat, Maris! Hugs and love to you!
Hang in there!! Hoping it will all work itself out (it will) and you will be even happier with your path
The puppy picture is exactly what I needed today – and all of the others have me really wishing for the yumminess of fall. Thinking about you!
Hope you get out of your funk soon – I love your blog and would truly miss it, if that’s what you’re considering doing. Hang in there!
I love Pinterest…here’s my link if you want to follow me – http://pinterest.com/mc22/
i am so ready for the fall too. pumpkin donuts and squash gallettes both sound amazing! hug for you!
Great pics, they all inspired me, but most of all the bulldog and the doughnuts! You’ll get your wind back, just take it slow and take solace in the fact that you have fans out here in blogland!
I think it’s great to re-assess your life’s direction every few years. Gone are the days when folks would stay at one career for the majority of their adult life. I think the photos you chose are wonderful, especially the bulldog puppy!
Pumpkin donuts = major yes. If you were in NYC, I’d send some your way! Alas, please accept my virtual gift. Hang in there; we’re all pulling for you.
Maris, you better not go away or stop what you are doing cuase your blog is fabulous! I love your recipes and reading your posts. Even if I am not commenting as ofen as I should, I am here everyday…i promise
I love pumpkin muffins and those chocolate chip cookies…and brandy. I just got a baby pug puppy and she is about the size of that baby bulldog…too cute for words! Hope the rest of the week gets better
sorry you’re feeling a bit lost these days, but knowing you, something great + amazing will come out of it. hang in there + treat yourself to some time off from blogging (or work, or whatever) if you need it – i’m sure you’ve earned it! thanks for sharing some fabulous pinterest pins – i actually made salted caramel buttercream for the first time over the weekend + it was just divine.
You should know that your work is phenomenal. If you decide to start fresh I can only imagine that you’ll come up with something equally great if not better.
I think it can be really scary to jump outside of our comfort zones to try something new, but sometimes our most creative moments come out of that fear.
Hey, glad to see your post today.. I am blogging about your mixed berry crisp today!
Those pumpkin donuts look lovely and that puppy is so cute I could eat it!
Hope you are feeling better and more centred soon.
Bulldog puppy! Sorry, got distracted by cuteness. You’re great at what you do. Your posts are informative, fresh, fun and well photographed. I’m sure you’ll decide what makes you happy in the long run, but just know you do have a great site.
I think I love each and everyone of the pictures you shared. I am purposely staying off Pinterest. I can not afford another Internet addiction
As for your situation, I hope you can figure out the path you need to go in (or stay in) without much struggle. I just returned to blogging after taking the summer off, because it was what I realized was best for me. I know that it’s different, being your career, but whatever choice you do make, just make sure it makes you happy. That being said, I do hope you continue In Good Taste.
Champagne, cookies, and cute puppies are very good ways to get through tough times. I’ve said it before, and it may not be obvious to you, but I think it is obvious to all your friends and readers: Something amazing is going to come your way! You’re super talented and you have such a great heart! Things will be looking up soon! Let us know if we can do anything.
Oh, Maris – just know that you are amazing. I love your blog and think you are a great, great writer. I hope things fall in a good way for you – and I’ll be thinking of you in the meantime. As for pinterest – love it! So addicting and great for a little escapism. I think I’ll see if I can find you to follow! Take care, m’dear!!
We all feel that way sometimes and when we’re in the thick of it, we think it won’t end. But it does at some point and then you look back and feel glad it’s over and glad you forged through it. You can and will.
So sorry things are rough now Maris..
All I can say is that you are one of my favorite bloggers..I love your site, love the intelligence in your words and how informative and helpful your posts and amazing recipes are..
You are doing a phenomenal job here and what ever you decide to do I KNOW you will do a brilliant job
{{hugs}} to you Maris dear. We all get in funks. Do what you love and even if that changes that’s okay
You are smart and talented…I just know you’ll find your way! For now, I think I’ll just repin your whole post
I understand wanting to do something new, but not knowing what that is. How will I finish my thesis by the deadline? What the hell am I going to do after that? Especially since I have zero interest in any sort of job that’s in my field? What is wrong with me?
Blogging is blogging… it’s easy to change your interests and focus – and you have so many dedicated readers, I’m sure they’ll follow in step with whatever you choose to direct your attention at:) And I hope this doesn’t come across in the wrong way, because I mean it in only a positive sense… the more you’ve worked real life (such as this) into your posts, the more interested I have become. So keep it up if you feel like it, or let us know where you’re headed next and we’ll root you on!
just printed outthe cake recipe- I’m in a sweet coma just reading it- but this baby is getting made this week no matter what ! looks sounds fabulous and deadly.
Hang in there. I think it’s completely normal to have ups and downs with blogging, especially when other things are going on.
I’m so sorry that you having to go through these tough times, Maris. I hope you can quickly get the clarity that you need to know which direction you should follow. In the meantime, Pinterest is a great way to find something to put a smile on your face. I’m pretty much jonesing for one of those pumpkin doughnuts right now. I have not seen them and that has been a blessing, I think. O.M.G.
And that puppy? Believe it or not, I have a granddog that looked just like that once upon a time. Brixton was THE cutest little guy and now he’s just a sweet thug (a contradiction, I know; but, seriously…it fits…he is simple and complicated all at once.) and I love him.
Blessings, Candace
Love your post. I can feel your pain lately too
I know good things are on their way
You do such a great job on your blog, Maris, so I’m hoping you will continue with it, but you’ll know best in time what direction is the right one for you to take. Pinterest is really inspiring to look at, and I love that bulldog puppy!
Love all of these and want to have an apple cider bar!!!!
Hi Maris – I saw this post from my cell earlier this morning and kept thinking about you. It’s tough that you are seeing a wall in front of you and feel lost. You have created such a successful website and I hope you can continue this. Not sure what your plans are but this challenge could be a stepping stone. Blogging can be tiring but I hope you will get through your frustration and find a way to make you happy. If something you’re talking about is a passion, it’s never late to give it a try. I feel I’m a little stuck after having kids, not much flexibility. So do what you want to do when you can before it’s too late. It seems you are stalling this, but without reflecting you can’t get better. Hang in there and we all support you!!
I hope you get things figured out! Hang in there!
aw hope everything is okay maris.
and really now i just want cider and a cookie, haha. hurrah for pinterest finds
Will some pie help?
Hey, I love your blog, but if YOU don’t love it right now, it is YOUR blog after all – if you really want to do something else and won’t feel right until you do, then do! Don’t let any of us keep you here if here’s not right for you.
Good luck at deciding – god knows THAT’S the hardest part half the time anyway!
aww sorry maris. from your last post i know you are going through some job changes, but I only see positive, bright ventures for you in the future…will it make you feel better to know you won one of the prize pkgs from my last giveaway, sent ya dm..but I know you have been offline..send me your info and I will send it out right away!!
the bulldog should be illegal!!
I’m sorry for what you’re going through! It’s obvious that lots of people care about you – myself included. Whatever you decide to do I just want you to be happy. Whenever I’m feeling down I go to pinterest – it immediately makes me feel better. Sending you a big HUG!
I will say I did notice a lack of blogging here lately. You will get through it. I know the big decisions are the toughest to make. Hang in there!
Oh, I’m sorry to hear you aren’t feeling top notch at the moment. I’ve only met you via cyberspace, but I’m fairly certain you’ll figure things out and end up in a happier place. It just stinks being stuck. On the other hand: bar cake? Now, that’s brilliant!
girl, I totally hear you… it’s rough out here in the deep end. But you are smart and talented and professional, and I know that, whatever it is you wind up doing next, it will be exciting and challenging and ultimately, right. Sending luck and inspiration your way.
Love all your inspiration! Sometimes you just need to take a break from it all. I’m sure you’ll figure it out when you’re ready
. I would love a gluten-free version of those pumpkin doughnuts, and that bull dog puppy put a hug smile on my face. Sending happy thoughts your way 
Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way but your blog is lovely and I’m sure whatever you’ll do next will be as wonderful! It’s true that sometimes we don’t know what we should do until we do it. I’ve been there many times…Good luck with your decision.
Sorry to read you are feeling a little lost. Sometimes things happen don’t they and sometimes they make us think about what our options are and can direct us to strive toward new things. Sometime you just got to leap and follow your heart. It will tell you where to go. Life is full of curve balls that is for sure. YOur blog is wonderful so keep up the great work. It is a wonderful reference for us all out there that you should be very proud of.
Hi Maris
Hang in there girl! With every adverse situation, there is a seed of opportunity. It is Nature’s way of telling us that we are on the right path. Have faith and things will fall in place.
Aww babe, I’m sorry you’re feeling down at the moment! I’m gonna cross my fingers that it’s just a phase cause I’ll miss you dearly if you leave the blogosphere! But you’ve gotta do what’s best for you (and promise to keep in touch no matter what!)
that’s ok – enjoy the rest of your summer while its here! I have that butcher block from crate and barrel
I hope you’re feeling better today!
You are so young, beautiful and talented! Try to stay and think positive, you are blessed already and more blessings will come to you. Keep in mind, when one door closes another one opens and it will! Things will turn around for you very soon. Stay positive!
There are so many people like you these days, whose careers have either been eliminated or hours, pay or benefits cut back. It’s no wonder your creative ‘juices’ have dried up for a little bit.
Wishing you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do. In the meantime, I want that puppy and one of those donuts!
Hey honey, hang in there! You’ll know the right opportunity when it arrives.
PS~ I can’t wait to meet in person at FBF!
Maris, I like to visit your blog, Please hang in there…until you really want to start something new and different.
Thank you for sharing those beautiful photos. I love that rustic bar counter.
BIG, BIG hugs, Maris!! So sorry to hear you’re struggling. Sending good thoughts and vibes your way!
OMG, that puppy is one of the MOST adorable things I have EVER seen! Thanks for making me smile.
Love you!
Maybe a bottle of wine would help?! Or maybe I’m just an alcoholic.
Hang in there! (virtual clink of the glass)
Hang in there, Maris! As I said before, we’re all here for you and would give you hugs all around if we could.
You picked some great photos. I need those pumpkin doughnuts, that puppy and definitely that cider bar someday. A girl can dream, right?
You are not alone Maris, i completely know where you are coming from. It’s hard to have any clue what you want to do and blogging can be so exhausting if you’re feeling lost anywhere else, ya know?
I know you’ll find it! And PInterest is a great place to let yourself get lost. I often find the best inspiration there!
Oh, Maris. I don’t know what’s up but I do know I love your blog. I don’t have time to visit it as frequently as I wish, but whenever I do, I am reminded that you are a wonderful writer and photographer, and an outstanding chef. Whatever form your “next step” takes, I will be here, eager to watch and learn from you.
Hope you find your inspiration, Maris – in the meantime, these are lovely and inspiring photos!
Now I want a donut pan and a bull dog. So cute!
As bloggers we do go through these blogging “blues” every now and then, and taking a break is always a good idea. I bet after a little while you will get inspired again. I hope you come back to blogging, because you’ve done a terrific job with your site. If you need to chat, please don’t hesitate to email
I hope things are better for you soon!
I am obsessed with Pinterest. Seriously. It’s the most inspirational site for me. I’m quite certain I need a pumpkin doughnut and a bulldog puppy
Hope things are better for you soon also…I love what you are doing here!
As I scrolled down and read all the supportive comments I was moved by how much love was pouring out to you from your readers. Deep breath, a good healthy re-evalutation can either change your direction or simply re-charge you for the path you have already chosen. Whatever you choose to do, know that you are loved and supported by many!
I know what you are going through but just know that your site is very inspirational. We all have those days and it’s okay, Take some time off if you need to and focus on what makes you happy. I took almost a two week break from posting and commenting on other sites, no internet or email just good quality time with my kids I wanted to enjoy the last few weeks of summer stress free.
Do what you love and makes you happy, life is precious and just know that we all love what you do! Hang in there!
Keep your head up Maris,everything will unfold in its own time!
Maris, I adore your blog, it’s my favorite find in 2011. I can totally relate to feeling lost and uninspired to blog – I have barely blogged this whole summer. I just wanted to send you my love and let you know that I’m sure everything will work out. Not going to pressure you to keep it up, but I would miss ya!
E
I am sorry to hear about your career Maris, but warmed by your pgotos and interests. I bookmarked several of the recipes for the future:D
Hi Maris, I hope things will settle and work, and should you decide to take a different path, that you will enjoy every success in what you end up doing. I’ve only recently discovered your blog and you have been an inspiration already. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos!
Hi Maris, just catching up on my weekend blog reading. SOOOOO sorry to hear you are feeling a bit lost off and on the internet. Hang in there, take whatever time you need, but please know your blog is wonderful!!! LOVE reading your recipes and about bits of your life. Take care of yourself. Sending a big HUG to you!!!!
I hope everything gets better soon!
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