Happy 13th Birthday KERF!
Happy birthday Kath Eats Real Food a.k.a Sweat Eat Sleep Repeat ( lol ) a.k.a. KERF! This blog turned 13 years old over the weekend. I have to be one of the the longest running blogs out there (although I was definitely not the first or the coolest!) Thirteen years is almost 1/3 of my life I have shared online. I can barely remember the KERF early years, but at the same time it feels like it went by in a flash.
Former KERF Designs
I love to look back on old designs and how this site has evolved. I’ve certainly gone through a lot of design changes! Most of them my own creation while Googling things like “how do you change the color of a widget header?” In a lot of ways, blogging has gotten SO much easier thanks to new tools and apps to make site management more user friendly. Back in the day there were no great tools for photo editing, cell phone photos were small and blurry, and….what on earth did we do before there was Canva!?! But then again, all we had to do was write posts. There was no Instagram or Pinterest or Yoast and focus was lasered in on writing relatable posts.
KERF Years By Theme
I look back on the years of this blog each with a particular theme. (See a bunch of old post highlights here.)
2007 – The Beginning
A diary, a hobby, “just for fun.” Blurry pictures. Blog posts written from my office computer at lunch while I worked a PR job I didn’t love. I took my first nutrition class at Queens University that fall and knew I wanted to be a part of the wellness industry – I just didn’t exactly know how!
2008 – The Year of Chemistry
I went back to school in January 2008 and my coursework was heavy in chemistry. Chem was not fun, but I was so pumped to be out of corporate America I didn’t care! I also attended full-time summer school that year and was pretty much in class from 8am to 8pm everyday. It was a bit cray!
2009 – The Year of Blog Growth
KERF was bringing in a decent income, I had gotten side gigs and some paid sponsorships, and the Healthy Living Summit was born. This was probably my favorite year of blogging because there was so much wonderful community in the healthy living blog world. I also won Best Food Blog at the Foodbuzz Conference and am still humbled that I was ever cool enough to win such an award.
2010 – The Year Of The Internship
This is not a year I would want to re-live! The first half was my dietetic internship, which was 1,000% intense, especially juggling all that was going on behind the scenes, like opening a Great Harvest, selling our house, and moving to Cville. I passed the RD exam that summer and we moved to Charlottesville in July! The second half of the year we settled into our rental Craftsman in Cville and had so much fun exploring our new city.
2011 – The Year Of Great Harvest
Our Great Harvest Bakery opened in June, and we spent the year focusing on making that a success. We went to Montana for training, bit our nails through the construction process, and attended tons of sampling events around town. That fall we bought another house, managed a staff, and held pumpkin beer parties.
2012 – The Year Of Mazen!
I was pregnant this whole year and Mazen was born in September!! This was also my last year blogging three times a day. Sometimes I miss that style and sometimes I am really glad I can work ahead. I do miss the simplicity of only having one thing on my to-do list each day (blog) vs. now I have 100 things I need/want to do 
Fun fact: I made the most money through advertising this year!
2013 – The Year of Mom Groups
This year feels like a bit of a blur to me (which is funny because I could see every detail if I went to read my own archives!) Mazen was an active toddler and I remember hanging with friends and their kids in the mornings and working during Mazen’s nap every afternoon. I remember being envious of my friends who got to nap themselves or work on dinner during their kids’ naps while I was going 1,000 miles an hour trying to fit things into an unpredictable 2-3 hours, including writing Baby KERF! I switched to writing about topics instead of daily life and started getting more fun sponsored post opportunities.
2014 – The Year of Transitions
We moved into our current house, Mazen started preschool at 2, and Great Harvest struggled because of the bypass they built in the bakery’s front yard. I went on some cool trips!
2015 – The Year of Kath
That’s actually what my friends call it I partied a little too hard and had a really fun summer. I was also in great shape and playing year round soccer again. Mazen was old enough to do fun kid activities together. Home life shifted, and Matt and I decided to part ways.
2016 – The Year of New Beginnings
I grew into a new version of myself this year. I wanted to move to an island or rent a flat in France for the summer. The world was at my fingertips, and Mazen and I would tackle it together. Just when I convinced myself I would be happy just the two of us forever, I met Thomas. I struggled balancing between public and private on the blog and often felt confused about what I wanted to write about. I visited the White House with Michelle Obama!
2017 – The Year Of Thomas
Thomas and I were ready to get married. Our wedding was in October, so this year was all about loooove. We took some fun getaways together. I had a ton of collaborations with brands (had my TV debut) and did a lot of traveling for both work and fun (like our honeymoon!) Fun fact: This was my most profitable year!
2018 – The Year Of Birch!
I was pregnant most of this year and Birch was born in October. We spent the year getting ready for his arrival. Mazen started kindergarten and I did a lot of different side projects.
2019 – The Year of Balance
With Birch at home as an infant, I had to figure out the best way to balance life as a mom and also keep with the blogging pace I had been on for years. I struggled at times because I wanted to do both at once but often felt like I was failing both my family and my business. This was also the year of Beautycounter, where a side hustle turned into my favorite piece of the pie to work on. Being a part of a larger company and having clients to serve was such an unexpected surprise and something I never thought I would love. I went to Ojai in October (my first time away from Birch).
2020 – The Year of Pivoting
Not just because of the pandemic, but because I have done a lot of polishing to my site and focusing on quality over quantity. I’ve also been working to figure out how to scale and focus in on the parts of being a solopreneur I like the best. We will see where that takes me!
Thank you to all of you who have been reading this blog for so many years. You are truly my best friends, and I wish I could hug each one of you in person!!
Whipped Banana Oatmeal with Peanut Butter For All!
Photos by Cramer Photo!
Lauren says
Congratulations on 13 years!! What an accomplishment. This was so much fun to read. I’ve been with you since 2009–often going through life phases at the same time–and can hardly believe where the time has gone.
Kath Younger says
Thank you! I love that so many of us have gone through life together <3
Kath Younger says
Thank you! I love that so many of us have gone through life together <3
Kath Younger says
I know it’s crazy where the time went!!
Carla says
Wow, I think I’ve been reading since 2011. Time flies! Thanks for being a blog that I truly look forward to reading. In some ways reading your blog helps me live a little vicariously (I write as I sit holed up in my guest bedroom/virtual office away from my 11 month old who will scream for me if he sees me…). 😀 You’ve done an awesome job throughout the years, but I know what you mean about feeling like you’re failing at times. Here’s to 2020 and hopefully 2021! Haha!
Kath Younger says
🙂 Thank you!
Rachel says
Congratulations!! I’ve been reading since just about the very beginning when I was searching for some inspiration and community in my own post-college weight loss journey. Here’s to 13 more!
Kath Younger says
It will be crazy if I get to 26 years!!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
What a milestone! Congratulations! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Jamie says
Wow this was so fun to read! I have been a reader since 2009! Your blog is one of the first I check every day while eating my breakfast. Thanks for all the great posts over the years!!
Kath Younger says
Thank you Jamie! <3
K~ says
Congratulations!
Kori says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! This is truly an incredible accomplisment. I began reading in 2009 and remember the bottom left header and site design well! I love how you captured each year and all of the changes, successes, changes you have experienced. I have loved being a KERF follower, and you were the first blogger I ever started to read. You’re up there nearly with as long as Ree Drummond has blogged, and she’s one of the first (if not the first) food blogger that graced the web. 🙂
Kath Younger says
Haha and she is a LOT more famous these days!! I’ve met her!
Kori says
Seriously?! So jealous! She seems like such a fun person and a joy to be around and meet. So cool!
Kath Younger says
Yes a few times at blog conferences! Here’s one post and here’s another : )
Kori says
Okay these are freaking amazing!!! I don’t remember seeing these posts. How could I have missed them? Sheesh. Thank you for sharing!
Kath Younger says
Haha!
Kori says
I don’t know how I ever missed these posts! How amazing that you got to meet her twice! Thank you so much for sharing.
Sydney says
Congrats on 13 wonderful years. I’ve been with you since the beginning although I rarely I’d ever comment. I’ve learned much from you and wish you nothing but the best.
Kath Younger says
Thank you!
Lorie says
I can still remember sitting in the computer lab of a nutrition course and spotting a classmate on your blog. This would’ve been 2008 or 2009. I remember checking it out on my own computer after that, and I’ve reading ever since! I remember those early days of checking your and other blogs throughout the day to see those multiple check ins, and thinking how cool it was to read about lives of people around the country. So crazy to think how much that internet life has grown and evolved over the years.
Best of luck as you continue your journey in this space!
Kath Younger says
You saw one of your classmates on my blog? Small world!! I sometimes wonder what would happen if I went back to the old style. Would that be unique and (re) gain a following or would it be too hard to compete with the pace and ease of social media. When I have polled the group it seems they prefer Insta to multiple blog posts. But it would be fun to do! Maybe I should do it for a week just for fun once in a while.
Ann Duncan says
Congratulations!! I have enjoyed your blog through all of its phases and am so happy you are still here writing and sharing! Fun fact: I served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa from 2008-2010. When I would go to the capital and had access to the internet, I would make it a priority to catch up on your posts. I also read Jenna and Tina’s blogs too during that time. I have such fond memories of binging on your posts; it gave me a sense of normalcy in the adventure I was having across the world! THANK YOU for being you!
Kath Younger says
Oh wow that’s so cool! My good friend from Hillsborough was in the Peace Corps in Niger around that time.
Hannah says
I never comment, but this was so fun to read! I found your blog my freshman year of college in 2008-2009 and don’t think I’ve missed a post since! I discovered “healthy living blogging” through Cristin’s daily blog feature on Self.com. I wanted more inspiration like that which is how I found your site. All the “OG” healthy living bloggers inspired my own weight loss in college. THANK YOU for sharing your lives with us! 🙂
Kath Younger says
I wonder what she is up to these days!
Leanne says
Congratulations! I’ve been reading since late 2009! Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into your life all these years, and sharing your expertise & passion in a number of topics!
Laura says
Congratulations and how fun! This post made me oddly nostalgic. I’ve been reading since 2008/2009, and found KERF via a recipe website (and let’s be honest – it was probably a link to an oatmeal recipe! Haha). I found many of the other original healthy living bloggers through you (Jenna, Tina, Caitlin – I miss her blog!, Emily, and more!), and it’s brought me so much joy over the years as we’ve all cooked, exercised, and become moms “together.” My husband sometimes (lovingly!) teases me about feeling connected to people I’ve never actually met, but it’s true! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Kath Younger says
It made me nostalgic too!! We need a reunion!!
Ellen says
Wow, crazy! This was a fun trip down memory lane. I’m not even sure when I discovered your blog … maybe around the Great Harvest years? Congratulations on this milestone!
Pamela says
Congratulations on 13 years! Thirteen IS a lucky number! Thank you for sharing with us and letting us peek into your world almost very day of the week ! Yours was the very first blog I ever subscribed to years ago and I am happy to continue to follow! ?
Kath Younger says
Half of 26 too!!
Ruth says
Congratulations!!! Such a big accomplishment and I hope that it gives you more happy memories that you’ve come this far as a blogger. Thank you for writing and creating all that you have 🙂
Kath Younger says
🙂 Thank you
Sarah says
Congratulations, Kath! My girlfriends and I have been reading since almost the beginning (2008?) and we talk about you like you are a friend we know well. The men in our lives think we are insane…and maybe we kind of are, but we’re in good company! I did an independent study on blog sponsorships to finish my MBA in 2013 and you were my interviewee – and then last year you featured my company’s candles! As long as you keep writing, I’ll keep reading. Thank you!
Kath Younger says
So fun. I would LOVE to have drinks with you and your friends! How fun would that be.
Leah says
Congrats on 13 years! I have been reading since 2009. I started following a bunch of healthy lifestyle blogs at the time when I was trying to find ways to cook healthier foods at home and eat less takeout. Yours is the only one I still follow. : ) Your posts are so inspiring. Thank you for all the amazing work you have put into this space!
Kath Younger says
Thank you so much for sticking with me!!
Erin m says
Congratulations! I’ve been a reader since the beginning! It’s so nice of you to invite us into your life. Keep up the good work.
Kath Younger says
Thanks!!
Steph says
Congratulations! What a milestone! Like many of your readers, I’ve been along for the ride for nearly a decade! I’ve loved every iteration of your blog and enjoyed each post–your positivity, healthy outlook, great recipes and life/mom hacks always make my day!
Kath Younger says
Thank you so much!
Tracy says
Congratulations! I can hardly believe it’s been 13 years. I had to do a double take when I saw teenager!! I’ve been reading since at least 2008. Maybe even 2007. I haven’t missed a single post! (I always went back and caught up if I missed). This was such a fun trip down memory lane via yearly recap.
Best of luck and continued success!!
Kath Younger says
And thank you for leaving so many comments!! If I ever had a pow wow with all of you guys, you’d have to put your email addresses on your name tags!!
coco says
happy anniversary Kath! I feel hat we grew together as I started blogging in 2008 and went through similar life changes at the same time. it has been a long way. You are still my all time favorite blogger for your kindness, authenticity and no fuss meal ideas.
Kath Younger says
Thank you coco <3
Julie says
I love this! I have been reading since I was pregnant. My son is now 11.5 and I have an 8 year old girl too! My career has gone from PR to Nanny in the Clouds to Momcho Poncho to SkySquad now. Thanks for your support along the way! I love following your journey! Cheers to more success in coming years! You are the only blogger that is as obsessed with oatmeal as me! My new fave is oatmeal with kite hill sour cream, berries, brown sugar! Try it!
Kath Younger says
Ooo sounds delish!
Teri says
This was so fun to read! I started reading your blog in 2008 and remember the Foodbuzz Award! And I totally agree that blogging is wayyyyy more complicated now than it was back then, ha!
Love ya!
Kath Younger says
<3 waaaay more complicated ;)
Amanda says
Congratulations on 13 years! I’ve been following since the beginning. Here’s to many more!
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
This was so fun to read the yearly recaps. I have been around for at least 11+ of these years – HLS seems like eons ago!
Kath Younger says
<3 <3
Cindy Childers says
LOVE this Kath! Been here reading your blog since you were pregnant with Mazen and me with my #3 Levi. It was such an encouragement for me back then and I still love reading and keeping up and love love love your recipes 🙂 God bless you! Cindy
Heather R says
Congrats to 13 years. I have been reading since 2009, I check your blog every weekday morning as I am getting started on my own work day. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Chelsea Titus says
What, no screenshot of your CK “blog”?!?!?!? LOL
Congratulations girl! I loved the tidbits about income throughout the post….so interesting!
Kath Younger says
haha!
Emily says
I discovered your blog in 2009 through Carrots + Cake. It’s fun to see a recap of all those years of following you! Great work.
Amanda says
I started reading your blog in 2012 and found it when I was searching for oatmeal recipes! It’s funny that your were blogging all of your meals and writing about your lunch on your lunch break because I was reading your blog on my lunch break while at a job I didn’t like and your blog is what I looked forward to each day. Anyway, it continues to bring me joy and I’m glad your still here!
Kath Younger says
<3 Thanks for reading all of these years!
Steph says
Happy anniversary, Kath! I’ve been reading since 2009. Love your blog and all the inspiration I’ve gotten from following along! Running, overnight oats, not folding my laundry, etc! 😉
Kath Younger says
Haha – never fold!
vicki says
Congratulations! I stumbled on KERF when my eight year old son was a baby and I was looking for tips on sleep. Ive read faithfully ever since.
I Love your ethos around food and like you Im a wannabe minimalist who loves a good list!
Kyla says
Happy 13 years, KERF! I started reading in 2009 as a sophomore year nutrition major. I read your blog as well as many other OG’s like Jenna, Caitlin, Tina, and Gina often When I worked the front desk of my residence hall. Like many others I feel like I have grown alongside with you from a baby 20 year old to now as a 31 year old woman, Funnily enough I actually loved reading about your internship year because it made me excited to do mine (LOL). Thank you for sharing your life with us over the years! Can’t wait for the next 13 <3
Kath Younger says
<3 I love hearing what you guys were doing when you started reading!
Emily says
I cannot BELIEVE I’ve been reading KERF since the kiwi header days!! Crazy, but so amazing to have gotten a glimpse into a stranger in North Carolina’s life for so long! Thank you for keeping us updated for so long. 🙂
Kath Younger says
Thank YOU!