Not your mamas meatloaf...here's to the weekend
What it costs to run a blog (or, why I laugh when people say "just start a newsletter")
Hi Friends,
I’m getting a little personal, sharing behind the scenes, if you’re just here for the recipes and regularly scheduled weekly content, feel free to scroll below.
Somewhere out there, in a land untouched by reality, people still believe that running a blog or newsletter is free. They imagine a writer curled up on a couch, typing away, fueled by nothing but inspiration and a half-melted candle.
Meanwhile, here in actual life, my website hosting alone costs $1,242. A necessary evil, unless I want my blog to load at the speed of dial-up and disappear into the internet void.
Then there’s the aesthetic cost of it all. You like those pretty plates in my photos? Good, because that $68 ceramic plate now lives rent-free in my cabinet. My favorite mug? $48. Backgrounds for food shots? $150 a pop. All in the name of "effortless content."
Lighting? Oh, I wish I had time to chase perfect natural light. I have children. Four of them. If I waited for the golden hour, nothing would ever get done. Instead, I own continuous LED lights ($250 x2), which make my office look like a low-budget movie set but at least keep my photos bright (ish).
Speaking of cameras—mine was $1,300 (used/refurbished), plus another $1,500 for a lens, and apparently, one lens isn’t enough, so I have a few. Add in $180 for photo editing software, $300 for plugins (which basically make my site function), and $1,751 for coding fixes when something breaks and I stare at my laptop like someone’s grandma trying to close a pop-up ad.
Taxes - OMG, so expensive. Which, sure, is technically a good thing because it means you’re making money…but that doesn’t make it any easier to fork over. Watching those hard-earned dollars disappear is painful, but hey, I guess it’s the price of success? (Still hurts, though.)
Oh, and let’s talk groceries. OMG, the groceries. The amount I spend on ingredients is honestly absurd. I test most recipes multiple times before I photograph them and share them on the blog, because I need to be absolutely sure they’ll turn out for you. That means a lot of extra groceries, a lot of half-used herbs, and a lot of leftovers. And because I’m terrible at remembering to put it on the business credit card, most of these expenses just disappear into the abyss of our family grocery bill. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
And let’s not forget education. Courses, books, endless learning—because algorithms change, trends shift, and I still don’t fully understand SEO. Another $500 (minimum).
These are annual-recurring costs.
Oh, and my time? That’s funny. I don’t even put a number on that. Not to mention the coffee required to fuel this operation.
So the next time someone tells me, “I should just start a blog/newsletter! It’s free!” I will simply smile, sip my overpriced coffee, and nod. Because sure, if by "free" you mean thousands of dollars, countless hours, and an existential crisis every time a website update breaks something, then yes. Totally free.
And that, my friends, is why this newsletter is free to you - but also why I’m adding an option for those who want to support it financially.
Because despite the deeply fulfilling (and slightly chaotic) joy of creating it every week, the reality is that running this whole operation isn’t cheap. If you love what I share and want to help keep the lights on (literally, my continuous LED setup isn’t going anywhere), you can now chip in. No pressure, no guilt—just a way to keep the recipes, stories, and unsolicited thoughts on ceramics coming.
This is also reason #100 why I switched back from an expensive newsletter platform ($1500) to Substack—because it’s free, and it actually lets me collect money from people who want to support my work. Paying to send emails was starting to feel like paying rent on a building I didn’t even own, so here we are, making the best of Substack’s very welcome $0/month price tag.
I’m also saving up to hire a designer to spruce up my Substack with a few design elements. While I have some design skills, I’m just not quite where I want to be with it, and I’d love to bring in someone who really knows what they’re doing. Designers in this space typically start at $500 and go up from there, so I’m tucking away funds to make it happen. Know anyone? LMK. In the meantime, I’ll continue doing my best with my DIY approach (which mostly consists of moving things around and hoping they magically look better).
Thank you for being here. The newsletter will continue to be free every week. I used to have a monthly subscription, and when I paused it to move email platforms, I was so grateful (and honestly, a little shocked) that people reached out saying they wanted to keep paying for it. So, I’m unpausing that—but now, there’s no extra newsletter, because I just don’t have the time. Subscriptions will resume on 3/7, and if you want to cancel, I completely understand. Otherwise, it’ll start charging again, and I’ll be forever grateful for your support.
Now on to the regularly scheduled newsletter!
Meatloaf is most often one of those immediate response “love it or hate it” dishes.
Mom made a bland and flavorless meatloaf on repeat or it was just something nostalgic, so the stories go.
I actually didn’t have meatloaf growing up (maybe ever?) but now as a mom I’m ALL FOR IT. I love it. Maybe it’s a mom thing? Lol.
Meatloaf is one of those low fuss things to make. You mix meat and flavorful ingredients and then it’s fairly hands off!!
Here are my faves:
My go-to meatloaf recipe is made with ground turkey! Its super good with roasted vegetables on the side.
Make it a meal. Try mini meatloaves on a sheet pan - like these honey mustard mini meatloaves - or these balsamic glazed ones.
Twists on the classic. Meatloaf meatballs are always a hit, or did you know you can make an entire meatloaf meal (meatloaf, potatoes, green beans) in your Instant Pot? I show you how in this post.
And hey, maybe you’ll find 2 that you love and as meatloaf says “two out of three ain’t bad.”
On the blog this week
In this weeks Love List I’m sharing fun drinking glasses we got, along with the story of one of my ankle tattoos. Also sharing the comfiest new shoes/clogs I got, small glass bottles and a super cute kids movie, and so much more
Chili Cheese Taco Dogs - Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – The chili comes together fast, or grab a cup from the store to make it even easier. We used leftover ground turkey butternut squash chili and it was incredible (and the kids secretly ate a vegetable).
Perfectly Crunchy & Cheesy – The combo of cheddar and crushed tortilla chips is next-level.
Customizable Heat – Choose mild or spicy salsa to match your preference.
Great for Family Dinners – A fun twist on hot dogs that even picky eaters will try.
Everything I read and listened to in February 2024
I read a total of 14 books and had 4 5-star reviews!! Read here
Personal stories
This week was all about Sam. He started soccer and we went on a lunch date to Storyhill BKC (I actually like their lunch menu better than their dinner menu, and p.s., they have the worlds best cinnamon roll pastry!) We also worked together on a chalk family.
Reader comment
“This was delicious! The salad is so simple and divine, and I added Parmesan to the panko and it really helped keep the chicken most and the panko from burning. 10/10 will make again!”
Giveaway
For the February giveaway winner- is Amy C. who said “My favorite hearty soup is chili. I’ve made so many different recipes and it never disappoints.” Just message me to claim your prize!
For the March giveaway! Simply comment on the crepes post and let me know what your favorite crepe filling is (I just had one with scallops and cheese and white wine at a French restaurant, omg so good!!)
One winner gets a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks or Amazon, winners choice.
How’s your week going? What’s your favorite meatloaf? I’d love to know!
~Phi
Thanks for sharing the real tea. This all has a value and it’s hard work!