six of one….

Yes – it’s been SIX YEARS since I hit “publish” on my very first blog post.

surprise cake

Where does the time go?

As always, in preparation for my blogiversary post, I re-read the post I wrote the year before (click here to read, along with years four, three, two and one) It’s always so interesting for me to look back and see how much (or little) of what I wrote back then still resonates for me now.

For sure I do not miss writing about gardening. And though I still occasionally post about clothes, the capsule wardrobe experiment served a great purpose for me personally, and the series itself ran its natural course.

capsule wardrobe

NOT having an editorial calendar was a misstep, for sure. And that – coupled with not having much of a plan – did not bode well for me as the year began. I was feeling adrift, unmotivated, and a bit trapped. So I thought. And thought. And thought some more.

And then it hit me.

“Donuts, Dresses and Dirt” no longer felt like me.

And that was the root of the problem. It was why I didn’t want to deal with a calendar each month. It was why I had trouble formulating a plan for the new year. It was why I was feeling adrift and trapped all at the same time.

So I had a long chat with my amazing designer (who is also super-wise in these matters), and we concluded that it was time for a change. A “looks” change, and – yes – a “name” change.

I realized that it wasn’t an editorial calendar or “plan” that was penning me in, but in fact my very own blog name. The pressure of having to come up with posts each month that matched the DD&D title (and now minus one “D”) had made writing this little blog of mine all-chore and zero-fun.

Which – as I re-read my “about” page – was sadly ironic. See, having spent almost all of my professional life being unhappy in whatever my job-of-the-moment was (save a few exceptions), this blog was going to be DIFFERENT. I was going to only focus on what made me HAPPY. I was going to not be bound by striving for SUCCESS.

And – for the most part – that has held true. I love blogging. I love the process (okay, not-so-much the constant kitchen clean-up), the community, the pride in getting my work published elsewhere, and the excitement in getting PAID to write posts right here.

But it was clearly time to take a hard look at where I am now – six years later – and what’s changed, what’s no longer relevant, and what I want this blog to be for the next six years. This definitely meant a name change, but to what?

And my amazing designer (who is also super-wise in these matters) said, “Why don’t you just call it Sheri Silver“? He reasoned that my blog is really “me” – who I am, what I love, what I want to share in this space.

And it was perfect.

So stay tuned; in the coming months I hope to unveil a brand new look here!

But in the mean time, just even the notion of a name change allowed me the freedom to re-invent what I want to do in this space.

Given that all of my paid work centers around food, you’d think that I’d be itching to do anything “but” for the blog. But in reality it’s one of my favorite topics to write about. So there will always be food here. And more of it. With more of a commitment too. As in a monthly “dinnerirl“, vegan recipe, cookie post and snack idea (sound good?).

chocolate-swirled-vegan-meringues

chocolate-swirled vegan meringues

But I’m going to try my hand at more seasonal crafts (like this bird feeder) – to get away from solely doing food treats for classroom celebrations and party favors. And as always I will continue to share my favorite finds in and around NYC (and beyond). And my parenting posts will pop us – as they have – from time to time.

But I’m also toying with the idea of something brand new – as we are MOVING!

As many of you know, Noah started a new school almost exactly one year ago and has been doing beautifully. So much so that we decided to settle there and buy a house. We recently closed on a 1920’s fixer-upper and I thought it might be fun to share our renovation journey right here.

Which leads me to a fun giveaway I have for you – since I always like to take the opportunity of my blogiversary to say “thank you” to you, my wonderful readers.

As we get ready to think about packing up and moving into our new home, I am planning on doing much paring down in my kitchen. Think “capsule wardrobe”, but with pots, pans and utensils. I own SO much, and if you add on all of my blog props – and my obsession with fondness for vintage Pyrex – it’s time for a major purge.

And – like my capsule wardrobe – I’d like to be more mindful of any additions I bring into my new kitchen. We’ve spent the past few years trying to make up for all of the toxins pumped into Noah’s little body in an effort to put his epilepsy into remission. He takes high-quality supplements and vitamins, and we’ve all but eliminated wheat and dairy from his diet. I wanted to extend this to what we use in the kitchen but, frankly, I didn’t know where to start.

Which was why I was thrilled to discover MightyNest. From their web site:

“MightyNest is a unique web site that provides you the ability to research, get advice and buy natural, organic and non-toxic products all in one place” (learn more on their our pledge page).

This was the answer I was looking for – one site, devoted to the best, hand-selected products, made using the safest materials. No more guesswork. No more bouncing around from site to site. With a “learn” page and a terrific blog to educate me even more.

So now I only had to figure out what to do first. I couldn’t throw out everything in my kitchen and start anew. I wanted to replace what was existing – piece by piece – with better alternatives.

Which is where the MightyFix steps in. This clever program delivers one new product to your home each month, to allow you to slowly make the transition to non-toxic products. Shipping is always free, the products are all full size, and 15% of your purchase can be donated to your school.

Sound good? Let’s do this together!

I would love to gift one of you a three-month subscription to MightyFix.

To enter, leave a comment sharing one change you’d like to make in the coming year. Please include your e-mail address if it’s not already linked to your comment.

The giveaway is open through Friday, February 24th at 5 p.m. EST. The winner will be chosen at random, and announced on Saturday, February 25th.

Good luck, and thank you so much for hanging here with me (Update: Marisa is the winner! Thanks to everyone who participated!). xo

Note: I was not compensated for this post. All comments and opinions expressed here are – as always – completely my own.

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10 Comments

  1. Esther Feldbaum on February 20, 2017 at 11:09 am

    Coincidentally, I’ve started my family on a transition to non-toxic products. We have always tried to eat as healthiy as possible, I am slowly switching cosmetic and beauty products and now am switching household products.
    Thanks for a fab 6 years Sheri!

  2. peggy severs on February 20, 2017 at 11:14 am

    I always love your informative, thoughtful posts and the great recipes! And now am looking forward to the upcoming changes … and even more great ideas, pics and posts!
    You’ve asked us to share one change we’d like to make in the coming year- so here is my number one: To simply have more gratitude. There’s so much negative chatter all around us. The only way we can quiet our minds is to focus on all the good in this life and to be truly grateful. I think it might be the key to happiness!
    THANK you for all your hard work! May you have continued success in all your endeavors!

  3. Leslie Schulte on February 20, 2017 at 11:23 am

    “Sheri Silver.” The possibilities are endless.
    Congratulations,
    love & support always

  4. Stephanie Goodman on February 20, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    Sheri Silver…cannot think of a more perfect name for a more perfect blog! What better way for me to be the person I want to be when I “grow up” then to learn how on her blog! You’re amazing and beautiful inside and out…I truly adore you!! Here’s to new beginnings in more ways than one XO

  5. Nique on February 21, 2017 at 5:37 am

    Congratulations on six years.

    I’d like to find a system of organization that works for my kitchen.

  6. Marisa on February 21, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    Sometimes a name change is all you need for a fresh start — good luck! I’m having my own “fresh start” of sorts in August, with baby number 2 on the way. I’d love to have healthy and safe products around for when he or she make their arrival!

  7. Sara on February 23, 2017 at 11:23 am

    I vow to love more! My business is growing and changing and with that has come more and more sitting. Sitting is bad for the back and bad for the soul … I will move more

    • Sara on February 23, 2017 at 11:26 am

      move more! I will move more … I will LOVE more too <3

  8. Hilary on February 23, 2017 at 11:39 am

    Mazel tov on 6 years! This year I want to purge and become more organized. I started off the year with a bang and need to keep it up.
    (Not sure if this is a duplicate post because I had phone issues and so I’m not sure if it worked the first time.)

  9. Melanie Biehle on February 23, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    Yes! Sheri Silver rules.

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!