Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be pressing pause on new recipes for the next two to three weeks so I can devote some uninterrupted time on the cookbook.
It takes a lot for me to concede defeat and accept that I can’t do it all – run a business*, renovate a home, work on a cookbook and maintain my existing recipe posting schedule. Lockdown certainly didn’t help matters to increase my workload – though on a cheerier note, as of Monday of this week, the lockdown rules have been substantially relaxed here in Sydney. 🙌🏻
I found myself getting up earlier and earlier (currently 4.30am 😩), going to bed later and later. And while I always declare that I operate best under pressure, the reality is I’m only human and darn it, I need my beauty sleep!!!
* Yes, I finally realised this year that I have a real business! This “it’s just a food blog” somehow grew into a proper business over the past year with a team of 9, including RecipeTin Meals, the recently established philanthropic division where we use recipes from the website to make homemade meals for the vulnerable community here in Sydney.
I’m in a particularly intensive planning stage of the cookbook right now and am struggling to split my focus between new recipes for the website and the cookbook. To be honest, it was the cookbook that was suffering – because I would never hit publish on a recipe I didn’t give my all.
So on Sunday night, I made the call for the first time ever since I started the website – to temporarily press pause on new recipe content for this website.
It somehow feels like failure – this is my job after all – and like I’m letting my team down. We worked so hard to create a stash of new recipes to get ahead, test and retest them, make videos and photos. There’s weeks’ of digital media for ridiculously delicious new recipes ready to go, just waiting for me to write up.
The problem? It takes anywhere between 4 to 8 hours to write the posts, depending on the complexity of the recipes. As an example, last weeks’ Flan Patissier? That took me a good 8 hours to write the post, edit the photos, do the step photos, describe the ingredients and write the recipe. And many multiple times that in recipe development and testing time!
Yes, a lot goes on behind the scenes to produce the recipe content that gets published on this website. And I love everything about what I do, and I look forward to getting back to it!
The Flan Patissier recipe that took around 8 hours to write up. I think this final version was the 23rd Flan Patissier I made in the last 4 months!
But for now, the cookbook. I’m going to give myself 3 weeks to make a big dent in the cookbook, then I’ll be back with new recipes!
In the meantime, you may see some old favourites coming back to the homepage over the next few weeks with new videos or photos that I’ve had ready to go.
And, well, you know me. I probably won’t be able to resist popping back into your inbox to let you know how I’m getting on, and a peek behind the scenes of the making of the cookbook!
Until then, stay well! I’ll be back with brand new recipes before you know it.
Love – Nagi & Dozer 🐶 x
REMINDER: Mock cover! Mock cover! 😇
Life of Dozer
New discovery during cookbook recipe development – how to make Dozer eat carrots!!! Puree them with a hint of spicing, top with a braised baby carrot, drizzle with organic olive oil and finish with an edible flower. 😂
Patricia says
Hi Nagi
Thank you for being open. All those delicious recipes didn’t appear in a flash. Its all your hardwork and time spent.
Take time to relax, replenish and refresh. You and Dozer need some mommy time 🙂
Thank you for the delicious simple recipes shared. It is much appreciated. lots of love
Nagi says
I am only human! Thank you! N x
Kylie Ayres says
Love your recipes, and theres nothing wrong with revisiting old favs. Can not wait for the cookbook, will definately be purchased by me and gifted to my kids (boy and girls) when they move out so i know they are eating well. Enjoy your time putting it all together❤
Lianne Giles says
Hello,
Best of luck with the book, looking forward to it and more delicious recipes. Look after yourself…..and Dozer!
Sam says
Always treat yourself as if you belong to someone who loves you. And we know Dozer needs you x
Lyn STEWART says
Look after yourself, Nagi.
I so enjoy your recipes and will happily wait for three weeks – or more!
Be gentle on yourself, some time out won’t make any difference to the level of support you have!
Anita says
Never apologize for hitting PAUSE!!! It takes strength to admit you can’t do it all. It makes us love you even more, you amazing crazy wonder woman 🦸🏻♀️ Hanging out for your cookbook! Now go get some sleep… 😴
Nagi says
Zzzzzz 😴 Thanks! N x
Shefali Khanna says
Your pause is well justified! And I must say I cannot wait for your cookbook! I’m sure it’s going to be amazing. Your website is my favorite! And I adore Dozer! Good luck with everything. Hope you get your beauty sleep!
Anne says
Nagi I’m so pleased you have made this decision as you need to look after yourself and your beautiful Dozer. You need to get some sleep recharge and do what you love, writing recipes and inspiring us. You make me a better cook and I love your recipes and have learnt so much from you. You are not a failure you’re amazing. Thank you so much. Please be kind to yourself. 🤗
Judy Harrison says
Fabulous delicious food, now concentrate on that book and take some time for you and Dozer.😉
Merle says
Enjoy your break you certainly have earned it keeping us supplied with wonderful recipes. Thank you
Linda Knight says
Please don’t apologise for taking things at a slower pace, we are all excited about the cook book, don’t be so hard on yourself. Love to you and Dozer 💜🌈
Renee says
Take all the time you need. Can’t wait for the cookbook to come out 🥳
Jane says
Hi Nagi you take some time for you first then the cook book will flow better. You have got this and thank you for all you do!!!!!!!
Kerry says
I give you credit, Nagi, for realising you need to let something go. Will definitely miss getting new posts in the mailbox, but look forward to your return with your delicious recipes and I wish you all the success with your cookbook. You are one amazing person!
Nagi says
I’m so not amazing Kerry. I’m 100% human – and a pretty daggy one at that! 😂 N xx
Anne Bishop says
We certainly do t agree with you there Nagi. Take time for you, then the cookbook. Can’t wait to buy it. Love your recipes.
David says
That sounds like a good plan, Nagi..your recipes are heavenly, & I can’t wait to see the new cookbook when it comes out!
Chris A Goold says
Do take off for a while but please come back. Good luck.
Nagi says
I’lll be back!! N x
Sylvia Pemberton says
Thank you Nagi and your beautiful dog Dozer for all your wonderful recipes. My husband and I just love creating and especially eating them.😋😋 You must take care of yourself. Until next time💕💕 from Tasmania
Nagi says
I’ll need a trip there afterwards!! N x
Sylvia Pemberton says
You’re always welcome. 💕🐧
Janeën says
Totally understand the need to hit pause but I will miss the daily emails 🥰
Nina says
Greetings from the UK. Remember…. Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. Stay safe….
Lesley says
Wise decision. There are plenty of terrific recipes on your website to keep us going, and you can’t do it all at once. Love to you and Dozer from the UK.