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.
Another fail! Well, it was ok…but not good enough for the cookbook! 
Planning mode. No, this is not a cookbook for vegans…
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. 😂
Nagi, you are lazy 😉 ……… all joking apart take time out and come back with even better, fantastic recipes x
Good decision! All the Best! Enjoy the time developing my New favorite cookbook!
You have not failed you have been wise and strong. Making a decision like you have takes strength and courage. I am proud of you.
Look after yourself and thanks
Good luck with the book and come back refreshed . Love your recipes
Nagi PLEASE don’t feel bad – you do a fantastic job and sometimes you must prioritise. You are very good but you are not super human!!(yet). We all identify with the awful feeling of too many commitments in different directions. Look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready. Give Dozer a kiss
Will do! N x
Well you know what Nagi… I don’t mind about you taking a break because I am SO EXCITED for the cookbook!! So you do what you need to, we all still love you 🧡
I really wanted this cookbook for Christmas presents🥺
Nagi 🌹 you & Dozer have gave us so much hope during these hard times with Covid . You both brighten up our days by seeing your smiling face & Dozer licking his chops lol 😝 I hope you relax & enjoy your lives as you have gave us amazing recipes & updates on Dozer . Please take care as we will forever in your debt . ♥️🙏♥️
He always brightens my days too!! N x
All the best on the Cookbook, Nagi.
Sounds like you definitely need some (slow) down time to concentrate on this venture.
I definitely will miss seeing your updates over the coming weeks, though it will be worth the wait knowing what’s in store in 2022!
Cheers!
No need to apologise Nagi, you go above and beyond and I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful content you provide! All the best with the cookbook and meeting and exceeding all your goals.
You have made two mistakes. One is labeling it as “failure”. It is just a different path to be travelled. You nurture us all with your stunning recipes. Time to nurture yourself and your cookbook. Your second mistake is not putting Dozer on the cover! Such a beautiful lad. I never ever tire of seeing him. You are the best mum!
Thank you! N x
I am so pleased that you have made time for you. And what you need to do. Your followers will still be here. Thank you for all you do.
Hi Nagi ~ We; Your Adoring fans, Completely understand that you need to spend your time and energy on your cookbook! We are SO looking forward to your new cookbook and certainly support the extra time you need to spend in making it Wonderful!
We’re here and not going anywhere. You’re the Best and we Support your project.
Take care of yourself and always remember that we’re here for you just like you’re here for us.
Thank you for all you do in providing motivation and knowledge to help us make Delicious food for our family and friends. God Bless you! Big hugs to you and Dozer. 💞
1236 recipes later? You’re taking two weeks away from one thing you’re working on and you think that’s failure? Yikes! The rest of us take at least four weeks annual leave a year where we don’t prioritise anything except ourselves!
Can’t make a difference to anyone if you don’t look after yourself first. Five minute break every five minutes! 🙂
You are awesome! You have enough recipes would take me a year to try them all. Good luck!
Devoted follower
Good Grrrrlll! Glad you decided to look after yourself as well as looking after everyone else.
And you ARE going to look after yourself are you not? Please don’t push yourself just as hard, just in a slightly different direction.
Take as much time as you need Nagi. You have given us so many delicious recipes to enjoy that I’m sure there is more than enough to keep us going for 6 months or more. Be at peace and do what you have to, we look forward to your return.
Nagi, be kind to yourself, take a break, we all will benefit from your beautiful book. Dozer will love being able to have an extra cuddle. I truly neve thought about how long it takes to right a post, thank you so much for your wonderful recipes and tips and big hug to Dozer x
To make your new cookbook cover unique you need to include a photo of your helper, Dozer.
During your pause from the web to concentrate on your book, remember to take some time for yourself Nagi! We’ll all be here when you get back.
Don’t be hard on yourself! Your health has to come first and foremost, no matter what 🙂
It gives everyone a chance to go back and (re)discover the wonders of the back catalogue – there are so many gems in there!
Good way to look at it!! Thanks! N x