About
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew.” – Ephesians 2:10
Oh, hey. I’m Katie.
Welcome to Oh Shine On.
daughter / sister / student / blogger / photographer / Beatles-lover / social justice-seeker / cross-fitter / amateur-yogi / professional hugger / Lord of the Rings quoter / avid trouble-maker
And this is my blog. But, this blog isn’t exactly me… It’s a funnier, sassier, more entertaining version of myself. That’s only here, though. Never meet me in real life. Launched in the spring of 2011, the Oh Shine On blog is a place where I share all my mishaps and successes in the kitchen with a focus on food, health, and when the mood strikes, the occasional picture of Orlando Bloom or my dog. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
I originally started this blog as a way to show young girls and women how they can establish a loving, trusting, and healthy relationship with food. Like many others, I’ve struggled in finding what best suites me when it comes to food. After trial and error, new fads and weird diets, I’ve learned to follow the best kind of diet there is out there — the happy diet. I only eat foods that make me really, really happy.
I kind of have an obsession with trying to make cooking cool. I love creating a lightened version of something without surrendering the flavor and overall satisfaction. I believe the true challenge lies in the blending of different flavors, the layering of various ingredients, and the pairing of new combinations. Healthier versions of the classic comforts… That’s my thing.
Simply put, I’d much rather choose quality over quantity and have something in it’s purest form than something created by machines and modification. Let’s call it food without the makeup.
So this is what you’ll see here:
A lot of really good food.
Made from scratch.
That’s accessible.
And mostly vegetarian.
Created with wholesome, local ingredients.
Without fussy and/or pretentious kitchen items.
But sometimes vegetarian meat.
With AND without some butter, cream, and dang good chocolate.
We need to eat. Why not eat the best tasting, most delicious food we can and actually enjoy preparing it for ourselves and for the ones we love? Food is a huge part of our lives, laden with so many feelings and impossible to avoid. Too often we can feel guilty about eating… But maybe that is actually the problem. Maybe food is suppose to give us pleasure. I think it’s time we stop thinking about how and what we should and shouldn’t eat and instead listen to our bodies.
Food is a blessing. It is not supposed to haunt or stress you. It is suppose to calm you, rejuvenate you, sustain you, heal you. It is not the enemy. It does not seek to hurt or harm you. After all, food is just food, right?
And as to fitting into your “skinny jeans” or being controlled by that diet of yours, there’s no need for that. Not here. Plus, diets are stupid and you look fabulous anyway.
By shifting my philosophy on food, I have become a stronger, more vibrant, and kinder person, both to myself and to others. I have learned how to love it – and myself – once again. If you ever catch a twinkle in my eyes, notice a glow to my skin, or experience my supersonic sassy energy, it’s all because I am so much more energized, am so much fuller, and so much happier – they’re all just the extra perks.
I have finally gotten my shine back.
I’m an open book. Any questions? Feel free to tweet, email, message me, or subscribe to this blog.
Hi Katie–just stumbled upon your blog, and am so glad I did. After also struggling to define the role of food in my life, and to love the necessary (and delightful) source of sustenance, I decided to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics. I have found that EVEN working within the field of nutrition, it is difficult to find like-minded people with a TRULY positive relationship with the food that fuels them. I am so happy to have seemingly found a kindred spirit here in the blogosphere, and look forward to your updates :).
My blog is nourishedblog.wordpress.com if you’d like to check it out.
-Samantha
oh, hey. i’m audrey – you’re cute. :)
Wonderful space you have here :)
Keep it up
Wow, I really love how you look at food! That’s the way it should be.
I love this so much. It really is inspiring to know that it does get better. Thanks for you words of encouragement. :)
I like how you keep updating your “About” section – it’s always fresh (kind of like you) and I always learn something new.
Love the blog, Katie! You pull out some fantastic recipes and photos! I nominated you for the “Liebster Award” on this page: http://bengusto.com/2012/12/09/bengusto-com-is-awarded-the-liebster-award/ Congrats! I apologize if you already got it. I imagine you may get quite a few of these awards, considering how great the blog is!
thanks, ben! that so totally rocks!
No prob! Rock on!
Katie, your photos and blog are just beautiful. Eye candy! I love your reason for blogging and really identify with you. Love seeing what you’re up to — keep up the gorgeous work! :)
I think you have a beautiful blog. I have nominated you for the Shine On award.
http://quirkybooks.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/quirky-shine-on-award This is a link to your award.
Quirkybooks,
Thank you so much — that’s awfully sweet of you!
what lovely pix..I found out about you from Vini’s page where she was kind enough to put us down as fellow nominees for the sunshine award! I hope to read more of your posts very soon. charu
Hi Katie , I enjoy your blog and so I want to present you ‘The Sunshine blog’ Award. Please do visit following link for further details http://vinicooksveg.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/thanks-for-appreciation-and-awards/
Thank you.
thank you so much, vinicooksveg! i loved reading your post!
You have the absolute best “about me” I have ever read – so funny and I wholeheartedly agree with your food philosophies!
hahaha thank you — you’re a gem.
Katie, I absolutely love the reason you started this blog and your food philosophy of eating what makes you happy. I’m so glad you dropped by my blog so that I could discover yours. I’m loving the recipes and photos I’m seeing so far and you can be sure that I’ll be making some of your made-over dishes (I definitely need some more “healthy” in my life). Cheers!
Hi Katie! you have an amazing blog. Pictures are beautiful and great recipes!
thanks, you’re too sweet — i’m loving your blog as well!
You, my dear, are freaking adorable.
A secret part of me wants to be you. Just sayin, the feeling is mutual.
Hello Katie
Thanks for your lovely comment on my little blog. I just thought I would let you know that my blog has moved and is now bighungrygnomes.co.uk. Unfortunately, if you want to remain subscribed to my blog, you will have re-subscribe to this new address. I realise this is a little bit of a nuisance but I would really appreciate your continuing support and interest in my blog
Thanks
Fiona
I got a smile from reading your descriptions of yourself, and I like the idea of a “happy diet.” Ha! Never heard of that before, but it sounds like a good idea, in theory. Unfortunately, I’ve reached the age where a happy diet is out of the question. :(
I love how open and honest you are…and your about me on your home page sounds like I wrote it for you! We should be friends.
Sounds like you found some twinkles in your life that helped you shine again. Love the blog. Looking forward to trying out some of the recipes. You sound fun…AND cool. ;)
Katie, I too have struggled with disordered eating – 9 years of my life. :( This little story really touched my heart, though. :) “Simply put, I’d much rather have something in it’s purest form than something created by machines and modification.” –> I couldn’t have said it better myself. Using real, whole foods in my cooking + baking and notcing how they make me feel has truly saved my life and mindset. So glad you stopped by Sally’s Baking Addiction. I have a a new blogging buddy close to my heart. :)
Sally, I never thought that baking would therapeutic and help my road to recovery from my own eating disorder. But it really has been soo helpful! And I can’t even tell you how much it motivates and inspires me even more to “meet” people like you and Katie who made it past the dark tunnel.
Hi Katie! You had visited my blog a while back and left a couple really nice comments – I responded to your comment on my food/body image page just now – I apologize for the delay!
I am really glad to have found your blog! You sound like you have a really healthy relationship with food now. I particularly love this quote:
“But I’ve learned that I’d much rather have something in it’s purest form than something created by machines and modification. Let’s call it food without the excess makeup.”
I thought that was really awesome! :) Can’t wait to read more!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by! I love your blog and visit it often. I hope you stick around here a bit… I have a lot of recipes that are waiting to be posted and even more in the back of my head!
Katie,
I’m so glad you got your shine back! You shine oh so beautifully!
Mary Beth,
It’s so good to hear from you — I’m so glad you finally stopped by to visit this little hobby of mine. How are you? I hope all is well. To be honest, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the love and support I received from finally listening to God during my summer at camp. That following Fall was a huge turning point for me and for my relationship with God and I couldn’t have asked for another trial of brokenness and strife! God sure did teach me a whole lot.
Hi. You are loved. The fact that I didnt know this blog existed makes me sad. But now I am glad. Cannot wait to see you soon.
Matt — you continue to be such a wonderful presence in my life and I cannot begin to express what your kindness and friendship have meant to me and my sister. I’m always here for you and continually praying for you.
Also, expect a wonderfully-smelling package in the mail soon — just be kind enough to share even a little bite with the boys :)
Ill try and share I guess…Lets skype ASAP
You continue to impress and inspire me. Thank you for including us in your journey.
Katie, I just had to come by and take a peak at YOUR labor of love, and it truly is lovely. I’m touched by the Psalm 139:14 scripture quote, and do my best to live my life remembering that very notion on a daily basis. He knows us all, as He knitted us together, and knows how to lead our lives. I wanted to come by to give you a big ‘thumbs up’ my friend, for sharing your continuing life’s story (not to mention your back-story) with others; God bless you and your blog!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I absolutely love your blog and visit it all the time — you truly are so incredibly talented! I hope you stop by here often and see all crazy concoctions I come up with (most inspired by either the Beatles or funny youtube videos!)
:)
I agree 100% with you on the real eating thing. I love butter, bacon, and especially chocolate and I may not eat vegetables everyday but I’m still WAY healthier than most kids my age gorging themselves with processed food. I think that healthy is eating real food even real butter and such because not only is it more wholesome for your body but eating only vegetables and super healthy things just isn’t living to me. Foods a huge part of life and enjoying food with others creates amazing memories. I’m glad you got your shine back! Can’t wait to see your upcoming post :)
Aww – and I love YOUR blog and about page. Its fantastic to realise all of this so young – and I really think the key step to moving past any disordered eating (which so MANY of us are prone to, in one way or the other…) is to fall in love with food! I cant wait to go read some of your recipes… and ps I only even TRIED to bake starting at age 25. Go you!! pps. gorgeous hair!
Em, you’re great — thanks for your kind words, especially about my hair because most often than not I just want to chop it all off and call it quits! I won’t lie and say I don’t experience the “aftershocks” of my poor eating choices from the past from time to time, but everyone struggles with finding a balance and what works for them, and I believe it’s something that we all just need to continue to control and acknowledge. No growth can come from denial.
I hope you come back here often!
I love the significance of your blog’s name…very inspirational!
Keep on shining!
loved reading this! That verse is my life verse :D
I’m just the messenger :)
this is WONDERFUL. i can relate on so many levels…good for you, girl!!
We college kiddos need to stick together!
Love your story and honesty, and, while I am definitely not athletic, other than that I totally “get” you – your blog name is one of my favourites.
That’s so sweet… thanks Anna!
I already looooove your blog! Thanks for stopping by mine!
Hey Katie!
I am so glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours! You are gorgeous lady, and I of course can relate to so much of you what you wrote here. Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to reading more!
Tessa, I’m so glad you stopped by. Come by anytime… we’ll chat, cook, bake, and get to know each other a little more :)
Hey Katie, I’m dropping by to tell you I nominated you for the versatile blogger award!
Katie,
You are a great writer and a very creative person in so many ways. You have always been a shining light to everyone you come across. You inspire us all, thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work!
Jules Pettit-Ryan
Thanks, Jules. That’s so incredibly sweet of you! I hope you and the family is doing well. I’ll come visit soon!
You are an inspiration! So many girls go through this all over the world and sharing your love of food and your healthy attitude will definitely help others. Way to go, girl!
Thanks for your kind words, Jacqueline. I only hope this blog can inspire other young girls and women to make healthy choices and to learn to love food and the beautiful person they are. Keep stopping by for new posts and tasty recipes.
Hi!
I can so relate to your story!
You did so great!
Keep on cooking! :-)
Marion, thanks for stopping by. I’m glad to see that my story is relatable to others — I guess that’s both good and bad? Keep visiting oh shine on… you are always welcome!
I can relate – thank you for your words!!!
I adore this whole about me, especially the “diets are stupid and you look fabulous” – YES. :D