FAQ

When I shared with my friends and family my desire to start a food blog and my passion behind the entire industry, I’ve found myself being asked a lot of questions. Answering their questions helped shape the premise of my work. Quite a few bloggers have suggested fielding these questions with a FAQ page. It may be silly but hopefully it answers some questions.

If you still have a burning curiosity, whether it’s informative or fun, reach out to me via email, Facebook, Instagram or even comment on a specific recipe (about that recipe). My goal is to respond in a timely manner with the best answer possible.

What is your background?

I am a graduate of THE Ohio State University with a Bachelor in Arts. It’s been fun as I relearn web design and photography. It’s also sad that I spent my undergraduate career in media design and now feel like I’m back at square one. I lived in the wedding and event industry for years which directed me into sales. I am currently a sales leader in the the hospitality and entertainment industry. My full time job focuses on marketing and real estate sales as well. I am licensed in real estate in the state of Florida. I am a self taught domestic cook (well, family taught).

What is some advice you have for a new blogger?

Just start!

I truly wish I could give you all the answers today but I can’t. I really think the best route is to start, learn along the way and ask for advice from those who have already skinned their knees. A good read would be 10 things I Wish I Knew Before I Started a Food Blog. Look, as much as I want to be a mentor, I want to bring my A game. Let’s learn together, if possible, but give me time to get my feet wet and then I’ll give you whatever information I got!

Who do you work with for photos, writing, graphics, etc.?

I am the jack of all trades, master of none. I develop, write, experiment and test all of my own recipes along with commentary (unless notated and referenced). I am the sole photographer, food stylist, graphic designer and web editor for this site. I am also the content developer and writer for sideofveggies.com. My website theme is by Restored 316, edits and customization for layout designs are done myself. I have shot and edited all photos. I am also the creator of graphics such as title images and all the Side of Veggies logos.

What is it about the blogging world that inspires you?

I spend a ton of time studying other bloggers (not even their recipes), just their overall personality, trends and their stories. It’s the perfect combination of inspiration and jealousy! I love seeing how they manage their accounts and connect with their audiences. 

I also want to know what people are drawn to and why. This is not just from studying blogs. Learning about likes and dislikes comes from personal connections, especially those who have supported me along the way. It’s super beneficial to put the jealousy aside and really read everyone’s story and mission. It’s great knowing there are humans out there that really crafted their businesses from literally nothing but and idea. Note: I am writing this specific answer while watching Shark Tank. It’s like inspiration no matter where I turn!

I also hear a lot of ‘what I could do without’ comments from recipe viewers who search food websites and gravitate towards specific bloggers. This field research is a start. It’s all a learning my audience and adjust as I go. 

What camera do you use? Lighting?

I bought a Nikon7000 several years ago and let it collect as much dust as humanly possible. Once I realized it may actually benefit my photos (thank you IG @expressiveaesthetic) I didn’t look back. My most used lens is the Nikon DX 35mm 1:1.8G for close shots. I am looking to add to the lens collection or upgrade eventually. I know you are all going to be anxiously waiting…. 😉

I just upgraded to the new iPhone 12 Pro, solely for the camera. So we shall see how that goes…

All photos are set either outside (in the perfect light moment – which is EXACTLY the time frame when you’re not ready to shoot) or inside by a window. I lean towards natural light, however, lately I’ve invested in soft box lighting kits, ring lights and stands. It really depends on what’s going on outside, in the room and believe it or not, the recipe itself. 

Can we work together?

Yes, but…

As I venture into the world of blogging and website development, I ask for patience and a little bit of grace. I would love to work with as many creative minds as possible. As I navigate through my own journey, I need to prioritize specific things in the moment. The best we can do is talk and grow together. Reach out through email or DM me through Instagram and Facebook. Remember, one woman show here, so I’ll work on my timely responses. 

My goal is to also help others get off the ground. I want to be the platform for those with unforeseen talents and passions. Also – I am highly supportive and open to working with nonprofits and charity opportunities. 

Who sponsors your site or who do you credit your work too?

There are so many people who should be mentioned for their support as I launch sideofveggies.com. I plan on highlighting these incredible individuals over time. Everyone deserves their moment of gratitude. I have been fortunate enough to surround myself with amazing friends, family and coworkers who inspire, encourage and challenge me to be great. Even when I’m not feeling so motivated, someone knowingly steps in to give me that nudge…if not a full blown punch in the right direction. So with that I thank all of you. Especially the ones who actually are taking the time to read this because you are the ones who invested in me from the beginning.

I found a great mentor in Hannah of alifetransformedblog.com. Her ability to reroute me around pitfalls has been the guidance I’ve truly needed when launching sideofveggies.com. Her uncle Dave is a close friend who has done nothing but encourage me and connected her and I for this project. I also appreciate the constant support from Amy, one of the creators of beerbelles.com and a future partner in collaboration projects. My photography friends and others in the works has given me the confidence to keep shooting. I also want to take a moment to mention Addi Sinclair who is constantly reminding us from heaven that life is too short. I also give much thanks to her father, Mark, for constantly pushing me in the right direction. Also one of my closest friends, Maria, who passed in March 2017 but taught me how to be my own “firework” and made me see my own self worth.

And last but not least…my parents. My mother is a grammar guru so she will edit the crap out of this blog. So if it’s not correct…blame her. (Big disclaimer – I’m fully aware it’s not perfect or grammatically correct in a lot of areas….let it be).

Do you have a comment policy?

Yes, here they are!

I, Michelle Cerutti, have the right to update my privacy policy and comment policy when needed to stay compliant. I also have the ability to monitor and recognize when comments are not being used appropriately and these reasons are outlined in my Terms & Conditions page.

• I reserve the right to remove comments or take necessary actions to prevent further destruction of communication to my page. 
• All comments are to be viewed by others. If you leave more than requested personal information, you should be informed that I adhere to specific guidelines when communicating with my visitors. Also know, you’re exposing personal information in a public format. 
• I don’t condone unnecessary banter or harmful communication. I can determine what that may be.
• I also have the right to modify or remove comments that do not abide by the Terms & Conditions guidelines. Modifications or removal of such comments could take place without notice. 

Can I use your photos?

Photos seen on this blog are protected by copyright. Please do not use photos without written consent or approval. If you plan on using my work (photos, writing, graphics, etc.) I ask that you link it back to sideofveggies.com AFTER receiving permission. I have the right to determine how my content is used. Most photos are and/or will be processed through the correct copywriting process upon creation.

How accurate is your nutritional information? 

The nutritional information posted on each recipe is simply for reference. I use generic generators and basic math to calculate and ESTIMATE calories per serving. 

I make no claims as to using this to lose or gain weight. I, myself, like to read nutritional labels for my own piece of mind and comparison which is why I wanted to offer these suggestions, not facts, to this site. 

When it comes to nutrition, it is important to know that it is a challenge to share EXACTLY what caloric amounts are in the serving. Some of this is simply because all creators of a recipe may use different products or altered cooking methods that change the nutrition. 

This is simply information collected and shared for reference purposes only.

Can you assist children in their desire to cook?

I love children and hope to some day find ways to incorporate their curious minds into the world of sideofveggies.com. I do, however, want their rights to be known when visiting this site. 

See Terms & Conditions as well as our Privacy Policy for questions around the privacy of the adolescent audience. I would HIGHLY suggest to implement parental guidance for access to this site. This site is recommended for an audience of 18 and over. 

I would love to follow you on other platforms. Where can I find you on social media?

Please do! I am currently on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Eventually I will venture into more social media realms but for now I am keeping it simple.

How can I show you that I made one of your recipes?

Instagram is a great start! Simply tag me in the photo and/or the comments @sideofveggies in reference to the recipe you tried. This is always fun to see. Like I said, I am a one woman show. I will do my best to add comments and likes to as many sources as possible. My biggest reminder is if your account is private, please accept my follow request so I have access to make comments or give you the thumbs up from time to time!

Who is Chandler?

I am also a HUGE fan (super fan, if you will) of the Friends TV show, so I reference the episodes every now and then. This is where little man got his name and wit. 

Chandler is also a big fan of sneaking food off my plate and even the plates of visiting friends. His favorites are pizza and buffalo drumsticks. (No, I don’t feed my dog these things but some how he senses those foods and just gets ballsy.) We are learning better etiquette. 

What would be you last meal? 

This is always a question I ask people because it tells you exactly who they are in one solid answer. 

My Meal  

• Crispy chicken tenders with a side of honey mustard, ranch, buffalo sauce and special sauce.
• An onion ring stack, with a side of all those chicken tender sauces. 
• My mom’s sausage rolls with marinara sauce. 
• A sausage egg English muffin or a McGriddle with sausage and egg or even better…a plate of chicken and waffles with hot sauce and maple syrup! 
• 3-6 tacos el pastor with elote cheese salsa….. and extra guacamole. 
• Of course, if alcohol was allowed…a reasonably priced bottle of champagne and a few vodka tonics would be nice!

I mean, honestly, I could go on and on. Not that I’ve been thinking about that question….

^{FAQ is subject to change regularly. Please refer to the most current document of a better understanding of the site’s guidelines and policies.}