Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2026

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Liberal Studies

Department

Communication and Digital Studies

Department Chair or Program Director

Whalen, Zach

First Advisor

Rao, Anand

Second Advisor

Johnson-Young, Elizabeth

Major or Concentration

Communication and Digital Studies

Abstract

This study analyzed the thematic patterns that emerge in year-end posts by food bloggers who undertook a one-year blogging challenge. Using rhetorical criticism and an open coding process, 25 reflective blog posts were analyzed to identify recurring themes and motivations from the legacies of Julia Child and Julie Powell. The analysis identified seven primary themes, which were then grouped into two categories: advice and response. The themes included authenticity, inspiration, hard work, learning, enjoyment, gratitude, and community building.

Several of these themes reflected the influence and advice of Child and Powell, and they also highlighted the blogger’s personal growth, creativity, and connection within the food-blogging community. Learning, enjoyment, authenticity, and inspiration were especially notable and aligned closely with the legacies of Julia Child and Julie Powell. Additionally, bloggers described how hard work, gratitude, and community helped deepen their sense of purpose and suggested areas for future research. Overall, the study demonstrates that food blogs function as meaningful spaces for personal expression, culinary exploration, and digital community building.

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