FAQs

Below is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions and questions that sometimes I wish people would ask, like how do you stay so skinny. What I get instead is, “how do you not get fat?” I think there’s a difference between the two. Some days I’m ok with that and other days not.

I’ll continue to update this page from time-to-time, so feel free to check it out!

I noticed an error on one of your posts, do you want me to email it to you?

I do my best to view and review posts before publishing them, but there are bound to be a few sneaky stragglers that find their way through. I notice them too sometimes when I re-read posts. I’m not the most patient person in the world (I’m working on that), so oftentimes when I get an idea for a post I’m anxious to get it on the site as soon as possible. So, sure, if you have some constructive and kind comments, please let me know.

Is it OK to request a product or review request?

I welcome products if you’d like to send them, but please note that I don’t always choose to write reviews based on products received. It’s important for me to write with integrity. That means when writing a review, I aim to be honest with my readers about whether or not I like a particular product.

What does your relationship with food look like?

I’m “blessed” by a body that doesn’t react well to certain foods or excessive eating. Being vegan really helps but I also try to include a lot of raw food in my diet, too. I also like Michael Pollan’s “S Advice.” He suggests consuming “S” foods (snacks, soda, sweets, and seconds) on days that begin with the letter “S” (that would be Saturday and Sunday unless you’re Spanish in which case you’re stuck with just Saturday. Lo Siento!) We’re also a fairly active family. We walk the dogs twice a day, play tennis, and do yoga nearly every day.

Why are you vegan?

I love animals. I also enjoy feeling like I’m being easier on the environment, and being healthy. If I know the person asking this question, I might add more to my answer to this question. I have been vegetarian for over a decade and went vegan about 4 years ago. For me it has been a very good decision.

Do you eat only nuts and twigs?

I live in the heart of beef country so this question never surprises me. We eat a lot of great food, we just mostly cook for ourselves. Check out some of my favorite vegan recipes. You’ll notice a lot of sweets here. I can’t help myself. I love baking!

Where do you recommend for vegetarians and vegans to eat when dining in KC?

There are several wonderful vegetarian and vegan restaurants here in KC. Some of these include Cafe Gratitude and Mud Pie Vegan Bakery. There are other restaurants that provide delicious vegan options and these are Waldo Pizza (they also have gluten-free pizzas), Blue Bird Bistro, and Blue Koi.

I read somewhere that you changed your name. Is Marly your real name?

Yes, I did change my name. Legally. And that now makes Marly my real name.

How did you come up with the name Marly?

It’s a derivative of my given name which made it an easy transition.

Does everyone call you Marly?

Most everyone. I still run into people I knew awhile ago but I don’t mind letting them know I changed my name. Most people are fine with the change as long as I’m fine with it. It’s a great life lesson. The more comfortable you are with yourself, the more comfortable others will be too. And if they’re not, well, whatever. It’s like the line in the Indigo Girls’ song says, “Here’s what I find about compromise, don’t do it if it hurts inside. ‘Cause either way you’re screwed. Eventually, you’ll find that you might as well feel good. You may as well have some pride.”

What was your name before you changed it?

I have this weird disassociation with my previous name. It’s sort of like a brightly-flowered dress. I love it on other people, but know it would never work on me. I cringe at the thought of it. That’s how I feel about my previous name.

Do you take all the pictures for your posts?

Beginning in 2015, my husband, Shawn Beelman, and I work together on the photography for Namely Marly. He is a web developer and graphic designer and does all the post-processing on the photos for the site. Shawn did mostly landscape and nature photography before I dragged him into the kitchen to shoot with me.

A great egret walks along a shoreline with sunlight reflecting off the water all around
Shawn Beelman Photography

Can I use one of your photos?

Please ask permission to use original photography from this site. If approved, I also request appropriate credit and a link to the originating page on my site as well.

Can you give suggestions or tips on how to make my blog better?

I have a website, Chopped Academy, where I share blogging tips, including a podcast where you can hear interviews with other food bloggers and experts on how to be the best blogger ever…or at least the best blogger you can be!

Also, here are some of my favorite tips from other sites that provide resources on blogging:

What blogging platform do you use?

I use WordPress.

Who designed your site?

I’m lucky that my husband is multi-talented. He’s not only a photographer, but also a website designer. So that means my website designer is Shawn Beelman Graphic Design.