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    Home » Personal

    10 Years (and a New Kitchen!)

    Published: April 21, 2025 by Sam Merritt • 231 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.

    This month marks 10 years of Sugar Spun Run.

    OK, technically it’s been a bit more than 10 years. 10 years ago today (-ish, I’m a bit late getting this post out) I actually almost deleted this website that I’d been haphazardly posting my baking creations to.

    I think I even clicked the button to delete it, but when the screen popped up to confirm that I really was going to give up on this whole baking blog thing I couldn’t do it.

    Tall funfetti cake decorated with a bright pink frosting border and sprinkles with a few slices cut from it.

    So, instead, on this day 10 years ago I absolutely dedicated myself to this space. I decided to make it a thing, to take it seriously, to commit to developing and photographing and sharing 3 posts a week. So I did it.

    Nonstop in the evenings and weekends around my full time job. I tested and retested and re-retested and struggled with photography that wasn’t as good as I wanted to be (example below) and washed a lot of dishes (so did Zach, he did so many dishes).

    cinnamon roll on plate with fork
    An early photo of a cinnamon roll, believe it or not. Thanks for sticking with me through that.

    Fast forward to day, and millions of you view my website each week. What!? I can’t get over what a dream and a privilege that is! And I take my job (can you even call it that?), my recipe testing, so seriously because of it.

    I thought I’d take a moment on this 10 year anniversary to just give a short little update and share some exciting (for me, anyway!) news.

    I finally have a studio kitchen!

    Photo of Sam in her new kitchen

    I’ve been filming videos in my home kitchen for the past 6+ years now, and honestly it’s always been a struggle. Lugging out the (big!) equipment, juggling the kids’ schedules, setting up the lights and camera, it’s a PAIN and it takes time. I actually always dreaded film days.

    But not anymore.

    This has been a dream of mine for YEARS and I am beyond thrilled that it’s finished! I am so happy with how everything came together and I even made a video for YouTube giving a full tour:

    ⬇FULL KITCHEN TOUR HERE ⬇

    YouTube video

    So what do you think! Only nice comments, please 😂. I put SO much into this I don’t think I can handle any negativity, I’m fragile about it!

    Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for the past 10 years, share my beloved new studio, and then thank you again.

    Because without you trusting and using my recipes, commenting on them and recommending them to my friends, I wouldn’t be able to do this. I just wouldn’t! It’s a gift and a privilege that I take so, SO seriously and I promise to always give 1000% when developing recipes to share with you.

    I’m so grateful for these past 10 years, and so grateful for you 💜

    And before you go, here’s a palate cleanser for that cinnamon roll from earlier 😉

    Round pan of homemade cinnamon rolls, half of which are unfrosted.

    PS.

    Thanks again 💕

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Connie Morgan

      April 24, 2025 at 9:13 pm

      Sam,
      I love your new kitchen! Like many before me I’ve enjoyed watching you for several years and so enjoy your recipes. Keep creating and baking!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 3:08 pm

        Thank you so much, Connie! I’m really appreciate your support. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Ellen H.

      April 24, 2025 at 9:08 pm

      Congratulations, Sam! You’ve earned it! It looks great – I’d love a kitchen like that! Your website is my go-to and everytime I make something and my husband goes, “Mm, this is good!” I say, “Well guess who?? It’s from my lady (aka you 😂)!” We appreciate you!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 3:09 pm

        Thank you so much, Ellen! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed everything so much! I appreciate your support. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Katie T

      April 24, 2025 at 9:05 pm

      I have never stayed loyal to a recipe/cooking site until yours. I have yet to find a recipe on here that doesn’t come out well. I have a recipe book that has family recipes all the way back into the 1800’s and I have snuck MANY of your recipes into the book 😂. It started with the biscuits and my latest was the braided sweet bread. Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:40 pm

        Making the family cookbook is the ultimate compliment! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed everything so much. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sabrina

      April 24, 2025 at 8:40 pm

      Sam!
      I’m so happy for you. Your set kitchen is beautiful. When you told us you were in the process of building a kitchen for filming in the basement, I never knew it would be so nice. Congrats, and thank you for especially the wonderful cake recipes (my favorite thing to bake…).

      Be well, and enjoy your new kitchen!!
      Sabrina
      p.s Sure you don’t want to add a small dishwasher? 😉

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:41 pm

        Thank you so much, Sabrina! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the cakes so much! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Kim Miller

      April 24, 2025 at 8:31 pm

      Sam I have never posted anything on Facebook. I just don’t like to but you are a very special lady. I appreciate how genuine you are. I enjoy your videos and find your recipes very helpful and exciting. I hate the thought that you receive criticism and want to encourage you to stay true to what you know and what you do. I have been cooking since I was a teenager and I am 66. I love desserts . Thank you for the adventure.

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:42 pm

        Thank you so much Kim! I appreciate your support and you taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes for years to come. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jay

      April 24, 2025 at 8:12 pm

      Sam , I remember when I first came across your site. 2019, I had a new family, my husband and I had just moved , I wanted to know more about cooking and be more confident in the kitchen. Can i just say what a blessing you are? I first tried your scone and biscuit recipes and just wow! I was so shocked that I made that ! Since then I have baked so many things, tried new things, and every recipe I tried has been amazing. I even have been selected to be the thanksgiving and Christmas host! Now am I going to do that every year, absolutely not. However it feels good to be apart of the “SpunRunFam”! God bless you and your family!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:45 pm

        Thank you so much, Jay! I’m so glad to have your support! What an honor to be named the host for holidays. Happy baking! )

        Reply
    7. Amy

      April 24, 2025 at 7:57 pm

      Sam –
      When I got laid off during the COVID lockdown, I was 47 years old. I never had any interest in cooking. My mom tried to teach me growing up and I stubbornly refused. Thankfully I married a man who loved to cook so everything clicked.

      Then I found myself unemployed, stuck at home, and bored out of my mind. My son was grown and I could only clean and watch Netflix so much. So I decided I wanted to learn how to bake.

      YOU taught my old a** how to bake after decades of me having no interest. I have made so many of your recipes and I enjoy baking so much now.

      Thank you so much for all of your hard work and guidance. You kept me sane and gave me a hobby I love. ❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:47 pm

        Hi Amy! I’m so glad I have been able to help you become a better baker! It’s great to have a hobby and even better when it produces delicious treats! Happy baking! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Diana

      April 24, 2025 at 7:55 pm

      Congratulations! Your new kitchen is BEAUTIFUL!!! 🙂 I love the details, like R2D2, and the colorful KitchenAid mixing bowl. Like so many others here, I am SO glad you didn’t hit the delete button all those years ago but instead decided to persevere. Now look where you are! I couldn’t be more delighted for you. 🙂

      BTW, what are your countertops made out of? Is is quartz or another material? They are gorgeous.

      Again, congratulations! I look forward to many more of your wonderful recipes!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:48 pm

        Thank you so much for your support, Diana! It’s been quite a ride for sure. 🙂 The counters are quartz. I fell in love as soon as I saw it in that cold warehouse showroom. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Ann

      April 24, 2025 at 7:04 pm

      Your new filing kitchen is gorgeous. Congrats!! Love your recipes … especially with the accompanying pics, which really helps rather having to open up each link. This way I can scroll thru and click on what interests me. I’ve unsubscribed to those that just have links as it’s too much trouble.

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:49 pm

        Thank you os much, Ann! I appreciate the feedback and I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the site. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Mirna

      April 24, 2025 at 6:59 pm

      I used so many recipes and your recipes helped me when i was in a bind (im a home baker). I have been a fan for 5 years now. I learned a lot from you since i started baking professionally (im self tough). Thank you so much for your creations! You are such a gem! Mirna

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:50 pm

        I’m so glad everything has been so helpful, Mirna! I wish you much success. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jen

      April 24, 2025 at 6:53 pm

      Your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous 😍. I love the light and bright color scheme and the personal touches you’ve added on the shelves. Now if you had a cookbook yet… life would be perfect.

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:51 pm

        Thank you so much, Jen! The cookbook is, I think, the next big project. Hopefully soon. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Maria

      April 24, 2025 at 6:48 pm

      Sam, Congratulations on your beautiful new kitchen! I love it so much and wish you many more years of amazing videos!! Be well!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:49 pm

        Thank you so much, Maria! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Diana

      April 24, 2025 at 6:47 pm

      How could I not love your new kitchen? It’s almost exactly like mine except we couldn’t get an island in. Oh well, more room to dance. Same colours, counters, tiles and appliances. I don’t miss my 1979 kitchen at all and I’m sure your new kitchen inspires you every day too.

      PS Your recipes are my go to for deliciousness, variety and reliability.

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:51 pm

        Sounds like you have, great taste, Diana! 😉 I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed everything so much. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Shannon

      April 24, 2025 at 6:36 pm

      Congratulations on 19 years. Your site and recipes continue to help me work through my journey with an ill child. Been making 1+ items a week for a year now!

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 28, 2025 at 9:58 pm

        Thank you so much, Shannon! I appreciate your support and wish everyone well. 🙂

        Reply
    15. Emilia

      April 24, 2025 at 3:15 pm

      Are you really going to delete your blog?

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 24, 2025 at 3:52 pm

        Nope. 🙂

        Reply
        • MB

          April 24, 2025 at 7:07 pm

          I LOVE your recipes and have used several of them with great success!! I have shared them with friends and my daughter who is recently engaged is now trying some of your recipes as well. The videos are so helpful as I am a visual learner and I get excited whenever one of your emails pop up in my inbox. So grateful you didn’t give up on your journey and can’t thank you enough for making cooking and baking so much fun! Your new kitchen is gorgeous and I am happy that you have such a beautiful space to work in now.👩🏼‍🍳

        • Sam

          April 28, 2025 at 10:00 pm

          Thank you so much! I really appreciate the feedback regarding the videos. I hope you continue to enjoy everything you try. 🙂

        • Robin Follett

          April 24, 2025 at 7:11 pm

          I love the kitchen! It is giving me some ideas for a kitchen makeover I want to do in the future!

        • Sam

          April 28, 2025 at 9:48 pm

          Thank you, Robin! 🙂

        • Romy

          April 24, 2025 at 7:12 pm

          Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication, most of all for not hitting that “delete” button!!!! You are such an inspiration to me and I have so much respect for you in how you juggle it all with such charm, grace and humor!
          You are my go to for birthday cakes I make for my work, every employee gets to choose their favorite cake for their special day. Your recipes and videos have helped me so much. You have helped me embrace my baking side, since usually I consider myself more of a cook, but you make it easy to understand and your videos are just perfect to study, insuring a success, especially on my shoestring budget 😅 Your cheesecake recipes are my favorite, no water bath🎉 and so super delicious😋 every one raves about them, such a moral boost for my work team😊 I always look forward to your new creations and ideas. They brighten my day. Wishing you and your family many blessings, Romy

        • Sam

          April 28, 2025 at 9:59 pm

          Thank you so much, Romy! I appreciate your support! I’m so glad everyone is enjoying the cakes. 🙂

        • BB

          April 24, 2025 at 8:14 pm

          Thank goodness you changed your mind!

        • Rich R

          April 24, 2025 at 11:50 pm

          Well, I’m new to following you and glad you are keeping on. I’m not a cook and joined to learn something new and hopefully be a better helper to my wife. I have made your cinnamon rolls several times. They are killer. My wife has made your meatloaf and macaroni salad too. The meatloaf is awesome!
          Thanks for all your efforts and congrats on 10 years!
          Rich from Bentonville

        • Sam

          April 28, 2025 at 9:39 pm

          Thank you so much for your support, Rich! I’m glad I can help you improve some cooking skills. I love hearing that! Happy baking! 🙂

      • John Payne

        April 24, 2025 at 10:24 pm

        We all appreciate all your hard work, sam !!

        Thanks for doing what you do !!

        Reply
        • Sam

          April 28, 2025 at 3:07 pm

          Thank you so much, John! 🙂

      • cianna waldner

        April 28, 2025 at 2:13 pm

        good job and keep going

        Reply
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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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