MY BIG NEWS! & Yummy Vegan Thanksgiving!
So, I know. I’m a tease. I’ve been alluding to this HUGE news forever, it seems, and just haven’t told you. Some call that mean, I call that suspense 🙂 Either way, I’m here. I’m ready and I’m SMILING like a jackass right now. But, in true Claire fashion, I must share some delicious photos of even more delicious things first. Because, I mean, this is a foodie blog.
One of the articles I pitched to She Knows was to create a completely vegan Thanksgiving menu. Now, I’m not vegan and don’t have any desire to be, I’m just a health nut and am fascinated by different ways of eating. I love making gluten free, vegetarian and sometimes paleo things too. It’s fun to learn different diets and try them out. How else do you know if you like it? As much as I love experimenting in the kitchen, this article was definitely a challenge. I mean, Thanksgiving is about turkey and butter filled mashed potatoes. But, I overcame it and whipped up some completely dairy and meat free items.
Vegan chili with freshly sliced avocado
Crunchy pecan and fresh apple stuffing
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
Plus, I also made my amazing maple roasted sweet potatoes and vegan pumpkin cheesecake. For all of the yummy recipes, check out She Knows! I don’t know guys, I’m thinking this whole vegan thing might become a possibility here. Not only are there so many delicious recipes out there, I feel like 10,000 times better afterwards.
Okay….so you probably want my news now, right? Fine, fine. I’ll tell you 🙂 Starting in December, I am going to be a FULL-TIME FREELANCE WRITER AND BLOGGER!! As you know, I’m already writing full-time for She Knows and they’ve also made me a recipe creator. Plus, this little ol’ blog is getting bigger than I am and it needs more attention (much like my husband and my puppy). So, in addition to full time freelancing, I’m going to be spending SO MUCH more time turning this into something I’m really proud of. That means better pictures, a new theme, a recipe database…plus, a brand new design! WAHOO!
Y’all, I’ve been grinning from ear to ear, DYING with anticipation to share this news. It wasn’t something I ever thought would happen. This wasn’t a career I ever thought I’d be lucky enough to have. I’ve been writing since I was 5 years old. This is my dream. This is my passion. And I never, EVER thought I’d do it full time. I never thought I’d be one of those people who could make a living blogging and writing. And honestly? I’m still in awe. I owe you all (especially Alicia French) for this. I really do. So…
[via Pinterest]
Every single day when I see my name, my photos, MY WRITING published on She Knows I tear up. I mean, this is my DREAM. How many people get to actually follow their dreams? After spending 2 years completely miserable at a job and then spending these eye-opening, absolutely incredible few months at my current contracting job, I realized something. Life is too damn short to spend a second hating what you do JUST for a paycheck. Trust me, money is important. But I never EVER wanted to be the person who compromised her happiness for a few paychecks.
And that was me, for 2 years. It’s not a way to live friends. So that’s where I stand, that’s my BIG NEWS! And I’m still shell shocked and doubtful. In this economy, in this day, not many people get this chance. WHY ME? It’s amazing though and I’m trying to push those negative thoughts out of my head and absorb every amazing second.
[via Brancoprata]
Because I don’t know how long I’ll be doing it, how long I’ll get this opportunity. I just know that I’m taking this big leap, this huge chance and I’m beside myself with excitement. The road may not be clear ahead of me but I’m ready for the adventure. And I hope you’ll tote along with me 🙂
Also, that stuffing? Mmmmm/
I'm so excited for you, your She Knows articles have been really great lately, and I can't wait to see what you do with your blog now. I know you've been stretching yourself pretty thin lately, so hopefully this gives you some peace of mind as well as tons of new opportunities!!
PS...I share exactly the same passion as you.
Would you write a post sometime about how you originally landed the writing gig? I think a lot of us who dream of blogging part or full time would love to hear about it. I sure would!
I'm a full-time author but this is of my published books. The Chocolate Cult is more a work of love and a volunteer group.