MY BIG NEWS! & Yummy Vegan Thanksgiving!

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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 🙂

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Comments

  1. Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    so so happy for you. you deserve it!
  2. Posted by Rachel on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Congratulations that is just absolutely AWESOME!
  3. Posted by Grubarazzi on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Holy F-bomb. That is great news! Congratulations! What a dream come true. Oh oh. and the recipes look wonderful. 
  4. Posted by Maggie Wescott on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    WOW!  Congratulations to you!!  This is so inspiring as I would love to be a full-time writer and food blogger someday.  This whole post is very inspiring as I am not thrilled with my job right now.  I am going to save this for those days I need a bit of inspiration.  Thank you for sharing and congrats again!
  5. Posted by Kiri W. on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Holy cow!!! Congratulations!!! That is completely awesome :)
    Also, that stuffing? Mmmmm/
  6. Posted by Gretchen on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Omg! Congratulations!! Color me officially jealous... ;)

    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!!
  7. Posted by Oatmeallacedesign on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    So so awesome, Claire!!! Congratulations :)
  8. Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Whoa! Congrats Claire! 
  9. Posted by Anonymous on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Claire, I'm so happy for you! I'm totally bummed I won't get to see you this week and congratulate you in person. The recipes look delicious, even to this non-vegan!
  10. Posted by Alicia on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Yay!!! You don't owe me a thing my dear, you deserve to be sharing your tasty food with the world! The credit belongs to you!
  11. Posted by Bake Your Day on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Congrats, that is so exciting. I can't wait to see what is in store for you!
  12. Posted by Kelly Hunt on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Aww congratulations, how exciting!!!!  I'm so happy for you and can't wait watch the success of your blog grow! xoxoxo
  13. Posted by Lauren on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    How cool! Congrats :D
  14. Posted by Heidi Brugh on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    YAY!! Congrats!!!
  15. Posted by Jennifer on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Hiii!!! So freaking excited for you!! And I'm excited for me because I can only imagine that my love of your writing and your site will now grow and grow :-D
  16. Posted by Jessica Trimble on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    I'm soooo excited for you my friend! You get a chance to do something you LOVE and that is so awesome. You're going to be amazing, you already are so it's just going to get better :D
  17. Posted by Juliette on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Claire! Congratulations! This is such exciting and inspiring news! So excited for you!
  18. Posted by CafeTerraBlog on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    I agree, I love making vegan and gluten free dishes, but I am not either.  You dishes sound wonderful, and look beautiful! Congrats, looking forward to enjoying your new blog layout, recipe index, and so much more! Hugs, Terra
  19. Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    That's awesome! Congrats!  NY Times and the Wash Post all shared a vegetarian / vegan T-giving menu, too. As a vegan, I'm loving it - and I'm so going to make your vegan pumpkin cheesecake! Yum!
  20. Posted by Kimberly (Badger Girl on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Congratulations! Good for you for taking the leap. I took the leap last April and have never looked back. :)
    • Posted by claire on
      Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
      Aww I'm so happy for us!
  21. Posted by Carolyn on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  Big news indeed.  You've worked hard for all of this, so you deserve it!
    • Posted by claire on
      Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
      Thank you!!!
  22. Posted by Tequilacupcakes on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    How wonderful, congratulations!! Best of luck!!
  23. Posted by Aggie on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    New to your blog and absolutely love it. SO happy and excited for you and wish lots of success and happiness in your future endeavors!!

    PS...I share exactly the same passion as you.
    • Posted by Claire Gallam10 on
      Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
      Thank you Aggie! I love your site! And I'm glad I share a passion with someone else! :D
  24. Posted by Abby @ Super Burbs on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Oh congrats!! This is fabulous!! Well deserved! xoxo
  25. Posted by Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    How very exciting! I'm glad you are so happy about these new ventures in your life and I can't wait to see what is to come!
  26. Posted by Emily on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Wow! I'm so glad you're following your dream. You're an awesome writer and I know you're going to do big things. :)
  27. Posted by kjpugs on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    I WAS HOPING THIS WAS YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT! So happy for you, I know you will only get bigger and better at what you do :)
  28. Posted by Lisa Fine on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Wow! So exciting! Congrats, Claire. Can't wait to hear more about it. :)

    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!
  29. Posted by Ann Mc on
    Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
    Congratulations!  Your blog is amazing and I'm so excited that you've experienced such growth!
  30. Posted by Jessica Lynn on
    Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
    What fantastic and wonderful news! I need to follow your lead and actually make my dreams into a reality. My dream—even before I traveled overseas for the first time—was to be a travel writer. Hello! Look where I am now! I need to start taking advantage of this situation and pitching ideas and articles to websites, blogs, and magazines. Thanks for being my wake-up call! I'm excited to see great things come from your site and from you!
  31. Posted by Katy Widrick on
    Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
    So exciting -- congratulations!
  32. Posted by Jessica | Oh Cake on
    Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
    Congratulations! Following your dreams is so important and being recognized for them is just the best icing on the most delicious cake. Kudos! 
  33. Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
    Congratulations!! That is what life is all about, doing what you love!! Love the pictures :)
  34. Posted by Petite Darlings on
    Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
    Congratulations! Yay You!!
  35. Posted by Mjskit on
    Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
    First of all - what a fantastic Thanksgiving Vegan meal!!!  Your "stuffing" really grabbed my attention and has been saved.  Secondly - CONGRATULATIONS! It's thrilling to see people do what they love and actually get paid for it!  I did it for 30 years and have had a wonderful life as a result of it.  Good luck to you Darlin!!!!!  I'm very happy for you!
  36. Posted by Aferguson on
    Thursday, November 17th, 2011
    Congratulations!!!! Doing what you love is most definately worth striving for. I'm trying to break into freelance writing too (not food related) so thanks for the inspiration. Very best of luck.
  37. Posted by thetammyjo on
    Saturday, November 19th, 2011
    Hey, if you can make a living doing this, that is awesome.

    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.
  38. Posted by Katie C on
    Monday, November 21st, 2011
    Hoooooray! This is such wonderful news; I am so happy for you! I am so excited to see where everything goes for you...and hey...now that you're getting started, want to send some of that good juju my way? ;) I'll be glad to follow in your footsteps! ;)
  39. Posted by Kitchen Tinkers on
    Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
    this looks delicious! glad i found this blog im going to bed in to read more :) Belle
  40. Posted by Rick on
    Friday, July 31st, 2015
    So where are the recipes for the Thanksgiving Dinner???? Looks awesome...