SURPRISE! Happy New Year, friends! I got you this new blog. Well, a new name for the blog, anyway. This has been in the works for a while, but I’m so excited to officially announce that Eat Within Your Means is now Pass the Plants.
The plan was to share this news on January 1. It was a very good plan, too. Changing the name of a blog sounds so simple and easy, doesn’t it? I am here to tell you that it is anything but. I won’t bore you with all of the technical stuff, but suffice it to say that I had some aggressions to get out by the end of the day. So, I did what any good mom would do and I made my kids laugh by screaming into a pillow. Try it sometime, it diffuses a tense situation so well I think diplomats should add it to their bag of tricks. Anyway….
You are probably wondering…why the change?
When I started Eat Within Your Means, the idea was figure out how to eat within my means and share what I learned along the way. That’s still something I’m interested in, but as I looked back over the past 3 1/2 years of recipes and comments, what I realized is that the blog had formed its own identity. These are comments from the past few months, but there’s more where they came from. Do you see what they all have in common?
I just made a big pot of this because it is cold and a good soup day. It is delicious and gets bonus points for making enough for leftovers. Even my picky child liked it after the prerequisite “I’ve never had this before, I hate it I’m not eating it… (takes a teeny dramatic bite)… actually this isn’t too bad” then ate the whole bowl. This recipe is a keeper.” (Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup)
“I am one of those people that follows along and never comments. I am a dietitian and love having recipes that fit all dietary needs and have loved all of your recipes that I have tried. The best is when my carnivorous hubby and kiddos love them and don’t even know they are vegan! ????”
“OMG …So easy to make and fool my kids with a healthy dinner. Even my husband the steak and potatoes guy loved it. When I told the family it was squash they went no way.”
“This Is Really Good!! Like, delicious! I made it for my family, and everyone loved it–including my reluctant 14 year old son, who is really freaked out by “vegan” foods. It didn’t really even take that long to make. I’ve made it twice now, and will absolutely be making again and again!” (Best Damn Vegan Lasagna)
“Let me just say, I am not a vegan and I meant to use some cheese in this recipe and it totally doesn’t need it at all!”(Vegan Calzones)
“Just finished making my first batch and can’t believe how fantastic it is! Better than any other vegan version, bought or made, I have ever tasted. I doubt that anyone would be able to tell that it is not bacon if hidden in a sandwich.” (Easy Tofu Bacon) – by the way, my omnivore father-in-law told me the same thing after he ate a tofu BLT that I made. 🙂
“This is an incredible recipe – it is so absolutely delicious and you really can’t tell it’s all plant-based. The prep was quicker and easier than I expected. I didn’t need to add the maple syrup and I used whole grain pasta instead of the zoodles – it was still fabulous! My husband went back for seconds and even asked if we could keep the recipe in the menu rotation ????” (Vegetable Bolognese)
“These muffins were AMAZING!! My non-vegan mom and mother-in-law both asked for the recipe.” (Vegan Pumpkin Blender Muffins)
It doesn’t take Sherlock to solve this case.
Plant-based food that anyone can enjoy.
Meals that you can bring to a potluck and not have to bring home leftovers.
Dishes that can be shared at the holiday table without the whisperings of “ew, vegan food”.
Tofu that actually tastes good.
Kid-approved dinners that are equally enjoyed by adults. This is a big one.
Lasagna that is worthy of sharing on Christmas. Seriously, last year 3 different people told me that they made it for their family’s Christmas dinner and everyone loved it.
Do you see what’s missing? Any mention of saving money or how affordable the meals were. It’s kind of embarrassing that it took me so long to realize that I don’t get pumped to make frugal healthy recipes. I mean, I do, but that’s not my main motivator. THIS is.
I still remember reading that post for the first time. It made me cry happy tears. And it made me want to get my booty in the kitchen and keep making plant-filled recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their eating preferences. The money-saving side of things just wasn’t the focus, and I found myself feeling at odds with my own “brand”, if you will.
So one day in November, the decision was made, and it was an easy one. A new name, one that would reflect what the blog has been about all along. And yet, it still leaves room for the old. I’m not letting go of the Eat Within Your Means ideal. In fact, this transition has brought a freedom to explore that theme and apply it where it makes sense. So you’ll still see “fat wallet tips” peppered in here and there, and I’ll share what I’m doing to cut costs in the kitchen. But now the focus will be on sharing plant-based food that is easily made and eagerly gobbled up by everyone.
There’s so much to come, and my to-do list is a mile long. I’m going to take it one recipe at a time. Hope you’re hungry!
Hannah Elizabeth
Wow that is a huge thing (but also not cause it’s still you of course!! :P)…congrats on the new name! I like it a lot!
Nora Taylor
Beth! I just love the new name and what you are all about!!! I think it’s just fantastic and a perfect time of year for a big change. 🙂 Oh man, I had to change my blog name early on and it was SO stressful! I’m glad you made it through. Happy New Year!
Karen
Congrats on finding your jam – love the new name! (BTW, I’m starting a new site with a theme similar in the next week or so, but it’s been in the works for almost year now (pulling that trigger … ugh, soo hard!). Wouldn’t want you to think I’m a copycat, lol. Just a case of great minds thinking alike. 😀 )
Jill Mulato
Love the new name! Happy 2018 ????????????????????????
Erin
Can’t wait to see what the new year brings. I’m resolving to meal plan so pass those plants my way! 🙂
crunchycompassionista
Love it!
Kim @mysugarfreekitchen
Love the new name and your blog is beautifully laid out. Thanks for sharing and I hope to make a few vegan recipes this year in amongst everything else. I’ve always been curious about it and your site makes the recipes look tasty and interesting.
Jenny
Congratulations on your new name! Although, I have to tell you, that I had a bit of trouble finding you. I almost had a fit thinking that you had left your blog – I couldn’t imagine life without you 🙂 Love your insights and your recipes. Here’s to health, wealth and happiness to you and yours in this exciting new year.
Kira
Has your blog always been focused on vegan recipes? I’m looking for an egg sandwich recipe (eggs, sour cream, and cheese baked in the oven) that I could have sworn came from your blog pre-name change. If not, I’ll still be back — I usually try to steer clear of vegan blogs because I’m not a fan of unfermented soy products and processed meat replacement products, but I’ve seen quite a few recipe titles that sound amazing (I love the plant focus!).
Carla
I am not vegan (although I tend to eat more of a plant-based diet ) and I’ve always been a healthy weight. I do however, have a sister who is vegan and really does not have a healthy diet. I have been looking for recipes to make for family gatherings and when she visits to provide options that she could make at home. Of course I happen to LIKE to cook. I found your coleslaw recipe and absolutely love it as does everyone who has eaten this recipe. I tend to eat healthfully and this is now one of my staples. Another response indicated that your ranch recipe is very good. With my remaining cashew cream I will try that recipe this evening to go along with all of our fresh vegetables available this time of year. , I will be visiting the site for your tips and recipes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.