Whoo, I don’t know about for ya’ll but 2020 was a long decade for our family. We’ve been up to a lot. Mr. Meaty and I both changed full-time jobs once during the pandemic and I’m now back to freelancing full-time after dipping my toes into the full-time remote editing world. So, what’s changed over the years on VeggieConverter. So. Much.
In the beginning…
When I first started VeggieConverter it wasn’t at all to make an income for my family. It was simply something to keep my brain from turning to mush while raising two kids under two. (The kiddos are a year and nine months apart.) Also, with one vegetarian, one meat-eater, and two kids who were developing their taste buds, it was an interesting culinary journey to get dinner on the table every night that everyone would eat.
And, as I found out, there are a lot of us blended-eater families out there! Back then, it was just a fun project and, in that first year I challenged myself to make a meal each day of 2011 (yes, 365 different meals) and blog about them that converted a traditional family meal to vegetarian. And I made it. Some of my hair was lost or grayed in the process, but I did it.
Since that year, we’ve experimented with different culinary styles (we added a lot of gluten-free when we found out myself and my youngest daughter couldn’t eat wheat without issues). We’ve gone wheatless, low carb, keto, and gasp! I’ve even tried a bit of meat over the years. We’ve settled these days into a mostly Mediterranean wheatless diet. But hey, we’re not perfect, we sometimes eat whatever’s available at campouts or whatever event we’re at. And that’s OK.
How it evolved
As far as the blog’s evolution, I eventually added advertising and affiliate links to my posts and I even published two books! One cookbook and one how-to book. Between all of those income streams, I’ve been able to turn my passion into the primary income for our family. Now, google algorithm changes and advertising partner changes aside, it’s had ebbs and flows. But, I’m ever thankful for the consistent income that allows me to stay home with my family and still do what I love. And, bonus, take a break whenever I want to or have health issues come up.
Working with brands and social media
One of my favorite parts of being an influencer is working with brands that I love. Over the years I’ve worked with so many amazing companies through this site and social media campaigns to share products I love with all of you. I cannot express enough my thanks to all of the companies that gave me those opportunities. And I made some great friends with their media folks along the way, too. Score.
Just starting your vegetarian or blended-eaters journey?
As always, I’m here to help. If you want to introduce meatless meals to your family (or just for yourself). I’m here to help. Just going meatless one day a week can be fun, healthy for you and the planet, and help stretch your budget.
This is a sponsored post; however, all opinions are my own.