New Look, New Name, SAME STAR
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Hey y’all!
There’s a new name in town, and it’s gonna be…
What? Who? Where? How? WHAT?? Lucy, you have some splainin’ to do…
No one loves the name Daily Dose of Pepper as much as I do. I’m not sure if this post is more for you guys or for me. But I need to write it, and I hope you’ll read this, and understand why I’m changin’ names.
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
I was born on a cold and snowy evening… haha just kidding! It was the front end of July, and it was probably hotter than Hades. Let’s fast forward just a bit, shall we?
Quickly now, My love for cooking started at a very early age. I can remember making some VERY random concoctions involving potatoes and cheese (naturally), in my parents’ kitchen. This was long before I knew what I was actually doing. I’m not sure which I loved more, cooking or eating. but we’ll get to that later. Ha! In high school, I took a class called “Foods,” which is just all bout cooking food. I think most schools call it Home Ec, or something along those lines. but in my small town, we just got right to point- “FOODS” was the name, and I’m pretty sure that’s where the love affair began. I started learning about different methods of cooking, and I was like a dang sponge for it. (And I still am!) I came home from school one day, and made a variation of a dish that we were taught… it was called “Pasta Carbonara.” It’s nothing like what I was taught really… it’s definitely not a traditional method. But it was inspired, and it just so happens that to this day, it’s my signature dish!
Alright… so fast forward only a few years, just after high school. I LOVE cooking. I love creating recipes. I love photography. At this point I don’t yet love food photography, but I do take some so/so food photos, and I put them on Facebook, and nobody cares. Ha! Since I didn’t have a major, I went to college for Fine Arts, I think. And then, I went school for Cosmetology. I worked random jobs, because I was never satisfied. I read food blogs, and watched several hundred cooking shows, and just soaked up tons of knowledge and continued cooking when I wasn’t working at my boring-job-of-the-month. I would dream that maybe one far away day, I could blog about food, but I didn’t think of it as realistic… because, well, where would someone like me even begin?
Are ya still with me? So here’s why I wrote all that stuff… At least I hope so. I promise there’s a reason for all this ramblin’, and this is where things get kinda hard for me.
When I became pregnant with Pepper, I was kind of lost. I found out I was pregnant literally a few days after the one year anniversary of my dad’s passing. It was a blessing, but I was so lost, and so sad. I didn’t have the job of my dreams. I didn’t know what I was doing in life. But, I had Eric by my side, and I had hope that this little babe growing in my belly meant new and exciting things after such a dark time in our lives.
(It’s hard to even remember a time when she was in my belly. It wasn’t a fun pregnancy, but it was worth it!)
Fast forward nine-ish months, and BAM! We welcome our little Pepper into this crazy world. Someday I’ll write a separate post about how that was the most terrifying, beautiful, crazy, wonderful day of my life, but I don’t want to make this post several thousand words long. So someday I’ll write that post, and someday you’ll read it, but I’ll probably cry if I write it right now, and I’ve got a bunch of things to do. So, I had Pepper- this beautiful bundle of joy- with a head full’a jet black hair. She had one little piece of hair that was so much longer than all the rest! It ran down her little itty bitty neck, and even in that moment, it made me laugh. It took us almost a full two days to name her. She was perfect! Like, for-friggin-real perfection. I couldn’t believe I was a mama to this sweet little baby girl! Eric and I were in awe of her. We were also frightened of her. Truthfully, if you aren’t completely terrified of your first child on the first day of their life, then you’re lying to yourself.
(Here’s Eric and I with itty bitty, brand new Pepper!)
I had a c-section that was completely unplanned, and completely scary. I won’t get into that either… but yeah, it happened. Which meant for about the first week having this sweet girl, I was in crazy pain. We’ll just fast forward through that part, because it’s far from my favorite part of this story. About a week after, we brought Miss Pepper home in a very, VERY sleepy state. I said to Eric, “You know babe, If I ever decide to have a blog someday, wouldn’t “Daily Dose of Pepper” be a really cute name for it?”
On July 11th, 2015 (my birthday), I got one of the most life changing gifts I’ve ever received. We had a small family party to celebrate my birthday, my nephew’s birthday, and Pepper being one month old. When Eric gave me his gift, it was very puzzling. He handed me his laptop and opened up a browser, and brought me to a screen that said “this website is under construction” or something along those lines. I gave him a bewildered look and he just said, “look at the name”. It was “Daily Dose of Pepper”… Y’all, I didn’t even own my own computer at this time! But that was how it started, and I guess you could say the rest is history.
(I can’t believe I still have the photo of the moment I was given daily dose of pepper… but I do, and I know It’s not cute, and the lighting is horrid, but it’s the beginning of somethin’ so special, and I love that!)
(Here’s sweet baby Pepper, because why not?)
Okay, I’m a bit teary-eyed. I’m sure you’re thinking, “This is such a sweet story! Why on Earth is she changing the name??” Honestly, at the moment I’m writing this, I’m thinking the same thing. Haha! I know I don’t need to explain myself to y’all, but here’s the thing- there’s a small handful of ya who’ve been following along with my cooking and my daily life on Instagram since I was pregnant with Miss Pepper. There are friends and there’s family who are all a little attached to the name “Daily Dose of Pepper”… including myself. Is it possible I’m writing this more for myself? I don’t know.
When I sleepily told Eric that I wanted to name my future blog “Daily Dose of Pepper”, I had very little intention of actually starting a blog. I also could not have ever imagined- not in my wildest dreams- that people would be interested not only in what I have to say, but in my recipes!? I had absolutely no idea this blog would take off. I had no idea that this would actually become our reality, and that one day I could say that I had my dream job… that I would get to stay at home, raise my baby, cook, and write about FOOD! If I’m being honest, it still feels a bit surreal some days. I know being at home in the kitchen is some people’s worst nightmare. but to me, it’s heaven. And I get to do it daily… sometimes I’m even barefoot!
I don’t want my daughter to be a brand of something.
Honestly, this is the most important one that you need to know. If you asked me a year ago, I wouldn’t have a lick of knowledge about running a business, etc. I don’t think of my blog as a business 98% of the time. But at the end of the day it is, and that’s still really weird to think about. Seriously, I still don’t know much about running a business. But I do know what I don’t want. And one of those things is for Pepper’s life to be shaped or changed because a blog is named after her. She’s her own person, and I want her to grow up to be whatever she wants to be. With that being said, I bought the domain rights to Daily Dose of Pepper… so God willin’, I’ll always own it. Maybe you’ll see somethin’ from her on Daily Dose of Pepper in 20-ish years. Haha! (oh gosh, I don’t want to think of her as a twenty somethin’ year old! Stop it!)
I want to write cookbooks, I really do! I know y’all ask me to write’m, but there’s a whole lot more to it than just sitting down and writing a cookbook. When I do, it’s gonna have every bit of my heart and my soul poured into it. I need a publisher. I need time. I need to be able to work longer than just Pep’s nap time. Anyway, what I’m getting at is this- when I’ve thought of writing a cookbook, “The Daily Dose of Pepper” just didn’t have a great ring to it. But when I think of “The Skinnyish Dish”… I can picture that on cookbook covers. Does that make sense? I hope so. Anyway- if you know someone who wants to publish a cookbook by yours truly- send’m my way!
There’s a few other reasons, but that’s the gist of it. Do ya get me? Are we on the same page? I hope so. Please know that “The Daily Dose of Pepper” and the story behind it will always be ours, and I’ll always keep it very close to my heart. Pepper is the reason I went after my dream. She helped me realize I wanted to be more than what I was… and because of her, every single day, I challenge myself to be better. Those of you who’ve been with me since the beginning will always know and it’ll be our thing, okay? Now you’re even more a part of this special story.
This isn’t an “out with the old, in with the new” type of transformation. It’s just a change, and truthfully, it’s just a name. I’m still here! You know me… your girl who loves carbs a little too much, and cheese even more. You know I love to keep things friendly for the waistline, but as indulgent as possible. I’ll still show you a little bit of my personal life, and you’ll still see photos of Pepper here and there. I just think it’s a good time for a change. and honestly, I’ve been keeping this whole thing secret for so long, that it’s a big relief to finally let it out and share this exciting news with y’all… because I am THE WORST at secrets!
I think the name says it all, and you already know my style of cooking. It was never bland, boring diet food, and it never will be. It’s “Skinnyish”, which means this- there’s gonna be cheese, there’s gonna be pasta, there’s gonna be red meat, and gosh darnit, it’s gonna be delicious.
Thank you so much for being here with me.
I appreciate y’all so much!
With so much love,
Star
Love this story…and your reasons! (Not to mention your recipes!)
thank you!!
Enjoy your blog. Have made many of your recipes enjoy them all. Thanks for sharing. From a business standpoint you made a great decision.
I’ll be honest, I was a little sad when you changed the name because I was like what?! But that’s the perfect name!! Why?! But after reading this it makes complete sense! I absolutely love all your recipes and your blog and I’m excited to see what you come up with next!
Mama knows best so I’m with you all the way! Keep on cooking! Loved Pickle Chicken BTW!
Awww Star, I love this and I would follow you no matter what your name changes to. You’re recipes have helped me lose all of my weight on WW !!! I’m now only 3 lbs from goal (30 lbs gone forever) and I have you to thank for it!. Take a bow lady, your hard work has paid off!
Thank you so so so much, Rhonda!!
Star, you are so inspiring! You didn’t have to tell us followers why you are changing the name, but thank you for doing so because it makes perfect sense and it’s what is best for you and your family! Your dishes are staples in our home since I joined WW a year ago and stumbled across your Instagram page. Keep cooking and creating, and being you!
This…. I love every bit of your post and the Skinnyish Dish it is!!! Love all your food, love your sassy style & well gosh darn it I just always check out all your posts! You’re my fave on insta! You keep up that cooking and when you publish heck ya I’ll be grabbing one of those suckers!!! Just always keep the weight watchers points on there 😉 I’m kinda living one day at a time on those.
Star, don’t let anyone rain on your parade. Different name, same you. It’s a name, and if people (Paula) can’t get over that- then they have issues. Your recipes are amazing and you are just an all around great person. Keep doing you!
I love your recipes and very excited for your new venture! We eat your meals daily and am ver appreciative of your site. I was wondering if you could still include the breakdown in the Calorie area like you used to. Now it just shows total calories. And some dessert recipes. Not trying to sound whiny but I can only imagine what skinnylicious things you could do with desserts! Wishing you even more success!
I loved hearing about your story and your reasons… As a grandmother ,a young one..lol..
I admire you and all your insights to raising your beautiful angel.
And love your gift for cooking….
Literally the dumbest name change I’ve ever seen
Literally, the dumbest name change I’ve ever seen….
Love this! Love you… no matter the name! You’re amazing and I’m glad to call you my friend! Keep at it!
Star, the new name is great and I appreciate all the work you put into these recipes because they are awesome.
The software tester in me wants to tell you that links aren’t working. For example, the Burrito Bowls — link to chipoltle skillet chicken, pinto beans, etc are getting 404 error.
Love the site and my family is REALLY loving that I found it. Appreciate your making my WW journey so VERY tasty!!
Thanks so much Robyn. I’ll look into all that asap. thanks for letting me know!
I like the name change! Where can we find the Pasta Carbonara recipe?
Way to BE, Mama Star! Love the story, love the new name & I absolutely know I’m gonna be buying & cooking from a “The Skinnyish Dish” cookbook sooner rather than later! Get on with your bad self!
I second everything everybody has said. I love your blog and your recipes!!! Look forward to reading them!! Congratulations on the new name! I like it! Rock on Star!!!
I’m so so in love with the new name and my family just loves your recipes! A cookbook will happen! Its just a matter of time. So proud of you for living your dream! From Heather @farmhousechic
Thank you SO very much, Heather!!
Super proud of you Star!!
Congratulations!!!! Love you, your family and all of your recipes girl!!!
Thank you for sharing your recipes, your heart and your adorable family with us!
You are my go to for meal planning! My boyfriend and I love every recipe we have tried. When I make a new recipes, the first thing he asks me if its a Star recipe and I always respond with ” well duh”
I haven’t bought a cookbook in many years, I will be standing in line waiting for yours though!
Thank you so much for so many kind words!!! I am so very happy you and your boyfriend love the recipes!! Someday I’ll have that cookbook. Haha!
Love this! I love your recipes and that we mutually don’t love mushrooms. I appreciate that I don’t have to substitute that in ingredients! Thanks Star for sharing your stories and recipes with us! From a newish stay-at-home mom, I hope I can tap into my life’s passion one day too! Happy trails!!
I love this. I recently started following you and I am so glad I did! You cook how I like to eat!! I can’t wait to see what the future brings!! Good luck in everything!
Love the new name, love the old name, love the I Love Lucy reference, love your sweet family and love you Star and your blog. Thanks for being real. ❤️
How exciting, I love the new name & I can’t wait to pop over to the website & check out the new spiffiness. Thank you so very much for sharing your delicious, skinnyish recipes with us. Every one I’ve tried is so delicious you’d never know it was skinnied down! They allow me to truly enjoy my food and still lose weight!
@debbie_downsized_ww
Congratulations and thank you for your heartfelt words and giving me a peek into your world. I will miss DDOP but as long as you’re still around doing what you do, I don’t care what the name is!! God Bless you and your precious little family. xoxo
P.S. Thank you, Eric, for taking that first step. It’s a blessing to all of us!
It’s great! Totally get wanting to let Pepper own her name – she’s getting older and will want that privacy when she gets big (have a teenage daughter over here). Keep on sharing your food with us – I feel like you really get me- ha, and I know lots of others do too. I’ll keep coming back no matter what you call it and I can’t wait to buy those cookbooks!
I TOTALLY Get It! I LOVE the new name and, you’re right! I can see it on the cover of your cookbooks!!!!! I don’t know a publisher but I went to a Social Media Marketing Seminar and there was a VERY talented woman who does graphics and set ups for cookbooks, etc. Reach out if you want her info. Good Luck to you! I’m sure you’ll be WILDLY successful!
You are AMAZING… I love your story and am so greatful for You and your recipes. I share them weekly in my Weight Watcher classes. I truly can’t wait till you HAVE a cookbook I will be one of your first buyers. I have only followed you since January but love your blog. I get the name change. But am glad that that is the only change. (Me being selfish). Thank You The Skinnish Dish for having this Blog. It is such a big help to me on my JOYourney (I am A JOYOLOGIST, Lol) of weight loss I honestly don’t know what I would do without it.
So excited for you!
Congratulations!! This is so perfect for all the right reasons. Thank you for sharing it. You have become a daily name in the house. I’ll have to alert the family!!! Just yesterday whipped up the weekly marinara and salsa and tonight I’ll be giving a shot at the pickled chicken. Thanks for all your hard work and sharing your love of cooking. Can’t WAIT for the cookbook
So exciting! I get it and happy that you are still going to be around. I was just telling my husband last night (over one pot bacon cheeseburger pasta… which, of course, he loved) that if he likes something I have made, there is a very big chance it is one of your recipes. Appreciate all you do and look forward to the new name and what will be born out of it. You help so many of us who like to cook but don’t have your talent for creating recipes! Thank you, most sincerely!
Thank you for sharing, I’m fairly new to your blog but it has shown me that we don’t have to sacrifice taste when we want to be a lose weight. Thank you for that and for sharing bits of your life and your family. Looking forward to the next skinnyish dish!
Beautifully written! My sister and I always say how in “real life” we would all be friends because we can relate to everything you post! Keep up the great work and congrats on your new name. Love it!
Your recipes have been my saving grace on my WW journey. Thank you for sharing your recipes!!! Congrats on the new name, I respect you and appreciate you for the change!!!! X~Ragen
Wow Star! What an amazing story…well testimony, thats so personal…thanks for sharing because you have given us so many new options when it comes to your recipes and of course your cool stories behind them.
Eric and Pepper are super uber blessed!
What a brave Momma/blogger/business owner/food-dreamer-upper-extraordinaire decision! I love this!
I am so happy for you and proud of everything you have accomplished! Pepper has an amazing momma!! Thank you for sharing this story with us <3
I love everything that you said. As a mother I completely understand now wanting to force a personality or pre-perceived anything on your daughter. No matter the name…I will still be a fan.
I’ve been waiting all day to hear your big news!! So exciting. Congratulations on your new blog name. Can’t wait for your next recipe to roll out. Love everything you cook up and I love all the cheese and pasta too
I love this. Your recipes are featured 95% of the time in my home for dinner. The other night I was scrolling through your instagram pics the in bed and my husband started looking over and I pointed out all the dishes of yours that he’s told me he loves….it was ridonkulous. And as I kept scrolling he kept asking, “Can you make that one next, ooh, and that one. That one, too!”
Thank you for sharing your story. I have always thought your blog name was precious, just like your little one, but I respect you for thinking of her future and placing that above all else. You are a great mama (even though I’ve never met you I feel like I know you from reading so many of your posts!) I look forward to your next skinnyish recipe. 🙂
Thank you so much for ALL of those kind things you just said. I’ve been back and forth on this decision for over a year now. It was one of the harder decisions I’ve had to make, but took the leap to begin going about it back in February! I know it’s for the best, even though I am a little teary over it!