Readers have been asking about my references to leaving Texas, and since I promised to make the blog more personal anyway, it’d probably be good to elaborate. If you’re only interested in recipes, feel free to skip this post; the recipes will continue soon.
I’ve always been a passionate person.
This can either be a good or bad thing, depending on the situation. From the moment I decide to do something, I will throw all of my energy into it, can’t be talked out of it by anyone (including myself), and stubbornly refuse to give up until I’m successful. Or until I’m dragged away, kicking and screaming.
(My apologies to anyone who knew me as a two-year-old and witnessed one of my epic temper tantrums.)
In terms of the blog, this passion could mean baking seventeen batches of brownies in the span of two days to perfect the recipe… it could mean staying up until 3 am writing and editing a post I’m dead-set on publishing the next morning… it could mean reading through an entire computer self-help volume in a night to figure out how to implement one piece of coding… All real examples of things I’ve done.
And in my non-blog life, this passion manifests itself in the risks I take, some of which people would consider to be crazy.
Like when I quit college to write a food blog…
In mid-October I decided that I wanted to was going to move to New York City, and I was going to do it before the month was over. So after planning everything down to the minutia, I packed my belongings into the car and commenced the long drive, pausing only for what was supposed to be a short detour to stay with cousins I’d promised to visit, directly along the way.
However, life decided it had a better idea than mine.
The morning I was scheduled to finish the trip, I woke up with a 102-degree fever; only the third time I’ve been sick in fourteen years. No big deal… I called my sister in New York (at whose apartment I’d planned to stay while looking for my own place) and told her to expect me the next weekend instead. Friday night before the next weekend: little sister calls me this time, saying she’s dealing with a gas leak at the apartment and could I please stay where I am for the moment? And then an unseasonably-early ice storm hit, rendering the roads un-drivable.
Meanwhile I found myself developing close relationships with some amazing people around me. Every day was a new adventure–from a Washington, D.C. socialite gala to a Rob Zombie concert, and everything in between. I was experiencing life in a way I’d never experienced it before, and it made me wonder…
Once I got it in my mind to stay?
Of course there was no talking me out of that decision either.
Lauren says
22nd December 2013 at 3:28 pmWow! How exciting! Best of luck on your new adventure 🙂
Becky F says
22nd December 2013 at 3:40 pmI love it! Good for you. Do these things while you can. Best of luck!
trajayjay says
22nd December 2013 at 3:48 pmThe biggest risk I’ve taken recently…um…, putting maple extract in a batch of cookies.
Glad you’re on your way.
Abby says
22nd December 2013 at 4:05 pmGood for you Katie! Washington D.C. is an awesome place. If you’re looking for somewhere to get good food, (and more importantly, good desserts) go to the Cheesecake Factory. It’s super yummy! Best of luck on your new journey! :DD
Edan says
22nd December 2013 at 7:41 pmKatie is vegan, I doubt she would eat at The Cheesecake Factory 🙂
Anyway, Good luck Katie on your new life in D.C! I used to live there as well.
lita says
23rd December 2013 at 1:06 amthe cheesecake factory isn’t my favorite dining spot or anything, but it does actually have a couple of vegan friendly items, and there are a couple of decent salads you can get sans meat! just a tip 🙂
becauseHeloves! says
22nd December 2013 at 4:32 pmGood for you! I would say the biggest risk I’ve ever taken is definitely giving my life to Christ. The most recent risk I’ve taken is subbing milk in for carrot juice in your healthy gingerbread recipe! (: it turned out awesome, so a risk well taken!
Have fun at your new place!
Shannon says
22nd December 2013 at 4:33 pmI live in the DC area, too. Welcome!! I think you will love all of the vegan food we have here!!!
Pauline PAntaleo says
24th November 2017 at 12:03 amWashington DC is my home town and I love it! Good choice Katie and check out Kephra Raw bar!!
Jess says
22nd December 2013 at 4:43 pmDC is awesome! The biggest risk I’ve taken is moving from Portland, OR to Phoenix, AZ at age 20 and then to Chicago, IL at age 23. There’s no such thing as failure in the game of life, just lessons. You can always change your mind (haha) but you won’t.
Sara says
11th January 2014 at 4:58 pmI love your comment Jess! 🙂
Jessica says
22nd December 2013 at 5:05 pmGood luck in the new phase of your life! It sounds like an exciting change. I love your blog and wish you all the best!
Ann D. says
22nd December 2013 at 5:21 pmAs long as your kitchen is in working order and you have a good internet connection ~ why not!
Judy says
22nd December 2013 at 5:30 pmWelcome to the Nations Capital!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
22nd December 2013 at 5:43 pmHope you love your new apartment and it serves you well. Good luck ! 🙂
[email protected] Apple of My Eye says
22nd December 2013 at 5:45 pmSo exciting about your new life! Good for you 🙂
Tiffany says
22nd December 2013 at 5:54 pmKatie, Thank you for being so personal with your post and sharing your risk with us! I am so happy you are following your heart 🙂
Ps. You look amazing!!! and I love your curves!!!!!!!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
22nd December 2013 at 7:23 pmThanks 🙂
Livi says
22nd December 2013 at 6:06 pmgood luck! you can do anything!!
narf7 says
22nd December 2013 at 6:19 pmLooks like the decision to stay in Texas has been a good one. You look amazingly happy and healthy and whether you have furniture or not, its always a good time to learn to juggle ;).
Carie says
19th February 2014 at 4:21 amShe didn’t stay in Texas. She moved to D.C.
Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says
22nd December 2013 at 6:25 pmOh wow—I love this story. The universe works in mysterious ways…Congrats!
Miss Polkadot says
22nd December 2013 at 7:04 pmKatie, I’m so happy to hear how things worked out for you. It truly sounds like destiny took a hand in planning your future for you. Good luck buying furniture and making your new place feel truly like home soon. But I guess as long as you have a great kitchen you’ll already be a happy camper ;).
Victoria says
22nd December 2013 at 7:16 pmYou MUST find me so that I can show you all the best vegan chocolate in the city. Welcome!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
22nd December 2013 at 7:29 pmSounds good to me! Email me any time :).
Lena says
22nd December 2013 at 7:19 pmGood for you! Also, just have to say you look great in the last photo – I’m totally envious of your figure. (And also your outfit. For some reason, I have a thing for the boots-with-knee-high-socks look…)
Chocolate Covered Katie says
22nd December 2013 at 7:29 pmAw thanks, Lena :).
Christi says
22nd December 2013 at 7:26 pmSo you’re now in DC? I love hearing stories like this (that show how the universe works in mysterious ways that work in our favor). Congrats!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
22nd December 2013 at 7:32 pmYes, Washington D.C.
I love those types of stories too :).
Andrea says
22nd December 2013 at 7:44 pmThis post was so inspirational and genuinely made me smile. I bet everything is going to work out great for you in D.C.!
Christine says
22nd December 2013 at 8:17 pmDC is a terrific place for vegans (check out the Ethiopian restaurants and Sticky Fingers cafe). If you ever get tired of the city, just drive an hour away and you’ll find rural Virginia or Maryland. Best of success!
chassidy says
24th December 2013 at 2:23 pmOr West Virginia in between! Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful and historical parks around. Katie, definitely check it out if you need away from the city.
Jenny says
22nd December 2013 at 8:32 pmCongrats on your new adventure! I dont think Ive ever taken a risk except to maybe quit my job and be a stay at home mom which has been awesome. Don’t ever feel pressured to do what you think “society”, family, etc. wants you to do; i.e., “get a real job after college.” Being true to yourself will allow people you meet in life to know the real you. “Faking it” through life is stressful. The stress over questions about “getting a real job” pale in comparison to quitting the real job and having to field questions about “what happened?” and not meeting the expectations of the people you were faking it for. If youre able to pay your bills and pursue your dreams without getting that “real job” and are happy than keep on! I’m making your funfetti cookie dough balls and gingerbread balls for a cookie exchange tomorrow. Actually that could be a “risk” because anything cooking/baking related scares me. I dont know how I found your blog but so far Ive just admired the recipes; havent actually made any. But they dont look too hard and the “healthier” appeals to be so here I go. Good luck in DC. Have fun and don’t settle with the furniture! Wait until you find what you love!
Steph says
22nd December 2013 at 9:29 pmWow, you look fantastic!!!
Makayla says
22nd December 2013 at 9:33 pmLove the hot pink soccer ball! I don’t quite understand….are you moving to New York City or staying in Texas? I hope you continue posting your AMAZING recipes! 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
23rd December 2013 at 1:50 pmI am somewhere in between the two, in Washington, D.C.
lindsay Cotter says
22nd December 2013 at 9:56 pmway to go woman! dream big and go for it! and hope you are feeling better!
Colleen says
22nd December 2013 at 10:54 pmYAY! I live between DC and Baltimore, and I LOVE it here! Pretty much anything you could possibly want is within a short drive. Mountains? Check. Beaches? Check! LOADS of culture in DC and Baltimore, amazing restaurants, multiple concert venues, it is great. Since you are in the area, you should check out the swing dancing scene to meet people! Glen Echo near DC is great, but you should totally go to the Mobtown Ballroom in Baltimore — they have lindy hop, blues, Aerial Silks/circus, belly dance, square dancing, and burlesque! SO much fun!
Mallory @ Because I Like Chocolate says
22nd December 2013 at 11:14 pmSometimes life takes you places you never would have dreamed of and you just have to go for it. After all, what do you have to lose?
Jilly says
24th December 2013 at 4:28 amBeautifully said. Those who have never failed – have never tried.
Karen says
22nd December 2013 at 11:16 pmWow, congratulations! I have been following your blog since I found out my daughter was allergic to egg and I still wanted her to have cool treats to share with her friends. I live in rural Maryland, only 30 minutes from DC and Baltimore. There are lot of people, but that just means there is a lot of interesting things to do and wonderful choices of food. If I ever see you out, I probably be one of those people who will yell “Hey I know her! I know her!”
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:30 pmIf you do see me, definitely say hello! I would love to meet you… I’m always sad when people say they saw me but didn’t say anything.
Josyane says
22nd December 2013 at 11:18 pmHey Katie! Big decision this was for you! Hope everything turns out well in this new city. For me, I have left my job (I’ve been working in the same field for more than 7 years now) and I’m going back to school in January. Big decision for me since I won’t have any income during that time and that I will have to find a new job after! I wish you great holidays!
Melissa says
22nd December 2013 at 11:26 pmCongrats on the move and on taking risks! My husband and I deliberated for MONTHS about where to move next (out of NYC) and after an 8 month search, finally settled on being closer to family just outside the city. Everything in life is making one choice instead of another… if it’s working for you, go with it! Best wishes in your new digs and new adventure! (I’ve always had a mini-crush on DC. Lots to love there!)
Jennifer says
22nd December 2013 at 11:46 pmGood luck and many blessings on your new life in DC!! Something about your post made me think about the Mary Tyler Moore show(telling my age) new city, new apt and beautiful young woman!! I think you should star in your own show, you already have lots of devoted fans! Best of luck Katie and enjoy, enjoy your new adventure. The mom in me must also say, be careful and safe! 🙂
Shira says
22nd December 2013 at 11:47 pmNooooooooooooo come to NY and hang out with me!!! 🙂
Amber says
23rd December 2013 at 12:00 amLOVE THIS POST!! I love how life and the universe will just change your plans! I lived in DC for 3 months for work and miss it! I loved just being able to walk into (almost) any museum for free. And the Folklife Festival in the summer, the Marine Corps Marathon in October, it is such a wonderful city! And for food? Definitely Sticky Fingers bakery! I was able to have sausage gravy, which I haven’t had in 16 years! You should come up with a recipe for that! Good luck!
Erin says
23rd December 2013 at 12:07 amLoving the pink ball! It just happens to be my fav color 😉
Congrats on your big move and only the best in all of your ventures! We here at U Rock Girl think your recipes are totally fun and playful. Rock it in D.C. ,
Dee in Oki says
23rd December 2013 at 12:11 amI moved to Japan in August. It wasn’t quite a big risk, as my hubby and I are both in the military. But…I also got tired of the way my marriage was going, and sat my hubby down and actually talked to him. It worked, and we’re better than ever! Good luck! I’d LOVE to live in NYC for a while!
April Damon says
26th December 2013 at 4:04 pmDee,
That’s awesome! I’m sure that it was a truly scary moment for you in your marriage and I’m glad it worked out.
Laney says
23rd December 2013 at 12:34 amWow! I’m so glad you’re in the DC area now 🙂 I hope you like it here!
Am says
23rd December 2013 at 12:44 amCool! Congratulations!
We just moved to the East Coast, too!
Sarina @ Earthgiven Kitchen says
23rd December 2013 at 12:44 amCongrats on the new digs! Now I want a pink soccer ball…
Sarah says
23rd December 2013 at 12:51 amUgh. DC is so lucky! I was kinda hoping you were going to say you moved back to Philly / the Philly area. 🙁 oh well come visit! We’d love to have you!
Ayaka says
23rd December 2013 at 1:04 amWelcome to DC! Are you in the district?? That picture from your window looks somewhat familiar…
Anyway, I hope you like it here. (I think you will though…)
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:31 pmYes 🙂
Ayaka says
25th December 2013 at 1:42 am:D!!
I moved here from Japan almost 6 years ago (with a break of 1 year in NYC for school). I am very much a city person myself, but with my family, especially now that I have a little one, DC is just perfect 🙂 Email me if you have any questions about things here. I am not a local but I think I might be able to help you with something 😉
megan says
23rd December 2013 at 1:18 amDC is a great place for vegans – you’ll find tons of options (and if you’re in DC proper or southern Maryland, I recommend Yes! Organic Market). I’m not vegan myself, but have always been fascinated with vegan baking, and I have two good friends who are vegan, so I love having a go-to place to find recipes to make for them! Welcome!
Erin Cole says
23rd December 2013 at 1:18 amBack in 2008, one of my good friends got a teaching job in AZ (we lived in Maine at the time). He came to my job to tell me about it and I said “can I come?” I bought a ticket that day and we flew out the following afternoon. After a month I decided AZ was not the place for me.
When I went to fly back to Maine from Arizona, I decided to stop in NYC to see two of my siblings (I am originally from NY). I never left. 5 years later I still live in New York. Had I not taken a risk on a whim to move to Arizona, I wouldn’t be back in New York. Our plans don’t always work as we originally imagined, but sometimes they lead us to something even greater than we ever dreamed. I hope Washington makes you as happy as New York has made me. You’re a beautiful woman inside and out, best of luck sweetie.
(Not sure if you remember me, I sent you an email awhile back about someone who was using your photographs/recipes and claiming them as yours).
God bless you during the holiday season… and always xoxoxo
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:32 pmI do remember you! Thank you so much, Erin 🙂
Casey says
23rd December 2013 at 1:42 amOh FUN!! Since you’re a blogger, it doesn’t matter where in the world you are…use this time in your life to EXPLORE!!! I up and moved to San Diego (from FL) a month after graduating from college. I knew one person out there and she needed a roommate. Landed a job a week later and found my HUSBAND a month and a half later. We’ve been married for 10+ years…so I’ve always said, I followed my heart to Cali and FOUND it!!!!
Megan says
23rd December 2013 at 1:50 amGood for you Katie! I’m excited for you.
Maria says
23rd December 2013 at 2:01 amYou look beautiful and happy, Katie – you’re an inspiration. Thanks for all that you contribute to the world! Can’t wait to hear about more of your adventures!
By the way- was the concert Korn and Rob Zombie? My boyfriend and I flew to Corpus Christi just to see it. It was so fun!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:33 pmThis one was in DC, so not the same. But I had a lot of fun too!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
23rd December 2013 at 2:01 amCongratulations on your new adventure! What an exciting time! I must also say that you look FANTASTIC in that last photo – healthy and glowing!
EVA says
23rd December 2013 at 2:37 amDid….did you get to go to the Twins of Evil concert?! (referring to your Rob Zombie experience) I’m fuming in a jealous rage right now.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:36 pmNo, the opening band was Scar the Martyr (not sure if you know them… I didn’t!)
EVA says
25th December 2013 at 11:09 pmHaha I do! Katie’s even cooler than I thought!
Nikki @ The Road to Less Cake says
22nd December 2013 at 9:46 pmI recently moved from the north of England to Scotland for a job. Kind of crazy and even crazier that my boyfriend followed me.
Nicole says
23rd December 2013 at 3:39 amFirst of all, congrats on your new place! It’s always great to follow your passions wherever they lead you 🙂 I’m also a very passionate person so I get it!
The most recent risk I took was deciding to recover from an eating disorder and committing myself to it. I still struggle, but every day is a little easier, and the emotional risk I took when putting myself into treatment is SO worth it!!
Sara says
23rd December 2013 at 3:44 amWelcome to the East Coast! Just north of DC is a vegan restaurant called Great Sage, which constantly wins awards for itS amaaaaazing vegan food. It’s in a plaza called Conscious Corner, with lots of beautiful animal and earth friendly shopping. I’m always looking for a reason to go, so if you get the urge to take a little trip (about 30 minutes), I’d love to meet up for yumminess! And shopping. Always shopping.
Karen says
23rd December 2013 at 3:57 amConratz on your new home! It’s weird what life throws at us sometimes but we learn to accept it. Good luck on your new place (:
Erin | The Emerging Foodie says
22nd December 2013 at 11:05 pmCongrats, Katie! What a fun, new adventure! You are definitely super courageous. That color of pink looks awesome on you, by the way! 🙂
Katy says
22nd December 2013 at 11:33 pmThis is so exciting, I really loved reading this Katie. I can relate to your passion, and the feeling of wanting to stay in a place because of developing relationships with the place and people around you. Best of luck in your new adventure. 🙂
Stella says
23rd December 2013 at 7:54 amYou look so healthy and happy and hot! haha so glad to hear you are doing well 🙂
Kate @ Coffee with Kate says
23rd December 2013 at 3:45 amWow, great for you Katie. It’s inspiring to hear about others making “ballsy” moves. Good luck in NYC.
I also just read your Blogger Beginner posts. Thanks for all the great advice! Since I’m just starting out, I love reading other blogger’s tips.
http://www.coffeewithkate.com
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says
23rd December 2013 at 3:59 amAwesome! how exciting! Best of luck in this new stage of your life!
Katie @ Cake Vs Scales says
23rd December 2013 at 9:14 amOh my Katie – You look fantastic..Of course you’ve always been as beautiful as your amazing looking recipes but not running is really suiting your shape (as in you look so healthy).
Enjoy your new life and furniture shopping is fun, just not as fun as eating chocolate! 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:39 pmI agree :). More time, more energy, and the added bonus of new curves… I think it is safe to say I really don’t miss running at all and only regret not quitting sooner.
Sara says
23rd December 2013 at 10:08 amI guess the most recent risk was to become 100 % well and recovering from an eating disorder no matter what people ((incl. myself)) would think of my body. It is so painful, but I know that it is worth it. 🙂
Btw, you look gorgeous! You’re such an inspiration, and my favorite part of your blog is actually this kind of personal stuff. Keep it up 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:45 pmThank you so much, Sara! And good luck!
Lisa says
23rd December 2013 at 10:39 amWow cool! Seriously admire your courage. Hope you’ll love your new town (is it D.C?), and that you’ll, in the future, make it to the oh-so-awesome New York, which I myself dream of to sometime call my home. Best wishes!!!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
24th December 2013 at 7:46 pmYes, D.C. 🙂