Things look a little different around here, don’t they?
After seven years of blogging at Words to Eat By, the time has come for a little reinvention—not of myself, since I’ve been changing and evolving all this time. Of the blog. See, when I started Words to Eat By I was a publishing-industry burnout turned aspiring food writer, newly married and just starting to try for a baby (in fact, I’d already had a miscarriage, though I didn’t share that then). My first tagline announced what I intended the blog to be: Thoughts on Food, Writing, and Everything Else.
But time did what it always does: It changed things. Me, mostly, going from an aspiring food writer to a real-live one, from an aspiring mom to an often frazzled, occasionally very nice mother of a five-year-old. And lucky for me, those two parts of my life have intertwined and combined and resulted in Parents Need to Eat Too, first as a cooking class for new parents, soon as an honest-to-god cookbook, and starting today as a blog.
Since the intersection of food and family has become the focus of this blog—of my career, of my day-to-day—it seemed logical to adjust the site to reflect that. Which is what you’re looking at right now. The changes are all visual, with one big exception: Instead of being called Words to Eat By, the site is now Parents Need to Eat Too: Debbie Koenig’s Words to Eat By. Makes sense, no? Just to reassure you that yes, you’re in the right place, we’ve kept an artichoke in the header (though it sure looks different than the old one!)
Let’s take a quick tour, mkay? Please bear in mind that there may still be some glitches here and there—in fact, if you come across any, please let me know!
Stretching across the very top of the page are what I think of as the Big Deal links: a get-to-know-me page, info on my book, blog archives by date and category, a thorough recipe index (way better than the old one, and still being tweaked as I write this—it’s gonna be awesome), clips from my freelance work, the blogroll, and info on the surprisingly numerous ways to contact me.
Swing your attention to the left column, where you’ll see a Search button followed by four pretty little tiles—each takes you directly to the recipes in four if-you’re-a-parent-you-need-these categories (Nap-Friendly Recipes, Quick Suppers, Pantry Cooking, and Nutritious Nibbles). Beneath them are a handful of other categories you might find interesting. Take your time, browse a little. I’ll wait.
OK, back? Moving on to the right side, at the top is (surprise) a big honking picture of Parents Need to Eat Too, the book (coming soon!). At the bottom, a handy listing of my last ten posts. In between you’ll find something important to me and you, and the key to that G-word in the title of this post: the subscribe box. Put your email address in that little white space, hit enter, and you’ll be sure to receive every new post, straight to your inbox. Or if you’d rather follow me a different way, click the RSS box (the one that kinda looks like a little swooping rainbow) and subscribe via your favorite Reader. The birdie takes you to my Twitter feed, and the “f” goes to Parents Need to Eat Too’s Facebook page. (Join me there, even if you subscribe another way! Lots of conversation happens on Facebook that doesn’t make it to the blog.)
Already a subscriber? I’m 99% sure you’ll keep getting my posts—but just in case, please re-subscribe. It won’t hurt, and that way you’ll never miss a thing. If you’ve been reading here more than a few days, you already know you can trust me; I’ll never use your info for anything other than the actual subscription.
For a little incentive, I’ve decided to do something that’s pretty unusual for me: a giveaway. Any and all new or re-subscribers may enter to win something I guarantee you nobody else can ever raffle off. Something so exclusive, you’ll only find it here on Parents Need to Eat Too. It’s not expensive, but if you’re the parent of a little one (or more) it’s priceless.
Subscribers can enter to win one of three galley copies of Parents Need to Eat Too, the book! Months before anyone else gets to read (and cook from) the book, you might win a galley, just by subscribing to the blog and letting me know. I hate complicated giveaways, so I’ll keep it simple:
- Subscribe to Parents Need to Eat Too, by email or RSS.
- Leave a comment on this post, telling me you’ve done so. It’s fine with me if you’d like to double your chances by subscribing both ways—just leave separate comments. Include your email address (there’ll be a space for it when you leave the comment; don’t worry, nobody but me will see it) so I can contact you when you win!
- Next Tuesday, November 8, at 9PM EST I’ll pick a winner via random.org. Winners will have 24 hours to respond with a mailing address or random.org will choose a replacement.
See, that’s not hard at all. Go, subscribe, enter, tell your friends. I’ll be right here, for at least the next seven years.
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And now, how’s about a round of applause for Ron Doyle, the uber-amazing designer and all-around genius who created this site? He’s pretty smashing.
Wow, Debbie! This looks awesome! What a beautiful job! Congratulations on the new book, it looks fabulous. I look forward to seeing a copy (any chance of getting a UK publisher?)
Thanks, Liz! I hope there will be a UK version at some point. Fingers crossed!
Subscribed! This looks wonderful! I can’t wait! 🙂 Congrats!
I tried, really I did. I’m already a subscriber, but when I try to subscribe via RSS I get this “This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below.” I get directed to a weird mail program when I try using the email option.
In other news, wow this site is beautiful. I love the pantry link on the side. We’re having a ‘Debbie, who I know online’ unmeal tonight. Lemon, mint and pecorino-romano cheese linguine.’ Yum.
Oh, and in awesome news my new little baby takes monster naps in the afternoon from about 1:30 to 5. Perfect for fitting nap-time cooking and a nap of my own in.
I just subscribed! (can’t believe I haven’t been subscribed all these years…just an avid checker). Cannot wait for this book to come out! The website looks beautiful, and I totally love the picture of you and junior :). Coooooome onnnn galley!
I signed up via email! I’m glad I won’t miss your posts!
Oh, and I had trouble with the RSS button, but was able to subscribe that way by manually entering the email address.
I just subscribed via email…I first came across Words To Eat By before you had your little boy, then didn’t see it for a while and then lo and behold, I came back when he had just arrived! Then I had my little girl and I wasn’t on the internet much…but anyhow, food for parents and kids is very much an important topic in my life right now. I’d love a galley so I can read it and then recommend it to all the moms I am helping in the newest phase of my life as a postpartum doula!
Gorgeous site! And the book looks terrific too!
I’m all signed up. The blog is gorgeous! And I’m going to try those cookies you had to leave your husband for!
Not to mention the green smoothie for my meat-eating anti-vegetable boy, Julian! Hope I get a copy of the book!
Tepary you have a magical baby. That sounds awesome. Debbie congrats on making the journey from aspiring food writer to actual published cookbook author! I would be excited to win an aptly named galley!
Debbie this is so exciting. Your new blog looks terrific…can’t wait to see what you cook up here!
Wow Debbie, congrats! The new site looks amazing! I’m so proud of all that you have achieved! xo
I subscribed! love the new look, the pics of you and your son are so incredibly gorgeous!
I’ve resubscribed and really hoping to win the galley copy of the book – either way, can’t wait to get it in its final form!
I am excited for the cook book to come out! I just finished subscribing!
LOVE the new site! It’s really beautiful (and thank you for the artichoke note and pic – I’ve been trying to think of the name of that veggie for days now – it’s a veggie, right?).
I subscribed by email, though I’m not sure it took. Maybe I’ll get a note via email telling me it went through. Looking forward to your posts and info.
Awesome new look!!! Congratulations on the book and I just subscribed to the email option – no problems there:). Crossing my fingers…
Love the new look! And I’ve added you to my RSS reader.
Hi, I am a new subscriber, but have read your blog for some time now. Love the slow cooker recipes as I don’t have a range (stove)! I am connected to you on facebook & now looking forward to updates by email. Keep up the good work!
C.
I’m a huge fan of your recipes and your blog. I’ve resubscribed. I am looking forward to your cookbook. Congratulations!
Hi! ‘Attainable Sustainable’ gave me the tip on subscribing to you so I am a super-newbie. I love the look of your work so I know I will be using it, now I’ve found you! I love food & am a full-time mum of 2 (aged 4yrs & 7yrs)in NZ, one with special needs. I hope it’s ok to ship out to me, if I were to win… 😉 Kia Kaha (stay strong, in our Maori language) xox
Congrats on the new template! It looks great. Ron is very talented, but then so are you.
Signed up by email. Site looks great!
Great news, Debbie! Can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on your book (they can’t have mine).
I signed up through Google reader, does that count? Love the new site.
Love your redesign — and your writing is as engaging as ever.
Congrats on your site and book! I cant wait to get a copy! I just signed up for your email updates to stay in the loop.
Your site looks great. I’m looking forward to reading the book!
Subscribed! The site looks BEAUTIFUL! 🙂
I signed up for the emails. Tried adding your new domain to my google reader, and it goes to the old domain, and doesn’t include this current post, so figured I’d rather be safe than sorry.
I subscribed via RSS on Flipboard. The site is gorgeous, and I am so excited for you!
Hi Debbie – I subscribed to get your posts via email. Not sure why I didn’t do that a long time ago…Congrats on the new site!
The site looks GORGEOUS!!!
Your new site looks gorgeous– congratulations!
I subscribe by email alittlenosh AT gmail.com
Just subscribed to your yummy looking site. As I am helping raise my 5 yr. old grandson, I hope to find healthier recipes to try, for whole family, since he has been raised as a “healthy eater” thus far.
“Your request has been accepted!”
Yay! Congrats again, Debbie. The book and redesigned site are both phenomenal.
Congratulations! I’m do glad things have worked out so well for you! I subscribed again as well.
Congratulations Debbie!
and thanks, I’m looking forward to getting recipe ideas in my in-box
I signed up via email!
Looks fabulous and Im excited to get my hands on your book, one way or the other!
I subscribe! I loooove cookbooks.
I just subscribed 🙂 Your site looks great :)I cant wait to try some yummy recipes!
Glad I found your blog!! I subscribed to your email newsletter. Can’t wait to try some recipes!!
I signed up through email alerts. Thanks!
I subscribed via email! 🙂
I did it… I subscribed and hopefully I’m entered. I love cookbooks. I’m a wanna-be foodie in my mind 🙂
Subscribed via email! =)
I subscribed to the RSS Feed! 🙂
I just suscribed by email! Can’t wait to dig in to your blog!!
I subscribed! Looks awesome & fingers crossed to get my hands on a special early copy!
I just subscribed… can’t wait to check out the site in more detail!
Referred here from CrappyPictures – Looking forward to your suggestions since life with my two kids is naturally crazy, glad to explore your blog! I’d LOVE to get your cookbook – just subscribed via email!
So excited for this book! I’m expecting my first child in April, and I’m sure it will come in handy!
Subscribed via rss – congrats on the blog update! So fun!
Glad to be a new reader and subscriber!
I just subscribed….Excited to try some recipes!!!!
Just subscribed! Looking forward to some great recipe and cooking tips!
I signed up via e-mail. I need this book and your wisdom so badly!
I just subscribed by email! Your book has been on my Amazon wishlist since I read about it a few weeks ago…but getting it early would be AWESOME! 🙂
Wow! Thanks to Amber, over at “Crappy Pictures” for sharing your site. 🙂
I can’t wait to be able to get your posts via email 🙂
I (think I) subscribed by facebook as well…not sure. I definitely liked the page, if that counts. 🙂
I’m getting an error when I try to subscribe…
So glad I found your blog! Following on Twitter (@nenn78) Now off to find you on FB 🙂
I subscribed on my google reader =)
I look forward to using some of your quick supper receipes…more days than not I dont have time to put together an elaborate meal and just usually end up with take out *yak* It’ll be nice to throw together something delicious and quick!
I subscribed through email…
I subscribed via email and RSS. Your site looks fabulous, and the release of your book is highly anticipated my me and my family!
I think I subscribed the RSS way too…not sure…have never done it before…
Can’t wait for the book whether I win one or not!
I subscribed too! The blog looks terrific and I can’t wait to try some recipes, this is exactly the way I like to cook and I am always looking for new ideas!
Leaving a separate comment because I subscribed both ways! Thanks!
Found & “Liked” you on Facebook also!
Email subscriber 😀
I’ve just found you and subscribed.
Liked you on facebook! 🙂
I love your blog. I subscribe by rss and can’t wait to see the new book!
Thanks for making such a great cookbook. And thank you Amber Dusick for showing me her website 😀 I love both of your guys’ sites!!
I subscribed by email. 🙂
I subscribed via email. Can’t wait to see the cookbook (parents get to eat things other than cold mac’n’cheese?).
I subscribed via email thanks to the Crappy referral.
I’m in via RSS. Just found you via Parenting. Illustrated with Crappy Pictures. And I’m so happy I did!
Great site! I’m having trouble subscribing,it gives me a 404 error, so I just “liked” you on Facebook.
New subscriber via facebook!
Just signed up via rss! Great looking website and ideas. We can use all the help we can get around this house:)
Thanks!
Im in now!!! Christn02@cox.net
New subscriber, loving your site, would love a Gally!
Good luck!
I signed up via email!
So excited for this. Just subscribed!
Love the new blog set up! Subscribed via email….
I am subscribed! I need your book – I live in Ireland, but would gladly pay postage if I won and you didn’t want to send it overseas.
Thanks! Will be back for a browse in a bit. Jo
…and subscribed via RSS feed. 🙂
I subscribed via email through the Crappy referral. 🙂
I subscribed! Already pre-ordered the book, but it would be fantastic to win one!!!
Just subscribed, looking forward to reading you, good luck with the new format!
I just subscribed!
subscribed via email, looking forward to the posts 😀
I just subscribed via google reader, hope I did it the right way, I love seeing what’s going on with your blog 🙂
new email subscriber – this looks great!
I’m a new subscriber! I heard about you over at Parenting Illustrated with crappy pictures!
I subscribed via email.
when I tried to subscribe to the RSS I got “this XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it. The document tree is shown below”
and I typo’d my own last name… nice!
All subscribed & ready to read (& eat, too!)
Food has been such an issue with my 5 year old daughter, but my 3 year old daughter will try anything! Can’t wait to check out your posts & recipes!
THANKS!!!!
I also plan on following you on twitter and liking you on fb! Ill book mark too so I can for sure find you again
I re-subscribed – the new site is beautiful!
Congrats on your site facelift
Since it is named ‘Parents Need to Eat Too’ will it include dishes or full meals prepared by kids of all ages for their parents?
Serge
‘The French Guy from New Jersey
http://www.sergetheconcierge.com
Found you via Crappy Pictures…and subscribed 🙂
Subscribed! I need to learn to cook stuff that both my son and I will like!! (my husband is not picky 😉 )
I just found your page and I can’t wait to read more. I just subscribed!
And I subscribed by RSS feed!! 🙂
I subscribed by email. Looking forward to lots of great inspiration from the blog and the cookbook.
I subscribed and joined you on FB! (btw I heard about this blog on the “Crappy Pictures” FB page… thought I’d give her a shout out too 🙂 lol)
I’ve subscribed. I’m excited to see what you have to share.
I subscribed. Looking forward to reading more.
You had me at the title. I subscribed via RSS. Cant wait to read more.
I also subscribed via email to increase my chances. Love a good cookbook!
I subscribed! It sounds like a great book! Love the new site. 🙂
Subscribed! So glad Crappy Pictures recommended your page – cant wait to get meal ideas!
I just subscribed to your RSS. I love your site, I don’t know why I never thought of subscribing before!
Just subscribed to this awesome site! Glad I found you. 🙂
Just subscribed! I’m so excited that I found your blog! With 3 little ones who rarely sleep, I’m always struggling with finding the time and inspiration to eat as I should. I can ‘t wait to explore the site and see what gems I can unearth!
I subscribed! Looking forward to getting help feeding my family!
I’m a new subscriber! 🙂
hi! recipes look great! i have a 7 week old and a 2YO, so i need all the help i can get!
Can’t wait to get down in the kitchen!
awesome, i just subscribed!
Subscribed by RSS feed. Can’t wait to try a new recipe or two! Tired of cold and soggy leftovers that I find on my toddler’s high chair tray.
I subscribed- love the look of your blog. excited to look at the new book!
I subscribed! But, I’m totally buying this book (and some copies for friends). Yay! Thrilled to have been a tester and part of this journey.
Subscribed! Following on Facebook too! YAY!
Now I posted! Thought I forgot something! Yes, I have a 2 year old boy and a 9 month old little girl. 😀 Our family recently went more vegan/raw and have started juicing and such. I started a blog but haven’t done much with it due to pure exhaustion and the fact that my camera SD card adapter died. I look forward to following your blog!
just subscribed–read about you on crappy pictures. great concept…i’m constantly forgetting to eat!!
I just subscribed to your blog! 🙂
I subscribed!
I subscribed! Your cookbook looks great and seems practical for not just parents and guardians, but busy students and novice cooks, as well! I can’t wait to start getting emails 😀
i subscribed. looking forward to getting the emails.
I just subscribed! Great site!
Sent here by Crappy Pictures and excited for some new recipes!
I subscribed! 🙂
I subscribed! Looking forward to tou book.
Subscribed by e-mail. As a new mom learning her way, finding ways for me and my husband to eat too is a dream come true!
Subscribed. So glad I found this. – parent of 2 under 3 and close to going over the edge.
gonna start getting your emails! Can’t wait! 🙂
RSS subscriber as well! 😀
I’m glad to have found your blog via Amber Dusick! Congrats on the book!
I subscribed! great site!
I’ve subscribed! I’ve read your blog occasionally before but this was great incentive to actually subscribe. 🙂 Thanks!
The new site looks beautiful! I am subscribes via RSS – thank you for the giveaway!
I just subscribed VIA facebook and email! Yay!
I subscribed! Dear random.org please pick me!!! <3
Thanks for the opportunity, the new site looks great. Looking forward to some delicious new ideas.
I subscribed to the rss feed – love the idea of your book!
Subcribed and looking forward to your emails…
I signed up by email! I would love to be able to eat again… 😀
Subscribed! So excited about your blog. These recipies are exactly what I need as a FT WOTH momma of two under 5. Thank you!
Hi, I’m new here:) Found your blog via recommendation by Parenting. Illustrated with Crappy Pictures. I love food – eating and preparing – and have a 9 month-old baby. I am so much looking forward to digging into your blog! … and hopefully to receiving a copy of your book, as I have just subscribed via e-mail.
i subscribed! i need fast easy dinner ideas!!!
Just subscribed. Looking forward to taking a look around the website!
Beautiful site! I’m excited to find it. I’m so glad Amber at crappy illustrations gave you a shout out!
Just subscribed. Found you through Crappy Pictures. Both sites are so relevant to my mommyhood right now!
I subscribed. Looking forward to exploring more of the blog and receiving the emails. Thanks.
yay! I am excited to see the book.
So glad to have found you here and on Fb!
Hi, I subscribed via email. Best of luck with your book!
Subscribed by email. Looking forward to your posts arriving in my inbox. I love your lemon and parmesan pasta recipe!
I am always looking for healthy ideas to feed my 2 little guys, and my big guy lol. I look forward to getting emails. Congrats on the book!
I subscribed via email. The new site looks great, Debbie! So excited for you!
Subscribed via RSS (google reader) too!
Subscribed via RSS too!
just found your site via crappy pictures and have subscribed. It looks great
Can’t wait to check it out! I subscribed by email! Thank you!
I subscribed! Excited to read more 🙂
I just subscribed via email. Came across your site on ‘Crappy Pictures’. Looks great, can’t wait to try some recipes!! 🙂
Subscribed! I could definitely use some inspiration in my meal making!
I just subscribed via RSS and had no trouble! Everything looks awesome, so excited to try some of your recipes!
Would love to win. Just found you
All signed up!!
The site looks great. So easy to navigate and clean. Congrats on everything!
I subscribed via email!
I subscribed via rss too!
Me too! Yay!
I’m subscribed! Look forward to some good eating!
I’ve subscribed by email — I’m really looking forward to your book.
I subscribed via email!
Subscribed via RSS, too!
Can’t wait to keep up with your blog. Good luck with the book!
Subscribed! Wonderful stuff Deb, all the way from down under!
I subscribed via email.
Hi! Just subscribed, looking forward to trying out some of your yummy recipes!
i subscribed to your email list. Found you via Crappy Blog 🙂
I subscribed 🙂
I’ve subscribed!!! You are brilliant! Food is so important. Really hoping to win a copy of your cookbook! Will buy it if not :). Excited to share it with my book club girls :). Congratulations!!! Excited to learn more from you!
I’ve subscribed. Congratulations on your new book, it sounds awesome!
I’ve subscribed. I’ve been looking forward to your new website and book since I heard about it over on Crappy Pictures. My 2 1/2 year old has just now decided to be picky about what he eats, so I’m looking for new foods to try. Can’t wait to try some of your recipes!!
I signed up via e-mail. Thanks!
I subscribed. Your new website is beautiful!
Hi. Found you through Facebook. What a great book idea! I tried posting this comment yesterday, but I don’t think it worked and don’t see it here today, so I hope it’s okay to post again. I’ve subscribed and look forward to reading your posts.
Just subscribed, I found you on twitter too, wahoo!
Pictures look awesome…just signed up and can’t wait to read and see more.
Just subscribed! I also made your Quinoa, Chickpea and Walnut salad this evening….mmmmmmmm
Hi! Subscribed via RSS.
Congrats on your first seven years, and I hope the next seven will be even more inspiring for you!
Thanks! I love your blog…
AND your wonderful recipes!
Subscribed! Gorgeous site.
I’m already subscribed. Today’s my birthday though, and what a great present a new cookbook would be!
Just subscribed! Looking forward to your book and reading through your awesome blog!
The new page is awesome! I just subscribed (I’ve only been following on FB until now).
Just subscribed to your blog! I’ve been a reader for a while, but now I will get reminders in my inbox. Looking forward to your book too!
Great site and concept. Looking forward to using the book!
I’ve been following you for years Debbie and am just now seeing I can subscribe. Doh!
Can’t wait to check out your book too!
I think I already subscribe! But I want the book! xoxo
I subscribed on Facebook. I would love to get the book early since my two little guys keep me busy and cooking since I had my first has been a big challenge.
Congrats Debbie! Well deserved, that’s for sure! I can’t wait to read it
Finally subscribed! And now off to go stare at my refrigerator & see what I can put in the pie crust I have leftover from last weeks pot pie…
Subscribed via RSS. I’m not a parent, but I love, love, love the expedient deliciousness of this blog.
Really hope I win! I’d love it for the new baby. You know… the one that is STILL hanging out at 41 weeks! I certainly don’t want to wait until February.
Congratulations! Helping with this book got me a great gig helping to write a cookbook, so your karma is excellent.
Subscribed via email – so looking forward to checking out your cookbook when it comes out (just in case I don’t win 😉 )
Keep up the great & interesting reads!
I subscribed via email! 🙂
The site looks fantastic!!