Thankful + Changing the Site to Andie Mitchell

pink vintage armchair
Almost six years ago, to the day, I was working in a high rise in Philadelphia, on a movie set with Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd, and Reese Witherspoon. The job was coming to an end, as film projects always do, and I was happy. Even though I’d enjoyed being a production assistant (as completely unglamorous as that position can be), I was also ready to move in a different direction.

I wanted to share all the food I was making at home, to write about the new relationship I’d made with food, talk with other people about weight loss and balance and what a torturous beast maintenance can be. And I knew that I could do all of that…if I started a blog.

The day I bought the domain canyoustayfordinner.com, the film job I had taken to follow that one in Philly had just abruptly folded, and all of us lost our jobs on the spot. There Daniel and I were, stuck in a lease in Hamden, Connecticut until May. I sat at my computer, and for a gray day in February, felt spring.

I fell hard with food blogging, with the same intensity that makes me free fall into love. I blogged three times a day then. It was insane, absolutely, and so cringe-worthy, yes, but oh I just loved it. I didn’t have brakes I could’ve pumped at that point in my life. And I’m not sure I would’ve used them even if I knew how.

Me and You Typography

When people (you) started coming to read, it was amazing to me. When I cooked, so did you. When I talked about weight loss, you wrote back. When Daniel and I broke up in 2011, you felt it; I know you did, because you told me so. When I fell off the map, struggled hard in 2012, and re-emerged with a post about crippling depression, you knew, and you had waited, and you were there to say, “I understand. And I love you.” When I gained weight in 2013, gave a Ted Talk, and told you about my shame, you reminded me that you don’t need me to be perfect–a lesson I work on every day of my life. And when I published It Was Me All Along, and worried about sharing so much of myself with millions, you came out in droves with your unbelievable kindness. You make me know, every day, who I’m writing to, and why I’m writing, and what I’m so unbelievably grateful for.

 

Blogging is not journaling. It’s an attempt at sharing—at starting a conversation. If it were meant to be a diary entry, I’d just jot down my thoughts into the pages of one of the 20 beautiful Rifle Paper Co. notebooks I’ve picked up at Target in the last two years, and stuff it in my nightstand. But no, because you’re here, sometimes listening, and sometimes talking back.

Thank You Typography Script

I know I’m past Thanksgiving by a few days, but I’m chronically late and if my mother hasn’t rectified her lateness in nearly 60 years, I have very little hope for myself. But that’s not the point. The point is, I am thankful for you every single day.

Changing to AndieMitchell.com

I changed the site to Andie Mitchell for two reasons: one because I felt like I was outgrowing Can You Stay for Dinner? and it didn’t seem to encompass all the many things I share now—about weight loss, about life, about me. The second reason, and a more obvious one, is that, as an author, none of my books carry that name—my memoir is It Was Me All Along and my cookbook, out this spring, will be Eating in the Middle: A Mostly Wholesome Cookbook. My name is what ties all that I write and create together, and I like that. I feel comfortable moving into that, even though it feels a little…I don’t know, grand, maybe?

All the links out there (on blogs, Pinterest…you name it) will redirect automatically from canyoustayfordinner.com to andiemitchell.com, so don’t worry if you’re still clicking them, or typing the old address into your search bar for a while.

I hope you’re at home here, that you come over regularly, and you feel comfortable enough to chat and share as if you were sitting on my couch (because we eat here, too).

I love you,
Andie

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48 thoughts on “Thankful + Changing the Site to Andie Mitchell

  1. tK

    It’s been so amazing to follow both your personal and professional journey all these years. You’ve been an inspiration and a comfort and even a support (you once promoted my old blog for me when I was trying to win a contest!). Thank YOU!

    Reply
  2. Elise

    six years already!? my goodness… i can’t even believe that. i have loved following your posts and your book was so touching and inspiring. congrats on all that you have accomplished. also, i LOVE the new feel of the blog.

    Reply
  3. Hayley B

    I’m thankful for you, Andie! Your story completely changed my life and in March of this year, I decided to put some of your tools into action and I have lost 81 lbs so far. It all started when I saw someone’s post on Pinterest about you and your weight loss. I still have more to lose, but I’m eternally grateful for your story and your honesty. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Ali

      Great work, Hayley. I’ve lost a significant amount of weight too and know how hard and rewarding it is. So many of this share this story- I’m cheering for you!

      Reply
  4. Lori Smestad

    Andie,
    You are such an amazing young lady. From where you’ve been to where you are now…so much growth both mentally and physically. Weight loss is a journey…I know it well. Hiding behind my clothes, fat, making choices that allow me to stay hidden. You inspire…loved your book and look forward to reading your blog! Thank you for sharing you!

    Reply
  5. Carol Hansen

    Andie,

    Oh Yay! Soooo excited for you and to hear and watch your story unfold. You have encouraged me not only in weight but that at 50 I can still loose the weight I have always wanted to in the way I want to but also to go for my dreams…did you know you have that affect on people? Well you do sweet girl! Congrats! xoxoxo

    Reply
  6. ErikawithaK

    When I clicked on my “Can You Stay For Dinner?” bookmark, I was surprised to be redirected here! And you know what? I love it! It’s come full circle! I’ve been reading your blog for years. I’m not sure if it’s been quite 6 years, but it’s been close to that!! Thank you for being so personal with me, a devoted reader. Although we don’t know one another, I feel like I know you. Thank you for always sharing yourself with me. You inspire me daily…more than you know.

    Reply
  7. Heather

    You’ve been a constant source of encouragement, knowledge, support and guidance for years…. Even though we’ve never met. I look forward to every post you write. On days when I don’t think I have it in me I read a post, a recipe, listen to your TED talk… And remember it is possible. The journey to a healthy lifestyle is anything but easy and you often remind me to be a little easier on myself. Your humor and honesty remind us all we are human. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!!

    Reply
  8. Melissa

    The new site is GORGEOUS Andie, just like your spirit and smile. Love it and love experiencing this journey with you. Thank you for continuing to encourage and inspire. Can’t wait for the cookbook! xoxo

    Reply
  9. Amanda

    Thank you for being here for me to go to. Reading your book and now your blog helps me remember I’m not alone on this road. That sometimes we make a wrong turn, but we’ll eventually find our way back. Thank you for sharing your life, it’s means more than you know.

    Reply
  10. Christi

    Such a sweet post, Andie! I love the changes to the site, and also…I have to tell you…I’ve been cooking your recipes for three weeks straight. Trying them all and they’re delicious!!! I’m learning to cook, learning to eat healthy, and you’ve been a huge inspiration. I’m so thankful for you!

    Reply
  11. Ali

    Your gratitude is so real. Even through my crappy, cracked iPhone 4, I can feel it. I lost a lot of weight too, and started my loss the same year you did. I was in the same year in college and had no idea what I was doing, but now here I am, 30 and feel so connected to your story. I can’t help but feel excited for the change your blog is taking. I’m having a tummy tuck and breast lift next week (to remove all those “lovely” reminders weight loss leaves behind.) Wondered if you (or any other readers!) could share any lingering memories you have of that surgery/recovery experience. I’m excited, but feeling a bit nervous and knew if any one would have perspective on the subject, it would be you. Thank you for your continued honesty and ability to start a conversation.

    Reply
  12. Caryn

    When you wrote about your cookbook up there, I left the post in the middle of the sentence to look it up on Amazon and didn’t come back until I had pre-ordered it!

    I’ve been following your blog for awhile now, and just adore your writing. I always feel like you’re speaking right to my soul. I’ll read whatever you write no matter what your site is called!

    Reply
  13. Elaine

    You know that I love you (we’ve talked about that before) but I could not be more happy and excited to see the new website and hear about all your success! You have made weight loss seem manageable, and maybe even enjoyable, to me and for that I tell everyone I know about you. Can’t wait to keep reading! XO

    Reply
  14. Ashten

    Andie I’ve read your blog for years. I empathized with your weight struggle and your battle with depression. I cheered when you published It Was Me All Along, and read it cover to cover in about a week. You have always felt like a friend: someone I could share a coffee and doughnut with and have an authentic conversation with. You are such an inspiration to me and I hope you’ll never stop sharing your story.

    Reply
  15. Sarah

    I dont remember at what point I started reading your blog, because as soon as I started reading, I knew I wanted to know the whole story. So, I went back to the very beginning, the very first entry and read every single entry until that current day. And, now I subscribe and LOVE seeing your updates, and I was so sad when you were gone, but so elated when you came back! I feel like you are an old friend – and I hope that isnt creepy since I dont comment too often! If you are ever in Chicago…. :)

    Reply
  16. Jana

    Yay! Your new book has a TITLE! I am so excited about your cookbook and can’t wait for the publication. I often wonder how your Mom is doing.

    Reply
  17. Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog

    I absolutely love the new site name, it totally ties everything together (and is super beautiful, like you! Can’t wait for your upcoming cookbook to be released, I have read your book multiple times and love it more and more with each read-you’re such an inspiration and an awesome lady!

    Reply
  18. Karen Montalvo

    Thank YOU Andie! I found you by chance online somewhere. I found your TED talk. I was crying right away, because you resonated deep within my heart, subconscious–you name it! And i remember thinking it then, as I do now… She gets it! She gets ME! So, thank you. For knowing that you had something special to share. We are all so grateful. Blessings to you!! <3

    Reply
  19. Pam

    Only your blog and book have ever been able to capture my thoughts, feelings, and relationship with food so accurately. Love your blog, your book, and can’t wait for the cookbook! Thanks for sharing always!!!!

    Reply
  20. Daniela

    I have followed your blog for several years now and I just love how genuine you have always been. It’s like you’re chatting about life with a dear friend over a glass of wine. Congrats on everything! And thank you for being here.

    Reply
  21. Lori

    You could call this site “The Adventures of Watching Paint Peel” and I would continue to read it with fervor.

    Thanks for continuing to be you and sharing it with the world. :)

    Reply
  22. Sally Head

    Just read your book, and at just the right time. I’ve just lost forty-five pounds and with both my birthday and Christmas coming I’m tense about the temptations coming my way. Your spin on maintence is helping. Thanks Andie

    Reply
  23. Anne F.

    Hey Andie! I’ve missed you!!! For some reason I have not been getting your blog each time there is a new addition. I think I sent a message to you???? Pea brain thinks so… I’ve tried to re-subscribe but “it” tells me I am already on the list. So what do I do now? Sorry to put this in comment section….. Agree with Lori above…. Whatever you write, I will read. Have a great holiday!!! Looking forward to your continued success and excitement in 2016!

    Reply
  24. Susan

    Andie- so happy to find your site. It’s New Years’s Day and I just finished your book. Really great read- very inspirational. But I have to know, Did you get back together with Daniel? That part of the book just broke my heart, even though I totally appreciated how strong you were. Happy New Year!!

    Reply
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  26. Shannon

    Hi there,
    I just wanted to say that I came across your blog and story in like 2011, through a Pinterest click I think it was, and a bit you`d written about how you got super burnt out on your treadmill and shortly thereafter took up walking to work as your primary source of exercise, stuck with me. (I actually walk the 30 minutes to my office, too). Anyway, it had admittedly been several years since I had a look at your blog, and I was inspired to refind it today for some random reason and WOW, what a professional transformation happened since my last visit. Congratulations on the great things you`ve clearly accomplished, just by being yourself and telling your own story. Seriously, so inspiring.

    Reply

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