Hello, wonderful friends!
Prepare for an exciting reveal! Welcome, truly welcome, to the brand new home of my heart and soul: The Curious Plate. This isn’t just a website; it’s the culmination of years of dreaming, growing, and a profound journey of discovery. I have so much exhilarating news to share, so many stories to unfold, that the most authentic way to introduce this complete brand evolution is to begin right at the very start.
But before we embark on this exciting new chapter together, allow me to pose a question that has resonated deeply within my own life:
Do You Ever Feel That Deep-Seated Restlessness?
It’s that undeniable internal nudge, a subtle yet persistent feeling that something in your current life isn’t quite aligned, or perhaps, it’s simply time for a fresh challenge. For me, that profound sense of restlessness began to stir three years ago. I remember it vividly – I was on a much-needed family vacation at the beautiful Table Rock Lake. Surrounded by the warm sunshine, the tranquil rush of water against the boat, the rhythmic foam and ripples, I felt a safe harbor, a moment where the simmering need for change could finally bubble to the surface and demand attention.
At that time, I had recently celebrated the launch of my beloved cookbook, “Modern Comfort Cooking,” and my blog, “Climbing Grier Mountain,” had been a cherished part of my life for nearly a decade. I adored it – the creative process of cooking, the joy of snapping photos, the shared meals, and the incredible community of friends I had built. Yet, despite all this success and happiness, an undeniable itch had begun. This subtle yearning for something more had already prompted me to reach out to a reputable branding agency, casually inquiring about the possibility of “maybe a new name for my blog.”
Then, during that very trip to Table Rock Lake, my phone rang. It was the team from Gardner Design, calling to present a potential new name. My immediate reaction? A mix of excitement and sheer panic. You see, naming my first business and watching it become fairly successful had been a huge milestone. The thought of fundamentally changing something so integral to my identity, something that had served me so well for so long, was undeniably daunting. It truly was a scary thought to seriously consider changing it.
However, amidst the initial apprehension, a powerful realization struck me. This change couldn’t simply be superficial; it had to be more profound than just swapping out a name. I needed to envision and create an entirely new, expanded digital space – a platform that would offer both myself and my cherished readers something deeper. I yearned for a brand that embodied more heart, more thoughtful engagement, and ultimately, more tangible, real-life value. My mind raced ahead, buzzing with possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose.
And then, as often happens, my burgeoning desire for significant change collided head-on with the messy, unpredictable realities of everyday life.
We were living in a charming but incredibly tiny house in Denver, one where simply turning around often felt like a carefully choreographed maneuver. So, in the summer of 2018, shortly after that pivotal Table Rock Lake trip, I found myself idly scrolling through Zillow, purely for the fun of it. My curiosity was piqued, wondering what hidden gems might be available in the vibrant Denver housing market.
That casual scroll led me to an extraordinary discovery: an old, character-filled house situated on a generous corner lot in a truly wonderful Denver neighborhood. What made it even more astonishing was its proximity – a mere twelve blocks from our existing home. And the most compelling factor? The price was unbelievably affordable for Denver real estate standards. So, instead of diving headfirst into the complex process of a blog name change, life took an unexpected detour. My husband, Mr. B, our beloved bulldog Juniper, and I packed up our lives and moved into this fantastic old house that was brimming with potential, and a whole lot of necessary work.
The renovation journey began immediately. We ambitiously tore out the entire upstairs, meticulously preserving just one guest bedroom as our temporary sanctuary. Mr. B, with his incredible talent and dedication, took on the immense task of installing an entirely new heating and air-conditioning system, expertly tiling a shower from scratch, and laying beautiful new flooring throughout. Just as we were finding our rhythm in this whirlwind of renovation, life presented another beautiful surprise: in January of 2019, I became pregnant with our son, Charlie!
With Charlie on the way and the house renovation in full swing, I made the conscious decision that I simply wasn’t emotionally ready to undertake a full overhaul of my blog and business. If I was going to transform a brand that had been a cornerstone of my life for over a decade, I wanted to be fully present, mentally and emotionally. I wanted to dedicate my complete focus to such a significant endeavor.
I optimistically thought that after Charlie was born, I would find the perfect window of time to thoughtfully consider how to change and update my brand. Oh, how quickly I learned! I had completely underestimated the sheer, demanding, yet incredibly rewarding work of being a new mom. Trying to tap into deep creative reserves when you are utterly sleep-deprived is, to put it mildly, not an ideal scenario. So, once again, the grand plan for the name change was tabled.
It’s a truth no one truly prepares you for: you can intensely crave a profound change, yet life, in its infinite wisdom, keeps presenting new, wonderful, and sometimes challenging circumstances that gently, or not so gently, pull you in different directions. Let’s just say that ‘change is strange.’ It undeniably operates on its own unique and often unpredictable timetable.
And then, without warning, change took an even stranger, more global turn.
The Pandemic of 2020 arrived, sweeping across the world and, like countless others, forcing me to completely re-evaluate and make entirely new plans. Each day became an exercise in finding small pockets of positivity and resilience. One of my most cherished routines during the height of the Pandemic was taking a quiet morning walk around our neighborhood, using that time to listen intently to “The Science of Success” podcast.
I will forever remember the specific episode featuring Michael Bungay Stanier, the acclaimed author of “The Coaching Habit” and “Advice Trap.” He delved into a concept that utterly captivated me: the profound idea that curiosity is, without a doubt, our greatest superpower.
Michael’s approach, as he works with individuals, involves asking deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful questions:
- “What’s on your mind?”
- “And what else?”
- “And what’s the real challenge here for you?”
These incisive questions aren’t just conversational prompts; they are powerful tools designed to encourage genuine self-reflection. They compel people to pause, to truly take the time to be curious about their own lives, their motivations, and their deepest desires. And when we generously give ourselves that invaluable space and time to be truly curious – to explore without judgment – the transformation is remarkable. We become more mindful of our inner landscape, cultivate greater humility in our understanding, and begin to foster a deeper sense of empathy for both ourselves and those around us.
This podcast episode was nothing short of a lightning-strikes-moment for me. I distinctly remember shouting aloud during that walk, a spontaneous burst of clarity: “THIS IS IT!” On that transformative morning, everything clicked into place. I came full circle, finally understanding what The Curious Plate was truly meant to embody. It was never just about a name change; it was about embracing an entirely new philosophy, a fundamental shift in perspective that would guide everything I created.
My Core Mission for The Curious Plate: To Empower Individuals to Embrace and Cultivate Their Own Curiosity.
My vision for this new platform is to share my own journey – my delightful trials and occasional mishaps in the kitchen, my invigorating travels across the globe, the insights gained from writing a cookbook, the beautiful chaos of raising a child, the unwavering companionship of a bulldog, and the enduring wisdom gleaned from fifteen years of marriage – all to illustrate how I’ve intentionally used curiosity as a powerful catalyst for personal growth. I am committed to continuing this practice of being curious about my own evolving life, and in doing so, I deeply encourage you to cultivate that same profound curiosity about yours.
Through this journey, I have discovered invaluable truths:
- You possess the incredible capacity to teach yourself anything you set your mind to.
- Embracing risks, even when the outcome is uncertain, is almost always a valuable endeavor, leading to growth regardless of success or failure.
- Boldly following your innate sense of wonder and allowing it to guide your path will inevitably pay profound dividends, both tangible and intangible.
- There is an unparalleled thrill, a unique satisfaction, in the act of creating something truly remarkable from what initially appears to be nothing.
So, after three years of patient gestation, careful planning, and profound personal evolution, this is why I am so thrilled to announce the transformation of Climbing Grier Mountain into The Curious Plate. I firmly believe this new name and brand identity best encapsulates this enduring sense of wonder and exploration that continues to fuel me, inspiring me to keep creating, keep learning, and keep sharing.
And Now for the Rest of the Story: A Glimpse into the Future of The Curious Plate
You might be wondering, what exactly will The Curious Plate look like as we move forward together? How will this transformation manifest in the content you’ve come to love and expect?
First and foremost, rest assured, the core content you’ve always enjoyed here won’t undergo a jarring somersault change. Instead, it will evolve, becoming richer, deeper, and more elevated. My beloved recipes will continue to be a cornerstone, still passionately focused on delivering easy-to-follow, incredibly tasty, and deeply comforting food that nourishes both body and soul. You’ll find new culinary adventures, seasonal delights, and timeless favorites, all crafted with simplicity and flavor in mind.
However, alongside the delicious recipes, I will also be artfully sprinkling in more compelling story-driven content. These narratives are designed to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and further empower your curious mind. This includes personal insights into balancing a creative career with family life, explorations of innovative approaches to everyday challenges, and reflections on the invaluable lessons learned through curiosity. I promise this expanded journey will truly FEED YOUR CURIOSITY in ways you never expected, offering inspiration and practical takeaways beyond the kitchen.
Alright, let’s embark on a quick, exciting tour of the new and improved website. . .
We’ve completely reimagined and redesigned our homepage! My primary goal was to create an intuitive, visually appealing gateway that allows you to effortlessly navigate and easily access all the diverse content you’re seeking. Whether you’re in search of mouth-watering recipes, vivid travel recaps, insightful entrepreneurial posts, or heartwarming motherhood stories, everything is now just a click away, thoughtfully organized for your convenience and discovery.
One of the most exciting new features, designed with your browsing experience in mind, is our advanced recipe sort functionality. This powerful tool empowers you to filter and pinpoint the exact recipe you desire with incredible ease and precision. Whether your search is guided by dietary preferences (like gluten-free or vegetarian), a specific cooking method (such as slow cooker or baking), or even by the season, it’s all fully customizable and incredibly simple to navigate, ensuring you find what you need quickly and efficiently. Imagine effortlessly discovering new dishes tailored exactly to your lifestyle and culinary interests!
Adding an entirely new dimension to The Curious Plate family is the launch of our exclusive Merchandise Shop! Introducing The Stay Curious Collection – a carefully curated assortment of high-quality tees and hoodies, charming home goods, versatile tote bags, and captivating wall art. Each item has been thoughtfully designed to not only be beautiful and functional but also to serve as a constant source of inspiration, encouraging you to nurture and celebrate your curious mind in every aspect of your life.
Alright, now that you’ve had a sneak peek, please take your time to explore every corner of the new website! Dive into the recipes, read the stories, and discover the inspiration. I am so eager to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you might have. I am genuinely thrilled and immensely grateful to have you join me on this exciting, unfolding new journey. Together, let’s continue to explore, create, and grow!
With much Love and a spirit of Curious Cooking,
Lauren Grier