Thank you for a great year!

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As the end of the year rapidly approaches I want to take a moment to sit and reflect on this past year…

I must say I am feeling incredibly grateful to all of you for popping onto my blog even if for a nano second. Your supportive comments, feedback, likes, shares, pins and tags have really made this love I have for sharing food totally worth it.  If not for you who would read my blog post on 5 reasons to love Frozen Broccoli Florets? You read that one right?!  My sister thought that one was a hoot. Not because it was meant to be funny but because I was genuinely excited to share it.

And let me just take a moment to thank my sister for encouraging me to start my blog and whom without I could have never have embarked on this journey or even figured out how to publish a post.  She is one of the most amazing women I know! 

I know I am not winning any prizes in the writing department or a James Beard award for my cooking, but I do know nothing makes me happier than sitting down to write a blog post and share a recipe. Whether its CreamyChicken Chardonnay or a fun Pisco Porton Peruvian Margarita I made with my favorite Mason Jar Shaker … I really just love doing what I do.  

This year I also had the experience of preparing cooking events with a group of local senior citizens.  Although most of them could teach me a thing or two in the kitchen, the time I spent with them this past year was invaluable.  I was able to bring them recipes and ideas on easy winter meals using the crockpot where I showed them a fun Crockpot Baked Ziti idea.  I also did events with them on eating healthy with grains like Quinoa and made them a greek yogurt pesto for our mediterranean feast. To finish up the year I prepared a “Small Thanksgiving” which included mini muffin stuffing cupcakes, and homemade cranberry sauce.  Spending time with the senior community was definitely a highlight of my year.  

In addition to sharing some of my favorite recipes on the blog I have had some great moments, met some great people and attended some great events and shows this past year.  One of the best moments of my year was when my Avocado Mash received honorable mentions in the @rachaelraymag’s Instagram #snackattack contest. Quite honestly this small mention was one of the biggest highlights of my year.  

 Another highlight of my year was making some great new friends and contacts both in person and through social media.  All these new acquaintances that I have had the pleasure of meeting are all girls girls, supportive, and helpful.  They share so many of my same interests like blogging, social media, being in the kitchen, and some even love sharing food like me. 

I just want to give a few shout outs to some of my new friends. Starting with my baking buddy Rosemarie from Heavenly Treats by Rosemarie, it’s crazy how we just met a year ago and I feel like I have known her forever;

 also a big shout out to Erin and Shawna from Emma Westchester you are the great connectors and I am so glad that we met;

 

Jenn from @G’s Dreams for all your invaluable advice (I still owe you some cookies), Katie from Intoxikate we share a great passion for food; Lauren from The Scarsdale Hamlet Hub you are always so kind and supportive each time we meet. In one way or another you have all been incredibly helpful and kind and your friendship and acquaintanceships are very much appreciated!  I am so glad to add you to my friend bank! 

And I even got to spend a great day at The Chew with some long time friends….

 

The most important part of my year is every moment I get to share with my family. I live and breathe for them and I can’t thank them enough for supporting me all year through. Weather I am busy trying to blog, Instagramming my latest food pics, or baking and running my homemade Cookie business (Biscotina), my family (especially my husband) stand by me through all the craziness.  I especially love that before we eat my kids stop and ask “Mom did you get a picture of that?” as if it’s totally normal!

 

I am looking forward to 2015 and wish you all good food, good spirits, and good times!