Happy Friday! It’s the ultimate Friday of 2016, the penultimate day of 2016, and the antepenultimate day of my time at home.
And, yes, I was looking for an excuse to use the word “antepenultimate” on the blog. #wordnerd
I didn’t really mean to go a full week between the last post and this one, but I’ve been busy, it happened, and I feel nice and refreshed heading into next year. As it should be. It also works because while I have plenty of memories, I don’t have many pictures from Christmas.
Except of cookies. Typical.
Do you have exciting New Year’s Eve plans? Our tradition is to watch football, play games, and make a bunch of appetizers to snack on for dinner. And then we go to bed pretty much right after midnight. After that, we’re heading back to Chicago in good time on January 1, and winter quarter starts on Tuesday.
Before we kick off the new year, let’s look back at some of our favorites from the past one. Sound good? Let’s do it.
5 most popular blog recipes
I love everything about these - and apparently, you do, too! They’re soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and delicious all throughout. If you’re not into sweet potatoes or just want to switch things up, the flavors would be great with regular potatoes, too.
This is the only non-Paleo recipe that cracked the top 5, and it’s definitely a good one. I mean, vegetables that are flavored like pizza. Vegetables don’t get better than that.
Paleo baking can be a pain. I’ve had lots of fails and lots of, “Eh, that’s fine, but not as good as traditional baking.” These are not that. They’re just really damn good, chocolatey cookies.
This is one of the first Paleo creations I made, and it proved to me that I can still have fun creating in the kitchen, even if I’m loving a Paleo diet. These bars are soft, chocolatey, nutty, and satisfying. Oh, and customizable.
I’ve made this for everyone, and everyone loves it - I’m glad you guys do, too! Looking for a wintry version? Sub the fruit for diced apples and pears and add a little cinnamon.
5 most popular non-recipe posts
- Ehlers-Danlos Awareness: What I Didn’t Know
- Give Yourself Permission
- A Lot of Words on Body Image
- How I Eat More (Even When It’s Hard)
- 4 Valuable Lessons from My Favorite Teacher
5 good things about this year
People keep saying that 2016 was the worst. And, yes, some of it was rough.It’s been a year when I’ve recognized my own anxiety/depression issues, continued to cope with the fact that pain is a constant part of my life, gotten injured, and just really struggled with everything at times. But, truly, every year has its bad moments - and it’s good ones. Let’s focus on those.
- I’ve spent all kinds of time with the people I love most.
- I determined I can graduate from UChicago two quarters early.
- I did yoga teacher training for my 200-hour certification.
- I secured my internship for next summer at JPMorgan Chase.
- The Blue Jackets are actually good this year. And the Buckeyes are, too.
5 things I’m looking forward to next year
- Being done with my undergraduate career.
- Completing yoga teacher training extensions.
- Having a real internship with the possibility of a job to follow.
- Going to Disney… and hopefully running there.
- Growing the blog and continuing to make connections through it.
5 goals I have for next year
- Hold handstand and/or headstand.
- Work as a (part-time) yoga teacher.
- Run a half marathon. Maybe it’s Disney, maybe it’s not.
- Study abroad! Rome, London, and Paris are at the top of my list.
- Work toward being okay with the uncertainty of the future. (I figured it was good to have a super ambitious goal in there.)
Your turn:
What did you love about this year?
What are your goals for next year?
Linking up with Heather
I loved this year, because it was such a year of learning so much grace and not being hard on myself. And I love your New Year’s goals; studying abroad would be AMAZING! <3
That’s such a good lesson to learn! I’m definitely still working on that 🙂
Aya Tsintziras says
Loved reading this! I’ve loved following your blog this year, Ellen, and can’t wait to see more in 2017 xo
Thanks, Aya! So glad to have “met” you this year 🙂
I’m SO glad someone else is pointing out that while 2016 may have been hard, it had some kick ass amazing moments too! I definitely agree that it was rough, but it also had some very special memories for me. Graduating college. Seeing Colorado in the snow for the first time. Moving past my first relationship and learning I could have feelings for someone new. Spending way too much time lazying in bed with college friends. I don’t know what 2017 will bring, but I know it will be an adventure!
You’ve had such an incredible year, Casey! I can’t wait to see what’s next for you 😀
Wishing you a wonderful new year, Ellen <3
You, too, Edye!
I think it’s really fun to see what people’s most popular posts are! Those honey garlic hasselback potatoes do look amazing! Do you find that your recipe posts gain the most traction from Pinterest, web searches, or something else? I know mine have done best on Pinterest!
Me, too! I love end-of-year round-ups. Most of my recipes gain traction via Pinterest, yes! Sometimes if I do link-ups/round-ups with other bloggers, those bring in a little more, but Pinterest is the biggest referrer for recipes. I don’t have a ton of luck with other evergreen stuff on Pinterest, though.
Kerri McGrail says
Yay for being able to graduate early! That is so exciting!! And the yoga teacher training- so cool! Hopefully you are able to find a teaching job at a studio nearby!
Thanks, Kerri! I’m pretty thrilled! And yes, I certainly hope to be able to find a nearby teaching gig 🙂
hope you had a wonderful new years eve ellen <3
You, too, Lyss! Hope your 2017 is off to a lovely start!