So, this is a post that I’ve been struggling to write, hence why it’s a bit late.

I skipped last year’s NY post altogether, the year prior I posted about what was a very tough year, and before that posted some fun foodie bucket lists.

This year feels really different. I feel like I’ve got the basics pretty covered – love, shelter, fun blogging community, career I really dig, decent hobbies and the love of some fluffy cats.

In no way am I saying everything is perfect, but I’ll be damned if this isn’t the closest I’ve ever felt.

Things are all around pretty lovely – and I don’t share that in a braggadocios way – but kind of in a “what the hell?” way. It’s a weird feeling – that’s kind of hard to accept – and oddly makes me feel guilty, what is that?!

So, I’m trying to figure out what in the world I’m supposed to do with this odd happiness and strange ease I’m feeling. Sappy alert, or what? I tend to thrive in a bit of chaos, and kind of like having uphill battles, so that’s perhaps why this year – for the first time – I decided to make some resolutions.

I thought I’d share some of my thoughts for things I’d like to work on in the new year – some foodie related, others not – because I think if I tell y’all, I have to follow through? Ha! So, I’m sharing the below because I’ve been kind of excited about making some of these changes. While minor, a lot of these things have been swimming in my head because I’ve been allowed to focus more on the day to day details (smelling the roses, if you will). Curious about what you all have decided on changing in the new year, if anything, and whether you can relate to the below?

So without further adieu – here’s my list for 2018!

Foodie Related Goals

So I have three things to correct in this department, that I’m embarrassed to confess.

1.) I am a food waster.

2.) We order in WAY too much.

3.) I don’t ask friends for help.

The top two things are related. While Sir Dave and I are busy, there is no excuse for the amount of groceries I buy with good intentions, and then end up throwing out. I have a horrible mentality that in order to cook, it has to be epic, garnished and blog-worthy. During the week, I’m just too tired! But for some reason I’ve convinced myself that buying a jarred marinara and a box of noodles is simply unacceptable. That is ridiculous. So in posting this I’m giving myself permission to accept a little less-epic on the weekdays and do some better meal planning. I’ve already been doing better – pork loin? Throw it in the oven. Frozen White Castle Sliders? Why the hell not? Am I the only blogger who does this?

The third point is in relation to being a food blogger. Anytime I have a party, I take it all on. I overdo it (which I learned my lesson on during my 5-year celebration dinner party) and my sweet friends always ask me what to bring – and I always say “Nothing, I have a food blog, what are you nuts?!” I need to let myself take the help of my very talented foodie friends so I can focus more on my guests and soundtrack. 🙂

The SUPER Minor Non-Foodie Related for Shits + Giggles Goals

1.) I’m going to stop dying my hair. Why is this on a foodie blog? I don’t know, I feel like sharing. I’ve been dying my hair since I was 15 (I’m 36) – and I have no idea what my real hair looks like. I think it’s like this – no laughing:

It’s expensive and seems like a silly thing to keep doing. I stopped straightening my wavy/curly/unruly/weird hair years ago, and it was kind of freeing. Hoping this will be the same. Bear with me as I see what I actually look like. LOL.

2.) Why, oh, WHY do I follow celebrities on Instagram?! After watching Expendables 2 I followed Dolph Lundgren! How in the world is that bettering my day to day? I’m clearing out the people I follow to be those that inspire creativity and positivity, no one else allowed. Love you Dolph, but I don’t need ya.

3.) Some meditation might do me good. Since the big stuff seems to be under control for now, I think it’s fair I let myself have some me-time, which I currently do – however, I don’t let myself be still enough. I’m a busy-body and think taking a minute to breathe could be eye opening. Thanks to my friend Jihad for bringing this challenge to my attention. Muah!

So to end this kinda weird post for a food blog, I’ll say this: I feel really, incredibly lucky and grateful that I had a good year. I know there will be ups and downs ahead as nothing stays near-perfect for long. But I’m trying to take a minute and appreciate the travel, the love, the friends, the food, the cat snuggles, and the family-time I’ve been really thrilled to have this year. It’s been a great year, and I’ll count my lucky stars if 2018 is just as sweet.

Cheers, y’all!