Looking back on 2011

Hi folks. I want to start by thanking all my readers for such an amazing year. This little old blog started as a lark. It was an easy way to share recipes with friends who lived in different countries. It started with about 3 people and quickly blossomed to 6. Looking back I remember being so excited having 10 people reading, then 15, then more. Now I have to pinch myself every day. This blogging thing has turned into something I did not quite expect. I thank each and every one of you for your loyalty and kindness. You come back every day no matter what craziness is happening here. I appreciate it more than you know. You guys make this a joy to do. Getting to know everyone has been such a huge bonus for me. Talking with people with a shared passion is refreshing. I never get tired of it. I always say I could cook all day every day and never grow tired of it. I have a blast doing it and I hope that reflects in the food and the writing. Life is a wonderful journey if you're open to it. Sure there are obstacles in your path but you learn and grow from each one. You make a choice every day to be positive and have fun in life. I learned early on that life is short. So embrace every moment with a smile on your face and an eclair in each hand. *wink*

I thought I would highlight your faves and mine. Hope you enjoy this look back.

Your Faves of 2011:

NO BAKE BLACK FOREST CHEESECAKE IN A JAR- SEE HERE

THE BEST BROWNIES IN THE WORLD- SEE HERE

ICE CREAM TORTE- SEE HERE

PASTA BAKE- SEE HERE

S'MORES ICE CREAM- SEE HERE

My Personal Faves:

NO FOOD INVOLVED, JUST MY KIDS HAVING FUN- SEE HERE

MINI-ME AND MYSELF TAKE A TRIP TO ST. JACOB'S ONTARIO- SEE HERE

BRINGING HOME LITTLE MALIA- SEE HERE

ANOTHER ROAD TRIP- SEE HERE

APPLEFEST TURNS TO CANDYFEST- SEE HERE

I know right, none of my faves are recipes. They are time with family and road trips. Isn't this a food blog you're asking, how can her faves not be recipes. Well first of all it is way too hard for me to pick a fave recipe. And secondly all of these trips somehow revolved around or were highlighted by food. We were shopping for food in most or having a picnic in one. So they are food related, just not recipes. For me food and family are intertwined in a big way. We have our traditions and many involve food in a big way. So for me the posts that mean the most somehow involve family and time spent together. Our lives have been stressful for so long now that the moments we had to get out and let our hair down are the ones that ring true for me personally.

I hope you enjoyed this look back. I sure did have fun putting it together for you. It's been an amazing year, lots of good times were had. My philosophy is you can sit around moaning how hard your life is, or you can move past and get off your duff and have some fun. I choose fun. Life is way too short, get out there and kick up your heels a bit. You will not be sorry. If you kick your heels up with an eclair in each hand all the better.

Thanks again for being such loyal, dedicated readers. I adore each of you. You and you, and even you. Sometimes you in the back irk the begeezuz out of me but I still adore you. I hope you continue on with my journey to becoming a better cook and baker. I am having a blast exploring new recipes and sharing old faves. You guys make this all worthwhile. Well, maybe not the eating my food cold all the time to get the right shot, but I'm sure I'll get faster soon. I suppose I can't really hold you responsible for my lack of photo finesse and speed. I mean I could, but that would be wrong. So I'll blame the puppy, after all we do blame her for everything.

Toodles and smoochies.xx