2016. Reflections. Gratitude. And the recipes that got the most love this year.
The past year has been my first year of blogging full time. Actually it feels more accurate to say blogging and not being a student too. Because while it takes up all my time, the words “full time” imply that I make a lot more than I do from it than I do.
Blogging has been a part of my life for almost 3 years now, so the bigger shift for me was not being in school for the first time after…(hang on a minute while I count this out) 16 years! There were moments if I would stop and think about that fact it felt weird and still hard to believe. The whole year seemed so much more fluid–no Christmas vacation excitement or August new semester dread.
Being done with college meant being able to give Feasting on Fruit my full attention, which was simultaneously wonderful and scary. Wonderful in that I could post more, create more, and take on new projects. Scary in that it added a lot of pressure. Pressure to take FOF seriously, to take myself seriously. Because I know no one else will until I do. With that came more motivation and excitement coupled, of course, with more stress and bouts of feeling burnt out. One big jumbled mishmash of emotions–that’s what blogging is. All the good parts of life are though, aren’t they?
The months flew. The whole year flew. But it always seems that way looking back from the last week of December. Just like it always seems hard to fathom from the first week of January, that in 12 months 2017 will feel like it flew too. Oh Time, how deceiving you can be.
2016
I intended for this to simply be reflections on 2016, but as the words started flowing it turned into a gratitude list, which I think is even better actually. Like a subconscious reminder that I have a lot to be grateful for from this year…
Daily creativity. Getting to do something I love and be creative with food and photos every single day. And I am grateful for that little voice in the back of my head that reminds me, even when I am feeling a bit burned out, that it is my job to make brownies and taste test cookies and take photos of cake. And that is pretty damn awesome.
Never-ending learning. The curveballs. The late night freakout website-won’t-work moments that force me to dive deeper into the technical side of a website than I ever wanted to go. And things like how to make a square video, how/why to shoot photos in RAW format, how to make red pancakes with turmeric, how to make blue food coloring with cabbage–all these things I never knew I needed to know but now I do. I am always grateful for new knowledge. For life keeping me on my toes as it is so good at doing.
Friends. New and old. Connecting with people online is one of the best part of the internet in my opinion. I am very grateful to be surrounded by so many amazing blogger friends. Grateful for every one of them who has helped me in some way or another, and for every opportunity I have had to return the favor.
One particular new friend. A beaming baking bestie. The kind of friend that you click with immediately and forget that you haven’t known for years. And I know for a fact she and her sweet treats are going big places in this blog world!
New opportunities. And saying yes to them. And embracing the unknown that comes with. Especially this opportunity that I never saw coming but couldn’t be more grateful for.
You. For reading. For the support. For the sweet comments that put a smile on my face. For the not so sweet comments that make me stop and think and challenge me to believe in myself and my work regardless. For every single person who has tried one of my recipes and taken the time to let me know what you think. Whether you hated it or loved it, I appreciate that feedback more than you know.
Top 10 Recipes of 2016
10. Banana Cinnamon Rolls (My personal number 1 though, I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this one!)
9. Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
8. Oat Rawnola
7. Vegan Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
6. Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Flatbread
4. Pumpkin Pie Cups (grain-free)
3. Vegan Gluten-Free Flatbread
2. Fluffy Vegan Pancakes (no bananas!)
My Favorites
Those may be the most popular recipes from the year according to the numbers, but there are a few gems that the stats overlook.
Here are 5 of my personal faves that didn’t make the list…
If there was a stat that could show which recipe made the most appearances in other recipes and in my Instagram feed it would be these. The perfect coconutty color-customizable topping!
Another treat that I have remade countless times because sticky + sweet + spiced + speedy = perfection!
And this cake deserves a shoutout because it may blind us all or send it’s unicorn army after us if I don’t mention it in this post somewhere.
These brownies! So much fudgier than healthy low-fat things should be, I still don’t even understand how.
More unbelievably rich but healthy chocolate decadence, but a spoon is required for this one. Okay, at least suggested.
2017
I have never followed through with a New Year’s resolution. Nor have I ever broken one. That is because I have never made one.
Well not seriously anyways. Who knows what I said or committed to that New Years when I was 6 and I stayed up till midnight feeling like a total rebel for squirting silly string inside while watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas (a little late, huh?) with my super cool 2000 paper glasses on. That is the only New Years Eve I really have vivid memories of, I think I slept through most of the others only to be woken at 11:58 to watch the ball drop through very heavy eyes. Okay 10:58 actually #centraltimezoneproblems
I don’t want to sound cynical or cliche and say “I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions”, but they just aren’t my thing. Too forward-thinking, not in the moment. They say you can “wish your life away“, but I think it is possible to goal your life away in much the same fashion. Constantly living by looking forward to finishing this or starting that or going there. I am absolutely guilty of not always being present, so if I started adding too many goals to the mix I would never check in with the here and now. Just one big ball of anticipation for what’s to come.
I think goals are awesome as long as long as I am enjoying the before, during, and after of achieving them, not just focused on the after.
But despite all of that, I do have a few intentions for FOF in 2017. Nothing concrete or quantifiable, just thoughts and ideas that I want to keep in mind in the coming year…
More savory recipes. My mind is already screaming at my fingers to put a big MAYBE right here. These non-sweet ideas don’t come easy to me, so suggestions/requests are always welcome in this department.
One a month, perhaps? Yes I am in large part writing this here to help hold myself accountable.
Photography experimentation. Not use a white background for every. single. shoot. Bring back some wooden backgrounds and rustic vibes. I love trying to take moody shots and playing with light and shadows, but I am not very good at it. If you don’t know what I mean, check out Aimee’s blog and her crazy-amazing photo skills–that’s what I want to work towards. Just for fun mostly, I love a good photography challenge!
Simplify. Looking at that top ten list it’s pretty clear that easy recipes with minimal ingredients are the clear winners. Right next to healthier versions of classics. I want to focus on the simple recipes, the kind that don’t require crazy ingredients (ahem…fruit snacks) and have a shot at becoming regular staples. You love them, I love them, and I am ready to see something even more scrumptiously simple knock those oreos out of the top spot!
Move. Okay maybe not a blogging goal per say, but something that has been on my mind. I don’t know where or when or how, but I am ready for a new place to call home.
More breakfast recipes. This is not so much a goal as a plan. A plan for January to be exact. For lots of people the new year means new dedication to eating healthy, and breakfast recipes are the best way to package up sweet treats in a more healthfully acceptable form. I already have lots of fun yummy ones in the works and more in my head that I am excited to share! Cake can qualify as a breakfast food, right?
Wishing you a happy New Years and 2017!!
Wow you had one HECK of a year! It’s hard to believe you’ve only been blogging for 3 years, you seem like a pro! I don’t know if I could choose favorite recipe of yours…..I think all of them should be #1 haha! Cannot wait to see your growth in 2017 and more breakfast recipes :)! Well done my friend!
Ha far from a pro, but I get by (somehow lol!) Constant making it up and learning as you go along seems to come with the territory in blogging. I always have the hardest time choosing a favorite too, I’m kinda glad the numbers decide for me. And it’s always interesting to see if I agree 🙂 Thank you for the kind words, and I am so happy to have gotten to know you guys better this year <3
Natalie you are one of the sweetest, most talented bloggers and just one of my favourites in general! I love your creations and always enjoy reading through your posts, particularly this one. I got a big smile on my face when you mentioned my photography – thank you so much! I love your photography a lot too <3
Hope you have a wonderful 2017 filled with lot's more exciting opportunities!
Hugs
Aimee
When I think amazing moody (and not moody, you do both so well!) photos you are the first person that comes to mind!! I admire your photography skills so much Aimee, if I lived closer I would have already popped in and begged you for a moody photoshoot lesson by now 😀 Your blog is most definitely at the top of my list, I always love seeing what new things you come up with! Wishing you a wonderful 2017 <3
This post and you are so inspiring. Your blog is one of my favorites to follow because not only are your recipes gorgeous but you are so authentically you in all that you do, and I so appreciate that! Best wishes in 2017, and if you decide to move to Minneapolis, I wouldn’t be mad! 🙂
That means a lot to me Casey! Especially the authenticity part, because it is something I try really hard to keep in mind always, but (as we all know!) can be really challenging online. Thank you so much for the kind words, and I’ll keep the Minneapolis thing in mind haha 😀 Wishing you an amazing 2017, I can’t wait to see what is to come for you and Two City Vegans!
So fun to see your top 10 recipes! Those little banana cinnamon rolls are TOO freaking cute, Natalie. I can’t wait to try them, I’ve been eyeing them for awhile now! Best wishes to you for an absolutely lovely 2017 – based on what you’ve done here so far I can’t imagine it’ll be anything short of amazing!
You are so sweet Sara, thanks for the kind words! Oh those cinnamon rolls–addictively good I tell you, especially for banana lovers like I know you are too. Even if it was just quite recently, I am really happy to have connected with you! We have very similar recipe styles it seems, and that is always a joy to find 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful New Year, and I can’t wait to follow along with you and Beaming Banana next year!
I’m so happy I found you this year. Your blog is amazing and your recipes always delight me. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2017!
I absolutely agree, I am really really glad we connected 🙂 Thank you for the kind words and I can’t wait to see what amazing places you and your blog and Figberry go next year too!!
This post gave me so many feels!! It’s been incredible to watch you and your blog grow and flourish. I cannot wait to see what 2017 has in store for you, sweet Natalie! Fingers crossed it involves us hanging out and eating all the vegan yums together 😉
Happy New Year!! <3
Hang on while I add “eating all the vegan yums with Leah” to the 2017 goals list, because that NEEDS to happen!! Thank you so much Leah, I am so so grateful to have you as a friend <3 Happy New Year sweet friend!
Natalie, I’m so glad that you took the leap and went full-time. Seeing you grow, getting to know (and love love love) you, and watching you evolve and go through new challenges has been amazing. <3 The world would not be as bright, certainly not as sweet, and most definitely lacking in the specialness that is FoF if you didn't go all in this year.
I love that you did a gratitude list–that's my Natalie, always so kind, giving and grateful. <3 You never fail to astound and inspire me with your endless creativity, thirst for knowledge and ability to take on new challenges. How did I get so lucky to call you my bestie? 🙂 You've made my life feel so much brighter and sweeter on more occasions than I am so fortunate to ever be able to count.
Here's to 2017: a year full of more amazing flatbreads, cups, pancakes, rawnolas and maybe a few more homemade cookies, getting to know you even better (and maybe a sleepover!!!), conquering new mountains and grand adventures (photography, savory and otherwise) with mah bestie. <3 All the x's and o's, Demeter aka Triple B.
Gah I just love this end of the year reflection time as a chance to get all mushy and sentimental for a moment!! YOU have completely made the second half (half? When did we meet, I don’t even remember??) of this year SOOOOOO much more fun and wonderful and filled with smiles 🙂 I appreciate your friendship so very much, I hope you know that <3 What is life without a triple B to chat all the things out with epically long 8 paragraph text essay style!? 😉 Yes that sleepover HAS TO happen!! 2017 will be amazing, I just know it. I cannot wait to see where you and BB are 12 months from now, and I look forward to celebrating all the victories, little and big, with ya! Endless X's and O's right back at ya! <3 <3
Lovely post, Natalie!!! Happy New Year! You should be so proud and make so many good points here! Lots of love, and here’s to 2017!!! 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read Heather, I really appreciate that! Happy 2017 to you <3
You’re welcome! 🙂 Happy 2017 to you too! I hope it’s a good year for all of us! <3
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE YEAR! You’ve accomplished so so much and have evern more in store for 2017!! Your blog and your recipes are seriously some of my favorite things on the internet. I feel so fortunate to have you as a friend and an inspiration!
It will certainly be interesting to see what 2017 brings! I feel very fortunate to have you as a friend in this crazy blog world too, thank you for that <3
Such a wonderful year Natalie! You are definitely the date queen out there! Whenever I think of somebody that posts healthy desserts, yours is the first to come to mind! I loved seeing your top picks of the year, that is always so exciting to see! I loved reading about your plans too. It’s so fun to continually grow and be inspired to try new things, it keeps us from getting stale or bored. SO glad to have connected with you closer, you are such a gem and such a sweetheart!! And thanks to you, I buy dates more often now, lol! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you this new year and always find it so exciting to watch your videos! You rock!
Awww thank you, I will gladly take that fruity title! And if I have YOU buying dates more often then I consider that a win right there haha 😀 Yes!! Never-ending self improvement–that’s the phrase that I always think of and something I definitely crave in any job and just in life. I am so very grateful to have you as a friend and for all your sweet comments and support this year. Happy 2017, I can’t wait to see what it has in store for you too <3
Ok, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through like every single section here and can totally relate. I even spied one of my remakes of your recipes, which made me feel super special ?. I was actually just thinking of making a mug cake from your blog, so that’s extra synchronicity right there — meant to be ?
I keep thinking on how time is changing so quickly when you blog, and everything seems so far away in the distant past somehow. There are so many amazing blogs now, so many amazing friends, so many talented recipe creators and photographers. The internet has become a crazy machine, with a lot of darkness to it unfortunately, but I’m also really grateful it allows for creativity to flourish. It’s weird to think that computers only came into fashion when I was in high school. That I still had the option to hand write my essays 😀 That if I wanted a recipe, I had to go buy a book or check out the library… If I wanted photography inspiration — national geographic was pretty well the only option ? And that my cell phone used to be a ginormous brick at one point ? and not the slick insta-friendly iphone of today… That’s a lot of change in a relatively short amount of time. I’m trying to foreshadow what that means for the future and my mind can’t even imagine it! Maybe people’s wish for an “insta-reach and grab” button for all the delicious food will even be a reality one day…?? Anyways look what you’ve done to me — getting farther and farther from the moment by the letter here ?
Happy new year to you! And I can’t wait to hear where you’ll be moving to.
*sleek (not slick). Clearly not always grateful for autocorrect ?
Hahaha loving the mug cake synchronicity 😀 When I was going back through and finding photos for that collage I was like wow this was from 2016?? It seems like so much longer ago! I remember you posting that and loving the way the yellow popped so of course I had to include it! There is certainly a lot of good and bad on the internet and good and bad to working on the internet, but my favorite part about it has always been giving a purpose to creativity. A reason and a place to share creative projects and have them be appreciated. And a place to connect with other creators. I will just keep focusing on that beautiful fact and ignore as much of the negativity as I can. I am grateful that I grew up as computes were becoming popular so I got to experience some of both. Hehe the future–it will be interesting to see! YOU accomplished so many amazing things and growth in 2016, I cannot even imagine where 2017 will take you 🙂