Welcome to the first ToL of 2014! Nothing like some randomness to start the year off right 😀
1. Let’s kick off the new year by taking a quick look back at the old one, shall we? WordPress sends out blog stat reports at the end of each year, and I love reading them to get a better feel of what people like seeing on Spoons. Apparently you guys are a big fan of recipes…
And you definitely have good taste — those almond fudge protein bars are some of my favourite. One of my blogging goals for 2014 is to publish more recipes. I’d like to start with sharing at least 2 per week, and see where things go from there. I’m also playing around with the idea of posting more entrees and savoury snacks… It’s no secret that I have a huge sweet tooth and that I prefer baking over cooking, but it might not be a bad idea to branch out a little this year. I don’t know… what do you guys think?
2. I think that these girls rock my socks off…
Sam, Chelsea, Heather, Miss, and Lauren… I love you guys 😀 And even if you didn’t make the top 5, I love you too. As much as I enjoy writing and photography, blogging just wouldn’t be the same without the interaction I have with you guys, so thank you so much for continuing to support my little corner of the web — it honestly means the world to me. Spoons has become more than I ever imagined, and I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store.
3. I also can’t wait until my birthday. Two.more.days. SQUEEE! 😀 I was going to head up to the mountains to do some snowboarding this weekend, but it’s going to be a little colder than I’d like it to be, so I’m thinking I’ll need to switch to Plan B. What is Plan B? I’ll let you know when I figure it out 😉
4. Speaking of my birthday, I wanna update you guys on how Birthday Week is going! 5 days down, 2 to go…
Day 1: Silpat.
Day 2: potato smasher (ha ha, Mom… but no, I really did need one)
Day 3: Tiny Devotions sent me one of their awesome scarves.
Day 4: minion magnets/stickers.
Day 5: distressed jeggings from American Eagle.
5. Can we just talk about those jeggings for a sec? AE was having an awesome sale for Boxing Day (40% off!) so I ended up picking up 3 pairs of pants (distressed, dark blue, black). You know those pants that just fit you perfectly? AE has those for me. And jeggings are freaking awesome because they look like jeans but feel like leggings. So.much.love.
6. Also really loving dates lately. I have a feeling these might become my newest foodie obsession…
7. I also have a feeling that my Advent calendar was trying to tell me that one of my New Year’s resolutions should be to eat less chocolate… I had a calendar that kept on going after Christmas and counted down the days until the New Year, which is great except for the fact that two of my post-Christmas, pre-New Year’s chocolates were missing (note the lack of chocolate smudges in two of the slots)…
I feel cheated. Oh, and giving up chocolate? Never going to happen.
8. While we’re on the topic of New Year’s resolutions, I suppose I should share mine with you… or at least I would if I had any. Truth be told, I’m not huge on making resolutions. I know the start of a new year can be a great boost of motivation, but… it’s a lot of pressure! I have this tendency to think in black and white, and it’s way too easy for me to fall into the kind of mentality where I feel like I should wake up on January 1st and suddenly be a new, perfect person. Not realistic, and I know that, but it’s a hard thought process for me to avoid, so I avoid the trap by not putting so much emphasis on the new year and making new goals on a more regular basis instead. Whatever works, right?
9. That was far too serious of a thought for a Thinking Out Loud post. Sowwy 😳
10. Have I ever mentioned how much I love reading your guys’ random thoughts? Because I seriously look forward to it every week. Thank you again for being awesome 😀
BUT!… one question this week — more entrees and savoury recipes: yay or nay?
Yay for January birthdays (mine is at the end of the month, so I’m a little biased, hehe). I’ve never tried AE jeggings, but they look cute and comfy! Might have to make my way to the mall today…
I seriously need to check out those jeggings! They sound like the absolute BEST of both worlds.
I also really need to try the protein fudge bars. What brand protein powder do you use? There are some that I really want to try, but I’m always afraid that I’ll spend a fortune on a big tub of it and won’t like it (it has happened before 🙁 )… but I really want to try some because I see so many great recipes that use it, and I think it would be a handy item to keep around!
I’ll try to wish you happy birthday on your actual birthday, but just in case I forget (which I’m sorry in advance if I do), happy [early] birthday!! <3
Thanks Alex! It can definitely be hard to keep track of all the blogger birthdays out there. And the powder I use is Proteins+ by Genuine Health. It’s just a basic whey without a lot of crazy additives. We’re kind of limited with what we can find here in Canada, but I’m super thankful to have found one that works for me.
Happy New Year! I totally agree with you on #8…couldn’t have said it better myself! Here’s to us living our lives and taking things day by day. 🙂
Happy New Year to you sweet girl!!:) I need some of those jeggings, oh my gosh! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I swear, new comfy clothes make me so happy<3 My favorite thing about your blog this year was FINDING IT!!!:) The connection we've made has been so special to me and I love having you as a new friend! Happy New Year Amanda!<3
Right back at ya, lovely lady. Love.you.tonnes <3
I only wear AEO jeggings as well! I love them, they are the only ones that fit me just right. And I totally agree with the whole blogging interaction thing. Once people started interacting with me on my blog, writing posts, etc became 100x more enjoyable. I love hearing people’s opinions and forming online friendships and that’s why I am sticking around!
I love when you post recipes so of course I selfishly like reading that your going to be posting more 🙂 I like the whole week of birthdays, especially if despicable me minions are involved.
I LOVE my potato masher! But to be honest…I actually use it to mash avocado FAR more than I use it for potatoes ;).
Mind.blown. I honestly never would have thought of using it for that…
Ahh yes love AE jeans too! Only jeans I own at the moment…so comfy and cute and affordable 😛 It looks like your bday week has been awesome so far! Colder temps are hitting us today, too, so I don’t blame you for canceling your snowboard plans…i don’t really want to be anywhere near outside for the near future! I would love to see more savory recipes from you, too! Your baking ones are awesome, and I fully believe your other ones will be equally delightful 🙂
I wonder why I didn’t get WordPress stats!! That’s such a cool feature that I didn’t even know about!!
AE jeggings are AMAZING! They fit me PERFECTLY. I bought a pair in black, though, and they are so stretchy (and comfortable) that holes are starting to form in them. I think the material is too thin. That’s put a stop to me buying them, but I’m sure the jean material is still fine!
Oh noes! Do you use Jetpack? Because I think it was a plugin that did it. And I bought a pair of the black ones and definitely noticed that they’re a little on the thin side, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for an awesomely comfy pair of pants… and thankfully they’re not -too- expensive.
As awesome as your desserts are, yes, I’d love to see more savory dishes.
Go figure, AE skinnies & jeggings are the best fit I’ve found, too.
Happy almost-birthday!
Love the idea for entrees and savory snacks – it would probably help me spark more ideas instead of thinking of desserts and sweets all the time! I’m so happy to be back blogging…I think it might be a rough start since I should figure out a ‘post’ plan, so hopefully NEXT Thursday, I’ll have something ready to link up!
Loving your distressed skinny jeans! I found some cute things from AE a few weeks ago when they were having a major sale too. Love when that happens! 😉
I’m with you on the whole New Year’s resolutions thing. I do feel a little more refreshed and ready to pick up my game with some stuff come the new year, but I don’t make resolutions per say. I feel like I’m constantly making new goals throughout the year, and that’s enough for me.
Yes to more savory/snack recipes!! But be sure to keep the sweet ones coming! I have a bear of a sweet tooth that needs its fixin every so often and your recipes are the perfect cure =)
The sweet ones w ill definitely keep making an appearance! After all… what’s dinner without a little dessert? 🙂
i would just plain call that not supper! 🙂
Yes to more savoury recipes. Your meals always look so good.
I am the same way when it comes to mind set. I have learned over many, many years I never wake up on January first a brand new person. Change takes effort, there is no magic to an arbitrary day.
Enjoying the Thursday Thinking Out Loud series.
Keep lapping up your birthday week!
American Eagle jeans fit me really well too! I have never heard of jeggings, I need to check those out. 🙂 Oh and I definitely think you should post more recipes! I love reading new ones!
I like using resolutions to work on routines. But I also do this all year long, just at the new year. I did add ones that will really support me in my journey this year though: more meditation and some blog themes throughout the week! Happy New Year!
Today’s randomness…. just a quote from billy…
Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I’m not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don’t get in a fight. Ohhhh, back to school. Back to school. Back to school. Well, here goes nothing.
Happy New Year!
I won the commenting game! :-p P.S. you were number 2 on mine <3
And as for savoury recipes, I say go for it. As much as I love my sweet things, once in a while I need something with a vegetable in it, too :-p
And to be honest, I don't think I've ever bought anything from AE. I got it into my head that I didn't like that store when I was in high school, and apparently that bias has continued. Apparently I'm missing out? But yes, jeggings are definitely fabulous.
Ahhh almost birthday!!! 😀
#2?!?!?! Who the heck beat me?! And AE is one of those stores that I kind of shrugged off for the longest time as well, but you just can’t argue with an amazing fitting pair of pants — there’s seriously no better confidence booster.
Happppy birthday week! I love all of your birthday week gifts so far! 🙂 I’m really not one to my resolutions either. And Dates? The greatest things, ever.
Yes to more savory! Um ok, so I feel like I’m trying to two-time my humungous sweet tooth, but if your past savory recipes are anything to go by they will be stellar I’m sure of it. <3 jeggings..I think most of my pants wardrobe is made up of the comfy buggers. But now I need a distressed pair! I haven't eaten dates in way too long..they used to make a regular appearance chopped into my oats and topped with nut butter awhile back..
I am right there with you on AE jeggings. I own a pair of them and they are my absolute favorite! Comfy and cute! 🙂 Love that scarf from Tiny Devotions! I’m glad that you are enjoying Birthday week 🙂
I love the wordpress yearly stats email too. I don’t look at my stats ever anymore but that. Was interesting to see. As for resolutions, I’m not big on them either. I feel like it’s setting yourself up for disappointment since. I personally can’t keep them and end up forgetting about them a few days in. I’d rather just keep living life the way it is, sans goals. I hope birthday week continues to be good to you 🙂
I seriously wish I used WordPress, I feel like blogger doesn’t give us any of the cool features wordpress does UGH.. I need to look into making a switch
I’d definitely recommend it! Everyone I know who’s done it has been super happy that they did; and it’s not all that complicated to do.
Minion magnets?! So cool!! I have been LOVING dates lately too… nature’s candy! Have you ever tried them dipped in coconut butter? So yummy! It’s my usual morning pre-workout fuel. 😉
I haven’t tried coconut butter, but I love them with almond butter. Heck, what -don’t- I love with AB though…
Love that you celebrate birthday week too – my birthday countdown starts on September 1st and lasts through September 27th… It drives my family bonkers 😛 We desperately need a potato masher too – we’ve been using a meat tenderizer for at least 2 years, ha!
I was just using a fork, which lead to some pretty chunky mashed potatoes 😆 And back in the day when I didn’t have a meat tenderizer, I’d just use a bottle to pound my chicken… Oh man was that an accident waiting to happen 😯
WordPress didn’t email me my top posts! How rude 😉 Haha j/k.. that’s so fun to know, though! I’m with you on the new years resolution thing.. Loving the week of birthday celebrations! Those jeggings look great on you. Hopefully the weather warms up a bit, but if not, I can’t wait to hear plan b
I think it’s actually a Jetpack for WordPress thing, but you can always look up your top posts in your stats!
I totally get what you’re saying about being either black or white. That is how I am wired as well. I work really hard to not be that way, and I’m doing better, but it is definitely the way I naturally am.
I would love to see your savory recipes. I am a lot like you and I’m drawn more to the sweet treats, but we all need to eat lunch and dinner, right? Glad you’re having a great b-day week!! I’ve been wanting a silpat mat so bad and I love that scarf. Thanks so much for hosting!
Sounds like a bunch of great ideas to start of 2014. Cheers to not giving up chocolate and posting more savory recipes 😉 both are on my list of resolutions too! Another one: finally make time to take part in this new ToL party. I’ve been missing out for far too long.
Happy early birthday!! It’s lookin’ like you’ve been celebrating well 🙂 I love it when I find the perfect pair of jeans— and I think almost all my jeans are jeggings. Shhh.
I also agree with #8 completely.
Yay to more savoury recipes!
Since I didn’t do a ToL post myself today, one random thought of the day is that I’m bummed to be back in school today. I’m glad it’s only a two day week, but really? BUT there might be a snow day tomorrow 😀
Confession: I’m kind of looking forward to getting back into a normal work/school routine. The holidays are a wonderful time, but I’m craving some more normalcy! And I wish we got snow days in Canada 😆
Routine and normalcy are definitely good reasons to be back at it. And yes, my parents tell me that we’re wusses when it comes to snow days. They talk about walking in several feet of snow to school!
eek your birthday is so close!!!!! so excited for you. just seeing that silpat makes me think of meringues which makes me want them right now. And it is 7:25 in the morning… haha
I really enjoy the wordpress stats. I always find it so interesting.
I don’t own any jeggings but really I don’t care for jeans in the first place so tight jeans are not quite my style either LOL.
Happy early birthday!
I LOOOOVE jeggins. I have about 10 pairs of them!! So perfect. Though I must say that the new leggins line from Zara almost beats them. They are a little thicker than normal leggins and kind of work like Spanx. Perfect 🙂
Yay for your birthday soon! What did you decide in terms of cake? I wish I could be there with you and celebrate your glorious self.
I don’t have any resolutions either. I do have some goals here and there, but I set them when I feel like and not at the beginning of the year, or week, or month – if I want to change something, I start today.
Happy Thursday love!
Starting when I feel like I need to see a change is how I go about doing it too — no need to wait for some big day. And my cake will be chocolate for sure, but I’m still working out the final details There are just too many good options to decide between!
I would be so annoyed if I was missing those last few pieces of chocolate. I am so excited for you that your birthday is so soon- can’t wait to see the cake of choice!
I’ve been craving more savory foods at the end of the year! Cheese and salami is always a hit and salt. More salt!
Yes to more entrees and savory dishes!!! A little spicing up, can go along way!
Yes to dates – I picked me up a 2lb box and (doing a quick check on ’em) am so embarrassed to say it’s half way gone – how?!?! I must have date mooching minions in my fridge!!!!
I am so with you on the resolution thing…other than trying to watch more tv, I leave the resolutions today to month things – so much can change so quickly.
And – what are your thoughts on the silpat?
I think you may just be the first person I know that makes it a point to watch MORE tv 😉 And I haven’t actually used the Silpat yet — but I’ll definitely do a mini review of it when I finally get around to baking some more cookies!