Instead of reflecting on 2011, I really should be downstairs putting away Christmas decorations, taking down the tree and putting away gifts. But, I have been sitting here at my desk working on illustrations for a pending deadline with a client and I feel like am fighting off some type of after-holiday sickness, so I am feeling a bit sluggish and tired. I have total faith that I am going to kick this thing in the butt before it ever gets me sick, so here’s hoping! For the last two days I’ve been loading up on supplements, green tea, water and rest when I can get it, and I have been living on a steady diet of hot soups, which I have no complaints about. I love soup! If you have any natural remedies for fighting off sickness, send them my way! I am determined to not let this through.

I’ll get to the tree and those Christmas decorations and I plan to get some new recipes up later this week, including this year’s holiday get-together favorite, Vegan Dark Chocolate Bark with Bing Cherries, Pistachios and Grey Sea Salt. But for now, I will continue attacking all of this work and the threatening sickness that I refuse to let through and I will keep reflecting on the year behind me and all that lies in front of me.

I rarely set any sort of personal New Years Resolutions, but I always promise myself that in the year ahead I will try to be the best possible me, yet! I don’t make any strict dietary guidelines (I have enough that are part of my every day choices, as it is), I don’t force myself to do things I don’t really want to, I just make a plan to continue being as happy and positive as I possibly can and to always make the right choices for me! I really try to enjoy every moment of my life and to cherish what I have, each and every day. At some point of every single day, I take a moment to express my gratitude for all that goodness in my life. It feels so good! Sometimes I catch myself saying “I am so very lucky for :blank: in my life” (ie, an amazing husband, a great job, a fun life, a great family, etc) and I then remind myself that it isn’t luck that allows me to have all of these wonderful things. Life is hard, relationships take work and love, and it takes energy to wake up every morning and see all the positive in my life. But it is all worth it! I would be lying if I didn’t say there are trying moments, there are days when things are hard, that I wanna say “why me?”, but I always tell myself that ‘it could always be worse’ and that ‘every experience is what you make of it’. I choose to wake up every day and see the bright side of things. No one makes me do that, I do it so I can have a better quality of life and it works! I am blessed to have all that I have, but I also know that I am even more blessed to be able to stay positive every day, so I can see it all for what it is and enjoy each and every moment I am alive.

There are two links I came across in the last couple of days that I really wanted to share with you guys – both come from Southern California yoga and climbing clothing company, prAna’s, blog. The first is a list of “12 Things Happy People Do Differently“. This article really hit home for me as most of the items on this list are things that I already make a part of my every day living. There are a few that I don’t always remember, that serve as great reminders to me, as I try to be the best version of me, that I can be! Everyone deserves to have the feeling of complete and utter happiness in their every day lives, there really is nothing like it! Happiness starts within and no one can give it to you, you can only give that gift to yourself. Read this and live this!

The second link, as if that first wasn’t inspiring enough, is a Handbook for Life 2012. This wonderful and encouraging list of reminders to be the best possible you this upcoming year, actually leaves me speechless! There isn’t much to say that isn’t said there. I plan to print this list out and keep a copy where I can see it every day, plus keep a digital version on my iPhone. Read this and embrace it all, that is all that I can say!

OK enough of the gushy, mushy feel-good positive stuff – let’s talk yummies! Here are the top 11 recipes from Tasty Yummies in 2011!

11) Blueberry Muffins with Almond Flour (gluten-free)

10) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Patties (Gluten-free and Vegan)

9) Creamy Broccoli Soup (Gluten-free and Vegan)

8 ) Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Gluten-Free with vegan options)

7) Butternut Squash, Arugula and Goat Cheese Pizza -(gluten-free)

6) Butternut Squash & Chickpea Coconut Curry (Crock Pot Recipe – gluten-free and vegan)

5) Apple Crisp (Gluten-Free and Vegan)

4) Vegan Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream (gluten-free)

 
3) Vegan Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (gluten-free)

2) Horchata (gluten-free and vegan)

1) Homemade Chai Concentrate – (gluten-free and vegan)

 

Do you have a favorite Tasty Yummies recipe from 2011? What do you want to see more of on Tasty Yummies in 2012?

What are your goals and/or resolutions for 2012?