Reflecting on 2018: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and Culinary Delights

As I pen down these thoughts, I can scarcely believe that another year has drawn to a close. While it might sound cliché, and perhaps even more cliché to acknowledge that it’s cliché, the undeniable truth is that time seems to accelerate with each passing year. It feels as if the world is spinning faster on its axis, leaving me striving to fully embrace and cherish every fleeting moment. I’ve found myself entering a peculiar phase of life where the thought of growing another year older brings a subtle dread. I truly wish I were one of those women who gracefully welcomes aging with open arms; however, a candid confession reveals I’m not entirely enjoying the physical aspects of growing older. Yet, paradoxically, I absolutely revel in being in my thirties. This decade has ushered in an unparalleled sense of comfort and confidence in my own skin. Nowadays, I can effortlessly head to the grocery store in my favourite sweatpants, utterly makeup-free, and not spare a single thought for external judgment. I’ve learned to laugh genuinely at my own blunders, readily admit fault, and confront my imperfections with grace. The complex emotions of jealousy and anger are now recognized, allowing me to examine them objectively and logically. Most profoundly, I am developing a deeper understanding of my anxieties, learning not just to comprehend them, but to wholeheartedly accept them as part of my unique journey.

A Year of Profound Change: Welcoming Harriet and Navigating New Motherhood

The year 2018 certainly presented its unique tapestry of highs and lows. The initial months were a whirlwind of anticipation and meticulous preparation for the arrival of our beautiful baby girl, Harriet. Her impending birth filled our home with an almost palpable excitement, each day bringing us closer to meeting our newest family member. A heartfelt shout-out and immense gratitude go out once again to my wonderful blogging friends who so thoughtfully organized that amazing virtual baby shower to celebrate her impending arrival! Their love and support truly made that period even more special, a warm embrace from across the digital miles.

During this intensely busy time, my energy reserves for maintaining the blog dwindled significantly. What started as a minor lull unfortunately escalated into a much more profound challenge approximately a month before Hattie’s birth. This was when I began experiencing a severe and relentless bout of insomnia, an ordeal that quite literally consumed every aspect of my life. If you have ever suffered from chronic insomnia, you will undoubtedly understand the depth of what I’m describing. There were countless nights where I lay awake for the entire duration, unable to snatch even a single hour of sleep. Each subsequent day would then be an exhausting, foggy haze, clouded further by an overwhelming anxiety about the approaching night. This created a cruel, self-perpetuating cycle: anxiety about not sleeping, which in turn prevented sleep, fueling more anxiety. It was truly a vicious and draining loop that seemed impossible to break free from.

Conquering the Sleepless Nights: My Journey to Recovery

Once Harriet finally made her grand entrance into the world, a faint glimmer of hope appeared, and things did improve marginally. However, the persistent beast of insomnia never truly vanished. Naturally, as a new mother, I was already awake for significant portions of the night tending to a newborn’s needs. The real frustration and profound exhaustion came from those precious moments when I actually had a chance to rest, but sleep would stubbornly elude me. It was an incredibly awful and frustrating period, leaving me constantly feeling depleted and overwhelmed.

I share this intensely personal struggle because it regrettably cast a long shadow over a large part of my 2018. However, I am absolutely thrilled and relieved to announce that, thanks to the compassionate care of some truly wonderful doctors, the adoption of a new and consistent mindfulness practice, and the judicious use of modern medicine, I have been doing immeasurably better over the past few months. Most nights now, I am able to peacefully drift off to sleep without issue. The profound exhaustion and mental fog that once defined my days have lifted, and I no longer feel like a ‘walking mombie’ – a truly transformative change that has brought so much joy and energy back into my life. This journey underscored the importance of seeking help and embracing new strategies for well-being.

Savoring the Seasons: Summer Adventures and Autumn Rhythms

The summer of 2018 seemed to fly by in a joyous blur, but we certainly made the most of every sun-drenched day. The weather was absolutely fantastic, treating us to an abundance of sunshine and warmth. I can hardly recall even a single day of rain, though I’m sure there must have been a few scattered throughout. Our family adventure took us to beautiful Kelowna in August for a week, where we enjoyed an incredible time by the lake, soaking up the sun and splashing in the refreshing water. One of the highlights was undoubtedly picking fresh, juicy fruit directly from the trees – a simple pleasure that brought so much delight to Oscar and an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Those summer memories are truly etched in my heart.

By the time autumn leaves began to fall, I found myself more than ready for preschool to start up again. There’s something comforting and grounding about having a bit of a routine back in our lives, and Oscar, of course, absolutely thrives on the fun and friendship he finds with his pals at school. It’s truly astonishing how quickly those past few months vanished. Thanksgiving and Halloween now feel like a delightful blur, filled with laughter and cherished moments. Do you remember seeing Hattie’s utterly adorable pineapple costume? Oh, how I wish I could dress her up in it every single day! She looked absolutely precious, and those festive occasions, though fleeting, created such sweet and lasting memories.

A Taste of Paradise: Our Cancun Escape

As November drew to a close, our family embarked on an exciting 10-day vacation to Cancun, a luxurious escape to an all-inclusive resort. It had been an astonishingly long time since my last visit to Mexico – not since I was 18 years old! Stepping back into that vibrant atmosphere was nothing short of amazing. The constant embrace of the warm ocean breeze and the comforting humidity immediately transported me to a state of pure relaxation. The culinary experience was truly exceptional, with an incredible array of delicious food that delighted our taste buds daily. Etienne and I typically identify as the kind of travelers who crave adventure, constantly seeking new experiences and rarely staying in one place for more than a couple of days. However, I must honestly admit that the sheer ease and convenience of a resort that caters to every conceivable need and want made traveling with young children immeasurably simpler and more enjoyable. It was a well-deserved break, offering both relaxation and precious family bonding time.

Gratitude, Growth, and Glimpses of 2019

And so, here we are, standing at the threshold of the festive holiday season, with the promising year of 2019 just peeking around the corner. With this pivotal moment in mind, I want to extend an enormous and heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of my dedicated readers and my wonderful fellow bloggers. Your unwavering support, your thoughtful comments, and your encouraging words mean more to me than you could possibly imagine. This blog isn’t just a website; it’s become such a beautiful, vibrant, and utterly fulfilling creative outlet for me, a place where I can share my passions and connect with an incredible community. I am truly excited and feel a renewed sense of energy and readiness to pour even more of my passion and dedication into it this coming year, bringing you fresh content, new ideas, and more heartfelt stories.

As we bid a final farewell to 2018, I leave you with a retrospective look at what truly resonated with you, my readers. These are the fan favourites, the creations that garnered the most love and clicks throughout the year – my top 10 recipes from 2018. Get ready to revisit some delicious memories and perhaps discover a new favourite!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here are your Top 10 Recipes of 2018:

10. Orange Carrot Cake
This vibrant and moist carrot cake, brightened with a hint of citrus, proved to be a delightful favourite, perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat.

9. Anniversary Cake for Two
A perfectly portioned and romantically decadent cake, designed for intimate celebrations and sweet moments shared between two.

8. Apple Cinnamon Gin Fizz
This sophisticated and comforting cocktail, with its warm apple and cinnamon notes, quickly became a go-to for cozy evenings and festive gatherings.

7. Tiger Tail No Churn Ice Cream
Capturing the nostalgic flavours of childhood, this easy no-churn ice cream offers a playful and delicious treat without the need for an ice cream maker.

6. Baby-and-Me Banana Waffles
A wholesome and delicious recipe designed for both little ones and adults, making breakfast or brunch a fun and healthy family affair.

5. Halloween Cake Pops
These spooky yet adorable cake pops brought a touch of festive fun to Halloween, delighting both children and adults with their creative designs.

4. Baby-and-Me Banana Muffins
Another family-friendly hit, these moist and wholesome banana muffins are perfect for a quick snack or a nutritious breakfast, suitable for all ages.

3. Sweet Potato Fries with Dill Dip
A healthier twist on a classic, these crispy sweet potato fries paired with a refreshing dill dip proved to be an irresistible snack or side dish.

2. Gender Reveal Cupcakes
These exciting and adorable cupcakes offered a sweet way to share big news, making gender reveals even more memorable and delicious for expectant parents.

 

And now, for the much-anticipated drumroll please – my number 1 recipe for 2018 is, once again, the incredibly popular and beloved Healthy Smash Cake! This recipe continues to be a runaway success, cherished by parents looking for a nutritious yet celebratory cake for their little ones’ first birthdays. Its popularity truly speaks volumes!

Here’s to a fantastic 2019 filled with new adventures, cherished memories, and many more delicious moments.

Cheers!