7 days late.
It has been awhile since I have written.
Holidays + family home for 10 days + birthday parties = Crazy Momma with no time.
Anyway………….
I have been reading about what kind of resolutions people were making and what some of the upcoming food “trends” will be for 2011. It’s funny how all of a sudden people get into that panic mode trying to figure out what they need to change and/or improve on as the clock ticks closer and closer to midnight. We actually should be making resolutions all year.
But alas, I too, have jumped on the bandwagon. My list kinda started back in September though.
On the other hand, you have people who don’t believe in making resolutions. I was talking to my husband one night and told him about my plans. I asked him if he had any resolutions. His answer was “Nope, nothing.” I, not being satisfied with that answer, had to pry a little further and ask “Really, why not?” His answer was something to the effect of “If I wanted to improve on something, I would have done it already.” Then he looked at me and said “Why, what do you think I need to change?” That is where the conversation ended.
So, what is topping the charts for top 10 resolutions? Similar to past years it seems that getting in shape, getting organized, reducing debt and saving money top the list. In addition, going back to school, traveling more, getting a better job and making a difference rated pretty high.
In the world of food, experts say the top trends include a big comeback in canning & preserving, eating and shopping locally, purchasing fresh every day and “discomfort” foods. (As opposed to the familiar comfort foods - these would be considered trying foreign ingredients or trying foods prepared in new and different ways.)
And here I thought I was being an original.
So, here are my resolutions in no particular order. They include some suggestions that maybe you might want to add to your list as well.
1 – Get healthier. I’m not stepping on a scale and looking to lose a certain amount of weight. I’m SO not a calorie counter. It would simply be impossible for me to diet. I go by how my clothes fit, and let me tell you – after Christmas and New Years – they ain’t fittin! I’m simply looking to eat a little better and get a bit fitter.
2 – Go back to school. This you may know already from some earlier blogs. Originally I was looking to maybe get my Culinary Bachelor’s or equivalent but I’m still not sure yet. I will definitely be taking more classes but I think instead of going for long term schooling, I may take more specific classes to hone up on some of the skills I already have. I don’t know – stay tuned. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
3 – Family Vacation. I'm not looking to travel around the world or hit any exotic ports here. Just a good one week away from it all with nothing else to think about.
4 – Shop locally. It is my goal to do more local small business shopping. I already work the farmer’s market circuit in season. It makes sense to buy your foods locally. It’s healthier, cheaper and “greener”. Aside from Farmer’s Markets, there are local places to buy fresh meat, eggs, dairy, etc. Go online and search your neighborhoods, you will be surprised at what you find. And if you are in the Bergen County New Jersey area, write me and I’ll give you the heads up on some great places. In addition, I have started expanding and shopping more for gifts and other necessities at local shops. After all, these shop owners are your friends and neighbors who are trying to make a living doing what they enjoy. We should support that. Be an original and buy something not mass produced and is handmade. It means more.
5 – Do more “scratch” cooking. This includes everything from homemade breads, cookies, sauces, condiments, etc. Yes, even condiments. Relishes, ketchups, barbecue sauce, mustard. I have had the itch for quite a while to try canning and preserving. On Christmas Eve, my Aunt Marie (remember her – my Bocelli partner) brought over some homemade mustard made by her friend Peter. It was absolutely wonderful. We sucked down the whole jar – well, almost. There was about a quarter of a jar left and thankfully Marie left it for me to enjoy with the leftovers. Sadly it is gone and I long for more. Hint, hint. He had also given me some homemade hot sauce before the holidays. So, I’m thinking, hey why not. I should try that too. There’s nothing like being able to control what goes into your food. Thank you Peter for the inspiration!
6 – Live more. Be in the moment. Enjoy life. Even the little everyday disasters can teach you something. You just need to step back and look at it a little closer. Breathe. Relax. And I don’t mean just sit on the couch and vegetate. I’m talking relax, like chill and stop stressing what you can’t control. For the past few months, I’ve been stressing looking for a job and complaining about what I don’t have. I finally realized I need to look at what I do have and go with it. Adapt. Appreciate.
7 – Try something new. I’m going to step out of my comfort zone. This could be anything and could happen everyday. Like I said, I want to try canning and God knows what else. But for you it could be skydiving, taking piano lessons, eating liver for breakfast. Whatever. By the way, I want to try new stuff, but I’m not doing that last one, but you can go for it. Then write to me and let me know how it was.
8 – Write more. It’s therapeutic. I love writing for this blog but would also like to start keeping a journal. It’s amazing how much you forget but if it’s written down, you can read it in years to come and it will take you right back!
Okay, that’s about it. Didn’t want to be the overachiever and go for a “top 10”. I need to be realistic here.
I would love to hear your thoughts and/or resolutions so please share.
And thank you again to everyone for coming back and reading my rants. I wish you all a very successful, peaceful, healthy, happy and prosperous 2011!
Cheers!
No recipe needed. Open bottle of champagne, pour, drink, enjoy!
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