A Year in Review

It is hard to believe that 2010 is coming to an end. It has been filled with lots of creatives endeavors, but mainly, it has been time dedicated to my children. Someone said to me recently that I seem to know how to balance well my work and family life; that is seems effortless. I smiled and shook my head. “Effortless?”. No, it is never effortless. In fact, it has been a testing year for sure. But these are the two things I love the most and I try hard to push them forward. Sometimes easier than others.

It was in the Spring when both J. and I were diagnosed with gluten intolerance and when we started strictly living gluten free. This has been one of those life changing things for sure, but we have learned so much. And most importantly, I feel healthy again.

This Summer was one of the best in years. We started with a trip to Seattle where I taught a workshop and where I got to finally meet amazing people I had come to know through blogging. I came back from Seattle refreshed and ready to move there. I still dream about it.

J. also turned 4 in July. Hard to believe that not long ago I was carrying him in a sling all day long. He is such an inquisitive little person. I’m in awe. I love 4.

There was a brief, but fruitful trip to NYC in between and then of course, our month-long vacation back home. Spent time with family, relaxed, ate like there is no tomorrow and soaked up the everyday nuances I miss when I am away. Oh and even recorded my first cooking show appearance.

Autumn went by too fast with lots of work projects happening at once. Gwyneth Paltrow surprised me including me in her list of favorite food blogs. There was a quick trip to San Francisco for BlogHer Food and also, another visit to NYC for work.

My little M. took her first steps at 11 months and since then, has been non-stoppable. Such a personality she has.

I have many exciting projects to share with you in 2011 so stay tuned. But for now, here is to a healthy, creative and love-filled new year.

Cheers!


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109 Responses to “A Year in Review”

  1. chelsea says:

    You are amazing!! Happy New Year!

  2. CRIS says:

    Una maravillosa recopilación de fotos de tus recetas,y todo un placer visual.Feliz Entrada de Año 20111
    Un saludo

  3. nadia says:

    such an incredible year dear aran. these photos collages take me back to every post, where each one without exception has inspired me.

    see you sonn dear friend! Happy New Year!

  4. Lula says:

    I’ve been visiting your blog for a long time. I love what you do! Congratulations! And happy new year!

  5. at an awesome year! Your posts, pics and creations are always fantastic.

    Wishing you a Happy New Year!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  6. I can totally relate to the balance stuff. How hard it is to juggle/balance and how the scales are constantly tipping.
    It’s nice to have some level of balance and even though the weight may shift from day to day – the priorities apparent to each individual day seem to make themselves known. You’re doing a wonderful job!
    Your blog is just so lovely. Thank you for making it part of the things you love – it certainly shows.

  7. Realmente un trabajo increible!!
    I really love your work, your recipes and photos are amazing!!
    Happy New Year!!

  8. El says:

    Wow. I can’t believe how much has happened. Is M really over a year old? Where did it go? Well, here’s to another new year. May yours be filled with peace, health and love. Happy 2011!

  9. thanks so much for your inspiring photography – very aspirational. I must spend more of 2011 with a camera. Would love to see more of you on TV too!

  10. Tricia says:

    I love this – I love looking at the photos and thinking “I remember that!” – but I love them even more together, it’s like a mashup of yummy reading, memories, and images.

    Hope you have a lovely new year!

  11. Preciosa recopilación de tus trabajos de este año. Ha sido un año difícil, pero con esfuerzo has ido superando esos obstáculos. Espero que el 2011 llegue cargado de exitosos proyectos!

  12. such a beautiful year on your blog! thanks for the inspiration!
    j.

  13. Golubka says:

    Happy New Year! Your blog is a constant source of inspiration.

  14. to me this year you have been an inspiration to me! esp with you being a mum…..life is so busy but you have shown me the need to stop & capture the beautiful things in our life….i loved the farm visit you did to your home town.

  15. Frida says:

    I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was 29 years old, my daughter have had it since she was one. Inspiration for baking and so were minimal but I have learned over the years. Now one of my twin sons have been tested and we are waiting for the result. Your website is a truly inspirational source. I’m looking forward to more nice recipes in 2011

  16. Two Mittens says:

    So wonderfully beautiful! I’m such a fan.
    All the best in the New Year!

  17. Ana Ruiz says:

    Preciosa recopilación, me encantan tus platos y tus fotos, aunque para leerlas tenga que poner el traductor, jejeej, mi inglés es bastante malo…

    Te deseo a tí y a los tuyos un Feliz Año…

  18. Happy New Year, Aran! Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings!

  19. Justin says:

    i love this recap with so many gorgeous photos

  20. You had the most beautiful year I have ever seen. Congratulations to you and all the beauty around you!

  21. Thanks for sharing your beautiful recipes this year :)

  22. Anja says:

    So nice to read your recap, what a great year you’ve had. Thanks for your beautiful blog. And a happy new year to you and your loved ones!

  23. You’ve definitely made an impact on my life this year, I absolutely love reading your blog. Cheers to 2011 and hopefully bringing with it a lot more joy and good eats!

  24. Laura Keller says:

    Sounds like a truly remarkable and memorable year… and you’ve got some amazing photos to prove it… Here’s to a wonderful 2011!

  25. Y says:

    Wow, what a year! Here’s to many many more, Aran. You and your blog just keep going from strength to strenth.

    PS: And I’m so glad to have met you this year. One of my personal highlights as a matter of fact.

  26. Paula says:

    Congratulations on all your achievements this past year, both personal & public! We’re all looking forward to what you will share in 2011,

    Paula
    http://www.chicagophotostylist.com
    blogging at http://www.stilllifestyle.com

  27. Rowaida says:

    Dear Aran, It has always been a great pleasure reading your blog and seeing your amazing work and recipes. I want to wish you a Happy New Year! May God Bless you with good health, peace, happiness success and prosperity.
    Best Wishes,
    Rowaida

  28. Congrats Aran and thanks for your inspiring work! I am also preparing the same kind of post, wrapping up all the pics, thoughts, feelings of 2010… I found this kind of post very important in order to remember and see how we evolve, we grow… as bloggers, as photographers, but even more: as persons! Muchas gracias!

  29. Happy New Year!!! Thank you for the gift of your wonderful blog! Seattle is quite amazing– you can go into a gas station or drug store and find GF foods!

    Hope to meet you at the PB farmers market this winter!! (i’ll be back for a few months!)

    xx

  30. autumn says:

    cheers to a fantastic year! and thank you for reminding me with that lovely picture that i’ve been wanting to make your donuts!

  31. Joyce says:

    I don’t always leave comments but enjoy reading your wonderful recipes. I have been following for sometime and will always remember (and appreciate) your help when I had a question or two, OK maybe more than 2. Smile…
    Wishing you a brighter and golden New Year my friend!! xo

  32. Congratulations on being named most gorgeous post by Fine Cooking.
    Well deserved

    Victoria

  33. Laken says:

    Here’s hoping you have a joyful New Year!

  34. Just discovered your site …very nice. Little “M” is precious and is the little feller yours too? Adorable! Nice pics, nice food! Happy New Year!

  35. i cannot get over how incredibly beautiful your photos are! i’m simply amazed.

  36. Juliana says:

    Happy New Year! Your blog is a constant inspiration to me.

  37. galatea. says:

    they all look too good and too pretty to eat x

  38. Wouuuw you have fantastic wegblog.
    Merry *. • ˚ ˚ •. ★ ★ Christmas. *. °. ° * * ★ ★ Joyeux. • ˚ ˚ ★ ★ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
    •. Noël ★ ˛ ˚ _Π_____. * ˚ ★ ★ ★
    ˚ ˛ • ˛ • ˚ */______/~ \. ˚ ˚ ˛ ★ ★ ★
    ˚ ˛ • ˛ • ˚ *| 田田 | 门

  39. Ivana says:

    Vaya resumen más visual! me encanta!
    Feliz año!
    besitos

  40. Helena says:

    Your pictures are amazing!

  41. Que el 2011 sea todavía mejor!
    Besos.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Que trabajo tan bonito…eres una artista!! Todo lo mejor para el 2011!!
    Bso Carmenzh

  43. Iratxe says:

    ¡BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BAUTIFUL!. Que el año que viene te traiga mucho de lo bueno de la vida. ZORIONAK ETA URTE BERRI ON!

  44. I definitely remember some of these stunning photos and treats! Hope 2011 brings you more sweets and joy.

    Happy New Year.

  45. Fragolina says:

    Wish you a healthy New Year, full of joy and prosperity.

  46. TROTAMUNDOS says:

    Aran ha sido un año extraordinario, tanto para ti como para nosotros, ya que hemos disfrutado de todos tus post, sin duda únicos y deliciosos.

    Te deseo lo mejor para este nuevo año, que tengas un Feliz 2011.

    Un saludo

  47. 2010 with its lows and ups…but when we summarise everything we feel stronger for being able to pass lows and learn from it and happy for ups, we look at past year and all of it gives us strength for next one. I hope 2011 will bring you and your family all the best!!!

  48. I like these last days of the year when I lean back and remember the goods and bads of the past year. There’s always so much to be grateful for, and so much to look forward to.

    Have a wonderful New Year filled with plenty of joyful moments with your family, food and your work!

  49. margot says:

    Tu blog es una maravilla, tus recetas deliciosas y tus fotos espectaculares.
    Te deseo paz y amor para el año que entra.
    Feliz 2011.
    Un abrazo.
    Margot

  50. Thanks you everyone! You are certainly one of the reasons why I keep coming back to this blog to share. Happy new year!

  51. Your work and blog is so inspiring to me. I love how there is such a genuine and loving feel to your food and pictures. Thank you for that!

    I wish you a Happy New Year!
    /Annika
    http://precioussister.blogspot.com/

  52. Dajda says:

    Thank you for all the things you shared here in 2010, can’t wait to see what you’ve planned for the next one.

    Happy New Year to you and your family!

  53. Thanks for your many wonderful photos. They have inspired me to try to take better ones for my own blog. I think maybe they are improving, but since I’ve spent my career crafting words, not pics, there is just too much to learn! Happy New Year.

  54. tam says:

    I have only found your blog recently but am so glad I did, I am in love with your photos and cannot wait to read more in 2011! x x

  55. I wish you and your sweet family a wonderful new year! :) Petra

  56. Connie says:

    Yours is one of my fave food blogs as well! And I love your photography! So dreamy and delicious! Looking forward to what you have in store for 2011!

  57. Tara says:

    I love your images and look forward to more beautiful food in the new year!

  58. Carola says:

    The best for u in this new year.
    Greetings from my vegetable garden in Uruguay!

    kiss!

    Carola

  59. Carola says:

    The best from you in this new year to come.
    Greetings from my vegetable garden in Uruguay.

    beso!

    Carola

  60. What a wonderful year you have had! Thank you for sharing your journey with us~
    Wishing you a magical 2011 – I look forward to see what it has in store!
    xx

  61. Hermosa entrada, gráficamente hermosa
    Beatiful post!

  62. hearttypat says:

    i should know better than to visit your blog at this time of the night. my tummy is screaming: GIMME food!! I love all ur pictures, even if i gain weight because of how yummy the look

  63. marla says:

    Looks like you have had a very fruitful year – Happy New Years to you and your sweet family :)

  64. Mariola says:

    Feliz Año Aran!!! Zorionak!!

  65. Emm says:

    Wow what an amazing year! One of my favourite food photos of the year was your one up there ^ of your apricot and raspberry swirl frozen mousse. So stunning!
    All the best for the coming year Aran :-)

  66. Angela KL says:

    Congrats Aran on an incredible year and all your achievements. Here’s wishing you a very Happy New Year 2011 filled with lots of love, peace, laughter, good health and opportunities. Blessings…

  67. Deeba PAB says:

    You are AMAZING Aran, your blog is amazing…and hope you have an amazingly wonderful 2011! Thatk you for the inspiration always…bite by bite! I have yet to meet such a talented and down-to-earth blogger … virtually! You have touched more lives than you can imagine. Warm wishes to you & your beautiful family too!

  68. Flo Makanai says:

    Aran, I truly wish you and your loved ones a fantastic New Year, as full of life and passion (and, yes, work!) as 2010 has been for you. Your world is unique and full of grace and light, a very delicate and lovely one. I love getting the gift, each time I come to visit you(r blog) of such freshness and elegance. And talent!! I know it is everything but effortless, even passion doesn’t always come easy, (and kids need so much of our time!!!) so an enormous : THANK YOU (and a completely selfish : Keep working ;) !).
    Happy New Year!!

  69. ¡Feliz y próspero año nuevo y gracias por compartir tus recetas tan ricas y fotos tan bonitas con nosotros! :-)

  70. lady noir says:

    very touching , happy new year to you and yours

  71. Tom Saaristo says:

    Happy New Year! Finding your site was one of the highlights of my year! Best to you and yours this holiday season and throughout 2011

  72. Nini says:

    Feliz año nuevo! No sabía que hablabas español y ahora que lo se, estoy encantada, vi tu programa en robin food y desde hace un año más o menos sigo tu blog, que es precioso.
    Yo soy estudiante y sueño con dedicarme a la fotografía pero siempre me ha encantado cocinar, gracias por la inspiración!!
    Un beso

  73. PSbyDila says:

    Looks all so delicious! Happy new year!

    blog.PSbyDila.com

  74. It sounds like you’ve had such a successful year! Congratulations and hopefully 2011 will bring you even more rewards! So cool about Gwenyth Paltrow as well!!

  75. Your photos look beautiful! I would like to see some of those recipes. Where can I find them?

    HAPPY NEW YEAR:)

  76. Katie says:

    you take such stunning photos! Very sweet blog, & you’re always inspiring me to do more cooking & baking..

    Happy new year!

    katie
    http://glass-of-fashion.blogspot.com/

  77. Querida Aran,

    He seguido tu blog desde su comienzo y, de hecho, tuvimos algun contacto cuando yo tenia mi blog de cocina hace un par de annos. Ahora tengo un blog un poco distinto, pero continuo leyendote con la misma pasion.

    Me encuentro en una emergencia: decidi este anno dar una fiesta de Reyes el 6 de enero. Contaba con una pasteleria espannola para comprar el Roscon, pero me acabo de dar cuenta que estaran cerrados hasta finales de enero… auxilio!!! Vine a tu blog esperando encontrar una receta de Roscon, pero no veo nada. Tendras alguna? Me podrias recomendar alguna fuente? Por supuesto aprecio muchisimo tus consejos e ideas! Estoy bastante desesperada!!!

    Feliz Anno Nuevo y gracias de antemano :)

    M

  78. Wishing you and your family a most perfect 2011!

  79. Yong Jakim- you can find all those recipes throughtout the blog. please visit my “recipes” section. thank you.

    The Bird Cage- pues hice un roscon hace un par de anos. http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2009/01/rosca-de-reyes-and-galette-des-rois.html
    y lo hice con la masa brioche esta
    http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2008/11/brioche-burnt-milk-ice-cream-and.html A ver si te gusta.

    Thank you everyone and happy new year!

  80. Congratulations on such beautiful work, Aran. Hope to meet in 2011!

  81. happy new year! wishing you a dreamy 2011

  82. DolceDreams says:

    Happy New Year! I look forward to being inspired by your creativity and beauty for another year!
    Nathalie

  83. Prudence says:

    Oh my – gorgeous and incredible!!! xox

  84. Coco says:

    looking forward to your continuous flow of inspiration! Happy new year Aran!

  85. irene says:

    it seems like it was a good year. i wish you all the best for 2011.

  86. Karin says:

    Oh gosh.. I’m drooling..

  87. Veggie says:

    You certainly are right, life is flying too quickly.

  88. Kori says:

    Wow, what gorgeous photos! You are so talented… glad I stumbled onto your site! Happy 2011!

  89. La Roquette says:

    Love your photography and food styling, there are very few blogs with such high creative quality and inspiration, and yours is one of my faves… i do photography and you have inspired me to cook more and photograph more as a New Years Resolution :) Thankyou for your beautiful posts and photography, happy new year

  90. Susan says:

    Thanks Aran for your blog.You make the “art of food” a possibility for everyone with your recipes and inspiration.

  91. artemistsipi says:

    I wish you a happy, healthy and full of interesting, unique moments in 2011 for you, your family, your job and blog!

  92. Bea says:

    Qué collage más precioso! Espero que el 2011 siga trayendo cosas fantásticas y las sigas compartiendo con nosotros.

  93. great photos!!! happy new year!

  94. savez says:

    first look on the blog and from now on I become your fan! :)

    cheers!

  95. Delishhh says:

    Great Year for you and i wish you the best in 2011 I am sure you will have a even more awesome year! Again your photo summary is amazing. I just sitt here and drool.

  96. Very first time I post a comment, to wish you a great new year. I love so much your universe so keep on making us dream through your recipes and your pictures :-)

  97. I adore your blog. I have loved getting to know you, and be inspired by your food and photography – just gorgeous! Thank you for a beautiful and delicious year of blogging! I look forward to another year :)
    Heidi xo

  98. Beautiful! I’m new to your site and it’s just lovely. Your pictures are breathtaking and the arrangements well thought. Very Nice!

  99. latacones says:

    What an amazing, lovely, beautiful, inspiring corner of beauty….

    Happy new year from Spain!

  100. Happy New Year, Aran! Thank you for making our lives more beautiful with your lovely photos and posts.

    ~Leah
    (http://simplesplendidthings.wordpress.com/)

  101. A lovely retrospect Aran with tasty pretty images. May 2011 bring a lot of happiness once again. And a visit to Boston in June, eh?

  102. Sini says:

    It has been such an amazing year for you Aran! And I think we should thank you for letting us experience it through your eyes. It has been an honour.

    May 2011 bring you and your loved ones lots of happy moments and exciting projects.

  103. Kat says:

    Dear Aran,

    Happy new year! I discovered your blog a few months ago and have been enjoying every post!
    Thank you for the beautiful pictures and delicious recipes!

    I have a cultural blog and also love photography:
    http://suitesculturelles.wordpress.com/

    Looking forward to another great year of blog posts!
    Greetings from Canada,
    Kat

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