It appears that reminiscing about the previous year and discussing plans for the next year is appropriate for the last day of the year. Not to be left out of party, here goes!
2012
I started this blog last April, as a means to get my overflowing and very random thoughts out of my head – thus saving Mr. Crumbs’ sanity. I was eager to share my ideas, new findings and my excitement when I conquered a new kitchen task. I had hoped a few people (outside of my immediate family) would find it useful and come back from time to time to see if anything new had been discovered or if my kitchen had blown up since their last visit.
I did not expect to have nearly 500 loyal readers who visit almost every day.
You all have blown me away with your sincerity, support and encouragement. There have been many days where I’ve considered throwing in the towel. My thoughts seemed useless and effort was futile, but then someone would leave a note and it rejuvenated me to keep going.
Thank you for not giving up on me.
2013
If you haven’t noticed already, Crumbs is getting a facelift. There some great changes coming next year and some general house tiding was needed in order for those changes to be effective long-term. The majority of the dust should be settled this week, but please be patient with me if something doesn’t work as its supposed to.
And feel free to email me in case I don’t know it’s broken!
Food Wars is making a comeback. This super-fun monthly series put a store-bought item and its homemade counterpart head to head. Granola bars, buttermilk bread and pizza (sortof) were tackled this year. The list for 2013 is not yet complete, but expect to compare taste, cost and nutrition/ingredients without playing favorites!
Meal planning is a staple in my kitchen and planning one month at a time is currently best for my family. However, I realize that many of you don’t plan four weeks at once and while seeing what other people are eating is fun, it doesn’t always help you. So starting in two weeks, meal planning is going a different route. Menus will be planned for two weeks at a time – for all three meals – plus there will be a guide for what-do-to-when so that the menu can be better adapted for your own family and your own schedule. You’ll be able to see the big picture of why certain things are planned for certain days, and be able to adapt some of these strategies to make planning easier for you.
My sister-in-law gave me a book that I have been DYING to read – Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. It is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to eat real and nourishing food. If you have any play money from Christmas, or looking to make an $18 investment into your health, buy this book. It is an invaluable eye opener and I want you all to know what’s inside… but just in case you’re out of play money, this book is serving as a guide for 2013. We’ll tackle one big topic each month, like Fats in February. We’ll learn the what’s and why’s, how to incorporate the ideas into our regular lifestyle, and share recipes (both from the book and Crumbs kitchen) based on the ideas. And of course, doing it all without breaking the bank.
As if this all weren’t enough, Crumbs is teaming up with Kitchen Stewardship starting in January for a “back to basics” series. I mentioned last week how Katie has been one of my go-to sources for real food and her baby step program has been instrumental in my own journey. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to share each of her steps – from the beginner’s point of view – each week on her blog. Wanting to know what’s been going on behind the scenes in the Crumbs kitchen these past six months? Stay tuned each Monday to read all about it!
And finally, there’s also one more change that’s been bouncing around in my head. Before I make any changes, I’d like some input from you all first. The crumbs newsletter – do you enjoy receiving it daily? Or would you prefer to have it delivered just once a week? I don’t want to be a bother to you or your inbox, but I also don’t want you to miss out on new content. Drop me a note in the comments and let me know what you’d prefer. Majority rules, so make sure to speak your mind!
I am beyond excited about these changes and I look forward to sharing the journey with you all.
From the bottom of my heart – thank you. Cheers to you and to 2013!
I love reading your blog every day. While I don’t have a family & it is only me your tips are very useful & the recipes are yummy. Keep sending me that newsletter every day please.
I do enjoy reading your blog every day.
My kids have grown up and moved into their own lives. But I loved reading your blog every morning with my cup of coffee. You have better information then the online news. My vote is everyday. (as long as it works for you and your family)
I almost always check out your site daily, but I do think the daily emails are a bit much for me. Weekly would be fine…maybe you could keep doing the daily for those that enjoy it and then condense it down each week for the people like me
Also, I’m super excited about the KS team up…I love Katie (she’s what led me to your site too) and can’t wait to get some new ideas!
I read your blog everyday too. Thanks so much for taking the time to share all your ideas and information, it’s been so helpful. I would rather get the email weekly since I check your site daily anyway
I LOVE opening my email every day and reading my Daily Dose of Crumbs! Keep ‘em coming!
I just wanted you to know that every time I come to your blog I find something new that I share with someone. The info is great and the recipes are the best. Most have become a staple in our kitchen. Thanks for persevering and I can’t wait to see what’s new next year.
Your blog is my favorite new blog of the year. You have encouraged me to really look at labels all the time. My husband has even jumped on the wagon and came home all happy because he found some ketchup at the store with no corn syrup and it was a good price. My son loves ketchup and is in fact about the only way we can get him to eat meat so it’s a staple in our house and we were super excited to find it. Actually fish is his favorite main food. We can’t have it very often though because of the expense so if anyone knows of a way to save on that I am all ears =) Several of your recipes are standards in our house now. The only suggestion I have is to make a print friendly button for your recipes unless you do that now and I missed it. Thank you for encouraging us to eat healthier without breaking the bank and doing it one baby step at a time. =)
To Everyone – I am once again blown away by your support. Thank you for the feedback and keep it coming! Crumbs is for YOU! If there’s anything that can be improved, I’m all ears!
I love reading your blog everyday and the email is my little reminder. I’m looking forward to all the new changes.
I enjoy reading your site 4 or 5 days a week (work permitting). That being said, I would enjoy a condensed weekly news letter in case I miss something. I might suggest having just your counting crumbs section that counts your weekly (or bi monthly) grocery totals in the news letter/email and having everything else available on the website, for those that are interested. Perhaps you could even include an index of sorts to the other articles from that week.