2012 in Review

And just like that, 2012 is gone and we are about to start 2013. I didn't post quite as much as in 2011, but I feel like I became more comfortable blogging in that I found my voice that I am more comfortable writing in. I also changed up my blog header which is fun. This year was also the year that my 25 Before 25 List was to be completed...Here we go, a review of my baking, crafts and life in 2012.

I think I will refer to 2012 as the year of brown butter, salted caramel and bacon. Not all together of course, but I will try any recipe with either of those 3 things, as I just love them! I baked more than I ever have and now have some go-to recipes, not to mention, I feel like I have drastically improved my food photography skills. Not that they are worthy of being in a magazine, but when I give myself enough time and take my pictures during the day with natural lighting, I do alright. Baking recap begins...

From left to right, top to bottom:
Hunger Games Cake (Olivia's 1st Birthday)
Rainbow Cake (Addison's 4th Birthday)
Bacon Maple Cupcakes
Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling
Boston Creme Pie
Purple Ombre Rosette Cake
Snickers Brownies
Salted Caramel Banana Muffins
Salted Caramel Soaked Chocolate Cake

From top to bottom, left to right, large picture:
Bacon Sun Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese
Bacon Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Nutella Stuffed Sugar Cookies
Oreo Truffles
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Cupcake Boquet
Peanut Buttery Chocolatey Goodness Bars


After looking through all my posts to highlight my favorite recipes from this year, I moved on to crafts. Compared to last year, I didn't craft much. Well, I suppose the things I focused on took a lot of my time, like the memory quilt and my aunt's scrapbook.

From left to right, top to bottom:
Memory Quilt
DIY 5 Strand Braided Headband
Handmade Under the Sea Blocks
Aunt Sue's Scrapbook Album
Calligraphy Class


And with those quick craft highlights, we are at my life in 2012. I lived with my sister and niece for over half the year so I have many wonderful memories with Addison including pool time, sleepovers, Disney on Ice, playground fun among many other things. I also started Dear Addison, which are monthly letters written to my niece Addison. I spent many weekends in Portland with Michelle and her family, seeing the Sand in the City and even taking a night photography class we both just loved. I was a volunteer basketball coach at my old high school. I did my first 5K, the Color Run. I traveled to Hawaii with my family, Crater Lake with my friends and reunited with my 3 best friends for the first time since college (2010) in Louisiana.

Oh, and for the last 2 months of 2012, I have been living in Cusco, Peru.

I can honestly say this year has been one of the best yet. I have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to in 2013!