2012 a year of growth for me and the 9CupChallenge

Hello 9CupChallenge followers,

I thought I would share with you my personal blog post favourites from 2012.   I know the posts with the recipes get the most views, however, these are my personal favourites that are worth reading too.  I would be very interested in knowing what you liked best.  Here are mine – in no particular order.

8 Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free prepared foods I love

This list is your go-to list for shopping for prepared foods.  I laughed when I shopped at Organic Garage today as the rice cakes and rice crackers were sold out.  I think readers must agree that these are good choices.

What to bring with you when you travel

Planning a trip overseas?  This is a great packing list to keep you healthy and hopefully avoid frequent visits to the toilet.

Open Sesame Green Beans

This recipe inspired by Julie Daniluk is the household favourite and THE RECIPE of the YEAR as every one of my friends and family now make it and bring it to events.  I served it for dinner tonight and watched my son and husband debate who would get the last bean of their favourite recipe.

Acceptance, forgiveness and an abundance of self love for my learning challenges

Tears of release flowed when I wrote this.  Wellness is about letting go labels and loving yourself.

Stunning video on Gratefulness by award-winning cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg – a must see!

I watched this again with my nephew’s girlfriend a week ago and was again captivated by the imagery and the message.  Take 10 minutes to be in awe today.

Pickled Pink Beets – 4 ways to enjoy an abundance of beets

What can you do with lots of beets – check out the ways you can enjoy them.

Vision Boards – where do you want to go

My vision board helped to shape me this year.  Today when I was speaking about my vision board, a new friend suggested that my imagery was all about becoming a Registered Holistic Nutritionist – and I did not see it until she said it.  Check out the steps to create your own vision board and create a weekend project.

Reflections on a canoe day trip – healthy eating with choices

I loved this weekend canoe trip.  Best of all, we all had food choices.  Read what we enjoyed.

Love, gratitude and sorrow in Saskatchewan

This was the hardest post I have written.  While in Saskatchewan this summer, my daughter’s friend died from a car accident.  The community of Val Marie will forever be remembered as the kindest people who support each other in times of need.

Finally a recipe from Thailand – Colourful Spicy Thai Soup

After searching for ingredients here in the west end of the GTA, Ontario, Canada, I was finally was able to start making recipes from our trip to Thailand to see my amazing daughter.

Weekend Entertainment – Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free or not – Lunch Menu #3

Food is so much fun when you share it with friends.  Check out Lunch Menu 1 and 2 as well for ideas on how to eat gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free but provide choices to guests who eat everything.

Why I love Pilates

Pilates and yoga are key to learning how to breath deeply, reduce stress and become more mindful of your actions.  Being active is so important to your health and I always show up for them because they make me feel centered and energized.

I hope you enjoy this list that covers recipes, feelings, travel, activities and most important sharing experiences with friends and family.

Let me know if you have a favourite I missed from the list or if one of my personal favourites is also your favourite too.

May you day be filled with healthy food, activities and gratitude for all you have.

To living life to the fullest,

Jo-Ann Blondin, your 9CupChallenge partner