2016: A Year In Review + The End of This Blog?

How is the year almost over?!

I mean, sure I say that every year, but it just happens so quickly, you know? One minute I’m complaining about the January weather, and the next minute…Well, I’m complaining about the December weather (because it’s Canada and it’s freakin’ cold, always). 

A 2016 Review

This year has been interesting: a year with many a learning curve. Most of my time this year went to my school work, which was amazing, and I’m sad, anxious and thrilled to be done come April. I have learned a lot in the ways of cooking, but also in the art of time management, because to be honest, I rarely had a free moment this whole year. If I wasn’t in class, I was volunteering, I was writing, I was working, I was planning and ultimately it was very cool to see how productive I could be.

This year I talked a lot about this blog, the changes I wanted to make and just a general uncertainty of what I wanted to be doing. Almost every post started with “I’m sorry I haven’t had the time” “I’ve been so busy” and “what am I doing with my life?”. I really gave myself permission to post less, focus on school and think about what this blog is and is not. 

The Nourished Mind has been my hobby baby for two years now. We’ve been through quite a bit together. One of my very first posts here was on how to (incorrectly) butterfly a chicken. When I started this blog, I was still in school for Holistic Nutrition. And now, I’m a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and soon to be done my two-year stint in Culinary Arts. Last week I completely deboned a cornish hen, stuffed it, rolled it and cooked it sous-vide.

A lot has changed. And baby, I have certainly changed. 

I really wanted to take the time to talk about this blog and the direction I see it going in. 

Is this good bye? Uh, hell no. You can’t get rid of me that easily (just ask my parents). No, in fact I have many great visions for this blog, and 2017 is going to be the year to really put The Nourished Mind to the test. 

Up until now, this blog has been pretty unfocused and has covered every thing from cooking, makeup, healthy tips and my general whereabouts. But, as you might have discerned from the name, The Nourished Mind was created with the intention of talking about mindfulness, brain health, and beating stress with the magical power of food. 

And guys, it’s time to get back to my roots. 

4 Changes You’ll Be Seeing On The Blog

1. More scheduled postings: this year will not be a willy-nilly situation. 2017 has already been mapped out, with an editorial calendar and everything. Expect to see more posts: every Saturday at 11am. Get ready!
2. Posts about all things mind-related: in 2017, all my posts will be geared to talking about that squishy little thing behind our skulls (okay, so my marketing skills need work). We’ll be talking about how to improve cognitive function, think clearer, prevent memory decline, conquer stress, minimalist living, and mindful cooking. If you want to perform better at work, balance your work-home life, learn how to time manage and meal plan, and cook foods that boost your brain, then you have come to the right place. And if that doesn’t sound appealing, then you should know that the same foods and practices that will bring you to your  brain A-game, will also make your skin brighter, help you sleep better, lose weight and have more energy. Just sayin’. 
3. Different kinds of high-quality content: One of my goals for 2017 is to branch out of just recipe posting, although don’t you worry, that will still be here! Expect to see recipes that will help you get a sexy brain (and as a side effect, sexier body), with higher quality photos than you’ve seen in the past. I also want to expand to include science-backed blog posts, mindful living lifestyle posts, short videos and a monthly newsletter. So if you’re not signed up yet, make sure to subscribe to my email list, because there will be lots of cool things coming your way in 2017.
4. A blog makeover: I am so excited, because after lots of going back and forth, The Nourished Mind is getting a total makeover. I want you to be able to see all the recipes, at your finger tips, in proper categories (breakfast, salads, desserts, etc). Also, The Nourished Mind will be getting its very own store, where you can find freebies, programs, ebooks and all the wonderful tools and ingredients I use in my day-to-day life! 

I think this year is going to be a great one! I’m starting my year off with an internship at a food styling studio here in Toronto for seven weeks, and I’ll be doing a lot more collaborating with other blogs and companies! So stay tuned!

For everyone that has been a consistent reader for the last few years (and to those of you that stop by occasionally to see what’s going on) I thank you. Seriously. And I hope to see you in the New Year, and to share with you all this amazingness yet to come! 

Happy New Year!