HAPPY NEW YEAR! What an incredible year 2015 was for Meal Planning Maven and ME! I experimented with exciting new ingredients and preparation techniques which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I had a blast meeting in person and virtually with several MPM Facebook fans as well as virtually with food bloggers from all over the world, many who have become close personal friends. MPM’s presence on Facebook grew to an astounding 33,800+ fans and my Pinterest followers quadrupled which I’m very happy about!
Alas, along with all the excitement, fabulous networking opportunities and sense of personal accomplishment came way more time involved then I ever expected to spend competing with the plethora of amazing food blogs out there to get my recipes and other posts viewed on social media. (which today is a necessary “evil” for keeping a food blog “alive”) Creating the recipe, sourcing and prepping ingredients, photographing, editing, writing posts and sending out newsletters to you (a huge commitment in itself) these days is actually only a tiny part of the process. To bring visitors to my website, the finished dish then needs to be displayed and closely followed on multiple popular social media outlets such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and recipe sharing sites such as Yummly. The entire process is then repeated with every new creation. This can become a full-time job- if you let it. (not something I’m prepared to do)
I’m not certain yet, which direction my blogging will take in 2016, however I do know I must work harder to create better balance in my life. While I ABSOLUTEY ADORE what I do, I also crave more time to spend with family and friends, working with my clients, as well as exploring what makes ME happy at this stage of my life. (Stay tuned as exciting projects are in store!) My favorite mantra “I can do anything, but I can’t do everything” (author unknown) are words I live by daily and will continue to guide my choices throughout this coming year and beyond.
I do know this…whatever comes out of my kitchen in 2016 promises to be fun, YUM, made with whole food ingredients and won’t wreak havoc with your food budget.
Lastly, please consider popping into my posts by leaving me a few kind words as hearing from you always makes my day! Thank you for listening and for sticking by me…and Meal Planning Maven!
Without Further Ado… I Present MPM’s Top Ten for 2015!
Pssst! If you missed any of these wonderful recipes, just pop over to my Blog Archives where each post is listed by month and year. Or perhaps you just feel like exploring MPM’s world of healthy, easy to make dishes that won’t break the bank? Then bookmark my Recipe Box where a vast array of goodies from every category await your discovery!
Coming to the Blog: Dump that Pesky Holiday Pudge! Featuring Pudge-Busting Recipe Favorites
Can You Become a Meal Planning Maven Success Story?
It’s Simple! Contact me for more information about my services. I would love to share my healthy eating secrets you can use, today, tomorrow and always. My specialties include creating customized meal collections and one-on-one food coaching using tried ‘n true methods. Whether your goal is to feed your family healthier meals, build a collection of quick ‘n easy recipes, “go gluten-free,” or perhaps knock off that pesky “pudge” that has mysteriously found its way to your middle this holiday season …I’d LOVE to try to help!
MPM’s Success Stories
I would like to take a moment to thank each one of you for all your support this past year! I wish you the Happiest and Healthiest New Year EVER and look forward to sharing recipes, menu inspirations and meal planning tips with you in 2016!!!
I Would LOVE to Hear from You!
If you enjoy my blog posts, please take a moment to leave me a comment. Find a recipe you love? Then do drop me a note! For your convenience, there is a section located at the end of each post. Thanks so much for your support!
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Linda Shapiro, Meal Planning Maven
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