Favorite Moments of 2015

2015 was a busy, transformational and unbelievably lucky year for me. It all started in February when I had the chance to complete Natural Gourmet Institute’s “Writing for Food Media” Certificate Program, as perhaps the most amazing job perk ever. Working alongside Dawn Perry and learning with my fellow classmates took my passion for developing recipes to the next level. Completing the program gave me the confidence to pursue bigger projects and to market myself as a true recipe developer, not just a “food blogger.” I also took learning photography more seriously. I invested in a tripod and softboxes, and created a portfolio online. I even did my first freelance project this past weekend!

But the year wasn’t entirely a walk in the park. I was met with the dreaded blogger burnout on more than one occasion and took a hiatus over the summer. I spent a lot of time thinking about what this blogging thing means in my life. When I realize how much time, brain power and emotional commitment goes into continuing to write, it is totally overwhelming. Sometimes I question if it’s worth it, or if I’d rather be sprawled out on the couch eating takeout on the weekends like all the non-bloggers out there in the world. But time and time again, I come to the realization that doing this is a part of who I am – like a limb or an essential organ – and without it, I would simply be incomplete. This has led me to take some serious decisions about the future of my blogging career and I’m excited to say that I’ve got some lofty plans for 2016, which I can’t wait to share later this winter.

For the next two weeks, Rene and I will be traveling down south, so be sure to follow us on Instagram with #AlexandReneontheroad. And if you have any restaurant or sightseeing recommendations for Charleston, Savannah, eastern Florida and/or the Florida Keys, please send them my way.

And now without further ado, here are my favorite moments of 2015:

Recap of what I learned in the “Writing for Food Media” program