Dear 2013, I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave. Xoxo, Elena

It’s hard to express what 2013 was for me, personally. It was definitely not the easiest of years and some parts of it have left me so heartsick that I’m having a difficult time seeing it in a positive light. On the other hand, it was one of our best years ever. Confusing, I know. Here’s the breakdown:

personally, i:

– spent our first full year as north carolinians together with dan, a dream come true

– celebrated four years of marriage

– celebrated kaylee’s first birthday

– adopted a second (perfect!) puppy, river

– explored our new city

– have been overwhelmed and delighted with the friends we’ve made in wilmington

– celebrated my sister’s fantastic wedding in new orleans

– ran two marathons and a 21 mile trail race

– traveled all over the country for work and new opportunities

– wrote my first cookbook

– began working on my second cookbook

– continued posting on misselenaeous, a site that has been a fantastic outlet for me

– built a bountiful garden space in our front yard

– did a lot of diving and a lot of searching on the bottom of the ocean for megalodon teeth

– dedicated myself to regular yoga practice, something that has made me a more well rounded person

– built our first piece of furniture

– started to learn to play the banjo on the canjo that dan built for me

– watched dan’s enthusiasm for homebrew grow (much to my appreciation)

– enjoyed my first full year as a montessori preschool teacher

– put our guest room to work and hosted many, many, loved ones

– walked around the streets of charleston with my best friend wearing matching tshirts featuring an obscure gilmore girls quote

– cheered dan on as he ran not one but two 5ks in one week

– connected with amazing bloggers and writers from all over this state, the south, and the world

– said goodbye to two people who were very, very dear to me.

this blog has:

– celebrated five years of recipes, photographs, and food

– survived me writing my first cookbook

–  introduced  new series and partnerships with great success

– been nominated for prestigious awards, featured in exciting places

– cooked more than we ever thought possible

– talked to people far and wide about the history and heritage of southern cooking

– introduced a beautiful new banner thanks to our friend emily of em dash paper co

– juggled two twitter accounts in a dubious attempt to separate personal and professional (@elenabrent vs @biscuitsandsuch)

– preached the gospel of cast iron, full fats, and real foods

– dabbled in charcuterie (with hopes of much more to come)

– fully appreciated our new deep fryer

– connected with you all and had amazing conversations about food, family, life, and love

2013 in Review from elena rosemond-hoerr on Vimeo.

(music in the video by the incredible alabama shakes)

thank you, so much, for reading this blog, for making this space a beautiful and positive one. this would all be for naught without the support of the amazing people who read and share and love b&s. thank you thank you thank you, and cheers to a happy 2014!