As 2015 comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about what I want to accomplish in the new year. There’s always the typical eat well and exercise and I’ve really kept a great work out schedule all of 2015 but I really need to step up my healthy eating game. The past two months have been not so great.

A major focus in 2016 will be continuing to grow this little space of mine. I’ve made a lot of changes and improvements here throughout the past year and have lots more planned for 2016. My recipe index leaves so much to be desired so I have some fun plans to revamp it. I think you guys will love it!

I also have the goal of tackling 1 new cuisine a month that I don’t have much experience with and sharing my experiences, successes and failures during my journey. I am so excited about this.

I’m a total book nerd and love going to the library to browse the cookbooks and there are always so many ethnic options there that I always look at but never check out as many seem daunting, difficult and involve lots of hard to find ingredients. But I’m making a commitment to it this year. I plan on finding ways to create exotic meals that are relatively simple that my family will *hopefully* enjoy. As I said, I’ll report back to you all.

Lastly, and probably most important of all, I want to make joy and fun a priority in my life. There are so many times I hurry through tasks to get them done, tell the kids just one more minute (which doesn’t work with a 5 year old that knows there are 60 seconds in a minute then counts in his head and announces “it’s been a minute!!!!!”) so I can get one more thing done, times I don’t play because the kitchen needs to be cleaned. I feel like I’m missing out, like I’m not enjoying life because I’ve got so much on my mind and on my plate.

I’m letting things go people. I’m trying my freaking hardest to not care what others think. To know my house doesn’t need to be spotless for guests because they love me, they know me, they don’t need my home to sparkle for them to feel welcome. I’m stubborn and prideful so I’ll need help and probably not so gentle reminders but I’m dedicated the idea.

What resolutions and goals do you have for the coming year? Do you need to have more fun like me? Because these Cran Orange Mimosas bring lots of fun to New Years morning. Use up that leftover champagne (is that a thing?) from the night before along with some orange juice and a splash of cranberry juice to create a fun and easy cocktail to start off your year right.

I mean the color from the splash of cranberry juice. They are so pretty and bubbly. They are hard to resist, so you just shouldn’t. You could even throw a few fresh cranberries in to make them extra festive.

I love you people and am so dang grateful for every single one of you. All the comments, follows, likes and loyalty mean the world to me! I’m so excited to spend 2016 with you and bring you deliciousness to fill your tummies, hearts and homes.