Do you ever feel like this? So much to do, and so little time. As we begin this new year, there is always the hope of more time. But no matter how good our intentions, the everyday grind always seems to creep up and take that time away.

Everyday I have these great intentions of something wonderful I want to bake or make, and by 3:00 I am completely wiped out from “moming around” and decide that maybe tomorrow will be a better day. This is what has inspired me to dedicate this year as my “year of doing”.

So Happy New Year! I hope this new year has been good for you so far. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a holiday from my holiday. It’s been a slow going couple of days.

I am happy to say though that Grant is back at school and it’s time to get my plans under way. This month I decided to declutter and decorate my kitchen. And I have also begun to read my daily devotional “Longing For More”. I plan to keep you posted on both.

Today I even outlined my plans for all the things I want to share with you this coming year on this blog. As I mentioned before, I am still finalizing the results of the gluten free flour challenge and will have those results out to you soon.

As I spent most of December baking and testing flours, I definitely could tell what ingredients I prefer for recipes. It amazes me how the addition of one ingredient can completely change the texture of something so delicious.

I have also been testing a lot of new recipes lately. Last week after roasting a turkey, I made my own bone broth for the first time. It was delicious and just knowing how it is helping my body as I drink it made me feel like I was really taking care of myself. With so much to do and little time, I often never feel like I am taking care of myself. I think this is a common mom characteristic.

We had company over for New Year’s Eve and I smoked some wings and drummies that came out amazing. I also made a taco dip and chili. I am hoping to share these with you before Superbowl Sunday.

Making party food for guests is never easy with food allergies. Admittedly, I am guilty of not entertaining as much as I would like because of that reason. This is something I am going to work on this year as I build my “Guide to Gluten Free Gatherings” this fall.

When we have to spend so much time in the kitchen already, it sometimes seems daunting to do more cooking for guests. I believe that having some easy menu ideas will allow us to enjoy good food and good company again.

At the end of the night I always realize how good for the soul good company can be and I want to immediately do it again. I am not kidding, I was really looking for company on New Year’s Day too. Sadly everyone was tired or unavailable.

So if you are currently feeling overwhelmed because this is all still so new to you, please know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will find your new “normal” very soon. Please know, I am here to help.

When was the last time you had guests over for dinner?

What did you make? Leave a comment below