2019 IS OVER! There’s something about a new year (and a new decade) that brings about hope, renewal and excitement. But I want to spend some time to look back at this year and remember everything – both the good and bad – that lead me to where I am today.

January
I started the Hashimoto’s Protocol – an intensive three month challenge – to help heal my thyroid. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s at age 18 and I’ve struggled with it since then. The first month included major changes to my diet (which if you know me is asking A LOT of me) – it cut out gluten, dairy, caffeine, added sugar, alcohol and all processed foods.

February
I began a few great partnerships, including The American Lamb Board and Lucky Robot. I was in the thick of the Hashimoto’s Protocol (click here to see my week by week account of how I was doing!)

March
I was working for GAACC for 5 months because my private chef business was slowing down and I wanted to make a little more money and also see how I would do in an office. It turns out I hate being in an office and I won’t be returning to one ever again. I went back to cooking full time with tons of new clients, opportunities and a refreshed mindset. I also finished the Hashimoto’s Protocol at the end of March and the first thing I had to celebrate was cheese and wine (except I’ve cut out gluten for the whole year except for August and September when I was traveling).

April
I went to the Austin Food and Wine Festival for the third year and I loooved it! It’s always such a fun time (I loved seeing Jose Andres’ cooking demo). I also hosted my first pop-up dinner of the year, Sohna, which was a huge success and further fueled my excitement to be back in the kitchen full time.

May
The hot weather had arrived and I was already over it. My love for Lucky Robot was growing strong with my monthly visits as an ambassador! Also, I was starting to plan Joel and my trip to London for my cousin’s big wedding!

June
I chopped off a lot of hair because of all the sweating in this Texas heat. My sister, brother in law, Joel and I went to Houston for the Van Gogh museum – I went to Amsterdam in 2012 and went to his museum and loved every single thing in there so I was excited for this. It was a bit of a disappointment. The exhibit was three rooms, with a lot of replicas of his artwork (there were only a handful of his original pieces). We also had to wait in the heat for 2 hours and I was drenched in sweat. Honestly why do I still live in Texas?! The highlight of the trip was the amazing food we ate at Les Baget and Benjy’s.

July
There were loads of great restaurant openings this month including District Kitchen on Anderson, DipDipDip, East Austin Hotel, and Usta Kebabgy. Also, my dad’s birthday is in July and this was his second birthday without him here. It’s very difficult not having him here when I just want to celebrate him.

August
This was one of the best month’s of the year. We escaped the heat and went to London for two full weeks! My cousin had a big beautiful Indian wedding and it was all so magical (she got married at an estate in the countryside). We ate some of the best things I’ve had all year from Noize, Baba G’s, 100 Queen’s Gate and more (see the full list here). My dad grew up in London and being there made me feel close to him, although I wish he was there too.

September
This was another amazing month. The traveling continued in Seattle for Joel’s cousin’s wedding followed by more amazing food from Little Brother, Central Smoke, and Conversation (see the full list here). I reached 10k Instagram followers which was huge for me – I’ve never used any marketing ploys or engagement groups to manipulate my growth – it’s all 100% of YOUR amazing support! Aaaaand it was Joel and my one year wedding anniversary which was such an amazing thing to celebrate!

October
It took awhile to recover from all the traveling (I didn’t have any food restrictions aka I ate all the gluten and I was feeling the repercussions of it) so getting back on top of my health was a priority. I was also gearing up for a lot of events in the upcoming months!

November
I turned 28 and had the biggest cooking gig of my career! Joel and I got matching tattoos, too. We celebrated Thanksgiving at my cousin’s in Dallas which is always so much fun, but it’s my dad’s favourite holiday and it’s so hard not having him there for it. I helped throw my sister’s baby shower which was so joyful – she’s having a baby boy in February!

December
This was Joel and my fifth Christmas together and it was lovely and quaint. I’m so blessed by him and grateful to have him by my side everyday this year. I’m looking forward to what 2020 has in store for both of us – more traveling, more amazing food and more unknown adventures!!