Wow. This has been an incredible year or so. In just 15 months time I threw two Bar Mitzvahs (one for each of my darling boys), built a new house, and wrote another book Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry. I do not recommend grouping these projects together into just over one year’s time to anyone. It was amazing fun, and also incredibly exhausting.
First, the Bar Mitzvahs. Of course (as any Jewish mother would attest!) the boys were amazing at each of their Bar Mitzvahs, chanting Hebrew for more than 3 hours in front of over 100 people. What a feat. What mazel! For each of their Bar Mitzvahs we held multiple gluten-free events and get togethers over a fun-filled weekend for friends and family (no I did not cook for the 100+ people that came to each one) and had an amazing time with our tribe of loved ones. I’m glad that those huge gatherings are behind us, as they were wonderful, yet at the same time somewhat stressful.
This amazing year, 2013 was also consumed by the building of a new home. We stripped a historic house, built in 1912, down to the studs, basically building a new green home inside an old one. Installing non-toxic recycled blue denim (sound-proof insulation) as well as geothermal energy, and many, many more green features, I was up to my ears in every detail of the project. I seemed to hold it all together until we moved in and I had a complete melt down (now I’m fine). Perhaps that was because my younger son’s Bar Mitzvah, the move to the new house, and the release of my latest book were all within 6 weeks of one another. Not by my planning of course –construction schedules can be very “flexible,” and we had intended to spread things out more, but in the end it was not to be, and I was up to my ears in stress.
It was good stress of course. But I view stress the way I view food. Too much of anything is generally not a good thing. Even if one is eating healthy food, it’s important to stop when one reaches one’s limit. But the wheels were already in motion and there was no stopping the train that was 2013.
Next on my plate was the release of my latest book, Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry. Sometimes I wonder, why did I do this book in the middle of two Bar Mitzvahs and a house renovation? Well, being a housewife is a mixed thing for me. I’m so happy that I get to be there everyday when the boys get home from school –this is very important to me. At the same time, if I’m not doing my own projects I can end up feeling like a kept woman or a Stepford wife, neither of which makes me happy. I need to work! I’ve been doing so since I started my first business at age eight, but that’s a story for another time. I just had to fit a little bit of me into this crazy year.
So you must be wondering if I’m ok. Yes, after some deep exhaustion, I’m fine. I’ve taken extra rest this fall and am bouncing back quite nicely. Along those lines, I’m planning on a quiet, health-focused 2014, with lots of reading, research and rest –three of my favorite things.
In this new year I’ll be sharing a bunch of healthy dinner recipes, healthy lifestyle ideas and healthy exercise tips with you, my dearest online family. Happy New Year to you my lovely readers. I hope you had a wonderful 2013 and wish you the best in 2014! Here’s to an abundance of rest and relaxation.
What was your 2013 like? Please leave a comment and let me know, I’m all ears!
Roxanne says
Elana,
Glad you’re feeling more rested. Love the work that you do. I have one of your cookbooks and use the chocolate chip cookie recipe for my kids about once a week. We all love them. Thanks for helping us find a GF CF sugar free recipe for the family favourite.
:D
Lynn Krukowski says
Best Wishes to you and your family. Enjoy your new home, it sounds wonderfully green.
Managed to break my ankle in 3 places July 7th so it was a year concerned with getting healthy and back on both feet. My sons, 25 and 27 and step son, 41 helped every step of the way by jerry-rigging the house so I could maneuver in a wheel chair, walker and crutches as well as shopping, cooking and cheering especially when husband was away at Denver Gem Show. I was blessed to have such caring guys.
Turned 60 today and again counting my blessings as all my guys made it home to help me celebrate a most excellent New Years Eve.
Thank you for all you uplifting words and thoughts and recipes that you share to help us all be a wee bit more conscientious about our health and feeding our families healthy food. I appreciate your efforts on behalf of us all.
Thank you. May 2014 be filled with Good Health, Happiness and Joy
Laura says
Thanks for all you do! When I visit this site I know I am getting a great recipe. I sing your praises to all who want to hear. I wish you a happy 2014. I’m looking forward to visiting often.
Bettina Stewart says
Wow, what a year! Thank you for all your wonderful recipes you created and shared with us as I was able to share them with my family. Have a wonderful New Years!
Carolyn says
Happy New Year! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful recipes. Best wishes to you and your family.
Carolyn
Kirsten says
Wow, your year makes mine seem tame . . . all it was, was a sick cat (almost lost her – thankfully she’s still with us), planning a wedding (only 9 months of time to plan), AND going on an amazing honeymoon! Oh yeah, and almost moving half way across Canada! Thanks for sharing all of your amazing recipes and stories!
Nicole Kavanagh says
First, thank you so much for all that you do and share. As the mother of two young boys as well (although they are three and five), your recipes enable me to provide them with the home baked goods I want to in lieu of processed food. I don’t aim to be perfect (no obvious dietary or health issues) but your shared recipes – and books – enable me to nourish my family in a more optimal manner.
2013 was equally busy on this end, so I’m looking forward to a year without a move, new job, and major operation – all between May and June. Phew! I’m still unpacking boxes.
Happy New Year!
Sina says
Wow!! What a wonderful year. Mazal tov to your sons. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2014
Cindy says
Hi Elana,
What a busy year you have had! I am new to your website and to the paleo way of life. My son has a severe chronic illness which is aggravated by gluten and we are trying to adapt. Your recipes are wonderful. The breads, crackers, and cookies are all big hits and my son thinks he may just survive without white flour!
Thanks for all your effort on this wonderful site!
Cindy
edwinjean says
Thanks so much for your recommendation of “A Taste of Wellness” cookbook. With my problems with gluten, yeast, milk and a host of other things, it’s proved a welcome source of new recipes (in addition to your own Almond Flour and Paleo cookbooks, which are staples in my kitchen). So glad I discovered your website!!!!
Cathleen says
edwinjean,
Have you tried any of the recipes from Spunky Coconut. She also has many grain free and dairy free recipes.