Where did the year go?
This year flew by. I don’t usually track time by the calendar—days blur together and I often need reminders about holidays—so New Year’s Eve feels like any other day to me. Still, I enjoy the small ritual of welcoming a new year, even if life doesn’t change overnight. I’m not entering the next year with dramatic resolutions; instead I try to let each day unfold naturally. With that mindset, 2015 turned out to be one of my best years yet.
Below is a curated recap of the best posts from 2015 across food, travel, lifestyle and beauty/DIY, plus a look at projects that mattered and what’s coming in 2016. Enjoy the highlights:
BEST OF FOOD POSTS 2015
1. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars
2. Detox Vegetable Soup
3. Customizable Protein-Packed Oatmeal Cups
4. Almond Joy Energy Balls
5. Healthy Avocado Brownies
Breakfast: The Fluffiest Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes – How To Make Green Juice In Your Blender – Paleo Mexican Hot Chocolate Pancakes
Lunch: Fall Detox Veggie Soup – Cucumber Noodle Salad with Avocado Dill Dressing – The Ultimate Hippie Bowl
Dinner: Healthy Chicken Pho with Zoodles – Crispy Baked Yuca Fries – How To Make Bone Broth
Dessert: Healthy Peanut Butter Mug Cake – Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies – Pumpkin Spice Freezer Fudge
Snacks: Paleo Lemon Poppyseed Muffins – Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Oatmeal Bars – No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls
BEST OF LIFE POSTS 2015
1. Jeans and Genes – On How I Learned to Love My Body – A personal reflection on self-acceptance and treating your body with the respect it deserves.
2. The Top 10 Things Blogging Has Taught Me About Life – Celebrating a two-year blogiversary with lessons learned from running this space.
3. How Do You Monetize a Mess? – An honest post about vulnerability, authenticity, and navigating creativity during tough times.
4. 10 Things I Wish I Could Tell My 21-Year-Old Self – Advice I’d give to a younger me trying to find her way.
5. Life Without Labels – A cathartic piece about stepping away from extremes and finding comfort without rigid labels.
BEST OF TRAVEL POSTS 2015
(The travel posts that stood out)
1. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica – A serene, restorative week in the southwest peninsula that remains one of my favorite trips.
2. Dublin, Ireland – Five days visiting friends and celebrating Paddy’s Day in the city felt unforgettable.
3. Barcelona, Spain – Three days of siestas and great food—pure perfection.
4. Banff National Park, Alberta – A foodie-adventure trip that showcased some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve seen.
5. Yosemite National Park, California – Finally crossed Yosemite off the bucket list; a dream for anyone who loves national parks.
6. San Diego, California – I tagged along on a work trip and instantly fell for the laid-back charm of the city.
BEST OF BEAUTY/DIY POSTS 2015
1. Why I Switched to an All-Natural Skin Care Routine – A look at why external products matter for overall health and what I use.
2. DIY Natural Deodorant That Actually Works – A home recipe that proved surprisingly effective.
3. A Guide to Natural Sunscreen – Practical tips for choosing and using natural SPF products.
4. DIY Face Masks Made From Kitchen Ingredients – Easy, effective masks you can make with items already in your pantry.
5. Gingerbread Body Scrub – A seasonal favorite that works year-round.
KIND OF A BIG DEAL IN 2015
– I launched a second blog, SHEuncovered, with my business partner and longtime blogger friend. Although it officially started in late 2014, we only announced it in January and have plans to grow it further in 2016.
– Lee and I also launched The Blogger Project, a resource we created to teach and support other bloggers. The community around it has been rewarding and we’re excited to keep building it.
– I finally launched a YouTube channel and loved the creativity and connection that video provided. I’m excited to keep expanding that content.
P.S. You can subscribe to the channel to catch new videos.
– Team Maven grew this year. Jess joined the team and has become essential for social content and creative contributions. I’m thrilled to have her on board and you’ll be seeing more of her in 2016.
– THM got a visual refresh thanks to collaborators who helped clean up and brighten the site. The redesign made the blog feel fresh while we continue improving content behind the scenes.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2016
– More video: I’m aiming to post videos twice a week covering recipes, DIYs, beauty and more. It’s ambitious, but I’m excited for the challenge.
– Stronger partnerships: I’ll be working with a few brands I genuinely trust—accessible, health-focused companies that align with THM’s mission to add value to your life.
– A busy travel calendar: Expect more travel coverage and videos. We’re kicking off the year at WellFit Malibu Wellness Resort, and travel will be a big part of the coming months.
– Possible big life changes: There are some developments I’m excited about but can’t confirm yet. When there’s news, you’ll be the first to know.
Writing this recap had me strolling through memories and smiling at how much happened this year. Thank you to everyone who made 2015 memorable—your support means everything and makes doing this work a privilege.
Here’s to another great year ahead.