2018 Year in Review

Embarking on a journey down memory lane, I often find myself sifting through eight years’ worth of memories etched into the digital pages of Fit Foodie Finds (FFF). More than just a collection of healthy recipes, this website has become a vibrant archive of my life’s unfolding chapters. It’s truly remarkable to revisit moments like the Christmas I received my very first food processor, or to reflect on the countless hours I dedicated in 2013 to transform a passion into a thriving business. Becoming a writer was never a conscious career goal; my inclination always leaned towards the visual and creative. Yet, over the past eight years, FFF has nurtured an unexpected but deeply fulfilling evolution into a storyteller, sharing not just food but the very fabric of life.

Today, I’m excited to dive into a special recap of 2018. This reflective post isn’t just for you; it’s a personal time capsule, allowing me to look back in 10 or 20 years and vividly recall the extraordinary year it was. While every journey has its challenges, and 2018 certainly presented its share of bumps and learning curves, it ultimately unfolded as a truly fantastic period. This was especially true because two monumental life events, each profoundly shaping my future, occurred within just a few months of each other. Join me as we explore the highlights of a year filled with growth, love, and adventure!

Our Journey to Homeownership: Buying a House in 2018

After Mark’s big move to Minneapolis in 2017, it felt like no time at all before we were ready for our next big step: buying our very own house! Mark settled into the Minneapolis rhythm beautifully, and the timing just felt intrinsically right. So, in April of 2018, our exciting home search officially began. I absolutely adored the entire house-hunting process; the thrill of exploring different spaces and imagining our future in each one was truly captivating. I’d honestly do it all over again in a heartbeat. After three months of exploring various neighborhoods and properties, we stumbled upon our charming little bungalow, and it was love at first sight. The moment we stepped in, we knew it was “the one.”

What truly excites me now is the ongoing journey of transforming this house into our dream home. Personalizing every corner, from selecting paint colors to planning major renovations, fills me with immense joy. Of course, the reality of home updates and renovations has proven to be a test of patience. Our initial projects faced numerous delays and push-backs, but I suppose that’s a classic homeowner’s tale. The most common piece of advice I received, and now wholeheartedly understand, is that “nothing ever happens on time!” Despite the hurdles, seeing our vision slowly come to life is incredibly rewarding. We recently celebrated the installation of our stunning Velux skylights in the kitchen, which have already dramatically brightened the space (expect more details on this transformation soon!). Looking ahead to the New Year, we’re eagerly anticipating the start of our new windows installation and the exciting downstairs renovation. The thought of these projects finally commencing fills us with immense excitement! YAY.

For deeper insights into our homeownership journey, explore our practical tips on how we saved for our house HERE and follow our complete home buying adventure HERE.

A Dream Come True: Our Engagement Story

If someone had asked me in 2008 about my future husband, I would have secretly, wholeheartedly hoped it would be Mark Funke. Yet, deep down, I harbored doubts, believing there was no chance life would weave our paths back together. Fast forward to August 2018, during a memorable trip to Washington, and my deepest wish came true: Mark and I got engaged! It’s funny how time flies; I just realized I never dedicated a full blog post to the engagement itself, though I did share the joyous news extensively on Instagram. You can catch all the emotional details and photos on my Instagram post HERE.

However, I can certainly provide a little wedding update here! The date is officially set, and we’re overjoyed to be getting married in Minneapolis on March 23, 2019. We quickly realized that a prolonged engagement wasn’t really our style; March felt like the perfect time to tie the knot. The whirlwind of wedding planning has been quite the experience, and I’ve accumulated so many thoughts and anecdotes about navigating this “nutty industry.” Rest assured, a dedicated wedding update blog post is definitely in the works for the near future, where I’ll delve into all the details, challenges, and joys of planning our big day. Stay tuned!

Global Adventures: My Favorite Travel Experiences of 2018

2018 truly was a landmark year for travel, painting my passport with an array of incredible experiences and unforgettable destinations. From the serene wilderness of northern Minnesota to the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica, I had the privilege of exploring so many different parts of our beautiful world. As I eagerly look ahead to 2019, I anticipate that my travel adventures won’t slow down much, especially with the exciting prospect of Mark and I embarking on our honeymoon! We’re currently open to all recommendations for that special trip!

Here’s a deeper dive into some of my most cherished travel memories from 2018:

Boundary Waters Minnesota: Our annual BWCA trip is a cherished tradition, and it never fails to deliver a unique blend of challenge and tranquility. This year, we launched from Seagull Outfitters for a four-day canoeing and camping excursion. We were incredibly lucky with the solitude, encountering a maximum of ten other people throughout our entire journey, which truly enhanced the wilderness experience. The weather was mostly perfect, save for an unforgettable Day 1 where we paddled through the most intense winds I’ve ever experienced in a canoe – a true test of endurance and teamwork!
Red Rock Canyon Nevada: Our annual Fit Foodie retreat took us to Las Vegas, Nevada, but this was far from your typical Vegas trip! The FFF team sought adventure beyond the Strip, venturing into the stunning Red Rock Canyon. Here, we embarked on an challenging 11-mile hike under a surprisingly intense heat and even tried outdoor climbing for the very first time! It was an exhilarating experience that pushed our limits and forged stronger bonds within the team.
Costa Rica: It had been far too long since my sister Michelle and I shared a travel adventure, so this year, Mark and I teamed up with Michelle and my brother-in-law Ben for an incredible journey to Costa Rica. We immersed ourselves in the lush rainforests, stood in awe of a majestic volcano, and then retreated to the most amazing Airbnb – a hidden gem nestled on a coffee farm high on the side of a mountain! The views, the coffee, and the vibrant wildlife made it an unforgettable family trip.
Park City, UT: The Hersh family ski trips are always a highlight of my year! This year, we decided to try something different from our usual Colorado haunts and hit the slopes of Park City, Utah. It was my inaugural time skiing on this mountain, and I was absolutely blown away – I’m already counting down the days until I can return in February! The accessibility of Park City, being so incredibly close to the airport, makes it an ideal ski destination.
Washington State: This trip holds an exceptionally special place in my heart, primarily because it’s where Mark and I got engaged! Beyond that momentous occasion, it was a trip where Mark and I indulged in all our favorite activities: spending quality time together, exploring the breathtaking outdoors, enjoying delicious food and drinks, and reconnecting with dear friends. We were initially there to celebrate our friends Will and Lindsey’s wedding, which turned out to be one of the most fun and heartwarming weddings I’ve ever been privileged to attend.
Boise + McCall, ID: Our Washington State adventure seamlessly extended into Idaho, where we visited our wonderful friends Sam and Jake. I’ve always had a soft spot for Boise, and I’m so incredibly glad we made the trip up to McCall, which is simply BEAUTIFUL. If you ever get the opportunity, I wholeheartedly recommend renting an Airbnb and spending a few days there. It’s an absolute outdoor paradise, offering endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
San Francisco, CA: Another incredible reason to travel was to celebrate the wedding of one of my best friends, Davida! Her wedding in San Francisco was such a fun getaway. I’m already itching to plan another trip back to the Bay Area to visit her and Curt and soak in more of that vibrant city energy.

Growing Stronger: Team Fit Foodie Expansion in 2018

After three years of meticulous planning, hopeful discussions, and careful strategizing, 2018 marked a monumental step for Fit Foodie Finds: we were finally able to bring Emily on board full-time! As a business owner, expanding the team, especially with a full-time salary, is undeniably terrifying. It represents a significant financial risk and a massive leap of faith. However, looking back, I can confidently say that this risk has been one of the absolute best decisions I’ve made in a long time. The joy of having Emily as a full-time member of our team has been immeasurable.

Not only has her presence allowed both Linley and me to better manage our workloads and achieve a healthier work-life balance, but the dynamic shift of having three dedicated individuals on the team, rather than two, has been transformative. There’s a synergy that emerges with a larger team – new ideas flow more freely, tasks are tackled with greater efficiency, and creative energy is amplified. The three of us complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses beautifully, forming a cohesive unit with ambitious dreams and aspirations for the future of Fit Foodie Finds. I am incredibly excited and optimistic as we transition into 2019, knowing that I have such a solid, passionate, and talented force working alongside me. We’re setting our sights high for the coming year, and I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to crush our goals together!

Evolving My Wellness: A Health & Fitness Update for 2018

For me, 2018 truly became a year of profound change and adaptation in my personal fitness journey. Due to persistent injuries – specifically recurring issues with my neck and shoulders that continued to linger – I had to make a conscious and often challenging decision to significantly scale back on my usual high-impact workouts and heavy strength training. This meant stepping away from virtually everything I was accustomed to, which required a considerable mental and physical adjustment.

To navigate this new phase, the team and I collectively decided to explore different avenues, committing to ClassPass for about six months. Our goal was to actively incorporate a wider variety of workouts into my routine, hoping that diversifying my exercise regime would alleviate the strain on my neck and shoulders. This strategic shift proved to be incredibly insightful and beneficial. Through ClassPass, we were introduced to several new gyms and workout styles that we’ve come to genuinely love and integrate into our healthy living practices.

Our Current Favorite Gyms in Minneapolis (Discovered in 2018!):

Alchemy 365: A dynamic and challenging high-intensity interval training studio that combines strength, conditioning, and yoga elements.
Minneapolis Bouldering Project: A fantastic community-focused climbing gym that offers a full-body workout and mental challenge in a fun, supportive environment.
Switch: Known for its unique, music-driven group fitness classes that keep energy levels high and workouts engaging.
Fly Feet: A premier running and strength training studio, offering expertly coached classes that focus on improving running form and overall athletic performance.
Barre 3 Edina: Provides a unique blend of ballet barre, yoga, and Pilates, focusing on isometric holds and small, precise movements for long, lean muscles and improved flexibility.

Showcasing Success: Our Favorite Content from 2018

Last but certainly not least, no year-in-review would be complete without highlighting some of our most beloved and impactful content from 2018. From innovative healthy recipes to engaging lifestyle guides, and even fun hair tutorials, I am incredibly proud of the creative direction and growth we achieved at Fit Foodie Finds throughout the year. The diversity and quality of our content reflect our ongoing commitment to inspiring and supporting our community. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite posts from 2018!

Notably, 2018 truly emerged as the year of the Instant Pot, with an explosion of delicious and easy recipes designed for this versatile appliance. We also celebrated the irresistible appeal of healthy nut butter cups and an astounding variety of incredibly satisfying soups and chilis – holy crap, what a year for comfort food!

Top Recipes of 2018 (Reader & Editor Favorites)

Taco Soup: A flavorful and quick weeknight dinner that became an instant family favorite.
Healthy Peanut Butter Cups: Our guilt-free take on a classic treat, proving that healthy can be delicious.
Chocolate Chocolate Banana Bread: A rich and indulgent twist on a beloved comfort food, perfect for any time of day.
Instant Pot Hamburger Soup: A hearty and comforting meal made incredibly easy with the Instant Pot.
Vegan Queso: A creamy, dairy-free dip that surprised even the most ardent cheese lovers.
Triple Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups: Convenient and delicious, these were a go-to for healthy breakfasts and snacks.
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli: A takeout favorite reimagined for quick and healthy homemade meals.
Healthy Hamburger Casserole: A wholesome and satisfying casserole that brings comfort food to the healthy table.
Instant Pot Korean Beef: Bursting with savory flavors, this became a popular choice for quick and exotic weeknight dinners.
Golden Roasted Cauliflower and Quinoa Salad: A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes: A protein-packed breakfast option that’s fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Thai Chili Corn Salad: A fresh, zesty salad with a kick, perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.