Top Posts of 2010

on December 31, 2010
in All Posts

THE BIB TRANSFER DEBATE:  Out of all of the debate posts (also check out The Dog Poop Debate, The PETA Debate, The Michael Vick Debate, and the Sleeping Nekkid Debate), this was my favorite one!  Is it OK to pass off a bib to a friend?

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QUICHE CORNBREAD:  My most genius recipe of 2010!

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THE GREAT 100 MILE RACE:  Riding 100 miles through Napa Valley with my Dad and Jenna.

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BLOGGING CHANGED MY LIFE:  The story of how blogging has impacted me emotionally, as well as personally and professionally.

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SPINX RUN FEST:  Running my second marathon in 4:22, shaving 32 minutes off my personal best.

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THE MARIE CLAIRE SCANDAL:  And the overwhelming show of support + open discussion it prompted in the blog community.   Did you know the editor of MC called me and asked me to write a ‘positive’ article about food blogging in the magazine?  I refused (despite the potentially awesome byline for a self-employed freelance writer) because I felt like they had bad intentions, didn’t really understand our community, and just wanted more press.  Plus, I didn’t want to be a huge sell out.  Looking back, I have to say the MC article was probably the biggest “teaching moment” of my entire life.

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NOT PUKING ON MEREDITH VIEIRA: Not only was being on The Today Show the top moment of the year, it might’ve been the coolest moment of my entire life.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

WHAT DOES “ETHICAL EATING” MEAN?  The comments are better than my actual post – check out this discussion on the buzz word “ethical eating” and the ramifications for deciding some people eat “better” than others.

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COPING WITH BAD RUNS:  How to emotionally and physically handle lackluster workouts.

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WILDMAN OLYMPIC TRIATHLON:  The story of how I was the last person out of the lake, crashed my bike, and rocked a 5.6-mile run… and lived to tell the tale.

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AUTUMN GRILLED BANANA SANDWICH:  My second most epic recipe of 2010!

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HOW I GOT PUBLISHED:  My perspective on publishing, plus feedback from five other published authors on how they achieved their book-writing dreams.
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If you’re a blogger, what was your favorite post of 2010?  If you’re a reader, do any posts from bloggers really stand out in your mind as a high-quality post?  Link away in the comments section!

{ 76 comments }

 

  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun December 31, 2010, 9:55 am

    Sounds like a year full of great posts. That bib debate sounds interesting…I’m going to read it right now!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow December 31, 2010, 9:58 am

    What an awesome year it has been. 🙂

    As a blogger I can’t name one favorite post. This is my first year with my blog and I’ve had such a blast! A few of my posts about my honeymoon in Europe and how the culture helped me reaffirm my desire to live a healthy life focused on intuitive eating. The lessons and learning about the blog community is what I love most. There are so many incredible people out there looking!

  • Gabby (Quest for Delicious) December 31, 2010, 10:02 am

    I just recently started my blog, so I don’t have too much going on yet, but I’m stoked on what the new year has to bring! 😀

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 31, 2010, 10:08 am

    Happy New Year Caitlin!

  • Camels & Chocolate December 31, 2010, 10:09 am

    Wow, what a great year you had! Hope 2011 is even better (if at all possible)!

  • Halley(Blunder Construction) December 31, 2010, 10:11 am

    I love this recap! This was the year I fell in love with HTP, thanks for all the inspiration over the year. Happy 2011 🙂

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin December 31, 2010, 10:11 am

    Wow Caitlin!! You’ve had quite a year! Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I have a feeling 2011 is going to be big for you too!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat December 31, 2010, 10:13 am

    My favorite post this year was my first half-marathon recap (http://tinyurl.com/26ag2w5)! I was rather new as a blogger (I actually wrote it while I was on Tumblr and then imported it into my wordpress blog), but it really makes me happy to read it every once in awhile to remind myself of my great accomplishment this year.

  • B & B December 31, 2010, 10:15 am

    I had no idea MC contacted you about writing for them. Your response shows your true character! I’ve missed some great posts – will check out that publishing one.

    You are not just a blogger or a writer Caitlin – you are an inspiration.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers December 31, 2010, 10:18 am

    What a fantastic year!
    My favorite post this year was the one where my mom & I decided to do a 24 hour bike ride to celebrate her being cancer-free for 10 years: http://www.sideofsneakers.com/2010/07/29/its-a-booty-kicking-kind-of-day/

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) December 31, 2010, 10:19 am

    This post shows just how great (and smart) of a blogger you are. Also, good for you for staying true to yourself…it sure takes a lot of courage. Happy New Year!!

    My favorite post was probably graduating from college…it was a looooooong time comin’

  • Darcy @ She Sings at the Table December 31, 2010, 10:20 am

    I just started blogging in August, after falling in love with healthy eating/workout/living blogs. My favorite post so far has been this one, following my first half marathon: http://shesingsatthetable.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/success-seared-tuna-sweet-potatoes/.

    It’s fun to see your year in review, Caitlin. Congrats on all your accomplishments this year–you’re inspiring! Oh, and p.s.–I leave Operation Beautiful notes on my own mirror before I go to bed. Works like a charm 🙂

  • rebecca lustig December 31, 2010, 10:21 am

    wow. what a year. you’ve accomplished so much at such a young age. cant wait to see what’s in store for you.

    wow. you should be proud

    wishing you a happy healthy and safe new years eve!

  • Melanie @ jonandmelie.com December 31, 2010, 10:24 am

    I just read your post about the tri you did where you were the last person out of the lake and you crashed your bike! Wow Caitlin – you have tremendous strength! My hub wants to do a tri together and now I’m actually not as scared about it. Knowing that you can be scared of swimming in a lake (which I am) and still do it and finish it with a positive attitude is truly inspiring.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 31, 2010, 10:35 am

    What a great year Caitlin! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what 2011 has in store for you! 🙂

    P.S- Random question but is there going to be another Healthy Living Summit in 2011?

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:55 am

      We’re thinking yes although the deets haven’t been sorted out yet.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 31, 2010, 10:42 am

    I love your recap Caitlin! It has ben such an adventure for you this year and I am so proud and happy for you and your success!

  • Lauren @ Team Giles December 31, 2010, 10:44 am

    Love the recap Caitlin! I know I don’t always comment (new goal for 2011 be a better commenter!), but I read your blog all the time and I love seeing your journey… thanks for sharing your life and inspiring others! 🙂

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 31, 2010, 10:50 am

    CONGRATULATIONS Caitlin!! You’ve had such an amazing year and have inspired me – as well as all the other bloggers who read HTP, I’m sure!! I just posted my top accomplishments of 2010 as well (http://wp.me/pSUCS-1rw) and can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2011. I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and all the best in 2011! 🙂 Thank you for being so amazing!

  • Ashlee (Ash & Lew Plus 2) December 31, 2010, 10:51 am

    I started my blog ashandlewplus2.com this year and it is definitely one of the coolest things to happen all year. I also gave birth to twins this year and blogging is the best way to reflect on my life with them along with keeping a healthy balance and keeping my family and friends in touch with all of our craziness!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 31, 2010, 10:59 am

    I wrote a really good post about my relationship with food. There are no photos but I reread is often to get my mind back on track. I really think I expressed myself well in that post! It’s here: http://www.everylittlethingblog.com/2010/10/eat-ate-ute.html

    Happy New Year to you!

  • Allison December 31, 2010, 11:01 am

    Love that you’ve done a recap for 2010. I actually just started a blog (like, yesterday!) and I think I’m going to do a quick recap of 2010 myself… just so I can have an easy way of remembering some of the things that took place. I’m so excited to have a way to chronicle my life!! I used to scrapbook a ton, but now that the world has “gone digital” I don’t have any tangible pictures to actually scrapbook with. I think blogging is going to be the perfect way for me to get back into things 🙂 Your blog has really inspired me to bite the bullet and go from “just a blog reader” to an actual blogger! So, thank you for that! Happy New Year 🙂

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:54 am

      Welcome to blogworld!

  • Dorry December 31, 2010, 11:03 am

    What an awesome year! I started blogging in June and doing my recaps for 2010 were so much fun. What a way to reflect!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 31, 2010, 11:05 am

    You have some great writing on here! I loved all those posts. I’m glad you turned down MC to do another article despite the dough it would have brought to you and your family! 🙂

    I read so many great blogs that I really can’t choose a favorite from 2010. I started my blog in June 2010 and it is amazing to see how much I’ve grown as a person – AND a writer – in 6 short months. I am really proud of myself (and feel GREAT about saying that!)

  • chandana December 31, 2010, 11:06 am

    congrats caitlin. 2010 was an awesome year for you. all the hard work took off.

    i just wanted thank you, i discovered your blog this year and it helped me make some positive health changes in my life. your blog has been a major part of my health revolution.

    happy new year to you and your family.

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:53 am

      Thank you Chandana! Happy New Years to you, too!

  • Camille December 31, 2010, 11:17 am

    Goodness, you had a crazy, amazing year! I hope 2011 is even better!

  • sarah @ See Sarah Graduate December 31, 2010, 11:17 am

    First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! You have had one hell of a year! 🙂
    And secondly, as a blogger my favorite posts are all of mine that capture the little moments during my final year of undergrad. I will always be able to look back and remember all of the fun and crazy times with my friends and family. :),

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) December 31, 2010, 11:18 am

    My favorite post is the one where your book was published. What a huge accomplishment!

  • Kristina @ life as kristina December 31, 2010, 11:21 am

    What a GREAT look back!!!! You’ve had an amazing year-your blog is one that has inspired me to start one up of my own! Have a great NYE!

  • Mara December 31, 2010, 11:21 am

    What about your “HTP Swaps and Additions” series? I loved them and we can’t end the year without at least mentioning them!
    (BTW, I’m currently maintaining a 146 lb weight loss, and reading your blog helps keep me in line! Thanks for everything!)
    Much health and success to you in 2011, Mara 😀

  • Leanne (For Health's Sake) December 31, 2010, 11:23 am

    I already thought you were great but hearing you say you turned down Marie Claire makes me think your even better 🙂

    Can’t wait to read your blog in 2011!

    Are you going to share your 2011 resolutions/goals?

    Happy New Year!

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:49 am

      Yes I need to do a resolutions post – I love them!

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) December 31, 2010, 11:28 am

    I actually have to disagree with you on your first point- my fave debate was the sleeping nekkid one! The comments were SO funny! 😀 Although to be honest the debates are one of my favourite things about your blog, because they’re all great! 😀

    Looks like you’ve had an awesome year Caitlin! I love you, your blog and all those posts so keep it up! 😀

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:49 am

      Hahah the sleeping nekkid post was pretty awesome, you’re right. The comments ruled.

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 31, 2010, 11:37 am

    What a year!

    I’m new to blogging, but I think my favorite post was this:
    http://benotsimplygood.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/why-i-pitch-baseballs/

    It described a heart-warming moment with my son. 🙂

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 31, 2010, 11:59 am

    I just want to say how awesome I think it is that you turned down MC. After such a negative and false portrayal of this community (and the six of you), why give them support or attempt to justify the actions that they completely falsely accused you of? I have so much respect for your choice!!

  • Kristina @ spabettie December 31, 2010, 12:03 pm

    my recent favorite was my tamale tutorial : http://spabettie.com/2010/12/28/a-new-year-tamale/ because it was SO much fun!!

    my recent favorite of yours? seeing my dachshund creations on your tree!! <3

    Caitlin, your blog is still one of my favorites, and I think you are an incredibly positive person of integrity. So many others would have written that article, and for you to choose not to shows your awesomeness. Same feelings about donating the !0,000 to GOTR… (congrats again!) You do good for good, and will receive it back many times over!

    Happy New Year to You All, (+ James and Maggie) !

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side December 31, 2010, 12:12 pm

    I so appreciate all you share with us and the inspiration that you are. Thanks, Caitlin. I hope 2011 is the best year yet. As for me, I’d say my favorite post of this year was my FIRST POST EVER, because it’s launched me into a world of happiness I never thought possible.

    Blogging has changed my life, world and interests in so many ways- I can’t wait to see where it propels me in the coming year!!

    http://steppingtothebrightside.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-official.html

  • Natalia - a side of simple December 31, 2010, 12:14 pm

    You’ve had some pretty epic posts, Caitlin. I don’t think I could ever pick just one!
    I just did a post on some highlights from my year, which I think sums up pretty good some of my favorites: http://asideofsimple.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/ten-highlights-of-2010/
    Happy New Year!

  • Samantha Alday Samantha Alday Photography December 31, 2010, 12:18 pm

    I’m so glad I’ve found your blog! And since I’ve only recently found it, I’m glad you have posted your favs from the year, so I can also read back over them. Printing the Banana Sandwich recipe now! 🙂 Happy New Year!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith December 31, 2010, 12:19 pm

    I think one of my favorite posts from this year was this post – http://www.thestrengthoffaith.com/2010/11/on-blogging-community-and-wear-dress.html. I had to complete a three-month internship as a chaplain at a level 1 trauma hospital this summer (its an ordination requirement for me in my church) and seeing what I saw gave me such a new perspective on life. As soon as the summer was over I slowly starting converting my blog (which was really just ramblings) to a food and fitness blog, started focusing on the positives and even left myself operation beautiful style post its on my computer and in my apartment! I want to be happy and surrounded by awesome people. And that’s why I love the food blogging community.

    (Take that MC!)

  • Deanna (PRetty in Pittsburgh) December 31, 2010, 12:46 pm

    Caitlin: I started reading your blog in 2010 and I absolutely LOVE it! I love most how it’s not all about YOU. For new readers, it may seem that way, but you really provide valuable content for young women, tips, thoughts, etc. etc. It’s like reading a magazine. Keep up the fantastic work! And if you ever come back to visit Pittsburgh (since I know you went to Pitt), please do a reader meetup so I can meet you 😀

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:45 am

      Saying my blog is like reading a magazine is such a great compliment. Thank you!

  • Theodora December 31, 2010, 12:50 pm

    Congrats on such an amazing year! I think the post I just wrote (http://losingweightinthecity.com/post/2542718298/2010-the-best-year-of-my-life#notes) was my favorite post this year…because it has all my high (and some of my low) points of 2010. Other than that, I’d say my post about my first marathon is my favorite.

  • Heather December 31, 2010, 12:52 pm

    I was new to Healthy Living Blogs in 2010, and yours was one of my favs to discover!

    I think my favorite blog post was the first one I did where I “went public”. It was the first post that I actually told people about and really started leaving my link when I’d comment on blogs instead of just my name and email.

    http://junkfoodbreakup.com/2010/05/29/they-say-it-takes-21-days-to-change-a-habit/

  • Trish December 31, 2010, 12:55 pm

    You rock! 🙂 I love your blog and am consistently inspired by you. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. And thank goodness the world has such an amazing woman – I’m positive there’s much more greatness to come from you.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal December 31, 2010, 12:56 pm

    Love all the great conversations on this blog! Caitlin you rock and are probably one of my biggest motivators!

  • Katherine: Unemployed December 31, 2010, 1:18 pm

    What great highlights; I really enjoyed this post. Seriously, thanks for all you do to help people out

  • lindsay December 31, 2010, 1:19 pm

    Just watched your Today show clip again…love it! I just have a small photo blog, but my favorite post was probably my Veteran’s Day post. I just love the layout of the photos and the significance, as well. Thanks for inviting us to share!

    http://llshots.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/veterans-day/

  • Amber K December 31, 2010, 1:40 pm

    While I hated the Marie Claire debacle, I loved how many people showed their support for all of you!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances December 31, 2010, 1:51 pm

    Thank you for sharing that the editor of Marie Claire contacted you and offered you an article — I’m a freelance writer, too, and have SO MUCH respect for you for turning that down. That was probably a difficult decision to make, but you clearly listened to your heart and did what you knew was right. 🙂 I think my favorite post of the year on my blog is my most recent one… I got pretty personal and that freaks me out, but it was freeing and theraputic to write and post it. THANK YOU for being an inspiration to me this year!!

  • Kira December 31, 2010, 2:04 pm

    I just became a blogger, partly due to your website and partly because I really love writing. I find your blog really to be a great inspiration and as a student in college it is so hard to eat healthy! Keep doing what your doing and have a happy new year!

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:44 am

      Welcome to the blog world!

  • Ali @ Ali on the Run December 31, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Wow, so many great posts this year, Caitlin! Your blog was the first one I started reading and it inspired me to start my own blog. Thank you for being a role model in this great community. Looking forward to see what you write in 2011!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) December 31, 2010, 2:20 pm

    Oh i love your last question…it’s sooo hard to decide as a blogger what is “the best”. What I think is the best, soul-baring posts, posts with truly quality recipes…no, those actually dont stastically according to page views get as many views (on my site) as the silly posts or the dessert recipes that take 2 secs to make with prepackaged sugary ingredients 🙂 I wish the soul baring posts w/ raw vegan food got the clicks, but it’s the silly stuff and oreo balls that make the grade 🙂

  • Shari December 31, 2010, 2:21 pm

    What a truly remarkable year you’ve had! It’s the kind dreams are made of. Congratulations on every success – here’s to many more in 2011 🙂

  • Lisa December 31, 2010, 2:25 pm

    I actually was led to your blog because of the Marie Claire article. I keep reading your blog because of YOU! 🙂

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:43 am

      Thanks Lisa 🙂 I appreciate that.

  • Shannon @ Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy December 31, 2010, 2:29 pm

    You had such an amazing year! How are you going to top it in 2011?

  • Marci December 31, 2010, 2:30 pm

    Your blog brings out more discussion than any other! It’s been fun to follow along. My favorite post of the year was my first/only half marathon recap. http://www.marcigilbert.com/2010/12/05/dallas-white-rock-half-marathon-recap/
    And this was my favorite recipe of the year: http://www.marcigilbert.com/2010/12/02/gingered-out/

  • Leila @ Spinach and Skittles December 31, 2010, 2:35 pm

    Thanks for the fun recap Caitlin. Congrats on everything (and turning MC down – way to go!). My husband wants to do a century bike ride, so I’m going to remind him (again) to read your century recap 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 31, 2010, 5:40 pm

    Congrats on such an amazing year! Not only have you made so many personal achievements, but you’ve also done so much for others too! And I loved reading about it all this year. 🙂

  • Maura December 31, 2010, 5:42 pm

    By far, my guest post on HTP was the highlight of my blogging year. The women that came forward to say, “I understand what it’s like to be single and lonely!” made me feel like I am far from alone in the battle to find love. 🙂

  • erica December 31, 2010, 5:43 pm

    you’ve had am amazing and successful year! congrats to you! 🙂 may 2011 be even better!

  • jess December 31, 2010, 6:11 pm

    Amazing post! You go girl! You had an amazing 2010 and deserve an equally “epic” 2011!

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:42 am

      Epic use of the word epic.

  • Sassy Molassy December 31, 2010, 7:14 pm

    Caitlin, these are great posts from the past year. THe Marie Clare issue was crra cra craaaazy! Congrats to you for pushing through it and then getting your book published.

  • Sana December 31, 2010, 8:19 pm

    2010 taught me everything that i need to know about myself. that even if I fail- i look good doing it 🙂

  • Heidi - apples under my bed January 1, 2011, 12:52 am

    An awesome bunch of posts here. I have loved reading them all – especially the operation beautiful related ones and ethical eating. Looking forward to another great blogging year 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Amalfi Girl January 1, 2011, 9:27 am

    I loved Gena’s post on Choosing Raw about leaving the publishing industry and going into medicine. My favorite post at my blog is the epiphany post (http://eatrunhavefun.blogspot.com/2010/12/epiphany.html). Thanks for all you do, Caitlin!

  • Tina January 1, 2011, 10:13 am

    You were on national TV and it was so awesome!!!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life January 1, 2011, 11:45 am

    My favorite post of yours was “Blogging Changed my Life”. I get chills just re-reading it as I can relate to it so much!

    I’m not sure I have a favorite blog post of 2010 on my personal blog, I guess I’m just glad to have posted 128 times in 2010 🙂

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} January 1, 2011, 8:53 pm

    You had an amazing year! Congrats on all of your successes. My favorite blog post of this year (my first year blogging:)) is one that featured my recipe for beet burgers. I’m obsessed with these burgers!
    http://happyhealthymama.com/2010/12/you-wont-miss-the-meat-beet-burgers.html

    Happy New Year and thank you for being such an inspiration to young women!

    • Caitlin January 2, 2011, 10:41 am

      Beet burgers sound pretty interesting!!

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