My original plan for this post was to write a witty poem about the incredibly fun and adventurous year that was 2010, but…I can’t rhyme for anything.
No seriously, I can’t. Makes me feel like this to try…
Instead I’ll just tell you that 2010 has been filled with the most unexpected & delightful experiences. From the both the sweet slowness and bright lights of New Orleans,
![DSC_0124_thumb[1]](http://iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC_0124_thumb1.jpg "DSC_0124_thumb[1]")
to the ancient ruins and gelato shops of Rome.
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From some tough hikes in the hills of Denver,
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to unforgettable girlfriend getaways to Dallas.
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Last year I would have laughed if you told me I’d see Iowa from a mile high,
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hop a private plane to NYC and appear in a Claritan Allergy Ad,
![IMG_6411[1]](http://iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IMG_64111.jpg "IMG_6411[1]")
or snarf a Blue Bunny ice cream sandwich fresh off the line!
![BlueBunny_080[1]](http://iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/BlueBunny_0801.jpg "BlueBunny_080[1]")
I would have laughed even harder if you told me that TOFU would help me win a recipe contest,
![DSC_0056[1]](http://iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC_005611.jpg "DSC_0056[1]")
and free eggs for a year!!
![DSC_00276[1]](http://iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC_002761.jpg "DSC_00276[1]")
Ben and I celebrated two years of wedded bliss this April (insanity,)
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and over the past 12 months I’ve made enough cookies to rival the most enthusiastic girl scout.
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2010 was also the year of IGE – the first full year of documenting my life and sharing it with you, dear readers. This blog would cease to exist if it wasn’t for you coming back day after day, so thanks a million.
To celebrate the new year, Ben and I are off to the same restaurant we went to to ring in 2010 – Flying Mango. I’m stuck between ordering the Jumbo Shrimp or BBQ Scallops…
On one hand, scallops are one of my favorite foods in the world, on the other hand, the shrimp comes atop Pappardelle Sweet Potato Pasta!! RIGHT?!
Friends don’t let friends make wrong seafood related decisions, so tell me – what would you get?
Here’s wishing you the very best in 2011. Stay safe tonight, but have FUN! Adios 2010!
Aww, great post. It looks like you’ve had a fab year!
Team Shrimp here!
Have a great New Year
SHRIMP !!
have a great evening – HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
Everything looks delish! I vote for a seafood dish! Have a good evening! XOXO
SCALLOPS! Happy New Years!
Happy New Year Kristin! Hope your night is wonderful and your 2011 is filled with unending blessings!
you had the best year!!! We has similar travels – I also went to Colorado (Boulder) and SOUTH (Florida, though.) Gosh, I’d die to take a trip to Italy similar to yours.
Oh, the shrimp, all the way. PLantain Mango Marinara? yeaaa get the Shrimp! So glad you guys are going out. Have so much fun!
You’re so adorable, Kristen.
Happy New Year =]
SCALLOPS!! I live in a relatively small town and can only get frozen then fried scallops. That doesn’t even count in my book. Enjoy every yummy bit and Happy New Year!
Sweet Potato Pasta sounds amazing!
I just made a run to TJ’s and got some Almond Champagne. (Also some Peach!) I’m so excited, not sure if I can wait until tonight to try it!
Happy New Year Iowa Girl and family!
Just get the scallops because you don’t cook them very often at home. I always order like that!
Fargo is snowed in, so I’ll be safe tonight! I hope you stay safe. Happy New Year to you and Ben!
SCALLOPS!!!!!!! Happy new year!
What an amazing year! Happy New Year, thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
Scallops! Totally.
Ooh, you have to go with the sweet potato pasta! Just the sound of that makes me hungry! I can’t believe you rode in a hot air balloon… so cool! Glad you had a great year
And what a year you’ve had! Niiice. And I took one of those pictures. But I’m not paparazzi because I used your camera. teeheee. Happy New Year!!!! (it’s great knowing you)
Looks like you had a great 2010. Hope you have a good 2011 as well!!
I am a little late to the game, but I would def get the shrimp! Hope you had a fabulous NYE. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with us. I love reading your blog!
Happy 2011! Thank you for your writing your blog.
Happy New Years Kristin!
LOVE your wedding picture! You and Ben make such a wonderful couple. Have you posted about it somewhere? Would love to see your pix. You were a beautiful bride!
Happy New Year to the entire IGE franchise, and here’s to another year filled with even more exciting events in 2011!
Happy 2011! I am loving these top 10 posts.
oops! I meant top 12!
What a WONDERFUL year for you!!!! Amazing successes! *Raises my glass to you!*
I’d go with the scallops all the way!
Those scallops sound so good!
Those cookies look like they were made by a professional! Do you use any piping materials, or just the tip that the frosting comes in?
I agree! Those cookies look like they came from Starbucks or something!
How do you do it?!
EVERYTHING
Oops hit the wrong key! EVERYTHING on that menu looks amazing and I love the menu design! Plus, my son would approve because the kid’s menu has BBQ ribs! LOL! I hope you had a great supper!
Looks like you had a great year filled with wonderful traveling and delicious food. It was great to read along throughout your 2010 journey. Happy new year! I look forward to reading about more good eats from you this year.
P.S. I didn’t know you made cookies. They’re really cute.
We went to FM for NYE too! Random! Anyway, not sure what you picked but I did have the Coconut Shrimp and it was to die for! My husband wanted the pork tenderloin but it was already sold out so he did the lamb chops. Also a great choice! One of my favorite restaurants!