This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Guess what?! I about fell out of my chair when I heard this news. Can I share something completely awesome with you? We made it onto a Forbes list!!
I’m such a nerd for Forbes lists. From before my time at University, I have stalked their lists because they are a big deal. I learned from the success stories they shared; particularly women in business.
I never in my wildest dreams imagined my name would be on on such a list. What, say what? Totally, seriously, serious right now! I’m so thankful.
Click Here to read everyone’s story (including Rosanna Pansino, Joy the Baker and Smitten Kitchen!). It’s a true honor to be listed. And since you will know how old I am when you click over, I’ll just say it now. I’m 33 years young 😉
I feel undeserving and also realize this is a major blessing. I know at my core this blog is part of God’s call on my life – the desires of my heart brought to reality. If you are reading this, I hope our blog has inspired you in some way – to make your life better, whether it’s from a meal that nourished your family or maybe you’ve been inspired to start your own blog or business.
Natasha’s Kitchen began with documenting family recipes but it has grown into a community of people who inspire, encourage and impress me every day. Your photos in our private Facebook group prove it!! I’m so happy you are here, enjoying this wild ride with us.
And honestly, the videos, the beautifully edited photos, constant improvements and so much more that keeps this blog alive, are thanks to my talented husband. You’ll spot him a few times in this years bloopers video (coming soon!). I am so thankful for this man in every way. He’s handsome too 😘 😊
We are so so so excited for 2018 and all that God has in store for us. We want to take more of a teaching focus with our blog – creating teaching videos in addition to recipes. That’s double the videos which feels brave right now with a toddler at home. We will be moving into our new house this year (scheduled for May 2018) and then I am hoping to really hit the ground running with the beginnings of a future cookbook.
I have this daily planner (affiliate link) to help me juggle life this year. Things and people are constantly pulling me in a hundred different directions. I find when I sit down to plan in the mornings, it helps me focus and I generally have a way more accomplished day. Do you have a system that helps you stay focused? I want to hear about it!!
We have a new assistant, Alla Kachur. Being a control freak, it was so hard for me to delegate some of my responsibilities but I’m so glad I did it. It’s so so neat to think that our team is growing and even creating jobs! I’m like a legit CEO now (self-named because I can) ha ha ha! Seriously though her help allows me to focus more on what I love most – the food!!
Of course we make these plans but are open to the possibilities of what God has in store for us this year! Thank you for being a part of this wonderful adventure with us for the past 8+ years and 800+ recipes. A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you all, my friends.
Loads of love and appreciation for you!
-Natasha ❤
P.S. Final food for thought…
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
NIV Psalm 90:12
Natasha, Congratulations on all of your success. You have wonderful site and lots of great recipes. My kids love to watch your videos, especially boccone dolche cake. We will continue to follow your work. we appreciate all you do 🙂
Thank you so much Katya! I’m happy to hear how much you and your family are enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your encouraging comments! 🙂
Congratulations!! You are adorable!! Hated work pays off!
Thank you so much Amy! We are beyond excited! 🙂
Dear Natasha,
Congratulations! And Merry Ukrainian Christmas! I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your recipes on your website. You have been a life saver for me! We adopted our 17-yr old son from Ukraine in 2015 and when we were in Kyiv, I bought a book on Ukrainian cuisine and folk traditions, hoping it would help me when I was back in the states. Even though it is in English, sometimes it is hard to understand exactly what food item or process they use and so I haven’t ended up using it at all. My son has also tried to translate recipes he has wanted and it is even more confusing. But so far, every time he has asked for something, we have found it on your website! For our Ukrainian Christmas dinner (with our friends who also adopted from Ukraine), I made your Mom’s Chicken Drumsticks, the Ukrainian Aspic (Kholodets) with the Russian Hren Horseradish, Russian Vinaigrette with beets & sauerkraut, the wreath bread and the traditional Napoleon cake. I am so excited that I was able to make all of these traditional Ukrainian dishes (except the bread of course) and so very grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to make them by sharing your recipes! BTW, that cake is to-die-for!
Thank you again!
Tracy
Hi Tracy! Thank you so much for your sweet words. I am so happy to hear you’ve been able to find familiar recipes that your son loves. God bless you for adopting. That is just amazing and thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us! 🙂
Congratulations Natasha! I’m so thankful to you guys for your yummy and easy to follow recipes👍🏻
Keep up the great work! God bless you and your family in 2018!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. God bless you and your family also! 🙂
Glory to God!!! That’s a powerful platform and with that may the Lord give you wisdom!!!
My comment I’d like to see some examples of Meal plans.
To him be the glory! We are beyond excited and grateful 🙂 Thanks so much for following and I will definitely keep your suggestion in mind Larisa!
Congratulations on such a much deserved honor! I appreciate all the great recipes you share, Natasha! Many blessings to you and your family in the 2018!
Thank you so much Deb! I really appreciate your encouraging, thoughtful comments!
Woww. Congrats Natasha. You are an inspiration. Love your recipes and the way you share it is like spreading life and love (in the kitchen). You totally deserve it.
Thank you so much Monique! I’m happy to hear how much you’re enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following!
Dear Natasha,
You both deserve this and even much more in the coming years. Stay true to yourself, your family and your faith!!God bless you!!
Dalia:)
Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I sure appreciate it! God bless you also Dalia!
Natasha, congratulations! That is such huge news! You’ve worked so hard for this, good job! Wishing you and your blog many blessings this year! 🙂
Thank you so much Dina! I sure appreciate that! 🙂
Congratulations Natasha. You deserved it. Our all time favorite Youtuber.
Thank you so much, I appreciate that! 🙂
Congratulation Natasha!
You truly deserved it, with all hard and passionate work ! Very happy for you!
Thank you Svetlana! I appreciate that! 🙂
Congratulations Natasha! You absolutely deserve to be on that list! I’m so glad I found you & your delicious recipes. If I wasn’t on my French macaron mission, I nvr would’ve found you & EVERYTHING I’ve made by you has been exquisite & that NVR happens! Thank you for being SOOOO AWSM!
I’m happy to hear how much you’ve been enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your encouraging comments!
Where do we pre-order your cookbook!? 🙂
Oh shoot, now I’m on the hook! lol. 🙂 I haven’t even begun writing it yet, but I’m glad you are eager for it! 😉 Thanks Lena!
YES for cook book!!! Your website is my number one go to for recipes! I mean 99% of our food is either from your recipes or inspired by your recipes!!!
I was in the middle of trying out the wreath bread when I saw this post come through. So happy for you! Love your recipes. Congratulations! Bread was great, not as pretty as yours, but will work on it!
Thank you Joanne! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your encouraging comments!
Congratulations Natasha! You deserve it!! 😊😊😊
Thank you so much Nina!
CONGRATULATIONS!
As soon as I saw this I turned to my friend and I told her about it, we both agreed that it is so well deserved and that we would be completely lost without this blog. Most of my cooking comes from your blog, and all of my friends and family use your recepies constantly.
Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for making my life so much easier with your cooking.
God bless you and your beautiful family.
Thank you for following and sharing your encouraging, thoughtful comments Diana!
Fantastic! Sharing is caring…:)
Thanks Helene!
Congratulations Natasha! It is well deserved. May God bless you and yours with continued blessings and success.💞
Thank you Zina! You’re encouraging comments mean a lot!
I’m happy for u! U deserve it. I’m ur biggest fan:) when I want to cook something I check ur website and if u don’t have that recipe then I check other places. But I know most of the recipes that u have on ur site- I am following u for a few years now And when people ask me where I got the recipe I always say u know me- I cook form Natashaskitchen:)
I am way too happy to hear u wil work on your cook book. That’s an amazing news:) I asked u couple month ago when ul make one and u said when ur girl will start school and now I’m glad this year cook book will happen:)
Thanks so much for following and sharing your encouraging, thoughtful comments Alina! I will let everyone know as soon as my cookbook releases. 🙂
Congratulations Natasha!!!
So happy for you! Be blessed! 🙂
You’re so sweet! Thanks Lea! 🙂