Year Eight. (& a Giveaway!) {CLOSED}
{Thank you all so much for entering the giveaway! The winner is commenter Beth Cook who said “I think the most memorable moment was my father moving into an assisted living home with hospice services. You just think your parents will be around for a long time to enjoy their retirement years and their grandchildren. It’s hard on my mom going back and forth despite him not really knowing when she’s been there or the last time she came. It’s hard emotionally and financially. This is NOT what they wanted to spend their retirement money on. My guilt is living three hours away. Close enough to visit, but far enough away to have to balance family life/plans.” Congrats Beth!}
This week marks my eighth year of blogging.
Which is totally insane. EIGHT YEARS?!
That’s almost ten years. Ten years is a decade. I still feel like I’m 17 so how on earth this has happened… I have no idea.
I wish that I had the words to tell you just how much I appreciate you being here and visiting the site. I know what it is like to read the same blog for eight years. You are only reading one voice. It gets repetitive and sometimes boring and it is a lot of the same thing, because it’s written by one person. I’ve come and gone and come back and re-fell in love with many of my favorite bloggers over the years. I can’t really offer you anything other than myself (okay and maybe a plethora of trashed up recipes) who might occasionally change or stay the same or repeat herself or still think that she’s 17 years old inside.
So it means the WORLD to me that you have stuck around, read these rambles, been so kind and wonderful and shared your own thoughts in our little community here. Means seriously everything to me. I actually think of you all as friends, my invisible but real BFFs.
I hope you can see that I (still!) do this because I 100% OMGloveitsomuch and even though it became my job a really long time ago, I do it as authentically as I can and because I love it and so I can share things with you in this wacky internet world.
To celebrate these eight years and frankly, to celebrate YOU who has given me the chance to do this for so long, I’m giving away a $1000 amazon gift card to one lucky reader. This giveaway is not sponsored and given by me to show my appreciation for you. Giveaway is open to everyone and anyone!
To ENTER:
- Leave a comment on this post telling me a memorable moment you’ve had so far in 2017.
- For an extra entry, I would love if you’d preorder a copy of The Pretty Dish and leave a second comment saying you did so. You can preorder the book on amazon, barnes and noble, indiebound or books a million! I cannot thank you guys enough for giving me the chance to write another book. If you’ve already preordered, THANK YOU SO MUCH and be sure to leave a comment telling me you did so. If you decide to preorder, this is just the first of many exciting things we’re giving away!
And who knows, maybe if the internet is around, I’ll be here in another eight years! xoxoxo
2,292 Comments on “Year Eight. (& a Giveaway!) {CLOSED}”
I took on a challenging new job and moved to Boston, a city I never thought I’d live in. It’s certainly been an adventure!
Yay! Congrats! I’ve been reading your blog as long as I can remember (at least 5 years) and it’s one of the only ones I’ve consistently read throughout that time.
My most memorable moment for 2017 is hopefully yet to come, my husband and I are leaving on our belated honeymoon in a couple days!
I pre-ordered The Pretty Dish a couple of weeks ago – can’t wait!
Mu husband and I took our first trip overseas and went to Paris! It was a delayed honeymoo. The food and the beauty of the city was just amazing :)
Our family came up from Florida, evacuated from the hurricane. We spent four days all together, talking, eating, playing cards and games…and it was wonderful – even when the power went out. Really reminded me how special family is.
So far, my most memorable moment of 2017 was teaching my 5 year old nephew to ride a bike. His excitement over learning this was so amazing to see!
I have pre-ordered your cookbook! Love the first one – can’t wait to see more fantastic recipes!
My most memorable moment in 2017 has, unfortunately, been the experience of “Irmageddon.” We’re still in clean-up phase, but no one hurt and we have electricity. You have NO idea what a blessing that is–lights and hot water, and air conditioning when it’s 90 degrees and 100% humidity! And in the midst of this, I pray for the victims of Harvey, many of whom are still displaced! Don’t forget them. Please . . . do not forget these people.
The most memorable moment of 2017 was when I was diagnosed with stress induced alopecia. It was one of the most devastating, soul crushing moments of my life. I felt battered down and weak. I knew I needed to make some serious life changes in order to get better both mentally and physically. I left my stressful living situation, embraced meditation and most importantly started writing again. I’ve always loved to write but for years it has fallen to the wayside due to work, social obligations, being busy etc. I remember in one of your (really) old blog posts you talked about how starting your blog was a way for you to start writing again and how good it felt to start writing again and this is EXACTLY how I feel. Writing has been a way for me to overcome this obstacle and bring so much happiness into my life. Reading your blog every day brought a smile to my face in a darker time. For so many of your readers, your blog is so much more than just recipes or daily ramblings. It is a 10 minute escape into your world that is always funny and lighthearted. Always remember that and keep doing what you do best :).
Love your blog and recipes! My most memorable moment of 2017 was the birth of my daughter in February 😍
My most memorable moment was a trip to Europe with friends! Berlin, London, and Paris; it was quite an adventure!
I think myyyyy most memorable moment has yet to come. I’m getting married in two weeks! EEK!
and I preordered through amazon! LOVE YA JESS! congrats!!
Your blog is definitely a fave, and i look forward to your new cookbook. Your cookbook is what inspired my family and friends to start a cookbook club each month. Yours is the 1st cookbook we used :) My most memorable moment so far was the mini vaca my best friend and I took this summer. We spent 3 days on the beach with our kids. We have both had a tough year, so it was much needed beach therapy for both of us. We look forward to it becoming our new yearly tradition :)
This post has me tearing up. Congratulations on 8 years! It’s crazy to think back, isn’t it? It’s my 6th year and it is all still so surreal to me, that this online world is so amazing!
What had me really teary eyed is my special moment of 2017…the birth of my son! I didn’t think I’d be the emotional type and I didn’t know how much I’d actually like it, but omg I’m so in love with being a mom!
I love your blog– the recipes are amazing and everything is so beautifully photographed!
My favorite memory of 2017 so far is finding out that my husband and I are expecting our first child. Baby Jake is due to make his appearance by October 3rd this year and we are so excited! I must admit, too, that after the initial panic, reading through your baby posts, and seeing all your adorable pictures of Max has definitely helped me wrap my mind around and get more excited for my own little boy!
My most memorable moment of 2017 was becoming a “Hippo Mom” to baby Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo this summer. I’m absolutely obsessed with hippos so my boyfriend bought me an adoption kit for my birthday this year & were currently planning a visit to see our hippo baby this fall!
OF COURSE I PREORDERED- what sane person wouldn’t?! I also preordered 5 copies – one for my mom and one for each of my 3 sisters because we all love you!
Yeah!!! I’ve been following your blog for the past five years. I always tell my hubby when I’m making a “Jessica recipe”. Always know it’s going to be good!
My most memorable event this year was that we moved into a new house! The whole process was a nightmare! My agent said she had never seen anything like it. But it’s over now and we are getting settled in ! Yay!
My most memorable memory 2017 is spending the summer with my kids. I love every minute of it!
I pre-ordered the book from Amazon!
My most memorable moment this year was attending the Women’s March. Also, visiting Washington, DC with my mother (her first time).
Most memorable moment: becoming a Godmother!!
Loved your blog from the beginning! XOXO
A memorable moment from 2017 so far was witnessing two of my best friends get engaged this summer on Mackinac Island!
I have loved reading your blog for the last 5 years! I can’t remember how I found it, but I’ve enjoyed it ever since. It’s been quite the year, but I think the most memorable moment was finding out we’re going to have our first baby! Due in 3 weeks, so just a bit before you! Congratulations on the new book! I’m holding out on ordering it since my birthday is coming up next week and my husband told me I’m not allowed to buy myself anything right now.
My most memorable moment would have to be a few weeks ago when I got to go home and visit my 87 year old grandparents. We done some off roading in their new Jeep while visiting my favorite childhood places. Nice to see the love between them after almost 70 years married and the fact that they never let their age slow them down! 😊
2017. She’s a beast. I had my daughter this year, but that’s too ‘easy’ ;) It was harder to get backup on my feet, pull stretchy pants up over my still-there baby belly, and get on with the business of getting on. Work + 3 kids + keeping marriage happy happy + nursing + trying to lose weight = the reason there’s wine and fun blogs like yours to read. CONGRATS on 8 years!
The most memorable moment thus far is right now, visiting my best friend after the birth of her second baby. Two babies is insanity and so filled with love. 💝
My most memorable moment was our trip to New Zealand and Australia – all of it! We had so many great experiences! Can’t wait to see the new cookbook either!
My most memorable moments this year haven’t been good ones unfortunately. My husband was diagnosed with cancer and will be starting treatment soon. Hopefully the next few weeks will go by quickly and 2018 will be happier and healthier!
I love your recipes! You are the only cooking blog I consistently frequent :)
My favorite 2017 memory so far was a quick beach trip with my husband and 2 year old daughter. We had such a great time!
I preordered your book.
Best moment of 2017 (so far!) is definitely moving to Connecticut to be with the love of my life. So, so, so good. <3
Happy Anniversary! I think I’ve been following you for 8 years! I loved our family time the most, spending part of our summer in Maui.
I got to see three of my four grandchildren this summer. They were brief visits but memorable to me.
Congratulations on 8 wonderful years and your beautiful new book!
My most memorable and wonderful memory so far this year was the birth of my third (and last! ) sweet baby Tatum Grace. My heart is full!
Preordered! I can’t wait until this comes out!
2017 is so full of good things so far! My most memorable moment is coming up, when we’ll move into a brand new house we’ve been building the past several months. Can’t wait to get in and get cooking!
My son started kindergarten. To watch a baby (in my eyes) gain so much independence is something I cannot explain. I know so many understand it. And a friend passed away at the age of 40. It puts everything into perspective……immediately. So, having a smart, witty, fun blog like yours to read is essential for emotional balance. Congrats on 8 years!
Congratulations! I should also take this opportunity to say how much Tuesday Things and Currently Crushing On are my two inbox happy items! They totally turn my day around when I’m having a nightmare and are a perfect break from work when I am in need of a pick me up. Working from home makes these little things all the more important so THANK YOU.
My most memorable moment this year was probably my pregnancy test, number two on the way over here too x
My oldest losing his first tooth!
A memorable moment in 2017…going to a dispensary in Denver and getting legal chocolate pot..
I can’t wait until your book arrives. Congrats on your blogging anniversary! Such a creative site!
My oldest started high school and my youngest started middle school this year which is huge. We were just taking them to nursery school yesterday!
I pre-ordered your cookbook. I can’t wait!
Same with the others as hoping my moment is yet to come — I love the fall so much and am really looking forward to spending it in my city of New York!
The birth of my son Deacon Orion! He’s my third, so I gave him the middle name Orion since there are 3 stars in the belt of the Orion constellation.
I have also pre-ordered the cookbook on Amazon! Yay!
My most memorable moment in 2017 was taking my daughter and grandkids on their first trainride. Love your blog!!
Successfully getting out of a period of anxiety and being able to live a full and happy life :).