Year Four.
How did we even get here? Seriously.
It kind of blows my mind that exactly four years ago today I figured out how start a free blog in WordPress – which is a feat in itself since I barely know how to upload an attachment to my email. Four years ago, I actually created three blogs: each aptly named a different James Taylor song. Why I stuck with “how sweet it is” is still beyond me, but it probably had something to do with a current chocolate craving and the fact that it didn’t sound quite as depressing as “like everyone she knows.” Mid-twenties drama. You know it.
Doing stuff (so professional, I know) on this blog yanked me out of that quarter-life crisis (which wasn’t too much of a crisis, but um, have we met?) and completely changed my life. So cliche. But so true. It’s kind of odd and crazy and awe-inspiring when what you’re doing as a hobby turns into a dream job. And while it isn’t exactly my dream job, it has led me even closer to my actual dream job and let’s be real: it’s pretty dreamy.
I don’t take for granted one second that I am lucky enough to do this as “work,” and yes, even though it brings in an income for me, it is not at all why I do what I do. Four years ago, I started posting recipes at 7am every morning. I didn’t make a dime for a loooong time. And four years later, I still do the same. Because I freaking love it. I freaking love YOU. I cannot thank you enough for stopping by here every day and reading the obnoxious and often inappropriate and sometimes embarrassing and possibly even offensive sentences that I spew on this little space on the internet. I am so insanely grateful that some of you have been here since the days when my pictures looked like this and that some of you may be landing here today, for the first time. As weird as it may seem (and trust me, if I was reading this as a nonblogger, it would be weird, like get-a-real-life weird), blogging is a whirlwind and it’s hectic and it’s easy to get caught up in what it all means. But at the end of the day, it’s the real life stuff that counts. It’s why I treasure every single one of you and the relationships (too much?) we’ve built and this nutso community that we’ve created out of our invisible internet friendship. It means the world to me that we can bond over sprinkles or denim vests or neon nail polish and things that are way too immature for us – and that we can even respectfully disagree on things and be honest and real. It warms my soul that you actually read large walls of text like the one I just wrote.
I appreciate you so, so much. Beyond comprehension. I appreciate every single comment you leave or every tweet you tweet. (twit?)
Four years ago, I was in my twenties and well, now… I’m not. Four years ago I was pretty lost and heck, even two years ago I was still kind of lost. Something inside of me demanded that I remain true to myself, be only myself, whether it wasn’t cool or hip or accepted or as popular as others or even understood. Whether it was annoying or brutally honest or transparent or unbelievable. Sure am glad I did that though. You know the real me. Minus the occasional meltdown.
THANK YOU. Hearts
165 Comments on “Year Four.”
And we are so happy you did :)
Can’t wait to see you soon!
You know I adore you and so happy to have found you. Always providing amazing recipes and your writing is hilarious.
I love this post because it shows there’s hope for me yet :) thanks for all the hard work you put into this blog!
Happy Blog-Anniversary! I always love reading yor posts. Greetings from Germany :-)
(Where we don’t have as many fun colours in nail polishes :-()
Yours was the first blog I started reading every day! Happy Anniversary!
Well, if it were not for you there would probably be no Half Baked Harvest and I would probably even more lost than you were four years ago! You inspired me to do what everyone thought was a stupid idea and just a pure waste of time, but in fact it has been was of the best decision (and best use of my time) I have made. I think you know that you amaze me and your such a role model for me and also a great friend who has help me beyond belief! So thank you so much. You and your little space are the best!
Thank YOU! :-)
Happy blogiversary, Jessica! You put a smile on my face :)
Love you! Happy four years. I love seeing the old crappy pictures, so inspiring!
Congrats lady!!
YUSSS! Happy four year anniversary Jessica! I love your blog and look forward to wanting to eat my computer screen and laugh to myself every time I read your posts for many more years :)
Thank you for being true to yourself! This is one of my favorite blogs to read because you are so honest and funny! Happy anniversary! <3
Happy 4 years! Congrats!
And we love you too! Thanks for 4 great, funny, silly and very tasty years of blogging! Here’s to another 4 (and more)! ♥
Congratulations!! Love your blog!!
looking forward to 4 more :) xo
<3
:-)
Happy 4 years! You are truly doing what you should be. You are great at it. I love the laughs, throwbacks (Lisa Frank what! what!) and of course recipes. Here is to many, many years to come!
happy anniversary !
Huge congratulations, I’m so happy for you and inspired by you!! You’re amazing!! Happy blog anniversary, dear friend!!!
Thamks to YOU I’m addicted to Harvest Soup and browned butter and your blog in general :) Happy Anniversary!!!
I’m just glad I get to look at tasty food every morning at 7 AM. LOL Makes waking up easier for me! Happy anniversary full of strangers who try to creepily meet up with you at random places!
Happy four year anniversary Jessica!! You and your blog brighten my day, make me laugh and make me hungry all at the same time. Cheers to you!
I’m so happy you’re still here, and I look forward to years and years of your hilarious, creative, posts. I found you almost right when you started from comments on Joy the Baker, and I’m so glad I did. Happy 4th lovely lady!
Congrats!!! I can’t believe it’s been four years! You’re the best :)
I may be new to blog sphere but your blog is one of inspirations. You writing is witty and modern, I love your attitude and your recipes, well they speak for themselves.
Happy 4th! I hope you blog for many more years
Happy 4th Blog Birthday, Jess!! From one blogger to another, I totally understand how hectic and overwhelming blogging can be some days. But you make it look easy (and delicious) and that’s what keeps me coming back. Oh, that and your occasional references to 90’s memories like Blossom, Lisa Frank, Full House, scrunchies, and all that other great stuff. Congrats!
Congrats on 4 years, Jessica! You deserve every ounce of success you have experienced. Cheers to many more!
Yay Happy Anniversary! To many more!
Happy Blog-Day! Love your food, love your blog!! So happy for all your success!
LOVE your blog and that you always stay true to yourself – it’s why you’re so fun to follow. Happy 4 years!!
Long time reader here, and though I’ve never commented before, I just wanted to say that I truly look forward to reading your blog every single day! I envy your gorgeous photography, appreciate your honesty and humor, and salivate over every unique and insanely delicious looking recipe that you post. So props to you for all of your hard work over the last four years, and Happy Anniversary!
Congratulations!! Happy Anniversary!
Congratulations on four great years! Keep the bourbon flowing!
So glad you keep doing what you’re doing. This is ultimately one of my favorite blogs and look forward to your oh so creative recipes! Thanks for being you!
You’ve made the blogging world a better place! Happy to call you a friend :)
Congratulations! You are an inspiration to all of us!
HAPPY FOUR YEARS! I am only a year and few months in and I totally know what you mean about being lost 2 years ago. That is kind of where I am right now, but I love reading your blog and have been reading it for a looooong time! I also am in the quarter life crisis myself right now, its no fun and I think my blog is also “yanking” me out of it!
Way to go for sticking with it and for sticking to being yourself! I think that is one of the aspects I love most about your blog! I know this is totally weird, but I feel like we could be long lost invisible internet friends between the baking love and the makeup hoarding, ahem I mean collecting!
xoxo
Keep it up!
Molly
Let’s be real … You’re responsible for more than just the amazingness of How Sweet It Is. Sure, the FaceBaby would still be making faces, but only our family would know about it. And that would be a darn shame. You’re cooler than you know. We appreciate you, too!
Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu are the best! I think your blog kicks ass. I just started one myself (but I’m super lazy and dont’ post everyday) and lemme tell you: it’s so fun but not as easy as one would think! To come up with something new everyday can be a lot of work (especially when you have a “regular job” that you have to do in the meantime) and I think you’re awesome for it.
Also, HIGH FIVE for denim vests! AND NEON! And Lisa Frank. And school supplies. And glitter. ♥♥♥
Wow. Your photography skills have come a LOOONG way since those early days! I’m so impressed! Love your blog!
Aww I love this! Congratulations on 4 years! I think you’re so successful because a) you’re funny, b) you have awesome photography skills, and c) your recipes actually taste good haha! I have never been disappointed by any of your recipes, which is saying a lot. So thanks. :)
Happy Blog Anniversary! I absolute love reading and the recipes always look absolutely delicious!
Congrats! Love your blog! And you always make me laugh too!
Thank you for all that you do. We love you!! You never fail to put a smile on my face, and that means a lot.
Happy Blog Anniversary! I really love your blog, and the way you express, u’re amazing! :) Keep it up!
Greetings from Barcelona.
So incredibly proud of you and in awe of you! You continue to impress me and inspire me to work hard. Xxoo loves
Congratulations! I love the blog, your humor and share the recipes with everyone that will listen to me. I’ll make something good and my boyfriend/family will say, is this the howsweet girl? You’re a legend! I’m glad it has helped you be a little less lost. I’m 23 and am still in the lost stage, so it’s great to see a success story :)
Well done! I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I just started my own and all the other blogs (like this one) are a great inspiration.
Thank you for sharing!
Happy anniversary Jessica!! Thank you for four years of amazing recipes and engaging reads!