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}”
My most memorable moment has been opening my own small business with friends.Â
I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog for 8 years! It is my favorite by far and I LOVE how consistent your voice is. I’ve actually used your blog as an example of strong writer’s voice in my classroom (I teach high school). Really and truly, it is probably the most recommended thing that comes out of my mouth when I’m meeting someone new or sharing things I’m passionate about.
Anyways, my most memorable moment of 2017 so far would have to be finishing up my master’s degree (nerdy I know)!
Heading over to Amazon to pre-order your lovely book now!
Today, when my 11yo told me (after 6 years of getting her to the bus stop) she didn’t need me to do that anymore……
There was also a boy walking to the bus……
i remember the very first how sweet eats recipe i ever made: dark chocolate dipped clementines with little sprinkles of flaky sea salt. i took them to a work party & everyone RAVED about them. i remember thinking, “lolz this is ridiculous these are SO simple” but everyone was SO impressed. & with that, i was pretty much hooked – i kept coming back to your site for the food, & eventually to learn more about you & your family. you’re someone i wholeheartedly admire, respect, & want to drink a pitcher of margaritas with – a hard balance to strike. ;) congratulations on 8 AMAZING years. thank you for all you do for others, & for investing in me. thank you, thank you, a zillion times, thank you!!! xoxoxoxoxoxox
ps you better believe i totally preordered the book. PLEASE come to mn! 😘
My most memorable moment of 2017 was snorkeling in Molokini back in June with my husband and sister. We saw so many different fish and then swam around with sea turtles closer to shore. We all needed a relaxing vacation in Hawaii after the busy winter we all had at our jobs.
Congrats on eight years!
My most memorable moment of the year is definitely welcoming our son, Cameron!
Pre-ordered the book! March will be the best month ever now :-)
A memorable moment I have had so far in 2017 was my long-awaited return to one of my favorite getaway spots, The Greenbrier. Just shared the photos last night on FB – the trip flew by, but I cherished every moment of it.
My grandson whispering you are special in my ear.
I gave birth to my second child, a beautiful ELEVEN pound baby girl. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary.Â
it’s more of a week than a moment, but I drove back from WY to NH and visited a lot of friends I hadn’t seen in years along the way, and (besides the whole driving for a week thing) it was great
My daughter is the same age as Max, and watching her turn into a real little person has been incredible.
I walked away from something (a job) that had been taking away from my happiness. 8 years is something to celebrate – hope you do it in style!
My most memorable moment was getting engaged!
My most memorable moment of 2017 was finding out my sister was pregnant. So excited for a niece or nephew!
you will always be my favorite blogger for so many reasons (including because I think I’m 17 even though I’m 39 and still love/collect Lisa frank lol)…This year has been awesome so it’s hard for me to pick a moment but I think my quick weekend away in Chicago was my favorite so far!!
My most memorable moment was definitely vacation a few weeks ago – we did a weekend in San Francisco/Napa then flew to Napa for the week. I hadn’t ever seen anywhere like it…sometimes I felt like I was in Arizona, sometimes in Maui and sometimes on another planet!
Learning about the unending love and companionship of a chocolate lab! She’s my lil baby!
Congratulations on 8 hugely successful years!! (which also means I can’t believe reading your posts with my morning coffee has been happening for three years already!!)Â
My most memorable point of 2017 so far is our vacation to Croatia in July! The colours and architecture were everything!!Â
Happy Anniversary! My favorite moment so far was when my husband, son, and I went to an indoor water park. My son is 3 and he loved the “orange water slide.” 😀
So excited for your new cookbook. We have cooked through your last one! Most memorable moment of 2017- selling our house and moving across th country with my husband and 3 boys!
I preordered a copy of The Pretty Dish (and I’m selfishly keeping my fingers crossed that you do a book tour near me again, like with your first book, so I can come say hello, haha).
HAPPY 8TH dear Jessica. You put a smile in my mornings each time I read your daily post. You have a way of sharing your experiences and thoughts, with a unique and colorful vocabulary, it’s a charm for a words-lover like me. ( OK, I’m French Canadian Québécoise, but who cares, I can appreciate it anywhoo) One thing struck me this morning: The way your photo styling evoluated! You now have wonderful photos on your blog, be it from your family or trips or food. Great improvement. “Here’s looking at you kid” …
Buying my house! Â Congrats to you!
I love reading  your blog! It’s fun to read the recipes of course, but I also love the Crumbs! I have two toddlers so it’s nice to see your little one’s updates and I love the beauty and lifestyle posts. Here’s to eight more years!
My favorite memory from 2017 is that my son started pre-school and it’s been so cool to see his excitement. He has fun and wants to go to school every day!
P.S. the cover of your  book is gorgeous!
Congrats on 8 years! We got a puppy this year which has definitely been the highlight :)
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I LOVE your blog!!!  And your cookbook. I Also talk about you or references you  like we are friends. “Well jess made blah blah blah…” 😬
My most memorable moment of 2017 was taking our two little girls to Disney world for the first time! So. Much. Fun.Â
Pre ordered your book a while ago!!! WOo hoo!Â
Congratulations!
One day buying rice and beans for the food pantry I volunteer with… the lady behind me asked what all the beans and rice were for. I explained that the local food pantry was low and we consider those items staples so if we can afford it we purchase them. She told the cashier to leave my tab open and she picked up the bill. It was over $150 of rice and beans. I offered her a tax receipt and she declined. Random act of kindness….
I turned 60 !!!!! I love your blog and enjoy reading it…cant believe its been 8 years for you! Congratulations!!!
IN 2017 the most memorable moment was realizing I was pregnant! A little more than two months to the next memorable moment…
Keep going, love your blog!
Congrats! I’ve enjoyed every recipe that I’ve made from your site (most recently, the pistachio lemon zucchini cake)! My memorable moment was finding out that my mom is cancer free!
Congrats on 8 years, that’s amazing! I love coming to read your blog every morning before I start my day. We bought a new house in 2017, so that’s been a new adventure for my family. Best wishes and thanks for the giveaway!
Congrats on 8 years!!! My favorite moment so far was my son turning *2*! We had a blast at his party and I cannot believe he is basically a little boy now <3
I will be 65 in less than a month-GULP :)! I love your blog! Helps keep me young :).
Money is a little tight right now due to home repairs but I did put in a request for my local library to purchase your new book so lots of people will be able to enjoy it including me! Can’t wait!
I have been reading your blog for at least four years and have your first book, so I am a long time reader!Â
2017 has been a big year for me but my most memorable event was getting married!!
My favorite memory of 2017 so far has been graduating from law school!! Â :)
Your blog is wonderful — thank you for inspiring all of us to never stop chasing our dreams and passions.
Congrats on 8 years! I’ve been following along for most of those. My most memorable moment of 2017 is definitely my grandpa’s 100th birthday earlier this year!
Finding out we were pregnant again was my most memorable moment :) And I’ve been loyal reader for all 8 years, love your blog!
My most memorable moment was the birth of my third child (and first son)!
Congrats on a blog well done for 8 years! My favorite memory of 2017 was welcoming my fourth child in June and all the sweet snuggles that followed!Â
congrats on 8 years! i’ve been reading for maybe 4? great to see your growth over the years. :) my favorite moment of 2017 was moving to chicago. still getting acquainted, but love discovering new things everyday. all the best<3
My most memorable moment of 2017 was taking a girls trip with my two sisters and eight year old daughter.
Congratulations on 8 years! I hope you stick around for many more because reading this blog is a highlight of my day!
I think my most memorable moment will come in a few weeks when I celebrate my 5 year wedding anniversary in Hawaii!
My dear friend’s wedding this past July was a beautiful day – one of the best of 2017! Â So many wonderful people were all gathered in the same place all for celebrating one of my favorites. Â It reminds me why it’s good to be alive.
Love ALL your recipes! Most memorable moment in 2017? My son getting married- so happy yet so sad!
Congratulations on 8 years! I only discovered you a few years back, thanks to my awesome coworker. My husband and I love the Smoked Gruyere Butternut Soup with Spicy Chickpeas! It’s almost the right season to be making it again without judgement.
A memorable moment of 2017 (so far) was going to see the solar eclipse in totality. I knew it would be awesome but it was so much cooler than I could have imagined.