It’s a Blogiversary Extravaganza!
This coming Saturday my blog is turning six. Six years old! That’s crazy, right?! I remember sitting in my little dorm/apartment-like room in England (I was studying abroad) when I wrote my first post. I started out with a different blog name (Typin’ Away with Jesstagirl), had no idea how to post pictures, and had zero readers. My mom slowly caught on and commented here and there, but I mostly wrote about whatever came across my mind—boys, life, missing home, etc. I also didn’t know a thing about “tagging” posts, so most of those early posts don’t have labels. I have more than 800 posts on here now and I keep saying I’ll go back and tag them, but I think we both know that’s not going to happen.
The early years are fun and entertaining to read, but it wasn’t until just a couple years ago that I noticed an increase in readers—who knows where you all came from! But knowing people were actually reading my blog made me stop and evaluate what I was writing about. I still don’t really have a niche, but I like that. I like writing about what I want, when I want.
What I do have are incredibly loyal readers and I know I’ve said it over and over and over and over again, but I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my posts. You guys always have a knack for being so supportive, helpful, and encouraging when I need it, and I want you to know that I read every single comment I receive.
So to show my appreciation, I have a couple days of giveaways lined up. My original plan was to give something away for six days, but it turns out that this blog doesn’t make any money, so I’m only doing three days of giveaways (unless someone out there wants me to promote their site/blog in return for something to give away…get in touch!). The rules will be listed after the prizes, but each giveaway will have a deadline of this Saturday, February 12, 2010 at 10 pm EST. I’ll draw and announce a winner on Sunday.
Today’s goodies up for grab involve my new love for cooking and coincides with Valentine’s Day! I absolutely believe wearing an apron in the kitchen makes baking ten times more fun, so here’s an apron from me to you.
A huge thanks to Dill Pickle Picnic for donating this apron, the following adorable cupcake flags, and another set of flags I’ll include!
But what good is having cupcake flags without a cupcake for them to stand in? Have no fear, I have you covered with a fool-proof, tasty mix.
I felt a little bad that you won’t get this stuff by Valentine’s Day, but I figured it’d be okay since now you can “spice” up your love life any time you’d like. See what I did there? The cupcake mix is spice cake, so I’m suggesting you make it to add a little “spice” to your life? Oh, I crack myself up. This is why you continue to read my blog, right? 🙂
And last, but not least for today…if you’re going to make cupcakes you need some cute cupcake holders! Again, even though these hearts suggest Valentine’s Day, I see no problem in sharing the love any day of the year.
So there you have it! Nothing says happy blogiversary better than cupcakes and baking!
*please leave an email address for me to contact you if you win!*
1. Leave me a comment. This can be about anything: How long you’ve been reading, what you like about my blog, what you’d like to see/hear more of, a question you have for me, etc. I’d like to do a post based on these comments!
2. Tweet the following: This takes the {cup}cake! I just entered @jesstagirl’s blogiversary extravaganza giveaway here: http://tinyurl.com/48qhqh6 Then, come back here and tell me you tweeted (with your twitter username!)
3. Go to my sister site, The Tale of Two Kitchens, and subscribe or follow it. Then, come back here and tell me you’re a new reader over there!
This giveaway runs through this Saturday, February 12, at 10 pm EST. I will announce a winner on February 13th.
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/ohdearitsLayla/status/35010069842104320
YAY cupcakes! That apron is adorable, I love it.
I'm a follower of Tale of Two Kitchens.
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/curliemegs/status/35010461581705216
I love that you are a fellow milspouse. Go USAF! 🙂
Such a super cute giveaway Jess 🙂 Love it!
I am already a follower of your fab. cookin' blog 😉
I've been reading for about 2 months now!
aubreyfick@yahoo.com
I am a GFC follower of your other blog
aubreyfick@yahoo.com
I just read your first entry and I can't believe its been 6 years! Such a wonderful compilation of your thoughts and feelings over the years. Love it!
Tweeted yo
http://twitter.com/#!/haniemarie/status/35022611494735873
And I follow a tale of two kitchens 🙂
Congratulations on SIX years! I truly enjoy reading your blog – I'm glad that I found you, though I don't remember how 🙂
I had to go look at my blog to see what year I am on – 5 years for me in October. Time flies!
I follow you here! I love you blog!
nvrmndguard@gmail.com
I have no idea how long I've been following, but I"m pretty sure it hasn't been that long. I don't comment as often as I used to, but I really enjoy reading! Your sense of humor is a lot like mine…and I like that. =)
Sweet giveaway! 😉
Tweeted!!! (@gijoeswifeblog)
I also follow The Tale of Two Kitchens!!!!
nvrmndguard@gmail.com
I also follow The Tale of Two Kitchens!
See how much I *heart* you? 😉
Happy Blogiversary! Hope you had fun during your time in my home country when you were studying there! Love the cupcakes mix packaging too – adorable!
I love your adorable blog and I still go back and look at your wedding wed. posts, they are just wonderful!
Congrats on your blogiversary!
I tweeted 🙂
@moorethanamrs
I follow the tale of two kitchens 🙂
That apron is adorable. And I love the fact that you're not a niche blogger. It makes you much more relatable, in my opinion.
And I'm following Tale of Two Kitchens. Your SIL is an awesome cake decorator!
I'm a semi-newish follower and I can't believe you've been blogging for 6 years, that's awesome!!
I twittered! @happyhereblog
Congrat's on your 6th blogging anniversary! I'm coming up on my 3rd this March. 🙂 I really love reading about your awesome wedding you had, the fun photograph's and recipes you post. 🙂 tunaymahal8279ATyahooDOTcom
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/tunaynamahal82/status/35101598778662914
@tunaynamahal82
Following the tale of two kitchens through google friend connect! (*~Sarah Lynn~*)
Congrats Jess! I don't have twitter.:( Can I use facebook instead?
I love following your blog! I have thoroughly enjoyed your year of wedding recaps and I also thank you for inspiring me to start FFF's! I love them. 🙂
I already follow The Tale of Two Kitchens!
oops… a_cantafio@hotmail.com 🙂
I tweeted! 🙂
@smc1002
First off that apron is soooo cute! And I just started blogging but I hope I get followers soon. 6 years is pretty amazing!
I'm now following Tale of Two Kitchens! 🙂 Love cooking and baking blogs!
Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for sharing the celebration with us. I love your blog!
First- congrats on your blogiversary! I can't believe you've been doing it for so darn long…so impressive! I am so glad that we have been able to connect through our blogs, and I'm totally looking forward to meeting in person at BlogHer Food!!!!
I tweeted – @SheLikesRuffles
I already subscribe to the Tale of Two Kitchens! Love new recipes 🙂
Congrats on the Blogiversary! Haven't tried that cupcake mix, so maybe if I don't win I'll have to buy some anyway. Been a reader for several months now and currently living in your former hometown. 🙂
Okay, and now I'm a follower of Tale of Two Kitchens.
looks yummy!
Happy Blogaversary! I am coming up on one year myself, and I love that you have kept yours going for so long!