2012 was a wonderful year. A monumental year!
For starters, it seemed to go by in about three minutes. What’s this whole thing about getting older and the years going by quicker? I don’t like it.
But as I sat with my cup of coffee yesterday at my future mother in law’s house and recollected everything that has gone on this past year, I was reminded once again how grateful I am that this is my life. I get to wake up daily to a job I absolutely adore, live in beautiful California and have the most wonderful friends and family around. I am once blessed girl and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for that. The following are just highlights that were close to my heart to share. I hope you enjoy!
Traveling to Florida to help Jaden shoot the photos for her new cookbook was a huge highlight for me! I learned more about photography in the week that I spent with her, Todd and Diane than I have in years of messing around with my camera on my own.
Last April, Adam and I went to Cabo San Lucas for a short vacation. Best Groupon deal ever! For a few blissful days, we relaxed in the sun, drank fruity drinks and spotted grey whales in the Sea of Cortez. If anyone is traveling to Cabo any time soon, I highly recommend Sirena del Mar. The price is right, the location is breathtaking and the food is absolutely amazing! What more do you need?
Later in April, I traveled to Avery Island, Louisiana to visit the Tabasco headquarters with a few other food bloggers. Talk about Southern hospitality….the folks at Tabasco were among the friendliest I’ve ever met. They truly are a family run company.
I left with a full belly and a burning mouth.
BlogHer Food last June in Seattle was a BLAST to say the least. Maybe it sounds weird, but I’ve made the majority of my best friends through blogging and getting to hang out with them all in one place during the conference was like a dream come true! I won’t be at BlogHer Food this June, however, ’cause I’ll be on my honeymoon then!! Woop woop.
From Seattle, I traveled to Southern California to speak at my first book event! Oh man, was I ever nervous. I’m nervous again just thinking about it. But…I survived and met some wonderful people in the progress. I truly don’t think I would have felt near as confident speaking in front of a crowd if I hadn’t gone through an intense yoga teacher training. Through that process, I became much more comfortable with my voice and in my own skin.
Even if all the cookies I brought got smashed in the airplane.
For the second year in a row, we spent 4th of July at Lake Tahoe with Adam’s aunt and uncle. It’s now become a tradition that I look forward to all year! Nothing is more peaceful and relaxing than Lake Tahoe. It’s my total happy place.
Last fall was incredibly busy {and wonderful!}. My book came out at the beginning of September and my mom and I ventured out on a three long road trip book tour to meet so many of you!
I truly had the time of my life and will remember it forever! You guys are amazing. I love you!
After finishing my book tour, I got the opportunity to help out at the first annual Influence Conference. I can’t even tell you what a powerful experience it was for me. It was my favorite blog conference by far, and one of the highlights of my entire year. I got to room with three amazing women and form close friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I’m already counting down the days till the conference next year!
By far, the BIGGEST thing that happened in 2012 was that I got engaged! I can’t wait to marry Adam on May 25th surrounded by all our family and friends.
I seriously don’t know how I got so lucky.
I can’t wait for this new chapter in our lives starting in 2013!
I don’t usually make “resolutions” because I’d probably end up as one of the 92% that break it the second week into the year. Instead, I’m going to pick a few things to focus on. Next year, I’d like to focus on my new role of becoming a wife, drawing closer to God’s presence, being a better friend and getting more involved in local charities and nonprofits.
And lots more delicious food to come! See ya next year, friends!
Tammy
December 31, 2012 at 4:28 amIs the recipe at the bottom coming up soon or already on the blog?? Great post- Happy new year, Jenna!
Beth
December 31, 2012 at 4:49 amlooks like pumpkin crunch granola
jenna
December 31, 2012 at 7:12 amBeth speaks the truth – here’s the link!
http://www.eatliverun.com/pumpkin-crunch-granola/
Rebecca @ cakeinacrockpot
January 1, 2013 at 10:41 amAnd that pumpkin crunch granola is the bomb! I make it regularly now 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks
December 31, 2012 at 4:34 amThe trips, the photography knowledge, meeting friends at blog conferences, your book! and…getting engaged! What a year, Jenna! And huge congrats to you on all your milestones this year!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
December 31, 2012 at 4:37 amHappy New Year, Jenna! Congrats on all those wonderful events this year. 🙂
Jessica
December 31, 2012 at 5:09 amHappy New Year, Jenna! It is such a joy to read your blog. What a sweet post 🙂 I remember the New Years before my husband and I got married-such anticipation! It is going to be a beautiful year for you. God Bless
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots
December 31, 2012 at 5:38 amIt certainly has been a great year for you! Cheers to an even better year in 2013 🙂
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
December 31, 2012 at 5:48 amCongratulations on an amazing year!! 🙂
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
December 31, 2012 at 5:53 amLooks like it was an amazing and blessed year for you, Jenna! It’s nice having a blog to be able to go back and relive it all at once, huh? Happy, happy new year to you and yours! 🙂
polly
December 31, 2012 at 6:32 amhi little sis!!!
guess what? we totally BOOKED our plane tickets to TEXAS!!! eeeee!!!! Cannot WAIT!
i loved this post and i love your resolutions. Our pastor encouraged us to make resolutions for our INSIDES and retire the ones for our OUTIDES. I loved that. I want to remember John 15 and stay connected to HIM!!! 🙂
Do you want to read Proverbs again with me over the month of January? One chapter each day? love you!!!!!!!!!!! bunches.
Pol
Luv What You Do
December 31, 2012 at 6:38 amThose are beautiful ways to focus your next year! Enjoy every minute!
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
December 31, 2012 at 6:48 amI love this! Enjoy your engagement and your wedding! The time goes by, so, so, so fast!
Bev @ Bev Cooks
December 31, 2012 at 6:57 amYou had an amaaazing year! I’m so glad I got to fit into a few days of it. <3
Kelsey @aslolife
December 31, 2012 at 6:58 amwow, that is quite an amazing year! Congratulations and can’t wait to see what 2013 holds!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
December 31, 2012 at 7:13 amCongrats on an amazeface year, Jenna! So fun to see a bit of it here. 🙂 Happy 2013!
Danielle
December 31, 2012 at 7:21 amWow, Jenna! Amazing. Wishing you even more sweetness in 2013. Enjoy ringing it in! xo
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
December 31, 2012 at 7:27 amBeautiful post Jenna, and yes, what an AMAZING year for you!! You’ve introduced me to so much good food, beautiful places, and great books, and I’m so happy for you and Adam! Here’s to an amazing 2013! 🙂
Cyrena
December 31, 2012 at 7:36 amHappy new year! Sounds like your gas been a blast. Congrats on the engagement! Best wishes for a wonderful 2013.
Brooke @ Being Vivacious
December 31, 2012 at 7:44 amAwww. You had such a wonderful year. I hope this next one only brings even more
Erin
December 31, 2012 at 8:13 amLove this post! You really did have an incredible year! Can’t wait to see what 2013 brings you! Have a wonderful new year Jenna!
Tami@nutmegnotebook
December 31, 2012 at 8:14 amWhat an amazing year! Wishing you a new year filled with bliss!
Laura @FoodSnobSTL
December 31, 2012 at 8:47 amWhat a fantastic year!! I’ve loved being able to follow along through the blog – here’s to an even better 2013!
Jenny
December 31, 2012 at 9:15 amI got engaged a couple weeks ago and once my thoughts calmed down, I thought “Jenna’s engaged too!!” Haha
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
December 31, 2012 at 9:46 amI’m glad you had such a lovely year! To be honest, my 2012 was full of pretty lousy events, but I’m optimistic 2013 will be the best yet. 🙂 A move back to CA (I’m from the west coast but have lived in D.C. for the past few years) is in the cards, too!
Elisabeth
December 31, 2012 at 10:22 amThis year has not been my favorite, but I know 2013 will be awesome! Happy New Year to you & Adam 🙂
Malkire
December 31, 2012 at 10:58 amwhat a fantastic year you have had. And, clearly 2013 will be just as special =)
Michelle
December 31, 2012 at 11:08 amWhat a crazy awesome year for you! Happy 2013! I’m sure it will be even better!
xo
kim@hungryhealthygirl
December 31, 2012 at 11:11 amWhat an awesome year you’ve had! Congrats on all of the exciting things that happened for you! Here’s to an even greater 2013!
Caroline L.
December 31, 2012 at 11:26 amIt looks like you’ve had a huge milestone year! Congratulations on everything once again, I cannot wait to see what you find yourself involved in in 2013! Happy New Year, Jenna! 🙂
Suzanne de Cornelia
December 31, 2012 at 11:26 amA TRULY Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious year! Just WOW!
Molly @ RDexposed
December 31, 2012 at 11:33 amI love looking back over the year!
Emily @ Life on Food
December 31, 2012 at 11:34 amI think you shall be a wonderful wife. Here is to a marvelous 2013!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
December 31, 2012 at 12:04 pmHappy New Year Jenna! All the best to you in 2013 🙂
A farmer in the dell
December 31, 2012 at 12:17 pmHappy new year Jenna! I hope 2013 brings you as many blessings as 2012 did. Thanks for your wonderful blog! My morning coffee is always better when consumed while reading ELR!
Christina
December 31, 2012 at 12:48 pmHappy New Year Jenna! Can’t wait to read all about your 2013! The Wedding Year! 🙂
Joanne M.
December 31, 2012 at 1:14 pmCongratulations on such a successful and beautiful year!
Lindsey
December 31, 2012 at 2:14 pmI got your book for Christmas!
Katie @ Livehalffull
December 31, 2012 at 2:56 pmCheers to a great year and your new chapter in 2013!!!
Alex
December 31, 2012 at 9:46 pmSo happy that you had a wonderful year! Here’s hoping for an even BETTER year in 2013 🙂
Jen
January 1, 2013 at 12:31 amAnd is there a new website still in the works? I thought it was coming months ago? Busy year indeed!
Sonal
January 1, 2013 at 7:17 amHappy new year Jenna! I’m excited to read more about your adventures next year 🙂
Diane
January 1, 2013 at 11:15 amBloggers always have perfect lives.
Kate @ quartercenturysouthernliving.wordpress.com
January 1, 2013 at 1:29 pmSuch a beautiful post! I really admire your positive attitude and outlook on life. Happy New Year and all the best in 2013!
Alicia @NeverEverBeenSkinny
January 1, 2013 at 7:39 pmHappy New Year! This was such a beautiful post!
Joi
January 1, 2013 at 8:59 pmWhat an amazing year you’ve had. You are truly blessed, keep giving God the glory! Following you is truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing, looking forward to hearing what is to come this year.
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
January 1, 2013 at 9:01 pmHappy New Year Jenna. I had a blast following along this past year. Looking forward to more of your adventures (and the wedding!) in 2013.
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches
January 2, 2013 at 12:15 pmWhat a wonderful year! Wishing you all the best in 2013 – You’re going to be a beautiful bride!
Alicia @ Treble Tart
January 2, 2013 at 12:27 pmWhat a gorgeous, fun post!! Happy New Year! 🙂
Tina
January 2, 2013 at 2:20 pmFrom what I’ve seen you’ve certainly had an amazing year! I’ve been reading your blog for so many years and I can’t wait to read about all the great things to come!
Lia @ Sojourning
January 2, 2013 at 5:11 pmWhat a beautiful year for you! So many great accomplishments and memories. It’s been a pleasure following along on your journeys too, of course! I hope you had a spectacular end to your 2012!
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
January 3, 2013 at 9:51 amSounds like one amazing year for you! And congratulations on your engagement!
Kristen
January 3, 2013 at 7:29 pmHappy new year, beautiful friend! I’m so happy for you a million times over 🙂
JulieD
January 3, 2013 at 8:05 pmCongrats on an awesome year, Jaden! So happy for you, all that you have accomplished and on your engagement!! And…so happy to have finally met you in person! I know 2013 will rock for you and I hope we get to hang out again this year!! xoxo
Crista
January 5, 2013 at 5:28 pmi loved this post. congratulations on a successful 2012!
shanon
January 9, 2013 at 7:36 amI just got caught up on your blog. I cried while at work reading your proposal story. I’m beyond thrilled to see you get your happy ending!! Lot’s of love from OK.