Behind The Butter

A Sweet, Sweet Year

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!

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  • Tammy
    December 31, 2012 at 4:28 am

    Is the recipe at the bottom coming up soon or already on the blog?? Great post- Happy new year, Jenna!

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    December 31, 2012 at 4:34 am

    The 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 am

    Happy New Year, Jenna! Congrats on all those wonderful events this year. 🙂

  • Jessica
    December 31, 2012 at 5:09 am

    Happy 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 am

    It certainly has been a great year for you! Cheers to an even better year in 2013 🙂

  • Kristen @ notsodomesticated
    December 31, 2012 at 5:48 am

    Congratulations on an amazing year!! 🙂

  • Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
    December 31, 2012 at 5:53 am

    Looks 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 am

    hi 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 am

    Those are beautiful ways to focus your next year! Enjoy every minute!

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
    December 31, 2012 at 6:48 am

    I 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 am

    You 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 am

    wow, 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 am

    Congrats on an amazeface year, Jenna! So fun to see a bit of it here. 🙂 Happy 2013!

  • Danielle
    December 31, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Wow, 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 am

    Beautiful 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 am

    Happy 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 am

    Awww. You had such a wonderful year. I hope this next one only brings even more

  • Erin
    December 31, 2012 at 8:13 am

    Love 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 am

    What an amazing year! Wishing you a new year filled with bliss!

  • Laura @FoodSnobSTL
    December 31, 2012 at 8:47 am

    What 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 am

    I 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 am

    I’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 am

    This 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 am

    what a fantastic year you have had. And, clearly 2013 will be just as special =)

  • Michelle
    December 31, 2012 at 11:08 am

    What 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 am

    What 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 am

    It 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 am

    A TRULY Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious year! Just WOW!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    December 31, 2012 at 11:33 am

    I love looking back over the year!

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    December 31, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I think you shall be a wonderful wife. Here is to a marvelous 2013!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
    December 31, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    Happy New Year Jenna! All the best to you in 2013 🙂

  • A farmer in the dell
    December 31, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Happy 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 pm

    Happy New Year Jenna! Can’t wait to read all about your 2013! The Wedding Year! 🙂

  • Joanne M.
    December 31, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    Congratulations on such a successful and beautiful year!

  • Lindsey
    December 31, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    I got your book for Christmas!

  • Katie @ Livehalffull
    December 31, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Cheers to a great year and your new chapter in 2013!!!

  • Alex
    December 31, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    So happy that you had a wonderful year! Here’s hoping for an even BETTER year in 2013 🙂

  • Jen
    January 1, 2013 at 12:31 am

    And 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 am

    Happy new year Jenna! I’m excited to read more about your adventures next year 🙂

  • Diane
    January 1, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Bloggers always have perfect lives.

  • Kate @ quartercenturysouthernliving.wordpress.com
    January 1, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    Such 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 pm

    Happy New Year! This was such a beautiful post!

  • Joi
    January 1, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    What 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 pm

    Happy 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 pm

    What 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 pm

    What a gorgeous, fun post!! Happy New Year! 🙂

  • Tina
    January 2, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    From 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 pm

    What 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 am

    Sounds like one amazing year for you! And congratulations on your engagement!

  • Kristen
    January 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    Happy new year, beautiful friend! I’m so happy for you a million times over 🙂

  • JulieD
    January 3, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    Congrats 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 pm

    i loved this post. congratulations on a successful 2012!

  • shanon
    January 9, 2013 at 7:36 am

    I 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.