Four years ago today I started this here little bloggy. Can you believe that? In some ways, four years seems like the blink of an eye. But then I think about the fact that we’ve lived in 4 different states since then, I’ve had 4 different jobs since then, and I’ve made countless meals and taken zillions of photos since then… and it seems like an eternity.
If you’re curious, here’s my first post. I’m a little amused at my foreshadowing of my own life:
“Over Christmas, Nick and I had the pleasure of staying at his Aunt Diane and Uncle Mark’s house in Hanford, California. I doubt very many of you have ever been to Hanford, but you can take my word for it, there’s not a whole lot to do there. Unless you happen to like guns (which I don’t), and then you can go shoot your heart out (not literally, please) all day long. So Nick was in heaven, and left me and his sister Meghan to amuse ourselves. What are two wannabe housewife girls to do with several free hours and holidays looming just days away? Bake, of course!”
Four years later I’ve managed to end up a housewife living in the middle-of-nowhere California. Go figure! Although I have to say, we don’t shoot guns nearly as much as when we lived in Mississippi. And now I have my own (it’s purple). Who would have thought?
My first post didn’t include a recipe. My second post included a recipe/how-to and it just so happens it was Valentine’s themed: Valentine’s Day Popcorn Mix.
Fun, right?
I’ve come a long way in 4 years, technology-, photography- and cooking-skills-wise. It’s been a fun journey and I think my favorite part is looking back on all the fun life events that have been documented. Especially the little details I may have otherwise forgotten.
Since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, I decided to round up all my festive recipes from over the years!
- All Natural Valentine’s Day Cupcakes (No Artificial Food Coloring)
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Strawberry Milkshake Cookies
- Beet & Blue Cheese Tart
- Easy Chocolate Mousse
- Chocolate Chip Cherry Blondies
I hope you find something your Valentine will love. And cheers to another 4 years and many, many more!
Well happy blogiversary! 4 years is a huge accomplishments, congrats! Loving all these valentine treats. I’ll take one of each please!
Congrats on 4 years, Jess! I love all of these delicious looking Valentine’s treats, and would especially love your all-natural cupcakes and those crinkle cookies! 🙂
Happy Blog Birthday sweet friend!! It is so funny that you foreshadowed your future! I can’t wait to see where Jess Fuel takes you in the next year!
Me neither! Thanks, Annie!!
Happy blog birthday! I love all of these Valentine’s Day treats too, so beautiful and delicious. Pinned!
Thanks, Danielle!
Congrats on your bloggiversary, Jess! That’s so exciting! I love this collection of recipes, especially that beet tart. Gorgeous!
Thanks, Gayle! That’s one of my faves, too!
Happy Blog Birthday! 4 years of blogging is quite an accomplishment! It’s so fun to see all of the Valentine’s recipes you’ve posted over the years. I had to click through and read your husband’s guest post when I saw that ring on the chocolate mousse photo! 🙂
Hahaha… that is one of my favorite posts! And still a meal we make at least once a year for the memories. 🙂
Congrats on 4 years! That is so exciting. I feel like such a blogging baby in comparison. And I love that idea for chocolate mousse!
Thanks, Bri! I honestly can’t believe it’s been so long!
Happy Birthday, Jess! How fun to look back on your first post 🙂 My first recipe was actually Paula Deen’s. And I remember not having a CLUE of what I was doing when it came to photographing the food! All of your recipes in the round up look delicious, but particularly those blondies…drool!
LOL, I definitely cringe at some of my old photos, but I like to keep them on the blog since it was all part of the learning process. 🙂
Happy, happy blogiversary, Jess! Wow, 4 years! That is quite the accomplishment, lady! Isn’t it fun to see how far we’ve come in such a seemingly-short amount of time?! Crazyyyy. 🙂 Here’s to hoping the next 4 years are even better!
Thanks, Sarah! I have definitely come a long way… hoping to go further! 🙂
HAPPY 4th! Hope you had a delicious day to celebrate! <3
Yay, congrats on 4 years Jess! Such a wonderful accomplishment! Love all these beautiful treats, the perfect way to celebrate 🙂