• Home
  • About
  • Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Tablescapes
  • Shop My Favorites
  • Gigi Bean Blog
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Joy In Every Season

December 30, 2015 · 7 Comments

Saying Goodbye to 2015, and my Top 5 posts

0shares

I started this little blog of mine in November of 2014. I did a few posts, not really knowing where I was going with it or what my plans were. What I did know was that I wanted to organize my recipes, work on a cookbook, and also fill a void that needed filling. Prior to food blogging, I had a photography business, specializing in newborns.

Photography was a blast, but a lot of work. It was also very time consuming and I quickly realized that “being at this point” in my life, I didn’t want to be tied down to a set schedule. I wanted and needed the flexibility to travel with my husband and visiting our grand babies was always calling my name. I emptied my studio and stored all my props.

Back to the beginning of Joy in Every Season. After a month of posting, I took a little time off to enjoy the holidays (not a big deal as no one was reading my blog yet).Β As I welcomed in 2015 I realized I really enjoyed blogging. I’ve always loved cooking and entertaining and taking the photos kept my camera dusted off. As 2015 comes to an end, I feel incredibly blessed. I went from no one even knowing that I had a blog, to hearing, “I love your blog” or “I made your {insert recipe name here}” or “thanks for inspiring me.” Β Somewhere in about mid July, something clicked. Instead of just plodding along with very few pages views per month, I began to see real growth. I’m humbled (and honestly a little giddy) to say that December tops my monthly page views with over 40k page views this month. Compared to the “big boy” bloggers, that is small, but for little ole me, it’s huge. Thank you to each and every one who has ever stopped by my blog!!

Onto my Top 5!!

1. Without a doubt, my Baked Spaghetti & MeatballsΒ was my most viewed post!

Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

2. Cookies are popular during the holidays, and my Potato Chip Cookies jumped to the #2 spot.

Potato Chip Cookies

3. Only a few views behind, my Sweet Potato ChiliΒ takes #3.

Sweet Potato Chili

4. White Chicken Ravioli Bake a.k.a. Mock Lasagna

White Chicken Ravioli Bake

and, last but not least….

5. Baked Four Cheese Gnocchi w/Broccoli

Baked Four Cheese Gnocchi

As I wrap up the year, I’ve also realized that I’m ready to officially take down my photography site. It’s crazy, but saying goodbye to that little part of my life is harder than I thought. I’ll leave you with a slideshow that I put together to close out 2013. Aside from the occasional family or good friend session, it’s officially been two years since I’ve shot a session. It’s bittersweet for sure, but time to continue on with Joy in Every Season. And maybe the occasion photo session πŸ˜‰

**Slideshow takes a few minutes to load, please be patient.

 

I’m ready now for a new and exciting 2016! I’ll be starting off the year with a few healthier recipes, but more about that in a few days. And, in case you’re wondering about the cookbook……well, I’ve made a good dent in cooking up a lot of my recipes, but the actual book is nothing more than digital images and recipes. I am, however, committed to it being a real book by the end of 2016!!

0shares
« BBQ Bacon Meatloaf
Balsamic Dijon Salad Dressing »

Comments

  1. April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says

    December 31, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Congrats on your first year blogging! I’ve loved getting to know you and all your recipes — Happy New Year!

    Reply
  2. Eileen says

    January 5, 2016 at 5:38 am

    I can relate and be inspired. I am a new blogger who started quite recent;y. Still learning but it is a wonderful path. I love your recipes and your photography is amazing. Have a wonderful 2016, I will be making many of your recipes

    Reply
  3. krish recipes says

    January 5, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Loved your blog and this recipe looks delicious

    Reply
  4. Fareeha says

    January 5, 2016 at 8:49 am

    I was wonderful reading your journey and the recipes. I hope from 40k you multiply 10 times.

    Reply
  5. Kylee Ayotte says

    January 5, 2016 at 9:09 am

    I totally just pinned all of these recipes.
    They’re winners!
    Happy New Year to you πŸ™‚

    Reply
  6. Deepika@EasyBabyMeals says

    January 5, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    This is a beautiful post. I love your recipes and pictures.

    Reply
  7. swayam says

    January 5, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    You sure had a great yr!! Hope this yr rocks too.. Wish you a very Happy New Year!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, I'm Renee. Welcome to Joy in Every Season. I’ve always loved entertaining, whether it’s hosting a party, a large family BBQ, or simply a dinner for two. I believe that hospitality and entertaining can be effortless with easy recipes and simple tablescapes. Read More…

SUBSCRIBE TO MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 22

Open
Although we haven’t had many friends (or family) enter our home this year, I always love my entry to feel warm and inviting. This table is directly opposite the front door. I switch out very simple decor seasonally and you can  almost always find a candy dish. Not shown (to the right of the table) is my entry Christmas tree! I put up five trees this year. 
β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈ
Fun story, a year or so ago, one of my great nephews, filled up a little snack bowl and placed it on the table by their front door. His mom asked what he was doing, and he said, β€œI want treats for our friends like Nana Ne has at her house.” Melt my heart! @livingmywholelife you have sweet son! 
β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈ
#joyineveryseason ...
#entryhall ...
#hospitality ...
#christmasdecor ... 
#entryhalldecor ... 
#foyer ....
#designtwinslovechristmas ...
#christmasdecor ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 20

Open
I think appetizer parties are my favorite party to host! Last year we hosted our work Christmas party at our home and I made a very large Charcuterie tray! It was a huge hit! I look forward to being able to host parties again next year and serving up another big tray! 
β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈ
I’m always looking for more yummy appetizer ideas. What’s your favorite? πŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„#joyineveryseason ... 
#christmasappetizer ...
#christmascharcuterie ...
#bhgfood ... 
#charcuterie ... 
#appetizerideas ...
#appetizertray ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#charcuterieboard ...
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#designtwinslovechristmas
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 19

Open
Rocky Road! Have you ever made this delicious treat? It’s a tradition in our family and I can’t imagine it being Christmas without it! It’s so simple to make and makes a deliciously sweet gift for friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family. Check out my recipe (the recipe link is in my profile). 
πŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’š
I always love coming up with cute ways to wrap it! Each year is a little different but equally as sweet! 
β€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈ
#joyineveryseason ... 
#christmasdessert ...
#christmastreats ...
#bhgfood ... 
#rockyroad ... 
#homemadecandy ...
#christmascookies ...
#cookiesforsanta ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#christmasbaking ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#designtwinslovechristmas
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 12

Open
A little bit salty and a whole lot of sweet, these Potato Chip Cookies are melt in your mouth delicious! And did you know that calories don’t count in December? J/k, but don’t you wish you could indulge on all the goodies guilt free? These are definitely worth the extra calories at least once a year! Find the recipe link in my profile. 
πŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’š
#joyineveryseason ... 
#christmasdessert ...
#christmastreats ...
#bhgfood ... 
#potatochipcookies ...
#christmascookies ...
#cookiesforsanta ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#christmasbaking ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#designtwinslovechristmas
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 10

Open
Friends, can you believe that Christmas is in 15 days? I always feel, that no matter how organized I start the season, I’m scurrying the last couple of weeks to get it all done. I’ve given myself a deadline (of this Sunday), to finish all my wrapping and to get my cards (all 250 of them) in the mail. I think I can, I think I can! Then next week I can enjoy some baking and meal planning for when my family is home for Christmas! 
β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈ
This is always my afternoon coffee view! I love it and today my coffee mug really reminded me that even though 2020 has been a challenging year, we are truly blessed! 
πŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„
How are you all doing? I hope you can all find the JOY in even the smallest things! For me it can be as simple as crossing one thing off my list and sitting in my happy spot enjoying my coffee with the view of my tree! 
#christmas  #christmastree #holidaydecorating #thedesigntwinslovechristmas #christmasblessings #bhghowiholiday #christmastimeishere #cozychristmas #homefortheholidays #joyineveryseason #mycurrenthomeview

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 5

Open
Don’t you just love a Cake Pop? It’s the perfect fun treat for the little ones and since it’s just a bite or two, it’s a guilt free treat for adults. I love baking with the grandkids, and can’t wait to make these again this year! You can find the recipe link in my profile. 
β€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈ
And since it’s #recipeswapsaturday, let’s visit my friends and see what favorites they’re sharing this week! 
@rustymaplecottage
@lifeonlittlecreek
@ourhouseinriverbend
@jagcagdesign
@6heartsandahome
@joyineveryseason_foodblog
πŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’š
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#cakepops ...
#christmascookies ...
#cookiesforsanta ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#christmasbaking ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#designtwinslovechristmas ...
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Dec 4

Open
Did you know it’s National Cookie Day? Or maybe it’s National Cookie Week. Either way, it’s always a good day to make a batch of these Gooey Christmas Sprinkle Cookies! They’re the easiest cookies to make and everyone loves them! You can find the recipe link in my profile. 
β€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈπŸ’šβ€οΈ
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#christmascookies
#cookiesforsanta ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#christmasbaking ... 
#cakemixcookies ...
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#designtwinslovechristmas
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 24

Open
Happy Thanksgiving week my friends! Whatever your plans are this year, I wish you all JOY and HAPPINESS as you gather around your table! 
πŸ‚πŸ§‘πŸ¦ƒπŸ§‘πŸ‚#joyineveryseason ... 
#thanksgivingtable ...
#givethanks ..
#setthetable ... 
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... 
#dishes ... 
#entertaininginstyle ... 
#dinnerware ... 
#dinnerpartyinspiration ... 
#fwiinspires ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 21

Open
Hi friends! 
Here’s a big question for you? Do you serve a green salad with your Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner? 
❀️πŸ₯—πŸ¦ƒπŸ₯—❀️
I did not grow up with green salads at Thanksgiving, but years ago I added this Blackberry Spinach Salad to my menu and now I can’t imagine the holidays without it! Besides being delicious, it’s is so festive!!! The recipe link is in my profile. 
πŸ₯—πŸ¦ƒβ€οΈπŸ¦ƒπŸ₯—
It’s also Saturday, which means it’s time to see what my friends are sharing!
πŸ¦ƒβ€οΈπŸ₯—β€οΈπŸ¦ƒ
@lifeonlittlecreek
@rustymaplecottage
@6heartsandahome
@ourhouseinriverbend @dugansgirls 
. . . . .
#recipeswapsaturday ...
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#thanksgivingsidedish ...
#thanksgivingdinner ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#spinachsalad ...
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 20

Open
I rarely share my home, unless it’s a dining room tablescape or something I’ve cooked, but this morning when I walked into the kitchen, I was immediately filled with joy!! The house is clean (mostly) and the Christmas decorating is nearly done. With all the heaviness going on with tighter Covid restrictions, I am choosing to have a great day!! πŸŽ„β€οΈπŸŽ„ I’m heading out to do a few quick errands, then plan to crank up the Christmas music, make my afternoon coffee, and sit and enjoy! β€οΈπŸŽ„β€οΈ What are your plans today?

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 14

Open
Happy Saturday! It’s time for another round of #recipeswapsaturday. I’m gearing up for the holidays and can’t wait for this Cran-Raspberry Jello Salad to be on our Thanksgiving table! It’s so good! You’re definitely going to want to grab the recipe and give it a try this year! The recipe link is in my profile. 
πŸ¦ƒβ€οΈπŸ¦ƒβ€οΈπŸ¦ƒ
Don’t forget to visit my friends to see what they’re sharing this week. 
@6heartsandahome
@rustymaplecottage
@something.gray
β€οΈπŸ¦ƒβ€οΈπŸ¦ƒβ€οΈ
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#thanksgivingsidedish ...
#jellosalad ...
#raspberryjello ...
#thanksgivingdinner ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#cranberryjellosalad ...
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 13

Open
This Fall Harvest Soup is an easy homemade soup that you’re going to love! It’s full of all the flavors of Fall! Get the recipe link in my profile. 
πŸ πŸ‚πŸ§…πŸ§‘πŸ§…πŸ‚πŸ 
What’s your favorite soup?
πŸ‚πŸ§‘πŸ§…πŸ πŸ§…πŸ§‘πŸ‚
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#homemadesoup ...
#fallharvestsoup ... 
#quickandeasydinner ...
#comfortfood ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#fallrecipes ...
#soupideas ...
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 12

Open
I’ve ordered my Thanksgiving Turkey and now it’s time to start the grocery list making for the rest of our dinner. Our Thanksgiving dinner is very traditional! Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, jello salad, veggies (creamed spinach or roasted brussel sprouts), green salad, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and THESE DELICIOUS CANDIED SWEET POTATOES! I can’t make enough of these for my family, they literally β€œgobble” them up! Recipe link is in my profile! 
πŸ§‘πŸπŸ¦ƒπŸπŸ§‘ What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? πŸπŸ§‘πŸ¦ƒπŸ§‘πŸ
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#thanksgivingsidedish ...
#candiedsweetpotatoes ... 
#candiedyams ...
#thanksgivingdinner ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#sweetpotatoes ... 
#yams ...
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Nov 11

Open
Here’s a very Simple Fall Tablescape that you can enjoy for any family dinner and it’s also perfect for a casual Thanksgiving! 
πŸ§‘πŸ‚πŸ§‘πŸ¦ƒπŸ§‘πŸ‚πŸ§‘
Head to my blog to see what I have to say about setting a table. Hint, it’s not all about the dishes or centerpiece. Blog link in profile.
πŸπŸ§‘πŸπŸ¦ƒπŸπŸ§‘πŸ
#joyineveryseason ... 
#setthetable ...
#falltable ...
#thanksgivingtable ...
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... 
#dishes ... 
#entertaininginstyle ... 
#dinnerware ... 
#fwiinspires ...
#dinnerpartyinspiration ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Oct 28

Open
Jazz up some store brought gnocchi with a homemade four cheese sauce and fresh broccoli! It’s like a grown up Mac and cheese, but the little ones will still love it! Recipe link is in my profile. 
πŸ’›πŸ₯¦πŸ’›πŸ₯¦πŸ’›
#joyineveryseason ...
#gnocchi ... 
#gnocchiwithbroccoli ... 
#fourcheesegnocchi ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#fallrecipes ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Oct 26

Open
A little bit spooky and a whole lot of fun, this table is ready for a Halloween party! This years β€œparty” is going to be a bit smaller, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! Blog post link is in my profile. 
πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸŽƒ
#joyineveryseason ... 
#setthetable ... 
#halloweentable ...
#kidshalloweentable ...
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... #fwiinspires ... 
#dishes ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Oct 24

Open
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that we bbq all summer long, but once it’s Fall and weather changes, all I want is soup! It’s certainly a good thing that my husband enjoys it as much as I do! I have my grandmas old soup pot, and although I occasionally use my crock pot (or Instant Pot), I much prefer to simmer my soup on the stovetop using Grandma’s old soup pot! 
πŸ‚πŸ€ŽπŸ‚πŸ€ŽπŸ‚
This delicious Hamburger Soup is the perfect recipe to share for #recipeswapsaturday. You can find the recipe link in my profile. 
πŸ‚πŸ€ŽπŸ‚
I wonder what my friends have cooked up in their kitchens this week? Make sure and visit their page and tell them I say β€œhi!”

@rustymaplecottage
@something.gray
@joyineveryseason_foodblog
@6heartsandahome
@dugansgirls
@pondycreekplace
@jagcagdesign
πŸ€ŽπŸ‚πŸ€Ž
#joyineveryseason ...
#recipeswapsaturday ...
#souprecipe ... 
#hamburgersoup ... 
#soupideas ...
#bhgfood ... 
#fallrecipes ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ... 
#easyrecipes ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Oct 23

Open
How fun is this easy lunch (or dinner) Halloween table for your little ones!! 
πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸŽƒ
Even if they don’t go out Trick-or-Treating, I think your littles ones will love sitting down at this table. Some simple easy food that they’ll love and a few fun treats await them at this cute table! 
πŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ‘»πŸŽƒπŸ‘»
Whatever Halloween looks like for you and your family this year, have FUN and stay safe! 
#joyineveryseason ... 
#halloweentablescape ... 
#trickortreatwithkids ... 
#kidshalloweenparty ... 
#friendswhoinspire ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Oct 22

Open
Another Fall day, another chili recipe! I have a few different chili recipes, and I love them all! This one is made with ground turkey and white beans. Serve it with some homemade cornbread and a salad for a delicious meal! Recipe link is in my profile. 
πŸ‚πŸ§‘πŸ‚πŸ§‘πŸ‚
#joyineveryseason ...
#recipeswapsaturday ...
#falldinnerideas ...
#chilirecipe ... 
#turkeychili ...
#slowcookerrecipe ...
#bhgfood ... 
#fallrecipes ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ... #friendswhoinspire ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Oct 17

Open
I always serve this Sweet Potato Chili on Halloween! It’s the perfect quick meal before taking the kiddos out for Trick or Treat! This year, however, due to Covid we aren’t hosting trick-or treat from our house. In fact, I’m not sure we’ll even have any little goblins or superheroes ringing our doorbell or visiting this year. It’s so sad! Trick or treat is always such a fun evening! Who else is ready for 2020 to be over? 
Follow the link in my profile for the recipe. 
πŸŽƒπŸ‚πŸ πŸπŸŽƒ
Make sure and check out what my friends are up to this week! 
@rustymaplecottage
@jagcagdesign
@6heartsandahome
@dugansgirls
πŸŽƒπŸ‚πŸ πŸπŸŽƒ
#joyineveryseason ...
#recipeswapsaturday ...
#sweetpotatochili ... 
#chilirecipe ... 
#sweetpotatoes ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#fallrecipes ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...
Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 2021 Β· Joy In Every Season Β· Privacy Policy Β· Log in