• 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

0 shares

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). 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.”  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 & Meatballs 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 Chili 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 😉

**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!!

0 shares
« 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 🙂

    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

Jan 28

Open
I love adding a touch of Valentines to my tabletop! We haven’t been using the dining room much lately, but since it’s the first room I see when I walk in the house, I love seeing a cute seasonal centerpiece! It’s the little things that bring me joy!  #joyineveryseason ... #tonitinatabletops …
#valentinesday ...
#setthetable ... 
#valentinestablescape ...
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... 
#entertaininginstyle ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 18

Open
I walked into Trader Joe’s the other day (with my granddaughter), and she quickly spotted a sign about their milkshake contest! “We have to do this Nana!” How could I say no to her enthusiasm as she quickly chose her shake ingredients. 
You’ll have to head over to her page @gigibeanblog to see what flavor she decided on. 
🍑🥤🍦🍑🍦🥤🍑
I decided on a Peach Ginger Shake! The rules state that you must use only five ingredients that you purchased at TJ’s and post your recipe. 
🍑🍦🥤🍑🥤🍦🍑
Peach and Ginger Shake
* 1 pint Southern Peach Crisp ice cream
* 1 fresh peach (peeled, sliced, & frozen)
* 1/4 cup milk
* Whipped cream
* Ginger Snap cookies (crushed)
Place ice cream, frozen peach slices, & milk into blender and blend until smooth. Pour into your favorite milkshake glass, top with whipped cream, and crushed ginger snaps. Garnish with fresh peach slices and additional cookies! Enjoy!!
#tjsmilkshakecontest …
#joyineveryseason …
#foodpics …
#gingerpeachmkshake .. 
#milkshakes …#summerdessert …
#homemadeisbest …
#freshpeaches …
#tastythursdaydecor …

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 8

Open
Nothing says summertime like backyard fun! Swimming, slip & slides, sprinklers, and a big glass of cold lemonade!! I hope you’re all enjoying your summer! What’s the weather like where you live? We’ve been traveling for the last week, and I have to admit, that although I love the heat and summer sunshine, I’m not used to humidity (we’ve been in FL, the gulf coast area, and TN). I’m usually the first to complain when our coastal CA fog rolls in, but I’m actually looking forward to cooler temps for a few days. 
🍓🍋🍓🍋🍓
Find my Strawberry Lemonade recipe on my blog (just follow the link in my profile). 
🍓🍋🍓🍋🍓
#joyineveryseason ... 
#strawberrylemonade …
#freshlemonade …
#bhgfood ... 
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#summertime …
#summertreat …
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 6

Open
This simple Orzo Salad is the perfect side dish for anything you plan to grill! It’s also a delicious salad to bring to family gatherings or potlucks! And the best part is I use my favorite bottled balsamic dressing, so it’s both easy to make and delicious! 
🥗🥕🫑🧅🥦
Click the link in my profile to go directly to my blog for this recipe (and a whole lot more).
🥦🧅🫑🥕🥗
#joyineveryseason ... 
#pastasalad …
#orzosalad …
#salad … 
#simplesalad …
#backyardbbq …
#sidedish … 
#bhgfood ... 
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 4

Open
Happy 4th of July, from my table to yours! 
I hope you’re all enjoying a fun and safe weekend! 
❤️🤍💙🇺🇸💙🤍❤️
God Bless the USA!

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 3

Open
Are you looking for a simple festive dessert? Look no further than Fresh Berries dipped in French Cream!! 
🍓🫐🇺🇸🫐🍓
What are your plans this weekend? We’re typically home and hosting a fun BBQ, but this year we’ll be enjoying fireworks along the Gulf Shore!
💥🇺🇸💥🇺🇸💥
Have a fun and safe weekend my friends!!
❤️🤍💙🤍❤️
#joyineveryseason … 
#4thofjuly …
#fourthofjuly …
#4thofjulyfood …
#4thofjulyparty …
#frenchcream …
#strawberries …
#berriesandcream …
#homemadeisbest ...
#bhgfood ... 
#celebrate...
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#backyardbbq ...
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics …
#redwhiteandblue …
#tastythursdaydecor …
#freshberries …

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 2

Open
Back when our girls were younger, we used to host large backyard bbqs on the 4th of July. We’d easily host 100+ friends and family and everyone would enjoy swimming, basketball, trampoline, fireworks, and of course a lot of good food!! I always made my Baked Beans! Always! They may not be the prettiest dish, but they are delicious! You can find the recipe link in my profile. 
❤️🇺🇸💙🇺🇸❤️
#joyineveryseason … 
#4thofjuly …
#fourthofjuly …
#4thofjulyfood …
#4thofjulyparty …
#homemadeisbest ...
#bhgfood ... 
#celebrate...
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#backyardbbq ...
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics …
#redwhiteandblue …
#tastythursdaydecor …
#bakedbeans …

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jul 1

Open
Happy 4th of July week my sweet friends! I’m traveling so thought I’d pull up a few of my old blog posts to inspire you with a few recipes and tablescapes this week! I also posted a fun hostess gift idea in my stories this morning! Make sure and check that out! Find the recipe for this delicious and festive fruit salsa by following the link in my profile. 
❤️🍓🇺🇸 💙🇺🇸🍓❤️
#joyineveryseason … 
#4thofjuly …
#fourthofjuly …
#4thofjulyfood …
#4thofjulyparty …
#homemadeisbest ...
#bhgfood ... 
#celebrate...
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#backyardbbq ...
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics …
#redwhiteandblue …
#tastythursdaydecor …
#freshberries …
#fruitsalsa …

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jun 19

Open
If you’re looking for a quick Father’s Day table setting idea, look no further. Swipe to see how to easily set the table to please just about any Dad. A quick trip to your local Target or hardware store and voila …. the table is “cute” for you, and ready to serve a delicious bbq dinner for the man in your life! 
☀️ 🍗 🎾 👩‍🌾 ☕️ 🪛 
What would you add to your Father’s Day table?
🪛🌽☕️🍗🎾👩‍🌾☀️
#joyineveryseason …
#fathersday … 
#father’sday …
#bbq … 
#setthetable … 
#dineoutdoors …

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Jun 17

Open
Good gracious, it’s been awhile since I’ve been on! 
Since Father’s Day is this Sunday, I thought I share a few recipes that are sure to please all the men in your life! 
🍔🥔🥗🥔🍔
Head to the link in my profile for these and other delicious recipes!!
🌭🍉🌽🍉🌭
Happy Father’s Day! 
#fathersdaybbq ... 
#joyineveryseason ...
#homemadeisbest ...
#bhgfood ... 
#celebratedad ...
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#backyardbbq ...
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

May 26

Open
I’m visiting with my daughter and her family this week, and as usual they give me their dinner requests. I love that they (especially my son-in-law) love my cooking!! One of the requests this week was Bruschetta Chicken! It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and is perfect for grilling on a warm summer evening! Check out the link in my follow for the recipe. 
🍅💚🍅💚🍅
#joyineveryseason ... 
#freshbruschetta ...
#easyrecipe ...
#bhgfood ... 
#bruschettachicken ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#grilledchicken ...
#summergrilling ...
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#pastadinner ... 
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Apr 3

Open
I just wanted to pop on before I sign off for the weekend and wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
🐰💚🥕💚🐰
#joyineveryseason ... 
#easterbrunch ...
#easterdinnertable ...
#eastertablescape ...
#setthetable ... 
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... 
#dishes ... 
#entertaininginstyle ... 
#dinnerware ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Apr 2

Open
Do you have your Easter Menu set and your shopping done? It doesn’t matter if we host Easter dinner or brunch, you’ll likely find a large platter of grilled asparagus as one of the side dishes! This year it will be served alongside quiche, ham, fruit parfaits, deviled eggs, and cinnamon roll monkey bread for Easter brunch! Click on the link in my profile to see how I make my grilled asparagus. 
🐰💚🐣💚🐰
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#freshasparagus ... 
#grilledasparagus ...
#easterbrunch ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Apr 1

Open
Hi Sweet Peeps! I just couldn’t resist sharing this cute “peep” themed Easter table from a couple of years ago.  I think it’s perfect for a casual brunch or a fun Easter table ready for the little ones! 
🐰👒🐣🌷🐰
Happy Easter friends!
🐰🌷🐣👒🐰
#joyineveryseason ... 
#easterbrunch ...
#eastertablescape ...
#setthetable ... 
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... 
#dishes ... 
#entertaininginstyle ... 
#dinnerware ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Mar 31

Open
Easter! Wow, I can’t believe it’s this Sunday! Do you have any Easter family traditions? Ours usually starts off with church, followed by an egg hunt and enjoying either brunch or an early dinner with family and friends. I’ll be hosting a small family brunch this year. I’m still finalizing my menu, but plan on including a delicious ham served with this Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze! You can find the recipe on my blog (follow the link in my profile). 
🐰👒🐣🌷🐰
Happy Easter my sweet friends!
🐰🌷🐣👒🐰
#joyineveryseason ... 
#bhgfood ... 
#easterdinner ... 
#easterbrunch ...
#heisrisen ...
#bakedham ...
#glazedham ...
#springhassprung ...
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Mar 9

Open
Did you know that today is National Meatball Day? 
My top blog recipe is Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs, but if you prefer Cheesy Baked Meatballs, a Meatball Sub Sandwich, or Whole 30 Approved Meatballs, I’ve got you covered. Head to my profile and click on the link to find the recipes. 
🍝🍝🍝
#joyineveryseason ... 
#nationalmeatballday ...
#spaghettidinner ...
#bhgfood ... 
#meatballsub ...
#spaghettiandmeatballs ...
#bakedspaghetti ...
#whole30meatballs ... 
#tastythursdaydecor ... 
#yummyfood ... 
#familyrecipes ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#dinnerisready ... 
#foodblogger ...
#pastadinner ... 
#foodpics ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Feb 11

Open
Just three more days till Valentine’s Days! I love how this table turned out, with the black and red! I added more elements to it than I normally do, but I was in the mood for a fun bright table! I talked about adding layers to a tablescape in my blog post, if you want to head on over and read it. The link is in my profile. 
❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️
Do you have any Valentine’s traditions?
❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️
#joyineveryseason ... 
#valentinesday ...
#setthetable ... 
#valentinestablescape ...
#diningroom ... 
#tablescapes ... 
#bhgcelebrates ... 
#entertainingathome ... 
#tablescapeinspiration ... 
#farmhousetable ... 
#betterhomesandgardens ... 
#tablestyling ... 
#tablesettings ...
#styledtablesaturday ...
#tablescapetuesday ... 
#dishes ... 
#entertaininginstyle ... 
#dinnerware ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Feb 9

Open
Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow) isn’t a new recipe. I was curious enough to look it up and read that it started in the Midwest in the early 60’s. 
I’ve snacked on it plenty of times, but had never made it until this week. A few colored M&Ms easily transforms it into a treat for any holiday or occasion!
❤️💗🤍💗❤️
#joyineveryseason ... 
#valentinesday ... 
#valentinestreat ...
#valentinegiftidea ... 
#valentinesmuddybuddies ...
#happyvalentinesday ...
#valentinesforkids ...
#chex ...
#valentinespuppychow ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Feb 8

Open
This delicious Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is sure to warm you up on a cold winter day! It’s the perfect comfort food, loaded with chicken, veggies, and noodles! The recipe link is in my profile. 
💙🥣💙
I live in CA, and today’s weather is 56* and sunny. That’s cold for us! What’s the weather like where you live? 
🥣 💙🥣
#joyineveryseason ...
#thekitchn ... 
#feedfeed ...
#allrecipes ... 
#comfortfood ... 
#creamychickensoup ... 
#instantpotchickensoup ... 
#homemadeisbest ... 
#bhgfood .. 
#soup ...

joyineveryseason_foodblog

View

Feb 4

Open
How adorable are these cute little Honey Bears! They’re a cute treat filled with M&Ms that kids love! And after the candy is gone, the honey bottle can be used with a straw for drinking, or as a bath toy!! Blog link is in my profile. 
❤️🐻❤️🐻❤️
#joyineveryseason ... 
#valentinesday ... 
#valentinestreat ...
#valentinegiftidea ... 
#valentinegift ... 
#happyvalentinesday ...
#valentineschocolate ...
#valentinesforkids ...
Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 2022 · Joy In Every Season · Privacy Policy · Log in