Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015: Review and Reflection

As 2015 comes to a close, it's time to reflect back on the past twelve months. Back in the summer, Joyously Domestic began its fourth year. It is so much fun and such a blessing that my "work" is doing something that I absolutely love. I'm continually amazed everyday that my job is sharing my love of food with all of you.
 
 
Professionally, I celebrated some milestones over the course of the past year. Back in October, I hit one million page views just in a one-month period (a new record for JD). During 2015, a few of my recipes/photos were featured/shared on several major sites, such as Delish, BuzzFeed, MSN, Today Food and The Food Network. And, my overall stats for the blog improved greatly - way beyond my expectations and hopes for the year.


Below is a look at the ten most-popular new recipes on JD over the past twelve months {based upon pageviews and social media shares}.


 
This past fall, I decided to go a different route with the header of the blog. It's been a blast putting together a "scene" to photograph - based upon the season. So far, we've had just the two shown below. (So, stay tuned as new seasonal headers are revealed in the months to come.)
 
 
 
Personally, this past year has been so incredibly busy, rewarding and fulfilling. We settled into our new home (did you check out our $500 Kitchen Remodel?). We spent countless hours invested into our kids' sports, band and other activities. My husband underwent a major vascular surgery in October (and has recovered quite well). One child moved back home after being out on his own for seven years. One child got her driver's license and started her first job in 2015. One became a teenager. And, we now have only one of our five children remaining in single digits. I don't have to tell any of you how fast time seems to go ... especially when it comes to our kids. I am so grateful for each one of them and I relish every tiny moment of being their mom.
 
 
As we close out 2015 and ring in 2016, I, of course, would like to acknowledge my readers and followers. So many of you have been with me for quite a long time. I appreciate all of you immensely. And, to those who may have just recently joined us, welcome and know that I am so thrilled you're here. Thanks, guys, for stopping in to say "hi," for sharing my content on social media, for leaving comments, for telling your friends about JD and for encouraging me all along the way.
 
If you haven't already, I'd love to have you join me on social media. I spend a lot of time there ... posting behind-the-scenes photos as I test new recipes, sharing glimpses into family life in the JD household, sharing sneak peeks into upcoming posts and much more. Don't miss out!
 
 

Bring on 2016 and here's to hoping it's the most amazing year yet!
 
Angela
 
 
 


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