It’s My 1 Year Bloggaversary/Anniversary!

It’s hard to believe that I reached this milestone…it feels like yesterday I embarked on a journey into blogdom which now takes up all my free time…

A lot has changed over the course of a year. The website got a completely new look and I’ve added more and more content. Can you believe this was my first post? What a dork!

When I first started this blog/website I thought it would just be a fun side project, something that I would enjoy doing in my free time that maybe a handful of people would see. Instead, it became something I work on almost full time (I need help) and that a lot of people seem to be reading it. I get emails and comments from people I’ve never met before letting me know that they enjoy what I’m doing. People have been using my site as a reference on what to do in New Jersey, which was my intention when I started it! I can’t even tell you how much all the positivity has meant to me.

I am also glad that I can personally support local artists and craftsmen through my Etsy Store of the Week program. It warms my heart hearing that these businesses are getting more business and sales because of me. Their cross promotion has also been amazing! I have them all listed in my Past Etsy Stores of the Week section…so check them out! Also, if you want to be the Etsy Store of the week, all you need to do is email me at newjerseyisntboring@gmail.com. It’s FREE. I swear!

Meeting these artists has led to the New Jersey Isn’t Boring Art Show at Arts Guild New Jersey! It’s a FREE event and exhibit which begins THIS Sunday, March 22nd from 1pm to 4pm! Come!

Things I have been consistent about since the mere beginnings:

– Diner reviews every Sunday at 6pm. I have every diner listed on my site, and if I reviewed them I will put the review right under the diner info. I also have them all together on Pinterest.
– Craft beer events. I update this every week
– Wine events. Also, updated every week.
– Food truck events….yes, updated every week.

Speaking of diner reviews, I just reviewed my 52nd diner this past Sunday. CRAZY! You can see all the diners and my food choices here:

52 diners in 1 Year! from newjerseyisntboring on Vimeo.

Things that have truly been amazing this past Year:
– Gaining readers via social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
– The opportunity to do giveaways and contests
– Meet and promote amazing artists by starting an “Etsy Store of the Week”
– Meeting artists led to my first (small) art show in Oct
– Getting the chance to attend & review a lot of great events
– Getting to try new restaurants and review them too!
– Frankie & Holly (my dogs) getting attention on social media- #frankiethedognj #hollythedognj

Speaking of Frankie, this exchange with Cory Booker still gets me excited:

Is that Bark Vader or Jaba the Mutt RT @njisntboring my dog loves Star Wars day too pic.twitter.com/aP2ueePa8C

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) May 4, 2014

Moving forward there is a lot I want to accomplish. Including:
– More guest blogger spots
– Adding more fun things to do in NJ to my site
– Getting out to even more awesome events
– Promoting more contests and giveaways
– Revamping the site to make it look even better and easier to use
– Checking off more items off my NJ Bucket list

…and last but not least, being able to do this full time. That would be pretty freaking awesome.

AND of course, (in case you didn’t see it above) the first annual New Jersey Isn’t Boring art show at Arts Guild New Jersey which will take place March 22nd – April 16th, 2015! Mark your calendars NOW. Free exhibit featuring NJ artists all about why NJ is a great place to live. I’m so excited for it!

Thank you for all your support! Tell your friends about me! Cheers!