When I started this blog in the spring of 2006, it was on a whim. I secretly thought that blogs were foolish, self-indulgent innovations but I started mine out of boredom and a desire for something to keep myself occupied while I got settled in a new house and a new neighborhood and a new church and new schools.
Never in a million years did I imagine it would become this network of friendships and relationships with opportunities to travel and meet celebrities and earn an income from home with a flexible schedule.
I can only hope that as I share my journey, I will provide some value to those out there reading along — whether it be inspiration to travel or eat better or get dressed in the morning or just to laugh at the everyday mishaps that make life interesting.
As I watched my post count increase over the last few weeks, inching its way to 3000, I decided I ought to do something special to celebrate. So I decided to sponsor a giveaway.
I’m giving away one $100 Amazon
I’m not advertising this or asking for promotion from friends. This one is for you — my regular readers and faithful friends. Because I would not be here without you, plain and simple.
There are three ways to enter. Leave a separate comment for each.
1. Leave a comment on this post, telling me something that you’ve learned from me or what you value most about my blog or what you’d like to see more of or . . . anything, really! I value your feedback.
2. Give yourself an entry for being a subscriber to my blog. You can subscribe by RSS or by email and get daily updates right to your email inbox!
3. Give yourself an entry for following me on Twitter! (Leave me your Twitter handle and I’ll be sure to follow you back!!)
4. Give yourself another entry if you’re a subscriber to my monthly email newsletter.
It is not a giveaway entry, but I’d love it if you’d follow me on Facebook and add my page to your favorites list so you’re sure to see my updates.
GOOD LUCK!!! I will randomly select a winner on my 40th birthday — July 1st!!!!!
Fine Print: Amazon is not a sponsor of this post or my blog, however, I am a member of their affiliate program. Winner must have a U.S. mailing address. I will use the And The Winner Is plugin for WordPress to randomly select a winner on Sunday, July 1st. When the comments are closed on this post, you will know the giveaway is over. I will announce the winner on Facebook and Twitter, and I will send a personal email, giving the winner three days to accept. If there is no reply, I will select another winner. See my Giveaway Policies for more details.
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I’ve learned how to cook a lot of healthy food.
Congratulation Jo-Lynne! I love your honesty, photography, and blog design tips… you always have something new & refreshing to say.
I follow you on Twitter. @carrieloves
and, I like you on the Facebook, too!
I’ve learned how to eat a little bit healthier thru your blog and to not put anything, even healthy food, above God.
Congratulations!!! I’ve really learned a lot from you about food, healthier alternatives and just being more mindful of where my food comes from and what I feed my family!
I am also a subscriber
I really quite like your posts on dressing like a mom with out sweats or mom jeans every day
I subscribe via rss
I love your love of Orla Keilly. Weird? Probably, but I still love it. Ha!
I follow you on twitter @drawntotheflame
Congrats on 3000 posts – what an accomplishment!! Isn’t it amazing that a whim turned into something so awesome??
I love lots of your recipe posts (mojitos!), but also just your everyday posts too.
Happy 3000 posts!!
Congratulations on your 3,000th! I think you are a great writer. I’m really not leaving this comment as a way to enter a giveaway! I just wanted to share with you why I read your blog. You are open, honest, funny, and so very readable. (if that’s a word.) Thanks!
You really do encourage me to “get dressed” every morning. I try really hard not to wear my total comfort shorts every day. Plus I love that you have gone GF because we have too, so your recipes are always good to see. Keep up the good work girlfriend and here’s to another 3000.
HUGS
Kim
I subscribe to one of your email thingy’s lol. Because I got something the other day. So this entry is for whichever that is. Ha! Ha! Do I get an extra vote for being the most clueless. Ha!
Congrats on the big 3000th and the big 40! I love keeping in touch with you and the kids…and Paul too. I too have also gotten a few recipe ideas. Here’s to another 3000 blogs – and another 40 years.
I love all the recipes.
I’m an e-mail subscriber
I follow you on twitter (even though I’m never on it) StaceyVer
What a milestone! I think you are one of the truest writers out there – it doesn’t feel like you are taking on a voice or putting on a show. We get to know the real you – that’s unusual and I appreciate it.
I follow you on Twitter @Jraephelan
I subscribe via Google Reader RSS — for several years now!!
I’ve really enjoyed your journey to real food and your enthusiasm and thinking mind. Your explanations are always well thought-out and easy to understand.
I’m an RSS subscriber on Google Reader.
I follow you on Twitter, too. I’m sure you’ve never noticed.
@vanderbiltwife
Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and you are a great blogger-my favorite!
Your blog is inspiring in a number of ways, from just getting dressed every (or most) days instead of laying around in pjs, to thinking more about what I put in my mouth and those of my children (never mind the fact I still love mt dew and reeses, at least I think about it right?;)). You give awesome advice on blogging, improving photography. Honestly your blog is just one of those awesome blogs that moms of all kinds can relate to. To me yours is the ultimate “mom blog”. You are the one that inspired me to finally start my own.
Congrats Jo-Lynne! You are awesome and here’s to many many more posts!! =)
I follow you on twitter!!! My user name is @grneydcntrygirl
I subscribe via google reader!! =)
I just value you!
Subscribe to your blog.
Subscribe to your newsletter.
Fashion Friday has increased my style so much! I have learner about the most flattering clothing, how to wear accessories and so much more. So glad I found you a few years ago
Happy 3000th!
I follow on twitter
I subscribe via Google reader
I love the “What I Wore Wednesday” posts…I also enjoy the real food posts and lately the gluten free meals ideas {we may have to go gf in the near future}.
I subscribe to the newsletter
I subscribe via RSS.
been browsing your recipe section and the inspiration is great!
Congrats on all your posts!
p.s. I read your blog on my daily feed…
From you I’ve learned how to be stylish, yet comfortable. I enjoy your fashion posts on Wed. “What I wore” and Fashion Friday; also I truly enjoy your more personal posts about your children or family. I know you value healthy eating and that’s always a great goal to have as a Mom. Congratulations on your 3000 post! You rock!
I like seeing what you wear… encourages me to keep getting dressed every morning! I don’t have to be dressy, but I can still look nice.
I subscribe via RSS feed..
I love your outfit posts. I love that you shop where most of us can so it makes it “real”.
I already subscribe to RSS.
I enjoy your posts about cooking healthy food, but I also really like fashion Friday.
I have to credit you on getting me to eat “real food” and feeding it to my family. I like to think we ate “healthy” before but it was a lot of packaged “health” food. I owe you a big one, and so does my family. (Although my parents think we’re nuts!)
follow on twitter @saramama
My favorites posts are your fashion posts!
I’m a subscriber
I like that you strive to be a real foodie while not spending your life in the kitchen! You are the first blogger I’ve read who places the same value on food that I do while ALSO maintaining a family and a business and having fun! You keep it simple and don’t try to do it all… you are a good role model!
So of course I love you and your blog (I credit you for radically changing the way my family eats), but mostly I love your blog because without it I would never have met you!!!! Wish you were here this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RSS Subscriber
Follow you on Twitter!!
Newsletter subscriber
Congrats!
The posts I have appreciated the most are your family/mothering ones and how you deal with or teach your children in situations. I’m a step behind you with my oldest just entering kindergarten and I value a solid Christian perspective (but practical!) in raising a child in today’s crazy world.
I subscribe via RSS!
I follow your tweets! @kirstjenpratt
I receive your newsletter (and read it)!
I like your real food posts. As a local follower, I especially appreciated learning where you buy things like raw milk and grass fed meats. I trust your recommendations, I also like your good reads posts – we are very like-minded.
I love your fashion posts. I’ve learned alot about healthy and safe eating…and because I’m in Delaware I recognize some of the places you mention or visit! Love your blog and love
your personal style!
I subscribe via RSS feed.
I like your fashion posts and really appreciate your willingness to hit difficult topics head-on and all of the research you put into your informational posts (I.e. carseat safety, raw milk, vaccinations). I also enjoy reading your blog because you are a talented writer.
Subscriber
I like the health and wellness posts. I’m in my 40′s and am taking healthy, holistic living very seriously.
I follow on twitter @catlady90005
I’m a daily blog subscriber … keys … 90005 … @ … gmail …
I’m a monthly newsletter subscriber …. keys … 90005 … @ … gmail …
I have enjoyed the Wednesday posts with outfits – its been great for pushing me towards being more accountable and thinking about what clothes I wear. Congrats on getting to 3000 posts!
Congrats on 3000 posts! I defintely think seeing your what i wore wednesday posts has encouraged me to start accessorizing more. I also love hearing about local places you’ve been that I hadn’t known about. I trust your opinion of whether places are worth checking out!
I subscribe in google reader.
and i subscribe to your newsletter!
I just wanted to stop by and say Congratulations on making a momentus 3,000. That really is very cool. Next I want to add a Happy 29th Birthday. I do not believe there are any birthdays after 29.
I subscribe by email and RSS.
I love your down-to-earth blogs.
I am following you on Twitter.
Jo-Lynn, I love your honesty and being a SAHM myself, I just love the topics you write about – fashion, food, family… Cos that’s what my life is about too
Love from Singapore!
i’ve been reading for years {and years!} but i’d have to say i’ve learned the most about food. i love your posts about your family and everyday musings, and whatnot. but the changes you’ve made {and shared information about} have inspired me to really think about what i put into my body, and my family’s. so thanks!
I have learned the value of weekly menu planning. It makes the whole week run so much smoother!
I am a newsletter subscriber.
I really enjoy your blog! I’ve probably learned the most about food from you.
I subscribe to your monthly newsletter.
You have inspired me with your posts on healthier eating. I think you do a fabulous job of incorporating nutritious foods into your family’s meals in a way that fits right into your lifestyle. I also enjoy your Wednesday posts which give us a peek into how you’ve dressed in the past week.
Congrats on reaching 3,000 posts!
I subscribe to your site in my Google reader.
I follow you on Twitter – @GirlstoGrow
I follow via RSS feeder.
I love that you are so REAL. You tell it like it is – and I appreciate that. I love the posts focused on “how to wear” a certain item of clothing – and you give us many examples and tell us what works for you and what does not.
I look forward to your fashion Friday posts. Congrats on your 3000th post!
This is my 2nd entry for being a monthly newsletter subscriber. Thanks!
Love your guacamole recipe the best. Also mom posts are great. I have girls the same ages as yours.
Email subscriber
Newsletter subscriber
I have learned about myself through my reflections on your writing. I have enjoyed your suggestions, recipes and beautiful photography.
I’ve learned that being a stay at home mom I can still cook healthy meals and look fabulous at the same time! By the way, my family loves your chicken gruyere recipe. Definitely our fav!
What a great giveaway! Congrats on your 3000 posts! I love reading your blog…..I value your honesty, reflections, and wonderful recipes!
I just love your blog! I really like the exercise posts- they are very inspiring.
Happy 3000th post. 
I’m a subscriber.
Follow you on twitter. (kebhouse)
email newsletter subscriber.
Congrats on 3000 posts!! I love all your posts, but the fashion and recipe posts are my favorite!
I follow you on twitter (@jenorourke).
Monthly newsletter subscriber
Love your blog, your recipe and healthy living posts are some of my favorites!
I subscribe via Google Reader.
I also get your monthly e-newsletter.
I’ve been a lurking reading for a while! Your fashion posts inspire me, as well as your running testimony. I’m new to the world of running and it’s always great to read tips/advice.
Congratulations JoLynne, I love the way you inspire to exercise. I enjoy your WIWWs
You have helped me to realize that it’s ok not to be awesome at everything everyday! I promise that’s a compliment, us moms have GOT to stop beating ourselves up!
I subscribed via email!
I subscribed to your monthly newsletter!
I love the fashion ideas you show your readers!! It’s fun to see what you wear
I also subscribe to your blog!
Yay!!! Congrats on 3000 posts. I’m a little under half way there
Like a few of your other readers, I love seeing what you’re wearing. I also love learning new gluten free recipes you share…and I especially love your personal stories. They’re always so beautiful.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Wow-you’ve got lots of readers hoping to win, myself included! I subscribe to your daily posts by email, and although I’m a tad older than you, I find the fashion segments helpful. In fact, another fashion blogger linked to your post on jeans, which is how I found you. The “swimsuit edition” was particularly helpful.
I’m subscribed to your blog via email updates (and love them)
already follow you on twitter too (@blogfully)
Subscribed to your monthly newsletter too. Boy, I feel like such a stalker (LOL). Jo-Lynne Honey, I’m following you everywhere!!!!
Again – congrats on your 3000th post!!!
I like your honesty,.
I follow you on google+
I follow you on facebook….
Hi Jo-Lynne, I’ve been reading your blog since May 2010. I know because I have a folder in my email designated for your daily/monthly emails. I keep them so I can refer back to them when I want. Before reading your blog, my family of 5 ate the Standard American Diet (SAD as you’ve referred to it). I am happy to say that since reading your blog I have revamped my pantry to include very little processed foods, dry beans & nuts, coconut oil, a variety of whole wheat flours and some Kind bars. We no longer eat or cook in the same manner as we used to. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I’m so much closer that I was before! As you’ve stated many times in your blog…take things slowly because there’s so much information out there, it can be overwhelming. I now shop at farmers markets and have searched out some local farmers. My family is getting used to the changes, slowly but surely. My 13 yo daughter was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, so this change couldn’t have come at a better time. With the wealth of information you’ve provided me with, I feel confident that we have the tools necessary to make her life healthier every day. I cannot thank you enough! With warmest regards,
Tammy Mayfield
Wow! Congratulations Jo-Lynne! I’ve been watching your count go up and I think it’s an incredible accomplishment.
What inspires me:
I have learned so much about the food we eat I can’t even tell you! I am so more conscious of what I buy and where I buy it. The food posts are wonderful.
I guess I have to be honest and admit that I love your posts on fashion just as much. It’s helped me get dressed some mornings that’s for sure.
Who knows I might even start my own blog one of these days!
Thank you so much for what you do!
Sheri O.
I’m an email subscriber.
I follow you on Twitter!
Dear Jo-Lynne!
I recently found your site and have been enjoying the GF recipes. I have been GF for a while due to nasty effects of Lyme Disease. My doc recently told me that I have the all-clear to eat gluten again. Since my family is ok with gluten, it’s around me all the time–I have to cook with it so i don’t hear the complaints about “off” taste! Well, I will occasionally join in with their gluten foods, but, for the most part I am determined to lean heavily on the GF foods–it’s just healthier!!! So, thanks for the encouragement with your recipes and just knowing I’m not in the boat alone!!!
Blessings,
teri
I love your blog! I learn all kinds of great things from you, especially healthy eating and fashion tips. Most recently, I learned how to write an awesome “about” page. Now I just have to do it!
~FringeGirl
I subscribe to your monthly newsletter!
Congratulations on 3000 posts! I like the recipes and mom style fashion
Blog subscriber
follow on twitter@tcarolinep
monthly email newsletter subscriber
I follow you for your meal ideas, exercise motivation, and I am putting together better outfits with what I already have! Plus I am going shopping for some shorts. I always look forward to seeing your newsletter email in the morning!
I have enjoyed your fashion, food and just everything overall!!!
I am also a blog subscriber.
Congrats on 3000 posts! I always enjoy your fashion posts and meal plans. Your blog is always the first I read!
I have learned that gluten-free meals can still be tasty and not too complicated to make.
What I love about your blog is how real you are. I enjoy reading your life with struggles included.
I subscribe to your email newsletter.
I subscribe to your blog.
I subscribe to your newsletter.
Congrats on 3,000 and happy birthday! I’ve been a subscriber for a couple years and appreciate your perspective on real food, even if I don’t agree with all of it. Your posts have triggered me to dig deeper into the research and propaganda (from both sides of the debate) and become a better spokesman for my family’s farming business. I wish more people would engage in your level research and inquiry. My offer still stands, if you are ever in the Chicago Area, we would love to talk to you about our family farm and why we choose to farm the way we do.
Congratulations!!! I’ve really learned a lot from you about food and healthier alternatives, thanks so much!
I’m also a subscriber to your monthly email newsletter.
Just signed up for your newsletter. I thought I was already signed up to receive it but since I’ve never gotten one before,I guess I wasn’t!
I subscribe to your blog!
I enjoy the WIWW posts and the recipes! I enjoy reading all of your posts!
Congrats on making it to 3000 posts and on being able to earn an income at doing something you love!
I love your clothing suggestions that are not for a 19 year old stick thin model.
I follow your blog by e-mail
I subscribe to your monthly newsletter.
I have gotten quite a few great recipes from your blog…also learned of some local spots to get great produce thanks to you!
email subscriber too!
I get your monthly email newsletter.
What I value most from your blog are your gluten free weekly meals plans which give me plenty of great Ideas.
I’m a subscriber via Google reader.
I follow you on twitter. ID: Lyndadawinda
I really enjoy seeing the different recipes.
I’ve learned quite a bit about going gluten-free. My husband just recently decided to do this, and I was thrilled to already have some understanding of how to do it. Thank you!!
I also subscribe to your daily and monthly blog! I look forward to reading it
Congratulations on 3000!
I read your food posts often, especially when they deal with CSAs, local farms, etc. It’s gotten me thinking more about our food (and I have been an avid Farmers Market shopper!) I now try to buy most of our milk and eggs from local farmers.
Also, your post (last summer?) on sunscreens was such a huge help this past spring when I needed to find something to use on myself and our baby when he’s at daycare. Keep up the great work!
I am a Facebook follower as well
I subscribe to your blog (via RSS)
By reading your blog, I have learned that you have a gluten allergy. I also look forward to the “What I Wore This Week” post. I love to see what you were wearing.
I have been an email subscriber for several months now.
I am a Twitter follower. My handle is @KeriRitenour.
I am a subscriber to your monthly email newsletter.
I’ve learned how to eat more healthy
And I’m a Twitter follower (@jaimemckee) and you already follow me.
Many things keep me coming back. Your take on food and a healthy lifestyle but also posts like your recent ones in regard to modesty for our kids.
I subscribe to your monthly newsletter
I’m subscribed to your blog via email. thanks
I really enjoy your Mom Style “What I Wore” feature. It’s nice to see a mom that I feel I can relate to showing us how to dress chic-ly;o)
I’m a subscriber via email.
I thank you for my new obsession with COCONUT OIL! And I also love to see what you wear each week. I subscribe to your blog and follow you on twitter. Congrats on all your success with it!
I enjoy so many aspects of your blog–fashion posts, family posts and like another commenter said, coconut oil! Congratulations on your blogging success.
I’ve learned about: Eating whole foods. Fashion. Some books to read. A few blogs to follow.
I subscribe to you in a reader.
And I follow you on twitter. If I can find you in the stream of nonsense on there. But I also follow you on facebook, which I think is more important for me anyway.
What I appreciate is the authentic voice in which you speak. That means a lot nowadays on so many blogs.
I’m an RSS subscriber.
I’m a subscriber to your monthly email newsletter.
Follow on twitter @DressyGirlK
Blog subscriber for a few months now.
I love how you balance your lifestyle, professional, personal, receipes, and more for an all rounded wholsesome blog -
I’ve learned so much from you, & July 1st will be my 31st birthday too
I love the gluten free recipes but honestly I’ve learned when and where the good sales are. Thank you!
I’m a subscriber via email.
I am following you on Twitter:)
I subscribe to your monthly newsletter.
I love your realness and bravery for putting it out there!
I’m a subscriber to your blog.
I’m a newsletter subscriber as well
Congratulations, Jo-Lynne! I just wanted to let you know that you’ve been an inspiration to me to bake bread for my family on a regular basis. I love all your recipes (for anything, not just bread!).
Keep up the good work, and keep being a light for Jesus!
I’m an email subscriber.
I’m a newsletter subscriber, too.
I love your input about healthy food!
My favorite feature is What I Wore Wednesday. It definitely inspires me to think twice about pulling on the sweats in the morning. Sometimes I still do, but at least I’ve thought twice about it first.
I am an email subscriber. Thanks!
I am a newsletter subscriber.
Jo-Lynne! Congratulations! Thank you for keeping up your writing all these years. You’re one of my original blogs and still one of my favorites. Love your food, fashion and parenting posts the most!
RSS subscriber!
Twitter follower!
Newsletter subscriber!
Congrats!! 3,000 is such an accomplishment. You have inspired me as a fellow SAHM in food, fashion, and fitness. Thank you!
I love the variety of your posts
I subscribe via email
and I follow you on Twitter
Congratulations, Jo-Lynne! I’ve learned so much from your blog! You have really opened my eyes to the need to be more intentional about the food I feed my family. Thanks!
I subscribe via RSS feed
I follow you on Twitter!
I think you have a great blog and I find it very fun and informational
Keep up the good work.
I love your blog. Your posts are informative and fun. I love your Fashion Friday posts, gives me great ideas on pairing outfits together because I’m horrible at it!
Following you through Google.
Following you on Twitter @amodernhippie
I’m subscribed to your monthly newsletter.
Congratulations on 3000 posts! One of my favorite parts of your blog is the Fashion Friday posts. Fashion is one thing I struggle with and it is nice to see your thoughts on all things fashion. With that in mind, I also LOVE your What I Wear Wednesday posts. They always give me inspiration.
Thanks for the chance to win and congratulations again.
I subscribe via Bloglines
I am subscribed to your newsletter also.
Hey, JoLynne! So excited for you to pass this HUGE landmark! WOOHOO! Congratulations!
Like many others, I’ve learned a bit about everyday fashion. Just a tweak or two and I look less frumpy and ready to take on the world! Thank you!
I follow you (and have for a while!) with an RSS reader
and just recently started getting your monthly newsletter!
Thank you!
I’ve learned a lot from you, but the main thing has been about better food choices. Thanks for the informative posts!
And I also subscribe to your blog by RSS feed
One of the things that I most appreciate about your blog is that you’re normal.
You work out but if I saw you at the gym you wouldn’t intimidate me. You look good but you don’t make me feel like I don’t if I’m in yoga pants and a t shirt. You eat real food but I don’t feel less than you for not having backyard chickens or drinking raw milk.
I subscribe via RSS (and to add to my previous post, you’re a fellow coffee lover!)
My inbox is blessed by your newsletter
Congrats on your milestone!!
I have enjoyed so many of your topics, cannot pick just one, but food topics do tend to resonante with me a little more.
I also subscribe via RSS feed.
I love the recipes you share! Would love to see more of those
i subscribe to your blog via rss
i follow you on twitter (as msjw11)
i subscribe to your monthly newsletter
I like the WIWW posts and I also have tried several recipes. Thanks for a great blog!!!!
I am a Subscriber!!
I also receive your monthly newsletter!!!
I have loved and appreciated the food/recipe posts….you have a been a great resource for helping me make changes in how I feed my family!
I also subscribe to your blog via email!
And I also I subscribe to your monthly newsletter via email too!
I love the variety of topics you share on faith, family, friends and food! I’ve learned a lot on gluten-free options! Thank you so much!
I also subscribe to your monthly newsletter via email!!!
subscriber:)
twitter follower…
newsletter receiver…
… and friend! I mostly enjoy just keeping in touch with ya via the blogosphere:) Makes those once or twice a year gatherings even more fun! Congratulations on 3000 posts! You have been an inspiration to me and many others:)
I’ve used a lot of your recipes. In fact, I made your brownies the other week for a cookout and they were a huge hit! I make no other!!!
I subscribe to you in my reader….
And follow you on twitter @maryfred
And finally, I do subscribe to your newsletter. Congratulation on post #3000!!!
PHOTOGRAPHY!! I love, love your photographs. Then there is the GF cooking, and your clothing style, and your faith… and so much more!
Congratulations on your 3000th post!! I had been thinking my pending 200th post was ‘something’… [snicker][snort]
I am a subscriber to your monthly e-newsletter!
I am a subscriber to your blog!
I love your GF posts!
I subscribe to your blog in my Google Reader.
oops I tweeted my twitter handle…….
I follow you on twitter@amotherlife
I love your posts about food.
I am subscribed via email.
I love your posts about fashion.
I subscribe to your blog in Google reader
I subscribe to your monthly newsletter
I first found you on udi’s website. stayed around and really enjoyed your blogs. – and recipes, now that I ‘m really sure I’m gluten free. I also subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
Love your recipes!
I subscribe to your email.