Happy Blogiversary to Joyfully Jay! Today marks two years since I started the blog. I can’t believe how much has changed in such a short time. What started as just me and a handful of readers has turned into five reviewers, tons of readers, and lots of crazy fun. I am always so excited and amazed by all the enthusiasm and support for the blog. Although it is lots of work to manage, I am having such a good time and you all are to thank for it!
Big Thanks
Before I go too far, I need to give a few shout outs to some folks. First, I couldn’t even do half of the stuff we do here without my amazing reviewers. Crissy, Amy, Melanie, and Sammy give so much of their time and energy to help me review all these wonderful books. Nothing I can do could ever compensate for all they do working so hard for this blog and they are just fabulous. I also want to thank all the authors and publishers who have been so supportive. From the time I was a tiny baby blog, I have been overwhelmed by how supportive folks have been. Whether it is sending review copies of books, stopping by for guest posts, or donating prizes, everyone has been incredibly generous and encouraging. And of course, the best reason to do this is all you amazing readers. I am thankful every day that so many of you take the time to stop by and read what I write. I truly appreciate and read each and every comment you guys leave and love to chat with you all about books.
So big thanks and lots of love to everyone! I definitely couldn’t do it without you.
New Look
In celebration of my blogiversary, I am so excited to roll out a bit of a new look. It it not a big change because I just did a full redesign a little over a year ago. But the amazing Rhys Ford helped me punch up some of the graphics and I think they look amazing. The colors are brighter and everything is bolder and more graphic. The new banner is already in place at the top of the blog, as is the new Joyfully Jay badge in the sidebar and the new signature images. And over the next few weeks you should see some of the other post icons that are new and improved.
Joyfully Jay Gear (and Giveaway)
A month or two ago I was sharing a new blog t-shirt I was making on Facebook. I had lots of folks express interest in getting one of their very own, so I decided in honor of the new artwork and our blogiversary, I’d start up a little store in Cafe Press – Joyfully Jay Gear. I have 8 different images on a variety of cool gear, including t-shirts, mugs, bags, and water bottles. This includes the book logo, our leaf signature image, as well as variety of banners in pink and green. So stop on by there if you want to order some Joyfully Jay goodies. They are great for GRL!
Also, just to keep things simple I only added a limited number of items for each graphic. But I can very easily add new things if you have other products you would like (different shirt styles for example). So just send me an email with what you want and I will add it to the shop for you (thongs? Snuggies?) 😉
And to make things even more fun, in honor of the blogiversary, I will be giving away any item from the Joyfully Jay Gear store to one lucky reader. You can choose any product currently in the store. Just leave a comment below to enter. The contest will close on Sunday, September 15th at 11:59 pm EST.
BTW, you are welcome to just leave an entry, but if you have any thoughts about the blog (good or bad – I can take it!), I’d love to here them!
So thank you all again for a great two years. You all are incredibly amazing and the best readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers a girl could ask for!
- By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
- Winners will be selected by random number. No purchase necessary to win. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
- If you win, you must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner may be chosen. Please make sure that your spam filter allows email from Joyfully Jay.
- Winners may be announced on the blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner by Joyfully Jay.
- Prizes will be distributed following the giveaway either by Joyfully Jay or the person/organization donating the prize.
- By entering you are agreeing to hold Joyfully Jay harmless if the prize or giveaway in some way negatively impacts the winner.
- Readers may only enter once for each contest. Duplicate entries for the same giveaway will be ignored. In the event of technical problems with the blog during the contest, every effort will be made to extend the contest deadline to allow for additional entries.
- Void where prohibited by law.
Has it been two years already? Admittedly, I came late to the party but I’m so glad I jumped in. This site is my “go to” for book reviews, because y’all never steer me wrong. You are always very thoughtful with your reviews and this site just has an awesome atmosphere. Thanks to you all for all that you do!
BTW, I’m totally getting myself a Joyfully Jay coffee mug. Can’t wait!
Aw thanks Kris! That is so nice to hear!
And yeah for coffee mugs! Glad you will be starting your day with Joyfully Jay!
Jay, thanks for this great blog. I found so many new authors and additions to my tbb list. Happy anniversary!
Congratulations on two years! Thank you so much for this wonderful blog. I always enjoy the reviews here, and I’ve found so many great books and authors through them.
please enter me… thank you
hi there….thanks so much for everything, i love to read your reviews and your blog has steered me to some awesome books. Please enter me to win. Lynn
I am so glad you started this blog. I find lots of great books here because of your great reviews! (my credit card especially loves you! LOL)
Can’t wait to meet you at GRL.
Thanks Susan! And definitely be sure to say hi at GRL!
Enter me please…I enjoy your website.
Hi Jay! I remember when you first started and I thought, what a cool name for a blog. Now that I’ve actually met you, I enjoy your blog even more. It IS hard to believe it’s been two years, but congratulations are in order. I have a good idea how hard you and your reviewers work to get what you accomplished so big pats on the back for all. Thank you!
I love your reviews and hope to keep seeing them for awhile! Happy 2 years!
Happy Blogivesary!!! *throws confetti* I’m so excited for you and to be a part of this with you….great new graphics! And I LOVE the new store…Of course, don’t enter me in the giveaway…but I will be shopping very shortly!
Happy Anniversary.As a reader I look forward to your reviews.It has led me to many book purchases.
Congratulations on the anniversary! Thanks for all the excellent suggestions for books to read.
Congrats Julie! Wow! Time is just flying by 😉 Can’t believe it’s been two years. Even though I tend to lurk more than comment, I always enjoy your blog and have gotten some great book recs. Here’s to many more years 😀 See ya at GRL!
Thanks Sadonna! So great to meet you last year at GRL and can’t wait to catch up again this year!
Congrats! Looking great!
Congrats on the two-year anniversary!!! And no need to enter me – I just wanted to pop my head out of lurkerdom to say congrats 🙂
Congrats! I look the little changes to the site design.
Congrats! I’ve been following your reviews for about 16/17 months and are one of my daily visits and have got lots of good reads from the reviews.
Congratulations on 2 years! I appreciate all that all of you do and all the help you provide to all of us, I have found a lot of great books following your reviews. I look forward to meeting you at GRL, I will be at the newby meet & greet!
Oh yeah! Definitely say hi!
Congrats on two crazy fun years! I’ve probably only been following for one, but I appreciate all the great reviews and posts. Love the new banner!
I loved when you rolled out the new theme last year, and this new update for it is already looking awesome! I’m so glad you’re not changing it entirely, because it is way too cute. Thanks for everything all of you do for us!
And, OMG, Joyfully Jay thong… I think I need. 8)
Thanks Ashley! And I am SURE you need a Joyfully Jay thong!
I always figured the blog had been around longer, because there’s such an amazing array of resources here! Amazing that it’s become indispensable in such a short time. Love the store–my vote’s for stickers and pens, though I hope to think of something more unusual!
Thanks Trix! I really am happy to hear that! And good idea on the stickers and pens. I’ll see if I can add some.
I’m new here and am so glad I found this blog. It’s often very hard to find good m/m reviews and this is a great place. Thank you.
Thanks so much Renee! I am so glad you are enjoying it!
I think your blog is great and have no suggestions to make it better. Great job and congrats on 2 years.
Happy Second Birthday! To one of the best blogs out there 🙂
Thanks Lisa!
I love your blog Jay, it’s been one of my favorites for a long time, and it will always hold a spot on my blog. After all, you’re one of the people who inspired me to become a blogger as well. So happy 2nd blogiversary Jay, and here’s to the next 2 years! 🙂
Sorry I’m late, but happy Blogiversary!
Happy blogiversary
Congratulations on your Blogniversary! I’ve been enjoying most of your posts (even if I remain silent) for quite some time now. I wish you many more successful years. It must be so gratifying to have so many people who enjoy the work you do. Cheers!!!
~Rush~