Well, I guess my “I will not procrastinate” resolution is already out the window given the fact that I’m posting my Bites from the Editor on January 2nd. But, never fear, the “Don’t be so hard on yourself” resolution is doing its best to counter, so I’m hanging tough.
My excuse for being a day late is that we spent our entire day yesterday moving my office into a sunny, corner room with sage green walls and a much coveted closet. It was the perfect task for January 1st, and even though we were absolutely exhausted by the day’s end, it felt wonderful to sit at my clean desk and feel renewed and ready for the new year.
I am predicting that 2012 is going to be a very special year. For the past 5 months as many of you know, I have been putting the pieces together for the launch of 3SquareDeals.com. After deciding to take the plunge in August and get into the Deals market, I got an offer quite out of the blue from a company that wished to purchase my 13 year old online nanny business. It had been my baby and my identity for so many years, but it was time to move on and I took it as a sign that someone up there really wants me to take this next step in my life.
Since then, its been full steam ahead. It’s an exciting time for those of us here at JerseyBites, and I hope you will come along for the ride. If you would like to help us spread the word in New Jersey, send me a note at info@jerseybites.com. Your help in sharing information with your church or synagogue, parent-teacher organization, Facebook friends, etc. would be truly appreciated.
Speaking of appreciation. To show our appreciation in 2012, we will be awarding a $100 Gift Card (and other valuable prizes) every month to one lucky member of our Food & Drink directory. All you have to do is create an account and every month, we will draw one lucky winner. This month’s winner is Lindsey Leifken of Morristown, and as you can imagine, she was pretty excited to start her year off with a $100 gift card. As a registered member of the directory, you can save restaurants to your “Favorites” list, email listings to friends, and use the “News” section to share tips on new restaurant openings and other food related gossip. So, don’t delay. Create your account now.
In December, we also announced the “12 Month Diamond Level Listing Giveaway” for Restaurants and other food focused businesses in New Jersey. The following restaurants are our lucky winners. Congratulations. Each of you will receive a listing in the directory that includes a photo gallery, coupon component and other great features.
The Mill at Spring Lake Heights
Il Sogno Dolce in Middlesex
The Gables in Beach Haven
Park 33 in Freehold
Chocolate Lovers Club in Princeton
I think the Chocolate Lovers Club is going to like this announcement too. In 2012, we’ll be bringing out of moth balls our Jersey’s Best Jersey Bites Award. (We know how much you’ve missed it) This month, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, we are talking Chocolate. Bring us your best Jersey Chocolatiers. To nominate your favorite sweet spot, leave a comment below this post or on our Facebook page. (We need the business name AND town.) We’ll give everyone a week to nominate and then we’ll compile the list and put it out for a vote. Don’t let your favorite place down. They’re going to love you for it (maybe even give you a free chocolate kiss). Be sure to tell them they’ve been nominated too.
Well, that wraps it up for this month’s Bites from the Editor. From all of us here at Jersey Bites, we want to wish you a Happy New Year and to thank you for a magical 2010. Remember to join the fun on Facebook and Twitter. Cheers!
Deborah Smith , Founder and Executive Editor of JerseyBites.com. Launched in 2007 as a home for her growing collection of recipes, Jersey Bites soon grew into a hub for all things edible in the Garden State. Deborah is also the owner of 3SquareDeals.com a Deals program that benefits Hunger Relief organizations in New Jersey. In her spare time, (Ha) she works as a Social Media consultant and speaker. You can learn more about her services and marketing through social media on her blog www.DeborahLSmith.com
