Dear reader,
Like woaaahhhh.
I can't really wrap my head around the fact that this blog is turning four years old. I could write for hours about what this space means to me, how it has changed me down to the core, driven me mad, made me laugh and cry tears of all shapes and sizes, molded me into the person I am today, changed me. It has really, truly changed me.
I blogged in sickness and in health. I blogged through boyfriends, through college, through moves, through graduations, through new jobs. I blogged when my dad had a stroke and when my grandfather died. I blogged when my sister had a baby. I blogged when we created Alchemy. You, this blog, this weirdcrazyamazing internetsphere, it's all intertwined. I've been blessed with the opportunity to let you into my life and expose you to all the delicious food that lies within it. Most of you are strangers; some of you are best friends. Whether we've met once or three times or never spoken at all, I feel empowered to inspire each and every one of you with every word of every post. You give me purpose. And for that, I am beyond grateful.
I've grown considerably since I started this space. I could talk your ear off about SEO and advertising and social media and branding and all that jazz, but what has really inspired me throughout the years is finding the beauty in the creative process behind photography, cooking, and writing. I've learned that taking good pictures means spending a hot dollar on a nice camera and putting a helluva lot of time, energy, and passion into taking the perfect picture. I've learned that you may have to take eighty-five pictures in order to find three that you half like. I'm learned that I love photographing colorful salads and hate photographing dips. Especially boring beige ones. Like, oh I don't know, hummus.
I've learned that like everything else in life, blogging is emotional. So undeniably overflowing with emotions. Happiness, confusion, excitement, exhaustion, betrayal, jealousy, satisfaction, anger, embarrassment, compassion, love. Nothing great in life has ever nor will ever come easy. Easy is boring. Perfect is overrated.
Be real, be your best authentic self. Don't do it for them. Do it for you. Write like you're talking to your best friend that you haven't seen in five years. Be EXCITED. Happiness is contagious. Infect anyone and everyone with your positive energy.
Be approachable, be conversational, be honest. Don't blog to impress anyone but yourself. In big pots of soup and overflowing smoothie bowls, find YOUR happy. Grab it, grow it, and don't let go. Even when you'd rather give up than write three more sentences about blueberries, don't you dare do it. Because time will not stop for you. The world is getting more and more amazing with or without you in it. So when you find what you love, nourish it. Give it water and food and light and energy and an insane amount of passion.
Be ridiculously, weirdly, contagiously passionate.
About your job. Your husband. Your daughter. Your new purple leggings. Whatever it is, give it your all, and do it today.
I've learned that what really makes my life meaningful is inspiring those around me to be their best. I will never be the blogger that creates material based solely on what social media wants to see. I will never be the blogger that changes who they are to appeal to the masses. I will always be true to myself and true to you. Behind the green smoothies and kale salads, there is a real person that laughs and cries and gets stressed and excited and worries about the past, present, and future. I don't have it all figured out. I can't say that I know exactly where I'm going, but I know I want you all right there with me.
When I write my first cookbook.
When we open another Alchemy.
When I find Mr. Hummus Hunk.
And when I have baby Hummusapiens.
I love you and the way you love this blog and share that love with the world. On Hummusapien's fourth birthday, my heart is full. My belly is happy. My mind is clear. This blog is more than I ever dreamed it could be. And I could not possibly me more happy. Thank you for that.
All my love,
Alexis
Casey says
You are a beacon of light Alex with your engaging, positive, & entertaining health website - thank you for sharing your awesome message & crazy delicious recipes!!
HURRY UP and get that sorely needed CLE Alchemy opened!!
Casey
Erin says
Can't wait for Ethan and his baby sister to have hummusapien cousins!!! You are AMAZING, I am so proud of you!!!
Brittany says
Aww love this! You are awesome.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
AMG! Happy 4 years to your hummus baby 😀 And here's to many, MANY more years. Hear that? MANY. Not allowed to leave <3
A says
This entry is so lovely and wonderful. As I've gotten older I find it harder to put 110% into projects and relationships because they don't seem to turn out quite the way I want them too, but it's a good feeling to know there are still people in the world who care and want others to care too. Cheers to many more Hummusapien years!
Emilie says
I honestly don't know what I did without Hummusapien! You're one of my favorite bloggers because, even though you're a stranger, I can get who you are through your honesty and loyalty to us, fellow hummus lovers. So cool to see you successful and doing amazing things! Congrats!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says
Congratulations on 4 successful years!! I am an aspiring dietitian (starting my CDP program in 2 weeks) and you make me extremely excited to pursue this path. Thank you for being oh so inspiring 🙂
Corrie Thomas says
Happy 4th! I am a fellow dietitian and your blog is my dream! I am inspired by you and love all of your posts! I recommend your blog to all my clients for sound nutrition advice, entertainment, and delicious recipes! I also fell in love with Healthy Skoop because of your blog. Keep don't no what you do best... BLOG!
Rebecca Lwin says
Happy blog-i-bday!!! You are and continue to be amazing in every way. Your blog more than any others is so accessible and inspiring because we KNOW you laugh, cry, get stressed, get excited, have joy, have frustration… just like we all do. You RELATE. And we love you for it more every day. Plus you make the most amazing recipes EVER. I can't wait for more to unfold. And baby Hummusapiens?? Omg I smile to just think about it! xoxo
She Rocks Fitness says
You are awesome...Your blog is awesome...and I love that we have connected and you are another awesome blogger friend who has inspired me and encouraged me to dream BIG, without you probably even knowing that. Rock on woman! XOXO
Liz S. says
Happy blog anniversary! I'm SO so glad I came across your blog months ago - especially as a fellow Ohioan! Your blog is such a wonderful, genuine, fabulous source of information and wellness.
Emily @ Sinful Nutrition says
Love your blog for all it is! Even including your " unflattering beige hummus" and all. 😉
Monique @ burpees to bubbly says
Gahhh! I love this post! So open and honest and inspiring and encouraging! As a blogger, I know it can be so hard to find your groove and keep it going- to write things you're passionate about, but that will also interest your readers. Looking forward to your next year!
Shannon says
Happy blog birthday! I always look forward to every one of your posts, and my taste buds enjoy them too! 🙂
Shannon says
Happy blog birthday! I always look forward to every one of your posts, and my taste buds enjoy them too! 🙂
Paul says
Great post Lex. fascinating in a number of ways, as always, but I found the photography insights most interesting.
Paul says
Great post Lex. fascinating in a number of ways, as always, but I found the photography insights most interesting.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I've LOVED getting to know you through your blog! You have such a wonderful attitude and I love your perspective on life 🙂 I also love all your posts about Columbus things, even if it makes me miss home like crazy 😉
Jenny says
I haven't been following your blog for very long, but it's quickly become one of my favorites to read. Your style of writing feels like I'm talking to an old friend who is always fun and uplifting to be around. Congrats on four years and I can't wait to see what's in store for the future!
Brenda Middleton says
I found your blog and site a few years back in my search for a good and simple hummus recipe. I thought the name "hummusapien" was quirky and cute, so I started reading more than the recipe.
And I am still reading! I've watched you grow through this blog and you've had an incredible journey so far. And I know you're not done yet!
Happy Fourth Birthday, Alexis! You are an inspiration to me!
Brenda Middleton says
I found your blog and site a few years back in my search for a good and simple hummus recipe. I thought the name "hummusapien" was quirky and cute, so I started reading more than the recipe.
And I am still reading! I've watched you grow through this blog and you've had an incredible journey so far. And I know you're not done yet!
Happy Fourth Birthday, Alexis! You are an inspiration to me!
Yoojin says
this was so beautiful to read, i got chills! thank you for doing what you do and being YOU <3
ps- omg baby hummusapiens!!!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Love, love, love! I'm so happy for you and allllll of your accomplishments. Keep rocking the amazing recipes and gorgeous pictures. I love being one of your blogging friends 🙂
Ann says
Happy Blog Birthday! I'm trying to figure out when I can get to Columbus so I can eat at Alchemy! 🙂
Kristina says
You are amazing! If I ever get down from Canada to Ohio, Alchemy will be my first stop! Thank you so much for staying real and keeping us all inspired to lead a healthy, happy life.
Ilana says
Happy blogiversary! I love reading your blog, I can always tell how much work and time goes into each post! 🙂
Kate says
You such a cool lady! I love reading your blog, because you are so real!
Jenni says
Lovely. Just lovely!!! 🙂
Khushboo says
Happy 4 years, Ms. Hummusapien i.e. the bigger who never fails to make me smile be through a blog post or Instagram :)!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Congrats lady! xoxo
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I read your blog because of so many of the things you mentioned. Don't ever go away, ok?
Alexis says
That is so sweet, Maryea. I feel exactly the same way about you! XO
Nikki says
Amazing!! I almost cried! Happy Birthday Hummusapien!
Alexis says
Weeeee love you Hummusbestie!!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
And thank god you started this blog! We're all better for it! Keep being YOU so I can #WCW on you every single week. Also hummus babies. Omg.
Alexis says
You're too sweet mah love! Come give me a rosewater facial. I'll bring balls!!
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
this comment just made my day! thanks ladies..love you both.
Alexis says
That is so sweet, Maryea. I feel exactly the same way about you! XO