April 17, 2014

Celebrate Chronically Vintage's 5th birthday, and Easter, with a 1950s Cocoa Chiffon Cake

 
Hang up the banners, inflate the balloons, put your favourite vintage party dress on and shout out some hearty cheers, because today, my dear friends, Chronically Vintage turns five years old!



 photo 8388815826_a5004f5764_b_zps0953a272.jpg

{Hip hip hooray! Chronically Vintage is five years old today, and much like Lucy, Desi and their two young kids in this fantastic 1950s family photo, I'm in the mood to party!!! Image source.}


That's right, though at times it feels just like just yesterday that I took my first exciting steps into the world of vintage blogging (my personal reflections on the first four years of CV's life can be found in this post from last April), it has in fact been half a decade since the very first post debuted here on the evening of April 17, 2009.

In the years that followed, more than 1,050 blog posts have appeared here, this blog has become my actual full-time job, and an unendingly important part of my life. Even if I haven't been penning posts, not a single day in the past five years has been devoid of at least a few thoughts pertaining to my blog.

Whether I'm working on next month's post schedule, sourcing post ideas, doing research, brainstorming ideas, taking vintage outfit photos, visiting some of the many other wonderful vintage blogs in our sphere, hanging out on social media, shopping for vintage, cooking or baking a vintage recipe, watching a classic Hollywood film, looking at old photos, or just chatting about the past with a loved one, by the sheer fact that so much of my life centres around vintage related topics, my blog - and what I want to write here - is never far from my mind.

And I wouldn't have it any other way! Though, yes, of course, there are times when I need a brief breather (aka, blogcation), have had to put blogging on hold for a little while because of my health, had pressing worries or problems in life take center stage, or my blogging mojo feels like its temporarily waning, no matter what, when all is said and done, I've always, always felt the pull, drive and desire to keep on blogging and sharing in my love of the past with all of you!
To celebrate this fabulous birthday and the fact that Easter, another awesome annual event is just around the corner, today we're baking up a thoroughly scrumptious, and beautiful, looking vintage Cocoa Chiffon Cake (because, both special events suit chocolate so very well!).




{Airy and lovely as a springtime cloud, this attention grabbing 1940s Cocoa Chiffon Cake is the perfect dessert to make any special day all the more delicious and festive! Image source.}


I have loved, with all my heart and soul, the last five years of my life as a vintage blogger. During that time, I've learned so much, made many incredible friends, been inspired in an untold number of ways, and known a kind of happiness unlike any other I've ever experienced. This blog would not be what it is today, however, without all of you, my amazing, encouraging, fabulous readers, and with all my heart, I thank you for each comment, friendship and source of inspiration you have bestowed upon me since 2009.

The fires of my passion for vintage blogging burn stronger today than ever before and I have the highest of hopes that, in what will probably feel like another mere blink of the eye, before we know we'll be toasting Chronically Vintage's sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth birthday, plus scores more to come after that.

I love, appreciate and am so very happy to know all of you, and to have this awesome platform upon with to delight in, celebrate, and preserve the past every day in fresh, fun, marvelous new ways! Here's to another stellar year of blogging and to everything the future holds in store for us!

55 comments:

  1. Dearest Jessica,

    What an accomplishment! I do hope to see you around for many years to come.

    Happy Bog Birthday!
    ♥Hope

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  2. Happy Blog Birthday! Although I have not been with you from the beginning, I have throughly enjoyed the last few months of following you, reading ALL of your old posts, and checking daily for a post from you. You have inspired me to dress more vintage (or at least vintage inspired) and not worry about what is the "norm". Although I do not have "the" vintage wardrobe that I have seen on your blog and others I have been introduced to because of finding you, I am being more selective about clothing that I purchase and I am no longer of being afraid of taking "fashion chances" (for lack of better words) to wear what I like and feel comfortable in. I have always loved the fashions of the 40s and 50s, but there are almost no vintage dressers in my little corner of the world so I almost feel like a pioneer, lol. Again, thank you for doing what you do and doing it so well.

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    1. It truly touches my heart to the core to know that I've helped you foster your own passion for the past and for sporting vintage influenced styles. That is a huge part of what CV is all about and hearing first hand that I've/it's aided you there means the world to me. I'm the "lone vintage wolf" in my town, too, so I can certainly relate to where you're coming from and am very glad that the internet allows so many of us who are such in our respective areas (as well, of course, as those who hail from places with multiple vintage wearers) to connect, support, and inspire one another.

      Thank you deeply for your awesome readership and for making my day with your movingly beautiful comment.

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Happy B'day!
    All the best Jessica - I wish you many more blog years!
    http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/

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  4. Happy Bloggo-Birthday, sweet, darling Jessica! A most wonderful and happy day to you.

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  5. Happy birthday too you and your Blog, i wish the best for the next 5 years :)

    xo Fräulein K.

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  6. Happy Birthday to CV! Yum, yum, chocolate cake, how could you go wrong with this?

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  7. Congratulations! I hope to read your blog for many years to come!

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  8. OH MY GOSH this looks like a dream. i'm not a chocolate freak but man, i really really need to try this one.
    i'm a huge sugar addict (and i do limit myself) but really, vintage cake recipes are THE BEST. i go a lot of places playing music, including a lot of nursing homes and potlucks and some of the salads and cakes the older ladies bring are just mind-blowing.
    also, i just have to mention that, now that you put up a counter counting down the days until your revel your plans i'm practically going crazy (in a good and excited way) :)
    thank you for sharing this!
    ~Abigail

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  9. Whoot! Happy 5th Birthday! When I read your post I thought immediately how cool that my eldest son will be having a 5th bday next month hehehe This is a massive accomplishment and milestone! Here is to many more years!!!! xox

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  10. Congrats on five years of great vintage information!

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    1. Thank you very much! It's been an amazing journey and I cannot wait to see what the next five years (and beyond!) hold in store here.

      Thank you deeply for your wonderful readership and online friendship alike,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Happy Blogversary! Five years is a long time to be at it. Congratulations!

    biosus
    Suzanne

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  12. Oh how wonderful! Five years is so much dedication and your blog is only getting more marvelous!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  13. Happy 5 years at this blog to you!! That's a long time to stick with this project--good for you!

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  14. Happy blogiversary! Your blog is fantastic, and I eagerly look forward to reading your posts for many years to come :)

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    1. Aww, that's awesomely lovely to know, dear Kate. Thank you so much! I wholeheartedly look forward to posting here for many years to come - as long I possibly can, for that matter.

      Tons of hugs & joyful Easter weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Congratulations! What an awesome achievement! I hope to realize such longevity someday, great job always sticking with it and growing to where you are now! <3

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  16. Happy Birthday Chronically Vintage!! I can't wait to hear about your top secret vintage plans :)

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  17. Congratulations on five years! What a milestone in your blogging journey. I think I might need to go eat cake now...

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    1. Cut me a big slice, too, please! May it's because it's Easter time now, but my sweet tooth (which usually isn't very big) is out in full force at the moment! :)

      Thank you deeply. It has been an amazing journey and I'm giddy, no joke, with excitement to see what the next five years (and well beyond, I sincerely hope) hold in store here.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Congratulations on your Blog Birthday. I have followed yours for almost a year now and all I can say is JOB WELL DONE! Maybe one day my blog can grow up and be just like yours!

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  19. Happy blog birthday to you! What a special occasion for such a remarkable blog!

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  20. Happy blogoversary!!!!!
    And hurray for Betty Crocker chocolate cake without which no special occasion would be complete!
    xxxxx

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  21. Dear Jessica, I'm so happy to be here, a new reader sure, but a lucky one ! It's very important to make reality of things which are important for you ! So I wish you a lot of love, good feelings and happiness for the next 5 years !

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    1. Thank you very much, my wonderfully sweet dear. I'm very happy in turn to have you hear and to have become a follower (and big fan!) of your own charmingly wonderful blog, too.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. 5 years is a milestone indeed! I'm really glad I came across your blog, I always look forward to seeing what you have in store. The.cake looks lovely too - perfect for a celebration!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Philippa. It's quite the milestone indeed and one that I'm truly elated to have reached (I also like looking at it by saying that I've now been vintage blogging for 1/6th of my life - how cool is that?). I adore that it (my blog) led us to discover one another and become fast friends who share much in common.

      Big hugs & the happiest of Easter weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Happy Birthday!!!!!! :-)
    Congratulations for this wonderful achievement. It takes so much of you to keep it all running beautifully and full of treasures. Thank you for all your dedication, love and work put on this fantastic blog. I know you give yourself entirely to CV and that's why this blog shines like a bright star upon the sky... and make our eyes smile with joy every day! I feel so honored to know you sweet Jessica, you are a true inspiration :-)

    Miss Beta xxxx

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet Beta. Your beautiful words were like much needed rays of sparkling sunshine on this stormy April afternoon. They means a great deal to me, as does our friendship, which likely would never have been able to happen (given that we're on opposite sides of the world) were it not for Chronically Vintage. I appreciate and value your friendship and support immensely and can hardly wait to share the next five years (and beyond!) with you here.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Congratulations and Happy birthday. That cake looks amazing, simply divine. I wish there were a way we could all sit down and have a slice.

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  25. Happy Blogiversary!!!!!! (late) <3 I can't wait to hear about your exciting news!!!!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kim!!! I'm viewing this whole week as a 5th blogging anniversary celebration, so you're not late in the slightest! :) I'm bursting (seriously, I don't know if I've ever been this excited to share something online) to reveal all in just 2.5 weeks and really appreciate your shared enthusiasm there.

      Tons of hugs & joyful Easter weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Happy Birthday. Five years is a marvellous achievement. I am very glad that you decided to start this blog, it is one of my absolute favourites. The chocolate cake looks yummy. Wishing you a very Happy Easter!x

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    1. That is a tremendously sweet thing to be told, dear Kate. Thank you very much! I'm so happy that it (CV) led us to meet one another and become online friends. I eagerly look forward to each and every thoughtful comment that you leave here. Though we've never spoke in person, I feel like we've shared many excellent conversations through our blog comments to each other and wholeheartedly look forward to continuing to do for ages more to come.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. I absolultey love this blog and find it so inspirational! Congratulations on five years and I cant wait to see whats coming next

    retro rover

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    1. That's truly awesome to know, sweet Kate, thank you very much! I am bursting with excitement for the future here, too, and have many plans (including my top secret ones that will be revealed on May 6th) that I'll be unveiling in regards to my blog this milestone anniversary year.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Happy Blogiversary!!! I'm grinning from ear to ear here for you!

    I have been blogging at BDV for over 6 years. Doesn't time seem to fly? Meeting lovely people like you is the reason I keep blogging. I daydream about meeting up in person one day! Take care my friend!

    Lisa.

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    1. Hello sweet Lisa, thank you very much for your awesome nice comment. Goodness gracious, yes, it is amazing to reflect on how quickly the time has whizzed right past. I've really been enjoying my life more and have grown and matured as a person, I feel, since my mid-20s in a lot of really important ways, and I'm certain that CV has helped there on some fronts for sure (case in point, it finally enabled me to work up the courage to start posting photos of myself online and then to do so on a regular basis from early 2012 onward). I'm so grateful for this blog and for the cherished friendships, very much including ours, that I've made through. I share your dream of meeting up in person one day and really, really, really want to try and make that happen.

      Huge hugs & so very many thanks for your beautiful support over the years here,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. I only have been following you for some months now ( I can't remember exactly when I first commented a post ) but I do like your blog with its lovable photos and your words always full of grace!
    Best 5th blog birthday!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Dan. I adore having you - a chic fashionista from my husband's home country - as a reader and always look forward to and appreciate your fantastic blog comments.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Happy anniversary! There, it's all official now. ;)

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    1. You're all kinds of seriously wonderful, dear Jen, thank you very much!!!

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Congratulations on five years Jessica! x

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  32. As Brits like to say: "HAPPY MANY RETURNS" to Chronically Vintage.

    ...
    Marija

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  33. I'm seriously so happy that you are celebrating 5 years of blogging with Chronically Vintage. If you had never started your blog it would have been such a shame because I'd never would have found such a good friend in you. You and your blog bring so much to the vintage community and your thousands of readers! There is a reason why so many people love CV!

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  34. congratulations for blogging for so many years and happy anniversary! i've been blogging on different platforms for years and years but this blog is only a couple of years old but i think i've really found the right place for me on the internet. blogging is such a wonderful world to be a part of and you can meet so many amazing people through it, i really can't imagine my life without it and i'm sure you would say the same. :)

    little henry lee

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  35. A late happy birthday from me too. I'm so glad I've found your blog, I truly love it and get so inspired from both your text and Tony's lovely photos of you. I hope you celebrated yourself in the best vintage way. :)

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    1. Thank you very, very much, sweet Sanne! I'm so very happy that we discovered each other's blogs as well and that both a friendship and at times a professional (sponsor) relation has developed as a result. You are a dear, friendly, intelligent, caring, wonderful woman and I very much appreciate your ongoing support of me and my blog.

      Huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. You just made my day, dear. :) Warm e-hugs.

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  36. Oh Jessica, how could I have missed this ?
    Happy 5th, you sure know how to celebrate, chocolate cake and my favourite Arnaz family.

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  37. What a milestone! Congratulations on reaching 5 years. Although I'm only a fairly new reader I know I would be lost without your wonderful posts. I can't wait to read many, many more of your delightful thoughts - and make that cake!! Sugar rush here I come ;)

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear! Not only for the happy blog birthday wishes, but for your readership and all of your marvelously nice comments yesterday. It's always a special treat when a new reader shares so many thoughts with me - it helps me feel like I'm getting to know them (you) in a flash.

      ♥ Jessica

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