First off, what’s in a name? Why “just one elle“? 

In revamping my blogging adventures, I wanted a space that wasn’t too specific. I wanted something that was definitely “me”, but not so focused that I might quickly outgrow it as my life, location, and interests change — at a rapid clip. So out of that… “just one elle” was born. As you may have noticed, I’m a Jilian…or more commonly, Jil, with just one “L” — it’s different, and while I’m not the only “Jilian with one L”  in the world, it makes me, ME. I haven’t always embraced it, but I’ve learned to love it. Yes, people still constantly misspell it (and I honestly, don’t care) and they joke that I’ve spelled my name wrong — but there’s a story behind my name and that makes it all the more special.

How long have I been blogging? 

Technically, I’ve been blogging since high school — LiveJournal was all the rage (and über dramatic…), but I really started blogging in 2009 after discovering some amazing foodie bloggers (Eat, Live, Run, Oh She Glows, How Sweet It Is, etc). At the time I was finishing up my degree, and working full-time. Blogging was a way for me to indulge two of my biggest passions: writing and food (and consequently, photography is up there on the list now, too)

What do I do…like… in real life? 

Two words. I write. Okay, that’s a generalization. So in real life, I’ve  worked in Internal/Corporate/Employee (however you want to slice it) Communications and Marketing in the Boston-area for the past three/four years. I get to write, strategize, and hopefully allow employees to feel more connected to their jobs and companies.. so that’s pretty great. Boiled down…it’s essentially Marketing/PR just done within the walls of a company.

What’s your degree?

I have a B.A. in Communication and Journalism with a focus in Public Relations.

A little more…?

I’m a 20-something living in Boston, and a native of southern New Hampshire (no, not the mountains). I’m tall (5’10). No, I didn’t play basketball or volleyball in high school. …I was a chorus and theatre kid — and prrrroud of it!

Favorite thing about blogging? 

Hands.down. The community. I’ve met some amazing people in Boston through blogging. When I started — I was so skeptical of meeting blogging people (it actually took maybe four years for me to  meet anyone in real life haha). I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people, who do so many different things, and…on top of it all…are really nice. Plus — we all know how difficult it can be sometimes to “make new friends” as an adult — especially in a city.  Major blessing. On top of it, I’ve had some awesome opportunities and been able to work with some fantastic brands that I might not have been able to otherwise! Win.Win.Win.

Spare time? What am I doing?

If it involves: carbohydrates, chocolate, wine (and honestly… booze of any kind), or coffee. I’m there. I have a love/hate relationship with running…I love it — but I keep injuring myself. I think it’s time to find my newest adrenaline rush. Wandering around Boston with friends, discovering something new – there’s always something happening somewhere. Volunteering (I’ve been a part of the Dana-Farber fundraising teams for a few runs in MA and am obsessed with them and The Jimmy Fund) . Reading (yes, real…paper…books!). People watching. Always. haha

Sum myself up in a word (or two or three…oh, who are we kidding)? 
Nerd.  Goofball. I wear my heart on my sleeve.

The rest of it? You’ll find out along with me. haha