Jyll Everman, a bubbly caterer from California by way of Wisconsin, made it to the top six. She was the first finalist sent home from New York City.
Star Scrapbooks
Upon arrival in L.A., each finalist was given a Food Network journal. Jyll filled hers with reflections on the whirlwind Star experience.
Pros and Cons
Early on, Jyll wrote out a list of positive and negative aspects of the competition. Pro: "Meeting new people." Con: "Not liking some new people!"
Personality Clash
Penny was probably the finalist Jyll had in mind for the "con" side of her list. Though the two had heated arguments, here they are all smiles for a picture.
So Much On the Line
Jyll tried to keep all of the drama in perspective by reflecting in her journal: "I am the luckiest girl in the world!"
New Friends
The finalists were also given digital cameras to document life in the Star house. Here, Jyll poses with Whitney and Chris.
Winning!
Although she wrote about her nervousness in her journal, Jyll didn't appear to have any problems in front of the camera. Early in the season, she took home back-to-back Camera Challenge wins.
Chris vs. Mary Beth
Jyll lamented the judges' decision to put Mary Beth on the bottom in the food truck challenge over Chris: "I was so sad. She is fighting so hard for all the right reasons."
Girl Bonding
Jyll and Mary Beth established a tight bond.
Have Fun!
The Fourth of July Challenge was a low point for Jyll. In her journal, she reminds herself to have fun and not let her nerves get the better of her.
Being Silly
Hanging out in the Star house, Jyll shows she can let loose by showing off a hidden talent.
Midterm Rundown
Halfway through the season, Jyll recorded the dishes she'd prepared for each challenge, noting when she'd been on top in evaluations and when she'd won.
Wiped Out
Everyone was exhausted by the time their midterm rolled around. A fellow finalist snapped this shot of Jyll sneaking a quick nap on the couch in the Star house.
A Hard Few Days
After a tough final challenge in L.A. to cap off 40 days of filming, Jyll was losing steam. She needed a jolt of confidence from her husband back home: "I talked to Tommy and I feel better now."
Risotto Meltdown
Jyll's grace in handling Wolfgang Puck's impromptu risotto tutorial saved her for another week — and brought her to New York as one of the top six finalists.
New York, Baby!
Photos of her beloved dog and husband are pasted into Jyll's journal to give her the inspiration she needs for the second leg of the competition in NYC.
You in a Cupcake
The finalists jumped right in once they arrived in New York, and Jyll created a chocolate-Grand Marnier cupcake that the judges — and Ina Garten — loved.
Meeting an Icon
Jyll reflects on meeting Ina: "She is a DOLL! So starstruck right now." The cupcake challenge win gave her a sense of redemption after the Wolfgang Puck fiasco.
Finding POV
Appearing on the Rachael Ray show turned out to be Jyll's final challenge. When asked a question from the studio audience, she struggled to define her POV and what would set her show apart.
Heading Home, Sweet Home
Jyll has no regrets: "I'm leaving with an amazing experience that very few people in this world get to have. It doesn't mean I threw in the towel, but now that I'm going home, I can't wait to go home."
