"...And I'd like to thank The Husband, for putting me up to this blog in the first place. Sniff."
Tiara—check. Ginormous bouquet of flowers—check. Hair swept up in elegant chignon—check. Pink Ralph Lauren ballgown—check. Tears welling up with unabashed gratitude and happiness—check. Yes, I feel like Gwyneth Paltrow when she won the Oscar for Shakespeare in Love.
I’ve been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award.
The Versatile Blogger Award
People, I do this for a living—I blog and write for businesses big and small. (Ask me about my online course for business blogging starting April 2.) But this, THIS is big. This means so much more to me. This is recognition from my peers.
And how fun has this been? When blogging for clients, I have not found this delightful, inspiring and wonderful community of people to interact with. And I sincerely thank one of my new friends, CupcakinglyDelicious, for the nomination. Truly an unexpected but extremely pleasant surprise.
In accordance with the rules of this nomination, I have already fulfilled the first requirement (thanking my nominator). Now I must nominate other bloggers that I admire and follow, then bore you with seven interesting facts about myself. I have to nominate a few blogs who have already been nominated, but that’s because I love them. And without further ado:
+ Body of a Geek Goddess: For those of us FEMALE geeks out there, this blog’s for you. Who says guys get to have all the fun? The Husband won’t even watch Alien with me. Party pooper. But he’s happy I’ll never watch Titanic (3-D or otherwise) or Eat Pray Love. So Tracey Sinclair, I thank you!
+ Ring Finger Tan Line: I wish she had been around when I went through my divorce. Although having La Brooks (there are those out there who know who I mean) to tear about London with was one hell of a fun ride, but RFTL seems like the little sister I never had. Keep it up, darling—I eagerly look forward to your posts!
+In Pursuit of More: This lady is awesome. What a fantastic and selfless idea—we have too much, others have too little. She fasts for a day and donates the money she would have spent to those in need. PLUS she writes amazing recipes with less that taste like MORE, like the chocolate peanut butter cup recipe from yesterday. Follow her.
+Terrified Tastebud: Already nominated but her posts about her journey through culinary school after being in medicine are lovely. Great writing! And, of course, I’m jealous of her being in culinary school. And Colorado. Sigh.
+Christian Horan Photography: A new blog, but the images are wonderful. His photography inspires me and whenever I take a photo, I wonder how he would have made it better. Thanks for keeping me on my toes! (Oh, and P.S., buddy—still waiting for your pics of the pork roast!)
+Thoughts in Little Boxes: It’s like having a girlfriend review all the cosmetics for you. You know she really tried them and is giving an honest opinion. I want to join forces with her and do a blog about what natural product is most like the big-name brands. But maybe when we both have time. Like two minutes from never. OH, and she thinks Andy Samberg is hot, so she’s OK in my book.
+Mirth and Motivation: Always thought-provoking, always makes you sit back and check yourself. In a good way. Wonderful quotes and photographs to bring a reminder that life is happening around you, and it’s not all about you. Good to remember on a daily basis when we get so caught up in minutiae.
+Live To Eat, Eat To Live: Already nominated, but I love The Cat and The Mouse and their culinary adventures. Many recipes I want to make and devour…
+The Unrefined Vegan: Aack! Forgot one! I want to make every recipe she posts. Especially the most recent one about chocolate bark. That will be my next chocolate-based kitchen project….I’m really wanting to go vegan again, but it’s such a pain when The Husband’s not, but she inspires me every time. Plus, she’s as crazy about her dog(s) as I am, and that puts her high in my esteem!
SEVEN THINGS YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ME BUT COULDN’T BE BOTHERED TO ASK
- The cow and I do not get along, culinarily speaking. I get along with them fine in the field, but the only beef I can ingest is truly grass-fed (not the kind-of grass-fed beef you get in the shops) and cheese gives me stomach cramps. But sometimes the pain of cheese is worth it.
- I can spot a typo at 80 paces and am allergic to spelling and grammatical errors. It’s a gift and a curse.
- If I ever had to choose a last meal, it would be Indian, including tarka daal and mutar paneer. Or saag paneer. Those would be hard to choose between.
- Although I really want to do a week at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, I know that I would eat s**t on any cooking show. Except a baking show. I think I’d do pretty good with that one. I’d probably cry at least once, though.
- My favorite shoes to cook in are slippers.
- I have to grow my hair another 5 inches before The Husband will let me donate a mere 10 inches of it to a charity to make wigs for kids with cancer. Right now my hair is so long children are calling me Rapunzel. For those of you who are older, Crystal Gayle is giving me styling tips. Help me out with this one, people. It will grow back and help a sad, sick person. Is that so wrong?
- Some of the best memories I have of spending time with my mom was when we were in the kitchen baking. I guess that’s why I love to do it. I thank her for sharing her genetic kitchen skills, and thank my dad for showing me you can start being a chef whenever you want in life.
So there you have it. Now I’ve got to go figure out what’s for dinner and try not to burn myself again while cooking it, or throwing any more hot oil around the kitchen. It was a pretty eventful morning making my celebratory breakfast sandwich of Soyrizo, cheddar and egg. I hope I can get the oil out of my slippers…
Oh, Soyrizo. I love you so.
++ P.S. all that at the top is a lie. I’m sitting here in my pyjamas, and my hair is anything but elegant at the moment. Nor do I look like I need a good feeding, like dear Gwyneth. The tears of gratitude, however, are real.
tinykitchenstories 
Wooohooo! Congratulations! Well-deserved. And I just noticed how very low Gwyneth’s gown hangs there at the front. Hmmm. She does look quite skinny, but she could probably snap me like a twig!
Thank you, thank you! (Check your blog post for a recent entry!) Still feeling v. pleased with myself!
Re: Gwyneth: Poor thing always looks like she hasn’t had a hot meal since she was in junior high. I’m pretty sure you could take her in a fight, though. 🙂
Hey – trying to find you in Pinterest to no avail! Help!
My username is tinykchnstories, thanks to the number of characters allowed. Thanks for trying to find me!
Wait does ths mean I’m nominated? Do I need to do anything? I’m not sure understand the system… ! But well done, you! And Thanks forbthe shout out! I love your blog. Especially all the veggie options…
Yes, you do have to do something! You need to do the same thing I did–write a blog that (1) thanks the person who nominated you, (2) List blogs you like and follow and (3) write 7 interesting things about yourself. 🙂
And thanks for the congrats!
Ooh, exciting, will do that next week! Thank you so much! And keep blogging – your little taste of California cheers up these wet London days!
No problem! I’m glad to hear that the sunshine is making it across The Pond. Lenin and Kayla send their best.
Sharing in the mutual love of paneer and though I am a decent speller, I wish I shared a little more of that allergy! Thanks for the nomination and congrats to you! So well deserved!
Aaah, paneer. That delightful Indian treat. And if ever in doubt on spelling or grammar, refer to The Oatmeal.com. http://theoatmeal.com/comics/apostrophe
It’s educational and freaking hilarious. Here’s to more blogs!
You are hilarious, tks 🙂 And thank you so, so much for the nomination! Especially coming from you- a REAL writer- which I want to become one day… this means so much. I actually laughed aloud with sweet Gwyneth “needing a good feeding.” And… hehe… I’m fully expecting you to point out my typos, spelling, and grammatical errors now when you spot them 😉
Whoa, just scrolled up to see the oatmeal.com! I’ll check it out 🙂 Thank you!
You are so welcome! And yes, follow The Oatmeal, he speaks the truth.
And thanks for saying I’m hilarious. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks so… hee hee! 😉
lol!! That’s part of what makes you so hilarious 🙂
SEVEN THINGS YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT JENNIFER BUT COULDN’T BE BOTHERED TO ASK HER DAD!
1. She hogs the pen when working the Sunday LA Times Crossword Puzzle with me.
2. She carried a self-decorated lunch box to school in her senior year, and despite ridicule from fellow students received a $500 scholarship by writing an essay about her lunch box.
3. As a youngster could cry while reading breakfast cereal boxes. Ever after was the designated “family crier”.
4. Is hooked on purple as her favorite color, down to the pens she uses.
5. In Laguna Beach, I am now known as “Jennifer’s Dad”, just like when she was in elementary school.
6. Upon my suggestion, and to the angst of her mother, wore Dock Martins dyed white with her first wedding ensemble–a short-lived fashion statement.
7. In addition to her cooking skills, she is an accomplished cupcake decorator. Auditioned for Food Channel’s Cupcake Wars.
That’s my girl!
Thanks, Dad! And I only hog the pen because you get up earlier than me and do all the easy ones before I get a crack at it. Love you!
Hahaha! I like these 7 facts just as much as the ones Jennifer wrote, although Dad’s touch is pretty hilar!
I know, right? My Dad is so awesome! The apple didn’t fall far from the tree…although it did take him three daughters to get it right… 😉
And thanks everyone! I’ve had so many views on my blog today I thought I’d scored a double-whammy and got Freshly Pressed. I haven’t, but all of your views have made me a happy girl, in addition to the nomination. Cheers! 🙂
That’s super sweet : ) Enjoy your moment of shine!
Un mille merci!
Amazing! Congratulations (well deserved) and thank you! I like your idea of joining forces on natural products. One day we will have to look into this.
I’ve done one of these before but I didn’t really do it properly so this time I shall.
xx
Thank you! And yes, one day we’ll have to join forces on the other blog idea. Cheers!
Congratulations!!! What more could I possibly say at this moment … except that you’re simply amazing!!! Enjoy the glory!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that you took the time to comment and share this with me. I’m basking in the glory, for sure! xo
Congratulations on your award and thank you for including my blog. I write it because I also need to check myself daily… I love that line in your description. TY! 🙂
You’re welcome–your blog has become a bright point in my day, even if I only have time to read a bit of it. 🙂