It was forever and a day ago when I was nominated for the “Liebster” blog award by these two very lovely ladies: Madison at Eating 4 Balance and Caren at Voodies. Thank you both for this wonderful award; I bow before you.
I’ve been told (or really I read somewhere) “Liebster” is German for sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcoming.
I’m not sure any of those words actually describe me, although I can be kind and sometimes endearing, in an annoying sibling kind of way. Lovely and pleasant, on the other hand…well those are a rarity, unless I’m on my very best behavior.
Here are the rules:
- Write 11 random facts about yourself
- Answer 11 questions given by the person who nominated you
- Create 11 new questions
- Nominate 11 bloggers
- Thank the person who nominated you, and tell the people you’ve nominated
So many rules can only mean this is going to be a long post with far too much random information about me, so I’m only going to answer 5.5 questions each from Madison and Caren, and I’m going to choose the questions because that seems fair and objective. Here we go.
11 Random Facts About Moi
- I took French in school, so sometimes I like to throw in some Frenchie phrases, like croissants and pastries. I love calling a cigarette a fag (the only time this is an acceptable word) and singing “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir.” The Hubby prefers the last one.
- I’m not the warm and fuzzy type. Never have been, never will be (unless you count my 2013 resolution to be more romantic). At work, my coworkers have been sending me emotional YouTube videos, trying to get me to cry. So far, they have been unsuccessful. If they only knew So You Think You Can Dance and The Biggest Loser get me every time.…..shhh, don’t tell.
- I’ve been hennaed before. It was cool. Given a chance, I’d do it again.
- Speaking of body ink, I have three tattoos and I got each and every one before the legal age of eighteen. There’s a reason they have an age limit. Sadly, I circumvented it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not against tattoos, but I would (hopefully) make better choices now, than I did at sixteen….hopefully.
- While I’ve told my entire family and some of my very closest friends, I haven’t told all of my friends about my blog. They are not foodies nor exercise buffs, and I worry if I were to go on a McDonald’s rant (it’s been way too long), they would take it personal. They might also think I’m a freak and not in a fun circus kind of way.
- When I was a kid and even through college, my food couldn’t touch. No joke, if the broccoli touched the mashed potatoes, I would literally eat around the parts touching one another. My parents are astounded I write about food now, and with weird food issues like that, can you blame them? Which is the real reason Laura’s Strange But Good combos scare the crap out of me (not literally, unless they are really high in fiber).
- As far back as I can remember, I had long hair. Then, one particularly stressful summer, I lost my vanity (that’s how you know it was bad), and I begged my hairdresser to chop it all off (remember that day – love ya, Barb) and haven’t looked back since. Ignore the weird dude in the background; I don’t know him.
- Grammatical errors irk me, although I try to shrug them off, especially since I know I’m capable of making them myself. Also, I realize the Spellcheck feature of WordPress is pretty lousy, since it actually tries to correct good verbiage. Here’s one trick for the road and apropos for food bloggers: Dessert has two S’s because you always want more of it.
- I love to read and back in the day, when I had free time, I’d tear through a couple of books a week. I’d read pretty much anything too, so long as it was well written or had a really engaging plot (50 Shades was the exception, but it had other, ahem, shall we say, perks).
- When I give my nose a good blow (not that kind; I don’t mess with chemicals), it sounds like a gaggle of geese getting ready for take off. When people jump, and they do jump, I blow harder just to scare them a little more. Take that.
- As I’ve matured (snort), I’ve learned the things I used to sweat in my twenties don’t even phase me anymore. Stick with it ladies; the thirties are actually pretty sweet (minus a couple of aging issues) because you grow more comfortable and more confident with yourself.
1. What is your favorite brand and style of jeans? My favorite type of jeans are the ones that fit my ass (or really my ass-less-ness). I tend to avoid boot cut though because on short people (read moi and see number 1 above), they make our legs look like an hourglass figure as opposed to our torso. Awkward.
2. What is your favorite “secret” guilty pleasure tv show? The Housewives of every County. It’s smutty, has no purpose or nutritional value (like soda pop), but I can’t stay away.
3. If you could have one thing for free, no matter how big or small, what would you pick? I’m not sure if this counts as a “thing,” but I’d have to go with Awareness. Awareness about our food culture, nutrition and obesity, in general. For me, this means educating people to what’s in our food supply, updating laws to regulate certain practices (especially those focused only on the bottom line, at the cost of our food), giving bigger subsidies to farmers who produce local organic produce than to those who grow corn for the sole purpose of fattening cattle, changing the food we provide in the majority of our school systems, adapting the way we market food, managing the cost of good produce and making it readily available to all. Whew, that’s a mouthful and a big thing (ignoring the obviously that’s what she said joke; oops, I did it again).
4. Do you get dressed up even when you stay at home for the day? No, even though I have professed my vanity in the past, I don’t get dressed up when I’m hanging at home. Staying in the house means living in sweats and a sports bra, if I even put one on. My Hubby’s a lucky guy.
5. How many blogs do you read on a daily basis? Far too many (think somewhere in the range of 30 to 40-ish), which is why I no longer have time to read real books. You bloggers are just too enticing though.
6. What’s your favorite type of cuisine? I’d have to say American, but only because for too many years I was afraid to try new foods. Now that I’m starting to try other things, I can say I love Indian, Ethiopian, and Latin American cuisine. So many vegetarian options + great flavor profiles (fancy food phrases, look out) = ideal for me.
7. Why did you start blogging? I did an entire post on the topic, but it’s closely related to the above mentioned awareness and my love of writing, which includes but is not limited to, making people laugh. Laugh, damn you, laugh!
8. What do you think is worth spending good money on? Food, glorious food because it’s what we put into our body on a daily basis. Yep, the bulk of my disposable income goes to my grocery bills. Sadly, quality food costs a pretty penny. If you truly knew the alternative, you’d might shell out the money too.
9. Is that your “natural” hair color? I can’t even remember what my natural hair color looks like, so I’m going to go with a big fat No here.
10. Favorite day of the week and why? Saturday because I don’t have to work the next day, I can usually sleep in, and it’s a day I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. Case in point, this past Saturday, I slept in, cooked, grocery shopped and completed my day by eating a large and in charge (or delicious) Buckeye Bar (think Reese peanut butter cups, but better…much, much better)
11. Pets? Do you have some and what are they? I have three putty dats, which is definitely in the crazy cat lady range, but some things can’t be helped. They like hanging in the kitchen just as much as me.
Create 11 New Questions
I think it’s silly to create 11 new questions when such beautiful ones exist above. Nor do I think it’s time efficient, so if you want to participate, you can answer the same questions posed to me.
Nominate 11 Bloggers (or Twelve Because That’s What I Did)
Here they are, in no particular order (who am I kidding, they are in alpha order because that’s how they should be).
- Ali On The Run
- Blissful Britt
- Blueberry Smiles
- Farm Fresh Feasts
- Forgotten Beast
- Gastronomical Sovereignty
- In Her Chucks
- Jessie Loves To Run
- Luv What You Do
- Shut Up & Cook
- Spabettie
- Sprint 2 The Table
I’m enthralled with each of these lovely ladies for very different reasons: great food, similar philosophy, beautiful photography, mouth-watering recipes, amazing support, raw vulnerability, and/or fabulous and witty writing.
That’s all for now folks. Go forth and prosper, but before you do….
Your turn: Answer any or all of the questions above. Or share some random facts about you?
Allie says
Why thank you! I’m quite flattered 🙂 And in love with random facts about others/posting random things. Ahh, I think my post today could have been dedicated to your #9. I’m assuming my real hair would be similar to the color of my eyebrows, but really, it could be black these days and I’d have no idea. Looove the short hair on you (okay, it’s just a hair sort of day).
And oh man, I made a statement in my office about not being the sort of person to give off the warm-and-fuzzy vibes, and there was no disagreement. Thank goodness they don’t know about me and Homeward Bound or that one part in The Lion King where Simba’s dad just won’t wake up…
Meghan says
Oh man, now I’m crying…stupid Lion King.
What is it about real life that makes us hard and unmoveable, but bad tv and disney movies get us every time.
I love the purple, although I don’t think it would fly at my job. They about fell off the chair when I went platinum blonde, which you totally rock too. I secretly want my nose pierced…just a teeny-tiny diamond stud where you have to do a double take just to be sure it’s there, but they would freak about that too. Maybe one day…when I’m eighty because that would look cute.
Allie says
I’m totally saving all my tattoo plans for when I’m 80. Because when you’re 80? Who’s going to be like, “Yeah, but what will you think of them when you’re 120?” Not that much time left to get around to the ‘regret’ stage. So you get your 80-year-old-lady piercing, and I’ll get a neck tattoo, and we can start a bad-ass-old-broads club.
Well, great, now I just made myself really excited to get old…
Meghan says
Now that sounds like a club I could get excited about; count me in!! My baby brother has a tattoo on the back of his neck, which you can’t even see if he wears a collared shirt. I kinda dig it.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
Ladies . . . . before you get all het up about having tattoos when you are 80, please get yourself to the ladies locker room in a retirement community. Because I have been there, and everyone looks the same–wrinkly. It does not matter if the LOLs in NAD are thin or fat, they are all wrinkly. I have yet to see a LOL in NAD in the locker room with a tattoo, but their male counterparts are also wrinkly and their tattoos are equally wrinkly.
Think twice. Please.
Meghan says
Oh, I am not ready to be wrinkly, and I see it starting in places. Tear, tear. Maybe by the time I’m eighty, they will have come out with an organic botox so I’ll be all set. Or I could just think twice. I wish I had thought at all, the first time, when I originally got the tattoos.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Thank you so much for the nom! We have the same type of fav jeans. 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks for writing such a great blog, even when you’re sick.
Oh to have an ass…..a girl can always dream.
Jess @ Jessiebear says
Normally I prefer long hair, but damn girl! You rock the short hair. (Also I totally can’t remember my natural color either..oops..)
Meghan says
Thanks Jess. And it’s ok not to know our natural hair color. It changes anyway so who can keep up.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
Well thank you! That’s very sweet and thoughtful of you!
1. Non-mom
2. N/A
3. pass
4. unless I’m sick
5. too many
6. edible
7. I started blogging because I think everyone should join a CSA for so many reasons. But, if everyone joined a CSA a whole bunch of people would be tossing spoiled produce because they didn’t have a clue what to do with it. If I knew–when I first joined a CSA–what I know now, I would have gotten off to a better start. Hence, the blog to spread the knowledge.
8. things you touch every day
9. depends on what part of my hair you are referring to
10. Mondays, because it’s a fresh start
11. the composting pigs, of course, and Simon the perky puppy
(do I have to do the rest? this was enough for me!)
Meghan says
Nope, you only have to do what you want to here. I like your fresh start perspective about Monday’s too, and I love the reason for your blog. I have most definitely learned a thing or two or three or four from you and your CSA. It is much appreciated.
Luv What You Do says
Thank you for the honor! I will have to get thinking of some random facts. Like you I haven’t told many people about my blog. I am a little wierd about it, but many people I know aren’t as interested in the food/exercise as I am.
Meghan says
That’s the thrust of it, I think. A good portion of people in my social network don’t exercise and aren’t really interested in cooking. They like eating, but the not right stuff. In blog land, we can find others with similar passions about food and fitness.
You are also most welcome by the way. And thank you because I read your blog, so I’m the one who benefits from it.
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition says
I love this post! Your hair is so pretty, both ways:)
Meghan says
Thanks Sunnie.
Jessie says
Thank you so much for the nomination dear. You are way to kind 🙂 🙂 Loved learning all these facts about you. I think it’s so cool that you took French in school & actually still know words. I took 3 yrs of Latin and probably couldn’t tell you more than 5 words, Ha!
Meghan says
You are so deserving, which is proven by the simple fact you get nominated every other week.
Wow, Latin is tough. Good for you for taking it, even if you don’t remember it.
Eating 4 Balance says
i like your answers and random facts:)
I’ve told my parents about my blog, but under no circumstances are they allowed to read it. They just didn’t understand why I was spending so much time on the computer. They thought I was just being lazy or doing nothing—Totally not the case. My friends have no idea though, and when my brother asked what the name of my blog was, I told him that it didn’t really matter because I would never let him see it 😀 Haha.
Grammatical and spelling errors irk me too. I’m sure I have quite a few on my posts, so whenever I read through them again, even if they were a few weeks ago, I’ll go back and change any mistakes I see. Feel free to point out any errors. I seriously won’t get offended at all!
#3 was deep. I was thinking about it in terms of “a new car” or “free food for life,” but you your answer was so much better!
Meghan says
I can’t believe they don’t actually read it. I know my parents read it, and they are incredible supportive, although they do think some of my food choices are a bit odd, but it’s a huge improvement from the days where my food couldn’t touch.
Feel free to point out errors for me too. They irk me, and I almost always find one afer the fact. I think it’s because we write so fast (almost daily) and then hit Publish right away, when really we (meaning me) should type it up, save it and then come back to it later. Walking away for awhile allows me to catch the typos. When you publish so frequently, you lose the ability to walk away and come back later. It’s something I’ve to figure out.
Yep, I went deep for #3, but it’s soemthing I’m pretty passionate about so there you have it.
Thanks again for the nomination. I really appreciate it.
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles says
Loved your list!! And thanks for tagging me! I have a Real Houswives guilty obsesssion too!
Brittany says
I LOVe that you alphabetized the bloggers!! THANK you for this, you are awesome.
Meghan says
Of course I alphabetized it. Because that’s how it’s suppose to be.
You are most welcome!
Kristina says
oh, LOOK at all these awesome people I am listed with!! you are so sweet, thank you!!
I took five years of French. Five. Years. can I speak it now? non. alright, I suppose un peu. 😉
Housewives. they are so loud and screechy and annoying, and I also cannot look away, much to Jason”s dismay!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Oh wow, your hair was SO curly! I like it long, but I LOVE it short…you’re lucky to have one of those face shapes where you can totally rock both! If I tried to go any shorter than what I have, I’d look like a squirrel packing in nuts for the winter! Lol
I’m with you…on lazy days, there is no getting dressed up…no make up…and yeah, bras are totally optional! I used to hate for my food to touch too…so weird since the majority of my meals now are just random bowls of stuff from the fridge all stirred into one glop of a mess!
I know I’ve said it before, but I seriously LOVE the color of your kitchen! So warm and inviting!