First up, it’s Friday and you know what that means…happy hour starts early? Uh, no, at least not yet, for goodness sakes it’s only 7 am. It’s a blog hop Friday. If you’re not in on the blog hop business you really should check them out. What a great way to meet new bloggie friends. So if you’re here from Friday Follow or Trendy Treehouse then welcome, we’re glad to see you. Please leave us a note to let us know you were here and what you thought and we’ll be glad to get back to you ASAP. Now, back to business.
Well my cup truly runneth over. I have been so touched by the recent outpouring of bloggie love and can’t believe that I’ve received 1, let alone 6 yup count ‘em 6 blog awards. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
First up not one, but two beautiful blogger awards from Cameron at Ingenue Mom and Erin over at Making Memories with your Kids
And to officially accept, you apparently must list 10 facts about yourself that people may not know. This is hard because, let’s face it, I’m an open book, I can’t think of 10 things you don’t know about me. So…Let’s see…
1. I love Bon Jovi, it’s a left over obsession from high school I’ve never gotten over. Love love love Bon Jovi.
2. I’m afraid of fish. Love to eat them, hate to be in the water with them. No scuba certification for me….ever!
3. I collect aprons. If you have any you want to give me, send ‘em on over.
4. When I was growing up I never thought I’d want a daughter. Now that I have three boys, I kind of feel an itch for one.
5. I’m allergic to bees. Even though I was stung 14 times growing up as a kid without issue I got stung when I was 21 and went into full anaphylactic shock.
6. I have a national championship ring from 1995 when I was the head manager for the Division I National Champion Boston University Terriers Men’s Ice Hockey Team.
7. I love the Twilight books, like a lot, but not so much the movies. Funny thing, books – Team Edward, Movies – Team Jacob.
8. I don’t love the beach. I didn’t love it when I was young, and I certainly don’t love it with kids…and sand…in every crevice…of everything. Guess where I’m going today…sigh.
9. I just caught my first firefly last night with my son, Keegan. Those things are cool!
10. I hate spinach. Yup, I do. You don’t see much of it in my recipes do ya? My dad hates it, so we never had it in the house growing up. I’m trying to train myself to eat it. It’s slow going at best. But you need to teach the kids by example right? I’m working on it.
Ok so now i have to pick 10 beautiful bloggers that I must pass this along to. Well I’m picking 10 foodie bloggers, because what is more beautiful than food, right???
Betty Crapper – great recipes, great name
Butter + Cream – the only thing better than butter and cream is Mary and Allison
Lazaro Cooks – his dishes are unique and stunningly beautiful
I Just Love My Apron – nothing is ever ordinary on this amazing food blog
Jenns Food Journey – love her feel good, real people cooking
Anecdotes and Apple Cores – great stories, great food
Kitchen Belleicious – who doesn’t love a southern belle?
Deep South Dish – because food seems to look and taste better south of the mason dixon
and my two closest foodie bloggie friends who could be my long lost sisters…
and
I’ve already given them awards, but really, I just love them.
Ok, moving ever onward…
Next up I was lucky enough to receive the super sweet Sunshine Award from beautiful Candice at Stash Mama
Of course, awards come with rules…
1. Put the award on your blog and/or within your post.
2. Pass the award on to twelve bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and the link to the person from whom you received this award
My 12 nominees: in no particular order who brighten my day on a regular basis are…
The hysterical Cheryl at Mommy Pants, every girl needs a pair.
The very smart Tammy at Tammys Two Cents, she’s kind of a hero of mine.
The witty Rachel at Mommy Needs a Vacation, because who doesn’t?
The adorable Krysten at After I Do because she reminds me of when I was young and cool.
The amazing Katie at Sassy Silly Spunky Momma, you can’t not fall in love with her little man, Drake.
The talented Blonde Duck at A Duck in her Pond, she’s going to be a famous writer one day.
The funny as hell Lori at Lex Loci Lori, she makes me laugh every day.
Her royal highness the Empress at Good Day Regular People. She’s just a hoot, you gotta check her out and besides she’s royalty.
The super cool Kristy at Pampers and pinot as many of you know, sometimes you just have to combine the two.
The super creative Lacie at Creative Attempts who can make pretty much anything pretty.
The stunning Crystal at Wanna Be Balanced Mom who does an amazing job, well, balancing.
and last but not least
The high spirited Rachel the Kooky Queen at A Little Bit of Kooky because I like my gals with a bit of kook!
And alas we have come to the last of my awards. The Versatile blogger award from Crystal at My 3 Princes and a Princess and the super cool Nick at A Daddys Take, daddy blogger, so cool, and Beverly at Green Gracie Home. Goodness gracious, I never knew I was so versatile!
Thanks Crystal, Nick, and Beverly!!!
And here we are again with the rules….
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award. check…
2. Share seven things about yourself. you got 10 up top, I don’t have 17…
3. Pass this award along to fifteen bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason!
My 15 Fab New Find are as follows…
Singing With Birds – beautiful, colorful, informative
A Latte with Ott, A – enough pep to keep you going all day
The Urban Cowboy – because what’s cooler than a cowboy?
Life Without Pink – we both live with all dudes
Two Maids a Milking – the hubs thinks farm girls are hot
This That and the Other Thing – Blame Canada!
The Butler Way – Frank Sinatra did it my way, they do it The Butler Way
On the Banks of Squaw Creek – we’re scrappers
Making Memories with the McClellens – her boys are adorable
Are You There God, Its Me – she sucked me in with her Judy Blumesque blog name and I was hooked
Saucy B – she is awesome, but don’t call her a Jersey girl
More Than A Mouthful – the man is a chef at high school, he deserves much more than this award
Lil Mop Top – this girl has mad skills
Go 2 The Kitchen – her spirit inspires me
Deckside Thoughts – I want to be Cheryl when I grow up
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award. done and done…
Well I hope you all go check out all these fantastic blog reads. They are great sites, great sources of information and great fun to read. I can’t tell you how tickled I am that these lovely ladies thought of me, I really am touched to know that there is someone out there, actually reading what I write…crazy huh????
Related posts:
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment this morning, and for passing on this “Beautiful Blogger” award! Have an amazing Friday, even if it is a sandy one.
Ahhh… thank you for thinking of me and recognizing me. I truely appreciate the honor of receiving this award from you. (And I agree that 2 Maids a Milking is one of my fav’s as well.) Happy blogging!
Thanks Alex. While it’s an honor, I’m not so sure you wanna be me when you grow up. I’m weird.
Wow, Alex, thank you so much for honouring me with The Versatile Blogger Award. I will be thanking you on my blog Monday.
And when in doubt, blame Canada (and vice versa of course).
LisaDay
This, That and the Other thing
Thank you so much for the recognition!! What a great thing to wake up to this morning! I am honored and speechless!! Congrats to you on your awards also. So glad I found your blog! Thanks for the kinds words!
Happy Cooking!
I have an award for you on my blog =)
http://trsatc.blogspot.com/2010/06/award_25.html
Thanks! I see that I’m in good company – some great blogs there!
I love Bon Jovi, too!!! But I really love the 80′s Bon Jovi & I’m not as much of a fan of the current Bon Jovi. But still, love him! And I completely agree about the Twilight books. Love the books, don’t love the movies so much. And I totally disagreed with their choice in a lot of the people who are in the movies. But I’m picky about books to movie. Anyway, I’m about to go check out all your links on this post! Love finding new blogs!!
What a sweet surprise first thing in the morning. It means a lot tht you thought of me.
Thanks for sharing the bloggy love, and I enjoy your blog, too.
It’s great being a mom to 3 boys, isn’t it????
Thanks, Alex…sincerely.
Thank you so much for thinking of me! what a wonderful award!
I have enjoyed reading your blog so very much, and an award always means more when it comes from a friend!
All The Best
Dennis
Hi Alex,
What a way to start my day! Thanks for the cheery comment and award, and congrats to you for over the top recognition from the blogging community. It’s a great bunch overall and I so appreciate being part of it. After reading more about you, I’m going to post a special spinach recipe soon, just for you! Enjoy the sun and surf with your kiddies…and happiness always.
gnee
Alex, thanks so much for your sweet comment and the award. I needed that after my icky post. I plan on doing a little award/100 post as soon as I get there (I am at about 93 I think). Keep up the great blogging and thanks for spreading the love : )
Wow thank you so much for the award and the blog love. You totally deserve all your rewards, you know I think you are fab!!!!
Thanks for the award Alex! Loved getting to know you better! I’m with you on the afraid of fish thing, after being stung by jellyfish 3 times sea creatures are NOT my favorite animal!
congratulations on your award
wait, you gave me one, too? gee, thanks
THANK YOU!!! we are Versatile! xoxo
I hate spinach, too! But my fiance lovesssssssss it. So I try to incorporate it wherever I can… Sometimes I’ll add it into spaghetti sauce – the flavor gets kind of drowned out. I even put it in eggs once. I made scrambled eggs with spinach and mozzarella (recipe is only blog) and it was actually pretty tasty! My DD loved it!
(visiting from nff)
Thanks so much for thinking of me!! I am glad you are a “true follower”…hehehe
Congrats on all of your awards! Okay now I have to go back and make sure I follow the directions right on what to do next!
Thanks so much for the recognition! You just made my day!
Hi!
I’m a new follower visiting from Friday-Follow Me. Congratulations on your awards! From what I see, you are very deserving of the honors. I look forward to getting to know you. I hope you have a great weekend.
Candace~♥
Thanks, you made me smile for the day
Oh and yes, you should give P90X a try, but actually I purchased Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred at Sam’s for $8.88 and it works fabulous as well! LOVE IT! Good workout and super calorie-burner! Try it and let me know what ya think 
Happy friday!
Whoa Baby…. congrats on all those fab awards….you certainly deserve….your recipes rock the house:) enjoy the weekend!!! xoxo
Alex,
Thank you so much for thinking of me. Bloggers awards mean so much to me because as I see it, it’s a sign that someone appreciates what you do.
You are a real talent and a sweetheart. I have very much enjoyed following your adventures here.
Cheers!
Congratulations on all the awards!!
Thanks so much for coming to see us at our blog!! 
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier! I loved your comment! Thanks, its so encouraging!
I love your blog! What a cool idea! Love it!
Thank you SO much. This really made my day. I promise to dutifully follow the rules associated with this award by the end of the weekend. Things are just a little hectic at the moment since I’m preparing to host a retirement party for my mom at our house tomorrow. Much to be done!
Thanks again
Congrats on all your recognitions! You definitely deserve them. I’m not very good at accepting awards,(I am a Cowboy), but THANK YOU KINDLY!
Your site rocks, and you’re sexy too!
Alex! Thanks so much for the award and your kind words. It means a lot to me. Congrats on your awards (so many!
) You deserve them!!
I enjoyed reading 10 facts about you. Plus, I love Twilight too!! I read all the books and collect them. I’m Edwards Team
from the book because I think Jacob is a little annoying at the beginning hehe
Wow, lady, look at all your awards.
My beach tip: baby powder! It gets the sand right off!
Hi there!
Thanks for visiting my blog – I’m already following you! Congratulations on your awards! Lovely blog~!
Alex! You’re doing such a great job with this site! I already have the hardcopy cookbook, but its great that you released an ebook as well!
All the best at the beach!
Thank you so much! I love getting awards, how much fun! I will do a post for it next week and link back to you. You are so sweet!
What an honor girlfriend! To be among all those bloggers…wow! I feel so darn “mushy”! Mushy is awesome in my book…a feel good word!
lol!
So sweet so sweet I am speechless! Thank you so much and you definitely deserved the awards! You are the BOMB!
We caught fireflies the other night, too. I’m making a fire fly jar tomorrow, though. We’re going to have a competition. BTW – I collect aprons, too. If you love aprons, you will literally be drooling over these! I even have a laundry bag for my bathroom out of their materials! I LOVE these! : http://www.funktionhome.com/retail/index.cfm?main=main&category=1&subcategory=4
Congratulations on your awards. I love how you say something special about each one you give!
Be blessed!
Thanks for the award, such a great surprise!
Hope you had fun at the beach today. I’m going tomorrow, but I love the beach
.
Thank you so much for the award. You are too kind.
Congrats on all your fabulous awards! You certainly deserve them.
I can’t wait to go and check out some of the others.
Congrats on your awards! AND, wanted to thank you for the comment you left about my dog on Cranberry Morning.
Have a great weekend! 
Thanks so much for the comment on my cake!
Wow thanks for including me! You have just made my day….and now I have to check out these other fabulous blogs!
Aw thanks for the award lady! You’re awesome!
Just found you and loved scrolling through your blog … holy COW .. had to get past all the award nominees first! Glad I did. Have a great weekend
oxox
Denalee
Thanks for dropping by my blog! If we didn’t have a checkered past then we would have lived a very boring life!
Congrats on all your blog awards. Your blog is very deserving!
c
I can’t believe you just caught your first firefly! How fun.
And congrats on the awards.
Look at you go!! Love all the awards and thanks for some great new blogs to check out, I of course had to head over and read a few!
I Bet you could find a way to cook spinach that you would find delicious. Chicken Florentine? Spinach Alfredo Pizza? Spinach Artichoke Dip with Feta? Spinach Leaf Salad with Pecans, Blackened Chicken, Strawberries, and Blue Cheese?! Spinach is soooo versatile!
Anyway, I’m following back – have a great Sunday
Woohoo! Congrats on all your awards. It must be the “season” LOL. I just got a bunch too!
Wow! Congrats on an awesome award show girl!!!
I’m a cowboy…on a steel horse I ride…
Sorry, you started it (-:
You’ve listed some great blogs. It’s such a small bloggy world, isn’t it? Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Thanks for the award!!!!!! You’re the best! And a firefly? The closest I’ve ever come to one was in the Pirates of the Carribean ride at Disneyland and they aren’t even REAL!!! I’d love to see a real one!