πŸ‰ Puff the Magic Dragon πŸ‰ “The Dragon’s Loyalty Award”

Sometimes a dragon is referred to as a Phoenix who rises out of the ashes. I’m going to go with that analogy because I believe every blogger can relate to being nameless at the onset of their journey. Being identified and recognized by those among us is an honor worth receiving. I acknowledge and thank my loyal friend, Lina, for her encouragement and favor. She is a multi-talented cook and author. Perhaps you should go visit her at   http://lins239.wordpress.com  where she entertains us with “Fiction in the Kitchen!”
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THE RULES:
1. DISPLAY THE AWARD CERTIFICATE ON YOUR WEBSITE.
2. ANNOUNCE YOUR WIN WITH A POST AND LINK TO WHOEVER PRESENTED YOUR AWARD.
3. PRESENT UP TO 15 AWARDS TO DESERVING BLOGGERS.
4. DROP THEM A COMMENT TO TIP THEM OFF AFTER YOU’VE LINKED THEM IN THE POST.
5. POST 7 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF.
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7 things about me:
I have visited the magical town of Hanalei.

I am spiritually uplifted whenever I see a rainbow.

I am extremely sentimental.

I find the island of Kauai a real-life paradise.

I believe that birthday wishes really do come true.

I love the fragrance of star-gazer lilies.

I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.

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My Nominees:

http://singhalalok.wordpress.com
http://jujusecretingredient.com
http://olivesndpastel.wordpress.com
http://onceuponaspice.com
http://suskizzled.com
http://easypeasypleasy.com
http://lomely.wordpress.com
http://ibakedishotiateit.wordpress.com

🌞 The Sunshine of My Life 🌞 “Sunshine Bloggers Award!”

It has finally stopped raining in Indiana, so this award is perfect! Sunshine is bright, vibrant, warm, uplifting, and rejuvenating to the mind as well as the body. I simply could not survive without it. That’s why I have Lina of Lin’s Recipes to thank for nominating me for this cheerful award. Any time you wish to brighten your day, please check out her blog at http://lins239.wordpress.com for the “Fiction in the Kitchen” segment. She charms the reader a chapter at a time.
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RULES OF THE AWARD:

β€’Thank the person who nominated you.

β€’ Answer the questions from the person who nominated you.
β€’ Nominate a few other bloggers.
β€’ Write the same amount of questions for the bloggers you nominated.
β€’ Notify the bloggers on their blog.
β€’ Put the award button on your blog.
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
My Answers:
The recipe that challenges you the most? πŸ“ At this point, I would have to say Pizza. I have been working on a crust that is thin, crunchy, flavorful, and can hold the toppings without getting soggy. I’m getting there.

Favourite clothing line? πŸ“ It’s a toss up between Ralph Lauren and Jones New York. Both are classics that work as staples in my wardrobe.

Favourite restaurant? πŸ“ The Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas. Romantic!

Your favourite book and why it is? πŸ“ One of my favorites is “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s a coming-of-age story about love, loss, perseverance, strength, and hope.

The song that keeps running inside your head, of late? πŸ“ Fields of Gold by Sting.

🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
My Nominees Are:

http://milfordstreet.wordpress.com
http://tthompson792.wordpress.com
http://peachytalesplates.wordpress.com
http://lettersofburlapandlace.com
http://filmandgarlic.wordpress.com

🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

My Questions:
What is your favorite dessert?

What is the most unusual main dish you have eaten?

What is your “comfort” food?

If there were no consequences, what would you eat every single day?

Do you like to eat leftovers?

πŸ’Ÿ Isn’t She Lovely? πŸ’Ÿ “One Lovely Blog” Award!

It is exciting to be on the cusp of discovery. I am still learning the ropes of this intriguing realm of Internet blogging. Meeting my peers, and getting to know them better, is sometimes similar to a domino effect where one comment touches another, and another, and then yet one more reader. That is exactly how I met Anugya of  http://indiancurryshack.com whose love of food and cooking equals mine. Please check out a segment called “Shack Saturdays” where weekend specials are highlighted and featured. Thanks, Anugya, for the nomination!
πŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’Ÿ

These are the Rules for this Award:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for the award.
2. Add the “One Lovely Blog” logo to your post.
3. Share Seven (7) facts about yourself.
4. Nominate up to 15 bloggers you admire, and then inform the nominees by commenting on their blog.
πŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’Ÿ
Here are Seven (7) Facts about me:
* I was a tomboy when I was growing up.
* My long legs make me a fast walker.
* I once participated in a bicycle race and was the only female to cross the finish line.
* I don’t wash windows or mow the lawn.
* I am afraid of heights.
* I don’t know how to swim and really don’t like to get my face wet.
* I tend to read more than one book at a time, savoring each one chapter by chapter.
πŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’Ÿ
Here is the list of bloggers that I wish to nominate: (up to 15)

http://maureenlermer.wordpress.com
http://thoughtsofagirlnamedvierareign.wordpress.com
http://erikakind.wordpress.com
http://dinnercheznous.co
http://lolawi.wordpress.com
http://weight2lose2013.wordpress.com
http://strassenfotografien.wordpress.com
Have a lovely day and Pay It Forward! Blessings! πŸ’Ÿ

Gail  http://snapshotsincursive.com

We Are the Champions! πŸ‘ πŸ‘ ”Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award!”

We Are the Champions! πŸ‘ πŸ‘ ”Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award!”

It just keeps getting better and better! πŸ‘ πŸ‘ To be accepted into the blogosphere is so thrilling! Just like a pair of traveling jeans, every award that lands on my doorstep fits perfectly into my circle of friends. As the circle expands beyond my horizon, the world becomes a little bit smaller and a little brighter. One person I have to thank is Stephy of    http://stephysweetbakes.com who nominated me for my second “Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award!” Stephy’s blog is a bakery of pastry delights! When your sweet tooth kicks in, step over to her blog.
πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ 
THE RULES FOR THE AWARD:
1. Thank the blogger for nominating you and post a link to their blog.
2. Put the award logo on your site.
3. Answer the questions.
4. Nominate seven blogs.
πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ 
MY NOMINEES ARE LISTED BELOW:
1.  Kristina

2.  Carla

3.  Catherine

4.  Ginger

5.  Li Jiun

6.  Audrey

7.  Emory
INQUIRING QUESTIONS:
1. In one word, how would you like your readers to describe your blog? πŸ“Captivating!
2. Which is your most favorite among your blog posts? Why? πŸ“ “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet” simply because everyone loves food!
3. What, who inspires most of your blog posts? πŸ“ I give credit to God for gently nudging me through my husband, family, and friends.
4. What do you wish to accomplish this year? πŸ“ I wish to move in the direction of compiling a cookbook.
5. What do you aspire to learn this year? πŸ“ I aspire to believe I can fulfill my heart’s desire.
6. What is your favorite book and why? πŸ“ The Holy Bible is my favorite book. No matter what challenges I face, the answer is there.
7. What is the most courageous thing you have ever done? πŸ“ I followed my heart.
8. If you could be a superhero, what would be your super power? πŸ“ I would be the Invisible Woman so I could help others without them ever knowing it was me.
9. Who is your female role model? πŸ“ The Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Mother Teresa.
Now is the time to Pay it Forward.
Blessings! πŸ“ Gail of http://snapshotsincursive.com

It’s Raining Awards! The Liebster Award!

It’s Raining Awards!!!! β˜”οΈβ˜”οΈβ˜”οΈβ˜”οΈ
“The Liebster Award!”
I feel privileged to receive my 4th Liebster Award nomination. My friend, Priti, nominated me. Her blog, http://mypinchofyum.wordpress.com connects with me simply because we are kindred spirits who love to cook. Her creativity is apparent in her mastery of recipes as well as her presentation afterwards. I mean, if it doesn’t look good on the plate, how can we instill anticipation? Priti captures all this in her blog. When you visit her, you will come away with a taste of international flavor.
πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
These are the Award Rules:
1. Once you are nominated, make a post thanking and linking the person who nominated you.
2. Include the Liebster Award logo in the post as well.
3. Nominate ten (10) other bloggers who you think are worthy of this award. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting on one of their posts. You can also nominate the person who nominated you.
4. Answer the ten (10) questions asked to you by the person who nominated you and make ten (10) questions of your own for your nominees.
5. Lastly, copy these rules in the post.
πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
I like the idea that the questions can be as simple as a favorite color to as deep as an unspoken desire. When shared among friends, it gives us a glimpse of the inner spirit and a connection that strengthens us all. Blessings!

Priti asked me the following ten (10) questions:
What do you value most in your life? πŸ“ My Faith.

What inspired you to start your blog? πŸ“ My husband, my family, and my friends were my champions in nudging me to express myself. The “catapult” was my father’s death.

Do you speak any other language apart from English? πŸ“ No, but “Je parle un peu le FranΓ§ais, pas trΓ©s bien.” (I only speak a little French, but not very well.)

What do you like the most – vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, lamb or seafood? πŸ“ Lobster & Shrimp are my best friends!

Which is your favorite spice? πŸ“ Tough question. It’s a three-way tie between Basil-Cumin-Red Pepper Flakes!

Best moment in your life? πŸ“ My wedding day, October 15, 2011.

Is there any food ingredient or dish that you will never eat? πŸ“ I’ve tried repeatedly to eat Brussel Sprouts but they refuse to agree with me.

Which is your favorite cuisine in the world and why? πŸ“ Oooh, La-La! French! Everything wonderful is made with French butter!

What is your signature dish? πŸ“ I make a French Silk Pie that is to die for!

Where would you live if you could live anywhere you wanted on the Earth? πŸ“ I would live in the south of France, inhaling the lavender fields at sunset.

πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
I wish to nominate the following talented bloggers:

http://momoseita.wordpress.com
http://carolettastreats.com
http://explorenewness.com
http://dreaminginarabic.wordpress.com
http://fightalone.wordpress.com
http://teaisfun.wordpress.com
http://isetthetable.wordpress.com
http://forbiddenjungleexplore.wordpress.com
http://eatliveescape.wordpress.com
http://gardentokitchenwithsuz.wordpress.com

πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“

Please respond to the following ten (10) questions:
(1) Have you ever won a prize? If so, what was it?
(2) When you read a book, do you rush through it or do you savor every chapter?
(3) What would be the title of the story of your life?
(4) Are you cool-as-a-cucumber or hot-blooded?
(5) Name three places you would love to visit.
(6) Given the opportunity, would you take a trip into outer space?
(7) If you had to give up one of your senses, which one would you choose?
(8) Do you like cotton candy?
(9) What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
(10) Relaxing at home, do you wear socks or slippers?
I look forward to your responses. Have fun. Blessings! πŸ“

A Triple Crown!!! πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘ “The Liebster Award!!!”

I received the “Triple Crown” (my 3rd nomination of the Liebster Award) from Lina of http://lins239.wordpress.com who has this amazing theme she has cultivated entitled, “The 7 to 9 Chef—Fiction in the Kitchen”! It’s a different chapter of a story accompanied by recipes of fabulous foods. What an ingenious idea! You really should take a look. Great writing πŸ“ and Great food!🍴
πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
Here are the Award Rules:
1. Once you are nominated, make a post thanking and linking the person who nominated you.
2. Include the Liebster award sticker in the post, too.
3. Nominate 10 (10) other bloggers who you think are worthy of this award. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting on one of their posts. You can also nominate the person who nominated you.
4. Answer the ten (10) questions asked to you by the person who nominated you and make ten (10) questions of your own for your nominees.
5. Lastly, copy these rules in the post.
πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
Without further ado, I hereby nominate these ambitious bloggers for the award:

Lina asked me these ten (10) questions:
Your signature dish? πŸ“ French Silk Pie. Oooh, La-La!

Will you choose strawberries over mangoes or vice-versa? πŸ“ Strawberries, a favorite since childhood. 

Books or movies? πŸ“ Books, then the movie version.

Favourite genre of books? πŸ“ Call me old-fashioned, Historical Romance.

Favourite Chef? πŸ“ Julia Child.

An impossible dream if you have one? πŸ“ To live in the south of France.

What do you when you want a break? πŸ“ Ride my bicycle.

What does happiness mean to you? πŸ“ Sharing my life with my husband.

What is the thing that you really cannot tolerate? πŸ“ Being unorganized.

How much do you respect everybody’s opinion on a decision. πŸ“ I try, but it’s not always easy. With age comes Wisdom and Respect. I want others to learn from my mistakes, but it doesn’t work. I guess everyone has to do what they feel is right for them. I get that, and also respect that decision.

πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
My nominees are asked to answer these ten (10) simple questions:
(1) Are you a “Taste Tester” when you cook in the kitchen?
(2) What is your favorite vegetable? And Why?
(3) Do you have a Sweet Tooth or a Salty Palate?
(4) Are you currently on a diet?
(5) Which do you prefer: a nighttime snack (food) or a glass of wine (beverage)?
(6) Do you skip Breakfast more often than not?
(7) How often do you eat outside the home in a week’s time?
(8) If given the choice, do you prefer meat or fish?
(9) Whenever you eat bread, do you feel guilty?
(10) When at home, would you rather dine at the table or in front of the TV?
πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“πŸ“
Here are the lucky “Chose Ones” nominated The Liebster Award:

http://amusebouchesite.com

http://touchofmysaint.wordpress.com
http://almostfreenyc.com
http://amsterdamming.com
http://aniketsharmaphotography.wordpress.com
http://axelthekey.com
http://bepositiveyaroon.wordpress.com
http://creekviewcarol.com
http://duckpie.com
http://dinnerbank.com
Have Fun and Happy Eating! πŸ“

IT’S A DOUBLE TAKE!! “THE LIEBSTER AWARD!!”

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice! 🍰 The world of blogging has put me in touch with some of the nicest people! I have discovered how easy it is to broaden my horizons and nurture common interests. I would like to thank Stephy of http://stephysweetbakes.com for nominating me for my second Liebster Award! Her blog is a delicious link to bakery-fresh pastries! This girl has talent! 🍰
The rules for The LIEBSTER Award are as follows:

1 – Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.

2 – Answer the 10 questions given by the nominator.

3 – Nominate and link 10 bloggers.

4 – Notify all the bloggers you’ve nominated.

5 – Create 10 new questions for your nominees to answer.
Stephy asked me to answer the following questions:
1. Do you have any unfulfilled dreams you are awaiting to come true and if so plz do share. πŸ“ I would like to publish the first edition of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet”.
2. Lavish lifestyle or simple and meek? πŸ“ Too easy. I already live a simple life in the country.
3. Which do you prefer with some free time, Walk or Sleep/nap? πŸ“ Walking.
4. Paperback or Digital format novels? Which one you like best? πŸ“ Hard Cover. lol
5. What do you enjoy about your blog? πŸ“ I love to keep it organized and simple.
6. Honesty or Loyalty? Which do you think is more admirable? πŸ“ Hmmmmm. Sometimes people are so honest, it hurts. So I guess…Loyalty.
7. Most memorable moment so far in your life? πŸ“ I have a really good memory, so it’s hard to point to just one moment.
8. With age comes…….respect OR wisdom? πŸ“ Wisdom!
9. What’s the one thing about yourself that you would say you love most? πŸ“ Patience.
10. If you had been given $3,000 by someone to do what you will with it, and you were financially stable but not rich (doing pretty good so to speak, but COULD do better, just not in harms way financially), would you choose to give to a more needy person, OR keep it and buy some things you have BEEN longing to get? πŸ“ I would give it away, honestly. God has blessed me beyond measure.
πŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’Ÿ
Now it’s my turn to nominate ten bloggers.

http://appetitedeluxe.com
http://abroadandlocal.com
Gary
http://winebyari.wordpress.com
Giulia
http://chocolatyprints.wordpress.com
http://dancingechoes.com
Laura
http://deepruts.com
http://disfordoodle.com
Nominees, please answer the following questions:

✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️
(1) What age do you feel right now?
(2) What do you want your tombstone to say?
(3) If you could choose one food to eat every single day, what would it be?
(4) Is it better to beg forgiveness or ask permission?
(5) Which is better……a novel or a movie?
(6) Are you a night owl or a morning person?
(7) Would you rather use Facebook or Twitter?
(8) On the average, how much time do you spend on your blog each day?
(9) What is your best character strength?
(10) Are you a free-spirit who “goes with the flow” or an organized person who likes structure and discipline?
Okay, Peeps, gather your thoughts and pave the way for others to follow.
Congratulations!

What’s That Sound? “ENCOURAGING THUNDER AWARD!”

Out of the blue, I met an amazing blogger named Shamira. She enjoys blogging as a personal mission to spread joy to others. You often hear that kindness begins with a simple smile of friendship. Perhaps that is why you may already be familiar with her through the blog, http://smilingnotes.wordpress.com where smiles are rich in abundant supply. Blessings, Shamira, for nominating me for “The Encouraging Thunder Award”. I am still in awe! πŸ“ It is so thrilling to be recognized among the blogosphere of one’s peers. I feel privileged to be in the company of so many talented authors. Thanks very much. Your name says it all…….spreading “smiling notes” to the world at large.

 

What can you do with the award?

Post it on your blog.

Grant other bloggers with the award.

What you can’t do with the award?
Abuse or misuse the logo.

Claim that it’s your own handmade logo.

What you should do after receiving award:
Enjoy it and bask in the acknowledgement of this award.

Give thanks via comments and likes, mentioning the blog who gave the award.

Mention your purpose in blogging. Share your story.

My purpose of blogging:
For quite some time, my loving family and devoted friends had urged me to write more. It wasn’t until my father passed away last December that I found my “digital pen” gave birth to healing from the pain of such a deep loss. Because my husband, Gerald, and I were traveling, I often took photographs which prompted me to pay attention to the world outside my heart. Every living moment had a story to tell. In the ordinary, photographs touch the heart of dreamers. Thus began http://Snapshotsincursive.com

Cooking is my passion, my therapy, my personal mission right now. Whenever I share a meal or surprise someone with gifts from my kitchen, a tiny message is shared. Encouraging and comforting words from scripture are printed on a tag that reads, “Manna From Heaven”. I also discovered a common interest with others when I shared recipes. Before I knew it, “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet” was born. The journey has been exhilarating, energizing, and deeply gratifying. My cup overfloweth!
I highly recommend you check out the following blogs:

Valorie
Carole
Gabriel

Twice As Nice!! The Versatile Blogger Award!!

What an honor to be nominated for “The Versatile Blogger Award” for the second time. That must mean I’m getting around! I am, indeed, very privileged to be nominated by Melinda because she reflects true commitment despite Life’s challenges. Thanks very much! πŸ“


As the little engine that could, I faithfully increase my momentum “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet” on   http://snapshotsincursive.com stopping along the way to develop new and lasting friendships all over the world!

The rules are simple:

(1) Acknowledge the person who nominated you by thanking them and posting a link to their blog.

(2) Share ten (10) interesting things about yourself. 

(3) Nominate ten (10) more bloggers.


Here are the ten (10) random facts about myself.

(1) I like root beer floats.

(2) I can’t carry a tune.

(3) I can curl my tongue.

(4) I was a tom-boy my entire childhood.

(5) One of my favorite movies is “The Wizard of Oz”.

(6) I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was a senior in high school.

(7) I have moved 20 times in my life.

(8) My name in the Bible means “my father’s joy”. πŸ˜‡

(9) My favorite color is green….the color of my husband’s eyes!

(10) I believe in Providence, not Coincidence.


These are the bloggers I would like to get to know better:

Lana

Priti
Anugya
http://unashamedofjesus.wordpress.com
Chitra
Anna
Amy
Lacie
Maria
http://ibakedishotiateit.wordpress.com

Congratulations, whether you are being nominated for this award for the first time, or the umpteenth time.

Please Pay it Forward! πŸ“