I told you guys back in October that I had won a Versatile Blogger Award from the very lovely Lisa over at Main Street Musings. This was a pretty big deal because: (a) it is the first award I have won for this blog and (b) I really admire Lisa’s sense of humor. Well, I’ve gone and done it again because Joey of The Ballad of Joey Flowers has nominated me for this award as well! He posted my nomination ages ago, but better late than never, right?
Please take a moment to visit his blog, and show him some Tonic love. Big ups to you, Joey!
It’s actually a good thing I got nominated a second time because the first time I screwed it up. I was supposed to nominate 15 people, and only ended up nominating 8. Oopsie poopsie! This gives me the opportunity to make up it, and tell you guys about 7 more bloggers I adore. I have gone and done you the favor of linking to super duper awesome posts of theirs. You’re welcome.
I am BEYOND a jerk for not including this blog the last time around. Dan, will you ever forgive me? The author of this blog describes himself as writer, techno nerd, and humorist, and he brings these skills to each post he writes. I’d describe his blog as a little bit country, and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. He also gets major bonus points for sharing the great state of Oregon with me.
The author of this blog is a dad by day, and a comedic superhero by night. His blog is comprised of ramblings on his everyday experiences: urban rednecks, the overwhelming menu at Panera, dope rides and watching birthing videos. I have found myself laughing oud at his posts on several occasions.
Books. Food. Life. Reading this blog reminds me of conversations you’d have over coffee with a friend you hadn’t seen in a long time. You’d talk about an amazing new eatery you found, your first day at a job, and moving into your new home. I was immediately drawn to her because of what she wrote on her About page: “I guess this blog is a continuing reflection my experiences: of the things I love and of everything I learn. And I’m grateful for every bit of my life.”
If I was a mom, this is the type of mom I’d want to be. She’s quirky, cool and has a really great perspective on that crazy thing we call parenting. I think I fell in love with her the day she wrote a post about Chuck Norris. Anyone who can pay homage to a man with such a glorious high kick AND mustache is a friend of mine.
I think I found this blog through Twitter (how hipster of me) and am so happy I did. This woman’s blog is all over the place….and I mean that as a huge compliment. She has a Crazy Chicks Club. She runs into cougars who resemble Betty White. She talks about tasering parents who are in denial. Read through a few of her posts and you’ll know why she was nominated for a Blogger’s Choice Award.
This may come as a surprise to some of you, but I am a huge DIY junkie. I could spend hours lost in blogs devoted to the art of crafting, and I come up reasons (your turtle turned five, congrats!) to give people things just so I can try my hand at different projects. One of my absolutely favorite DIY blogs is Studs and Pearls. It’s approachable enough for beginners, but the finished pieces will intrigue even the most experienced of crafters.
And last, but CERTAINLY not least….
Okay, so technically this isn’t a blog, but it IS a site comprised of multiple bloggers. That counts, right? I could go on and on about this site right now, but I’ll save it since I intend to write a full post on it once it officially launches. What I will say is that this is absolutely the best collection of writers on the internet.
Do yourselves a favor and run, don’t walk your fingers over to these websites. I absolutely adore each of these blogs, and think they deserve a little attention being sent their way.
Big thanks again to Joey for the nomination. You rock my socks!
Sips of Jen and Tonic 
A very Merry Christmas to you Jen. Thanks for being such an awesome friend, for all your hard work here, and for all the support advice and friendship you have given to me. I hope that 2012 sees you skyrocket to success, and I will of course be in your corner all the way. Here’s to you buddy =)
Paul, I am so thankful to have met you! I am really happy that everything in your life has been moving along nicely. I hope all of the positive things continue for you and your wife in 2012.
Oh, I STILL owe you an e-mail. I’m terrible!
I’m blushing. Thanks! Gotta say, I’m a big fan of your blog, too. It’s so awesome to get this award from you. Yay!
YOU’RE a fan of MINE? That just made me pass out for a second. You’re awesome!
Awesome, Jen!! You totally deserve this award. I have feeling you may win more of these in the future…and for all your readers I must say Firkoy Zone is one of my blogs ever….oh, and I agree with you Expats Posts is totally worth mentioning here 😉
Now I will go read up on the other blogs mention here. Thank you!
The awards are so nice, but I feel like the friends I’ve made through all of this are even more rewarding! I’m a seriously lucky person.
Hope you liked the other blogs!
Jen, congrats! I’m eager to check out your blog recommendations. Based on the descriptions you wrote, it sounds like you have diverse taste and an open mind–proving you ARE a Versatile Blogger! Thanks for the mention and the kinds words, much appreciated!
Versatile, crazy….same difference 😉
Thank YOU again for nominating me!
Yay! Congrats to everyone that won!! Especially Dan and Janene 🙂
Oh have you seen the little collab that Janene and I did about Noah’s Ark? She is a lot of fun to work with!
You know, now I imagine you having a little bag with nuggets of gold next to your glitters…Keep on Writing (and dancing)! ^_^
TJ, I have not see than collaboration. Please send me a link or photos or tell it to me while we sit around a fire!
I think I’ll save the glitter for tossing about, and the gold for passing around. It would be pretty rude of me to start pelting people with gold.
Hehe. Pelting people with gold. Rudely funny.
I’ll email you! And when we sit around a fire…I shall tell you again with dramatic hand gestures.
Jen, if anyone deserves an award it’s you! You give us gold nuggets of wisdom, frank incence, or incensed visions of life and how best to live it, and myrrh…or is it mirth? Whatever! You are simply one of the best writers I know. Congratulations. 🙂
Thank you so much, Cher! I couldn’t have done any of this without the Expats by my side.
I come home from an early dinner and I see your post. First congratulations! I’m so glad we found each other … and thank you for including me in your list. I just love the way you describe my blog … and you’re right my noodle is rather scrambled, but I hope in a good way 🙂 Love the other blogs you nominated and I’m especially curious about Firkroy … 🙂
Thanks! I was more than happy to pass this award to you, it’s 100% deserved. I’m glad I did your blog justice. Seriously, the thought of porno Betty White cougin’ it up has me in stitches.
Please do check out Firkroy. He’s THE MAN!
Jenn, You da man!
Figuratively speaking of course 🙂
Jerk?? Not hardly, there is nothing to forgive, and hey I’m mostly rock and roll. Garth Brooks and trucker songs make my eye twitch just before I loose my lunch.
Party on Jenn, and thanks for the inclusion!
Dan
Somehow I figured you were mostly rock n roll! It made me so happy to share this award with you…and to find out you didn’t think I was a jerk!