A “Getting to Know You” Blog Hop!
Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend….mine was incredibly relaxing and just a little bit productive…..the perfect combination! I’m excited today to be part of a Q&A blog hop with a fabulous group of bloggers – all of whom contribute to one of the same blogs I do: Or So She Says. We’ll all be answering the same 10 questions – some blog related and some not – for a little something different! I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about me today….and I hope you’ll stop in to learn a little bit about some other bloggers (and maybe even find some new ones to follow)!
Q: What inspired you to start your blog (or shop?)
A: I started Lemon Tree Dwelling a few years after quitting my job as a Campus Minister at an all girls’ Catholic high school. I was a stay at home mom of 3 and I really missed having opportunities to CREATE, something that was a big part of my job and an important part of who I am. I wanted (needed!) something that was just mine, apart from my husband and kids. My friend Lisa, who blogs over at Wine & Glue, had recently started a blog and I saw how happy it was making her. I wanted that! She helped me get started, and has continued to help me along the way, and I have never felt as “at home” in my work as I do now. I {heart} blogging!
Q: What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about blogging?
A: My favorite thing about blogging is that it nurtures me, both in my creativity and my desire to connect. My wheels are always turning, coming up with new recipe ideas….and I have connected with so many awesome people since I started Lemon Tree Dwelling! My least favorite thing? Trying to keep up with everything….there’s more to it than I ever would have thought!!! Oh – and comparing myself to other bloggers. That NEVER goes well. 🙂
Q: Tell me with only 20 words, 20 things you love.
A: Family, friends, LIFE, faith, coffee, music, vacations, writing, basil, wine, hosting, motherhood, sushi, connecting, running, photography, fruit, salads, cooking, blogging!
Q: What is the one recipe you are most often asked to share? Please share it with us!
A: Funny…..people in my life don’t ask me for recipes as much as they ask me to make things! I guess that’s what it is to be a food blogger, huh? One of my most requested recipes is my Blueberry Monkey Bread…..and I must admit, it’s DELICIOUS!
Q: 5 favorite beauty products, right now… what are they?
A: I’m SO low maintenance when it comes to beauty products. Here goes: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm, Herbal Essences Naked Shampoo & Conditioner, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Q: What’s your personal mantra(s)? Something you tell yourself on a regular basis?
A: This too shall pass. I love this quote because it’s a great reminder that life is fleeting – both the good AND the bad! When things are difficult, it makes me feel better to remember that it won’t last forever. And when things are great, it’s so important to remind myself to take it in and be grateful.
Q: What movie made you laugh more than any other?
A: This one honestly has me stumped. Ok – so I’m really not a movie person. I never pay enough attention to anything we’re watching….because I’m always doing something else at the same time! I’m going to go with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (?) I had to look at a list of romantic comedies to come up with that…..feel free to throw things!!
Q: If you could recommend one family vacation, what would it be?
A: I would honestly recommend a simple getaway house…..nothing fancy…..just a place to relax and be together. We’ve been renting a house with my family for the last four years and it’s so nice (most of the time – ha!) to have the chance to spend a few days together, rather than just a few hours. I have no doubt that the memories we are creating there will be some of our kids most treasured memories from their childhood!
Q: What goals are you currently working on?
A: In blogging – photography. ALWAYS photography. In life – being present to my kids, patience (that’s a big one), prioritizing, being my best self in all areas……
Q: Please share links to 3 blog posts (or items from your shop) that are special to you (or favorites of yours), and explain why.
A: Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies – this was my first recipe to “go viral” and it’s STILL the most pinned recipe on my blog (273K pins!!)
Strawberry Pie – this is a recipe I got from my mom….and recipe I grew up on! NOTHING beats Fresh Strawberry Pie in the summertime!
Sunrise Cupcakes – I made these cupcakes for a surprise virtual baby shower for Lisa…..the one who helped me start this whole thing! We’ve been through a lot together…and this post holds great meaning for me.
Get to know my fellow contributor friends too! They have fantastic blogs that will keep you pinning all day. (There are just a couple that couldn’t participate in the blog hop, but pay them a visit anyway. You’ll be glad you did! :))
Participating Blogs:
Additional Contributors (not in blog hop):
Also….stay tuned for a FABULOUS giveaway from all of us….coming soon!!
[email protected]+Or+so+she+says... says
Thanks so much for being my awesome contributor! You’re sooo talented. Pinned every recipe you mentioned. They all sound amazing. I can’t believe you think you need to work on photography. What?!? You’re pictures are awesome! I need to work on not being so lazy with my pictures. I can only handle pulling out so many props, setting up backdrops, etc. You’re awesome!
Veronica says
OK! Blueberry Monkey Bread?!?! Are you serious?!?! I can’t wait to try it! And I agree with Mariel…your photos are beautiful!
Melissa says
Okay, that monkey bread looks amazing! I’ve got to try that. It was really fun getting to know you better through the Blog Hop! You are super talented.
Jana says
I tried a mini blueberry monkey bread at a bakery in my small town a couple of months ago and fell in love!! I’ve been wanting to recreate it since then, so I’m excited to see your recipe that I can try! It was fun getting to know more about you and your blog Cathy!