Who let the blogs out?

Welcome to Awards Show Sunday.

Shall I reveal my fancy frock? You better believe it. I absolutely love Carolina Herrera. I did a fundraiser with her company last year that was spectacular. So in her honor, from her Spring Collection I selected this gorgeous couture for the party tonight.

and I had to have these oh so pretty treats from Yves St. Laurent......

and, I am excited to debut my new fabulous cuff. Elsa Perretti for Tiffany. YUMM.

and I am wearing this...Badgley Mischka Eau de Parfum. I bought my first bottle years ago and I still love it. It smells like a combination of Old Hollywood Glam and sex appeal to me.

So, dames and gents, please mix yourself a tasty elixir, and let's get down to business.

I am impressed by the award giving from one blogger to another. I think recognition of one another builds a cohesiveness amongst us. And I am completely flattered when you share them with me. Thank you for your ongoing support and interest in what is happening with my blog. It is an awesome community to participate in...

And the envelopes please.....

Thank you so much Lee from at Your Couture Kid for another the dazzling Splash award.

And I really appreciate the Kreativ Blogger from Amanda at Cheap Wine and Cookies.

and from Jamie at Another Joyous Journey. You are awesome.

And a great Zombie Chicken from One Sassy Girl. Sassy and I are great blog pals.

Thank you Dan from Vacant Mind for the Lovely Blog award. So pretty.

The great I Love Your Blog award from Mammy Diaries. Thanks for the love, love!

Jenn at You know...that blog for the Love Ya! award bestowed upon blogs that are exceedingly charming. Love it! Thanks Jenn.

Big hug to Alexis at Running away? I'll help you pack for the hat trick of a Dragon Loyalty Award, Best Blog, and I give good blog. I hope you always think so.

Much appreciation to Baloney and Hyla at GreenEarthJourney for the Who loves you? and Best Blog Award.

And One Sassy Girl also debuted her amazing new award Pass the Sass. LOVE IT!

The gorgeous Your blog is fabulous! award from The Pink Polka Dot and Aly at Living My Story,With this comes 5 obsessions.

Big thanks to Tracie at StirFryAwesomeness, who is awesomeness, gave me another Honest Scrap. With this comes ten things you don't know about me.

The amazing Your Blog is Over the Top from Geez Louise, BuckarooMama, and ObladiOblada. Thank you all. With this comes a long list which requires one word answers only. Over the top? We are merely getting started, friends.

I am going to combine these awards. First, let's take a breath and pause for a quick sip.

Now, here are ten things you don't know about me:

1. One of the best vacations we have taken was to Cap Juluca in Anguilla. JohnnyMac suprised me. Incredible is an understatement.

2. I love Dane Cook. One of my favorite comedians.

3. One of the best books I read this year was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. And it is

probably one of the Top 20 best books I have read of all time.

4. I have removed my manuscript from the dusty placeholder in the garage and have someone who will begin editing it in December.

5. I love breakfast. Favorite meal of day. And I make a crazy good brioche stuffed french toast.

6. I wish people would not use the word retard. I volunteer with disabled kids and I know how AWFUL it is for moms and dads to hear people use that word so flippantly.

7. I got hit by a car riding my bike once. What was merely an accident for me was a parents nightmare when that call was placed to my Mom. I am SO lucky. Only a broken leg.

8. I had a big crush on a Country Singer after I met him. MEOW. I may allegedly still have a tiny residual crush to this day.

9. I was nominated as one of the Top Ten College Seniors at my University.

10. I started playing soccer when I was barely old enough to go to school. I started snow skiing not long after.

Now that we are done getting to know one another a little better, let's refresh and keep moving.

Thank you SO much Lee at Your Couture Kid and Leigh at LeighvsLaundry for the J'adore Tien Award. Tres fabuleux!

Thank you so much to Little Ms. Blogger for the PEEPSHOW (I should have been a stripper) Award. Peeps on poles...how hysterical. Alexis at Running away? I'll help you pack for the Blah Blah Blah Your Comments ROCK! And the Savage for the uber hot Your Blog is HOT award. He did the artwork himself.

And the pretty Loyal Friend and Reader Award from Laura at Vodka Logic. She is a great and loyal reader to me too. Thanks Laura!

Whew....let's take another break to sip on our concoctions.

Now. I have some amazing readers, commenters, and overall interested parties. There are SO many blogs deserving of awards. SO: I made a list of everyone who has commented this week. You all have given me some big love.

I love what we can learn about other people from the Honest Scrap so I am passing it to: Lee, Amanda, Baloney, One Sassy, Dan, Mammy, Alexis, Jenn from You Know...that Blog, Pink Polka Dot, Aly, Hyla, Little Ms. Blogger, Savage, Vodka Logic, Geez Louise, Obladi Oblada, Leigh, StirFry, BuckarooMama, and Jamie.

I am also passing on the Pass the Sass Award to some sassy commenters from last week:

Foxy from the Fox Den and ElastaMom and JenJen from Jen's Voices . Sassy thrives here.

And I am bestowing my own award.

The rules for the I give good blog award: No one really likes rules, do they? I shall make mine simple. Make a cocktail, pick out some of your favorite bloggers. Send this award to 4 of them. Tell them why you think they give good blog. There are SO many fascinating, witty, and fantastic bloggers; let's invite them all to the party.

Or you can just put it on your mantle and watch it sparkle. And if you think it sassy that I created my own Award, just consider it a grown up and virtual version of a friendship bracelet.

I am giving the I Give Good Blog award to those on the list above that have not received it from me yet: Jenn from You Know..., Pink Polka Dot, Geez Louise, BuckarooMama, Hyla, Obladi Oblada, StirFry, Dan, Amanda, and Jamie.

And I am also giving the I give good blog award to some other great bloggers. And again, this is a short list and by no means covers all of the awesome bloggers I have "met".

The Boob Nazi and Kathy at EmptyNester

Michael Rivers and Suzanne at Tales of Extraordinary Ordinariness

Barbaloot, Girl with Flour in her Hair and Sunshine Meg at Float On

ElastaMom, Mala at Mixed Nuts, Amanda at Small Acorns, and Cat Lady Larew

Susan at Warm Chocolate Milk and Jen at Harried Mom of Four, Charisse and Holly and LifeLaughLatte

Get your finery on, and join the party. THANK YOU. Have a fabulous Sunday Night.

Oh hot damn..this (blog) is my jam

I love blogging. It has become such an awesome part of my life. This is what happens when you mix one part humor, one part sass, one part memories, one part friendship, and one part hobby quasi part time job. And, oh, I have really enjoyed watching this little baby grow.

It would never be what it is today without you. Never. Thank you for your awesome support and interest.

And here is your invitation to the Sunday Night Awards Show. First, let me get something glorious to wear:
I borrowed this from Simone. Her closet is full of gorgeous frocks.
Oh, and I needed shoes so I bought these:

Now. Get your refreshments, guys and dolls, and let's give credit where credit is due:

Leigh at Leigh vs. Laundry is a doll. She opted to give me my first turn at receiving the I Give Good Blog award. I have a particular affinity for that one, and as she stated, there is no rule someone can't give it to me. Excellent point.

And Matthew in his new digs at AbodeOneThree and JenJen at Jen's Voices, gave my award to me too. Thank you! I will say I was truly touched by what both of you wrote.

Thank you Viv at V Spot for another Superior Scribbler Award! Love it. And thank you for your great comments about my blog as well.

And awesome Lauren at Sanity Sold Separately gave me this bejeweled sparkler:

Angie at Just Shy of a Y sent me an awesome Pay It Forward. In the mail, I received a fab box full of goodies. LOVE THEM. Two of my favorite products were in that box. Thanks Angie!

And Theta Mom for another beautiful SPLASH award. She awarded this to blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you. WOW! Thanks Theta Mom. I am flattered.

Thank you DustJacketAttic for this simply gorgeous award!
And beautiful girl Ju from Double Trouble gave me the Zombie Chicken Award. The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. This is so fantastic Ju! Thank you!
Thank you for the great Circle of Friends Award from Brownies for My Breakfast.And to the wonderful Tamara Hart Heiner at Chasing Dreams, thank you for the Lemonade Award! The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that demonstrates gratitude or a great attitude. Awww...I love that!

Whew....sip break....shall we continue? Indeed. ShopGirl at Iheartmyshoes wrote a post about my blog. SO cool and thanks for the spotlight!

And Jules at Mean Girl Garage tagged me in a Summer Favorites meme. Thanks Jules! I am going to include some of my summer favorites in conjunction with:

Nancy's awesome gift to me...F8hasit gave me another Honest Scrap Award. With this comes ten more things about me you just couldn't wait to know.

Let me once again combine details and here are 10 very relevant things about me...

1. The very first time I sang on stage was at Sloppy Joe's in Key West. I sang Margaritaville. And the lead singer gave me $1.00 so I could rightfully say I had my first paid gig. Apparently off key meant off Key West to me. Off key meant a little something to everyone who had to listen to me that day. Margaritaville in soprano = bad news.

2. My favorite summer cocktail: The Honey Pear Martini

3. My favorite summer song: Mutiple. But Move If You Wanna is one fave. I love a song that makes me want to shake my can-can.

4. I am still blown away sometimes that JohnnyMac and I made a little person. Regardless of how technologically advanced our society becomes, we still bring people into the world the same way they did since the beginning of time. And seeing a little person, a little person you created, can be awe-inspiring and humbling at the same time.

5. I got caught cheating once in college. U-g-l-y. And I had no alibi.

6. I have one tattoo. It is tiny and on the inside of my ankle. Back in the day I wanted the tat on the lower back. Long before it was called "tramp stamp" or "b*tch badge" but I never got it and am not a bit remorseful about that either.

7. I learned the entire Abbey Road album word for word by the time I was seven thanks to my Father. I still remember listening to it with him as a kid. It is amazing now to listen to the Beatles with our two year old and listen to him request songs like Here comes the sun. However, we only let him listen to the "before heavily enjoying hallucinogenics" phase of the Beatles' career.

8. I love to make my own stationary. I love photography and make cards from the pics I take. I could spend a lot of time in Hobby Lobby and Michael's. I made all of my wedding Save the Dates and Programs. I absolutely loved them.

9. Some poetry I wrote got published in college. Pretty exciting for me at that time. I should have kept in great touch with that Publisher because my lonely manuscript lives an unrequited life in the garage.

10. A woman I have tremendous respect for sent me this note on my birthday. It made my day, made me cry, and made me humble all at the same time.

You are a wonderful, generous, inspiring woman and I am so happy to know you. Meeting you was definitely one of my best work experiences, and I will always be grateful for that. You are such a magnificent mom, wife, and human being, and one of the few women I consider a true role model. And super model! =) I am sending you big wishes for your best year yet!

I certainly thanked her for her words, but it is a constant reminder that you can impact people's lives positively, or negatively. It is a choice.

On with more recognition:

So Nancy, Jules, Viv, Matthew, JenJen, Leigh: Thank you for your support. You all have received the I give good blog award already. So, I am giving all of you the Super Comments Award. I won this award before and can whole-heartedly bestow it upon all of you.

PeachTart, One Sassy Girl, and LaLaLa Leah: I am also giving all of you this Super Comments Award as well. And for all these dames: Peach, Sassy, Leah, Nancy, Jules, Viv, JenJen, Leigh (Sorry Matthew) I am also sharing DustJacket's I think your an awesome girl award. You go home tonight double-fisting.

DustJacket, Tamara, Theta Mom, Lauren, Ju, Brownies, Angie, ShopGirl: I am giving all of you the Super Comments Award.

AND the I give good blog award. You go home tonight with two in hand as well.

The rules for the I give good blog award: No one really likes rules, do they? I shall make mine simple. Make a cocktail, pick out some of your favorite bloggers. Send this award to 4 of them. Tell them why you think they give good blog. There are SO many fascinating, witty, and fantastic bloggers; let's invite them all to the party.

Or you can just put it on your mantle and watch it sparkle.

And if you think it sassy that I created my own Award, just consider it a grown up and virtual version of a friendship bracelet.

And I am also giving the I give good blog award to some other great bloggers. And again, this is a short list and by no means covers all of the awesome bloggers I have "met".

Get your finery on, and join the party:

Scrappy Girl

Intense Guy

Lee the Hot Flash Queen

Living on the Spit

Lopez

Carma Sez

Jen at Buried with Children

Live.Love.Eat

Smell the Coffee Lisa

Dumbwit Tellher

Char at Ramblins

Jules at Night Notes on Napkins

Youngbloods4Ever

Alexis AKA Mom at Running Away? I'll help you pack

Sitting on the Mood Swing at the Playground

Kim at One Foot in Front of the Other

Mandy at Life After 30

M-Cat

Shorty at Securityville

McVal at SewNotMyDay

Leah Rubin at Funny is the New Young

and Little Ms Baker at Pink Sugar Desserts for that awesome recipe yesterday.


WOW.....I think the orchestra is about to play. Have a great Sunday. Thanks for joining me for the Awards Show.

Cheers! JennyMac

You give blog a good name

Before I invited you here, I paid a visit to DustJacket Attic to borrow a glamorous frock.

Ta Da.

Why? Because I have been awarded and when receiving awards, and hosting the Awards after-party, one must have a fabulous red gown. And some cocktails.

Aren't Sundays always the day for Awards parties? Indeed.

Now that we are properly attired, and shall soon be hydrated, I want to give some blog thanks and gratitude. Awards shows are always long...take your patience pill.

I really appreciate every reader and every comment. I feel like I know you even though we have never met. At times, I relay stories about you, your blogs, or your comments to JohnnyMac like I am talking about friends I have known forever. You do give blog a good name.

I read a blog last week indicating that blog awards and memes are silly. And stupid. If you agree, check out now. Because I think any time someone acknowledges you or your blog, it is a testament to you, and your writing. I value this blogging circle being built and appreciate you for injecting it with so much positivity. And I absolutely love writing. My writing is finding a home.

I have been the honored recipient of some great awards. Before I turn into a pumpkin, I want to acknowledge them. Get a drink, we have some ground to cover.

Aubrey at Made You Blush was kind enough to give me another Honest Scrap Award. With this comes another ten things I have never told anyone.

Viv at The V Spot gave me this treasure. Your Blog is F*cking Fabulous. And she even used the PG version. Thank you Viv. With this comes 5 obsessions.

Thank you Sarah at The Fox Den and Little Ms Blogger and La La La Leah for another Lovely Blog award. And Leah, even when you already have one, getting another is actually a very great feeling so thank you! I appreciate SouthernChampagneWishes for the beautiful Splash Award. So pretty. The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. Thank you SCW!

And PJ from Seens from the Back of My Eyelids created an award for me. Shazam! Its awesome.

Big thanks to LadyTruth and GreenEyedMomster for the Super Comments Award. You are both fabulous.

Melissa B, The Scholastic Scribe, donned me with her award. And wonderful AmyK from Life's Not a Cruise sent the same award to me this week. Awesome!

Jen from JensRantings and Nancy from F8hasit gave me the Premium MeMe. Thank you both.This includes listing 7 of your personality traits. The Caped Tirader gave me a nod as well for the same list so I appreciate it (and welcome back from Ireland. Go look at his pics.)

EmFabulousFunshine tagged me in the "I've come to realize" meme which includes 36 things I have come to realize. Her list was fantastic.

The lovely Nora Johnson and Eve tagged me in two book memes. I love to read so thank you both.

Cherie at This Side of Town gave me a darling Cupcake Award. SO cute.

And big thanks to Rebecca Knight: Writer in Progress for the awesome Kreativ Blogger Award. This also includes 7 things about me you might not know.

And a curtsy and bow to Constructive Attitude at Symphonic Discord for not one, not two, not three, but FOUR awards: The Vespa Blog Friendship Award, the Love Ya Award, the Adorable Blog Award, and the Best Blogging Buddies Award. This is awesome!

Whew....please hold, I need a sip.

I am going to condense the information from all of these awards into ten very relevant things about me:

1. It is my dream to sing the National Anthem at a major sporting event.
2. I am intimidated by nothing. With the exception: I might take a bullet before handling snakes.

Want to hear some prissy screaming? Surprise with me a slitherer.
3. I am loyal to a point of fierceness. Think lion. Very close.
4. I met a famous man at a party. He was such a prick I acted like I had never heard of him. He could NOT believe I had not heard of him. Of course I had. However, NO ONE should say things like "You seriously have never heard of me?" At one point I asked if he was on Saved by the Bell. He was salty after that. Bye bye arsehole.
5. Feeling homesick at times isn't limited only to children.

6. I got in the middle of a dog fight once. Shudder. But one of the dogs was mine. I was terrified for her. Talk about adrenaline.
7. I once danced in a cage at a bar in Chicago.
8. I was invited to join Mensa.
9. Social injustice is intolerable to me. I want to save people from heartbreaking circumstances. And Life has dealt some people a hard hand. I have cried innumerable times due to what I have read in the news or in magazines of hurt and anguish caused by human cruelty.
10. I once smoked a cigar at a black tie function. I also took a nap shortly thereafter in the car because of it. Apparently I was quite unschooled in the toxicity and buzz load a cigar packs. WOW.

Moving on:

Big bravo to Supah D...she made a comment on my 6th month-half-Blog Bday giveaway the one entitled, I give good blog, that I should make it an award. Well. I did.

This awards bash is also the inaugural I give good blog party. Wear your tiaras with pride, dames and gent, you deserve it. Envelopes please.... the first recipients of the Let's have a cocktail I give good blog awards are:

Aubrey, Viv, Sarah, Little Ms., Leah, SouthernChampagne, LadyTruth, GreenEyed, Jen, Nancy, Caped Tirader, PJ, Melissa, Amy, EmFabulous, Rebecca, Constructive, and Supah D.

The rules: No one really likes rules, do they? I shall make mine simple. Make a cocktail, pick out some of your favorite bloggers. Send this award to 4 of them. Tell them why you think they give good blog. There are SO many fascinating, witty, and fantastic bloggers; let's invite them all to the party.

Or you can just put it on your mantle and watch it sparkle.

And if you think it sassy that I created my own Award, just consider it a grown up and virtual version of a friendship bracelet.

And, in the spirit of giving, I read through the past several days stockpile of comments. And laughed out loud many times. Again. And I elect to give the I give good blog award to a few other friends. Come join the dance party.

Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy
HalfAsstic
Tammy Howard
Blue Violet at Nut in a Nutshell
Emily at Powell Power
Mommy Mac at KMac Creations
B.o.b
JJ in LA
Intense Guy
Simply Mel
Pooba
Sheila at Ma Vie Folle
Alicia at It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy
Jules at Mean Girl Garage
Lisa and Laura Write
Simone at The Bottom of the Ironing Basket

Lady Di and Amy at Daily Doses of Mama Drama
Something Happening Somewhere Turning
Kristina P at Pulsipher Predilections

Wow...that is a roll call. And since I took this list from recent comments, this by no means excludes a long list of other bloggers I find SuperFly TNT.

You all make me laugh. So often. From the comments, to your own blog fodder, you have style. You have verve. And your varying personalities remind me of some of the great people I have known throughout my life. Bravo to you.

And the beauty of creating an award? I can disperse on my own free will. After all, I hope I always give good blog too.

More awards to come. Cheers.

Take A Bite Of: Boston Cream Cupcakes with Godiva Ganache

Oh, sinful goodness that can be yours by this afternoon. The reason for my chocolatey sensation? Its a way of celebrating today.

Why am I celebrating? Because, I am an "Award Winning" blogger.

My gratitude to The Peach Tart for my MAJOR award, and to I Love Brownies for another Honest Scrap award, and to Ms. Lee at I Want to Make That for giving me a Lovely Blog award. And what better way to celebrate awards then with cupcakes? Well, yes, there are other ways but we can get to the cocktails later. Buon Appetito!

Boston Cream Cupcakes with Godiva Ganache

Custard Filling:
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Cupcakes:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
6 large egg yolks, at room temperature

Ganache Frosting:
2/3 cup heavy cream
5 bars (1.5 oz each) Godiva® Solid Dark Chocolate, finely chopped

Make Filling: (Prepare at least 2 hours or up to 1 day in advance.)
1. Whisk together 1/4 c. milk with cornstarch until smooth. Add 3 egg yolks and whisk until blended. Set aside.

2. Combine remaining 3/4 cup milk and 1/3 cup sugar in small heavy saucepot and heat to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk half of milk mixture into egg yolk mixture. Return mixture to pan. Heat to a boil. Simmer gently for 1 minute, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, vanilla extract and 1/8 tsp salt. Transfer filling to a covered container and refrigerate for several hours until thickened and completely cool.

Make Cupcakes:
1. Position oven rack in center of oven. Heat oven to 350°F. Line muffin cups with paper liners or grease muffin cups and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons flour; tapping out excess.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl; set aside.

3. Place 1 1/4 c. sugar in small bowl. Scrape out vanilla bean seeds into sugar with a small knife. Mix to distribute seeds in sugar; set aside.

4. In medium bowl beat butter and sugar mixture with electric mixer at medium-high speed about 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add 6 egg yolks, two at time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture in 3 additions. Beat until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.

5. Reserve approx 2 cups of batter. Spoon remaining batter evenly into prepared muffin cups. Make a slight well in center of each filled muffin cup using the back of a teaspoon. Add about 2 T. of custard filling over each filled muffin cup using a pastry bag or small ice cream scoop. Completely cover filling with reserved batter.

6. Bake cupcakes in two batches, for 22 to 24 minutes or until tops are golden brown and set. Cool cupcakes in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack.

Make Frosting:
1. In small saucepot, add cream and heat to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and add chocolate. Whisk until chocolate is completely melted and set aside.

2. Using small angled spatula spread about 2 T. of frosting in an even layer over top of each cupcake. Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes to set frosting. Serve at room temperature. And be sure to save one for me.

Scrappy...and getting awarded for it.

Jen the mastermind behind Jen's Voices sent me my first Blog Award. Honest Scrap for honest blogging. I am honored. Let's just say, I was a bit scrappy back in the day so I like the name. If the blog award fits, wear it.

I would like to thank the Academy...
ergh...wrong speech.

But Jen, thank you. So here is the lowdown. The Honest Scrap” award is one you receive and then bestow on others.

First, the recipient has to tell 10 true things about themselves in their blog that no one else knows. (Good luck with that...since we are all so secretive and shy.)

Second, the recipient annoints ten other bloggers with this prestigious award and advises them of their famed status. They in turn give you a proper nod for recognizing their brilliance, and then pass the award along.

To get this party started, here are ten magical things you just couldn't wait to know:

1. I love to bake and the people in my office pine for any and all of my baked goods. Seriously. I get requests from people for their birthdays. But I love it. I will be the first to tell you if something I made needs work or is a-ma-zing.

2. I despise meatloaf. It looks like a slice of meat bread. No further comment needed nor can I think of one redeemable thing about this dish. Perhaps it has nutrients. I wouldn't know. I used to call it nucleur waste and carry on every time my Mom made it. Oh, I could have been your daughter but she was the lotto winner.

3. I was a competitive dancer in my youth.

4. I sang "Heat of the Moment" on stage with Asia in front of 15,000 fans (theirs..not mine). It was fan-f'ing-tastic. Rockstar status if only for one night. No, not back up. Lead mic.

5. I miss my dog, Nixon. Terribly. I saw a boxer at the park last weekend. I was running by and when I saw that familiar back-end shake boxers all seem to do, it made me cry. She passed years ago but it might as well have been last night for how sensitive I still am about her.

6. I used to know all the words the song "Life is Too Short." As in every word verbatim. CLASSY. I know. And I say "used to" in order to make it appear less wretched.

7. I went to a private party at Edinburgh Castle. I pinched myself it was that good. Had picture texts been all the rage then, OH what fun that would have been. Ummm..on second thought, perhaps everything need not be photographed. BUT, I would have been in the bathroom at least once that night for 20 mins sending messages at lightening speed.

8. I was a Rhodes Scholar nominee. Did not reveal # 6.

9. I auditioned for The Apprentice. Did not reveal #6 then either.

10. I still keep a mental "Top Five" list of hot men I would automatically get to enjoy a tryst with given the opportunity and regardless of JohnnyMac's permission merely entertain a pretend rendezvous. A new phenomenon? Oh no, its a recycled idea circa 2001 from your friends Monica and Ross Geller. On my list? Oh...that's not part of the share.

Now, selecting others to win the award is easy, and its hard. Easy because there are so many thought-provoking bloggers who make me laugh, think, and sometimes even cry. And it is hard because you have to pick a narrow list and there are more great bloggers than ten.

And I want to thank SamsMama and Jen's Rantings and B. at La Belle (see above) for giving me MORE awards this past week including this awesome block for my blog. You all rock me like a hurricane.
How to choose? I employed a very scientific method of selection. My variables? I will never tell. With each award you win, you get to give away between 7 - 15 more awards. So, with about 47 to dish out, I am giving both Honest Scrap and the first round of Best Blog Awards today. Winners, do with them what you will.

A diverse selection whom I enjoy visiting thoroughly, and hope you will too. There are more than 10 here but consider it me still talking even though the orchestra started playing. And there is fine print on the awards themselves that I may couple them and distribute as necessary. Oh, there's no fine print? There is now. Lawyers find loopholes.

And the prize(s) go to:

Lisa and Laura Write: sass in sisterhood meets mad writing skills
La Belle Mere UK: hysterical writing meets tales of a StepMom
Dustjacket Attic: style meets art through gorgeous photographs (I think she will do an incredibly interesting take on the 10 things to share.)
Mean Girl Garage: brilliance meets comedy
Mo Mad Dog Stoneskin: razorlike wit meets honest takes on life
Mandy Life After 30: fun meets humor meets the great girl next door
The Walking Man: genuine meets creativity meets poetry
The Triplet Crown: pure heart meets triplets
Mom in High Heels: fab meets more fab
The Bad Ass Geek: smart meets interesting
The Peach Tart: brains meets bold

Shall we celebrate? By all means. Name the place. I will bring the cocktails. And for the remaining awards I get to bequeath? More annointing, on its way.