Sunshine Blogger Award

I was thrilled when Lebert contacted me for the “Sunshine Blogger Award”. So happy that you like my recipes and the “extra” “EXTRA” NEWS! Nothing gives me more joy. I treasure your appreciation. Thank you Lebert at –> weighted vest-and-weighted-shorts. (wordpress)

The Rules for the nominations-
1 Thank the blogger who nominated you and links back to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the award and write them 11 further questions.
4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or your blog.

Thank you Lebert for emailing me the questions . As follows:

  1. Why did you start blogging?
  2. How and why did you choose the name Simply Splendid Food?
  3. Do I need a legal statement on my blog and how do I write one?
  4. How do you get people to read your posts?
  5. What do you think about social networking?
  6. How did you get over 3,000 followers?
  7. Are you going to make an e-book of your recipes?
  8. How would people find your recipes, if they are not on social media?
  9. Do you blog strategically?
  10. What tools do you have to get people to sigh up to your blog?
  11. How much time do you devote to your blog?

Answers

  1. I chose WordPress for my blog after investigating a few blogging sites. Reuters is on WordPress. It was an easy format. Very Flexible and easy to understand!
  2. The name Simply Splendid Food relays how I feel  about food. I like simple foods that taste great. I do not want to slave in the kitchen. I am a big fan of the freezer. I like making food that I can serve another day. That is ideal!
  3. You only need a legal statement once you start selling something and making money. “Money Back Guarantee” is a good one. It is not critical for foodies to add disclaimers, policies, and terms. To get a legal statement go to other foodie blogs and large companies to get advice.
  4. First, your blog must be something you are passionate about. Have a clear audience in mind. It will make it a lot easier to write for them. Additionally, make sure you’re collecting email addresses on your blog posts to keep your readers engaged with you. You can create relevant freebies. I share my post on facebook, twitter and pinterest. There are new social sites like TicToc that is getting great notice. 
  5. Social sites are here to stay. Promote your posts/recipes on Pinterest, Facebook Groups, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and LinkedIn. Automation is your best friend – invest your time in social media schedulers to help you out. Use Tailwind to schedule your Pinterest and/or Instagram posts and use SmarterQueue to schedule the rest. Planoly is another great option for Instagram. NOTE: Some of these are gone. Google+ has dissolved. New social sites are coming all the time.
  6. A lot of my followers I got during COVID lockdown. If you want to become an influencer yourself, download this free 22-page book on: How To Become An Instagram Influencer. You can get more tips from the internet -Just ASK! Short videos are the biggest draw today. LinkedIn is very reputable as a place to grow.
  7. E-Books: This is a great option because you can give it as a freebie to your subscribers. Also, sell your e-book on Amazon. I have not decided how to share my recipe book -yet. I would probably sell it  for an modest amount and donate the proceeds to my treasured charity –> Toronto Sick Kids Hospital.
  8. I believe in “Givers Gain”. You look for sites with great recipe and great post.  Connect with others. The pacificparatrooper site I always read. It is not all about food. Also, try your best to get featured on sites like the Huff Post or other authoritative publications such as LadyBossBlogger to build your authority and online credibility. Contact with someone you like to build a connection and start a dialogue. You never know where it will take you!
  9. My recipes are seasonal. I have followers around the world. England, Australia, Finland and Eastern countries.
  10. To get people to ‘follow’ or sign up to your blog is really by chance. I have not used these methods but here goes–> https://ladybossblogger.com/5-ways-to-get-people-to-sign-up-for-your-email-list/
  11. Tools to get people to sign up to your blog: I would say I spend at least 1-2 hours a day, but if you have more time, devote as much time and as many resources to it as possible. The harder you work on it, the better you get in time!

SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD

The People’s Choice ‘Sunshine’ Award – For Bloggers

The “SUNSHINE BLOGGER” is a Peer to Peer Nomination. A peer recognition of inspiring, creative and motivational work. Friends tell me ..oh, add ‘this recipe’ on your blog. Or – do you have any quinoa recipes that my son would like? Quinoa TACO. I am glad to get recognition for my contribution to the “FOODIE” world. Thank You Everyone! 🥂 Remember, this is a peer to peer award. No one else is involved -just other bloggers.

Hope you join in (spreading the sunshine) and give a nod to 11 of your favorite blogger people!

  1. I would like to nominate: https://styleyourdiet.com/blog/. A refreshing look at various nutritional needs. The author is a dietician and a very good writer!
  2. vegottawa.org You might guess, it is about vegan foods and other plant lovers
  3. Cookingwithoutalergens. This is a truly inspiring blog.
  4. MaryaReports: 12 Natural Hair Treatments You Can Do at Home Today is a great article. Full of healthy hair care. Something I have neglect..and will no longer.
  5. greentau.org is about saving out planet. Thoughts from Judith Russenberger
  6. Humble Soul https://humblesoullifeofajuicer.wordpress.com/ Life of a juicer. Interesting thoughts on KETO eating patterns and more.
  7. How Food Heals:- https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/134499357
  8. Magicandbeauty>https://magicandbeauty.blog/ has a lot of great ideas. Very forward thinking.
  9. A Truth Seekers Journal is so well written you can easily identify your own angst. /https://truthseekersjournal.life/2022/09/19/on-comfort-zone/
  10. The Art of HOW TO https://artofhowto.com/ is motivating. Helping you get around the rough corners of life. I think we as a whole are more concerned about ourselves after this pandemic that kept us buttoned down for a little over 2 years. Need a bit of inspiration? Find out how to?
  11. I am a big fan of AmericaOnCoffee.blog –> AOL I really like their music selections. Right now they are featuring Bob Marley. Yes, they do have fantastic coffees from around the world. Many writers and many ideas. Put a little sunshine in your coffee please!

CREATIVE Blogger Award

How Kind!
Thank you to Stephen over at TillsVisaLaw for the nomination.
I was truly surprised and thrilled that someone took the time to nominate me for this award! In our community of bloggers, I am always amazed and humbled that even one person takes the time to read what I type. To be nominated for such makes me smile! The award comes with a few guidelines and in the true spirit of the creative ‘ blog’ award  ‘‘sharing is a good thing …and pass the blessing on to others.

Award Rules:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself.
3. Nominate some bloggers in return and notify them about their nomination.
4. Notify bloggers that you included.
5. Keep the rules in your post to make it easy for everyone to know what to do.

FIVE FACTS ABOUT MYSELF
1. True Foodie: I am part of the ‘Foodie’ circle of trust. You don’t have to eat at expensive restaurants to be a ‘true’ foodie.  It just happens. My revelation was when I was 3  years old. It was Christmas time. Our family arrived for the festivities at the grandparents house. The table was set with white tablecloth, polished silverware and fine china gleaming below the sparkling chandelier.  I remember the white cake at the end of the meal. Moist with creamy whipped icing, as light as a feather. Every mouthful was celestial.  I will always remember that divine cake for the rest of my life. So moist and tasty – I still cherish the thought.  It was my first introduction to  the “FOODIE” world.  Note: My grand mother was a chef on an ocean liner.
2. Favorite Things: Reading in the still of the day/night with a cozy blanket and fluffy pillow. Sipping hot cocoa or soup on a chilly day. Watching a good movie that moves me; clever, joyful or a tearjerker.  It’s all good! Movies based on a true story are extra good.
3.Reading And  Writing About Food: I like to explore new recipes and examine the nutritional value of various foods. I embrace classic recipes that are so good. Learning great new ways of preparing  ‘carrot’  fries is so innovative. They taste very good and you can say you are eating fries. Having fun with food is delicious too.
4. Born To Be Wild:  I was born in Turku, Finland. One of the oldest cities that  erupted from the Medieval Times.  Turku was designated the European Capital of Culture for 2011. In 1996, it was declared the official Christmas City of Finland with its cobblestone streets, Aura River and seaport. It has it all. I am proud of my roots in Finland.

Floating restaurants on the Aura River in cental Turku. Photograph: Seilo Ristimaeki/Iloinen Liftari Oy

5. Joy in Life:  The ‘Joy’ of Cooking! A catchy title, n’est pas. That about sums it up. I am still learning and searching. The joy in cooking…yes indeed. Making that unforgettable salad dressing that everyone asks about (coming soon) is a real gift! I am here to share my joys with you and read about your joys …in life and cooking!

CREATIVE BLOGGER NOMINATIONS
1. conorbofin.com
Conor’s pictures and presentations are a foodie bloggers dream. People steal his pictures for their publications. How rude! (But, the highest compliment!)
2. backroadjournal.com
I like reading about the places traveled by this blogger and the great meals Karen shares with us along the way.
3. Cindyknoke.com
Pictures of nature are breathe taking. Cindy is not a one shot wonder. Her latest polar bears are 5 or 6 shot wonders as you watch them play.
Wonder-ful!
4. pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com
I found this blog an started following it. I was so surprised how interesting the stories are – from real people – that share their own archives. I am corresponding with an American (armed forces) in Libya. It is another world.
5. frugalhousefrau.com
Molly’s oven baked eggs – Hotel Eggs – recipe is very creative. Molly’s entire blog is so creative.  Her latest grape BBQ sauce reminded me when I made oven “baked” wings. In a pinch, I brushed the wings with home made grape jelly – fabulous!
6. Photofinlandrantasalot.wordpress.com
I like to see the season’s change and a photographer that does not show touristy pictures. Real life in the backyard is very good and their Tuxedo cat is cool too.
7. dinnerwithjulie.com
Very creative! This recipe (link) is about how to use yogurt or sour cream as it just passes the expiry date. Pretty good!
8. americaoncoffee.com
visited Zanzibar for their “spicy” beverages and local atmosphere.  Here, live bands singing Queen songs on weekends  (hometown hero Freddie Mercury, who was born in Zanzibar in 1946. )
9. goodgriefcooks.com
celebrates life. I encourage you to watch Lisa on TEDx Talk. (this link) A powerful message with chocolate chip  cookies.
10. myfavoritepastime.com
Did you know Lima beans were toxic unless you soak them in water? How about adding quick oats to your meatball mix?
Very creative!
There are so many other blogs that are very creative. I search for the hidden gems where true foodies live. They may not have 4,000 followers, but, have a wealth of information. I am so lucky to find these gems and enrich my life.

Blogger Recognition Award

blogger-recognition-award-badgeI can’t not tell you how excited I was to read that Tamara from The Purple Almond nominated me for the blogger recognition award. If you’re not following The Purple Almond yet, then you don’t know what you’re missing. She is one of the most genuine and lovely healthy  ‘foodie’ lifestyle bloggers out there. Go check her out! This means so much to me and I feel so blessed that someone recognized all the hard work and time that I’ve been putting into this blog.

My blogging Journey

I would say that I am a pretty creative person and I express my creativity in many different ways . One creative outlet that I hadn’t previously explored is blogging. I’ve been enjoying blogging, reading others blogs, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me. I have a passion for healthy eating. I followed great chefs and enjoy writing about them.  I have discovered great and wonderful blogs from many new fellow blogging friends. I enjoy interacting with my “dear readers”! I love getting new comments and likes on my posts. It’s such a thrill!

Advice for bloggers

curiosityPassion is the key to life and to blogging. Advice for new bloggers is to write about what you have a feverish passion to do. If you enjoy blogging about something you really enjoy, it is not tedious or a chore to do. The other piece of advice is to read and follow other blogs. Your curiosity will lead you to meeting glorious and wonderful people out there, all over the world.

Nominate 15 bloggers.

I nominate all of you beautiful followers and non-followers. Enjoy your Recognition Blogger Award, and let me know if you choose to accept it!

(1) https://thebackyardlemontree.com/
(2) https://www.conorbofin.com/
(3) https://infinitebelly.com/
(4) backroadjournal.wordpress.com
(5) https://kelliesfoodtoglow.com
(6) https://frugalhausfrau.com/
(7) https://cindyknoke.com/
(8) https://ronitpenso.wordpress.com/
(9) https://currylives.wordpress.com/
(10)http://cookazido.com/
(11)https://photofinland.wordpress.com/
(12)https://elsaswholesomelife.wordpress.com/
(13)https://snapshotsincursive.com/
(14)https://fabulousfaresisters.com/
(15)https://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com/

Make sure to check these blogs. They are definitely worth the visit. Again thank you so much to Tamara for this amazing honor. Such a great start to the day!curiosity1-copy

One Lovely Blog Award: Thank you

I really appreciate your recognition of my Foody Blog for the One Lovely Blog Award.  Big thanks to Jade Mihalica and Grubtastic for adding Simply Splendid Food to their Top Ten List. Please accept my sincere thanks. I want you to know that I appreciate it very much!
one-lovely-blog-award-badge1

Here are 7 things that I’m sharing about myself (in no particular order) to fulfill my nomination requirement:
1.  My birthplace is Turku, Finland. (oldest city in Finland ~former capital)
2.  Cooking is my joy! I experience new cuisines that  I re-create at home, adding my own spin.
3.  A board member of classical music performance groups in Toronto, ON, Canada.
4.  Friends have suggested I write a cookbook because they enjoy my culinary delights and all my food tips. Some chefs guard their methods and secrets. I am delighted to share gastronomical tips and my food adventures.  My blog will be the basis of an e-book. Proceeds going to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
5.  While I am not blogging, I am a dental surgeon.
6.  I spent decades sailing and skiing. I returned to skiing this year and will share my favorite ski-day (snow day) foods with you.
7. My philosophy in life is summed up in a quote from Audrey Hepburn, “Life is a party. Dress for it.”Dressed up’ food is the highest compliment to you and your family and friends.

My birthplace: Turku, Finland, The Capital of Culture.

My birthplace: Turku, Finland, The Capital of Culture.

I need to select a few One Lovely Blog nominations of my own to fulfill the award requirements. It is hard to limit my favorite food blogs to only 10 selections. However, a good opportunity to share a few fantastic food blogs with you!  These are not in any special order. They are all #1!
1.  ronitpenso.wordpress.com
2.  fabulousfaresisters.com
3.  cookinginsens.wordpress.com
4.  backroadjournal.wordpress.com
5.  natashiaspalace.co
6.  kelliesfoodtoglow.com
7.  figjamandlimecordial.com
8.   frugalfeeding.com
9.  cloverandtyme.com
10. cookingwithawallflower.com

Know that I enjoy viewing your posts and I wish you happy blogging. If you so choose you can accept my nomination for the ONE LOVELY BLOG Award.
Please remember to follow the award rules.
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