MASH-UP: Fairy Tales, Body Image, and More

Hey, hey, hey! It’s been a while since I gave you guys a mash-up of some awesome blog links, but don’t worry, I’ve got some really fantastic ones for you today. Check em out:

QUICK GIGGLE: Josh Groban sings Kanye West Tweets by Myndi Shafer: This may be the funniest video I have ever seen. Freaking hilarious!

Is There a Hulk Inside You? by Lisa Hall-Wilson: LOVE this post! Lisa takes a look at the Hulk as portrayed in The Avengers and the anger that rages inside of him, and relates it to real life. She also poses some very thought-provoking questions.

What’s the Point of Fairy Tales? by Marcy Kennedy: Does The Tales of Beedle the Bard meet the criteria of what makes a good fairy tale? Marcy takes a look at this question and you may be surprised at what she has to say.

Side-sleeping women celebrate ~ long awaited bust support by Natalie Hartford: This hilarious post looks at a product that is supposed to help support the top breast for women who sleep on their sides. Seriously. This is a real thing.

Body Image: Exploring Myths and Walking the Walk by August McLaughlin: This is a great post that looks at the very important issue of body image. August debunks 5 commonly held myths and gives 12 different things that can help you improve your body image. This is a post for women AND men.

Let’s Play! Can You Guess That Theme Song?

You may or may not have noticed that my blog remained rather silent this week. I actually did write a post for Wednesday, but I didn’t like it and didn’t feel comfortable posting it, so I didn’t. It was actually quite liberating to make that decision and be okay with it. I considered coming up with something else, but I simply did not have the time or the motivation. It has just been one of those weeks. Hopefully all of you understand and can forgive me.

So, for today I only have two mash-up links (can I still call it a mash-up with only two links?), but they are well worth checking out.

Elves March on Immortal Monday – Tolkein Style by Debra Kristi: Love, love, love this post. It is incredibly interesting, looking into the history of elves as well as some of the differences between Elves and the Fae.

Cinderella Strong by August McLaughlin: The multi-talented August takes a look at the Cinderella story from the perspective that it is actually a metaphor. It is a neat take on the story and at the end she shares the music video for her song, “Cinderella.”

I also have what, I hope, is a really fun vlog. This week I decided to try to play a game with you guys through my vlog. If you were a child of the 80′s (or had a child in the 80′s), then you should appreciate the throw back to a time when cartoons were awesome. Be warned, though, in this video I do not hold my natural dorkiness back. This is me in all my dork glory.

Alright, let’s see how many of you know your 80′s cartoons. Leave your answers in the comments. No cheating!

MASH-UP: Men, TV, Odd Fashion, and More

I have lots to share with you guys today. First, in case you missed it, on Monday I did a guest post over at the always fabulous Natalie Hartford’s blog. I discuss the rather severe culture shock I faced when I was suddenly thrust into the realm of male sex after I started dating my husband. My innocent little self didn’t know how to handle the truth about boys.

Okay, and now I have a short little mash-up of awesome blogs for you to check out.

Meet Little Miss Took by Myndi Shafer: Myndi shares pictures of the newest addition to her family. Her little miss took is adorable.

Word Wisdom: Phrases I’ve Misinterpreted by Karen Rought: This post had me laughing so much as Karen shares five common phrases that never made sense to her because she was hearing them incorrectly. Something I am sure we can all relate to.

Farewell, Firefly: 5 TV shows gone too soon by Fabio Bueno: This post had me sold when I saw that the first show Fabio listed was Pushing Daises. I adored that show and was so sad when it went away.

The 6 Strangest Fashion Trends in History by Colin Falconer: This post is from last week, but I just saw it so it is getting included now. Colin found some hilarious fashion trends from the past, including a codpiece. Yep, you read that correctly.

And finally, here is my latest vlog. This week I give my reaction to the synopsis that was just released for JK Rowling’s new book, The Casual Vacancy, which will be released on September 27, 2012.

http://www.hypable.com/2012/04/12/j-k-rowling-announces-title-release-date-for-new-book/

MASH-UP: Urban Words, Taking a Break, & Much More

It has been a really long time since my last mash-up, but I have one for you today!!

I Can’t Believe I Said That by Lisa Hall-Wilson – Lisa shares several stories of times where she stuck her foot in  her mouth, usually because of her innocent misunderstanding. This is a very funny post and one that I related to a little too well.

Urban Word Wednesday: Five Alarm F*ck by Natalie Hartford – Once again, Natalie and her husband have a hilarious conversation out in public that teaches us new urban lingo. This post will have you in stitches.

Sometimes We Just Need a Break by Emma Burcart – Everyone should read this post. I know this is something we all struggle with from time to time and something that we can never be reminded of too much.

Don’t Eat the Butt #4 – Real Writers Never Struggle by Kristen Lamb – I know this post is a couple weeks old, but it is still worth a mention. Don’t let the word “Writers” in the title fool you – this post is for anyone and everyone. A great lesson that we all need to be reminded of.

I’m a Recovering Job Gypsy. What Are You? by Debra Kristi – This post hit home for me. Debra recounts the journey she has taken on her search to discover what job and career were the right fit.

And finally, here is my latest vlog all about ‘Movie Etiquette’.

Kreativ Bloggers and Vlogs

Last month I was once again astounded when two very fabulous bloggers honored me with a blog award. This time the award was the Kreativ Blogger Award and came from Jessica Salyer and Fabio Bueno. Both of these bloggers are absolutely incredible and to be recognized by them was more than I could have hoped for. I want to extend them both my heartfelt thanks. And if you have never been to their blogs go check them out now. That’s right, go. Now. This post will still be here when you get back.

Welcome back! Now for the fun part. When given this award you are supposed to:

1. Thank the person who gave it to you. (already done)

2. List 7-10 random facts about yourself. (I did that on this post and am not interesting enough to come up with 7 more.)

3. Pass the award on to 6 deserving bloggers and let them know about it.

4. Display the badge on your blog if you so choose.

Time to pass the award on!

1. Myndi Shafer

2. Lisa Hall-Wilson

3. Kate Wood

4. Emma Burcart

5. Elena Aitken

6. Marcy Kennedy

There you have it! Now go check out their blogs. Also, in case you didn’t notice, I added a tab at the top of my blog called “Blog Awards”. It dawned on me one day that these posts where I pass on praise to my fellow bloggers quickly get lost in the constant stream of new posts. I decided that I needed a place where anyone could find links to these posts and the excellent bloggers included in them without too much trouble as well as show my thanks to the people who saw fit to honor me. If you have a minute, go browse the links. You will find lots of good stuff.

And my final order of business is to let you in on this week’s ATW Chat vlog, ‘Winter Is Coming’. Hope you enjoy it!

 

MASH-UP: Villains, Money, Ding-a-ling bling, and Much More

I have lots of fun treats for you today! First things first, though – a mash-up of some fabulous blog links.

My Top 5 Favorite Villainesses of All Time by Karen Rought: This is a fun list of some of the best female baddies in fiction. Did the women you love to hate make Karen’s list?

Worst Valentine’s Day Gift Ever by Lisa Hall-Wilson: This is an incredibly sweet story about how sometimes the best gifts are the ones that may seem like the worst. It truly is the heart of the giving that means the most.

You’re Worth Every Penny by Emma Burcart: This is a wonderful post about something that makes all of us break out in hives of anxiety: our finances.

Urban Word Wednesday: Ding-a-ling bling by Natalie Hartford: Natalie’s Urban Word Wednesday series is something that I look forward to every week. I once told her that I always shared them with my gay best friend…except for the one on Vajazzling because I thought it would scare him. I told her he would be more interested in one on the ding-a-ling bing her hubby mentioned and here it is!!

I am also excited to tell you that the very talented Karen Rought (who is listed in my mash-up) asked me to write a guest post for her today. She asked me to make a list of 5 women in fiction who kick some serious ass to go along with the piece she wrote on female villains. Who do you think I put on my list? Head on over to her blog to find out!

And my final treat for you today is the news that I have joined a group vlog called Around the World (ATW) Chat. There are five of us who are a part of the group and we each post on a different day of the week – my day is Thursday. Be sure to go check it out on YouTube!

MASH-UP: Celebrating the Beauty of Women

This week August McLaughlin started the Beauty of a Woman Blogfest. If you visit her blog today you can enter for a chance to win all kinds of prizes including a Kindle, all while celebrating the beauty of women. As part of this blogfest, several other bloggers did posts all about the true beauty of women and there were some spectacular posts. I am sure that I did not catch all of them, but I will link to the ones I did see. If you know of some that I missed, include them in the comments and I will add the links here. This is such an important message and I really hope that you will take the time to read some of the posts.

Defining Beauty of a Woman Debra Kristi

Beauty of a Woman Blogfest – Making Peace with My Thunder Thighs Kristen Lamb

I am Beautiful…Just the Way I Am Myndi Shafer

Dear Thighs…We Need to Talk Ginger Calem

The Lie of Helen of Troy Marcy Kennedy

Beauty of a Woman Blogfest Coleen Patrick

What is Beauty? Emma Burcart

MASH-UP: Sharks, Fried Chicken, and More

Hello all! It is Friday and I have another fabulous mash-up to share with you. If you haven’t read them already, you really should check out these posts.

So You Think I’m a Bitch? by Emma Burcart – This funny post makes you think as Emma examines what it really means to be a “bitch” and whether or not that’s actually a bad thing.

Are You Brave Enough to Punch a Shark? by Marcy Kennedy – Marcy recounts the time she and her husband swam with sharks in Australia. This is an incredible post and you will have to read it to find out whether or not she really punched one.

Forgiveness: it’s all about you by Natalie Hartford – This is a very open and honest post that explores what forgiveness really looks like and the path Natalie had to take to find it.

Napping, Fried Chicken, and Pedicures: Arguing w/ Self by Myndi Shafer – This post made me laugh so much because it is exactly like the type of thing that goes on inside my head all the time.

Triberr Part 3: Graduate to the “Big People” (or How Do I Rock My Tribal Stream?) by Jenny Hansen – In my last mash-up I gave you Parts 1&2 of Jenny’s series looking at Triberr and here is Part 3.

MASH-UP: Berttie Bott’s, Man Movies, and More

It’s been a while since I posted a mash-up, but I have one for you today! Make sure you take the time to check at least some of these out – they are all fabulous.

Did I Eat All the Bertie Bott’s Beans Flavors? by Marcy Kennedy: This post is from about a month ago, but this is the first mash-up I’ve done since then and I don’t care. It is hilarious and one that I related to from experience.

The Opposite of Chick Flick by Fabio Bueno: Ever wonder what the male equivalent of a chick flick is? Fabio answers that question in this fun post.

A Pitfall of Creativity by Lisa Hall-Wilson: As a fellow person who is “not clumsy – just distracted”, this post had me rolling with laughter.

Are You Suffering from Information Overload Syndrome? by Debra Kristi: This is a post I think EVERYONE can relate to. Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed with all that needs to be done at some point in time and suffered from the resultant sluggishness?

My New Time-Saving Social Media BFF: Triberr by Jenny Hansen: If you are like me you have been seeing this weird word, Triberr, all over the placewith no idea what it meant. Jenny takes the time to explain it and there is even a Part 2.

Did This Really Just Happen?

Over the past two months I have been honored with some very special blogging awards. It is still so shocking to me that, not only do people read the things I have to say, but they also enjoy them enough to actually give me an award for it. That is just incredible to me and it is an honor I never expected once let alone three times!

First the Versatile Blogger award. This was given to me by two other incredible bloggers. I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Martin Shone and Lynn Kelley for choosing to pass this award on to me. Be sure you check out their blogs, you will find some fantastic stuff there.

There are three rules in accepting this award.

1. Thank the person who shared the award with you by linking back to them in your post.

2. List seven things about yourself.

3. Pass this award on to 15 newly discovered blogs and let them know that you included them in your blog post.

I have already linked back to Martin and Lynn (and have just done so again ), so I will go on to number 2. This part is rather difficult for me, especially since many of the fun things I could mention I have already talked about in previous blog posts, but I will do my best.

1. Over the course of my vocal studies I sang in 7 different languages. English, Latin, Italian, French, German, Spanish, and Hebrew.

2. I was an extra in the 1994 movie Summertime Switch and you can actually see me in the scene I was in. I look ridiculous.

3. I like ice cream. A lot. I can eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in 5 minutes without purposely trying to do so. My in-laws used to buy it for me just so they could watch.

4. I played the Fairy Godmother in my 5th grade production of Cinderella.

5. I almost died at the age of two from encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

6. When I was 13 and went on a family vacation to the Smokey Mountains I was chosen to compete in one of the games in the performance ring at the Dixie Stampede.

7. When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came out it was right before my birthday. I got the book at midnight and was going out with my girlfriends the next evening, so I stayed up all night and read the entire book so I could fully enjoy my friends without wondering what was going to happen to Harry.

Okay, now for the fun part. I get to pass the award on.

1. Natalie Hartford – Life Out Loud

2. Jenny Hanson – Cowbell: You Need More of It

3. M.G. Miller – A Little Southern Exposure

4. Jillian Dodd – Glitter, Bliss, and Perfect Chaos

5. Debra Kristi – Sparks in the Fire

6. Marcy Kennedy – Life at Warp 10

7. Coleen Patrick – Read. Smile. Repeat.

8. Clay Morgan – Pop Culture & the Meaning of Life

9. Liz Schulte – Bat Country

10. Ginger Calem – I am Blogger…Hear me Tweet

11. August McLaughlin – Savor the Storm

12. Emma Burcart – Occasional Epiphanies

13. Alicia McKenna Johnson – Arm Chair Adventures

14. Colin Falconer – Looking for Mr. Goodstory

15. Lena Corazon – Flights of Fancy

Now imagine my astonishment when not long after I received the two Versatile Blogger awards I received another. This time it was the Liebster Blog award from the one and only Myndi Shafer. I was rendered pretty much speechless from this. Myndi is one of my absolute favorite bloggers and for her to recognize me was one of the biggest compliments I could receive.

“Liebster” is the German word for “dearest” and this award is given to new bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. As before, there are a couple of stipulations for accepting the award.

1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them.

2. Pass the award on to 5 fellow bloggers and let them know.

I have already thanked and linked back to Myndi, so now to pass this award on.

1. Coty Chanley – My fellow, and hilarious, Glee Chat co-host uncensored.

2. Tim O’Brien – Static in the Airwaves

3. Karen Rought – The Midnight Novelist

4. Fabio Bueno – Diomonds & Rust

5. Samantha Warren – Stealing Starships

* * *

If you are one of the blogs that I listed here I hope that you will be able to take the time to pass your award on, but there is absolutely no pressure. Feel free to take your time if you are just too busy right now – I certainly did. Also, make sure that you remember to save the image and attach it to the blog post that you create.

I really hope that you check out some of the blogs that I have listed. I know that there are a lot of them, especially when you combine the two lists, but I promise you they are worth it.