I hope everyone had a really great Halloween! In case you didn’t get enough sweets over the weekend, I’d like to share some sweetness with you right now. Let’s start with the many reasons of why blogging rocks for me! (In no particular order of course.)
1. Stella @ The Witchy Kitchen
2. Ameena @ Fancy That….Fancy This
3. Denise @ Quickies on the Dinner Table
4. Jessie @ The Happiness in Health
5. Lazaro @ Lazaro Cooks!
6. Lynn @ The Actor’s Diet
7. Valerie @ A Canadian Foodie
8. Mary @ Keep Learning, Keep Smiling
9. Biren @ Roti n Rice
10. Ann @ Anncoo Journal
11. Brittany @ The Day Just Began…Already
12. Aletheia @ La Fille Naturelle (even though you don’t blog anymore, I want you to know I’m still happy to have met you through blogging)
13. Sophia @ Burp and Slurp
14. Tanantha @ I just Love My Apron
15. Monet @ anecdotes and apple cores
All of you are on that list because I believe that real friendships can definitely be made through blogging, do you?
This award was MADE and given to me by Brittany @ THE DAY JUST BEGAN….ALREADY.
Brittany’s blog always puts a smile on my face. Even when she’s not having such a great day, she still blogs with enthusiasm and laughs off her mishaps. And when she IS having a good day, y’all better watch out cause there’s going to be some crazy fun headed your way. This was a LONG OVERDUE thank you (blush). So thank you Brittany for your patience and your continued support. Keep blogging the way you blog!
The next award was passed on to me by Biren of Roti n Rice. 
Biren’s blog always has wonderful and delicious recipes that she so kindly shares with her readers every week. She is also a stay at home mom, but much much more talented than I am. Aside from her lovely recipes, I also love visiting Biren’s blog for ideas of activities to do with my kids when they get older as Biren enjoys doing with her boys now.
I was then honored again with the same award from Lazaro of Lazaro Cooks! Words can’t explain how touched I was when I read this post. If you follow Lazaro’s blog, you’ll know he speaks from the heart and is not afraid to dish it out the way he sees it. Speaking of dishing, he also creates some of the most amazing dishes I’ve seen. Lazaro, you know what I think of you and your blog. You are a true talent in the kitchen.
Thank you Brittany, Biren, and Lazaro for thinking of me with these awards, I really appreciate it! I’d like to pass the second award onto the 15 bloggers that I listed above. Please just take the award with no obligations of posting about it. I know some of you have already received this award, but you’re on MY list because I appreciate your friendship and want to thank you for always replying to my stalking emails ;-).
Besides the lovely friendships I’ve made through blogging, here’s another reason why blogging rocks! (sorry for the blurry picture and the horrible attempt at getting some light.)
Trying out different recipes. This is Mrs. Chen’s (Lynn’s Mom of The Actor’s Diet) delicious bitter melon with flank steak recipe. Her wonderful recipe can be found here on Lynn’s guest post on Angry Asian Man’s blog. Gary gave this dish a two thumbs up, needless to say, I loved it as well. Wanna know what else? Kiddies even ate this too. When I was a kid, I hated bitter melon, so either my kids are very easy (picture me shaking my head right now), or Mrs. Chen knows how to cook up some delicious bitter melon. Thank you Mrs. Chen for this wonderful recipe. Hubby has requested I now cook my bitter melon this way every time. No worries, it’s all cool, I can admit defeat to great recipes like this :-D.
I also tried these Matcha ChocChip Macadamia cookies from Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apron.
I’m almost ashamed to show you my cookies, cause when compared to her’s, mine look horrible. They tasted quite the opposite of the way they looked though. Please don’t take offense to that Tanantha. It’s just really bad baking skills on my half. I loved that these weren’t too sweet and had just the perfect amount of green tea taste. I’ll definitely be trying this recipe again, and I promise I’ll do better next time Tanantha. I changed the recipe a little and left out the macadamia nuts because of my allergies, and I used white chocolate chips because that’s what I had. I’m a white chocolate kinda gal ;-).
One more thing before I leave. Alisha aka Magic of Spice tagged me in one of her posts with some fun questions to answer. Seeing that this is already quite a long post, I’ll save those questions for another post. Thank you Alisha for the tag.
There you have it, the many reasons of why blogging rocks for me. Why do you love blogging? Is there something you hated to eat as a kid, but have grown to enjoy now? Thank you all for reading again. Until next time, friends and family :-D. Happy Blogging! I’ll leave you with these Halloween pictures. I call this first one: “The Loot!” or “Drive Mom Bananas for a Year”
But how do you say no to this face?
PS
The jacket on the floor —–> hand me down. I’m too cheap to buy anything like that :-D.
luvtoeat 
Holy cow, that is a ridiculous amount of candy! And Little Elmo is too cute. Seriously. I love the costume.
Blogging has been so great for my writing skills but also my social life! I’ve met people online and in real life and I am so grateful for it.
Something I hated as a kid – brussels sprouts. I don’t love them but I will eat them here and there. That is progress!
Thank you for the link – you are too kind!
Oops, I just realized I think I put her costume on backwards…lol. Mother of the year ;-)…whatever.
Don’t ever stop blogging the way you blog. I love your witty and sarcastic sense of humor. I can tell that you really enjoy blogging and meeting new people online and in real life. I get jealous everytime I read one of your blogger meet up posts cause I totally would love to meet you. I’ll shut up before I start sounding stalkerish (blush).
Funny, I just recently developed an obsession for roasted brussels sprouts.
You’ve posted some good looking things to eat today, including that pile of Halloween candy, I have so much left over, I don’t know what to do with all of it:( Congratulations on your awards, all well deserved and keep on blogging, I love your spirit:)
We have an even more enormous amount of Halloween candy! Not only my daughter collected a bunch but also I bought way too many and haven’t even given half away. Now we are trying to think of what to do with it all 🙂
I’m so glad you are enjoying blogging, it’s really all about socializing with like-minded people who love food around the world. Seems like we bloggers go through the various stages. I thought I had it all under control for a while, but now find myself in a middle of “figuring things out” yet again.
Hey LeQuanis! I’m so happy and flattered that you consider me one of the parts/people of blogging that make it fun for you. And it means a lot to me too, as I’ve been thinking a lot lately about a word Marly used on her blog. The word is ‘Eudaemonic’, which means producing happiness and well being. I really am trying to do that in my personal life, and you’ve made me feel like I’m doing it already in the blogosphere. That’s a start, no;)?!
And I so should not be looking at food right now while my stomach is empty. That bittermelon and beef looks awesome! I can see why Gary wants it that way from now on. Oh, and that picture is too cute. I bet the kids were so thrilled with that pile of candy. I know I was when I got home from trick or treating-best holiday of the year if you ask this witch (smile).
p.s. I love blogging b/c it is kind of therapeutic. Although I don’t know exactly why I feel that way (smile again)?!
What a great post & your so right Lequan…., blogging rocks!
Blogging keeps me sane in this insane world.
I don’t celebrate Halloween but I did prepare some candies for possible “knock knock on my door” …”tricks or treat” BUT……nobody came?! I was not at home too. Hahahahah!
Happy blogging!
gonna pass this along to my mom – she’ll be so thrilled!
Heck, I’M THRILLED that Mrs. Chen might be reading this. Mrs. Chen PLEASE share more yummy recipes! And thank you for this one!
Thank you for mentioning me. You are such a kind and sweet soul. Every time I see that you have a new post up…I get so excited. You inject each of your posts with love, compassion and creativity. I loved seeing the little ones enjoying their candy. So precious! I adore blogging because it has introduced me to people like you. People that make me smile, laugh and know that someone cares. Thank you sweet woman! You have truly touched me in more ways than I can explain!
I read each comment, just now, too! I echo Monet’s. )I also took your wish to heart and have been over to her site a couple of times and will keep returning to send her love and positive energy and prayers.)
Your voice and passion on your site is big enough to fill the Colosseum in Rome!! You exude love and kindness and positive energy. I can clearly see as I read posts and comments throughout the week that you are working sincerely to build these relationships and you have definitely got a LOT of LOVE (well deserved!!) back. I look forward to your comments every time. I cannot wait until I post a recipe that motivates you to try it. (This is not to put pressure on you… I can see how you like to cook and eat. It is very different than how we do, but that it what I love about your site. I love your food and learn so much from reading it… and like you consistently tell me how intimidated you are to make my food, I feel the same way about yours!)
Keep projecting your love out here, LeQuan!!! You are DEFINITELY making MY world a better place.
XO
Valerie
I used to hate bitter melon when I was a kid too but now I can eat them without much problem. 🙂
Btw thanks for your sweet comment reply…I wasn’t aware that I put my workout blog link instead of this one.
At first I started blogging to show case some food to attract people to come and read it..but after a while I use my blog to write down more of my life stuff.
Wow! Just found your blog through Val’s Edmontonian links at A Canadian Foodie, and it’s fantastic! I love your list of favorite bloggers, and I have to say that my favorite thing about blogging is the great community that I have developed – seriously, isn’t it so much fun??! Glad to have discovered you 🙂
Thanks for dropping by my blog and for your kind words. I love Valerie’s blog and am so glad I even got to meet her in person. She’s quite the busy bee :-D. Heading over to your blog to properly say hi.
Just got your reply on my blog too!
Hey be sure to enter my Cookbook giveaway that’s for Edmonton & Area only readers!!! It’s the post just above the one you commented on 🙂 Wouldn’t want anyone to miss out!
Blogging DOES rock!! And since Im here, I want to thank you for the sweet comment you left on my blog earlier. You’re just amazing, thats all I can really say. I feel so lucky to have “met” you! 🙂
Which is exactly why I love bloging. Other people dont really understand, but you make some really meaningful friendships through blogging. This is going to sound totally nerdy, but when Im blogging I feel like Im hanging out with my friends. 🙂
Leah, that doesn’t sound nerdy at all! You put it perfectly. I feel like I’m hanging out with my friends too. That’s why I love visiting the blogs I visit 😉
LeQuan,
The blogosphere is unfortunately chock full of some serious bullshit. Luckily, you are the truth. I cannot say it enough, you are truly one of the most supportve and generous bloggers. And you’ve come to know me through LC, I don’t blow smoke. If I say it, I MEAN it.
Look at how many people there are on that list! Your reach is far and warm. Please do not change. I just wish there were more like you out there.
Congrats with the success of luvtoeat and may you have many, many, many more years of happy blogging.
Thanks
Oh LeQuan!! What did I do right, the day you came to my blog?? You are a gem – please don’t change 🙂 Thank you for your friendship and support. I really cannot tell you enough how much both mean to me.
I love bitter melon and your rendition of the dish looks superb!! I actually want to go to the market now and get me one, with some nice flank and a jar of salted black beans 😀
Your munchkins are adorable, as always, and yes, who could ever say no to that face? I know I couldn’t! Thank goodness Halloween comes just once a year LOLOL
I love blogging mainly because I have met a surprising number of truly beautiful peoople, amongst the jumble of very diverse amd sometimes surprisingly unpleasant ‘personalities’. Thank you for being who you are and for making blogging a beautiful experience for me.
I’ve been pretty behind reading up on the blogs, i got that gig, so watch it on the 22nd 🙂
did A play the part and giggle when you tickled her?
did you hit up that fabulous mall of yours for the Halloween treats?
Yay on getting the gig, girl! But you get so many, you’ll have to remind me which one you’re talking about (blush). I’ll definitely tune in for you :-D.
Actually funny you asked, she did laugh when I tickled her. And yup, we went to West Edmonton Mall for trick or treating.
LeQuanis! You’re AWESOME! I’m so honored to be a part of the list to make your blogging fun!! This means so much to me. I mean it.
Aww, that’s so sweet of you to make those cookies. No, I don’t take it offended! I’m glad you like it 😀 I’m SO happy right now.
Such a blessing to get to know you, LeQuan. I haven’t had bitter melon for so long. I’m not a big fan of it. My mom, tho, loves it as she thinks bitterness is good for health.
Hmm…I love blogging because I like to share what I cook. In another word, I like to “show off” what I cook hahaha. Also, I wanted to be good at something. Something will make me enjoy it in a long run. I’ve tried so many things, then I get bored. Blogging is a way to show my food to the world. Friendship isn’t what I expected when I first started. I’m surprised to see a strong and valuable friendship we have in this blogosphere. Some of them I feel like I’m talking to friends. It’s priceless. I didn’t realize how fun and easy to talk to people who have the same passion on food.
Okay, I should stop.
Isn’t that your kitchen? I love the color of your cupboards! Oh, yeah and the kiddos hehe
Tanantha, your cookies rocked! When I read your post on these cookies a while back, I knew I wanted to make them. That’s why I asked you where I could find matcha. It just took me a while because having two kiddies just takes up so much of your free time. I’m really glad I finally got to try these though. I even gave some to my parents and my in-laws. This won’t be the last time I’ll be making these 😉 Oh and yes, that’s my kitchen. Thank you for the compliment. I’ve always been a fan of dark cabinets. White is beautiful too, but it’d be too much cleaning with my OCD…haha.
Hello Lequan,
Thank you very much for including me in your award lists. I am so happy to get to know you thru blogging, you’re such a sweet lady and your lovely comments always made me smile.
I love bitter lemon and matcha very much because these are good for health too. I usually cook bitter lemon with pork ribs, stir fry with eggs or in soup. Must definitely try your version with beef.
Your little boy looks cute on that Elmo costume ;DD
Huuuuuuuuuugs!!! I know other people have said it in the comments, but you are one of the most wonderful, sincere, and special people I have ever met. It was a lucky day for me when you stopped by my blog last spring and I’m so happy that I’ve gotten to know you since then – I really feel like I’ve known you for a long time! You’re right, that’s one of the best things about blogging: becoming part of a wonderful community of supportive people and meeting awesome people like you! I can’t tell you how fun – and meaningful – it is to have friends all over 🙂 Thanks for the mention, it means so much to me!!! 😀 😀
Your cooking is always superb, too! I’ve only ever had bitter melon once (in Beijing) and I have to say that I didn’t like it too much … (actually, I spit it out in the restaurant and felt terrible about doing that afterward). However, I’d gladly try your version any day! Especially since you said you didn’t like bitter melon when you were little – I’m willing to give it another shot 😉
Look at K and L surrounded by those mounds of candy!! True, though – I’d NEVER be able to say “no” to that face – CUDDLE!
Much Love!!!!
Jessie 😀
THAT IS A LOT OF CANDY!!!! I love the picture of your children 🙂 I also love the elmo costume!!
Awww…thanks very much for including me in your awards…..so sweet of you. Appreciate very much! Love all the dishes that you have tried from other blogs…..very inspiring! I’m sure you have lots of fun trying them out. They look very delicious. I love that bitter gourd…always my favourite but have to eat alone if I ever cook cos my hubby and girls won’t eat….good for me…hehe. But sadly don’t see them here in Aberdeen 😦 Wow…your kids are growing by the day….just adorable! Thanks very much for dropping by while I was away. Always enjoy reading all your comments. I’m still sleeping and hungry all at different times….trying very hard to smile 😀 Hope to get over with my jet lag problem and catch up on everyone’s blog soon.
Your kids are too cute! They definitely got a load of goodies! And you definitely deserve all those awards! Blogging is about having fun and that’s exactly why I do it!
Hi LeQuan!
Sorry I am so late. It’s been a long two weeks with all my PC issues and now that the PC is healthy (fingers crossed), I am sick.
Firstly, congrats on your awards. Always well deserving. Secondly thanks for the shout-out and for pssing an award back to me. You are such a sweetie. I do appreciate you visiting my blog and leaving such sweet comments always. They are a joy to read.
Thirdly, the bitter gourd dish looks fantastic. I am impressed that your kids take bitter gourd. Children normally will not touch it. I only started liking it in my late teens and it kinda grew on me. Unfortunately, my boys are not a fan.
And finally, your kids are adorable. Enjoy them now for they do grow up fast.
Biren
Oh no, Biren! Sorry you are not feeling well. At least the computer problems are over with (knock on wood). Hope you feel better soon, dear. Eat lots of congee 😉 that always helps me when I am sick. Thank you for the kind words as always.
Congrats on the award! I thought I dropped by before & commented on the bittergourds but didn’t see my footprints:< Must be getting old. LOL!
Love Bittergourd & it's one of my signature dish. I like cooking mine with chicken & brown bean paste…. friends & family members love it.
I love blogging especially when I get to meet nice people like u 🙂 Would definitely like to get to know u more…. Oh, love those costumes! I'm a big fan of Sesame Street!
OK, first sorry I am late…I’m always late, surprised everyone does not banish me from the blogging world :0
I am still wiping away tears of laughter after the pic of the Halloween candy 🙂
Next let me say that your cookies look delicious and I am quite certain that Tanantha would be proud…
Now, as for your awards…so well deserved (and you have more coming;)… Love your list of bloggers, I know most of them but will check out the others too…
Have a beautiful weekend.
I don’t know if people normally see comments on their older posts and it kinda feels weird posting so late. But I like reading older stuff and I just had to comment on the Elmo outfit!! I LOVE Elmo, and that is just too cute!