Well little old me, the one taking baby ant steps towards my goal, has just been nominated for the Starlight Blogger Award!!  A big thanks to Dawn and Rachel from Meals Our Kids Love for the nomination!  It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your fantastic website that takes the guess work out of what the heck to make the family to eat today…and every day for that matter!  Their aim is to keep us “informed, inspired and encouraged” to make meal times at home a little bit easier.  They do a great job of that.  Check out their website!

This award also allows me to nominate some of my own favorite bloggers in recognition of their inspiration, motivation, and all round awesomeness.

The Rules

The Starlight Blogger Award was created by Carolina from yesterdayafter.com.  You can find all the details on the rules at her website.

My Answers to the 3 Original Questions

If you were to describe or picture your inner soul how would you describe it?

Answer: I would say it’s very bright and optimistic with a touch of pessimism brought on by exhaustion and not enough hours in the day…but mostly bright and optimistic.

What are you working on now?

Answer: My “Spoonfed Real Food for Real Babies” cookbook!

 What is your creative dream project?

Answer: My dream project is doing what I’m doing now with my website and blog but building a thriving business around it also.  The ultimate dream is to do what you love to do every day and that’s it for me in a nutshell.

My Answers to Dawn and Rachel’s Questions

How did you start your blog?

Answer: The idea of developing a baby food cook book began one beautiful summer day as my husband and I were lounging in the backyard while Carter was napping soundly.  Out of the blue, my husband said, ”you know what you should do…write a baby food cook book.”  Together we thought about the idea to determine if such a book would be of value to other parents and caregivers.  I recounted all that I’d learned over the past 21 months or so on baby food preparation and the information that I enthusiastically sought out every day on the subject.  I took a deep breath and a leap of faith, and so began the flow of recipe ideas, blog material and my journey.

What is your #1 fail-safe, tried and true meal to make for the kids?

Answer: Spaghetti and meat sauce!

If you only had yourself to cook for what would it be?

Answer: Chicken Enchiladas every time!  Oh and maybe I’d sneak in a fresh Mojito too…I’m on my own after all.

Who inspires you?

Answer: My kids to be a better mom, my husband to be a better person and anyone out there chasing a dream who won’t give up no matter how silly they think it is at times.  Perseverance inspires me.

Questions for my Nominees

1. If you were stranded on an island and could pick 1 person, 1 food and 1 song to have with you what would they be?
2. What memory from childhood helped to shape you into the person you are today?
3. Martha Stewart or Gordon Ramsay?  Who would you rather be in a kitchen with?

Drum Roll Please…My Nominees Are:

Leanne Weaver from Radiant Health Revolution.  Through her study of Holistic Nutrition Leanne’s goal is to help people take charge of their health and change their eating habits to reap the benefits of a more energized and fulfilling life.  She also has some great, healthy recipes featured like her “Mountain Climber’s Chocolate Breakfast Cereal”.

Gabrielle Blair from Design Mom.  Gabrielle is a designer and mom of 6 who writes beautiful pieces “where design and motherhood intersect”.  Very inspiring photography and writing style with wonderful lifestyle posts to check out.

Neil Pasricha from 1000 Awesome Things.  This website is filled with awesome and funny things to make you smile and say YES!  I can relate to that.  They are posted every weekday to help take the weight of the world off your shoulders with a few simple moments of happiness served to you on a blog platter.  Highly recommended.

Katy from What Katy Said.  Katy is a family and lifestyle blogger who inspires readers to find the happiness in the everyday.  She has a great “Kids Corner” feature where all things kids related from crafts to recipes to fashion are shared.  Check this out and get your happy on!

A.J. from NutriFitMama. A.J. is inspiring others with her passion for healthy living.  She shares recipes, favorite workouts and parenting related posts to help you live your best life no matter how hectic your everyday is.

Fareshta from My Baby Gourmet.  Fareshta shares nutritious (and delicious) yet simple meal ideas for babies and kids of all ages.  She has a “Sweet Potato Gnocchi” recipe on there right now that looks delish!  Check it out for your little ones!

Thank you all for inspiring me and countless others to live life better!

Shannon