Please feel free to ask me more questions by clicking here (anonymous) or leaving a comment!
Blogging
Do you have any idea how many people read your blog?
Yup! I have the WordPress Stats plug-in as well as a SiteMeter account. Both provide a pretty accurate count (…I think, haha). I especially like the WordPress Stats plug-in because it gives a detailed description of how people found my blog, etc.
What is your best advice for publicizing your blog?
Well, I’m no expert when it comes to this, but *for me,* it’s more about connecting to other people than publicizing my blog. I’ve found that the best way to do this is to visit and comment on other people’s blogs! Make friends. Show that you really care. Because when it comes down to it, you’ll learn so much from other blogs, and in the end that’s more important than gaining publicity.
With that being said, there’s obviously nothing wrong with wanting more readers. That’s part of what blogging is all about! Like I said, commenting on other blogs is a great way. Also, social networks are another great tool. if you don’t have a Twitter account, get one! Twitter is a great way to meet new people and keep in touch with other bloggers/readers. Same goes with Facebook, Foodbuzz, BlogHer, etc. Lastly, I know that some people are not fans of blogrolls, but I personally check blogrolls often for new blogs to follow. So that’s another option.
I really love reading your blog. What initially made you want to start a blog? Any recommendations for someone wanting to start a food blog? Also, what are the biggest changes you have noticed in your life since starting your blog? Keep up the great blog!
Thanks 
To put it simply, I decided to start a blog of my own because I’m so passionate about health and wellness. I saw blogging as a great way to connect to other people who have the same interests as myself, as well as share my lifestyle with the intention of helping others. I also thought it would be a great way to expand my horizons when it came to being healthy.
If you’re thinking about starting a blog, I’d think long and hard about it. It takes up a lot more time and energy than I initially anticipated, and I wish I would’ve been prepared for that ahead of time. Also, decide what your general stance and philosophy is when it comes to health, nutrition, fitness, etc., and decide what direction you want your blog to take. Consider what makes you different from other bloggers out there, and go with it!
As far as how blogging has changed my life – I’m a creature of habit by nature, and so far blogging has helped me to break many of those patterns (which is what I was hoping for!). I’ve already tried many new foods and recipes, and I’ve been experimenting with more forms of exercise as well. Blogging has also changed my concept of time management. Mostly all of my free time is taken up by blogging, but I’m okay with that =)
How do you get the copyright thing at the end of your blog? I’m just starting one and want to make sure I do that.
The copyright came with the Wordpress.org theme I chose. Most (if not all?) of them come with that.
What type of computer do you use for blogging?
I usually use my laptop/notebook, which is a Toshiba NB205. It’s very small and light, which was very helpful when I was commuting to school (and is still great while traveling). I also sometimes use the larger monitors at my house and work. I do hope to get a new laptop within the next year or two.
What kind of camera do you use? Your pictures always come out so nice.
Wow, thanks! I use a Canon Powershot SD1200, and I’m quite happy with it. I may be asking Santa for a new camera this year, though =)
Eats
If you had to eat the same meal for Dinner for the next 6 months of your life, what would it be??
Ummm…I guess I can’t choose “buffet” as my response? haha. I’d have to say PIZZA! I can honestly say that it would take a looong time for me to get sick of pizza.
What’s your favorite meal?
My favorite meals/foods are (in no particular order): pizza, gnocchi, pancakes, sushi, and pretty much any Mexican dish. Oh, and almost every form of dessert 
I’m a big fish oil advocate. Do you take fish oil?
I took fish oil pills for a few months last year but stopped for some reason. I’ve been thinking about starting to take them again (in addition to my daily multi-vitamin). There are a ton of really great health benefits to fish oil, for sure. However, one of the things I need to do more research on is how fish oil effects LDL levels. I have high cholesterol (including LDL) so I want to be mindful of that.
How many calories do you eat a day?
I generally eat anywhere from 1400-2000 calories. On most days, I’d say I fall around 1700. I know that those numbers are actually quite low compared to what you see on other blogs, but that’s the truth. I don’t ever let myself go hungry….ever. And I always make sure to get adequate amounts of nutrients. I focus more on what I’m eating rather than how many calories.
How many calories do you eat when you are trying to lose a few pounds?
As I just mentioned, I focus more on *what* I’m eating rather than how much – including when I want to lose weight. With that being said, I’d say that I eat 1400-1700 to lose (or more, depending on how much I’m exercising). But like I said – for me, focusing on what I eat rather than how much seems to be the more successful (and less dreadful) way to go.
What is your favorite nut butter?? (:
Hmm. That’s a tough one. I’d have to say almond butter! Followed by peanut butter and macadamia butter.
How much money do you spend each month on groceries??
This is kind of a tough one to answer because….I don’t :/ I live at home right now, so I thankfully have parents that pay for groceries! But when I lived at my apartment, I’d say I spent $200-$250. I do spend my own money when I get things at the health food store, which is probably $20-$40 a month.
About how many grams of fat do you eat each day? I’ve noticed that you eat a lot of healthy nuts and seeds!
I’m glad you asked! I actually do not keep track of my fat intake at all, and if I were, it would only be to make sure I’m getting enough. Fat is my “favorite” nutrient, I guess you could say 
If I had to give a rough estimate, I’d say that I eat at least 75-80 grams of fat per day.
So I must ask…what’s the deal with all of the coconut milk you drink? I’ve done some research and Tufts University reports that saturated fat (including fat in coconuts and coconut oil) are bad for you, despite the recent health hype.
Well, first of all, I guess you could say the proof is in the pudding. When I have coconut fat in my diet, I tend to feel fuller longer and also more energetic.
Regardless of the hype about coconut, there is much research coming out about how saturated fat is not as harmful as we once thought. In fact, much of the research actually finds that there are benefits to saturated fat. If you’re interested, check out the following for more information:
- “Good Calories, Bad Calories” – Gary Taubes (book)
- The Definitive Guide to Saturated Fat – Mark’s Daily Apple (article)
- Controversial Saturated Fat – David Brown (article)
Job/Career
Do you work/what is your job?
Yep! Right now I’m working for my dad’s business, which is a real estate appraising company. I act as a client service representative, data processor, and clerk. Most of what I do is on the computer, and I generally act as a middle man between the appraisers and the lenders. I update our website, the lenders’ websites, answer emails/phones, and whatever else seems to come along.
One of the main reasons I love my job so much is because I can essentially work from anywhere (by using a remote desktop), and my hours are incredibly flexible. I also love all of my co-workers (and my boss of course )!
Do you like working for your dad or would you rather work for someone else??
You know, this is a question I ask myself often. I really do enjoy my job. I feel blessed to have had a job available right out of college, and it does fit my life at the moment. If I’m content with where I’m at and with my future business plans/goals, why mess with a good thing?
***(Edited to add:) I recently decided that I would like to make a career-change in the very near future. While I love working for the family business, I’m excited to pursue my passion in social media/advertising. I’ll be sure to keep you posted! 
Personal
How do you fix your hair like that? It’s so pretty!
Thanks so much First of all, I have an amazing stylist that I’ve been going to since I was about 15, so she makes it easy to have my hair the way I like it without putting in too much effort. Generally I let my hair dry 80% of the way before blow-drying. I use this brush:
Bio-Ionic hair brush
…and just dry my hair one section at a time (starting with my bangs). Sometimes I put 2 non-heated curlers on the top of my head to add a little volume. Then I usually curl my hair with a 1-2 inch curling iron. Sometimes I just curl the ends for a natural look, but if I want it curlier I go all the way up to the root and hold for 10-15 seconds. Set it all in place with flexible hairspray, and viola! I’ve gotten so used to this routine that it only takes me 10-15 minutes.
Do you dye your hair? It’s such a gorgeous color…
Thank you! Yes, I do dye my hair and have since I was a teenager. My hair is naturally (darkish) brown. In fact, about half of my hair (underneath) is still that color. My hair is almost completely blonde on top, which is from highlights. The reason I get highlights rather than a single-process dye job is because a) it’s less harmful to my hair b) it looks more natural and c) I don’t have to get my hair colored has much (roots don’t show as bad). I also get some low-lights thrown in during the Fall/Winter months. Once again – it’s all thanks to my genius stylist!
What is the best gift you have ever received??
Gosh, I’m having serious trouble remembering gifts I’ve gotten! Many of my favorite “gifts” have been contributions to vacations, shopping trips, etc. But as far as concrete gifts go, I’d have to say it’s a tie between my camera and my BlackBerry, both of which I got this past Christmas. These two things have pretty much become my life…I don’t know what I’d do without them!
Are you dating anyone?? If you are how long and where did you meet??
Hmm, I knew this question was coming. You know, generally I’m an open book when it comes to this blog. But my “love life” is something that I’ve always been quite private about. So I’m not going to delve into this too much, but here ‘goes.
Right now, I am not dating anyone. I was dating the same person for almost 5 years, with a few breaks here and there. We met during the end of my senior year in high school through mutual friends. We do still care very much for each other, but due to some circumstances are no longer together.
What part of the country are you located?
I live in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania.
What kind of car do you drive??
A 2008 Ford Escape (pearl-colored)
What piece of jewelry can you NOT leave the house without wearing??
This ring:
It’s an antique – supposedly passed down from my 12th great grandparents who lived in Ireland.
What’s your favorite laundry detergent?
Well, my mom always buys All Free and Clear….so I’ll go with that!
What college did you go to?
I went to Eastern University.
You’ve mentioned it before, but can you talk more about how your spirituality plays a role in your concept of a healthy life?
Sure! To put it simply: I’m a born again Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world, and I sure as heck contributed massively to that. My faith is based on the Bible, and I do not belong to a denomination. As my pastor puts it, I don’t practice religion – I have a relationship with God.
So, how is this related to my healthy lifestyle? Well, glorifying God and growing closer to Him is my purpose for living. So if I’m not cultivating my spiritual life, the rest of my life is in shambles. Furthermore, for me, there is a very strong connection between my spiritual wellness, emotional wellness, and physical wellness. Generally when one is in balance, the others are as well, and then is when I feel my absolute best.
Also, I believe that God has given me this passion for health for a reason. In addition to treating the body He has given me the best I can, I hope to help others with their healthy lifestyles – including the spiritual and emotional aspects. I’ll be honest in saying that I don’t really know where that is going to lead me in life, but I’m excited to find out!
Have you ever struggled with an eating disorder?
No – I have never struggled with an eating disorder. I do know many people who have, though, and my heart goes out to them. There was a time in my life where I was accused of having an eating disorder when I was actually suffering from hyperthyroidism. Read the full story here.
