My Seven Links Challenge

Last week I had something very special happen to me.  I was “tagged” by a fellow friend and renowned nutritionist/blogger Lauren Slayton of Foodtrainers for the Seven Links Project.  The “My Seven Links” project has been going pretty strong for the past few weeks. In a nutshell, its goal is to unite bloggers from all sectors in an endeavor to create a bank of posts that deserve to be re-read.  The simple rule of the challenge is to choose my seven best posts according to seven different categories. 

I was extremely flattered that someone as well-respected as Lauren, who follows myriad blogs, selected a 2 1/2 month old newbie like MyJudytheFoodie as one of her top 5 new blogs! In a world where I’m still trying to juggle page views, what to write and how to cook, the nod from Lauren made me smile.

Ok, to keep the blog momentum going, here are my seven links:

1.  My most beautiful post: Blurring the Lines Between Mother and Daughter

This post was the most emotional to write because it highlighted the very fragile moment for me when I had to switch my lead role in life from someone’s daughter to someone’s mother.  I will never forget what it was like to have my child handed to me in the hospital for the first time coupled with the evolution I felt when I walked in the door and saw my mother for the first time, as a mother myself.  Obviously, the shrimp recipe is delicious too.

2.  My most popular post: Camp Memories from Generation to Generation

Surprisingly, I must’ve hit a camp chord with all the grown ups out there pining away for their summers of youth.  Everyone loved hearing my experiences at sleep away as a camper and now, as a mother sending my 9-year daughter away for the first time!  And who can resist the beloved Chex Mix recipe?

3.  My most controversial post: When Talking Dirty is No Longer Sexy

I don’t really have any posts that are terribly controversial, YET.  But, my Talking Dirty post definitely got people strutting their stuff regarding their viewpoints about food labeling/purchasing under the umbrella terms organic versus conventional, versus freshly picked—and everything in between.  Or, maybe it was simply the title….

4. My most helpful post:  Table Time: Creating Positive Experiences for Your Family

This was one of my first posts about the importance of eating meals together a family.  I got such positive feedback regarding the little tactics I use around the dinner table to help make meals more cohesive and meaningful for our children.  Remember, mealtime is much more than just eating food.

5.  A post that was surprisingly successful: Judy’s Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf

I am measuring success here by the recipe included – Judy’s famous Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf!  My blog is unique in that while it is food-related, I’m not a real cook (yet), and I’m still kitchen-clueless.  However, I’ve had more people tell me how much they adore this recipe and how it has become a go-to dessert.  Momentarily, I’ve felt as heralded as Julia Child.  Although, remember, I affectionately label myself, Judy’s Child : )

6. The post that did not get the attention it deserved : Living Life Without Conditions

I’m not going to say anything.  Give it the attention it deserves and read it.  It’s another tear-jerker but, really makes you think about life, and how we approach different situations and relationships.

7. The post I am most proud of: Teaching Your Kids to Make Lemonade from Lemons

Obviously, this category is hard to answer because I am so proud of myself for actually getting the courage to put this blog together.  For the longest time, Mom’s hand-written recipes were just strewn across my office floor in piles.  At first I considered just creating a website where I could data-dump all Mom’s recipes.  I think this post echoes the theme in many of my posts about Mom: no matter what you’re dealt, trying to learn to make the most of a situation can really be life-altering, and your kids will pick up on this attitude too…

Here are the 5 blogs I’ve come to enjoy and visit on a weekly basis (although, Rebecca is also a real-world friend):

1. Rebecca, of Beccarama
2. Jenny, of Dinneralovestory
3. Rachel, of A Southern Fairytale
4. Amy, of When Did I Get Like This
5. Deanna, of Chicky Loves

TAG! You’re it.  Can’t wait for these 5 blogesses to share their seven links, and then tag five of their blogger friends.