Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Go "FIG"ure….

Every time Wednesday pops its head around the corner, I think I have a post all planned out with WIAW, then suddenly I read something here or there and it makes me rethink it all…..in a good way!

I read THIS POST today on Dorry’s blog. She talks about what makes a blog good (to her). This really struck a chord with me. I know I read certain blogs for a reason, but would I read my own blog? At that moment I thought of my self affirmation kit (yes, sounds corny, but it WORKS).

The real question that then came to mind was…..

WHY WOULDN’T I (WE) READ MY (OUR) OWN BLOGS?

Is it because it’s not fancy enough, popular enough, etc.?????

Um….HELL no! (pardon my French)

Your blog REPRESENTS YOU!
And if you don’t think that’s good enough, DO SOMETHING (anything) about it!

Dorry’s post had a quote from her tea up that summed it up perfectly….

“The Beauty of Life is to Experience Yourself”

How’s that for some self affirmation? Winking smile


And because I feel like babbling on, here’s my. WIAW with an “ODE” to Figs
WIAWbutton
we’ve had a slight obsession these days with the fresh figs from my brothers tree.
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Chia Pudding, goats milk Yogurt, fig, and honey.
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GF Toast with cashew butter and Fig
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Snacks? How bout some fig wrapped in Apple Smoked turkey
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Okay, I think I got my days worth of fiber in.
Other random snacks…..SALT and SPICY FIX!
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Don’t mock them till you try them.
A homemade cocktail (recipe to come)!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
A dinner…forget the buns, we use rice.
 Gorgonzola chicken burger over Spanish rice.
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dessert….oh ya.
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That about does it folks.

Food and flavors that are random, but it represent me.

Go FIGure!---> (pun intended)

Would you read your own blog? Anyone use self affirmation today?

Hope so!
Cheers,
LC

p.s.
I almost forgot. The winner of the SUN CHLORELLA pack is Allie from "have your way with me." Allie, so glad you are a science nerd like me. I'm sending you an email soon!

118 comments:

Julia said...

okay. this post just made my day. for one...your food looks delish like ALWAYS. for two...I always put a lot of pressure on myself to keep my blog interesting and this way or that way...but sometimes I forget to just be ME. Those are the posts that usually have the most meaning for me and also seem to be the ones that others relate to the best.  LOVE that quote from her blog!

Lauren Anderson said...

Your chia pudding looks delicious! How do you make it?

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

I liked Dorry's post today. But would I read my own blog? Not sure. It's hard to say b/c that's my own life LOL. So sometimes I think maybe it's boring b/c it's just my day, just me, just what I do. But when someone says that I inspire them, then I have to look back and analyze a bit more perhaps. Since it's not their day, thoughts, etc., maybe it means a little more than I give it credit for?

Jason Bahamundi said...

I LOVE figs and have them in the pantry and now I have something to do with them. Thank you.

lindsay cotter said...

I don't think you realize that your cooking and way of life is inspiring. We can
relate to it and the ENJOY list inspires me everyday. Give yourself credit for
sure.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

fresh ones are the best! Iron and potassium rich. Eat em up!
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




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lindsay cotter said...

i think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves just to post and then lose track
of what we really want to say. ya know? So glad we could be REAL today Julia!
 
Lindsay



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Courtney L. said...

Can you believe I've never had a fig before?! Craziness!!
Did you change your font? I really like it! :)

lindsay cotter said...

i use a little oat bran, then 1/ 4 cup chia, milk or hot water, and then put
them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to soak. Oh and add in some honey and
vanilla. 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




________________________________

Pure2raw Twins said...

We are all about self-affirmations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I believe I would read my own blog :) We true to be as true and honest as we can but have fun and learn things along the way!

And so jealous of your fresh fig! Nothing beats it! Seriously one of my all time favorites!!!!!!!!! I need to grow my own fig tree when I have the space for it!  

Tri-Living...Together said...

Why must I keep begging you to come and cook for me! Just open a restaurant already.  Would I read my own blog? I don't know.. I'm quite critical of myself.

tea-bag said...

not only do i read my own blog, sometimes i comment on it!  :)  nah, just kidding.  but i do like to think that i stay true to myself and would read my own blog.
ps - i love fresh figs so much i would make up random ways to include them in desserts when i was a baker just to get the restaurant to buy them (and some ... most .... would inevitable end up in my belly)

Natalie O said...

Yum Yum Yum!  Fig pizza is really good too!

Matt @ The Athlete's Plate said...

Gorgonzola chicken burger? Want!

lindsay cotter said...

COSTCO!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh with goat cheese!
 
Lindsay



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Susan said...

It's hard to say whether I would read my own blog or not but I love it just the same. It's given me an outlet and some valuable friendships. That's enough for me!

Would you believe I've never tried a fig?

lindsay cotter said...

but your real and I love that about you. We want to be able to relate, ya know?
and I'd love to open a cafe....if I had money!

 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

yep, and I love that about your two! Its life and we're always evolving and
learning. And please grow a fig tree then send some to me!!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

Court!!! You need to grab some fresh fig, goat cheese, crackers, and wine ASAP!!
its amazing.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

so true susan. it is a great outlet and I bet you'd read it because you can
relate to that outlet.  i can!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

haha, now theres a new level of self affirmation....self commenting. Just
kidding. I ABSOLUTELY love that raw appeal you show on your blog. Freaking
awesome!
 
Lindsay



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Holly said...

I loved Dorry's post today and I saw your comment about "would you read your own blog" -- it seriously has me wondering if I would!

Wendy said...

Hmm... I was wondering the same myself the other day... "would I read my own blog?" and rather "what would I want to read on my own blog?" and "how would I want it to look to really read it?"

The questions you might ask yourself are, "wuold I want to eat my blog?." "would I want to work out my blog," and "would I want to live my blog?" as these seem (to me) to be general trends in your posts.

I more actively affirmed my mirror affirmations today while brushing my teeth!  Still need to change a few... and I did consciously reaffirm the napkin one under my pillow when I changed my sheets!  :-)  (Yes, I had only a napkin on hand the other night... and it was important to write down!)

Peace and Laughter to All!

Missy said...

Nabisco's got NEWTON on You. 
You an really work a fig. 

Dorry said...

Glad we collaborated on posts today, my friend! The older I get, the more comfortable I am just being myself. It's the only way to live a genuinely fulfilling life, right? To honor who we are, and to recognize that God made us in His image - and we should value that through sharing ourselves with others. By the way, I've had those seaweed snacks - major salt craving satisfied!

Dorry said...

p.s. I'm tempted to go to the store just for figs right now...mmmm.

lindsay cotter said...

dorry,

its your true self that inspires me the most and I love it. I can't thank GOd
enough for our friendship and realness. Thanks for being YOU sweet friend. Now
go get figs ASAP!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

LOL! so true and fig newtons are my hubs FAVORITE cookie ever.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I still want you share some of those amazing affirmations, and yes I think YOU
would read your own blog. Its pretty insightful!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

i think so. Look at the journey you are on. We can all relate
and feel connected!
 
Lindsay



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Cort the Sport said...

Yum!  I JUST had my first EVER fresh fig today, picked up from a farm stand at the beach yesterday!  Usually dried figs (Turkish) are my only local option but the fresh ones were divine!

Gen said...

I LOOVE your blog! :D 
All of your food looks amazing, as usual!

lindsay cotter said...

thanks Gen. You are really so kind to say that.
 
Lindsay




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jobo said...

Wow, just read Dorry's blog and love that...would you read your own blog!! YES I WOULD!! And if I wouldn't, then it's time to hang it up or change it or something. Right? And um, now I TOTALLY want figs!! I LOVE THEM!! Some great recipes here. And now cue hunger ;-)

Heather said...

I love figs. I go through a whole box for Fig Newman's Gluten free no problem! Today I realized when I believe in myself, others will too!

lindsay cotter said...

yes, my hubs LOVES THOSE!! I need to make my own GF version with these fresh
figs. Now its on the brain, thanks heather. haha.
 
Lindsay
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Molly Mcnamara said...

Looks like a perfect food day!!!

Jenny Houlahan said...

That is wonderful self affirmation! :) I love figs, it's been too long since I've had some. My favorite way to eat them is to slice them and toss them into salad for little seeds bites of sweetness. mm mmm!

I love that I get the most responses/comments on posts that I don't worry too much about and just write. They represent the real me the most! I do my best to be as genuine and true to myself as possible so I think I would read it :)

lindsay cotter said...

this is so true. and it feels nice to be yourself and not worry about the
outcome. Right?! I'm going to have to try the fig salad!
Thanks Jenny.

Lindsay



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26 2runforfun said...

I don't like reading my blog after I write it to edit, by then I am done, otherwise I hope I would read it, eek! I love self affirmations by the way! Finally, have u tried fig and goat cheese pizza? Yu m

lindsay cotter said...

right! but i know you'd make it happen. Your life is so full right now and full
of change. Its a journey and we get to be part of it, thanks for that Jo!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i can see that. its the intial thought.....did that post make sense? haha. And
yes, goat cheese fig pizza with carmalized onion is amazing!
 
Lindsay



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Katie said...

Fresh figs are AMAZING.  I am jealous your brother has a tree.  Those buggers are expensive!

lindsay cotter said...

same here. I usually go for the turkish fig. But now the fresh just might have
to be my new favorite!
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and he has an herb garden and vegetable garden. I go steal basil and jalapenos
ALL THE TIME. shhh!!!
 
Lindsay



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Sdjackie said...

Really enjoy your blog, thank you. I have made the chocolate chip mint healthy bites twice already! I love a recipe that doesn't require a food processor. Love the rice under the burger, very Hawaiian-style!

Tiffany said...

omg fiiiiiiiiiiiiigs!  My grandmother had a fig tree in the front of her house.  Once the house was torn down (:sadface:), my Mom and Aunts went there to dig up some of the tree.  That same tree is now re-growing in three different yards, slowly but surely.  I can't wait to have some fresh ones so I can go fig-bonkers for a whole day!  :P

lindsay cotter said...

so glad you made them! i will post another one soon. good to hear it from
others.

Cheers!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

now that is a COOL story. A fig tree that shared the love. wow, i want part of
that. haha.
 
Lindsay



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Bitchy Runners said...

Well I totally needed that quote today!  Thanks!

lindsay cotter said...

Good! So did I my friend.
;)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

YUM! What a tasty day! I LOVE figs! Have you heard of fig wasps? Google it...it is completely fascinating! I would read my blog, but I blog for me. It's not about how many people follow me, but about how my family enjoys life and food with dietary restrictions. 

Lindsay said...

I definitely think I would read my own blog :). And, I'm not sure I've ever had a fig...hmm, I may need to change that!

Liz @ Iheartvegetables said...

haha I think that's a good question to ask yourself. Would YOU read your blog? I think I would?... haha

I love your blog! I've never had figs before... I Think I need to find some!

lindsay cotter said...

You may blog for you but we also read because if YOU! Its a win win. And now I must go google fig wasps! Haha.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

klh said...

I think I would definitely read my blog...it took me a while to actually start one and I always said from the beginning that I would blog when I wanted and what I wanted!  And I believe I truly have been doing that.  I may not blog regularly and I am definitely not a popular one but I like it : )  I really like yours too!!  Can you believe I have never had a fig!  I need to get to work on the affirmations! 
hugs,
Katie : )

Raina @ Small Town Runner said...

My mom and dad have a fig tree and I can't WAIT until late summer when they are ripe! The BEST...very sweet.

chuck feerick said...

I forgot to keep reminding you to do exactly that and heed your own words... So do it Lindsay!  And remind me too : )

Sara Stewart said...

 Mmm figs warm my heart, soul and tummy. My grandma was an avid fig-eater, and always had them in her home when they were in season. I love them paired with cheese and drizzled with honey, just as you did. :)

I couldn't agree with you more about our blogs being a reflection of who we are! I would definitely read mine, but sometimes I feel as though I'm not sharing enough. I think there's a fuzzy line between maintaining privacy and being open and truthful. It's often difficult to find that balance!

I love your blog because your words always come straight from the heart. :-)

Lindsey @ Yogi Bear said...

Just came across your blog, and it's so cute! Yay for new blogs to stalk! :) I only tried figs once, years and years ago...I don't even remember if I liked them or not.

Bre said...

mmmm yum! I'm loving the figs! and I LOVE the seaweed---think we can recreate that?? We have some Annie CHung stuff but haven't seen that and it would be delish!

lindsay cotter said...

youre brilliant! totally going to recreate the wasabi seaweed!!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Hi lindz! so glad to connect. And I think you must find some fresh figs asap.
Its time to bring them back in your life!
;)
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




________________________________

Allie said...

what?!  Ahhh I seriously have won something like once!! AHh!!  I have never seen a picture of a fig, like as in a whole.  Are they good? I dont believe I have never eaten one.  I LOVE mocktails!!! Do you need my email?  Well its Alliroo12@aol.com

lindsay cotter said...

sara, you are so right. There is a fuzzy line when sharing and I think thats a
good thing. Setting a boundary between too personal and personal. Share your
heart and soul but not your private matters. I always ask my husband to read
over anything that he thinks might need to be kept to myself. But I see your
blog for you and you still seem very real to me!! I love that.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, you won!! email me your address. So excited for you. maybe I should send
you some figs too!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

haha, we both forgot. whoops! here's my reminder. and good luck this weekend.
You have a race, right?
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

liz, you gotta get some fresh fig! you'd love it. Maybe then your blog would be
1 heart figs, haha.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

your blog is entertaining and fun! So yes, you better read it. hehe! and maybe
a fig finding is next on the list.
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

another reason to come visit you this summer. More figs! They really make summer
sweet. agreed!
Lindsay




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Stephanie said...

I think I would read my own blog.  Actually, I do read each post - multiple times - before putting it up.  Does that count?  I do find it funny that some posts get a lot more reactions than others.  It's sometimes hard for me to figure out what makes a "good post".  But now, thanks to you, I know: FIGS make a good post!  Love, love, love them!

Allie said...

I would read my own blog... but probably because I find the stuff that I blog about interesting (because it is my own life haha!) I have never had a fig. CRAZY!

Jess said...

I loved Dorry's blog and love your take on it - because you are absolutely right - your blog is an extension of YOU. If you find that it no longer represents you, well (to steal your words)" - switch your focus. Get back to writing in a way that represents who you are, not who you think you ought to be. Great post, friend! PS. I LOVE FIGS. I am so jealous your brother has a tree!! 

Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table said...

That is such an interesting question - why would/wouldn't you read your own blog.  I will be pondering that one today!  It can be a struggle deciding what personal details are interesting to people and ok to share.

I love figs too!  I made scones with them last winter that I couldn't shovel in my mouth fast enough... which reminds me, I need to find that recipe!

Jenn @ Peas and Crayons said...

Ok you tease! I want figs now =) and looots of delish seaweed snacks! I missed dorrys post but obv it sounds right up my alley so i'm totally checkin that out next! love ya almond joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps: i think i'm on disqus for real now! how do I reply to comments? haha help meeee! 

kalli said...

love all your food.  please feed me for a day! :)  i have to admit i go back and read my posts.  i like it ;)

Katelyn Block said...

I LOVE FIIIIGS <3

Dairy_Free_Betty said...

Those figs and honey are gorgeous!!

i think I would read my own blog!! Especially since it's dairy free (haha)  Yes,  I'm a nerd too! ;)

lindsay cotter said...

good! you totally should. I read yours 2x just for all the fun adventure and of
course cute PEPSI
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

thank you mounds! and yes, get on disqus. See if it works for ya. We can be
twins. hehe.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

you are your best resource, haha. I love the stage of life that you are in and
all you share with us Jess!
Lindsay





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lindsay cotter said...

You crack me up! I can see your sweet face just getting all giddy over figs!
right?
:)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i agree. and sometimes we just overthink it! Thats my tendency. But when the
heart speaks, it flows so sweetly. And now, please share that recipe!
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, and you always keep me in check with that jess. Can't thank you enough!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

you are interesting and very encouraging! i love your daily bible verses too!
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

i think the more laid back you are about a post, the more the readers see the
real you. But it can be hard to do. I read mine too and sometimes think, this
sounds dorky but oh well! haha. Yes, figs are popular I guess. And so is
blood......speaking of. What in the world did your in laws make with it again??
 
Lindsay




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Shannon said...

umm, your bother has a fig tree?  i am coming for a visit :)  LOVE every way you're enjoying them, and i'm a bit jealous!!  that gorgonzola chicken burger sounds amazing, as does the cocktail :)

Rachelle Wardle said...

Love this!  I couldn't not agree more with what you said.  Blogs are so perosnal and the real reason I blog is for me (and my family of course.)  I really do not try to impress anyone and know that my grammer errors drive 9/10ths of the world crazy.  But that is okay because that is who I am.  Love you lindsey!  Have a great day. :)

Anna said...

I love figs and I hardly ever find them in the shops round here! Clearly you wrote this whole post just to taunt me... don't think I don't know what you're up to. The chia pudding sounds amazing!

Tina Reale said...

I agree whole heartedly. We have to be willing to read our own blog because otherwise why the heck are we writing it? 

Lisakthrives said...

Everything looks so yummy :)  
I love figs---and those look devine!
I've never thought about whether I'd read my own blog...I'm not sure. I'll have to think about that one!

Allie said...

I am emailing you right now!! Yeah yeah!!!  

Holly said...

I'm loving this post, especially the beginning. I think that's why the 'blog community' is so popular...we are all different & unique!
Those figs look so good. I honestly don' thtink I've ever had a whole fig. They are pretty to capture in pictures too ;)

Sam said...

very thought provoking!  and i just adore figs - loving the eats :)

Jen said...

fabulous post, lindsay! i always think it's beneficial to take a step back and evaluate things in your life...blogs included! i love the idea of, "would i read my own blog." it definitely lights a fire!

i love fresh figs. i need to go check my mother in law's tree to see if they're ripe yet!

Jenny Orcutt said...

um, get out of my brain. This post epitomizes everything I was trying to say in my post this morning. The only "criteria" we should have for our blog is that it's a representation of WHO WE ARE.. not "who we think we need to be".

LOVE YOU!!!! 

lindsay cotter said...

totally and I love it! Are brains must be in the same wavelength girl.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

it did for me too. I had to really think about it. Light that fire Jen!

p.s.
I think we have the same love of "drinks." just saw your last post.
;)
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i bet you'd read your blog everyday and smile sam!
 
Lindsay
________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

you learn a lot from your blog so I would definitely think you'd read. Its
fascinating!
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

exactly! We write to connect , to share, and to give a little bit of us to one
another!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and its a good thing you write for you and for trevor. It makes me see the
beautiful depth of your life. LOVE IT!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

________________________________

you come to visit and we'll pick figs and make homemade cocktails......and maybe
do a little biking?
;)
 
Lindsay



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natalie said...

I've never had a fig. I know. I know. I'm sorry. I would totally read my own blog. But only if I were super bored and looking for mediocre humor. :P

I can't find gluten free deli meat anywhere - I'm guessing it's not super common. I myself didn't know some deli meats had gluten until recently. Where do you find yours at? How is it price-wise?

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

I've never been such a big fan of figs because over here you can only get them dried and there's A LOT of food I like better than dried figs! ;)

I'm not sure whether I would read my blog for the content, but I'm very sure I'd read it because of the Smileys. :)

Averie said...

just saw the bites you sent heather/beach

omg girl didnt know about this biz of yours, i liked you on FB, and you should be sooo proud!  love what you're doing!

Alaina Rose Bremer said...

"The beauty of life is to experience yourself!" What a beautiful quote! I love that. And what a good question. I've definitely wondered to myself if I would read my own blog. I decided that I totally would! I like myself :-) Changing the subject: All your food looks so beautiful and tasty! I love figs. They're so sexy! 

Megan @munchercruncher said...

I love this post, AND you, AND your blog. You're awesome Linds!! xoxoxo

Erin Shipe said...

Oh my word, Linds! All of your food looks amazing! The fig dishes and cocktail look ridiculously good! I completely agree on the blog front. I hear a lot of people talking about the 'focus' of their blog, and even though I think blogs of course need some focus, I mostly just want to know about the PERSON behind the blog, not just their thoughts on on particular thing only. I like a blog more when I feel like I can connect and interact with the person:).

lindsay cotter said...

thank you so much Averie. That means more than you know. I've been trying to get this business expanding for over a year and a half now. Its been good locally but I would love to expand it to further. Being that its a one woman show, it can be tough. I know that you can relate. Thanks again for continued support!
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

the fresh figs are SO SO different. You must try them kath. I think you'd like them. and yes, I hope you would read your blog for the smileys alone. It just makes me happy!
:P
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

mediocre humor? oh no, its more than mediocre!! its awesome. And Bors head deli meats are all gluten free and so are applegate farms.


Lindsay




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Ameena said...

Have you had the ricotta/fig tartine at Le Pain Quotodien? It is to die for. I think you'd love it.

I do read my own blog. I especially enjoy going back to old posts and reading how ridiculous I sound! I had to say that sometimes I crack myself up.

lindsay cotter said...

well said erin and i have to say, i love reading ang getting to "know" you!!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

i do that too! its good to laugh at ourselves, right?
:)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

and why wouldn't you like yourself? Your gorgeous inside and out. And figs are
sexy, so true!! Happy Friday Alaina.

 
Lindsay




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jessiepants said...

Oh mercy, those figs look absolutely BEAUTIFUL!