Tag Archives: Let’s Bee Friends Friday

Let’s BEE friends with Brandee !

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Hello my friends! It’s Friday and time for the coolest way to meet new friends in the blogosphere.  That’s right! It’s time to link-up for Lets Bee Friends!

Are you ready to meet another bloggy friend?

Today, I have Brandee visiting me from the blog, One Crazy Kid.  I’m excited to share my blog space with her because she’s a local gal here where I live. I love finding bloggy friends who live just a hop, skip and a jump from me.

Brandee’s going to share 10 things about herself today.

Here we go …

Well, hello! First off, I want to send out huge thanks to the lovely Bruna for asking me to Bee Friends this week. When she asked me, my reaction went something like this:

“What? Bruna wants to feature me? Me? Wow! This is so cool! Me? Is she serious?Me???” You get the idea. So thanks Bruna, Iʼm thrilled to be here.  Before I get too excited and forget what I was going to talk about (not that Iʼve ever had that happen or anything), allow me to tell you some random, maybe even slightly interesting, facts about myself:

1. Iʼm a country girl at heart.
I was born and raised in a small-ish town. I lived on a farm for half my life, and my grandparents and great grandparents, lived on farms. My great-grama actually came across Canada with an oxen and wagon as a child and lived in a sod house in Saskatchewan (like Little House on the Prairie). Although I like the amenities of the city, I prefer to be surrounded by trees and nature.

2. I skipped a grade in elementary school.
This was both a good thing and a bad thing. It allowed me to be challenged a bit more in school, but resulted in me always being the youngest everywhere I went.

3. I joined the Army Reserves straight out of high school.
I had a dream to become a UN peace keeper, and so I signed up to be an artillery gunner. I left for my basic training 2 weeks after I graduated from high school. Being in the Army was a life changing experience for me, and although it was one of the toughest things I have ever done, it was also one of the most rewarding.

4. I love to travel.
I have been to England, France, Germany, Italy, Seoul, and the Philippines. My Dad is from the Philippines, so it was amazing for me to get to go there with him and see where he grew up and experience the beauty of the place he called home. Iʼve also travelled to different parts of the United States and Canada. I dream of going to Australia and New Zealand, and so many other parts of the world. If I could, I would travel and get paid for it. I would love to spend my time exploring different parts of the world, seeing new places and going on adventures. Last year, we took our son to Disneyland for the first time. We did a 2 week road trip to California with a not-quite 3 year old. Many people thought we were insane, but it was a great trip and we all had a wonderful time.

5. I listen to everything from classical to punk, and pretty much everything in

between.
I will admit that Iʼm not a huge fan of metal, or hip hop, but other than that? Pretty much everything goes. I have thousands of songs on my iPod, and the list is always growing. I enjoy going to musical theatre, and am ridiculously excited about going to see “Cats” for the first time next month, as I have wanted to see it ever since I was in high school, and am finally getting to. I also enjoy going to a punk show and getting down and sweaty in the mosh pit. Yes, I am only 5ʼ4”( on a good day), so being in the mosh pit with 6ʼ+ guys often ends up with me getting elbowed in the eye or the side of the head, but Iʼm ok with that. There is something about the rush that you get from slamming around in a good mosh pit that I love. The stinky, sweaty clothes you have after the concert are not my favourite part, but I have learned to live with them. Music has always been a huge part of my life, for as long as I can remember. I have often said that I think that without music in my life I might just shrivel up and blow away. I started playing the piano when I was 4, and have played the flute and bassoon. I have been a part of various choirs and groups, and used to dream of going to Berkley or Juilliard School of Music. That was, until I found out how much it cost, and just how hard it was to get in to.

6. Iʼm a book nerd.
Books make me happy. I love to escape into a good book. I love losing myself in the words, the characters, the stories. I hate the feeling of saying good bye when a book ends. If I could, I would have a library room in my house. One of those big, old fashioned rooms with a ladder that travels around to the room, decorated in deep, dark colours, with a cozy place to sit and read and enjoy some tea. Someday, someday… I am struggling right now with the debate about whether or not to get a Kobo, to save paper, but Iʼm waffling, as I love the look and feel of books. I love the pages turning, the way they feel in my hand, the pretty colours on the cover. E-books just donʼt seem like they are the same, you know?

7. Speaking of tea -
I may have a slight problem when it comes to tea. I have recently discovered the joy that is Davidʼs Tea, and in about a 5 month period of time, I have probably built up a collection that may, just possibly, is about 50 different kinds of tea. Oh, who am I kidding. Hi, my name is Brandee and I am addicted to tea.

8. I do pole fitness.
Actually, I donʼt just do it, I live it. Pole has changed my life in so many ways. I talk about it on my blog a fair bit. It has given me strength and self confidence that I never thought possible. It has changed my body. It has brought the fun back to working out for me, and I look forward to doing it. I love the bruises that come with trying to nail a new move, and the pride that comes when you finally get it. My bruises are a badge of honour for me, and I wear them with the pride and the knowledge that I have fought through my fears and beaten the voices in my head that said that I couldnʼt do it, or that I was not good enough. I could go on and on about this, but I will say, if you have never tried pole – Go for it! You have nothing to lose, and you might just surprise yourself. Trust me, I never thought that I would be able to do a quarter of the things that I do now.

9. I sometimes wish that I was more into fashion, shoes and makeup, but Iʼm not.

Iʼm way more of a jeans and t-shirt girl, and always have been. Sure, I occasionally like a funky pair of boots, but the thought of spending $500 on them gives me conniptions. This is much to the chagrin of my mom, and most of my friends, but Iʼve learned to live with it. I do like buying clothes for my son though, and I think sometimes that he has a better wardrobe than I do.

10. I did my university degree in Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology.
Think the TV show “Bones”. I loved it, and would love to have made a career, but I just was not willing to pay another $20,000 to go to Grad school.  Just another day in the life of the Crazy Kid! What, donʼt you ride dinosaurs every day? ;)

So there you have it. I hope that youʼll come and visit me at One Crazy Kid or come find me on Twitter. Iʼm @archaeolemur there.
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As with all blog hops:
1. I ask that you follow me.
2. Grab the button from the sidebar and include it in your post.
3. Link up your favourite post from the week. (no giveaways please)
4. Visit other bloggers who have linked up. Follow who you like.
5. Spread the honey by leaving them some sweet old ♥ comment love ♥ AND tell everyone else you know to link-up with us for Let’s BEE Friends too!

let’s BEE friends with Hope!

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I am happy to welcome back my #Lets Bee Friends feature!
It went on hiatus a month ago in lieu of celebrating my one year blogiversary throughout the month of October.

I’ve missed it immensely!

As you will soon discover, I’ve slightly changed the format of the guest feature.  No more interview questions. Instead, my guest bloggers are asked to share 10 Things about themselves or an alternative, they write a feature piece on a topic of their choice as long as it fits within the theme of Bees With Honey.

The rules:

1. I ask that you follow me.
2. Grab the button from the sidebar and include it in your post.
3. Link up your favourite post from the week. (no giveaways please)
4. Visit other bloggers who have linked up. Follow who you like.
5. Spread the honey by leaving them some sweet old ♥ comment love ♥ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I’ve asked a totally fun, super happy and friendly chickie to join me for
#Lets Bee Friends. Her name is Hope!

“Hope is a mother to three boys and the blogger of Staying Afloat! where she writes about the adventures and survival of living in a sea of testosterone.  You can click the link above to view her blog and you can also follow her on twitter @HStayingAfloat.”

I met Hope on Twitter and instantly liked her because she was funny, fun and always happy.  She’s always ready for a good Friday night #wineparty.

In December, Hope and I may even get to meet in person as we unite with a cool group of blogger girls for a mini Mother-of-All-Tweet-Up, here in my neck of the woods. Yes, I am the organizer of the night’s events.

But enough about that, let’s get to know Hope!

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I am so very honored and excited that Bruna asked me to be here today.  Like squealing and spilling my water all over the kitchen table, thankfully it didn’t get on my laptop…excited.

You see, Bees With Honey was one of the very first blogs I started reading when I started blogging.  I fell in love with the Let’s Bee Friends Feature and loved every single person that was showcased.  And for those introductions I am extremely grateful.  It’s so surreal to be here and to be featured.

So who am I ?

Good question!

Lets get the nitty gritty out of the way first shall we?  My name is Hopes.  I am a happily married, extremely outnumbered Stay At Home Mom to three gorgeous and outgoing (read that as sometimes obnoxious) boys ages 8, 5 and 17 months.  The only other girl in the house walks on all four legs and isn’t much for conversation.  This of course means I am a chef, a chauffer, a tutor, a doctor, an expert diaper changer, an entertainer, and a soft place to fall all wrapped into one.  But then again, what mother isn’t?

So what makes me…well, me?

You know, to be honest I wasn’t sure until I actually sat down and thought about it and this is what I came up with:

  1. I was lucky enough to marry my best friend.  We met when we were just teenagers and it was one of those fairytale meetings.  You know the kind where a boy and a girl are walking past each other while on a beach, lock eyes with each other, and the rest is history?  Yep!  That’s me and my husband.  Only it took a lot longer to get to the “I Do” part since we were only 15 and 17.  We became best friends and stayed that way for 8 years before we ever started dating.
  1. I used to sing.  Not professionally but somewhere in the middle of singing in the shower to pretty darn good.  My claim to fame in the singing realm was performing the National Anthem a cappella with a friend in front of a completely packed sports arena for our High School Basketball team’s State Championship Game.  It was so nerve wracking but we did get a standing ovation!!  Now my singing is strictly for my boys.  I sing to them all the time and I love it!  I still dream about what it would be like to get back into singing with a choir, maybe someday.
  1. I survived an end to end flip over car accident.  To this day I do not know how all of us walked away from that with only our knees cut up.  We were all blessed that day.
  1. I suffered from Graves Disease (Thyroid) at an early age and had to have a Radioactive Iodine treatment at the tender age of 23.  I was living with my boyfriend (see number 1) at the time and I had to go sleep at my parents house for 2 nights because I was radioactive and could have made my future husband sterile if we slept in the same bed.  There is nothing like a little radioactivity to put things into perspective.  And yes, I did go into the bathroom with all the lights off to see if I glowed.  The answer?  Nope, not even a little bit!
  1. I was fortunate enough to travel to Norway when I was 14 years old with my grandmother for 6 weeks.  It was a trip I will never, EVER forget.  I learned the meaning of family even more than ever before on that trip.  I discovered where I came from.  Walking through the town where my maiden name came from (and still exists today) was absolutely surreal.  Meeting all of my cousins, second cousins, and cousins twice removed was so much fun.  They were warm, they were welcoming, they were family.
  1. For me family comes first.  Always!  Doesn’t matter if you are a blood relative or a part of my friend family.  If you need me, I’m there.  No matter what.
  1. I have been told I have a pretty darn good wine palate.  Which is nice and all, but what it really means is I get to drink more wine!  Because what else would that mean?  WIN-WIN!!
  1. I am a listener.  A good one.  I love to be a sounding board to others and will listen for as long as people need to talk.  But when it is my turn, I tend to gab, like a lot.  I love talking with other people.  Communication is GOOD!!
  1. I am honest.  Almost to a fault.  There is no doubt that I always mean what I say and say what I mean.  If you’re looking for an honest opinion about something, come and find me.  I know no other way to be.
  1. I wear my heart on my sleeve.  I don’t hide emotions well.  After being blessed with three gorgeous boys the emotions are free flowing.  But you know what?  I believe that’s as it should be.  Motherhood has taught me to let my emotional walls down.  To let others see my emotional side and to just let the love show.

These are just bits and pieces of me.  They are personality traits and past experiences, but both of these things together make me who I was born to be.

I wouldn’t change a thing!

let’s BEE friends with …. Abe!

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At Bees With Honey, I believe in spreading the sweetness of *honey*. Every Friday, I feature a blogger I love and enjoy reading. Today is Friday, so let’s link-up!

As with all blog hops:

1. I ask that you follow me.
2. Grab the button from the sidebar and include it in your post.
3. Link up your favourite post from the week. (no giveaways please)
4. Visit other bloggers who have linked up. Follow who you like.
5. Spread the honey by leaving them some sweet old ♥ comment love ♥ !

The linky can be found at the bottom of this post!

Today, I’m featuring a blogger I found through Laura, The Purse Blogger. She was featuring him as her Lady of The Week.  Now, it’s obvious by looking at Abe he’s definitely not a lady.  He’s none other than … a dad blogger who calls himself Cheeseboy. You need to check out his blog, The Blog O’Cheese here.  I assure you, after reading Abe once, you will want to subscribe to his blog so you can read him every day. He is so funny and entertaining! His posts are guaranteed to put a smile on your face if not make you laugh out loud!

And now, I present to you, my favourite Dad blogger …. Abe!
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1. Tell us a little about yourself. Married? Kids? Profession?

I’ll share, but since you said “a little”, I’ll keep my answers to one word each: Yes, Yes, First Grade Teacher.

2. When and how did you get into blogging?

Three years ago everyone in my family told me I had to get a blog and that everyone had a blog and that blogging was the big thing. Today, I am practically the only one that still has a blog or updates it regularly. My blog has changed a lot over the years though.  It started as a way for me to write about my family and occasionally write funny posts.  Today it is almost entirely funny posts.  I look back at my first posts and I am kinda embarrassed.  They were pretty bad.  It’s a good thing no one read my blog back then.

3. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

I’d love to trade places with Steve Martin, a personal hero of mine, but I highly doubt he would like to trade places with me. (Although my wife is hotter than his.) Of course, Steve made a string of horrible family movies, but I still admire him for his comic, musical and writing genius.

4. What is the last movie you went to see? What’s your favourite movie song of all time?
I honestly think the last movie I saw was “How to Train your Dragon” with my boys. I prefer to watch movies at home because I hate cell phones going on and dealing with the whole seating thing.  Although I am planning on seeing Kung Fu Panda 2 with the family tomorrow.

My favorite movie song might be a bit obscure, but I am going with it anyway. I will go with the classic tune “A Penny for your Thoughts” from Christopher Guest’s “Waiting for Guffman”.  If you’ve seen that movie, you know why.

I might also say Peter Cetera’s “I am the Man Who Will Fight for your Honor” from “Karate Kid II” because picturing Peter Cetera actually fighting anyone makes me  chuckle.

5. If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island for 6 months and you could only bring 3 things, what would they be and why?

I’d bring Tom Hanks, Gilligan and the Swiss Family Robinson because they all know how to survive such an ordeal.

6. What do you think about the Canadian couple in Toronto who want to conceal the sex of their child, STORM, from the world so he can lead a life free of gender influences?

Great idea!  Someone needs to step up and fill the shoes Michael Jackson left behind.

7. What would you say is the best thing about being a First Grade Teacher?

Women come up to me all the time and tell me how adorable it is that I teach first grade.  I get a ton of attention from being a male first grade teacher.  I’m not going to lie, I kinda dig it.

Definitely the best thing about it though is connecting with the kids and making them laugh and enjoy school on a daily basis. A parent recently told me that I must subscribe to the quote: “Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.” This is definitely true for me and my teaching style.

8. Got any blogging advice to other Dads who may want to start blogging?

Sure thing. Be patient. You’ll find your footing and where you want to take your blog only after a few months of trial and error.  Also, be sure you pander to women as they are going to become your reading majority.

9. If we could look into your briefcase or “man purse”, what would we find in there?

I don’t own a cell phone, but I do take my iPod everywhere I go. That would be in there, along with my laptop. Oh and I usually have some first graders’ toy that I have taken and then forgotten to give back to them.

10.  What can the readers of Cheeseboy look forward to seeing on the blog? Anything exciting or new coming up?

I think that as you read my blog, you realize that you never know what to expect.  I don’t participate in memes or writing prompts.  I try and make my blog posts as creative, interesting and funny as possible.  Sometimes I am more successful than others.

One thing you can look forward to is every 100 followers, I vlog a video stunt of myself doing something stupid in public.  My next stunt will be vlogging myself break dancing in a Subway restaurant when I reach 700 followers. I’m a little nervous about that one.

Now go on over to Abe’s blog and start reading! I promise you, you’ll be going back for more :)

let’s BEE friends with … silvia

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It’s that time again, friends. It’s Friday and time to spread the honey love to yet another new blog buddy!

I am excited to today to feature a friend who I have known since I was a kid.  She also happens to be a very talented artist who lives in the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada ~ My home and native land!

Without further ado, I introduce to you …. Silvia!

1. What do you do for a living?

I am a lifestyle photographer specializing in Maternity, Newborns, Kids and Family portraits.

2. What inspired you to get into photography?

My children definitely inspired me to learn more about digital photography and start my business. I have always loved photography, photos of every kind. I have a very good rapport with children as I used to teach swim lessons.  I feel I am a good combination of fun and friendly and have a soft spot for babies! They are so precious, sweet and innocent. I love to capture amazing close up candids of children that shows their personality. When I had my first daughter, I took so many pictures of her. Once I got my first digital SLR camera and was finally able to take the photos I had been trying to take on the point and shoot, I became totally hooked. I learned everything I could about digital photography and my camera as well as everything I need to know about lighting, posing and composition.

3. Which type of photo shoot do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy portrait photography the most. When I meet a person, I like to know everything there is to know about them. I enjoy learning about other people’s lives…EVERYONE has a story! I truly try to capture that personality in every photo I take. I love asking questions and finding out about what makes each person the unique individuals that they are.

3.  Do you have any children? Ages?

I have 2 amazing girls. Sarah is 7 and Emily just turned 5. They are beautiful, hilarious, charming, witty, smart, talented, huggable, loveable and I wouldn’t change a thing about either of them.  They are the light of my life and have made my life what it is today. They inspire me on a daily basis and have made my life so much more interesting. It was a long road to get them…5 miscarriages and many heartaches later, I finally have the life I’ve always dreamed of.

4.  Do you read blogs and if so, do you have any favourites?

YES, of course. I read some regulars, but will also read blogs that come across my screen via twitter or Facebook. I love to read about what’s new with “bees with honey” (of course) “raspberry ruffles” “gabry road” “dagmar bleasdale” and of course some fellow photographers whose work I truly admire like “bowes photography-baby art” and “fresh sugar” … lots of others too!

5. Where on-line can we find you? Facebook? Twitter? Website?
I am totally obsessed with social media!! There is rarely 2 hours that go by in a day where I am not checking Facebook and Twitter…
www.silviaphotography.com (blog on site)
www.facebook.com/silviaphotography
twitter @silviaphoto

6. Who do you admire or look up to and why? What inspires you?

There are a few photographers that I look up to and hope to be like “when I grow up”. I love their work, and respect their craft for the business and the work they produce. I admire their business sense, humour, great work, eye for the craft and so much more.
Every day life inspires me….I will see everyday things going on around me and imagine them in a photo. I am inspired when I least expect it, like picking up my kids from school, watching kids playing on the playground, listening to a child try to put into words the thoughts that go through their heads or watching a newborn baby smile in their sleep. Children inspire me ~ all kids and at all ages! I love to cherish their innocence by capturing in a photograph to remember forever.

7. Do you have any advice for photographers or small business owners just starting out?

I would say to first find what your passionate about. Have a vision of where you want your business to go and commit to it 100%. Do something every day that is just a bit out of your comfort zone. It’s tough with a lot of competition out there.  Art is subjective and some people are happy to get “average” photos from an amateur photographer who is “cheap”. Practice as much as you can on EVERYONE.  Learn as much as you can about photography, art,camera use, lighting, composition etc.  I have been slowly growing my business for the past 3 years and began with a 5 year plan. I know exactly where I want to be then and am working towards my goal. I have a few blog posts that talk a bit more about my feelings on this subject…
http://www.silviaphotography.com/2011/02/07/how-to-choose-the-right-photographer-for-your-needs/

http://www.silviaphotography.com/2011/02/01/a-raw-look-into-my-feelings-about-photography-and-art/

8. What do you have coming up on your photography blog? Any photography packages on special?

I have a Mother’s Day special for April 28th and 30th. There are limited spots available so if you are interested, please book with me quickly. 30 minute session in studio for moms and kids/family. An 8×10″ print, 10 low res. files to disc for web and small prints.
Only … $100.00

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Linking up with Java from Never Growing Old for her Follow Friday Blog Hop!

Let’s BEE Friends with … Nadia

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At Bees With Honey, I believe in spreading the sweetness of *honey*. Every Friday, I will feature a blogger I love and enjoy reading.  I welcome you, my readers, to spread the honey by leaving us your ♥ comment love ♥.

Today, I am excited to introduce you to Nadia from n.cries.life.  Not only is she beautiful, fashion savvy, funny, smart and well written, she’s also my cousin!  I read Nadia’s blog every day because she inspires in a multitude of ways.  You need to go on over and visit her today so you can see for yourself! I am honoured to have her guest posting on Bees With Honey. Enjoy!

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Hello readers!  I am so honoured to be guest posting today on Bees With Honey.  My name is Nadia and I write a blog called n.cries.life.  My blog serves as a collection of inspiration including fashion, music, art, books, travel and loved ones.

What do you do for a living?
I am an assistant branch manager for one of the five major banks here in Canada.

What inspired you to start blogging and how did you come up with the name for it?
From an early age writing was always something I did.  My parents used to joke that I was going to be a journalist when I grew up because I’d always have a pen and paper in my hand.  Whether I am writing poetry, short stories or a simple journal, I am most content when I am writing.  It’s therapeutic for me.

What are three of your favourite blogs?
Three of my favourite blogs are Zen Habits, Because I’m Addicted and Black*Eiffel.

How did you meet your husband?
I met my husband through a mutual friend of ours years ago.  We would see each other out once in awhile over the years, casually saying hi and making small talk but it wasn’t until a few years back when we were at an event that we really started talking.  I had always had a little crush on him so you can imagine how excited I was to hear him admit the same.  Four years later, the crush is still going strong ;)

Any plans to start a family? If so, how many children would you like to have? I am almost 4 months pregnant with our first child!  Exciting times.  We do hope to have 1 or 2 more children in the future.  Right now we feel beyond blessed to have our first on the way :)

Who do you look up to or admire and why?
That would have to be my mother.  There are so many reasons I admire my mom and it extends beyond the fact that she is my mother.  She has this quiet confidence and unwavering strength.  And she’s so wise.  She listens without judgement and always speaks from her heart.  If I am half the mother she has been to my brothers and I, I would be so happy.  She really is the light in our lives and I feel so fortunate to have her as my mom and best friend.

How long have you been blogging? Do you have any advice to bloggers just starting out?
I’ve been blogging for about a year and a half, so I’m still relatively new to the blogging world myself.  It sounds simple (and maybe cheesy) but I feel the most important thing is to be yourself.  Have your own voice.  Write when you are inspired, not because you haven’t put out a post in two days.  Remember, this is your creative outlet.  Let it reflect who you are.

What new and exciting things do you have coming up on your blog? What should we stay tuned for?
I’ve never been one to plan posts too far in advance, but I’m sure readers can count on a few pregnancy adventures and eventually baby adventures!  I’m looking forward to being able to exchange stories and advice with fellow moms :)

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Stay tuned next week, my dear readers, for another feature on a lady who has found a special place in my heart. ♥