Massive Blog Round-up (Part 2)

....Continuing on with part 2 of our massive mailbox clean-up, here are blogs that were sent in from December 2016 - May 2014. If some of these are duplicates, my apologies! It's growing increasingly difficult to shuffle through our extensive blogroll. Now that the mailbox is all cleaned up, feel free to send any suggestions to us via nepablogs@gmail.com. We would also love to connect with you on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nepabloggers/


Tim Maloney
https://maloneyofnepa.com/
Tim Maloney is a 20-something queer Muslim based out of the Wyoming Valley. As an activist and blogger, he has a passion for advocating nonviolence, sex positivity, and social justice. Tim graduated from Keystone College with a BA in Communication Arts & Humanities. In 2016, he received the Best Life Blog award at NEPA BlogCon’s Blog of the Year Awards. Maloney was also the 2017 recipient of the Susan Merrill Constance Kozel Award by the Interfaith Resource Center for Peace and Justice in Wilkes-Barre.

Deadicatedfans.com
http://deadicatedfans.com

Michael writes "I lived in West Pittston, PA most of my life before moving to DuPont, and now Forty Forty, PA. It's a website dedicated to die-hard fans of sports, movies, gaming or comics, with plans to expand into tech and music."

Oat and Sesame

https://www.oatandsesame.com

Emily writes "My kitchen adventures take place in sunny Flagstaff, Arizona. By day, I’m a staff member at Northern Arizona University. My free time is spent cooking, gardening, enjoying the great outdoors + squeezing kitties! Oat&Sesame is a place to share recipes, promote conversation and conjure up some creative inspirations!" Emily wrote to us back in August of 2016. At the time she lived in Northeast PA (Scranton), it seems that she's taken her adventures on the road to Arizona!

Jenny Kile's Kardects and Mysterious Writings

http://kardtects.com/blog/

http://mysteriouswritings.com/

Jenny has been a huge lifesaver with helping plan NEPA BlogCon over the last few years and she even did a few guest posts on our blog. The Kardtects blog focuses on creative ways to build structures (read: paper cards!) and her Mysterious Writings blog is about the art of treasure hunting.

Waverly Community House Archives

https://wcharchives.com/

From the mailbag: "My name is Gia Reviello and I am the Comm Classroom & Archive Director at the Waverly Community House. I stumbled upon your website while searching for blogs in the NEPA area and thought it was a great resource! I started the Waverly Community House Archive Blog in February of 2016 and was wondering if you would take a look at it? I am attempting to gain more general interest and get the word out there to those interested in local history." As of this writing, the WCH Archive blog is still going strong!

Amy Fedele's Bullzeye Design & Pretty Purple Door

http://bullzeyedesign.com/news

http://www.prettypurpledoor.com

Amy lives in Old Forge, original from Moscow (North Pocono). Bullzeye Design focuses on small business startup and entrepreneur tips and tutorials. Pretty Purple Door is her DIY / Home Renovation blog.

 

Luke and Life

http://lukeandlife.blogspot.com/

Luke writes "I'm from Union Dale PA.  I've just recently began following your page on fb, and have been reading some of the featured blogs.  I plan to attend the NEPA BlogCon this year.  I'd love for you to check out my blog." This blog appears to be mostly dead, but I'm linking it in the hopes that Luke will find his way back to blogging.

 

Henry Smith's Cottage

https://henrysmithscottage.wordpress.com

"A blog about photography with occasional rants on life"

Sadly, there hasn't been any activity on this blog since 2016. Come back! Blogging misses you! 

Victorian Wanna Be

http://victorianwannab.blogspot.com/

Another abandoned blog, but there is so much charm in what is posted, that I couldn't help but to link it. "I work for a local Estate Sale and Garage Sale Company and have way too much fun with that! In my free time I enjoy going to auctions and searching Antique malls and flea markets for Victorian treasures. I am constantly trying to "Victorianize" my 1989 home with these treasures. I love to decorate, create vignettes and enjoy staging photos."

Berks Plastic Surgery

https://www.berksplasticsurgery.com/blog/

Dr. Reedy's is a plastic surgeon in Berks County. If you're looking into having work done, check out this blog for more information. *though TECHNICALLY Berks County wouldn't be considered NEPA*

C.T. Sneak

https://ctsneak.wordpress.com/

Chelsea writes "I was wondering if my blog might be able to be added to NEPA Blogs. I'm a new blogger, and I'm apprehensive to say that my blog is political. I write about what I think about current politics, but my underlining concern is social justice." This blog is still very much active.

Sally Black's Vacationing Blogs

https://www.vacationkids.com/diswithkids-blog

https://www.vacationkids.com/vacations-with-kids

Sally Black, much like Jenny Kile (her blog is linked above), was a TREMENDOUS lifesaver for NEPA BlogCon over the years. She works primarily as a travel agent and has traveled far and wide. She knows a thing or two about vacationing with your family and has even published a book about it. She also spoke at NEPA BlogCon 2016 and has also helped along the way with guest posts. 

The University of Scranton SBDC Blog

https://scrantonsbdc.wordpress.com/

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides educational programs and no cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start a small business or grow an existing small business in Bradford County, Lackawanna County, Monroe County, Pike County, Susquehanna County, Tioga County, Wayne County, and Wyoming County in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania French

http://pennsylvaniafrench.blogspot.com/

"Re-Painted, Re-Purposed, Re-loved"

Pamela writes "If Mt Bethel counts as NE PA, would you consider adding my blog to your list?"

 

Brandon Lipani's Blog & Podcast

http://thetechnologygeek.org/

http://podcast.thetechnologygeek.org/

As you can tell from the titles of both the blog and podcast, the focus is technology driven.

And lastly series of Northeast PA authors with blogs....

“Giving History a Heartbeat” by Cindy Noonan, author of Dark Enough to See the Stars, soon to be published by Helping Hands Press: http://www.CindyNoonan.com

“Penned Without Ink” by Sarah Lynn Phillips, http://www.SarahLynnPhillips.com

“BUT-Kickers: Growing Your Faith Bigger Than Your ‘BUT!” by Sherry Boykin, http://www.SherryBoykin.com

That's it kids, the current mailbox is now at 0! I promise I won't allow it to get that out of control again!

Massive Blog Round-up (Part 1)

It's been a while since I've posted here. I'm not going to lie, I miss it a lot. Job commitments were the primary reason that I've stayed away as long as I have. Now that I have more time and freedom on my hands, I figured I'd ease in slowly by going through our mailbag which has been neglected for a while. I'm going to do this in two parts because there are a ton of unanswered emails to contend with. If you have emailed us, fear not! The email is still sitting (likely unanswered) in our inbox. I will be getting to it shortly! Without further ado....part 1 of my inbox clean-up.


Chris Bohinski's NYC Smile 4 Me
https://www.nycsmile4me.com
NYC Smile 4 Me's mission is to spread happiness, positivity, and joy by chronicling Boh the Smile Guy asking the same 4-word question to everyone he meets,“What makes you smile?” Chris (AKA "Boh the Smile Guy") currently lives in Wilkes-Barre Township (despite the NYC title of the blog) and has been featured on PA Live! and also in the Healthbeat segment with Mark Hiller.
Submitted on 3/8/18

Anthracite Unite
https://anthraciteunite.com
Anthracite Unite is a collective of working class scholars, artists, and activists from Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region. We’re focused on mending divisions within the working class and reimagining what is possible.

Henning's Local
www.henningslocal.com
This isn't really a blog, it's more of a website and it's TECHNICALLY in New York, but they have some cool stuff going on that they wanted to inform you about through us. So if you are vacationing or looking for something different to do that's within a short drive of Northeast PA, be sure to check them out. From the email: "Each week Henning’s Local will be screening favorite films about mothers, from the unforgettable evil villains to classic characters who stole our hearts. In addition to our regular menu, we will be offering a prix fixe meatloaf dinner, and blue-plate specials at the bar. Bring mom, and her dinner is on Henning. #eatlocal #momsmeatloaf"

No Time For Wine
https://notimeforwine.com
Brenda writes "I am originally from Susquehanna County and have been working on my blog www.notimeforwine.com  It documents my move from Single Mommy working a full time job, to now Married Stay at Home Mommy adjusting to my new life." 

NACL Theater
https://www.nacl.org/
Tannis Kowalchuk painstakingly includes NEPA Blogs on all of her press releases for the NACL Theater productions, some of which look very interesting. This is another one of those "not blog" submissions, but I feel guilty for not having given her a mention before. NACL (National Americal Cultural Laboratory) is a non-profit theater company in the southwestern Catskill region. If you are in the area or passing through, it's worth checking out.

Here's to Happy Endings
http://www.herestohappyendings.com
Kelly writes "I'm from northeast PA and have a book focused blog that I thought might be neat to have listed on your site! I've had the blog going since June of 2015, and it's updated pretty much daily and has a decent following. It features book reviews, discussions, giveaways, and other book and reading related things."

570 Menu Blog
https://570menu.com/blog/
Explore blog posts about local restaurants and nightlife. 

The Green Dish
http://www.thegreendishblog.com
Welcome! I'm Caroline, the blog's author and I've been struggling for the past few months with the decision of becoming vegan after watching a few documentaries (Food Inc, Forks Over Knives and Vegucated), and the more I think about it, I know the best decision for me is to become vegan. Changes are not easy and that's why I decided to create this blog as a way to encourage not only myself but also others, to share my journey throughout this new year and new lifestyle. I'll be sharing many vegan recipes and I hope you'll join me here at The Green Dish - One Healthy Dish at a Time!

I Heart Direct Sales
http://iheartdirectsales.blogspot.com/
Rebecca wrote me and asked if I would include her blog in our blogroll last March (as in 2017). Eeek! Sorry, Rebecca, I'm bad at emails. After revisiting this blog, it appears to have been abandoned. Who knows, maybe she'll pick it back up after seeing this post.

Lovely In Gold
https://lovelyingold.com
Kelli writes "I am a NEPA fashion and lifestyle blogger and would love to submit my blog to your site. My blog is called Lovely in Gold."

Mark's Bike Tock
http://marksbiketock.blogspot.com/
We know Mark from his work over on Mark's Tech Tock blog. He started a new blog last year about biking. To refresh your memory, Mark is a professor of engineering technology at a community college. "In my spare time I enjoy riding my bike on car free trails. I am especially happy riding a trail I have never been on before. I ride 3000+ miles per year and so far have been on over 70 trails across 9 states. I ride in temperatures from 10 degrees F to 105 degrees F."



That is the inbox from March 2018 back through January 2017. Tomorrow, we'll dig even further back in time!  
 

Tuesdays with Jan

John Devers, Jr. (his last name rhymes with "fevers" or "nevers," I forget which) is, among other things, a local poet who has two pieces in the Summer 2016 issue of Word Fountain, the Osterhout Free Library's literary magazine. He is also a blogger. His blog is named, inexplicably (or maybe he has an explanation there somewhere that I didn't see), "Tuesdays with Jan." Check it out!

Tuesdays with Jan
https://johndeversjr.wordpress.com/

BOBSERVATIONS

Robert D, Flatch, formerly NEPA's Wandering Tax Pro, has consolidated his blogging efforts into a single spot. He takes a hiatus from blogging during tax season, but look for updates in the months between!

BOBSERVATIONS
http://thenepabuzz.blogspot.com/

The Dad Poet

David J. Bauman describes himself as a "father, poet, and lazy birder," and a "lover of red wine and black coffee."  His blog covers all his interests and more.

The Dad Poet
https://dadpoet.wordpress.com/

Palm Tree Row

Donya Jackson reached out to us via our Twitter account to tell us about her blog "Palm Tree Row". 

http://palmtreerow.wordpress.com

Palm Tree Row is a lifestyle blog all about the Caribbean islands.  Donya moved to Scranton, PA recently and uses the blog to share the culture of the tropics with the world.

From the About:

Palm Tree Row is a lifestyle blog with a very distinct theme. We are all about the islands. Tropical and nautical fashion, home decor and entertaining ideas. Whenever possible, posts will be inspired by travel that we’ve done ourselves.

By Spring of 2014, our goal is to incorporate shopping capabilities so that our followers can purchase some of these great finds right here. We are already working with Tia for PTR on our first line of Island Vibe accessories.

Palm Tree Row was founded by Donya Jackson in June, 2013. An islander by birth, Donya couldn’t let go of the tropics and decided to bring it to readers year round. Feature bloggers will be published as often as possible so that we keep the travel vibe as true and as culturally honest as possible.

You can also follow Palm Tree Row on twitter: @PalmTreeRow and on Instagram.

#Poundsign

Here's a new blog by Scranton's Sabrina Hannon. New posts are promised for every Sunday. Watch to see how this blog develops!

#Poundsign
http://hashtagpoundsign.blogspot.com/

The musing of a Scrantonian, Patriarchy Smashing, Veggie Eating, Odd Habit Collecting, Party Planning, General Trouble Making, Warrior. New Blog Posts Every Sunday!

Let Me Eat Cake

Megan Baringer is new to Northeast PA.  She moved here last May and is looking for some camaraderie from other local lifestyle bloggers.

From the mailbag:

Hi! My name is Megan Baringer - I just moved to NEPA.  I just started a lifestyle blog to follow my fitness and life through wedding planning and marriage. Thanks!

Blog: Let Me Eat Cake
Link: http://megb87.blogspot.com/

We wish Megan a warm welcome to NEPA.  Now everyone put down your pierogies and kielbasa and give her blog a read, heyna!        

Coriosity

Here's another blog from the list of bloggers in attendance at last year's NEPA BlogCon. Remember, the second annual NEPA BlogCon is TOMORROW, Saturday, October 5!

Coriosity
http://blog.coriosity.com/

Coriosity is a "Life" blog, and as such it's hard to characterize beyond that - as hard as it is to characterize someone else's life. On this blog Cori Preston shares things she likes - books, movies, events - as well as tidbits of her personal life, such as the design of her bridal shower invitations. Cori has been sharing things on her blog since March 2012. Check it out!

Facebook Finds

Today, I figured that I'd share some of the blogs that Harold & I recently discovered through Facebook.  If you didn't already know, we have a group on the social media site where local bloggers mingle, bounce ideas off each other and share posts...we encourage you to join if you haven't already.

"The Life of Kyle"

By: Kyle Magda

http://thelifeofkyle.com/blog.html

Kyle has been at it since October 2012 writing about sports (a lot of NASCAR and running), health and nutrition, life and whatever else crosses his mind.

"Just Amusing Myself"

By:  Susan Keller

http://justamusingmyself.wordpress.com/

Susan introduced herself as an occasional writer in our group, but she was impressed with all of the different voices and topics of blogs in the area.  She's hoping more posts will come as she works the muscle.  Her blog is mostly about life, but life as a mother.  I enjoyed reading her recent posts and look forward to coming back for more!

"Donna's Addiction"

By:  Donna Gard

http://donnasaddiction.blog.com/

From the first post:  My name is Donna and I am a Freelance Photographer/Event Planner and I found a new addiction…Blogging! Since I love planning events and taking pictures, that is what you will find her on my Blog.  Here we will be discussing events that I have had the pleasure of  organizing as well as events that I have attended.  With pictures, crazy yet sometimes deep dialog,  and some quick wit, I am hoping to drag you into my crazy world of Event Blogging!  Now let’s have some fun and stay tuned for my first crazy Blog!



All of these links will be added to our blogroll on the side bar for your reading enjoyment.

...And while we are on the topic of Facebook, I'd like to remind everyone to stop by and "like" our page: https://www.facebook.com/nepablogs

Happy Saturday!

From the Mailbag: 2 from Aimee Waltman (and a shameless plug)

I've been corresponding through email with Aimee Waltman of Watsontown this weekend about her blogs and wanting to be included on the blog roll here on NEPA Blogs. Technically, Watsontown is in Northumberland County and according to Wikipedia (citation needed), it is considered part of Northeastern PA.  At any rate, whether you agree or disagree with this will be irrelevant when you see the beautiful pictures that are posted in these blogs!

Hi my name is Aimee Waltman.  I am the author of 2 blogs and I live in Watsontown, PA.  I was wondering how I would go about being included on your site? 

They are: Here & There -  http://hereandtherepa.com/ or http://hereandthereandback.blogspot.com

and Dear Harper - http://dearharperblog.blogspot.com/.

Look forward to hearing from you, 

Aimee

The Here & There blog features photography of historic places throughout Pennsylvania. 

From the about:  I have a (possibly unhealthy) fascination with local history and all things "old." This blog is photo based because that is what I enjoy most. I usually add a fact or two to describe the location and why I chose to photograph it. I will occasionally do a larger post if the subject warrants.

The Dear Harper blog is a photography and inspiration blog.

From the about:  I am a work in progress, learning as I go. This applies to all the things I do and love: parenting, photography, blogging. Always focused on the next level, never perfection. Life is better when it's a little messy, right?

You can now find both of these blogs on the side blog roll.


Also, don't forget, tomorrow night is the NEPA BlogCon Kick-Off party for this year's conference.  It is a free event with appetizers, door prizes and networking with the local blogosphere.  You can read more about it here.  We hope to see you out there! 

Rant, Rage & Rampage

David Yonki tipped me off to the new blog of Dr. Joe Leonardi in this post.   You may remember that Dr. Joe has another blog -- a fitness blog -- over at "Fat Then Fit Now".  The name of the new blog is "Rant, Rage & Rampage" and the blog revolves more around his personal opinions on life topics, politics and pop culture. 

Rant, Rage & Rampage

http://rantrageandrampage.wordpress.com



From the About: 

A Blog about EVERY & ANYthing! Rant, Rage & Rampage is a stream of thought blog, so there may be typos, grammatical errors, etc… It may not always be upbeat, it may not always be nice, and others may not always like what I comment about. If you don’t like any of that — tough! Thank you for visiting and reading. Please feel free to comment, I don't answer very often because I have had my say, and the comments are for you to have yours. Just remember, even if we disagree, I don't require you to be wrong, for me to be correct in my thinking!

We look forward to hearing Dr. Joe's opinionated rantings.  You can find him and all of our other life bloggers on our ever expanding blogroll on the right hand side!

WithLuckBlog

Attending conferences, seminars and meet-ups is a great way to network with folks of similar interests.  That's why I was so excited when the NEPA Wordpress group started doing informational meet-ups.  I love Wordpress and was happy to meet and learn from others using the platform.  Although I didn't attend the the March meet-up in person, I got the chance to chat with others watching the live stream of the event.

I met Jenn who has a blog that we didn't have listed in our blogroll here at NEPA Blogs.  Her blog is called "WithLuckBlog".  


http://withluckblog.com

From the About:  Hey there! My name is Jenn and I write my blog from my little apartment in Pennsylvania with a puppy in my lap and boy by my side. Here’s a bit about why I started WLB:

I’m on Pinterest so often it could probably  be considered a severe obsession and I finally decided that pinning things I like doesn’t mean I’m actually doing things I like. My blog started as an excuse to turn my pins into reality but in the last few months WLB has become much more.  I use this blog as a way to share a bit about myself and explore my passions. You’ll find posts about everything from healthy living, style, DIYs, fun recipes and anything that happens to be going on in my life. I hope you choose to grab a cup of coffee and hang for a while.

And for fun, here’s a short list of [some of the] things I love: coffee, laughing, outlet store sales, crafting, books, traveling, style, baking, eating, good hair days, friends and family.

With any luck, you'll check out WithLuckBlog soon!  And by the way, the next NEPA Wordpress meet-up is Thursday June 13th at The University of Scranton.  The topic is DIY Custom Post Types.  More details can be found at: http://www.meetup.com/nepawp/events/120521762/

Nikki's News

We love when journalists start to blog, and today is no exception.  As you may know, I work for the "News Station" (opposite of our PA Live! segments).  One of our bureau reporters recently started a blog!  This.  Is.  Big.  We already have Andy, Lara, Dave, Jen, Ryan, Mike, a Producer and me blogging.  Welcome to the WNEP blogging family....

NIKKI KRIZE!

Nikki's blog is called "Nikki's News" and it resides at http://nikkikrize.wordpress.com.  Nikki is one of WNEP's Central Pennsylvania bureau reporters and is stationed in the Lycoming Mall near Lewisburg with Jim Hamill and photog Tom Durant.

Nikki's blog is about "a little bit of this…a little bit of that".  She talks about her work outs and her obsession with TV among other things.

You can also follow Nikki on Twitter: @NikkiKrize and on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nikki-Krize-WNEP


Now go go go and show Nikki some love by checking out her blog and connecting with her on Social Media!

From the Mailbag: Mommy & Me: Finding and Losing Myself in Motherhood

TIPSTER:  Our Pal, Your Pal, APal


I received an email at work from Andy that pointed me to a new "Mommy Blogger".  From the original email:

My reticent wife joined Facebook and started blogging on WordPress a mere 3 weeks ago, and she's already friends with FB's COO Sheryl Sandberg and had a blog post on her "Lean In"  book go viral and get on CNN's homepage because Sandberg posted it on her FB page with this ringing endorsement:

"Of all of the things that have been written about Lean In, this post is one of my favorites. Thank you, Jennifer, for understanding that the point of Lean In is for each of us to make deliberate choices about what is right for us, and then go after our goals ambitiously and unapologetically. Your example is a great example for women of going through that process and making the best choice for them. Thank you for leaning in to your goals - and sharing your thoughts with all of us."
Cool story, no?  

More info can be found here: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-entertainment/201304/why-my-wife-is-bloggings-rookie-the-year

-Barry Kuhle

Personally, I've always had a pet peeve with the term "Mommy Blogger".  Just because you are a Mom who blogs, doesn't necessarily mean you are a "Mommy Blogger".  There are a bunch of Moms out there that blog about things other than Mommyhood.  Jenny's blog delves into this theory more deeply, as discussed in her about section:

I love, love, love being a mother and all that it entails. I love it so much that it oozes out the tips of my fingers and the ends of my hair. Aside from marrying my wonderful husband, I have experienced no greater joy in life than becoming a mommy to my baby girl in 2009 and my baby boy in 2012. But I am coming to realize that there is danger in defining ourselves primarily through and by our children. Do I really want motherhood to encapsulate all that I am? Does that mean that I have lost part of myself? What about that person I used to be before I was a mother? I truly have found myself in motherhood, but I am also losing myself in it, and this blog is my attempt to find myself again.

You can follow along with Jenny's journey through her blog located at:

http://jennykuhle.wordpress.com

Forget Me Not Lady

Today's blog offering is straight from our NEPA Bloggers Facebook group.  Tamara Tertel-Hersberger coins herself the "Forget Me Not Lady". 

http://forgetmenotlady67.wordpress.com

"Where Creativity, Inspiration and Faith Collide!"

From the About:

"I remember back in 11th grade when we all were trying to decide what we wanted to be when we GREW UP, I chose Interior Design. I loved every aspect of it and I give “SOME” of that credit to my creative and designing parents, who really made it come natural.

Well then life happened and the road I was getting ready to travel on had a HUGE DETOUR sign that took me in a whole different direction with no GPS. That lady would have been telling me the whole time “You’re going the WRONG WAY” lol (but I wouldn’t have listened anyway.) So now my live choices weren’t about me anymore and the desires of my heart had to be placed on hold for some time."

Follow Tamara's restoration, interior decorating, and life journeys on her blog or on her Facebook page.

From the mailbag: Abingtonian Adventures

Today's blog addition comes to us from Jennifer Deinlein, a NEPA transplant originally from SouthCentral PA. Jennifer is using her blog "Abingtonian Adventures" to document her adventures as a new NEPA resident and equally new mommy-to-be, as well as the not-so-new adventures in freelance writing and other activities.

http://abingtonianadventures.blogspot.com

Hello!

 

I have recently started a blog called "Abingtonian Adventures." My husband and I are fairly new to NEPA, now living in South Abington Twp., and I like alliteration. :-)

 

I blog about getting to know NEPA, organizing our house, being a new mommy-to-be, freelance writing, and anything else I deem "adventure." I'd really appreciate being listed on your blog!

 

Thank you!

Jennifer

Jennfer's "adventures" could be as simple as going on a drive or organizing her house.  They could also be complex like adapting to a new area or preparing for a new baby.  We are glad to add "Abington Adventures" to our blog roll and hope that you'll take a moment to follow along with these adventures on her blog! 

Herbvaceous Lady

The Herbavaceous Lady (aka Sara Crolick) is a little lady on the quest for all things green, nutritious, and joy-inducing as indicated by her blog's tagline.

http://www.herbvaceouslady.com

Sara is a relatively new member to our NEPA Bloggers Facebook group.  She's a former resident of PA who attended Wilkes and is now living in Colorado.  I hate putting labels on bloggers, but Sara is a true "life" blogger with sprinklings of her vegan roots.

From the about page:

Why I became a vegan:  I was twelve the first time I told my parents I would be a vegetarian. I would love to attribute some deep, secret, humanitarian voice guiding my decision, but I feel restlessness and identity-searching were the driving force. My mother didn’t give the cause much thought, certain I was going to lose interest in the idea; my attention span was inconsistent, at best. She just insisted that if I was to become a vegetarian, I would cook for myself. In response, I bought a cookbook. Purchasing a physical object that represented my decision seemed a solid first step.   Ours was a household of comfort foods. The menu often promised animal centered dishes like tunafish casserole, beef stroganoff (a disastrous night for me), and scrambled eggs for dinner. I didn’t know it then because I was too busy having a happy childhood, but these meals were a quiet representation of our meager financial standing.  My parents cooked within their means and I was always physically satiated when I went to bed; however, I still sought a spiritual satiation. My relationship with vegetarianism was short lived and (much like my attention span) inconsistent. Time passed and like most kids, I grew up, though, I did keep the cookbook. 

Be sure to check out her edibles section as there are a lot of yummy and healthy ideas to get a kick start on that New Year's resolution that we all have -- to eat better!


Sara has a loyal Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest following if you'd like to connect with her.  Don't forget to connect with us on those networks too!

From a Corner of a Foreign Field...

I wasn't able to make it to last Friday's Scranton StorySlam - it was a work night, and I had no way of knowing if I'd be there in time to hear any of the stories. But I do follow their Twitter feed, and last night I noticed several tweets being relayed on their feed coming from someone whose profile indicated she had a blog. A quick click on the link and a lot of reading later, and I knew we had found a new blog that had to be added to NEPA Blogs.


From a Corner of a Foreign Field...
http://eleanorgwyn-jones.blogspot.com/


Eleanor Gwyn-Jones is originally from England. She came to Northeastern Pennsylvania through a series of steps that she describes in various locations around her blog. But she didn't stay - she lived in Scranton and moved out. Out to the city that never sleeps, New York City, Brooklyn to be exact. And she found when she was there that she missed the things that had made Scranton special to her. So she moved back.

From a Corner of a Foreign Field... isn't the first blog we've listed by someone who originally hails from overseas. (That would be Moving to NEPA.)  But it's always fascinating to see NEPA through the eyes of someone who didn't spend their whole life here. Eleanor is also an excellent writer and storyteller, which are always pluses when it comes to a blog. Be sure to check it out!

PA Live! Blog of the Week: Is THIS Bliss?!

NEPA Blogs will be presenting a "Blog of the Week" on the WBRE's PA Live! every Tuesday. PA Live! airs weekday afternoons on WBRE from 4:00 to 5:00.

Watch this episode on the PA Live! website: http://pahomepage.com/palive-details?nxd_id=287192

Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is Is THIS Bliss?! (http://www.isthisbliss.com/).

Lorina, the blogger at Is THIS Bliss?!, certainly doesn't limit herself to blogging about just one thing. To put it as simply as possible, her blog is about finding out who she is right now.

Reading through her posts, much of this finding out is actually an act of creation. Is THIS Bliss?! isn't really a diet blog, and isn't really an exercise blog, but it does cover these topics extensively, with blog posts on subjects like exercise, fitness, health, running, weight loss, and self-esteem. Did you ever think to make your daily run more exciting by imagining, say, that there are zombies coming after you? Lorina has, and it turns out there's even an app for that. Tired of weighing yourself to see how your diet is coming along? Lorina gives (approximately) 101 Reasons to Ditch the Scale.

Is THIS Bliss?! is a fun, engaging read in which Lorina takes you along on a journey of self-discovery - and self-creation. Perhaps reading her posts will inspire you to begin your own journey. Just remember: sometimes the journey is more fun if you imagine you're being chased by zombies!


If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!