12 Smart & Savvy Days of Christmas - Day 6 - My Favorite Bloggers Part 1

Hello, hello! Welcome to Day 6, a bit delayed. Since I started blogging in 2013 I've met a lot of awesome authors, bloggers and readers. When I was putting together my 12 Days of Christmas, I decided to include some of my favorite bloggers who have become really great friends as a part of it. Today I welcome Betsy from Book Drunk Blog and Kim from KimberlyFaye Reads.

Day 1 |Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8

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How long have you been blogging?

We started blogging July of 2013.  It seems like sooooo long ago!

How/why did you get started?

I started blogging on complete accident.  I had no idea about the book blog world, and always found my next read by sharing finds with Sarah, and perusing GoodReads.  One day on GR I was reading a review and it said "Copy provided by NetGalley". I thought, "What's a NetGalley?" and googled away.  Then I called up Sarah and told her all about it.  Ten minutes later Book Drunk Blog was formed and off we went!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

By far my favorite thing is the friends I've made.  I had no idea about the community I was jumping in to, but it just love all of the new people I've met!  I have made some of the best friends, even though we haven't all met in person.  There's nothing like finding fellow book nerds to geek out with over new release, cover reveals, teasers, and authors.  Kim at KimberlyFayeReads, Christine at iHeartBigBooks, Ethan at One Guy's Guide To Good Reads, Kaitlan at Between Order and Randomness and of course, you!  No matter what's going on, I can always count on one of you all to pop in with a well timed comment about bananas or a new Nick Bateman Instagram morsel.  We share book stories and life stories, we drool over half naked men (not Ethan though, we keep him out of that part), we give each other opinions and advice and encouragement.  It's just so wonderful to have "my people" that totally get what it's like to be a complete book junkie!

In the spirit of the holiday season:

What is your funniest holiday memory?

One year at Christmas, my sister was super nervous about meeting her boyfriend's extended family.  She.. over indulged at their dinner trying to keep calm, so by the time she got to our Christmas she was toasted.  My parents had gotten them a present for their dog, and when she opened the box of dog treats she burst in to tears, fell over on the ground and quoted Anchorman.. "I'M IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION!!"  I. Died.  My parents weren't thrilled, but I found it to be highly entertaining!

Favorite Christmas/Holiday:

Song?

Baby It's Cold Outside - the old school version

Food?

My Aunt Diane makes these KILLER cutout sugar cookies.  No one else knows the recipe, and no one has been able to replicate them.  Plus they have super secret homemade frosting.

Movie/TV special?

Elf.  Will Ferrell is a genius.

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How long have you been blogging? 

A year and a half.

How/why did you get started? 

I've always been the person that people go to when they need a new book to read. After posting short reviews on Goodreads for a couple years, and following a couple great YA blogs, I thought to myself "This isn't so difficult. I should do it." Little did I know... But seriously, I'm glad I decided to start. I get a little thrill when someone reads a book I recommended and they love it. I love discovering new books and authors. It's been a great year and a half. 

What is your favorite thing about blogging? 

My favorite thing has been getting to know a TON of amazing authors and bloggers. Whether we've just chatted online or we've had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face, I love so many of the people I've gotten to know this year. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to loving the "free" books and the fact that I get them before they're available to purchase. It's a nice bonus. ;)

In the spirit of the holiday season: 

What is your funniest holiday memory? 

When I was a young'un (probably around 6), my mom's dad thought it would be *hilarious* to give me a lump of coal for Christmas. In front of the whole (large) family. Oooooooh boy, did I throw a hissy fit of epic proportions. There was definitely a foot-stomping temper tantrum (and probably a few tears). It sure wasn't funny at the time, but it's one of the memories that has stuck with me the longest... and that gets brought up the most with family around this time of year. Oh, and it's worth mentioning there was a real gift to be had after my little fit. I don't remember what it was, but I'm sure it was of the toy variety and much appreciated. 

Favorite Christmas/Holiday:

Song? 

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

Food? 

My mom's homemade lasagna. We only get it once a year, on Christmas Eve, and I always gorge myself and feel miserable for several hours afterwards. But, it's totally worth it. 

Movie/TV special? 

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation... or Elf. It's a toss up. 

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Thank you, Kim and Betsy, for stopping by today! For today's giveaway, I am giving away one of Kim and Betsy's favorite reads from this year. So for your chance to win either a KINDLE copy of Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren (Kim's Pick) or a KINDLE copy of Knight by Kristen Ashley (Betsy's Pick), comment below and tell me what one of your favorite reads of 2014 has been.

Note: All winners will be announced on January 6th.