My Seven Links

Last week, I was nominated by Carissa and Courtney to participate in the Seven Links blog post that’s been going around blog world. The essence of the post is basically doling out superlative awards for your own blog posts.

So let’s get to it!

Most Beautiful Post

I think the most beautiful posts I’ve written for Peanut Butter Fingers were my wedding recap posts.

• Getting Ready
• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen
• Behind the Door
• Flowers
• Details
• My Father
• My Mother
• Ceremony
• Reception: Part I
• Reception: Part II

They were so much fun to do because they allowed me to relive the most amazing day of my life and hone in on the emotions I felt that day. By breaking up the day into a handful of recap posts, I was able to fully immerse myself into each specific aspect of our wedding, from the ceremony to the reception, to the wonderful people involved in our special day.

Most Popular Post

• Makeup Madness: The post where I detailed my morning makeup routine
• How to Curl Your Hair with a Straightener: My first-ever video post, detailing how to curl your hair with a straightener

• Half Marathon Playlist: The playlist that powered me through the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon last August

Most Controversial Post

I am not a very controversial person by nature and choose to remove myself from situations where conflict and controversy arise. This doesn’t mean that I don’t have strong opinions – because I do – I just choose to keep my blog a harmonious place.

Of course controversy finds me in the comments section of some posts, but the (always anonymous!) commenters usually attack superficial things like my appearance or something silly and the public relations major in me encourages me to just move on rather than dwell on cattiness and negativity.

Most Helpful Post

• How to Workout in the Morning

Blog readers have expressed their desire to work out in the morning to me many, many times. Over and over again I hear about their desire to workout in the morning, but their inability to simply get out of bed at an “ungodly hour.” Many times working out before the sun comes up seems unrealistic or just plain miserable, so I wrote this post to hopefully provide motivation and ideas to those who wish to make the transition.

• When the Money Isn’t Worth It

This post was inspired by my decision to leave a high-paying job for a job that paid $10,000 less a year to simply regain my personal happiness. I was honestly dumbfounded at the response I received on this post. It seems like many, many people have worked in absolutely miserable jobs simply for the paycheck. It was my hope that this post would help people who are currently struggling in an awful job to see that there is a way out and a light at the end of the tunnel, even if that means making less money.

Surprise Success

• Because of You

I’ve never been more nervous to publish a post on the blog than I was when I published “Because of You,” the post that detailed my decision to leave my full-time job to pursue a career in freelance writing and blogging. I thought I would receive backlash from some readers about leaving a stable job when, in fact, I received the most amazing outpouring of love and support. I was blown away by your kind comments of encouragement and still go back to the comments section of this post to re-read your words when I need a little pick-me-up.

Not Enough Attention

• Peanut Butter Protein Bars

I think more of you guys NEED to make these peanut butter protein bars. They are unbelievably delicious and were consumed by the hundreds during my first bachelorette party weekend in Chicago. They’re SO good!

Most Proud

• The Comparison Trap

This post was inspired by a church service I attended where my pastor said, “When we romanticize the situations of others, we will never be satisfied with what we have.” It’s so easy to see another woman and think she’s gorgeous, has a perfect body, an awesome job and an amazing family and wish, on some level, that we were her or were as pretty, successful, or put-together as she seems. This post delves into my personal struggle with comparing myself to other women and how I try to overcome The Comparison Trap.

And now, in the spirit of the Seven Links post tradition, I tag the following bloggers to participate in this fun post:

• Ashley @ ASpoonfulofSmash
• Gina @ Fitnessista
• Meg @ SunshinenSpice
• Kelly @ WhatKellySaid
• Faith @ FortheHealth
• Megan @ MeganerdRuns