I still think it’s pretty awesome that through various social media and technology we can meet people that are literally on the other other side of the world that have similar likes and opinions. I know, this is nothing new and people have been doing it for a long time, but c’mon, you must admit it’s pretty nifty. Well I do, especially when you make the effort to get to know someone through their blog for example, and the effort is actually returned.

My most recent introduction of this kind came through blogs (both hers and mine) and through Twitter. I think it’s pretty textbook ’social media 101′ on how to let others know your blog exists: find another blog you like, comment on it (so that blog owner now knows your blog exists, and hopefully comments back) or write a post that includes a link to their blog (and some form of flattery doesn’t hurt). Voila, now you’ve connected with another blogger. And now, I have the pleasure of extending her introduction to my readers…

To start, a little bit about Christie:
I own an online media agency with my husband called Morning Copy. We specialize in copy writing, design, email marketing and SEO. I’m a bossy boots Project Manager
I write my food blog Fig & Cherry for fun although I’d love to work with food full time one day (writing, recipe development, styling). I also have this crazy dream of opening up a children’s cooking school! I’m a bit of an over-achiever and multitasking gives me an adrenaline rush.

How did the food you grew up eating at home inform your cooking/food choices today?
Being an Australian with Lebanese and Hungarian heritages I had access to a lot of different types of food as a child. One of my earliest memories is eating peas straight from the pod and picking cherry tomatoes still warm from the sun. Fresh and seasonal produce now plays a large part in my inspiration for cooking.

What is the ideal Christie meal?
I’m very concerned with nutrition so I try to balance every meal with fresh vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Although that all goes out the window if I can get my hands on a large selection of cheese. I love cheese.

Is there one thing you can’t live without in your kitchen?
Sharp knives, loved ones and a glass of wine! I love putting on a show in the kitchen so I’m in my element with an audience. (Guilty secret: sometimes I pretend I’m being filmed for a cooking show and talk to the ‘camera’).

Is there one food that gives you the heebie jeebies?
The more foreign, the better, actually. On my honeymoon in Thailand I was determined to find a bagful of deep-fried insects to munch on in Bangkok. I checked every street stall and was very disappointed when I couldn’t find any. I’d love to try puffer fish for the thrill and eat the worm from a tequila bottle. Maybe one day.

What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?
Steak in Toulouse, south of France, 2006. It had the most incredible complex flavour and tender texture. It was served perfectly rare and could easily be cut with a butter knife. I have never had a better steak. The other memorable thing was that all of our French friends smoked cigarettes between each course. I can’t understand how they tasted the next dish! It was very amusing.

As a food blogger, do you find social media and food a stimulating combination?
Absolutely! I love the instantaneous feedback and being able to interact with people who are as passionate about cooking and eating as I am.

A fellow food-plus-photography blogger…actually, his was one of the first photo-based food blogs I came across when I was considering starting Basil Gazing, and it has since been a constant source of inspiration…is being rewarded for his talented blogging skills, and the fact that he’s a foodie too, I’m sure.

Check your local listings for Matt Armendariz’s (of mattbites.com) guest visit to the Martha Stewart show this wednesday, September 17th!! Matt will be speaking on the art (or science perhaps?) of blogging, alongside a few other notable bloggers: Perez Hilton (c’mon, don’t try and tell me you don’t know who he is), Deb of Smitten Kitchen (also a great blog you must check out, and is a great resource for recipes) and Margaret of A Way to Garden which I must turn my mother onto…if I can get her to learn what a browser is first.

From lil’ ol us, we throw a huge ‘congrats’ your way Matt…can’t wait to see the show! Good luck!