Frequently Asked Questions About Anali’s First Amendment

2009-11-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

If you’ve read my blog, you know that I often update my posts. This FAQ page is a work in progress and subject to frequent editorial updates.

Some are real questions posed to me. Others are questions that I’m posing to myself. Maybe someone wants to ask. Right?

Why is your blog called Anali’s First Amendment?

My “real” name is Lisa Johnson. I started this blog in 2006, but wasn’t sure if I wanted anyone to know who I was or what would happen with this blogging thing. I didn’t know many bloggers and for all I knew, this could all go terribly wrong. Luckily, not so much! Blogging is probably one of the best things that I’ve ever done.

My email name was already Anali, so I decided to use it for blogging. I thought that I made up the name, but later found out that Anali is a Hindi name meaning fiery.

When I first started blogging, I wasn’t sure what I’d write about or whether there would be a certain focus or niche. I really had no idea, but I did not want to feel restrained or tied to one particular topic. I’m very curious by nature and interested in all sorts of things.

I wanted freedom to write about anything that I wanted. To have my own personal forum. I thought about what allows us Americans to say what we want. To have the freedom to speak and express ourselves. Freedom of Speech. The First Amendment. And the name of my blog was born.

How do you pronounce Anali?

Anali is pronounced Ah Nah Lee. However, I was born in Boston and have lived in Massachusetts my whole life. I have a slight accent. Read here about Boston accents.

When I say aunt, it does not sound like ant. When I say party it might sound like potty to other people. If I’m tired or feeling really comfortable around you, I might start dropping my R's. But I never add them in place of A's.

Do you prefer to be called Lisa or Anali?

I’ve heard this question more often recently since I’ve been meeting bloggers off-blog. I prefer Lisa, since it is my actual name, but Anali is fine too. If you yell either from across a crowded room, I'll look. But please don’t call me Liser! : )

What is your favorite food? You seem to only eat dessert.

I don't have one favorite. There are so many foods that I love, but I do adore Italian. Pasta, bread, and cheese make me weak at the knees!

My favorite fruits are berries, bananas, melons, raisins, and dried fruits in general. I love oatmeal and granola. I don’t eat most meats --only poultry, eggs, and seafood.

I love creamy vegetable soups, Brussels sprouts, fresh raw green beans, onions, garlic, sweet peppers, cucumbers, squash. This list is making me want to cook!

My mom is an awesome cook, so just about anything that she makes is a favorite too. Especially her macaroni and cheese! Until you’ve had hers, you really haven’t eaten macaroni and cheese. Sorry, but it’s the truth!

It’s not only desserts that I eat, but when it comes to feeling inspired to blog, photograph and wax poetic, it’s the sweets that encourage and whisper in my ear.

In your recipes, why do you use rice milk instead of regular milk and Smart Balance instead of butter?

Check out my posts Got Rice Milk and Baking Without Dairy; it will give you a better idea. I'm not against dairy. I eat cheese and yogurt on a regular basis. I love eggnog during the holidays. I eat ice cream too. I've just tried to limit dairy.

Will you add my link to your blog?

I do NOT participate in link exchanges. The links on my blogroll and right sidebar are blogs or websites that I read on a regular basis. I change the categories every once in a while and sometimes add new links. Other links I take down if I stop reading the blog or if the blog is not kept current. Links found under "SPONSORS" on the left sidebar are paid text ads.

How do you feel about advertising and promotion on blogs?

As I mentioned above, I accept advertisements and sponsors. Please email me for information and rates.

Do you like comments? What are your commenting guidelines?

I love comments! They really can make my day. And often do. You can disagree with me. Feel free. But I don't like mean comments. If the comments are mean or disrespectful, they will be deleted. If you really don't like this blog, you don't have to read it. Luckily, that doesn't happen very often at all. I have very nice readers!

Spam comments are not allowed. Please do not leave a comment, so that you can link to a business. If you want a link to your business on my blog, contact me about an advertisement or sponsorship.

If you'd like to say hello, have a comment or question, please feel free to send me an email.

Do you review products and services?

Sometimes. My practice regarding acceptance of free products, product reviews, and giveaways is different now {February 2011} from what it was in the past.

Before you ask me to write about a product or service, please read my blog and look at the types of things that I focus on. I'm looking for the right fit for both me and my readers. Generally please note these three things:

1. If you or the company that you represent is giving away free food somewhere, especially sweets, I would love to know and there's a good chance that I'll write about it.

2. If you're inviting me to a food related event, there's a good chance that I'll attend and write about it.

3. If you or the company that you represent is seeking advertorial space to get the word out about a product or service that you are selling, then we may be able to work together on a creative way to use this space and push forward my charitable donation goals. Please read this post first. If you are interested, then contact me regarding specifics.

On each post, I disclose whether I have been paid and/or given free products. I seek to provide full disclosure and honesty in blogging in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission.

I was reading your blog and clicked on a link that brought me to Amazon.com. Why?

I am part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. If you click on a link to something like a cookbook, kitchen utensil, or DVD for example, it may bring you to an Amazon purchase page. As an Affiliate, if you purchase the product, I will receive a small percentage (between 4% and 8.5%) of the purchase price. Any purchases would be much appreciated. Thank you to those of you who do!

Are you an attorney? What is your area of practice?

Yes. I’m an attorney licensed to practice in Massachusetts. I’ve done mostly non-traditional legal work. I’m not in private practice and not seeking to take on clients to represent. However, I am available to do contract work for other attorneys, firms, and companies.

Can I hire you?

Maybe. Send me an email. I teach baking classes, provide social media consultations, including creating blogs, and I do freelance writing and research.

Does your blog have a motto?

Funny you should ask! Yes! It's a quote by Rumi. "Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” My blog is this quote in action. For more of my favorite quotes and inspirations, take a look at my Tumblr blog.

Thank you for reading! Return to Anali's First Amendment.

The FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Anali’s First Amendment