Alyssa of Apron Anxiety is incredibly cool.  She’s funny (as evidenced by her hilarious blog), smart, pretty, and engaged to Top Chef cheftestant Spike Mendelsohn.  Her blog documents her own culinary adventures, her RelationChef with Spike, and adventures in wedding planning (which I can fully empathize with).  Her blog is a must-read and she is a must-follow on Twitter.  Check out her blogterview below.
1.     When did you start your first blog?
I started the blog about 2 years ago, but for a while I kept it really private. It was just for me and Spike, really. I was nervous about sharing so much of our life with the world, and one day I sort-of just let it go. I’m so happy I did too!
2.     What blogs/websites do you currently write for?
I focus a lot of my energy on Apron Anxiety, also turning it into a book. But on the side, I work for New York Magazine, iVillage, People Magazine, DC Magazine and a bunch of other pubs to pay the bills.
3.     What’s your day job?
I’m a fulltime freelance writer. Some times I work all day and all night like a maniac -which i prefer- and some times I watch TV and take naps nonstop, ha.
4.     What was the best post you ever wrote?
I live-blogged for the James Beard people at the famous James Beard Awards, and then I wrote about the experience on Apron Anxiety, with pictures, etc. I remember feeling really part of something. Like, I finally kind-of knew what I was talking about. Besides that, I love a blog I wrote about being a woman in your 30s…how we’re “fun, but not that fun.”
5.     Why do you blog?
I believe that a writer should always write. Who cares if you’re getting paid or people are reading it. I also believe that a writer should always read. I can’t produce so much as one sentence if I’m not involved in a good book.
6.     What social media forums (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc) do you participate in?
I secretly wish it would all go away, but I do Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr just because my much-more-ambitious friends say I have to.
7.     What keeps you motivated to keep blogging?
I’ve always loved emailing my friends about feelings and funny moments, and long before that, I loved passing notes. I get the urge to blog in the same way.
8.     How do you juggle your day-to-day life with your blog?
I’m lucky because I work from home and rarely even get dressed, ha. So blogging is just part of the ritual, like brewing coffee or checking in with my family. In DC, I had nothing but time.  Being in LA now, I’m really busy, so it takes a bit more discipline. But…busy people get things done!
9.     If you could write for any publication (web or print), what would it be?  Why?
I’d love a column in a food magazine. Right now I’m flirting with Bon Appetit because they are LA-based and I want an excuse to spend more time here. Pretty sure no one there knows or cares about me though.
10.  What’s one blog you admire?
I love photography and design blogs like SFGirlByBay. Most food blogs are too major for me, but I do love Matt Bites and Mango & Tomato from DC is fun. Also I love any blog written by Carol Blymire (Alinea @ Home).
11.  What are your must-reads?
Food Memoirs! Gail Greene’s Insatiable to start with.
12.  What do you do when you’re not at work or writing?
I try and spend time with Spike, and I try to do anything involving moving my body, riding bikes, hiking, walking and exploring…
13.  What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet?
Publish a book and sell the shit out of it. Â (I would be first in line to buy it).
14.  What are 5 things your readers don’t know about you?
1. I need an exorbitant amount of alone time
2. I take a bath every night
3. I despise tuna fish or anything with mayo
4. I’m addicted to Intervention and any show about drugs or jail
5. I love LOVE, but I’m missing the wedding gene
15.  Mac or PC?  iPhone, Droid, or BlackBerry?
MAC and Bberry. I would know nothing about my friends or Spike if not for BBM!
Thanks Alyssa. Â Now go visit her blog now. Â Be prepared to lose your productivity.
