It’s Easter month and we got Allison Waggoner to join us! Yay!! You may know Allison as a fun-loving tv personality (loveddd her Evine cooking shows!) or as a trained chef or as a bestselling author of 9 cookbooks! We are tickled that Allison was able to squeeze us in for a little game of 20 Questions! We getting to know her!

20 Questions inspired by Marie Claire Magazine

1.What should every person try at least once in their life?
Travel somewhere new, even if it is just to meet a new neighbor or go halfway around the world. Some of the best times in my life is when I have tried something I have never done before and that means being open to someplace, someone and something new.

2. What brings you the greatest joy?
The greatest joy in my life is my daughter. She is pure joy!

3. What brings you the greatest satisfaction?
Finishing a new recipe, project or job. Many times, I am not sure if I can complete the crazy things I dreamt of – but once I start, I just can’t give up until it is done. You can ask my family how many times they had to try the same recipe before I perfected it! I remember writing my first book! It seemed impossible, but if you just keep going, believing and working – you can do it! It seems crazy now, but that was 9 books ago and one of those books is in several countries!

4. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My mother would tell me to always be happy, grateful and thankful. She would say, “Go with the wind blowing”. Sounds easy, but I remind myself everyday of those words and actions.

5. Who do you follow on Twitter?
I am more of an Instagram girl. But on Twitter, that depends – I love politics, travel, food and art. Therefore, I bounce around to introduce myself to different thoughts, ideas and inspiration on Twitter. It changes day to day.

6. What is on your bookshelf?
I love books so much! I am in the hundreds and will still attend every library book sale that I can! I still hold a library card today and visit a few times a month. Fifty percent of my books haven’t been read yet. The love of sharing books is also a big deal for me. Once I read a book, I feel wonderful to pass it along to a friend. I love biographies. There are always different sides to one person’s life, but the way they see it so personal. Some of my favorites included; Love letters by John and Abigail Adams, along with Everything from Julia Child.

7. What charity do you support?
NAAF National Alopecia Areata Foundation – I have Alopecia and see the struggles it causes for young children. This foundation is working toward a cure.

8. What is on your bucket list?
Working more intensively with Charites around the world.

9. What is on your perennial to-do list?
Writing recipes, saying thank you, trying to go to bed earlier.

10. What are the last three items on your credit card statement?
Hamilton Show in Chicago
Glazes for my Pottery
Herbs from the Japanese Market

11. What item in your closet do you wear the most?
When I am not working, I have maybe a dozen of white T shirts and sneakers. I usually wear them with any pant but those are my go to items.

12. Who are your heroes?
Those who do without asking for a thank you.

13. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party?
We would have to have a big table and it would include those who may have passed. My mother, daughter and brother (he can really make me laugh). Julia Child (who else would help us cook?), George Washington (risked his life for freedom and was stoic enough to lead), and there are a few other friends that I truly admire.

14. What is your greatest indulgence?
Being quiet and still. In this life with internet, phones, televisions and constant stimulation, I have found the greatest indulgence is to be still and reflect on myself in terms of what I have done and what I want to do.

15. What is on your nightstand?
Books, lamp, Beekman Cuticle Oil and lip balm, glasses, paper and pen (ideas and things that need to get done – always come late at night).

16. What quote do you live by?
One I actually learned from Josh and Brent from the Beekman1802 – “Work hard, Never quit and Help your neighbor”

17. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Letters from my mother. She would write me notes and letters, that I still reference weekly. She would lift me up in her words and send applause when she knew I had tried.

18. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised of how shy I am and how much I love politics!

19. What is your beauty secret?
Gosh, I don’t have a specific line or steps I go through. I love a good eye cream (which depends on how dry I am feeling) and face cream. I also love a gentle cleaner that leaves my skin feeling hydrated and fresh.

20. What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
Be less afraid of going with your gut and standing up for yourself.

@allisonwaggoner on Instagram
@allison.liveontv on Facebook
Allison’s books on Amazon & Barnes and Noble