Liebster Award

So thrilled and thankful to have been nominated for a Liebster Award by fellow blogger and wonderful supporter Alisha Trost.  Alisha's blog, My Rainy Day Reads, is definitely worth a read by book lovers out there! 

For those of you who don't know, the Liebster Award is a recognition given to bloggers usually by other bloggers.  I love this idea of supporting each other. I'm going to answer the questions Alisha posed and then will give you MY nominations. 

Where does your blogging inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from every day things - spending time with family, reading a book, watching a film, traveling, and finally being of an age where I am comfortable expressing myself.


Is your blogging simply a hobby? What kind of dreams do you have for it?

I suppose blogging is just a hobby.  However, it is also a major part of my journey to re-discover myself.  As mothers, losing sight of our dreams and aspirations is far too easy.  This is a step toward gaining some personal insight back.  I take one day at a time and have no set goals for my blog except that I hope to inspire others to go on similar personal journeys.


What is your support system like and who are your biggest supporters?

My biggest supporters are my readers.  Without them, no matter how much I enjoyed writing my posts, the motivation to do so would probably dwindle. 


What are 10 random facts about you?

I have conflicting personalities - one the world traveler; one the homebody.

If it walks, crawls, runs, slithers, flies, or swims - I love it!

I'm a new vegan and I thank the heavens above that there is vegan chocolate!

I've lived in Florida for more than half my life, but still consider New York my home.

I am vertically challenged.

I'm a daydream believer.

If I had superpowers, I would want them to be teleportation and flying.

I enjoy photography.

When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be an actress or a rock star.

As my former students will tell you, I have absolutely zero artistic talent.


What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Inspiring others or making people think about a topic. Connecting with my readers is a  huge plus. Sharing my passions!


What do you do when you feel overwhelmed with too many tasks at once?

I am the queen of to-do lists and feel better when I get to cross out a task after it is completed. That simple act alone gives me the motivation to tackle the next thing on my list.


What would you do with a large sum of money given to you?

Buy a large parcel of land and open an animal sanctuary.


What was one of the most moving books or movies you have ever read or seen?

Hachi: A Dog's Tale  


Where would you like to see yourself in the next couple of years?

Happy!


Do you have a bucket list? Name 5 things on that.

No, I honestly don't have a bucket list.  However, I do long for the day when I can walk into an animal shelter and say, "I'd like to adopt whoever has been here the longest."


What is your single best piece of advice for someone starting out in the blogging world?

Do it for no other reason than because it is a passion. And, while it is great to have a competitive nature in life, in blogging the key to success is to support other bloggers!


My 5 nominations (blogs with 200 followers or less) are as follows in no particular order along with a brief explanation of their blogs in their own words.  Check them out!

Recipes for Busy Mums by Lavinia Lynch: I have loads of recipe books but like most busy mums I never have half the ingredients in the house. My partner, Conor, always makes fun of me because I usually make the dish anyway! I decided it was time to share my expertise with the world. Other people's recipes with my short cuts!

The Search for Love, Sex, and Self in relationships by Gerry Pirani: Blogging about improving human relationships through self-reflection and easy day-to-day tips.

Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze by Parenting 365: A Guide to Single Parenthood. Tips, tricks and life long lessons about just getting by.

Creatikaa by Gowthama Rajavelu: Travel, Sports, Books, Photography, Movies, Environment, Conservation, News, Science and Communication defines ME.

Emerging Stronger by Anahita Batra

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Attention Nominees: Here are the instructions as they were given to me:

"Nominees it is your turn to answer the questions and award some blogs if you are willing. Answer the above questions in your own blog post and then nominate some of your favorite blogs that have fewer than 200 followers (it can be whatever kind of follower you like - I used blog followers). You can either make up a new list of questions for your nominees or just use the ones I used. Leave a comment on your nominee's blog so that they know that they were nominated! Include a link back to your post so that they know what to do. Participating in awards like this is a great way to build your community in the blog atmosphere and connect with other bloggers."