And the nominees are…

Disclosure: There is a lot of people who think the Leibster Award is a waste of time but I wanted to make it worth while. I hope that from this my readers learn a little bit more about me and why I started this blogging journey and that with my add brief descriptions of these other blogs they are more likely to check out some of these other writers. The Leibster award is a great idea but I think it’s up to the individual bloggers to really make it worth while. I looked at a number of blogs before selecting these.

 

So often women are pitted against each other. Everything seems to be a competition, like there can only be one! But when I joined the blogging community I experienced so much love and support. I could go on and on about some of the amazing bloggers I’ve met but I won’t do that.

I was recently (Okay not that recently… sorry for the delay)  nominated for the Liebster Award by

The Liebster Award is an award that is passed from new bloggers to others bloggers that need more exposure. In a blog post, you must answer 10 questions, and then provide a link to whoever nominated you. It’s an amazing idea that benefits new bloggers by providing exposure and a solid network of fellow bloggers.

Rules:

1. Once nominated, make a post thanking and linking the person who nominated you.
2. Include the LEIBSTER AWARD sticker in the post too
3. Nominate 10 other new bloggers that have 200 or less followers who you think are worthy of this award. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting on 1 of their posts. You can nominate the person who nominated you.
4. Answer the 10 questions asked to you by the person who nominated you and make ten questions of your own for your nominees.
5. Lastly, copy these rules in the post.

 

J.V. posted some great questions! Here are my answers.

Does blogging de-stress you? Why or why not?

Blogging de-stresses me for sure. This was a hard question to answer because off the top of my head I think, “No! I’m so busy and stressed out all the time!” But when I think about it, the actual blogging and getting my thoughts, feelings and observations out is so therapeutic. The stressful part is trying to market myself and make the time to look at the random scribbles that came to me while I’m in the middle of my day and form them into a logical article for people who don’t live in my brain to understand.

What benefits has blogging given you?

I have met so many amazing people. It lead me to my first trip to New York for the Blogher 15 conference. It has put some extra money in my pockets. It has taught me a lot about myself. It’s also made my skin a little thicker, I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone and people will bash you just because they have a keyboard to protect them.

It also allowed me to share and articulate some of the most painful times of my life (The Worst Monday, The Death of A Grandparent).

What gives you confidence and courage?

I think my past, family and friends. I’ve dealt with a lot in my life and whenever I think about how I got over things and how I survived and know that bad things pass. Also, I know some amazing people and they are truly an inspiration.

What do you love most about yourself?

That I make myself laugh. I have this awkward sense of humor but I love it. I will be home totally alone and cracking myself up.

What do you hate most about yourself?

I’d have to say the thing I hate the most about myself is how much I let what people say/think get to me…. I do stuff and don’t too much think about it, I just make decisions I think are best and make me happy or write posts I think are relatable but negative feedback does affect me but like I said, I’m getting better at controlling that.

Also, I’m very easily annoyed so that makes me a little bit of a challenge to deal with sometimes.

Who has inspired you most?

That’s a hard one. I guess it depends on what area of my life.  I have to say Ava DuVerny because she’s unapologetic, bold, honest and so talented.

What are your core values?

 

I believe everyone has good and bad in them it’s the side you choose to show the world a majority of the time that says who you are. I believe in treating the people I care about with respect. I believe loving is the most important thing you do, the best and hardest job you will ever have. I believe in being responsible and hard work.

What do you wish people would see about you?

I’m going to quote Sara Bareilles on this one, “If my hands could hold them, you’d see, I’d take all these secrets in me
and I’d move and mold them to be something I’d set free” I have so much to say and so much I want to give the world. That’s what I write. Be patience and kind because I’m taking my time.

Do you love yourself? (Flaws and all.)

Yes! It probably took me a long time to truly love myself. I realize so many of the things that I disliked about myself are things I control and can change and if I can’t control them it’s life…move on! I am not perfect. I swear like a sailor. Have crazy anxiety (crazy may not be the best word to use). Lash out at the people I love. Eat way too much junk food. Talk to myself. Watch too much television. But I’ve discovered I’m a lovely little weirdo and I love it!

Love or money? (You can only have one.)

Love of course! Hopeless romantic here.

 

My nominees are:

TwentyDollarDate –  Great ides on how to date without breaking the bank

Samanthability – Tips and Tricks From a 20 something

So Fabulously Sweet– Fashion tips from a fashion loving diva

Run Eat Snap– A great blog for tips on nutrition and getting into running.

Simmer to Slimmer – Get recipes for all levels of cooking to have a healthier diet

Flawlessly Freckled- A lifestyle blog that gives you insight to many areas of this media guru’s life.

Classy and Crafty– Feeling creative? Well, stop by this blog for creative ideas and tips.

Define Fettle– Looking for guidance to be your best self inside and out? Visit this blog for tips on Detoxing from sugar and more.

Katelyn McPhee– This blog has closed.

A Little Daily Happiness– A lifestyle blog that brings a little elegance to life’s daily adventures.

Here are the questions I want to ask:

What is the most challenging thing about blogging for you?

How do you deal with stress?

Did you start blogging for pleasure or money?

What is one thing you can’t go a day without?

Is there one person or event you would say contributed the most to who you are today?

Would you rather travel for the rest of your life and never set down permanent roots or would you rather be restricted to only one place the rest of your life? 

If you could only eat one type of food (Italian, Chinese, mexican..etc) for the rest of your life what would it be? 

Is there a website or blog you visit every day? What is it?

Which social media profile has helped grow your blog the most?

What is your ultimate blogging goal?