Hi, friends! Okay, I’ll admit it; I’m totally a slacker. My friend Amanda from Burlap and Babies nominated me for the Liebster award 2 months ago. I’ve had it on my calendar to post, but somehow it kept getting pushed back. I had totally forgotten about it until Kristina from My Own Home Blog e-mailed me and also nominated me! I’m so honored to have been given the award by these two lovely ladies, and I’m FINALLY sitting down and sharing it with you all!
“Amanda, what the heck is a Liebster Award,” you ask? Well, it is an award given by new bloggers to other new bloggers who have less than 200ish followers. It’s basically a great way of everyone getting to know more about you, and a way to connect with other new bloggers! I may have had to Google it, but that’s the gist! There have been lots of different rules circulating around, but here are the rules of the award that both Amanda and Kristin sent me:
- You have to link back to the person that nominated you.
- You must answer 11 questions given to you by the person that nominated you.
- After completing these questions you must nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and give them 11 questions of your choice.
- You must not nominate the person who nominated you.
- You must let your nominees know that they have been nominated and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it.
So, since I was nominated by two sweet ladies and they both gave me questions, I’m going to choose 5 or 6 from each of them to answer.
And now, here are some more random facts about the girl behind Dwelling in Happiness!
1. What keeps you motivated to keep blogging?
Getting to connect with new amazing people, bloggers or not, is what motivates me. I also love when something I make inspires others to do something creative too. Blogging has also given me something that is “mine” that is fun for me to do, and helps me keep my sanity from being at home in “mommy brain” all day long. π
2. Do you have any fur babies- or real babies? π Tell me about them and share some photos!
I have both! My sweet baby Jade will be 1 year old in just a few days. Where is the time going?! She’s as sweet as can be, and is quite the energetic active girl. We’ve already had several bumps andΒ bruises from trying to explore EVERYTHING!Β She’s crawling all over, and ALMOST walking. Here’s our recent family photo at the pumpkin patch:
We have two fur-babies as well, Luna and Weezer. We’ve had Weezer for about 3 years almost, and Luna for 2.
3. What category on Pinterest do you get absolutely lost in for hours?
ONE catergory?! I could get lost in ALL of them!! I love searching the Home Decor, DIY and Crafts, and Kids categories the most. SO much to see! I also just search under “Popular” to see what other stuff is going around! I just wish I HAD the time (I used to!) to get lost in Pinterest for hours!
4. How did you pick your blogβs name and theme?
Picking the theme was easy, I knew I wanted to do primarily a DIY/craft blog, with some few other things thrown in there. David had a great point when he said, “well, you’re going to be doing all these craft projects anyway, why NOTΒ blog about them?” And, he’s right! My blog’s name though was a different story. You guys, Jade didn’t even have a name until about a week or so before she was born. We just couldn’t decide!! I’m SO indecisive. I’d find a name I’d like, but then I’d think, “wait, what if I find another name I like better later on!?” Yeah, I know, crazy right? Anyway, this blog was sadly no different. I had lists of blog names I liked, but it took me a couple months (yes, MONTHS) to actually decide on one! I really liked that “dwelling” could have a double meaning, and I’m a happy person so “happiness” just seemed to fit. And, the domain wasn’t taken either, another deciding factor! π
5. Do you have any fun weekend routines? (Waffles on Sunday? Thrifting on Saturday?)
We don’t have any set routines, but we do love making a big breakfast together on one of those days. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, the works! We also try to do some sort of family outing, whether it be a little shopping, taking a long walk around the park, or having a picnic/going out to lunch. Other than that, weekends are for trying to get stuff done around the house!
6. What fall shows are you addicted to?
Well, sadly we don’t have many channels, so we usually just stick to Netflix. Since Netflix doesn’t have shows in their current season, we’re usually a season behind. We are really into The Walking Dead however, which I still question WHY I watch it every time we watch an episode. It’s just addicting! To counterbalance the depressing-morbid-vibe of the show, we usually watch a funny short show after. Right now, we’re re-watching The Office from season 1. Such a classic! We also started watching The Blacklist and have been really enjoying that, too!
7. What is your favorite season of the year?
I’m such a summer person! I just love the warm early mornings, the long days, and all of the summer outdoor activities! I don’t mind fall as much, but only the first week or two when it’s still warm. Because I’m such a summer fan, I used to despise fall. Like, I’d actually get a little depressed thinking about summer ending and the cold/snow coming soon. I would even REFUSE Β to decorate anything until the first official day of fall. I’m getting better, and now that I’m blogging and am seeing so many amazing holiday ideas so early on, I’m actually already getting a little excited for Christmas even! But only just a little. π
8. Where is your happy place when you just need to get away and have some time to yourself?
This is a new concept now that I’m a momma, and I haven’t really been able to just “get away” and have time to myself. But, I do like getting together with friends on those rare occasions when we do “girl nights” after Jade’s in bed. If I WAS able to get away just me, I’d probably get a big coffee and head to do some shopping!
9. What was your most favorite vacation?
My most favorite vacation was David’s and my honeymoon a few years ago. Because I was subbing long-term at the time, I wasn’t able to take time off to go on a Honeymoon in May after our wedding. So, we opted to go 6 months later in November. We went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and it was SO nice!! We stayed at an all-inclusive (which is totally the way to go in Mexico!) resort, and literally never left the resort grounds. We had no reason to! We ate all day, drank margarita’s on the beach, and took like 3 naps a day in the sunshine next to the pool. On these busy (and cold) days lately, I find myself wishing we could just escape life and go back!
10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hm, that’s a great question! In 5 years I see Jade being almost 6, and she’ll have a little brother or sister by then. I hope I’ll still be able to be at home with them and still be blogging away at Dwelling in Happiness! I see us in a bigger house that I can customize a little easier, too!
11. You randomly have 4 hours of free time to do what you want, what do you do?
Ha! I wish! But IF I did, I’d be shopping right now. With a coffee. Or, I’d call some friends up and go get pampered with some pedicures!
12. What is your favorite project that you have made since blogging or what is your favorite blog post?
Oh, so many to choose from! Well, not really thatΒ many yet. Β But I think my favorite so far is my Rustic Arrow String-Art, followed very closely by Β my Whitewashed Coastal Pallet Mirror. They were the most fun to make!
Okay, so that was 12 questions. You got a bonus! I’m now supposed to nominate 11 other new bloggers (or as many as I can find), but I’m going to break the rules. I know, I’m totally a rebel. Instead of nominating, I’m going to send you to visit 11 other newer bloggers who have also been givenΒ the Liebster award. These ladies are all FABULOUS, and amaze me with their creative projects! They all have WELL over 200 followers by now. I have loved following and getting to know them, so go visit their Liebster award page and leave some love; you won’t regret it!
Amanda @ Burlap and Babies
Kristina @ My Own Home Blog
Sarah @ Little Red Brick House
Emily & Erin @ Elizabeth Joan Designs
Katie @ Little House of Four
Bre @ Average but Inspired
Kristi @ Making it in the Mountains
Bre @ Brepurposed
Erica @ Dwell Beautiful
Cat @ The Rustic Willow
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Amy & Vicki @ Canary Street Crafts
Ok, that was 12 again, but I gave you another bonus! Thank you again to Amanda and Kristina for the nomination!
I hope you all have a fabulous rest of the week!
I link up at these fun parties!
Love reading all your Q&A’s!! We are identical when it comes to winter. I seriously get a little depressed with all the cold and gray! And your family is absolutely adorable! I’ve loved getting to know you and can’t wait to connect more, Amanda!! Thank you SO much for including us in your Liebster roundup!!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts recently posted…Spiderweb Cupcake Toppers
Thank you, Amy!! Ha, yes, winter totally sucks!! π When I lived in California, I didn’t care as much because winter wasn’t a huge drastic weather change. In Oregon, it’s a totally different story!! So glad you enjoyed reading, and I’ve totally loved following along with you as well! Hope you have a great rest of the week!! π
Congratulations on the award! I think these q&a sessions are so much fun. I shocked that you have under 200 followers! I see you and your work all over the place.
Jillian recently posted…Organization in Words
Thank you, Jillian!! To be honest, I don’t know how many “followers” I technically even have!! I’ll take any that I can get, and I appreciate every single one! π I’m not sure if they’re talking about social media followers or not. But, I know when Amanda nominated me a few months ago I had JUST started blogging. π Thanks so much for taking the time to read!
Congratulations Amanda!!! How exciting!!! LOVED getting to know you a bit better and I hear ya about the time to yourself once baby arrives – mine is two and I’m still trying to figure this one out! I think a coffee and shopping (alone) sounds absolutely glorious! And I’m a total Office junky too – one of my very fave shows!!! Thanks for the nomination girl!
Kristi recently posted…Fall Family Photos
Thank you, Kristi!! Ah totally, I don’t think having time to ourselves is EVER an easy possibility again! Well, maybe in 10-15 years when they’re older. π Thanks so much for visiting and taking the time to read my answers! π Hope you’re having a great week, friend!
Aww! Thanks for the call out, friend! π I have to agree, one of my favorite posts of yours is that rustic arrow string art! Love it! And, I would love an extra 4 hours in my day… I stay at home, too and I feel my days are always so busy and I rarely get time to pamper myself!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom recently posted…This Month’s Freezer Meal: Freezer to Crock Pot Traditional Chili
You’re so welcome!! Ahh, 4 extra hours…alone. SO many possibilities!! π IF only! Thanks for visiting friend, enjoy the rest of your week!
Loved reading your Q&A’s! I actually love watching the walking dead too. It is so morbid but so addicting!! Since we only watch netflix we are also a season behind π Thanks for sharing some behind the scenes action!
-Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com
Thanks for reading, Shonee!! Seriously, I’m always SO depressed after watching it, but we literally can’t help ourselves! And I hate being a season behind, I’m so afraid someone is going to post something to spoil it! Oh well, maybe Netflix will get up to speed one day. π Have a great rest of the week, friend!
Aw thank you so much for the shout out, Amanda! I had so much fun reading your answers and getting to know you better π I’m a big fan of the Blacklist, it’s one of my new favs! Thanks for giving us a look into Dwelling in Happiness! xo
Breanna recently posted…The Parente Project
You’re so welcome, Bre! Love seeing all your beautiful furniture redos! Thanks for taking the time to read my answers! Blacklist is awesome, we’re loving it! Have a great night π
I just LOVED learning more about you π Hubby and I went to Puerto Vallarta for our honeymoon, too!! Where did you stay? We were at the Grand Mayan π I’m so inspired by you and your blog and I hope we get to meet in real life someday at a blog conference or something! Thanks for the shoutout, too π
Erica recently posted…Get the Look for Less: Room and Board
Aw, thanks Erica!! Oh yay! We LOVED Puerto Vallarta! We stayed at the Dreams resort. π I hope we get to meet too, esp. since we’re both PNW’s!! If you’re ever in Oregon, let me know. π Hope you’re having a great week, friend!
So great to get to know more about you! Can’t wait to see more from the blog! π
Thank you, Kristina!! And thank you SO much for the nomination!! π
This was so fun to read, Amanda! And your family is so sweet! (I have to admit though, I love winter… yes, everyone around me, except out little ones, think I’m crazy!) lol!
Kendra @ http://www.joyinourhome.com recently posted…One Room Challenge Fall 2014: Week 4 Almost There!
Aw, thank you Kendra!! Ha, well, I don’t mind winter AS much if I don’t have to leave the house ever!! π Hope you’re having a great Friday!
That was so much fun to read and it was nice getting to know you better! You have a lovely family!
Thank you, Selene! So appreciate you taking the time to read more about me! Have a great weekend, friend! π
I loved getting to know a little more about you, Amanda! Good luck on continuing your fabulous blog!
Jamie | anderson + grant recently posted…Thanksgiving Tablescape | Be Our Guest Blog Hop
Thank you, Jamie!! So appreciate you taking the time to read my answers! π Hope you’re having a fabulous day!
Congratulations on your nomination! I loved getting to know more about you! This blogging journey is so inspiring especially when you get to connect with others π Thanks for linking up at Talented Tuesday!
~Meaghan
Meaghan recently posted…Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Thanks Meaghan! I totally agree, connecting with others is what it’s ALL about! π Hope you have a fab weekend!