Liebster Award!

Last weekend I received the sweetest note from my blogging friend, Claire from Honey Haven Blog, saying she nominated me for a Liebster blogging award! Needless to say I was shocked and surprised, but also completely grateful that she thought of me and my little blog. Thank you so much, Claire!

I wasn't familiar with the Liebster award, so I did a little research and found out that the award is given by bloggers to new bloggers as a way to recognize their hard work and also provide a platform to discover new blogs. The word "liebster" is German and means kind, dear, lovely, pleasant, valued, endearing, and welcome. That's a lot of positive attributes!!! I love that this award shows appreciation and encourages community among bloggers and blog readers. It's a win-win!

Here are the rules: 
1. Thank your Liebster Award presenter (thank you again, Claire!)
2. Answer the 11 questions presented to you. 
3. Nominate 11 up and coming bloggers for the Liebster Award.
4. Provide 11 questions to your nominees to answer and notify them of the nomination. 

 1. How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to get started? 
I started The Cheerful Home just five short months ago, in November 2013. I was first introduced to the blogging world back in 2009 when I was planning my wedding, and since then I dreamed of having a blog of my very own. Last year I thought there was no time like the present! 

   
2. What was the best day of your life? 
It may sound cliche, but the best day of my life was the day I married my sweetheart. We met at the end of the aisle: him in a black tux and me in a white dress. We said our "I do's" and danced the southern summer night away under a big white tent with all our family and friends. Almost five years later, we've learned a lot about ourselves and a lot about one another. Every day is not perfect but without a doubt, I find myself loving and appreciating that man even more every single day.

 On our wedding day in 2009 :)

3. What do most people not know about you? 
Most people do not know the summer after my junior year in college, I packed my bags and headed to Europe to live for an entire summer...without knowing a single person! I spent two months living in London and taking a couple of classes through my university's study abroad program. I learned a few things about myself that summer, including how I can be much braver than I give myself credit for :)
 

In London, summer 2007

4. Where do you find inspiration for your blog posts? 
I mostly find inspiration from people in my life, experiences that I go through, my love for personalizing our home, and things that have been on my mind or touched my heart. 
 
5. Who are your favorite bloggers?  
The first bloggers I followed were Thrifty Decor Chick and Centsational Girl. Both bloggers had a tremendous impact on me starting my own blog. I also love Honey We're Home and pretty much think her house is what my dreams are made of!

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope I am joyful, brave, patient, thoughtful, and kind. I see myself celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss; I hope to have passed the bar and that I am a practicing attorney; and I would be thrilled to have a little one (or two!) running around our home :)

7. Are you a full time blogger or do you have a "day job"?
I pretty much have the best job in the world. I work for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit character development program for girls 8-12 that uses running and physical activity as a way to introduce healthy and positive lifestyle choices. We believe that every girl can embrace who she is, can define who she wants to be, can rise to any challenge, and can change the world.

In addition to working for Girls on the Run, I am also a second year law student! Sometimes I still find myself surprised to say I am a law student because it has been a dream since middle school!

To me, blogging is a much-needed outlet to be able to write, think, reflect, share, and connect. 

After a GOTR 5K :)

  8. Are you a daydreamer or a go-getter?
Most definitely a go-getter. I love making plans, making lists, and making things happen! I also get great satisfaction from checking things off my to-do list and have been known to write something on a list for the pure pleasure of immediately checking it off ;)

9. What are your pet peeves? 
I love the quote "be the change you wish to see in the world". In that spirit, I try to be punctual because I appreciate when others are respectful of my time. I try to listen well when others are speaking because I appreciate when others value what I have to say. And, I try to put my phone away when I am with friends and family because I like when they do the same for me.

10. What color describes your personality?
PINK :)

11. What is most influential in your life?
Extra-ordinary women in seemingly ordinary roles have a tremendous influence in my life. The kind of women who are honest rather than impressive; happy rather than perfect. Women who would rather make what matters happen than to-do lists and who would rather be influential than be recognized. Women like my amazing mother (pictured below).

Mom and me before my wedding :)

 
It was a blast answering those questions! If you're still reading this (hi mom!) then you deserve an award of your own! ;) I truly do feel honored to have this little blog of mine recognized in any way. 

Here are the lovely, talented bloggers that I am nominating for the Liebster Award. You can click on their blog names to take you directly to their blogs. You just might find some new friends today! :)
 
Simple Stylings
Whimsy Girl Design
Seeking Joy
Texas Decor
Confetti and Stripes

Yes, I broke the rules and nominated 5 bloggers, not 11. Just call me a rule breaker ;)  

My questions for them are:

1. How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to begin?
2. If you could go anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
3. What are your favorite blogs?
4. Are you a night owl or eary bird?
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
6. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
7. What is your favorite vacation spot?
8. Who is most influential in your life?
9. What's your favorite piece of furniture in your house?
10. How did you decide on your blog name?
11. If you could talk to your 18 year old self today, what adivce would you give?

I am looking forward to reading their responses! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend :)