When I began The Orthodox Mama back in April, I had no idea that there was such an amazing group of bloggers out there. Most things are best done in community, and blogging is no exception.
One of the blogging friends that I have made over the past few months is Ciara at Favored Mom. Ciara blogs about faith, family, and everyday living. She has written on everything from DIY Glass Marble Photo Magnets (so cute!) to 30 Faith Filled Affirmations for Your Marriage. I’d encourage you to go check out her blog!
Ciara recently nominated me for the Liebster Award. What is the Liebster Award, you ask? It is an award given to newer/ smaller bloggers as a chance to highlight their work. Recipients are asked to nominate someone else, and the gift keeps on giving!
Each recipient also answers the questions (personal and blog-related) asked by their nominator. Here are the questions that Ciara asked me, along with my responses. Enjoy a peek into my life!
1. How long have you been blogging, and why did you start?
I began The Orthodox Mama in April as a way to connect with others on issues of faith, family, and frugal living. I have always loved writing and was excited about this new way of sharing ideas.
2. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Read! (You all knew that was coming, right?!) I am reading 100 books this year as a part of my Read 100 Challenge, so pretty much every spare minute is devoted to devouring a good book.
3. What is the best vacation you have ever been on?
One year my entire family (parents, two brothers, grandfather, aunt and uncle, and cousin) rented a cabin in Estes Park, Colorado for a week. We hiked, fished, and even took a hot air balloon ride together. My grandfather passed away a few years ago, and I cherish the memory of soaring over the Rocky Mountains together.
4. What does your ideal day look like?
I would sleep in (isn’t that every mother’s ideal?), get up and make a big breakfast with my kids, and then go spend the day outdoors together. When we came back home, the kids would instantaneously fall asleep, allowing my husband and I to have friends over for a dinner party. After an evening of good food, great wine, and fun games, my husband and I would collapse on the couch and cuddle up with an old movie. Sigh. That sounds wonderful!
5. What is the hardest part of blogging for you?
Learning all of the technical side. I am by no means tech-savvy, so it is a real challenge!
6. What is the easiest part of blogging for you?
Writing. I really enjoy sharing ideas with others. I was one of those kids who carried around a little notebook with them everywhere they went, just in case inspiration for a story or for a line of a poem hit. (I actually still have that notebook and share it with my seventh graders each year during our poetry unit!)
7. What do you see as your top three strengths?
Organization. Vision. Empathy.
8. What is the best book that you have read recently?
The most life-changing book I’ve read this year is Laura Vanderkam’s 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think.
9. Do you have pets?
We bought a beta fish for my son’s sixth birthday. That’s it!
10. What is your favorite blog post you have written?
Writing Count It All Joy about my near death experience in Africa was quite emotional and cathartic.
11. Where do you want your blog to be in one year? In five years?
I would love for The Orthodox Mama to be a large community of people who share ideas about faith, family, and frugal living. I would love to be able to offer ideas that help others in their journeys.
My Nomination
Now I get to nominate another new blogger. And the winner is…….Jamie from Medium Sized Family!
Be sure to check out her blog at Medium Sized Family.
The Questions that I Ask You are:
- How long have you been blogging, and why did you start?
- What has been the most unexpected part of blogging for you?
- How many siblings do you have?
- How did you meet your husband?
- What is the best book you’ve read this year?
- What is your favorite children’s book?
- What is the most difficult part of blogging for you?
- What is the easiest part of blogging?
- What is your favorite post that you have written?
- Which bloggers to you look up to and read regularly?
- Where do you want your blog to be in one year? five years?
I look forward to reading your responses!
What are your favorite blogs?
This is awesome!! I loved reading all your answers! 😃 That vacation sounds like so much fun! And, I’m totally diggin’ your “ideal day”! I would take that in a heartbeat. 😉 Now I gotta go read your post Count it all Joy!
Thanks for paying it forward. 😊