What’s a Liebster Award?

I would call myself a novice blogger at this stage. Thankfully there is a thing called ‘google’ that is super helpful in my learning the ropes (as well as super kind-hearted bloggy friends!) I got a message saying ‘Congratulations! I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! Don’t worry, I’m not spam! 🙂 ‘ This made me automatically think ‘someone who’s spamming might say that!’ *Paranoid* I clicked anyway and was super excited to see that it’s a real award and I got it by not having many followers! 😉 It’s really a very kind award that helps get small blogs, like yours truly, recognized and seen out in the blogosphere. I’m very honored that sweet Anna from Blessed Beyond Crazy chose me out of thousands of up&coming blogs for this award. Be sure to go check out her blog where she made this awesome garden box from pallets!

Now, according to tradition, I am to tell you 5 factoids about myself, answer Anna’s 10 questions, and choose 5 other blogs to spotlight!

1. I worked for The Mouse and it was the best paid job I’ve ever/will ever have.
2. I LOVE conventions…of any kind.
3. I have an addiction to buying flowers but not remembering to water them.
4. I’m 29 and have never been out of the US.
5. I’d rather be barefoot.

Here are the 10 questions Anna asked me:

1. Why did you start blogging? 

I originally started my first blog to show my friends and family the DiY house projects I was working on. I don’t live in the same state so I wanted to keep them updated. I started blogging again with DiY Mama because I love reading blogs, wanted to share my experiences of DiY and motherhood and keep my family updated.

2. What makes your blog unique?

There are at least 1 million mommy blogs out there that also do crafts so I’m pretty sure there are a couple that are VERY similar to mine. I like to think DiY Mama is unique in that I write tutorials with no edits. If I make mistakes or learn that something would work better, I write it in the post, rather than making sure everything is perfect on my site.

3. What is your favorite form of social media? Why? 

This is a hard question for me b/c I use so many and for different reasons. My current favorite social media is Twitter. I like how people aren’t as ‘ranty’. 😉 I also like that you can keep up with celebs, bands and local groups on a more personable level.

4. What is your favorite blog post you have written?

My favorite blog post thus far is a post I wrote about organizing my Life Planner. I enjoyed writing it because I learned a video editing program, did my first vlog and hopefully gave some ideas for people wanting to organize their schedules a bit better.

5. Do you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert? And do you like this about yourself?

I would consider myself an extrovert. I like that I’m an extrovert because I can talk to anyone easily. I also dislike that I’m an extrovert because I feel the need to talk to EVERYONE. I also crave being around people which can be difficult with an introvert husband.

6. Are you a tea or coffee person? 

I am continuously trying to like either of them but don’t find myself enjoying either. I can do lattes if there’s TONS of syrup. 😉

7. What is your guilty pleasure? 

Biting my daughter’s cheek!? I know I won’t get to do it forever so I gotta get it in now! If you saw her cheeks, you’d know why. 😉 Also, she squeals when I do it, and I’ll do anything to get a squeal.

8. What are your favorite types of posts to read?

DiY, upcycled and before & afters! I like to see that people are creating new things or refurbishing old things.

9. What is your favorite holiday to celebrate and how do you celebrate?  

Christmas!! No question. I celebrate it by having ridiculous amounts of decorations, hot chocolate and Christmas music! I also love opening stockings at my family’s house and just being together. My new favorite part about Christmas is my daughter! I’m excited to share the wonder of Christmas with her!

10. What is the most challenging thing that you’ve had to tackle in respect to blogging?

Re-designing my blog was the toughest challenge. I switched to WP.org, bought a theme and learned how to do a bit of code all in a couple of days. Thankfully, when I’d get really frustrated, my husband helped me. 🙂

Now on to the best part! Sharing with you my 5 spotlighted blogs! These are blogs that have fewer than 500 followers on FB (because I couldn’t figure out how to tell how many their blogs have…although they’re awesome, so I’m sure it’s more than 500.)

In no particular order:

For My Love Of I love Corinna’s drive to try new things. She has a wide array of DiY craft tutorials. I love her use metal!

Kre’Ativ 77 These girls rock! Chelsea and Alix live far from each other but both equally contribute awesome ideas to the blog regarding recipes and DiY!

A Day in CandiLand if you want to drool go here. Candi’s recipes are OUTSTANDING and you will gain 10lbs or make lots of new friends.

Bold Fit Mom  If you’re looking to get a bit healthier, Amber’s your girl! She does coaching on the side of being a fab Mom!

For the Love of Disney This blog is ALL THINGS Disney! Recipes, facts, news a great resource for us Disney nerds!

“Official” Liebster Award Rules:  Once a blogger is nominated, and they choose to ACCEPT the award, they should:

1. Thank and link back to the blogger who nominated you

2. Upload the Liebster award badge to your blog

3. Post 5 facts about yourself and answer the 5-10 questions from the person who nominated you

4. Nominate and add a link to 5-10 blogs with fewer than 500 followers

5. Notify the nominees by email or leave a comment on their blog, include 5-10 questions

Thank you, again Anna, for the nomination!!