The Liebster Award

Back in March, I was nominated by two of my favorite up and coming bloggers, Kati from Glitz and Gold and Kelly from Kelly in the City, for the Liebster Award! I was away on my Ireland/Scotland trip at the time, so I could not immediately respond. I was also recently nominated by the lovely Kaitlin from Tea and Sequins!  I figured it was time for me to finally join the party!

The Liebster Award is an award designed to promote smaller blogs with less than 200 followers.  When you are nominated, you answer questions about yourself and then nominate other up and coming bloggers! I am very flattered to be recognized by not only my peers in the blogging world, but also women that I am inspired by on a daily basis. It has been so much fun building relationships with each other in our own little corner of the Internet! Well, here it goes...

1. What was your first job?

Technically, my first "job" was probably babysitting. But, I don't know if it counts when it's your cousin! In high school, I was an assistant to my dance teacher and helped with ballet and tap classes (maybe more than that). Let's just say my dance teacher was a little strict (think Dance Moms without the drama), but I loved assisting for her! I also did private lessons at my house with girls who needed more help. However, I consider my first "real job" working at a local golf course during the summer in between my freshman and sophomore years of college. That was pretty fun! I mainly worked in the pro shop. I had to drive the beverage cart a couple of times and was terrible at it. The pro shop was better for me! Funny thing is, I never golfed while working there (why did I not take advantage?!) and have only golfed once in my life at a scramble with my first post-college employer. My brother-in-law golfed in college. Again, why haven't I taken advantage?! Things to do in my 30's: Learn to golf.

2. If you could be any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why?

Guiliana Rancic. Not only is Guiliana an E! News host, but she is also an author, fashion designer, reality TV star, philanthropist, wife and mother. She has overcome major obstacles in her life with her breast cancer diagnosis and infertility and bravely chose to share her story with the world. She is down to earth and hilarious, and I, of course, love her style. She is also married to Bill, who is equally as awesome, and despite their individually busy schedules, they make everything work and are happy! They keep it 100% real on their reality show, always laughing and enjoying life and conquering and growing from everything that comes their way - together! True inspiration. (It would also be pretty cool to be on that red carpet, but that's just an added bonus!)

3. What is your go-to perfume scent?

Despite what it looks like on my vanity, I am really not all that big into perfume.  I get confused and overwhelmed. They do look pretty on my cute tray from Home Goods though. I will spritz some on every once in awhile. Right now, the one I use the most often is Michael Kors. It is described as "Creamy florals explode into exotic spices, tamed by Moroccan incense. A fragrant creation with a wealth of personality that will capture the heart of every woman." All I know is that I think it smells good!

4. What is your guilty pleasure?

Sushi and wine. Oh, and cupcakes. And Etsy. I can have more than one, right? Seriously though, I could eat sushi every day. One time when Justin was out of town for work, I did just that. I ate sushi for dinner five nights in a row. #sorryimnotsorry. As for wine and cupcakes, I don't think I need to say much else about those. And if you've seen my mailbox, or my Instagram, or read my blog, then you know I have an obsession with Etsy. Whether for jewelry, wedding planning or home decor - Etsy is amazing! Lastly, my fashion guilty pleasure is Kate Spade, hands down. I love the Kate Spade brand because it is bold, yet classic and playful, yet sophisticated. I just wish I had all the money in the world...


5. Who is your fashion icon?
Lauren Conrad for her feminine style and fashion tips that feel accessible for the average girl. Rachel Bilson for her signature eclectic style - she can pull anything off from girly dresses and bold prints, to colorful trousers and straight-from-the-runway looks. (Plus, I am totally loving Hart of Dixie right now). I have many other style icons, but I love how Lauren and Rachel seem so relatable.

6. What is the next thing you are dying to add to your wardrobe?

The thing I am dying to add to my wardrobe would be Tory Burch riding boots. I have awhile until Fall comes around again, so maybe I will be able to splurge when the time comes around. In the meantime, I  have $50 off from Tory Burch for my birthday, and I am eyeing the classic Miller sandal for summer! Oh, and I would love a Burberry trench coat...maybe one day....

7. Do you prefer going to classes at the gym or doing your own routine?

Well, that would require me to actually work out or go to a gym. I do need to get my butt in gear though, and I 100% prefer going to classes. I need to be held accountable! I used to do a women's boot camp at 5:30 A.M., five days a week. I know - crazy! I am SO not a morning person, but I would feel awesome once the class was done!  I am loving the barre studio classes, which a perfect for an ex-dancer like myself. It is a cross between ballet, yoga and pilates. The Dailey Method recently opened up near me, and I think this will be my new go-to workout!

8. What is your favorite snack?

Hummus and pita or chips and guacamole - preferably homemade! 

9. What is your idea of the perfect night out with the ladies?

Dinner and drinks at a trendy restaurant, or wine and a movie at someone's house. I also love my book club nights with the girls, which consist of wine, food and a little talk about the book. And although not a "night out", I love doing brunch and shopping, followed by mani/pedi's with my girls! Perfect Saturday right there.

10. What got you into blogging?

I have always wanted to start a blog, but did not know what to blog about. You see, deep in my heart of hearts, I wanted to major in journalism in college. However, my college-aged self was somehow more practical than my current-aged self (and must have seen the future) and chose to major in accounting instead. I have messed around with the idea of having a blog on the side for quite some time, but could never quite commit.  “I don’t have time.  Accountants are too busy.”  “I don’t know what to write about.”  “People won’t like it.”  Add in every other excuse you may think of, and I probably said it. I had been following a few blogs for awhile and recently became obsessed  started using Instagram. As I was gaining a following on Instagram, I finally gained the confidence to start my blog. I never knew that fashion would be what I finally chose to blog about, but it does make sense! I don’t know if that it is that I am thirty, or that I’ve just read so many fashion magazines and blogs, but I finally feel like I know how to shop.  I felt that with my love of fashion, my knowledge of finance and my obsession with finding a good deal, that I would have something to offer.  My husband has been pushing me to blog for a few years now, and I am glad he kept on me! My whole heart is in this blog, and I am having the time of my life! It has been so much fun meeting other bloggers and developing friendships through Instagram. And I am finally writing, which is what I really love to do.

So, that is a little about me!

For the Liebster Award, I nominate:

Bethany from Perfectly Coutured

Katelin from My Wardrobe Staples

Libby from Glimpse of Glam

Remember to pass this nomination on!

Thank you so much for the nomination, Kati, Kelly and Kaitlin!

Happy Friday-Eve!