Liebster award! - Heck ya!

I received an email the other day that I had been nominated for the Liebster Award!  In the blog world, I see Lively Grace as just a little dot on the map, kinda like those one traffic light towns .  So when I have a visitor  that I have no other connection to, it feels like I've grown a little.  Then to have a visitor enjoy my posts enough to link to their blog and tag it with a Liebser award?  Well, I feel like that dot on the map just grew a little bigger!
A big thank you to Rachel at  Shades of Blue Interiors  for recognizing my work in such a kind way, and widening  my circle.  We seem to have a bit in common her and I, more than just the furniture painting blog thing, see if you get the vibe too.  Just a hint,  I'm loving the color on the Blue Bird Dresser and that hand stenciling- beautiful!

In the blogging world, the Liebsters Award is given by seasoned bloggers to a new-ish blog with 200 followers or less. I wouldn't call myself a seasoned blogger and although I have over 200 'LIKE's on facebook   (yay!)  ,  I'm still working towards 200 followers here on my blog.  I sure appreciate the recognition!  Here's the skinny on how this works: 

1. I must post 11 random things about myself

2. I must answer the questions the nominator set for me

3. I must create 11 questions for the people I nominate

4. I must choose 5-10 blogs that I love (w/less than 200 followers) and link them to my post and let them know they were nominated.

5. No tag back.

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Who knows if you really want to read random things about me, but I'm happy to play along.  Here goes:

1.  I have ice climbed frozen waterfalls.  Yes, with pictures to prove it.
2.  Approximately 1/3 of my 'wardrobe' has been purchased from thrift stores.
3.  For Halloween, I dressed up as Danielle from American Pickers (you may know this already if you follow me on facebook ).
4.  I believe I found a treasure map in a vintage steamer trunk last winter.
5.  Our backyard is maze of trenches ... awaiting spring to finish a re-do of the sprinkler system and patio with my Mr.   I am thankful it is currently blanketed in snow.
6.  I work full time as an RN.
7.  I believe 10 year old boys should help with hauling furniture & vintage goods in and out of the garage and truck.  I'm sure it builds character.
8.  Sometimes my dad calls me by my childhood nickname, 'Nerf'.
9.  My dad is kinda like a 'picker' for me - he's awesome!
10.  There is currently mixed paint in my refrigerator.
11.  My mind wanders to 'junk' when watching any Sci-fi movie!

Here are the questions I was asked:

1. What is your all-time favorite makeover project? 
 My first milkpaint dresser... working on this post currently, follow along, you won't want to miss it!
2. What is your favorite, go-to furniture finish (top coat) and why?  
Annie Sloan clear wax because I love the way it brings out the depth of the paint and highlights the contrast of the wood.
3. Where do you find your inspiration for your unique style? 
 In my day dreams!
4. Where do you love to vacation?   
Anywhere!  I would like to head out to places I have not yet been... and there's a whole world of them!
5. What is your favorite thing to drink? 
 Dependent on the time of day;  coffee or coke zero.
6. What does a typical Saturday look like for you?  
Hmmm... yard sale-ing, blogging, or painting in the morning, then time with my family maybe on a hike, bike ride, or ski (based on time of year), or perhaps heading to work at the hospital.
7. What is your hidden talent?  
 Having a good eye for junk!
8. What is your favorite novel? 
 The Secret Life of Bees
9. If you could live anywhere in the world for 1 year only, where would it be?  
New Zealand
10. What is your favorite flower? 
 I'd have to say, the little white flower on a budding strawberry.  My kiddo planted from seed, strawberries last year.  The huge grin on his face when we saw those little flowers on his plants in the garden sealed it for me!
11. Where did you buy your favorite bedding/sheet set?  
I bought a vintage coverlet bedspread at a yard sale.  I used it briefly at the end of my bed, then sold it at a flea market.  Now I'm on a hunt for another!

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Here are the blogs I've nominated for the Liebster award.   Pay them a visit!

Danielle at Antique Recreation 
Danielle and I met at the last Wildhare Flea Market, but have been blog & facebook friends for a while before that!  Both of us live and junk in Idaho.  She has beautiful furniture and don't miss her at a flea market,  her display is beautiful (her timber framing husband built her booth arbor!).

Jessamyn at  Uptown Photography
Amazing lifestyle photographer, with a special gift for newborn photography.  Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!  Jessamyn has also been shooting the photos for my articles in Pocatello Magazine.   

Emily at Furhiman Ranch
A blog about a gal, her ranch, husband, horses, and dog.  You have got to see this lady on a horse!  Oh and I covet that she has a barn.  I love the vintage style of homes and life.  I think Emily lives it more closely than anyone I know!

Linda at One Wild Hare
Let me just say, Linda is lovely.   Blog a bunch, no.  She's busy managing estate sales and planning the Wildhare Flea Market!  So I like to keep close tabs on her : ).  If you're a local, meaning you live in Southeast Idaho, I'd follow her blog.  And if you want the skinny on any estates sales she is hosting,  do the 'like' thing on her facebook page, WildHare FleaMarkets & Estate Sales

Megan at Apple House Revival

Cute refinished furniture.  This gal is not afraid to wield a power tool!


Questions for the blogs I nominated:

1.  What place of business (store) would you like to spend the night at?

2.  Did you have a childhood nickname, if yes, what was it?

3.  What is the most interesting thing in your fridge right now?

4.  What is your favorite pen ... I know you have one.

5.  When is your average evening sweat/yoga/PJ pant time?

6.  Peanut butter:  creamy or crunchy?

7.  What has been helpful to you to grow visits/followers of your blog or social media site?

8.  What tool is your favorite?

9.  As CEO of your household, which would you choose to add;  chef or housekeeper?

10.  What helps you get started writing a blog post when it just isn't flowing easily?

11.  Have you visited the other nominated blogs yet? : )

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Thanks for visiting!  I gave a friend a photo preview of my next post.  Her reaction of 'oh my gosh!' made may day : )!   Want it delivered to your inbox?   Become a follower of Lively Grace, or join via email!  Plus, leave a comment answering one of the questions I posed to other bloggers, just for fun!

-Jen