I’m so delighted to say that I’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award by the wonderful Clare Thomson at Suitcases and Sandcastles. I’m particularly honored to have been nominated by Clare, as I’ve long admired her writing and devour her posts whenever I see them. She’s a published travel writer in her own right, with articles appearing in a variety of news publications. I’m always inspired by her style of writing and hope to be as gifted as she is some day! She lives in the UK with her husband and two boys, and has traveled as a family to Egypt, Morocco, Bali, just to name a few.
So what is a Liebster Award?
A Liebster is an award given by other award winners to fairly new bloggers to promote and recognize up and coming blogs. In German, ‘liebster’ means ‘dearest’ or ‘sweetest’. The award was created to recognize new bloggers and welcome them to the blogosphere.
What are the rules?
Once you have been nominated you need to write a blog post thanking the person who nominated you, with a link back to their website, and answer the questions they’ve asked you. Then you nominate up to 11 blogs of your choice (remembering to let them know that you’ve nominated them) and provide 11 questions for them to answer
Here are my answers to Clare’s Questions:
What do you most enjoy about blogging?
I love to write about places that have inspired me and hopefully convey that feeling of inspiration to my readers. And to be informative and share tips and information with others – there’s nothing that makes me happier than when someone comes up to me and says “I never knew about that place until I read your blog, and we’re now making plans to go!” It’s a great feeling.
Where do you write most of your blog posts?
Ha, one would think in my spanking new office off the side of the house where there’s not much traffic. Yet, I can’t get away from the light pouring in through the windows of my dining room and write most of them there. I love the quality of light in this room and find it motivating. And I write some in the comfort of my bed– so much for the office! I like this question, I may use it myself..
What’s your best piece of travel advice?
To relax and enjoy! I think a lot of travelers – me included – feel the pressure to see and do everything. That usually ends with feeling stressed and exasperated. My goal for this year is to try and not get caught up and just soak up a place by taking leisurely strolls and long, enjoyable mealtimes. Of course you don’t want to miss the main highlights, but maybe choose a few of them rather than all.
What’s your least favourite part of travelling?
The packing and unpacking. I’m an overpacker and really need to change my ways.
How would you describe your packing style?
Comfortable, but still hip. Fun shorts/t-shirts and sandals during the day, sundresses at night. And always layers. I hate being cold and pack a ton of warm tops!
What do you always take with you?
Water, sunscreen, I phone, sweater
Name three of your favourite books.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? By Maria Semple
Beach shack, five-star luxury hotel or gypsy caravan, what’s the best place
you’ve ever stayed in?
Le Agavi hotel outside of Positano on the Amalfi Coast is up there. Talk about taking your breath away! Perched up on the cliffside with multi levels cascading down, the views of the coast are like no other. The funicular takes you down to the pool and beach as well as other rooms. The accommodations weren’t necessarily amazing, but it didn’t matter because the views were so incredibly beautiful, and the adventuring around so much fun. Eating breakfast overlooking the dramatic seascape each morning I will never forget.
What’s the worst place you’ve ever stayed in?
From recent memory most definitely this nasty motel we stayed at when my family and I were forced to drive from FL to NY because flights were cancelled for a week. It was pretty disgusting, and we all came down with the worst virus when we got home!
Which place would you most like to go back to?
My family and I are dying to plan a trip to Spain, one of my favorite countries. We almost booked a trip this summer to Barcelona and San Sebastian, but ultimately put it on the back burner for another time because I recently had knee surgery. I don’t want to be held back in any way – when we go we are going full throttle!
What’s your biggest travel regret?
I lived in Costa Rica after college and traveled to many places down there – Chile, Cuba, Panama – but never made it to Peru and Argentina. I’ve been kicking myself ever since that I still have not been to Machu Picchu and Buenos Aires.
And now, congratulations to my nominees!
I would like to nominate the following fantastic blogs for the Liebster Award:
Kidding Herself
Here are My 11 Questions:
How did you get into blogging?
Where do you write your blog posts? (Had to use that one Clare!)
What is your favorite place to go to in or around your home town/city?
What is your favorite place you’ve been to abroad?
What other hobby(ies) besides traveling do you enjoy?
What has been your worst travel “mishap”?
What is your favorite cuisine?
Ocean or Mountains?
Do you plan all your trips out or do you like to be spontaneous?
Overpacker or underpacker?
Top of the bucket list?
I’m looking forward to reading your answers and seeing who you’re going to nominate!
Congrats Corey!!!! You are an amazing blogger & photographer. I love reading all of your posts. Way to go!!! Xoxo.
Author
Thanks Coll! Which reminds me – we need to go out looking for cameras soon! Have you found any? I do really need a new one, mine is so bulky and not great for travel.
Dear Liebster- Congrats on this recognition! And regarding the questions and answers- just remember after the caravan North from Ft. Myers after the flight was cancelled that little Leighton said- ” When can we go on a road trip again?” I didn’t realize that you all had gotten viruses from the motel and the trip. Anyways- nice Liebster going. XXX Dad
Author
Thanks Dad – I will never forget Leighton saying that, it made for a great ending!
Congratulations ! I also enjoyed reading your answers to the questions. I also want to go to Buenos Aires and Machu Picchu. LGC
Author
Thanks! x
Congrats Corey!
Author
Thanks Mindy!
Congrats! And thanks for nominating Parenthood and Passports!
Author
Anytime – you have a fantastic blog!
Thank you so very much, Corey for your utterly lovely words about my blog. I might just paste them up on the wall above my computer! I loved reading your answers. I am also a big fan of Ian McEwan so I shall check out your other reading suggestions. Your travel advice is spot on. I totally agree with relaxing and enjoying it more rather than feeling the need to rush around and see everything. Far better to see a couple of sights well than a lot of things in a rushed, exasperated way. Glad to hear from a fellow over-packer – I really must write a blog post about my terrible, terrible packing skills.
Congratulations again. I think your blog is terrific.
Author
Thanks Clare, and thanks again for nominating me. Ian McEwan is one of my favorite writers – I used to read everything he wrote and in recent years have not kept up. It will be a new goal to catch up on his latest books. So glad I have a fellow overpacker, sometimes I feel alone in that boat! Have a great weekend! x
Thank you for your nomination, and for such great questions to have a pop at. We’re in the middle of holidays here, so I shall cogitate for a little while before answering them, but answer them I shall!
I also may nick the one about where you write your blog posts!
Author
Feel free to nick it! And no rush! It’s hard enough with kids in tow, let alone the holidays. Love your blog, enjoy!
Congratulations, Corey! I love your writing–keep it up! Carol
Author
Thanks so much, Carol! An honor coming from you!!
Thanks for the nomination! Lovely to read your answers and am already thinking about the answers to your questions. Some are easy (mountains), some not (top of bucket list – I have about 20 places tying for first place!). Or perhaps I’ll cheat and just say a continent 🙂
Author
I almost didn’t put that last question in because it’s impossible to answer, but then I realized I wanted to see the answers. You have a really great blog, looking forward to reading your post! (no rush..)
I really enjoyed reading your answers, and I still remember your post about that road trip from Florida to New York:) Looking forward to see which place you’ll end up visiting this summer:)
Author
Ha – thanks Mitzie! The road trip was indeed unforgettable. Looking forward to catching up on your posts – was bogged down but now things are starting to normalize:).
Well done! Brilliant answers! So amazing you lived in Costa Rica and I also write on my dining room table! Although I don’t have a swanky new office. Hope your knee is feeling better ☺️
Author
Thanks Ting! Too funny about the dining room table. Wherever works right. Starting to feel human again an now that I do looking forward to catching up on your posts. Hoping to have something ready for Monday Escapes tomorrow but don’t think I will :(.
No worries lovely you are always most welcome – add your Liebster award post that would be fine! 🙂
Author
Really? Ok maybe I will!
Congratulations and thank you for nominating Piccolo Explorer! We just got back from visiting my in-laws and I’ll post my answers to your questions this week, thank you again! I really enjoyed reading your post. That’s amazing that you lived in Costa Rica! Also I’ve always wanted to visit the Amalfi Coast and will keep Le Agavi in mind, it sounds like a wonderful place to take in that beautiful scenery!
Author
The Amalfi Coast, simply put, is dazzling! I hope you make it there some day. I really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to seeing your answers – congrats again!!
And somewhat late in the day, my acceptance speech. Thanks again for nominating me! http://kiddingherself.com/trip-that-changed-my-life-liebster-award/