Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Liebster Award

Happy Tuesday, everyone. Yesterday was my first full day back at work and it went well!  Woo hoo!

In April, the lovely San of The In Between is Mine nominated me for the Liebster Award.  Liebster is German for "the loveliest" or "most favorite." Thanks for the award, San! The way it works is that I answer the 11 questions San came up with, write 11 of my own, and then tag anywhere from 2-11 people to answer the questions I came up with. Here are my answers to her questions:

1.  What is your favorite beauty product?
My favorite beauty product is the Arbonne RE9 Advanced line of skincare products. It's pricier than what you would buy at a drugstore or Target, but worth the money spent in my opinion as my skin looks and feels so great since I started using this skincare line years ago. And to be clear, I am not at all compensated to recommend this product, nor do I sell it!  But my friend Becky does, so reach out to her if you want to try a sample!

2. If you could pick any place/city to move to for a year, where would you want to go?
Domestically, I'd pick San Francisco or New York. There's just so much to do and see in these cities. San Francisco is close to so many great parks and trail systems, and New York obviously has tons to offer but is also close to a bunch of states in the northeast that I've never visit, so I'd have lots of exploring to do in either city.  Phil would pick San Francisco over New York (sorry Alli!). Internationally, I would pick Paris!!

3. What is one thing you like best about your home?
There are a lot of things I love about Phil's house (I guess I should be referring to it as "our" house now!!), but the top of the list is the location as he lives in a cute neighborhood in south Minneapolis. We both have agreed that we prefer to not live in the suburbs (no offense to those who have built their life there - it's just not the right fit for us) as we value being close to the city in a walkable neighborhood. I love that I can walk to a grocery store, Starbucks, a drug store, a Catholic church, and the library. Additionally, it's a short 20 minute bus ride away from work, and it's very close to a running/biking trail system that follows a creek in one direction and the chain of lakes in the other direction.

4. What are you favorite pair of shoes?
Gosh, I am so not a shoe person. Especially since getting diagnosed with RA as I have to be very kind to my feet. If I had to pick a favorite pair, I'd say a pair of black Cole Haan flats with Nike air technology. They were kind of expensive but worth the money as I've had them for 2.5 years and they still look and feel great!

5. What is your favorite travel destination?
Paris. That city has just totally captured my heart. 

6. If you could have one do-over, what would it be?
I wish I had never bought my suburban condo in 2005. Nearly 11 years later, it is still worth less than what I paid for it. I'm hoping that I'll be able to sell it and break even in a couple of years. It frustrates me because I felt like I was making a wise decision by buying a home but it turned out to be the worst decision I've made.

7. What is something you are currently struggling with?
No one will be surprised to hear that I'm struggling with the fact that I can't be active right now. I know I have to let my body heal but I sure do miss run club, vigorous workouts and getting my sweat on!  Or just being able to walk/do things for myself. I'm pretty helpless on crutches.

8. Breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Dinners on the weekend as that is the meal I devote the most time and attention to.

9. Who is your celebrity girl crush?
Zoe Deschanel. I think she is so adorable!

10.  Why did you start blogging?
I started my first blog to chronicle my first trip to France. I loved writing so much that I started this blog. I never could have imagined how much blogging would enrich my life and how many amazing friendships would be forged thanks to this little blog of mine.

11. Tell me about one of your plans for this summer.
In August, I'm renting a cabin on a lake in Minnesota with a small group of college friends. I can't believe that the 6 of us were able to find a weekend that we were all free! I'm really looking forward to a weekend of girl time. And it worked out perfectly as Phil has a guys golf weekend the same weekend so we'll both get some time away with our friends.

My questions!

1. How old were you when you flew for the first time?
2. What is your favorite color?
3. What is your go-to book recommendation?
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from?
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"?
6. What are 3 words that describe you?
7.  Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them?
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016?
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation?
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?

Ok, I always feel bad nominating people as I don't want anyone to feel left out, so I'm making this a free-for-all! So answer some/all of the questions in the comments or do a post over on your blog (and tell me when you post it!).

20 comments:

Charbelle said...

Arbonne really is amazing! I have a few friends who love it! You could easily do New York or San Francisco since the NY temps would not bother you. We have an office in the Caymans and when they go on vacation they go to places that are milder temperatures, it was a random question I asked last time one of the execs was here. She's originally from Scotland. I'm going to play along and answer the questions :)

Emilie said...

You couldn't have known that the housing market would crash after buying your condo! Pete did the same exact thing, and we lose money on it every month even with a tenant. It's so frustrating, but not your fault in any way, shape, or form. Also: MOVE TO NY! I'm only 2 hours away by car, and I may be biased, but I think New England is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Especially in the fall. And you're already used to cold temperatures!
I was 9 when I flew for the first time; my favorite color is yellow; I always recommend The Time Traveler's Wife, Little Women, or Me Before You; New York and Company or Old Navy; Ha! I don't even know/have a preference on toilet paper; shy, introvert, loyal; Now and Then or Anne of Green Gables; our first "friend vacation" with two couple friends of ours; morning person usually; Portland, Maine for a long weekend; I prefer when the mountains and ocean are in the same place like in Maui ;)
Fun post!!

Marlys said...

1. I don't have a favorite facial product but did like Arbonne and am now using another product by Shaklee which I also like.
2. My favorite color is shades of green, as it reminds me of new growth, so this time of year the greens are vibrant and make me happy!
3. I guess my go-to book is the Bible as I read passages from it daily, and it gives me hope, comfort, and peace. My next would be Jane Eyre.
4. I guess right now it would have to be Herbergers, as that is where I find great deals!
5. Under - definitely!
6. This is harder, but I would say "faithful, hardworking & honest".
7. I don't have any that I could watch over and over, but the one I have watched the most is "The Passion of Chrits".
8. I'm always looking forward to family gatherings, spending time with the grandchildren, and also my 50th high school class reunion in June!
9. I am a morning person! I love to get up early and spend 40 minutes doing my devotional reading while sipping a cup of white tea.
10. My next vacation will be to Hawaii next March with Paul's siblings and spouses!
11. I love them both but I think the ocean tops my choice!

Linda said...


1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? 12 or 13
2. What is your favorite color? purple
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? lonesome dove
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? forever 21 lol
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? over
6. What are 3 words that describe you? idealistic, curious, diplomatic
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? spain, even though we still haven't booked anything
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? all day!
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? both!

Jeanie said...

I love learning more about my friends with this! Here are my answers to your questions:
1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? -- 18
2. What is your favorite color? -- Anything in the teal/turquoise family
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? -- "Paris" by Edward Rutherfurd
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? -- I haven't bought clothes in three years. It used to be Coldwater Creek but they closed here...
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? -- pull from under
6. What are 3 words that describe you? -- creative, enthusiastic, compassionate
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? -- Singing in the Rain and lots of others!
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? -- Heading to the cottage for summer.
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? -- night owl.
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? -- Myrtle Beach (though to be honest, every day is a vacation!)
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? -- The ocean

San said...

Hooray! Thanks for playing along, Lisa.

I loved reading your answers to my questions... and I am gladly answering yours, too. It's fun.

1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? -- 6 or 7
2. What is your favorite color? -- teal/turquoise
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? -- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? -- probably Target
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? -- over
6. What are 3 words that describe you? -- kind, creative, patient
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? -- Before Sunrise, The Holiday, The Proposal
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? -- running my first half-marathon :)
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? -- morning person
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? -- nothing planned unfortunately :(
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? -- both!!

Nora said...

How fun that you have a girls weekend to look forward to in August; what a blast that will be!!!

1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? -- Two or three. We moved to CA for about six months when I was around 2.
2. What is your favorite color? -- navy
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? -- Very Valentine
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? -- Ann Taylor Loft... though I rarely buy clothes anymore!
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? -- over
6. What are 3 words that describe you? -- loyal, supportive, honest
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? -- The Proposal, Love Actually, You've Got Mail
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? -- Family trip this summer and maybe one with all my boys (Dad, Knight, brother) this Christmas.
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? -- oddly enough I'm turning into a morning person!
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? -- the beach!
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? -- Ocean hands down, though mountains are growing on me.

Anonymous said...

Clearly the issue is that it's been way too long since Phil has been in NYC. You guys will have to visit so I can change Phil's mind.

How old were you when you flew for the first time? 5
2. What is your favorite color? Red
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? Kind of depends on the person, but I find myself recommending Eleanor and Park a lot as I can't imagine anyone not liking that book.
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? Fine I'm just gonna say it... Gap Kids. Short girls gotta do what a short girls gotta do.
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? Under, but I compromised on over when Chris and I first moved in together. The annoying part is that the rest of his family all agree with me.
6. What are 3 words that describe you?
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? About a Boy, 1776, all the Lord of The Rings movies.
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? I think you already know the answer. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I'm more of a morning person than a night person, but I always hate that afternoon person is never an option. I like to think I'm at my best between 10-3 ;)
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? We'll be in Stonington for Memorial Day weekend. Fingers crossed we can get to MPLS this summer.
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? Ocean hands down. The mountains are loveky, but I'm an East Coast girl through and through (though of course the lake is better than the ocean which is a fact and not an opinion)

Erin said...

Loved this post and did it over on my blog!

San Francisco is on my "to visit" list! It seems like SUCH a cool city! I really loved California when I visited. I was only in the southern area--but San Diego, San Clemente, L.A. were all just awesome. In addition to San Francisco, I would love to visit the Napa Valley area and check out all the wineries!

Carolina John said...

Yay, so glad you're back at work! Hope the recovery wasn't too bad.

My favorite color is green.

Raquelita said...

I can't believe you picked Paris. :) Your August plans sound awesome -- I can't wait to hear more about them.

My favorite color is purple followed by green.

By natural inclination, I am a morning person, but it gets really hard this time of year in Alaska because it is light so late that my brain doesn't really get the signal that it's time to pack in and go to bed. I have to be really mindful of the clock or I end up staying up to late and throwing off my schedule.

Stephany said...

1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? 23, I think? Eeps.
2. What is your favorite color? Turquoise
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? Me Before You
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? Old Navy or Target
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? Over
6. What are 3 words that describe you? Shy, funny, introspective
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? Tommy Boy, Elf, Shawshank Redemption, and I think I'll be able to add the Harry Potter movies once I watch them!
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? Taking a cruise for my birthday!
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Morning person as long as I got enough sleep the night before :)
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? Possibly Asheville!
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? Ocean

Gracie said...

You should definitely meet your run club post-run for coffee or something. It is tough to miss both activity AND socialization!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Ooooh, fun!! I'll do this in a post!!

I love these kinds of posts :-)

Leigh said...

I can't even remember the first flight I took or where we went!
Favourite colour is green :)
Three words to describe me: short, sarcastic and......I'm struggling!
Morning person or night owl: definitely not a morning person, but can't stay up late anymore. I need my sleep!

Abby said...

I am soooo behind on blogs these days, trying to catch up! These days I am so stir crazy by the time I get done with work that I don't allow myself "screen time" (no tv, computer, etc)

This is fun! I think you are due for a trip to Paris!!!

1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? - I was in 6th grade
2. What is your favorite color? Close tie between green and yellow
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? "Still Alice"
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? H & M
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? over
6. What are 3 words that describe you? -flexible -active -happy
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? -Silver Lining Playbook -Pretty Woman
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? -moving into our home
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? -morning without a doubt
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? -Barbados
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? that is really tough...but I have to say ocean

Amber said...

If I could live in one city for a year it would be either San Francisco or Vancouver! I've never lived in a BIG metropolitan city so it would be super fun to do for a year, then I could find out if it would be a good fit for me or not (I'm guessing no - I am realizing that I really do like the smaller town feel!!)

I will probably answer these questions on my blog at some point because my blogging has been so sub par lately, a writing prompt would be good!!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Yay for San Francisco and I am SO glad that Phil liked it too!!

1. How old were you when you flew for the first time? I think my parents flew when I was a baby, but the first one I really remember was a trip back East by myself when I was maybe 7 or 8.
2. What is your favorite color? Blue
3. What is your go-to book recommendation? Gone Girl
4. What store do you buy most of your clothes from? Goodwill
5. Do you prefer that the toilet paper roll be "under" or "over"? OVER
6. What are 3 words that describe you? dedicated, honest, organized
7. Are there any movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of them? Princess Bride
8. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing in 2016? Taking a vacation.
9. Are you a morning person or a night owl? morning
10. Where do you plan to go for your next vacation? Good question!!
11. Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean? Hard one, but probably mountains by a small margin. You can't run in the ocean. However, mountains next to ocean would be best!

Cherry Blossoms said...

I'm so looking forward to our girls weekend in Aug. I still clearly remember that day being surprised by Brookes txt messages letting me know a weekend was planned! Looking forward to being back home this summer!

Unknown said...


Brothers/Sister's. Are you looking for loan to finance your large or small business,we'll help you get the large amount of loan you desire for your business,we offer first class business and commercial loan to enable small scale business attain success in obtaining start up or refinance their business Bad credit rating accepted and poor business performance are accepted.apply today via email ( arabloanfirmserves@gmail.com