Liebster Award

Notice anything new on the sidebar? On Monday, I was awarded the Liebster Award by Nicki at Sweet Parish Place.  

Liebster, in German, means endearing, valued, lovely, etc.  You get the idea.  This award is presented as a way to acknowledge up and coming bloggers and to help them be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments within design that is presented on their blog.  I was truly honored that Nicki included Monograms 'n Mud as one of the 11 blogs to give the award to!  This blog has taken a lot more time and energy than I anticipated when I began a few months ago, but I'm so happy to see that I'm finally reaching an audience.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about

themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, and then

create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.

3. Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.

4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

5. No tag backs.

Ok are you guys ready to learn all about yours truly!?!

11 Random Facts

1. I'm scared to death of fish (no matter the size).

2. I hate mopping the floor.

3. I have a crazy bad sweet tooth.

4. Hubby & I have been together since I was 15!

5. I'm 50% Greek & 50% Irish.

6. I grew up with a Dalmatian named Spinolie.

7. I use to anchor my high school TV news.

8. I save coupons but NEVER use them.

9. I wish I knew how to play the piano.

10. I am a terrible gardener.

11. I graduated college in 3 years with 3 majors.

And now the 11 questions presented to me.

1.  What would you do if you won the lottery?

Well I've never dwelled on it. I was brought up to believe that hard work & saving will get you much father in life than a lotto ticket. But two things pop into my head: 1. Higher a full time chef and housekeeper. 2. Go back to school. Now that I'm older, I look at education in a different light. I was always fascinated by genetics and I would love to go back and study it in more depth. 

2.  What is your most vivid childhood memory?

When I would ask to do things that my parents felt weren't age appropriate I remember my Mother always telling me, "I'm not saying, "No". I'm saying, "Not yet". I'm quite sure I'll be repeating that line in a few short years.

3.  What is your favorite blog that you love to read/look at?

I adore Dixie Delights and Amanda is the reason I started blogging. I was having a bit of a rough go at it, adjusting to the demands of 3 kids. I prayed a lot for guidance and one day I just stumbled upon her blog. Amanda's zest for motherhood reignited my passion for my job (SAHM). Also seeing her embrace a more sophisticated decorating style was a nice change of pace. I have always loved a more traditional look (my mother calls me an old soul) but I struggled with not conforming to the West Elm/ PB look that is more "age appropriate". I've given myself permission to decorate with my silver & china, hang plates on the wall and use brass in my home. 

Most of all though, I hope that one day I can inspire or assist someone else the way Amanda inspired me….pay it forward sort of a thing. If people like a room I decorated or party I threw that is great too, but I really want to encourage others to give more of themselves to their families and homes. 

4.  What is the best book you have ever read?

I love Jane Austin and re-read Pride & Prejudice at least once a year.

5.  What is your favorite room in your house?

My kitchen since I'm in there pretty much every moment I'm home. The mix of blues, cream & crystal just makes me happy and keeps me calm.

6.  What do you do to relax?

With 3 kids I don't--lol. I guess blogs and pinterest our my outlets. And of course girl time with my Besties H & B.

7.  Do you have any pet peeves?

Cheap toilet paper. Actually it is the topic of one of my first posts.

8.  Where would you go on vacation if money were no object?

I have always wanted to go to Scotland every since I was a small girl. No rhyme or reason to it.

9.  What would your dream house be like?
Wow. I could write a whole post about this question. I'll just give a few must haves:

1. I would most definitely have a butler's pantry…I'm smitten with them.
2. Loads of Carrera marble paired with polished chrome.
3. A large yard with a formal green & white garden and a pool to make Hubby happy.

10.  What is your go to hairstyle?

Most days it is in a sloppy bun on top of my head…wish I could report it was more glamorous.

11.  What kind of car do you drive?

A minivan, which Hubby reminds me was my choice. Luckily he drives a red sports car with some serious power so, when I want to forget I'm Mommy for the day I take his car. Prior to the minivan I alternated between a Jeep and Lexus SC400. When I'm done with the minivan, it is back to a Lexus for me…those cars a built like no other. (Can you tell we are into our cars around here:)

Next, the 11 blogs I selected. Get ready for some eye candy and great DYI inspiration.

Lacquer And Linen

Morganize with me

Always Something

Brave New Home

Clover House

Let's Add Sprinkles

My Life In Projects

Life On Virginia Street

Soo The Cook Said

Rural Life Story

Lobster Meets Peach

And for the lucky ladies, my questions for them:

1. What is your favorite period in history and why?

2. If a movie was made about your life, what actress would you want to play you?

3. Favorite dessert?

4. What is your favorite house/ home decor show?

5. What is your least favorite part about your house?

6. If you could live anywhere, where would you pick & why?

7. What is your favorite color to decorate with?

8. What blog inspires you the most?

9. What is one thing you wish people knew about you?

10. What room in your house are you most proud of?

11. What is your favorite post on your blog and why?

Choosing 11 new blogs to pass the Liebster award to was no easy task.  I gave it a lot of thought, and it took me some searching to find them. Breaking into the blogging world as a new blogger takes a lot of time and dedication. These bloggers have a lot to offer and are very talented people who would love to show you what they got! So what are you doing around here? Go check them out! And as always, thank you for spending a bit of your day with me. hugs to each one of you.