Sept. 16, 2016: Blogger Recognition Award (x5)
Happy Hump day everyone! I’m literally in shock with all the love and support I’ve been receiving over the past couple weeks! I’ve received five nominations for this award! Thank you to those who nominated me!
So in acceptance of the award, here are my responses to the following rules:
- Give a brief story of how your blog started.
- Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
That first “rule” is one of the most popular questions I see, so sorry if I’m like super repetitive here. But I started my blog a couple months ago after eagerly looking for a way to track the little weekend getaways and adventures my boyfriend and I embarked on. Being from California and having never lived 45 minutes away from either of our families, I wanted a way to really keep track of our life here in Florida so that years from now, we’d have a “living” memory of the entire experience. I wasn’t planning on really going public with any of my posts but with so many family members checking in and feeling a little left out of our lives (understandably, the 3 hour time difference is a bit of a hinderance), I thought what the heck, might as well share our experiences to let those close to us see what we’re up too and maybe even feel like they’re here with us. And that’s kind of how it started. Fast forward and now I’ve got some pretty great, supportive people in this blogosphere
My advice to new bloggers would just be to write, about anything that matters to you or interests you. As long as you’re happy with what you’re putting out there, that’s all that matters! I can see how it might be intimidating in the beginning but you’re bound to meet some pretty amazing people, as I have!
Sept. 11, 2016: Black Cat Blue Sea Award
I’ve been nominated for another amazing award!
I had to do a little research to figure out what this award stands for and here’s what I found, the Black Cat Blue Sea Award is given to “bloggers who strive to write for everybody and no matter how many viewers they get, make an impact on a reader. This award is an expression of gratitude to the nominee. It should be awarded to anybody that you choose deserves it and it doesn’t mean that they have hundreds of followers and likes.”
So how cool is that? I am so honored to have been given this award! I never sought out for views or likes, and really didn’t create my blog for the purpose of followers. Really I just wanted a place for me to write down my memories. But with the response I’ve had and the people I’ve “virtually” met in this blogosphere, I’ve gotten so much more out of blogging that I ever thought possible. I love reading others’ blogs and seeing the world through another’s eyes, especially all those travelers I’ve befriended over the internet! And I’m overjoyed with happiness that anyone enjoys seeing the world through mine
So now, I will answer the questions this award came with:
- What is the reason you created your blog? Sorry if you’ve read my answer to this question before, but I created my blog to journal my way through Florida and keep track of the places I’ve explored and the memories attached to them.
- What are your hobbies? My blog is my new favorite hobby, as is reading other’s blogs! Other than that I’d say running, keeping up with medicine and medical journals, spending time with my boyfriend, traveling, and watching movies!
- Who is your role model and why? My parents. Both have been through so much and done so much to support my sisters and I throughout our lives. To me, they embody strength and compassion. I’m constantly in awe of the things they do and the impact they have on my life. Even though my mom continually sends me a thousand emails and texts about healthy and spiritual living, cat videos, interior decor, recipes, etc I love it mom! Keep em’ coming!
Sept. 3,2016: Sunshine Blogger Award (x4)
So just the other day, one of my absolute favorite blogs to follow, nominated me for a Sunshine Blogger Award! And now I’ve officially been nominated for this award 4 times!
I’m so happy and grateful for this award! Upon reading of my nomination I learned that the Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers who are positive and inspiring to others in the blogosphere and being so new to this, I’m so happy and truly cherish anyone who finds my blog inspiring!
Here are my answers to the questions I was asked (there are quite a few for each time I was nominated)
What inspired you to write a blog? I was interested in a more intimate way of writing and tracking all the little adventures my boyfriend and I embarked on, starting with the grand adventure of moving across the country! I wanted a way to remember everything we did in a more detailed way (other than journaling) that could include pictures as well.
What do you enjoy most about blogging? The community it builds and the virtual friendships I’ve created here.
What makes you happy? Tons of things! My boyfriend, my cat, friends and family.
Where is your favorite place you’ve ever visited? This is a tough one!! At the moment, I would probably say its between Sequoia National Park in California or Nashville, TN.
What on the top of your bucket list? Traveling to Paris, France!
What’s your favorite movie or TV show? Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean TV show: Gossip Girl or Once Upon a Time (hello, Captain Hook! ;))
If you had one super power, what would it be? The power to heal people.
What is your favorite memory? Spending time with family for Christmas, all huddled around the fire playing Catchphrase with one another.
If money was no object, what would you do all day? Travel and spend too much time at Disneyland buying all things Mickey!
What one thing would you change if you had a do-over? Probably saying no to past events that I didn’t want to attend but did out of guilt. I’ve learned to better express the meaning of “no” and to realize I don’t have to feel bad about something I don’t want to do. Does that make sense?
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or future? Why? The past! I’ve always been intrigued by history and older times. I’d like to see how I’d survive without technology. I also wouldn’t mind the horse-drawn carriages over cars
Have you ever been fired from a job? Luckily, no I haven’t!
What was the last movie you saw in theaters? Suicide Squad
What has happened to you as a result of blogging? A lot of positive feedback from both friends and family.
What is a bad habit you have that you wish to correct? Drinking too much coffee!
Where do you enjoy blogging the most? At home on the couch? At a local coffee shop sipping a specialty drink? At home on the couch, for sure!
What is your favorite gift you have ever received? Anything from my boyfriend. Last Christmas he got me a Tiffany necklace that I rarely ever take off (unless I’m doing outdoorsy things, I’d hate to either lose it or sweat all over it lol).
Have you ever experienced something close to being in a fairytale? Yes
If you could have a meal with anyone (alive or otherwise) and pick their brain, who would it be and why? Well right now it would be a big family dinner with both my family and my boyfriends because we miss them so much.
What is #1 on your bucket list? Traveling to Paris, France.
Have you experienced being in love? If so, what was the moment you knew you were in love? Yup! And I totally can’t remember but I’m sure it was on a college soccer field rolling my eyes as he called me a “freshman” for 3 consecutive years.
What are you looking forward to about Autumn/Spring depending on your hemisphere! It’s fall here in the United States, so I’ve definitely been looking forward to and cherishing every iced pumpkin spice latte and fall scented candle I get my hands on!
Favorite food? Anything Italian, sushi, and garlic lemon marinated salmon, the way my man makes it
Favorite song at the moment? Habit of You- by Keith Urban
What has been your favorite part of 2016? Throwing the gender reveal and baby shower for one of my best friends, leading up to the main highlight of 2016-the birth of her darling baby, Isabella. What are you looking forward to about October? Halloween (for sure), Everything pumpkin spice flavored (yes, I’m one of those girls), pumpkin patches, and Halloween movies (hello Hocus Pocus!) I usually always look forward to fall fashion and cozy sweaters but none of that will be necessary here in Florida *sigh*. AND we usually double date it with another one of my best friends, Cynthia and her husband to Universal Studios Horror Nights, which I LOATHE! I hate all things scary and they love watching me freak out. Luckily, now that we are in Florida, I’m getting out of that this year
Why did you start blogging? To keep track of all the unique places and experiences we’ve had and will have. Also to allow our friends and families to follow our journey more intimately.
What is your favourite thing about blogging? Writing about our adventures and interacting with other people!
How has writing a blog changed your life? It’s made me want to take better pictures for sure, lol.
What is your favourite movie? Pirates of the Caribbean, can I say #5 even if it isn’t out yet
What is one of your biggest dreams? Traveling to Paris, France.
What is one secret that you wouldn’t mind the world knowing? I don’t have too many secrets but I will openly tell the world that I’m a total crazy cat lady and am obsessed with my baby kitten, Bentley, who turns 4 on October 8th!
Do you fangirl and if so about what? Absolutely, anything Keith Urban or Johnny Depp related I will always fangirl over.
What country would you visit if you had one month left to live? 100% France!
Who inspires you? My family, which includes my boyfriend and his family as well!
Aug. 24, 2016: Liebster Award (x3)
My very first award as a new blogger and so happy to have been a triple recipient! As per the rules of the nomination, here are 11 random facts about me:
- My favorite color is purple.
- I played Division I soccer in college (where I also met my soulmate :)).
- Prior to moving to Florida, I’ve never lived further than 45 min from my parents.
- My cat has more Instagram followers than I do, it’s okay though. She’s adorable.
- My sister is my absolute best friend.
- To date, I’ve been to 25 Keith Urban concerts (he’s my favorite).
- My favorite actor is Johnny Depp and all time favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean.
- My all time favorite place to be is DisneyLand (although my annual pass has been neglected lately & I have yet to visit DisneyWorld).
- I love to run and run anywhere between 15-30 miles a week. As of today my mileage is at 21.6 miles for the week starting last Thursday 8/18/16.
- After having moved to Florida, I don’t think I’ll ever step foot on a California beach again. It just doesn’t compete. Think taking an ice bath vs. sitting in a jacuzzi.
- 3 years ago my boyfriend and I drove cross-country (CA–> NY) for New Year’s and it was the most amazing experience
I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me
Below, I’ve answered the questions asked of me!
How did you come up with your blog name? It came about pretty quickly, every time I met someone new and told them I moved from CA, they would say Welcome to the East Coast. So I thought “On Another Coast” fit perfectly, moving from the West Coast to the East Coast.
Why did you want to start a blog? I wanted a more intimate way of keeping track of all the places I explored while here in Florida. Rather than a journal or scrapbook, I wanted to create a “live” space where I could share pictures and write detailed explanations of what I was feeling, did, etc.
What is your catchphrase? hmm, this is an interesting question! I guess it kind of depends who I’m talking too? I have little inside jokes and ‘catchphrases’ with a lot of different friends. One of my best friends and I constantly say “That’s what she said” to nearly everything when we talk… we’re pretty avid “Office” fans.
If you could change your name what would it be? I honestly would not change my name. I’m named after my great-grandmother on my mom’s side.
What is a song that means a lot to you? It’s so hard to pick just one! Of course the song I hope one day to get married too..And then “My Little Girl ” by Tim McGraw, it literally makes me cry every time and just reminds me so much of the relationship I share with my dad.
What is a TV show that you are afraid to admit you watch? I’m not afraid to really admit to anything and I don’t watch much tv, but I’ll admit that I continually watch re-runs of “Gossip Girl”on Netflix (it’s my all time favorite tv show)
What was your favorite subject in school? Science
If you could go back in time, what point in time would you go to? The JFK presidency!
What is something that you can do that is quite bizarre? Shake my eyes, although both my sisters do it better than I do.
What is something that you never leave the house without? My cell phone and ID!
If you could go anywhere in the world (real or imaginary), where would you go? Real-to Canada where my boyfriend currently is and has been for the past week! I miss him Imaginary- The land of Storybrooke, from “Once Upon a Time” (guilty pleasure tv show).
Summer or winter holiday, and why? Winter! I love the cold, being cozy, cuddled up with my man and a cup of coffee. Also, I love layering. Give me a big sweater, a scarf, and a beanie and I’m in paradise!
Who was the last person you confided in? One of my best friends, Natalie. Some of the things I know I’m crazy to be complaining about, she understands and just lets me let it out.
If you win the lottery, what would be the first thing you buy? This is a good one ! A nice, long vacation for my parents. They’ve done and continue to do so much for me.
Sweet or salted popcorn? Salted!
What song do you love but would be embarrassed if someone found it on your iPod? haha, umm not much of a song, but my meditations for relaxation. Sometimes I have insomnia, don’t judge me
What’s one of your proudest moments? Letting go of toxic relationships, no matter how hard.
How did you come up with your blog name? See previous questions
Do you prefer giving presents or receiving them? 100% giving.
Favorite dessert? Dark chocolate cupcakes from Sprinkles.
What book are you currently reading/have you recently finished? The Lake House by Kate Morton and just finished re-reading the 1st Harry Potter book (nerd alert).
Who is the best artist you have seen live in concert? The one, the only, Mr. Keith Urban.
February 1, 2017: The MYSTERY Blogger Award
So happy to have received my first one! Here are the answers that were asked of me!
What is your most valuable possession? My darling baby kitten, Bentley 🙂
How long have you been blogging? Since July of 2016
Where do you want to travel next? Close- San Francisco Far-Greece! And as always, Paris with my love.
What is your mission? To lead a happy, healthy life and always be someone my friends and family can turn to no matter the situation.
Do you like soup? What type of soup? (The silly question) I absolutely LOVE soup! My favorite is clam chowder in a bread bowl!
On Another Coast 