I am truly honored and humbled that one of my peers, Karen from kmfiswriting has nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. This award recognizes new bloggers who bring positivity and creative content to the blogging community. Nominees are chosen by fellow bloggers. Thank you, Karen!

A little bit about Karen, author of kmfiswriting

Karen from kmfiswriting is a former corporate communications manager who took the leap of faith to start her blog and I really admire the courage that takes. She loves to share about different types of travel: empty nester, family travel, girls’ trips and solo travel (cause we all need some down time!). She’s also a self proclaimed ‘former hockey mom’ and I am currently a hockey mom, so we have that in common.

A little bit about me

As part of the award and to connect with others, those nominated are given 11 questions. Here are my responses to Karen’s questions.

1. What do you use daily that you think will still be around in 100 years?

I think coffee will still be a necessity!

2. Beach or mountain vacation?

I’m going to have to say both. Living in Southern California, we have access to both great skiing and beautiful beaches.

3. Team Harry Potter or Team Lord of the Rings?

Neither. When I’m reading, its either about Architecture, my next travel destination or more likely, humorous fiction.

4. How many hours do you sleep on average?

Sleep is super, super important to me. When I was in Architecture school, I was often getting 3-5 hours of sleep per night – going to bed at 3am and getting up at 6am to get the kids going. It had a horrible impact on my health. Since graduating, I get 7-8 hours of sleep.

5. Carry-on or checked luggage?

I would love to be a carry-on girl but I always manage to bring too many outfits and end up having to check my luggage. Much to my husband’s dismay.

6. What’s the quirkiest thing you keep in your purse/wallet?

Euros!

7. What’s the kindest thing a stranger has done for you?

I only started blogging a few months ago and I have been blown away at how kind and generous the blogging community has been. The feedback and comments I have received have been incredibly motivating.

8. What’s the most meaningful place you have visited and why?

I just got back from Paris. I used to live there when I was (a lot) younger and it completely changed my life. When I go back now, I have wonderful memories of when I lived and worked there.

9. What’s the most meaningful book you have read and why?

I love Ernest Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast”. The main character in the book is Paris. I have a quote on my site: “If you were lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young (wo)man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

10. What’s the story behind the name of your blog?

“gscinparis” was my email address when I moved to Paris and I have kept it ever since. Its what my friends, family, peers and former co-workers all know me as!

11. What’s your favorite family tradition?

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, we go all out on Christmas. Decorations go up, the baking begins, the music is on. We even have matching Christmas pajamas.

Sunshine Blogger Award Guidelines

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you in your blog post and link back to his/her blog. 
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
3. Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the award and ask them 11 questions.
4. List these rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and on your blog.

My nominees for the Sunshine Blogger Award

Here are a few of my favorite bloggers in my online communities that I want to share with you and invite you to follow. They have already been nominated!

• Angela, author of Mean Green Chef
• Heather, author of Life at My Own Pace
• Stacey, author of Love, Laughter and Luggage
• Trisha and Charlene, authors of Perhaps This Is
• Jordan, author of Read With Wine
• Boomer, author of Artful Pursuits
• Bibi, author of Travels with Bibi
• Michele, author of Endless Family Travels
• Amanda, author of No Home Nomadder
• Liz, author of Fat Squirrel Collective
• Arianny, author of Prep and Shine

Questions for My Nominees

If you could talk to a famous dead person, who would it be?

1. If you could talk to a famous dead person, who would it be?
2. Beach or mountain vacation?
3. What is your must-have travel item?
4. Coffee or Tea?
5. What is your greatest fear?
6. What’s the quirkiest thing you keep in your purse/wallet?
7. If you could go back in time, what year would you go to and why?
8. What’s the most meaningful place you have visited and why?
9. What’s the most meaningful book you have read and why?
10. What’s the story behind the name of your blog?
11. What’s the best thing about blogging?