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The Liebster Award and my 11 answers to Pay it forward!

February 11, 2017BLOG AWARDS12 Comments

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Last week, one of my favorite Blogger, Timo of CrazychineseFamily mentioned my Blog for another Liebster Award.For those of you who have been here for quite some time,you might think that awards like this are only nuisance and better to simply ignore,just like virtual chain letters. I won’t deny that after a year of blogging here, I consider myself still a newbie, It still brought a smile in me whenever someone mentions my Blog or even highlight my page. I feel grateful and I always appreciate the thought of the Blogger behind it. I remember receiving my first Liebster Award last January 2016 and since then, I had great respect for the awesome community that I have here in WP who took their time to pass on this kind gesture of appreciation. Without them, my Blog will just be lost in the net. I know time is precious for all of us, and there is no “newbie” or even an “oldie” once you decide to “Pay it forward”something like the Liebster- a virtual love. It’s all your choice.

Anyway, what I like about Timo is his down-to-earth posts about what his life after he married into a crazy chinese family. If you are also an Expat, his story of Raising a Kung-Fu baby and being an Expat Papa in Germany might inspire you how to raise a bilingual child as well. If you want to read real, and personal stories about his crazy MIL (Mother in Law), WhiteMale/AsianFemale relationship ( or interracial couple) and multiculturalism, check out Crazychinesefamily Blog and you will know why it won last year’s Nepaliaustralian Blog awards!

Now what is The Liebster Award?

“Liebster” is a German word meaning beloved or dearest. It is an online appreciation in form of virtual award which started in 2011 passed on by bloggers to fellow bloggers for enjoying and valuing their work. The idea is to recognize their efforts and give credit.

Here’s my response to Timo’s questions :

Why did you start blogging?

I’ve always wanted to have a Blog but because of work, I can’t find the time and I don’t know how to start.But last year, I finally did it as my inspirational hobby.

How does blogging and connecting to other bloggers change/ help you?

Having a great circle of friends and fellow Bloggers who shares the same interest as you is very important. You write for the purpose that your work will be read by someone else, that is why I always admire responsible blogging.When somebody comments on my posts either negatively or sharing inputs, it encourage and inspires me to write better. Feed backs are great tools for improvement and reading other’s work is a way for me to learn and know people. Before, I am not very active in social media, not until I start Blogging where in I have learned to use the internet to connect with quality people. As an Expat, I have met wonderful friends here that are totally more appealing than the friends that I had in my real life.

What are your favorite topics to write about?

I love to write about my Expat life, my experiences living in a foreign country and being a new mother. I love sharing my photography stories as well. Lately, I am incorporating my personal art in my Blog.

In which country do you see yourself living in ten years?

Hmm, I don’t know really. Right now, my daughter is only 2 and is on crucial stage of development, soon she’ll start Kindergarten and I really wanted her to develop her German language and moving again means another change for her. We’ve just been here in Germany for only 7 months, and still too early to say, but then, we love it here and looking forward for more. It is my goal to learn Deutsch as well.So options are limitless.

Couch or Sports?

Definitely sports. My metabolism is quick so I wanted to be active always.

A good Book or TV?

A good book.

What would you do with 1 Million Euros (or Dollars, whatever you prefer…)

A million Kuwaiti Dinar so the value is higher ! I’ve always wanted to travel with my mother or maybe invest in my personal business.

How long do you prepare for a blog post?

It depends. Sometimes I only do photo challenges which are quick to do.I can only sit behind my laptop on my free times, maybe 2 hours in a day or if I’m not so tired at night I make some drafts, also depends on my mood.

Your worst experience with blogging.

None so far. I never experience yet anything I could call as worst.

What is your hobby with which you find some peace?

Nature-tripping, my wandertags and painting. I also find peace while baking.

Last but not least: Would you ever dare to try Surströmming?

Nie! No, thanks but I’m not a fan of fermented fish. I also don’t like the Dutch Herring.

Here’s are the list of Bloggers and their Blog that I nominated for Liebster award and I personally recommend to check out their page because they wrote amazing contents!

Debra of Cultivating Time, my inspiration for wellness.

ExpatPanda who is currently based in Kuwait and sharing adventures in & out of the classroom.

Sheryl of Thoughts of Sheryl- a fellow Pinay in an interracial marriage in Korea

Estelea of Frenchtouchincebu– The Yogi beauty practicing Namaste in Philippines with her adorable Atillas.

The Berlinbook – A fellow Pinay integrating into German culture and writing about her Expat life.

Ann of Grubbsncritters– A trailblazing Expat Mama in the Netherlands who can make the best Bitterballen and other grubbs!

Michelle of Rabbitpatchdiary.com – The warm soul behind my dream homestead-Rabbitpatch.

My 11 Questions for you :

What is your definition of responsible blogging?
If given a chance, would you meet a fellow blogger or attend Blogger meet- ups?
What is your favorite post? and why. Please provide a link.
What do you want to accomplish in your Blog for this year?
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done in your life?
If you would write a story about one famous person, who would it be & why?
What is your dream job?
Do you think your mother /father would be proud to read your Blog?
What is your most prized personal possession?
How many languages you speak?
What is your guilty pleasure?

If you have been nominated for The Liebster Award and you choose to accept it, here are the simple rules;

Display the award on your blog and write a post about the award.
Thank the person who nominated you and post a link to their blog. Tell the reader a little about your nominator.
Answer the 11 questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award.
Give the nominees 11 questions to answer on their blog.
List these rules in your post.
Notify the nominees of the Liebster Award and ask if they would be happy to accept? If so, send them a link to your post.

I have received other Blog awards such as the Versatile Blogger Awards from Pooja of Lostinprettyeurope and Lucas of ldpfotoblog, some I have forgotten already, so many things to do. I wanted to thank you all for thinking of my Blog worthy of these awards. These kind gestures are never wasted. Thank you so much guys!

P.S.I don’t declare my Blog as Free-Blog awards but I will do my best to respond once I got the time.

Three Days Quote Challenge (Pt.1)

February 10, 2016February 11, 2016WP-PHOTO CHALLENGES2 Comments

11216820_1204123722937241_1589637592628807805_n — The grass dreamt of Kissing the Skies

Q U O T E F O R T O D A Y

“O u t b e y o n d i d e a s o f w r o n g d o i n g
a n d r i g h t d o i n g t h e r e i s a f i e l d.
I’ l l m e e t y o u t h e r e.

W h e n t h e s o u l l i e s d o w n i n t h a t g r a s s
t h e w o r l d i s t o o f u l l t o t a l k a b o u t.”
― Rumi

The Challenge

Something beautiful happened ! Recently, I was challenged by Frank ( Jansenphoto ) to take on the ‘Three Day Quote Challenge’. Just in case you don’t know, Dutch goes the Photo is a wonderful Blog. If you want a daily dose of kick-ass photos ,then head on to his page. Get to know Him. Just click Here.

Anyway, This challenge is one of the things that I would love to take on since I love the idea of a Photo + Quote combo posting marathon for 3 days.

The rules of this challenge are quite simple:

Post in three (3) consecutive days.
You can pick one or three quotes per day.
Challenge three different bloggers per day.

I would love to nominate & pass on this challenge to my beautiful friends here namely ; ( Drumroll please! )

Guys, I hope you have time to accept this challenge. But even if my challenge won’t be accepted, I still want you to know that you are all awesome and I am grateful to have found your wonderful Blogs and got to know you through your posts.

Have fun & Keep on writing. Once again, Thank you Frank for the Nomination!

Qout Market : More Than Just a Market

February 7, 2016February 8, 2016FOOD, KUWAIT, MY EXPAT LIFE2 Comments

Have you’ve been to the Qout Market lately?

When i read about Qout Market last year i was a bit skeptical about it. I thought it was just another event in Kuwait for people to see & be seen . Knowing how Kuwaitis love food, and the hundreds of restaurants in Kuwait, i thought this was another addition. I presumed that its just one of those event that people gather to simply socialize & have a legal excuse to eat & indulge. I was totally mistaken! I didn’t know that I was in for a big surprise this year because i had the chance to see it. Now i know why Qout Market is the face of modern culture of Kuwait. It’s amazing! Here’s Why ;

The courtyard of Pearl Marzouk at its best for the Qout Market

” Nourishing the Mind as well as the Body”.

Yes, you read that right. This is not just an ordinary Market. It is a market with a cause, with passionate goals .This is the reason why Qout Market is probably one of the best thing happening in Kuwait nowadays. Running now on its Third Season (November ~April ) Qout Market becomes Kuwait’s most-awaited event that redefined its culinary diversity within the local community. This is by far the strength within this concept that created such a Buzz and nationwide patronage among the Locals, Expat community & visitors. Nourishing the mind as well as the Body is just one of their initiatives in their 2nd season . This group of farmers, Craftsmen & Women, Food & Culinary Enthusiasts gather together to create a perfect setting for locals and visitors to enjoy a cozy atmosphere together.

“The Amazing Flavor of Diversity “

So many yummy and delicious threats to feast your eyes on. From pastries, Homemade breads, pies, cakes and goodies are arrayed in catchy tables that will leave you confused enough to choose. Do you want an organic Ice cream? The Vermilion ice cream Or you just want to haul from the locally-produced veggies & fruits? There is so much diversity that caters to all appetite. If you are on a Kuwaiti spin of an Eggs Benedict that will make your taste buds sing, you will for sure not go home dissapointed after a visit in Qout Market.

My attention was caught by the amazing Booth of Flame Candles. They have these beautiful hand made candles displayed on their stand. With its unique shapes and intricate designs, it’s for sure a head turner. If you want to add your collection of a one of a kind carved candles and totally hand made, you check them out on your next visit to Qout Market.

Qout Market kicked off this season with their wonderful choice of venue. Particularly right now located in Pearl Marzouk, a legend and iconic architecture beacon of Kuwait. A visit to Qout Market is indeed not to be missed if you want to take a peek of this beautiful architecture.

Little Miss N sitting pretty & enjoying the Qout Market

My daughter Natalie who excitedly walked around & immediately smitten by the beautiful outdoor feel of the Market. The place is packed with beautiful people from different nationalities. I though for a minute that i was in a festival in Europe since i see a total modern look that is not so typical in Kuwait. The outdoor seating was filled with gorgeous people chatting while enjoying the traditional Kuwaiti sounds and performance. If you are a newcomer to Kuwait, this might be a threat for you. There is a fusion of Culture. Beautiful flowers & fresh market produced adds the organic feel to the overall mood . I recognized the big vase full of gorgeous Dancing Ladies immediately as soon as I entered the courtyard.

For a touch of Kuwaiti Culture, the booth of the Al-Sadu Arts & Crafts demurely displays its beautiful textiles and woven bags, wallets,traditional camel rags,wall hangings and other furnishing items. I always find it fascinating that Kuwait is so passionate about promoting the cultural & their Textile Heritage. There are more Arts & Crafts booths where you can see talented Artists showcased their masterpieces like accessories, gems, & paintings.I didn’t know that this country has a pool of talented artists!

What I loved about the Qout Market is that it’s a total Family thing. Its not just for single women or men. Families with their kids can toddle around them. They have a Kids Zone for the Little Ones. As an Expat, it is very important to feel welcomed in community such as this. Its very heartwarming to know also to see that Kuwait has a lot to offer and has a rich culture to share.

When we visited the Market, it was late in the afternoon so as expected, the car park was already jam packed. It was a bit crowded inside and not much seating is available since the it was already a full house. You can really feel the warm vibes among the crowd. Fun, food,music, conversations & more smiles stands out . There is this Celebrate Kuwait feeling all around.The event was well organized and put up and people leaving the place already looking forward for the next event.

If you love food, organic produce and the whole concept of outdoor market like this, then don’t waste the chance to have this kind of experience.I highly recommend for you to check out Qout Market’s next event on March 5, Saturday.Its conveniently located in Pearl Marzouk, just a stones throw away from the side of Scientific Center in Salmiya.

Or if you are interested to join the Qout Market you can browse more on their Website and join the fun!

The Liebster Award

January 24, 2016MY INSPIRATION, TOTALLY RANDOM3 Comments

What is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster Award is a new-comer award given by bloggers to other bloggers, it creates a great platform for new blogs to be discovered and build communications. The best thing about this award is, it creates a lot of encouragement and support within our blogging community.

I was REALLY surprised when Dutch goes the Photo nominated me for the “LIEBSTER AWARD”. I mean, I was only Blogging for less than a month and somebody noticed me?Such a sweet gesture! Frank ,Thank you so much for taking the time & considering my blog worthy of this award. I was really touched by His warm gesture , since I never expected that my Blog would catch attention from so many great Bloggers like Frank of Jansenphoto.

Please check out his blog Dutch goes the Photo, where his amazing talent in capturing WONDERFUL photos with character is shared to us. Get to know Him deeply through his fun writing & interesting posts about random things that has deep insights about life, Art, and pursuit of his passion : Photography.

Again Frank , Many thanks to you for this big encouragement and the inspiration that this award brings to a newbie like me.

Now, for those who have not heard about the award, here are the rules:

Thank your nominator.
Show the award on your blog.
Answer 10 questions asked to you.
Ask 10 questions to 10 new nominees (who have less than 200 followers)
Notify them thru social media.

Now its my turn to return the favor to reply on the 10 Questions given to me by JansenPhoto.

Why did you start blogging? – I started Blogging because its a long time dream ,an inspirational hobby that has been delayed for long time ,Now i finally decided to make time for it.
How do you feel about being nominated?- It definitely put a smile on my face! What a surprise it is ,such a great encouragement.
What is your opinion about Blogging101?- I haven’t look into it but its an open option for me.Going to check it out.
What are your hobbies other than blogging?- I love travelling , photography, cooking and i have a toddler to chase so that totally takes all my time at the moment.
What inspires you the most?- My family ,my daughter.
Is this your first/only blog or do you have other blogs too?-This is my first & only Blog.
How would you describe your blog?- A reflection of my thoughts , Fun filled, Relatable Blog, and a lot of real stuff that is based on my interests and what I’m passionate about.
What are the things that annoy you?- Tardiness, slow internet connection,and inconsiderate people.
Who would you want to be if you were reborn?- Myself , Me & I !
What is the message you want to give to your readers through your blog? – That Less is really More ,that Life is Beautiful ,that you just need to enjoy it with less worries ,so it can be More !

The following bloggers are my Nominees for the “Liebster” award, and I hope they accept it:

Nominees are kindly requested to answer the following 10 questions:

What have you learned from Blogging?
What do you love about the place where you live at the moment ?
Where is your happy place?
How do you keep your post original & interesting?
Where do you get your inspiration to write?
If you had to travel to an isolated location far from civilization to live for 2 months without internet, name three books that you would bring with you to read.
Would you still blog if you knew nobody was going to read it?
Who is your favorite Blogger at the moment?
What is your vision for your Blog for the next 3 years?
What is the best thing about your Blog?