Friday Features: The Sunshine Blogger Award

Hello my lovelies! Today I'm honored to be sharing answers from Kim at Fierce Fashion for the Sunshine Blogger Award!  Thank you Kim for recognizing Granola & Grace as a blog that inspires positivity and joy. Sending you the biggest of cyber hugs and thrilled to share answers to your posed questions. And what's up with the strawberries? Well, in light of some of those questions I thought it would be a great opportunity to give a mini-highlight to my favorite local market - Detwiler's!

Now before I move on to those questions, allow me to introduce you to Kim! Kim is not new to the blog world, but she is new to fashion blogging though you wouldn't know it! She has a fun, sassy and colorful style that is both creative and eclectic. She's friendly and likes one specific drink at Starbucks, though for the life of me I can't remember which one it is!

Hi Kim!

Now onto those questions!

1. How Did You choose the name for your blog?

Man, I get hung up on titles, names and mission statements.  However, this one came easy for me. For one, I like alliteration and two, I started this blog during the peak of my healthier living lifestyle. I had changed out my shampoos, soaps, household cleaners, groceries, etc for "clean" products when it wasn't a "thing". My friends lovingly (I think -ha!) called me a tree-hugger and I embraced it. That's where the GRANOLA comes in. However, I didn't and couldn't be 100% organic or "clean eating". Mix that with a growing sense of amateur style, a fear of putting myself out there b/c I felt outwardly and physically flawed,  and a faith that I base my life on and you get the GRACE.

2. What is your next blog goal?

I would say digging into my new community to feature local hotspots or hidden gems and adding videos to my YouTube channel! My love for local and small business owners began with an incredibly special cupcake shop (Yeah, Splat. I miss you tons!). They taught me a lot about the importance of supporting local!

3. Is there a blogging event you would like to attend? What would you like to accomplish?

Yes! In fact, I was just there AND met Kim in person! You can read all about that HERE! I didn't know what to expect, but I'd say I was more than pleased and so glad I went. I had hoped to learn more about navigating my little corner in cyber space. Check. However, I didn't expect all the fabulous swag and the wonderful contacts that I left with!

4. Who is your greatest fashion influence or inspiration?

Oh man, that's a tough one because I can't pinpoint one. Outside of the blog world, my MIL has been a huge inspiration, as well as "supporter". That sweet woman has added lots to my closet. I'm tremendously grateful! As for the cyber blog world, there's not enough time or space to list!

5. If you could work with any brand, who would it be and why?

Oh boy! Superseed Well, formerly known as Guiltless Goodies, in the food department! I'm a relational person, even in business and find myself attracted to smaller business owners with big heart. And this company has a unique superfood snack that I love, as well as HEART! As for fashion, I'd be hard pressed to choose between Altar'd State, GAP, Lucky or LOFT.

6. How far in advance do you take photos and plan blog posts?

I have a basic outline from week to week that I follow. For instance, Monday Motivation, Wednesday Style Adventures and Friday Features and Favorites. However, I sit down at the beginning of the month and add in posts based on prompts, link ups, and items or products sent to me for review.  As for those photos, I have to take them when I'm able. My photographers are my homeschooled, 9 year old twins. This keeps the adventure in my day AND in my blog. I never know how photos will turn out but I wouldn't change a thing!

Perfect example: I thought one of my boys was posing with me in the photo below while the other took the shot. He was in fact, resting his "Flipper" koala plush on my shoulders. Yeah, he wasn't even in the picture! So I give you me, Flipper, an açaí bowl and me!

 Now I get to nominate a few bloggers to answer questions of my choosing! My apologies if you've already been nominated - I tried to research a bit, but it's getting late, you know!!

1. Maureen at Little Miss Casual
2. Laura at the Horton Family Blog
3. Kristen at Cleveland Fashionista
4. Andrea at Living On Cloud Nine
5. Heather at My Glittery Heart
6. Kellyann at This Blonde Shopping Bag
7. Rebecca Jo at Knit By God's Hand
8. Lisa at Coast to Coast 2
9. Laura at I Do Declaire
10. Shelly at the Queen In Between

Beautiful ladies, please feel no pressure to write a post! I know life can be crazy, especially when it comes to blog schedules! However, if you're able to post here's a few instructions:

Nominate a few other bloggers

Write Your Own Questions

Add a Sunshine Blogger Award Logo

Your questions!

Where did you grow up?
Why do you blog?
Where do you find your daily or weekly blog inspiration?
What's your favorite healthy food?
What's your biggest blog struggle? For example: finding time to comment on other blogs, social media, technical issues, etc.
What are your most recently learned blogger tips?

Thank you for reading along! As always, I love to hear from you!