Being fairly new to blogging, I find it impressive when I can even figure out how to link
something correctly.  There are so many ins and outs to running a blog, and I’m learning
more every day.  It can be exciting and frustrating all at the same time (kind of like getting
an awesome new piece of furniture from Ikea… and then having to put it
together).

So when I was nominated for not one but two blogging awards, I was blown away!  Me?  Really?!?
(I’m blushing!)

What awards, you ask?

THE SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to blogs that are inspiring, positive, and creative
(which is exactly what I’ve been going for… nailed it!)

I was so excited when Becki from A Book Lover’s Adventures nominated me!  Becki started her blog in June of 2016 as a way to share interesting travel destinations and wonderful books (because reading can take you on a whole different kind of adventure!)

Thanks so much for the nomination, Becki!

How the Award Works

1.  Thank the person that nominated you and post a link to their blog
2.  Answer the 11 questions from the person that nominated you
3.  Nominate other bloggers and give them 11 questions to answer
4.  Notify the bloggers you’ve nominated
5.  List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo

My Nominees

One of the biggest perks of starting a blog has been connecting with people who truly
inspire me.  Each one of these ladies has encouraged me, moved me, and motivated
me to be better.  To travel farther.  And to explore deeper.

» Tenacious Gracious

Grace has easily become one of my favorite people (and, coincidentally, my editor).  Her quick wit, engaging style, and beautiful photography make her blog, Tenacious Gracious, one of my favorites!  And as a fellow travel blogger, I really loved her post Do It Now, Do It Now, Do It Now.  It’s brilliantly written and so relatable!

» Chasing Vizions

Kehaulani (K-how) is a true powerhouse, and one of the most inspiring ladies I know.  Her blog, Chasing Vizions, is a brilliant collection of travel, lifestyle, and beauty.  Check out her section on Bali to see some intriguing posts about our time together in Indonesia!

» Global Explauren

Lauren knows more about wine than anyone I’ve ever met.  Like, she’s basically a genius.  Her blog, Global Explauren, dives into travel, food, and (of course) drinks.  Reading her post How Jumping On A Plane With A Girl I Just Met Changed My Life will tell you all you need to know about her – she’s courageous, fun, and always up for an adventure!

» The Barefoot Drifter

Hannah knows what she wants in life and goes after it with conviction.  Her blog, The Barefoot Drifter, chronicles her travels and chasing after her dreams.  As a bucket list lover, I really enjoyed reading what was on her list in her post 22 At 22: My Bucket List.  I have no doubt she’ll achieve anything she puts her mind to.

» Escape With Kate

Kate is a total rock star and so much fun!  Her blog, Escape with Kate, is an awesome collection of her travels and experience teaching abroad.  You can follow along with Kate’s adventures on her Facebook page or her Instagram as well.  Trust me when I say you need a little Kate to spice up your life.

Questions for my Nominees

1.  What inspired you to start a blog?
2.  What has been your biggest challenge so far?
3.  What is one thing that’s surprised you?
4.  You’re all travelers, what prompted your passion for exploring the world?
5.  Where was your first journey abroad?
6.  If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?
7.  What was your biggest travel mishap?
8.  Do you collect anything on your travels?
9.  If you had one superpower, what would it be?
10.  A fun fact most people don’t know about you?
11.  Describe yourself using only one word.

Answers to My Questions

1. How did you come up with your blog name?
I’d like to say I’m a creative genius and it just came to me, but I put some serious
thought into this.  I loved the visual of a suitcase, and I also wanted something that described the beauty you encounter while traveling.  After a lot of brainstorming and wordplay, The Scenic Suitcase™ was born.

2. Do you like traveling? If so, what do you like most about traveling?
There are few things in life I love more than traveling.  The excitement of waking up in a new city, trying new foods, and being forced outside my comfort zone.  When discomfort gives way to familiarity, it’s a love I fall into over and over again.

3.  Which country/ city would you recommend to visit?  Why?
That really depends on what kind of travel you’re looking for.  I love Italy for its romance and art.  Switzerland for its stunning natural beauty.  Bali for its gorgeous beaches.  Germany for its Italian food (yes, Italian food.)  Iceland for its jaw-dropping landscapes.  Or France because, well, it’s France.  So many choices…

4.  What’s one book you’ve re-read more than once?
The Giving Tree.  I’ve loved that book my entire life.

5.  What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To never give up, and that anything worth having is never easy.

6.  Do you collect anything when traveling?
A magnet for the fridge (which is now completely covered and acts as a really big scrapbook), and a piece of jewelry.

7. What would you do if you didn’t blog?
Photography.  I need a creative outlet, and I absolutely love trying to capture the perfect image.

8. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Gregarious.  Clumsy.  Obsessive.

9. Road trip or airline travel?
Airline travel (I love a good road trip, but I enjoy experiencing overseas countries more).

10. What’s your favorite food?
It depends, but anything that’s high in sugar or carbs is typically at the top of my list.

11. What inspires you most?
The endless possibilities in life, and the unexpected directions it can take you.  That if you really want something and work hard for it, anything is possible.  And that if you don’t like something, you have the power to change it.

THE BLOGGER RECOGNITION AWARD

The Blogger Recognition Award is given out by bloggers to other bloggers as a way to acknowledge one another’s contributions to the blogosphere.  It’s basically the Screen Actors Guild Awards of blogging (too bad it doesn’t come with the opportunity to wear a really fancy dress!)

I received this honor from Heather at Made In A Pinch.  Her and her friend Lisa use the blog to help their readers find great meals, family activities, and DIY projects.  My favorite spot on their site?  The desserts (because… obviously).

How The Award Works

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and leave a link to their blog
2. Write a post to show your award
3. Give a brief story of how/why you started blogging
4. Give two pieces of advice you would give to brand new bloggers
5. Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to
6. Comment on each blog, letting them know you have nominated them and giving the link to the post you have created

Why I Started Blogging

I started blogging in November 2016 (but really didn’t publish my site until March 2017) as a way to share my love of travel with others.  I was already writing about my trips in a local publication, and people were asking me for advice on travel all the time.  Then a friend told me about blogging and voilà!  The Scenic Suitcase™ journey began.

It combines all of my favorite things (writing, photography, organization, and helping others) so it seemed like the perfect creative outlet.  And if it helps pay for my adventures?  That’s just icing on the cake!

Two Pieces of Advice for Brand New Bloggers

1.  Find courses and resources.  Immediately.  Elite Blog Academy (EBA) was the first blogging course I signed up for, and it’s by far the best one out there.  It walks you through exactly what you need to do to run a successful blog, step by step.  When you’re starting out, there are a million different things that pull at your time.  And chances are, you’ll spin your wheels focusing on all the wrong things.  EBA will help you know who you’re talking to (priority #1), how to reach them, and then how to effectively monetize your traffic.

The course is only open once a year, so join the wait list now to claim your spot when the doors open again.  It’s the best investment you’ll make in your blog, hands down.

Another amazing educational opportunity I had was attending a blogging retreat in Bali with The Blonde Abroad.  Learning from a leader in the industry (and a personal hero) was a complete dream come true!  From photography to SEO to coding, it was a total game changer!

2.  Stick with it.  Blogging is hard (which is why 95% of bloggers give up in their first year).  On the outside it just looks like a lot of pretty pictures, writing some fluff, and throwing it on a site.  How hard can that be, right?  Well, what you don’t see is all the work behind the scenes.  And believe me, it’s work.

Digging into your audience, editing photos, creating graphics, optimizing SEO, staying on top of all the social media channels, developing lead magnets, keeping up with your newsletter,  joining affiliate networks, formatting posts, developing products, optimizing site speed, user testing… And that’s not to mention fumbling through the technical side of things (which can make you want to throw your computer out a window).  Plus, there’s the legality of privacy policies, copyrights, trademarks, and disclosures.

Anyone else feel like they’re drowning and tied to a cinder block?

But believe me, it gets easier.  You’ll find tools and courses to help, and pretty soon you’ll marvel at how far you’ve come.

Who I’m Nominating

» Stephanie from StephShares
» Jordan from Jordan’s Easy Entertaining
» Janet from A Couple of Stellys
» Christine from A Girl Around The World
» Angie from Our Kids Passport
» Becki from A Book Lover’s Adventures
» Estelle from Magical Joo
» Julia from The Traveling Traveler
» Caitlin from The Locust and Honey
» Ashley from Ashley and the Van
» Ashley from Where To Now Next Forever
» Whit from Whit Wolff World
» Lindsay from Let Me Give You Some Advice
» Amylia from Quite Contemporary
» Mandi from The Felt Habit

Thank you again to Becki from A Book Lover’s Adventures and Heather from Made In A Pinch for the nominations!  I’m thrilled and so humbled by your recognition.  It makes all the long hours, hard work, and frustrations well worth it.

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