Blogger Recognition Award

Hello there, loves! I hope everyone has been doing great! We have been spending some extra time with family for Fourth of July holiday celebrations. Always such a great time!

So, I guess you’re wondering about the picture above. Yes? Well, my fellow beautiful blogger over at Nerdy Book Life had been so incredibly sweet to nominate Whole, Hearty, Happy for the Blogger Recognition Award. I am so thankful! Please be sure to click the link above and check out her site!

I haven’t yet had the wonderful opportunity to be blessed with a nomination, so I am quite excited. That being said, please bear with me as I try to make sure I do this award justice.

So, here we go! 😊

• Thank the Blogger that nominated you!
• Write a post to show your award!
• Give a brief story of how you started your blog
• Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers!
• Select 15 Bloggers, you want to give this award to!
• Comment on each blog to let them know you have nominated them, also link your post to their nomination!

Whole, Hearty, Happy started on a whim. I had a friend of mine who suggested that I start a blog to share my journey and information with those around me. Within the last couple of years, I have tried to turn my lifestyle toward a healthier direction, which has helped me lose 60lbs and improved my ability to live a happier and healthier life with my family. I knew nothing of blogging (and still no very little) and was initially hesitant, but I went ahead and jump into the blogging pool. I want to always be genuine with myself and my readers. That requires me to also show some vulnerability, which can be difficult to do at times. But, I decided I would give it a go and started a blog. It has just kind of blossomed from there.

So, Whole, Hearty, Happy is my journey toward finding a sense of holistic wellness. A way to focus on all aspects of my well-being while hopefully helping someone else along the way. As a nurse, education and health is important. As a foodie, well…food is important. As a wife, relationships are major. As a mother, craziness is a way of life. I hope to incorporate a little of all of those things here. I have made great strides towards improve my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and only hope to continue to do so. And maybe, just maybe, spread a little bit of positivity and encouragement along the way to someone in need.

Advice for new bloggers:

1. Be genuine. Nothing touches my hear more than to read a post from someone who just puts it out there. Who is genuine in their writing. The kind of writing that is just raw, real, life. That just really means something special to me, and I’m sure others will agree.
2. Write about something meaningful. Something meaningful to you, that is. If you aren’t passionate about your topic, it will show & your readers will pick up on it. If you don’t love it, don’t write about it.

Now it is time to share the love and nominate a few other wonderful bloggers out there:

Mohamad Al Karbi is an accountant who enjoys technology and photography. He’s also always kindly connecting fellow bloggers together in this grand blog-o-sphere.

Halfway Girl Turned Whole is a self-improvement & lifestyle blog. It’s focus is on helping you learn to take small steps every day to create a life you love.

Beauty and a Beard is hosted by Kev who is a beauty, lifestyle, and fashion blogger. And he has a pretty kick-ass beard.

From Claire’s POV is a lifestyle blog of a 20-something year old as she takes her journey to a happier life.

The Blessed Mess is a place for all my fellow southern mommas. You will find posts on food, lifestyle, motherhood, beauty, health, and more!

The Golden Wave is a beautiful blog that was inspired from losing someone who left an everlasting imprint. It’s about a young woman taking control of her life.

Dylan Frercks‘ site is a great place to stop for those who are interested in minimalism, solitude, and a heaping helping of Jesus.

Casey the College Celiac is a gluten-free blog brought to you by a grad school student. You can expect to find personal stories, recipes, as well as reviews.

Beautiful Southern Heart is a beautifully bold blog that shows the fabulous change a young woman has made, and continues to make in her life.

Kaylee Marie is a lifestyle blogger who has a post for everyone! Such great variety. Plus she loves Disney, so that demands extra points.

RisFit is a great site to stop by for health, fitness, and food tips! They are here to help you achieve your goals and spread some knowledge.

Words With Tanya is a travel & lifestyle blog that will have you ready to cook up in the kitchen or pack your bags and hit the road!

Those Positive Thoughts is an amazing blog to stop by us you’re needing an extra pickup or wanting to find something that is sure to make you smile. Laura posts on wellness, lifestyle, and home life.

Sage Olivia (can we all just take a minute to adore this name 😍) has a little of fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and a touch of California.

Cooked and Cooking is brought to you by Kayla, who shares her love of cooking, baking, and simplifying for you.

I wanted to once again thank Jessie at Nerdy Book Life for nominating my little blog for this award. Please make sure to check out her site as well as all of those listed above. You’re sure to find something you love!

Have a great day & a Happy Fourth of July!

-Shawna