Hot Child in Chi City: Liebster Award

Today is an exciting day for Hot Child in the City! Caroline Heafey of Macarons and Musings nominated this blog for the Liebster Award! I hadn't previously heard of this award, but it's a great way to connect and interact with other blogs. According to Word Reference, "Liebster" refers to a German term of endearment, meaning kind, sweet, etc. As told by Caroline, the idea behind the award is that once nominated, a blogger answers eleven questions designated by the nominator, and then passes it along to eleven other blogs, with questions of their own.

Here are the eleven questions Caroline asked me, and my responses:

1) What is the most unexpected thing that has come about because of your blog?
I was actually a little surprised at the amount of effort goes into creating and maintaining a blog, from designing the layout to writing the posts. It's not a bad thing, because I really enjoy writing and doing everything for this blog, but I was surprised that just writing (not picture or anything else) a post could take me two or three hours. Maybe that's because I just like to put a lot of thought into it, or maybe I'm just straight up slow, but regardless, it takes longer to blog than I ever thought it would.

2) Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. I know that probably sounds totally cliche, but it's true. All of the blogs I follow and come across give me inspiration, because I get to see things in a way I maybe never would have thought of, or just see what people are doing with their lives. Traveling also gives me inspiration, because you are literally transporting yourself to a place where everything you see and experience is different than your normal routine and daily life. But I think I find the most inspiration just in people. What they do, how they act, where they go, how they live, what they wear... it all is so interesting and inspiring. I'm intrigued by why people do the things they do, and I love to talk to people about their lives, and those conversations are full of inspiration.

3) Who is your favorite literary character? Why?
My favorite literary character is Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby. I find him so interesting in how he reinvents himself, and his undying love for Daisy. If you haven't ever read The Great Gatsby I highly recommend it.

4) What is your advice for new bloggers?
It's hard for me to give advice since I'm so new as well, but I guess I would tell new bloggers to 1) be patient with your blog, creating it and making it how you envisioned it can be really difficult and take time and 2) engage in the blogger community, so that you don't feel like you are just writing out to no one reading, because when you engage in the community, the community will engage in you and your blog, too.

5) What do you look forward to every day?
SLEEPING! Haha, no just kidding (kind of?). The hard part of this question is the "every day" factor. There are many things that I look forward to and love doing every day, but what those things are usually depends on the day, because my daily routine/life is so crazy and sporadic. But one constant thing that I do look forward to doing every day is (get ready for the cliche again) blogging! I really enjoy blogging, and I love when I have a great subject for my next post or something exciting to share because it makes it even better.

6) What are your wardrobe staples?
It can depend on the season, but I would say that two of my wardrobe staples are my J.Crew pixie pants (I have them in black, charcoal and navy) and my BCBG nude pointed-toe pumps (sold out, unfortunately). You can dress the pixie pants up or down, and they literally go with everything, and are so comfortable. The nude pumps are also so versatile, and I think should be a staple in everyone's closet. You can wear them any season, and also dress them up or down as well.

7) What does your perfect day look like?
My perfect day would probably be a day that was equal parts relaxing and fun. Maybe just laying around in the late morning, and then shopping or seeing a show midday with a casual lunch and great friends and loved ones, and then go to a late dinner at a fabulous restaurant followed by some fun at a favorite bar or club. I think there are many versions of a "perfect day", which is great.

8) What is your favorite season?
I would have to say summer. I love all of the festivals, outdoor seating at restaurants, concerts, etc. that happen. I also love going up to my lake house and spending time on the boats and with friends up there. I love summer clothing as well, and how you can wear a skirt or dress without worrying whether or not you're going to freeze. Fall is great too, because it's so beautiful outside and is a great time for fashion. Also, I have to give a shout out to December, because there are so many wonderful things happening then: the holidays, my birthday (had to throw it in there), and my favorite holiday of all.. New Year's Eve! But overall, summer is definitely my favorite season.

9) What is the book on your night table at the moment?
20 Something, 20 Everything! I wrote a post on it here, and I think everyone should check it out.

10) What is your favorite city?
Well I think my blog title pretty much answers this question... Chicago! I am absolutely in love with the city of Chicago, it is so beautiful and full of life. There are so many fun things to do, and there is at least one neighborhood "type" for everyone. I strongly encourage everyone to visit at least once, because I promise you will not be disappointed.

11) Describe yourself in five words.
Ambitious, Passionate, Loyal, Sociable, and Kind.

Now it's my turn to pass on the Liebster Award to eleven blogs! My choices are:

Nomadic Bag Lady

Supercalafashionistic

My questions are:

1) Why did you start blogging?

2) What is your favorite thing to blog about?

3) What is your favorite movie/film?

4) What is your favorite item of clothing you have?

5) What can you never leave home without?

6) What's your favorite city?

7) What is something that not many people know?

8) Where do you find inspiration?

9) What is your dream vacation?

10) What is your favorite accessory you own?

11) Describe yourself in five words.

Thanks again to Caroline for nominating me, and I hope everyone had a great weekend! Follow me to keep up with everything going on here, I've got some exciting posts coming up!