Nomination for the Sunshine Blogger Award

I am so thrilled and honored to be nominated for a Sunshine Blogger Award by my super sweet and lovely, blogger friend, Patti from 55 is Fine.

This award is given from bloggers to bloggers who inspire creativity and positivity by bringing sunshine to the blogging community. It is a way of encouraging and supporting one another and also to get to know fellow bloggers.

Thank you so much for the nomination, Patti! I got to know Patti online about 2 years ago through a group of women (Femmes Beyond 50) who support each other as best we can on a daily basis through our Facebook posts. Although we haven’t met in person, as Patti is in Texas, I hope we can meet one day. I imagine us laughing and chatting the day away like old friends!

Patti’s blog is focused on recovery and reinvention. Like many women in our age bracket, Patti is coming to grips with being the meat inside the generational sandwich.  Patti and her husband had a lovely daughter Jolie later in life. So, at 56 she has a 16 year old and she helps take care of her 87 year old dad.  In July of 2016, Patti found out through a routine mammogram and the eagle eyes of the radiologist, that she had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Stage 2B – Breast Cancer.  She did surgery, reconstruction and chemo.  Patti describes herself as trying to find her way with fashion, family, friends and some FUN!

Patti’s questions for me to answer:

Why did you start a blog?

Fashion Trends and Friends was started approximately three years ago by myself and two lifetime friends, Cindy and Lori . We met freshman year in college (1979).

We have always loved to shop together and follow fashion. Our mission is to create an online community where friends come together to find clothing options, outfits that are on trend, flattering, age appropriate and minimize problem areas!

What We Do
Provide stylish fashion inspiration by featuring the season’s trends that are age appropriate and stylish for all body types – all in one spot!

Why We Do It
In today’s busy, fast-paced world, it can be hard to find the time to identify the current season’s trends, create an outfit, find that perfect fit and buy it! We know that Fashion Trends and Friends will be your resource for quickly finding that perfect outfit for any season!

Remember that a little creativity can turn any outfit into a trendy sensation and ANYONE into a Fashionista!

How has blogging brought you or others joy?

Fashion has always brought me JOY from my earliest recollections! No matter my age or my size, I’m always determined to assemble a cute, fashion fun version of myself!

When we started blogging, I had no idea that I would meet the most amazing, supportive, encouraging and like minded women all over the country and internationally! Friendships have been formed through social media; and I’ve had the good fortune of meeting some in person. It’s a whole new sisterhood! These friendships have brought me great JOY!

As a blogger, you’re not always sure if you’re bringing others JOY unless they take the time to like your posts and/or to leave you a comment. Recently, one of the principals in my school district told me that she’s following along and went shopping at Stein Mart per my sharing that it’s one of my favorite places to shop! That and similar comments from others have brought me JOY! Lori and I have been sharing our weight loss journey. We have received a lot of positive feedback and told we’re inspirational. That brought me JOY! Lastly, Lori and I have created many vlogs together. The time we spend laughing and creating together brings me JOY! If you want a good laugh, check out our YouTube Videos/Vlogs! We were told, “You all remind me of Kathy Lee and Hoda!” It would be a dream come true to be on the show!

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. For a very brief time in high school, I lived in Lutz, Florida. My family returned to Aurora. My husband is originally from Chicago. He and I have only lived in three places over our 31 years of marriage: Hoffman Estates, Bartlett and currently Sugar Grove. All in Illinois.

Tell us 5 fun facts about yourself.

1. I have my bachelors degree in special education and elementary education. My master’s degree is in school supervision and administration. Currently, I am my school district’s Prevention Coordinator. I love my job, my school district and the staff I work with/have worked with over the past 23 years. I started as a self-contained special education teacher. My passion is for students who learn differently and who have behavioral/social emotional challenges. I was nominated for Those Who Excel Illinois Teacher of the Year. Out of 700 nominees, I was 1 of 54 teachers across the state who received an award of merit.

2. I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Scleroderma in October 2013. I wrote a blog explaining the disease since most have never heard of it: I have Scleroderma. It doesn’t have me! Read the blog post HERE

3. My first major in college was interior design. I briefly declared psychology as my major and eventually landed on special education. I know in my heart that I am doing the work I was intended to do!

4. I am the proud grandma to granddaughter Violet, age 9! She brings me immense JOY! We love taking her on adventures and experiencing things through her eyes!

5. I’m very shy and introverted and prefer to be at home! In college, I was told that people thought I was stuck up because I was so quiet. Once I know you and am comfortable, I’m extroverted! I like to observe situations, people and take it all in before I jump in. I believe I have an innate ability to figure what makes other’s tick and to analyze behavior.

On a side note, I just asked my husband what are 5 fun facts people don’t know about me? He replied, “You’re a party chick! You love to dance! You like projects!” I do love a good time, love to laugh and have fun! All of this is true! LOL

My Nominees for the Sunshine Blogger Award:

Susie of PenelopieSerphina

I have known Susie for a few years on line. She is one of the kindest, sweetest bloggers I have the pleasure of knowing! I can always count on Susie to offer an encouraging word or words of praise! Her sense of style is amazing especially the way she combines vintage with current trends and put her own unique spin on things!

Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell

I have know Suzanne for a few years on line. Suzanne and I have done several collaborations together. She is an expert thrifter and combines her amazing finds with all of the current trends! She is a little boho a little chic and always super stylish!

The questions for my nominees:

1. When and why did you start blogging?
2. Who influences your sense of style?
3. What is the best part of being a blogger?
4. How do you get ideas for your fashion and style blogs?
5. What are five fun facts about yourself that others don’t know?

The rules for this award are as follows:

Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to his/her blog.

Answer the questions given by the person who nominated you.

Nominate other blogs and give questions for them to answer.

Notify your nominees through social media or by commenting on their blog.

List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post.

Thank you for participating and may your days be filled with sunshine! 

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