Let the Sunshine In: Sunshine Blogger Award

What a lovely gift to be nominated for a Sunshine Blogger Award (an award bestowed upon bloggers who inspire creativity and positivity by bringing sunshine to the blogging community) by Taste of France! Je suis souriant jusqu’aux oreilles (smiling ear to ear), friend!

sunshine blogger award
Sunshine Blogger Award Logo

Hers is a cultured, colorful, creative mind, and whether the topic is macarons or medieval life, blog posts amuse and enlighten with a side of l’innatendu (the unexpected)…so very rare in blogland!

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Photo: Taste of France

I adored how she characterized this blog: “Hello Lovely…The name says it all. Looking at her posts is a kind of zen meditation for me. Immediate de-stressing. Plus, the woman is prolific! She does all this with a smile and oodles of chic, despite having struggled with health issues. That’s sunshine.”

Inspirational quote on pink ground cameo stone - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

She mentions my health, and plenty of you are wondering what is happening so I’ll share an update in another post.

Provence French farmhouse known as Bonnieux Villa is a vacation rental from Haven In and offers inspiring gardens, romantic Old World rustic elegance, and interior design inspiration from the South of France!
Photo: Haven In.

Find me basking in gratitude, and I’m thrilled to pay the honor forward with nominations for bloggers who radiate creativity and joy across the web.

Inspirational quote on pink ground cameo stone - Hello Lovely Studio
Hello Lovely Studio

But first I’ll answer questions posed to me since the award rules require it!

1. How or where do you find the joy in each day?

I find my bliss in LEARNING, CREATIVITY (writing, baking, painting, composing), RELATIONSHIPS (with God, my beloved, and my people), and SEEKING BEAUTY (in nature, books, and minutiae).

Hello Lovely Studio

2. Tell us about a happy day of your life—not necessarily the happiest–those tend to be milestones like births and weddings–but just an ordinary day that you look back on as a time of carefree bliss?

A happy simple day for me is sprinkled with music, a joy ride, and what Anne Lamott terms carbonated holiness…laughter. My husband and I take weekly drives into the country with no particular destination in mind. We enjoy sunsets, the landscape, and listening to music. Windows down, warm breeze through the hair, and a playlist from 1984 to melt away the years? Heavenly. Our eldest, who lives with us, has an offbeat sense of humor like mine. Impossibly clever, almost everyday he shares one-off videos, memes, and commentaries that cause me to laugh til my cheeks ache and inspire ridiculous conversations. Our youngest, who lives in Denver, daily messages me poetry, art, and stories of spirit and blessing that reflect the shape of his heart…doing life with these men is sacred and anything but ordinary.

Hello Lovely Studio

3. What is your péché mignon—your guilty pleasure?

I work from my cozy bed in pajamas with a Diet Coke all the time, and no advice from successful grownups about how it is the worst habit for an at-home business seems to discourage me.

Hello Lovely Studio

4. What piece of advice or wisdom can you share with us? It can be practical or profound.

I can only tell you what feels true to me in this moment. Hello Lovely is where I share inspiration for peaceful interiors, and sometimes I’ll shift the topic to those soulful spaces within us where we long for peace. As we leave childhood, lose our sense of wonder, and develop all sorts of necessary ego defenses, it becomes very natural (and perhaps American!) to cling to: what we do, identity, accomplishments, and self-protection. It works well for a season. But for me, after a taste of something higher and more pure, my desire to let go and return to wonder kept growing. It has been a humbling journey and a risky way to move through the world when you’re wired to be a know it all! But it’s the way of Love. And faith. There’s this soul song I wrote a few years back, and my favorite part which I sing with conviction, goes “It feels unnatural, but I’m lookin’ up.”

Hello Lovely Studio

Sunshine Blogger Nominations

There are so many wonderful blogs I loyally follow and love…these nominees and I go wayyyyy back!

Greet of Belgian Pearls. When I think of a creative dynamo beaming light into the blogosphere, this Belgian pearl immediately springs to mind. While Greet’s blog is a legendary sanctuary of inspiring sophisticated Belgian design, her kindness and soulfulness set it apart and make it all as accessible and friendly as sunshine.

Loi of Tone on Tone. His talents and taste as an interior designer, antiquarian, gardener, and author of a popular site, inspire throngs. Yet it’s his warmth and gracious hospitality which shimmer through lovely pale interiors as comforting heavenly sunshine. The words he writes are sweet honey to me, and what a blessing to call such a creative and lovely soul friend!

Leslie of Segreto Secrets. Pure sunshine is what she is, and her blog overflows with grace and inspiration. Yes, indeed, she knows her way around plaster. Luxuriant wall finishes and timeless design too. But it’s her depth of character that enriches and elevates so many creative endeavors including a lovely blog. What a day in the sun it would be to meet Leslie in person and soak up those lovely rays.

Sherry of Design Indulgence. There is no blogger in the Solar System like THE wildly talented designer Sherika whose followers gobble up the feast of delicious copy she effortlessly whips up. Sherry goes beyond creating beautiful environments her clients want to linger in by taking readers along for the ride as an engaging storyteller. Simple blog posts are crafted into epic, edgy, eclectic designlovefests where it’s chic to be sunny and funny.

Leslie of Gwen Moss. I love this beachy shrink turned blogging yogi with a hand saw. Here is a writer who encourages us to step boldly into the sunshine and be less fearful of the dark. With raw vulnerability and poetic wonderment, she weaves stories of her life into posts with a common thread. Gwen Moss gently reminds us life is a gift and bids us to stay awake, create more beauty, and courageously tend to our hearts.

Hello Lovely Studio

Questions for Nominees

  1. If you could snap your fingers and suddenly be endowed with one quality or ability you don’t currently possess, what would it be?
  2. Are there daily rituals you have built into your life that help you feel a sense of peace and contentment?
  3. When you consider ‘beauty in imperfection,’ what comes to mind?
  4. What would your blog’s audience be surprised to learn about you?
Inspirational quote from Maya Angelou on Hello Lovely Stduio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Rules for Sunshine Blogger Award

1. Thank the person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog.

2. Answer the questions given by the person who nominated you.

3. Nominate other blogs and give questions for them to answer.

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

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

Inspirational quote from Mother Teresa on Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
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Milagro Heart
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Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
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Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
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Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
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Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
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Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
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Pamela Arm Chair
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Tray Side Table
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Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
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Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
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Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
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Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
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Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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12 Comments

  1. May 6, 2019 / 3:42 am

    Dearest Michèle,

    Thank you again my friend for this gorgeous nomination! I feel so very honored to be included!
    Michèle, I hope you will understand but I really can’t find the time by now to answer the questions and to pass on the nomination to other blogs. It is too very busy for me right now. Please don’t feel offended. I so really appreciate that you nominated Belgian Pearls here! Sending you piece and lots of love! xoxo Greet

    • Michele
      Author
      May 6, 2019 / 7:56 am

      Not offended at all, my friend! I know how many responsibilities you carry, and blogging is a drop in the bucket – keep shining your beautiful sunshine, and I’ll keep soaking it up. xox

  2. May 6, 2019 / 5:59 am

    Hi Michele! Its been a while but I decided today to stop by and visit “old friends” to see what everyone is up to..congrats on your award. hope this finds you well and ready to enjoy a beautiful summer!

    • Michele
      Author
      May 6, 2019 / 7:54 am

      Always great to hear from you, friend! Thank you so much – I was just catching up on your site yesterday and directing my husband to some photos of your home for future reference! Ha! Peace to you right where you are. xox

  3. May 6, 2019 / 7:49 am

    Congratulations on your well deserved nomination Michele!!! You are sunshine and you joyfully share yourself with others. You are honest and real, you’re going through so many trials with your health and yet you still lift us up and inspire us. You deserve this award my friend!
    xoxo

    • Michele
      Author
      May 6, 2019 / 7:52 am

      Thank you for uplifting me, Holly – you are such a beacon of light and hope, and I appreciate your spirit so much. xox

  4. Connie
    May 6, 2019 / 9:03 am

    If I could personally put in a vote for you as Sunshine Blogger this would be why:

    “Hello Lovely Studio” is THE only blog I am subscribed to! 🙂 I wake up, do a few daily morning necessities, sit down at my computer to read a few emails and save Michele’s blog post till last to soak up the wonderful goodness uninterrupted. I occasionally visit other blogs but only rely on Michele’s for my daily jaunt into beauty and inspiration…..which comes right behind my Bible verse a day email.” 🙂

    Michele you simply MUST get this award! 🙂 Kudos for your nomination!

    • Michele
      Author
      May 6, 2019 / 9:10 am

      Merci beaucoup, friend – that’s a huge compliment I don’t take for granted. I love that you have built a visit here into your daily rhythms! Lovely!

  5. Joanna
    May 6, 2019 / 1:50 pm

    I follow many blogs – garden, decor, food, and fashion. But, yours is the one that brings a feeling of peace, and yes, sunshine. I’ll cross my fingers that you are rewarded for the time spent in your little piece of blogland which brings so much beauty into our lives.

    • Michele
      Author
      May 6, 2019 / 10:14 pm

      Just warms me to hear it. So grateful to have you here. xox

  6. May 6, 2019 / 2:00 pm

    You completely deserve it. You exude positivity. I am in awe.

    • Michele
      Author
      May 6, 2019 / 10:13 pm

      Merci, friend. Thank you for honoring me and for the opportunity to recognize wonderful bloggers.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing