Some days I sit here and type and wonder…does anyone even look at my blog? I, of course, enjoy the messages and emails I receive often, but sometimes you still wonder. Today I received a message that made my day. Cindy, the creator over at Journey with Healthy Me, nominated me for the Mystery Blogger Award.

What is the Mystery Blogger Award?

The Mystery Blogger Award, created by Okoto Enigma, brings attention and recognition to blogs that may not otherwise be discovered. According to Enigma, the Mystery Blogger Award is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blogs not only captivate, they inspire and motivate. They are among the best out there and they deserve every recognition. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging and do so with love and passion.

I do feel this is quite an honor in the blogging world. There are many bloggers who start out and then disappear into the great unknown. Some blogs that I really enjoyed are no longer active. I am hopeful that by supporting and discussing some amazing blogs I enjoy, it will spark you to follow them as well.

There are a few rules for this award, you can see the full list at the end of this post. Now, enjoy learning a bit about me, a lot about some favorite blogs of mine and thank you again for taking the time reading this.

The Lass behind Irish Monarchy

First things first, three things about me you might not know…

• I was taught how to “speed read” in junior high. I can plow through a novel in about a day if I have the time. If I don’t have the time, takes usually 2-3 days. Last time I checked, I could read at 875 words a minute with a 90% comprehension. (Try it yourself HERE!)
• I am a huge advocate of music education & the arts. In high school was in marching band for four years in the color guard. My three boys all play instruments. However, I CANNOT read music nor play an instrument. Life goal is to one day learn to play the piano.
• I cannot eat either end of a banana. The babysitter told me once that spiders lay their eggs there. Every time I try I end up spitting it out.

Now, my answers to Cindy’s questions:

1. How did you come up with the name for your blog? Honestly, I made the name up years ago when trying to create an Xbox name for myself. First, I have Irish and Polish in my DNA. But ALL THE TIME I am told I “look Irish”. My first dog was also named Irish (he was a golden retriever). The boys had wanted something (don’t recall what) and they were determined to “vote” on it because, as they had just learned in school, we lived in a democracy. I laughed and stated that in this house, it’s a monarchy. Voila! Irish Monarchy was born.
2. What do you love most about blogging? Just being able to type up thoughts and share adventures, stories and travels in a bit more detail then just a facebook post.
3. Five years down the road, what accomplishment do you hope to celebrate? Oh, the possibilities! I really, really would like to have my DNP under my belt before my husband retires in 8 years, so hopefully, I will be really close to that. Mainly my hope is to survive three boys through their high school years and enjoy spending my time with them traveling and just enjoying life!
4. What’s your favorite comfort food? Vanilla ice cream with Hershey chocolate syrup.
5. When you plan a fun day, where do you go? While I am trying to bring a bit more nature in our days, when we plan fun in this house it tends to gravitate to downtown Chicago. Our city has so many museums that I just cannot get enough of. I have had a membership to at least one museum downtown since 1997.

My Favorite Blog Post(s): This is a tough one. It’s a toss-up as there are two that are really what my blog is all about. First – my boys! I never thought this part of school, with three boys in three schools, would be so hard (and not for the reasons you’d think!). The second one, a blend of two of my favorite things, genealogy and travel. See where my Irish roots started with this post.

My Nominees For Mystery Blogger Award

Ten Blogs you MUST check out. Enjoy!

• The American Moms: This site teaches me every week another amazing woman who has made an impact. This blog focuses on civics, and written by two twin sisters who were former White House and Congressional Staffers. I also follow them on Instagram – check them out!
• Mean Green Chef: The pictures! The recipes! This site is so fun to read, one of these days I might actually start cooking!
• Tom Teachers Physics: This site is great for those wanting to learn physics, those who plan to teach physics or anyone entering the teaching profession.
• Winds of Jane: I cannot get enough of this site – her travel adventures and photographs are amazing.
• Happily Healthy Living: Some great posts on exercising as well as gluten-free recipes. Yum!
• The House that Never Slumbers: This family is amazing. A little bit of homeschooling, DIY, frugal living, faith and travel.
• Life at My Own Pace: A little bit of everything, and some lovely travel posts with breathtaking photos!
• Footprints in Pixie Dust: This site is a must for Disney visitors – especially if you want to enjoy Epcot to the fullest extent! The posts on the world showcase dining make me want to go back now! Plus – great tips for those with food allergies & Disney.
• Be Healthy Be Happy Wellness: I love Pam’s writing, but her site really caught my attention after her reviews when she visited Chicago. So fun to read about my city from another viewpoint.
• RV Like a Pro: If you are serious about traveling in an RV this is the site for you. Even if you are not, or just want to consider a vacation in an RV you will want to check this out!

Here are my questions for my nominees. Happy writing!

1. Where is one place you would love to visit?
2. What is one of your favorite books to recommend?
3. Why do you blog?
4. Who has been the most inspirational person in your life & why?
5. What was your biggest fear as a child?

MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD RULES

1. Put the award logo/image on your blog
2. List the rules.
3. Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
4. Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
5. Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
6. You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
7. Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
8. Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
9. Share a link to your best post(s)

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