I have been nominated for a Liebster Award by Claire from Cupcakes and Asanas! The Liebster award is focused on supporting upcoming bloggers. Liebster is a German word, meaning love or beloved. Since other small bloggers nominate fellow bloggers and they on their turn nominate another 11 bloggers, love is spread and new inspiring blogs discovered. As a nominee I will share 11 interesting facts about me and answer 11 questions Claire has given me. I’ll nominate 11 small blogs and provide them with 11 questions as well.

11 Facts

1. The first time I went fishing in New Zealand (and at all); I caught an enormous Kingfish – most fishermen are pretty stoked if they catch a fish as big as mine. Though, I’m still not a fan of fishing. But keen to hop along on a boat to increase my chances to meet dolphins!
2. My nails are most of the time pretty short – no I don’t bite my nails. I just prefer them short, so they can’t break or tear easily.
3. My partner calls me a ‘stress chicken’ – I can appear timid and quiet, but my true friends and family know better. I can worry and stress about almost anything.
4. My weakness: cutting bread in slices. I always end up with uneven bread. Even after quite a lot of practice and advice from my love, it is still not one of my top skills.
5. I received countless proposals while living in Africa – like most white ladies have. 😉 I didn’t say ‘yes’ to any, instead I promised them to find them a nice future wife in Europe/ New Zealand. So let me know if you’re keen!
6. My parents told me that I kicked my twin sister out of my mum’s womb, since she came first into the world. I followed 2 seconds later and believed for a long time that I was the dominant aggressive one who violently kicked my twin sister out of the womb.
7. Apparently my first name ‘Jacinta’ is more common in Africa and New Zealand, then it is in The Netherlands. So I guess It was meant to be  that I left Holland.
8. My life goals when I just graduated from High School were:” Free Tibet, meet the Dalai Lama and brave the Himalaya.” I haven’t been able to meet any of my goals yet.
9. If you look carefully you can see a scar on my forehead, as a toddler I didn’t dare to go down the slide, instead I jumped. Resulting in a trip to hospital.
10. As a child I loved climbing trees and lampposts. Later in life, as an adult, I discovered rock climbing. A great adventurous and enjoyable sport and also a great way to meet new partners, as a woman.
11. In Auckland, I fell in love with my favourite hot drink:  Chai Latte. An addiction is starting to develop.

11 Answers

1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Inspiring others and connecting with like-minded people.

2. What do you do when you need a pick-me-up?

Put on my favourite music and dance in my living room or go for a walk in nature.

3. What is your favorite movie?

The Intouchables

4. What is the best book you have read recently?

The Woman’s Book of Yoga & Health – Linda Sparrowe & Patricia Walden

5. What is the happiest piece of art in your home?

Two wooden carved Maasai people given to me by my dad – reminding me of my dad and the special and strong people I met in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.

6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

India

7. What is your favorite decade in American history?

This decade. Since I’m living Now.

8. What is the best vacation you have taken?

My first time in New Zealand; spending 6 weeks with my partner (only the weekends though, he was working during the week) after we haven’t seen each other for 3 months. The weather was amazing! We went to two weddings and did lots of fun stuff together.

9. What makes a meal “good”?

A meal made with love and attention and consumed with gratitude by your loved ones and/or friends.

10. What is your favorite workout?

Vinyasa Yoga

11. What is the best bit of advice you have ever received?

My mum gave me the following quote of the Dalai Lama to help me deal with my ‘worrisome character’.

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.”

11 Blogs

1. Amanda is a yogini, single mum, financial journalist and author. Her blog is a fusion of her interest, passions and skills. Her kind heart and warm character shines through her blog: Amanda Morrall
2. An interesting blog about anything to do with a vegan life style. Although, not a vegan myself, I find her blog inspiring and enjoyable to read: Honk if you’re vegan
3. Looking for inspiration, a laugh or motivation? Have a look at this easy to read blog full of short movies, quotes and images: Every day power blog
4. This blog is simple, inspirational and peaceful. Her life goal is to live local and create a life that is as simple, peaceful and in tune with nature as possible. This definitely sparkles my interest: Drops of magic
5. Sara is a young woman who has been through a lot already. She lives life to the fullest and motivates you to do the same: Sarafry
6. Sophie is a beautiful woman and a great yoga teacher! She has done extensive study in terms of stress management, dance, pilates, yoga and ayurveda. In her blog she shares her yoga wisdom and experience and her beautiful presence –  inside and out: Body poised
7. Looking for more simplicity and inspiration in your life. This blog is worth looking at: Simple strive
8. This amazing woman is full of energy and loves power yoga. Besides she also a mum, life coach and health food fanatic. Her blog is full of photos and videos; interesting and funny for every yogi & yogini. Live Love Yoga
9. This yoga blog is easy to read and beautifully to see as well. You’ll learn more about yoga as a lifestyle – so not only on the mat, but off the mat as well: Omlinkblog
10. Another beautiful yoga blog from a yogini based in Melbourne. She loves to write about her yoga addiction and is not afraid to show herself: Andrea Leber
11. Knowledge. Inspiration. Chakras. Spirituality. Healing. Tarot. And more is what you find on this blog: Sacred Gaze

11 Questions

1. How does your perfect Sunday look like?
2. What is one of your most embarrassing moments in your life?
3. What are you the most proud of in your life?
4. What are your goals for the next 10 years?
5. Please finish the following sentence: I couldn’t live without……
6. What is your favourite item of clothing at the moment?
7. What would you like to receive for your next birthday?
8. What is your favourite quote?
9. If money was no issue, what would you do with your life?
10. What is the craziest thing you ever did?
11. What does religion mean to you?