I’m so glad you’re here! (Survey + giveaway!)

13 March 2018

Update: a winner (Cassi!) has been chosen and emailed! Thank you all again for participating!

This is the first Tuesday in two months without a How We Do It series installment! (Sniff, sniff!)

How We Do It covered such a wide range of topics — some of the most dear to my heart. The posts served as an overview of sorts to Em for Marvelous, and so with that lead-in, today seems like the perfect opportunity to give you the chance to respond!

I ask your opinion because to be honest, I feel so incredibly lucky to have you all as readers. Like, what the heck?! You guys chime in all the time in the age of crickets in the comment section, ha! I’m not sure what I did to deserve that, but I sincerely treasure each one of you who stops by, reads, and joins the conversation. I would write even if no one was listening, but you ladies make it wayyyyy more fun :)

So if you have a moment, please consider taking the short survey below… I’m so curious, and would love to hear from you!! Then, leave a comment below to be entered to win a $50 Airbnb gift card OR a $50 Amazon gift card – your choice. I’ll draw and email a winner next Tuesday, March 20!

Update! Cassi W. is our lovely winner and has been emailed! Thank you all SO much for sharing feedback with me!

Create your own user feedback survey

Finally, to make the commenting more interesting (and so I can get to know YOU a little better!), here are four questions I’d love for you to answer after you’ve taken the survey, if you’re so inclined:

The best book you’ve read recently:
What you’re eating for breakfast these days:
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States:
What you are most looking forward to about spring:

I will answer in the comments, too. Thank you in advance, friends! xo!

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Amy Joliet
March 13, 2018 6:29 am

Best book recently- just finished The Light We Lost and really enjoyed it.
Breakfast – addicted to scrambled eggs for breakfast. And black coffee!
Travel in the US – went to a National Park last year and would love to go to more of them.
Spring – always looking forward to flowers! Bring it on!

March 13, 2018 6:33 am

So fun! I’m glad you decided to do another survey, and I hope it is encouraging and fruitful! :)

The best book you’ve read recently: A Mother’s Rule of Life
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Ezekiel bread with peanut butter
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: I’m going to West Palm Beach for a wedding in May and a little scroll through Palm Beach Lately got me extra excited for it!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: EVERYTHING! Come on, spring!!!

Mackenzie
March 13, 2018 7:14 am

I enjoyed the survey!
Favorite book- Little Fires Everywhere
Breakfast – usually leftovers and fruit
Travel – Texas, specifically Waco!
Spring – nice enough weather for daily with my dogs

Hilary Wilcox
March 13, 2018 7:19 am

I’m clearly totally lame but best book I’ve read lately is “oh crap potty training” I am totally a believer in her method!! We are 5 days in On potty training!

Yogurt, homemade granola and some kind of fruit!

I’d love to get my back Hilton head island. We took our (then) 1 year old last spring and had a blast. I’m pregnant with a little girl and due in early June so won’t be able to travel probably until next summer when we will take our 1 and 3 year olds and I am already so excited!!

Everything about spring! Mostly warm weather makes parenting so much easier.

Anna R
March 13, 2018 7:32 am

I really enjoy your blog! Thanks for writing! And also thankyou for all the effort you put into the ‘How we do it’ series – I wish it was longer!

Book: Seven
Breakfast: Vanilla yoghurt and granola
Travel: Yosemite and Big Sur would be great!
Spring: Flowers (especially crocuses) and blossoms finally opening up!

Laura
March 13, 2018 7:38 am

Book: Before We Were Yours
Breakfast: cereal, so boring!
Travel: is love to visit Oregon. I’ve never been there, plus my cousin lives there whom I’d love to visit!!
Spring: warm enough weather for my kids to get some outside time!

Alex
March 13, 2018 7:49 am

Love your blog, and your survey!

The best book you’ve read recently: The Sympathizers
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Siggi’s yogurt with peanut butter
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Charleston! I’m going for a wedding and I can’t wait.
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Gardening and running outside!

Katie
March 13, 2018 7:54 am

Enjoyed the survey! And I loved loved loved the How We Do It series! Such fun to read.

Book- I don’t make much time for reading for fun (full time job + night school), but I finally just read Cultivate and really enjoyed it!
Breakfast- ground beef/turkey, sautéed spinach, roasted potatoes and an egg on top (made ahead on weekends except the egg)
Travel- my husband and I are dreaming of renting a camper and driving around the National Parks out west, from Banff in Canada down to the Grand Canyon, after I take the bar exam this summer
Spring- sunshine, longer days and warm temps! (and graduation in May!)

Sarah r
March 13, 2018 8:01 am

Good survey!
Book- latest, as bright as heaven
Breakfast- over easy eggs
Travel- anywhere. Arizona maybe? Love Sedona
Spring- WARMER WEATHER & sunshine

Alaina
March 13, 2018 8:17 am

Book: The Power by Naomi Alderman (I already want to re-read this novel! She makes you think.)
Breakfast: Eggs. Always.
Travel: I’m currently living overseas so I can’t wait to go HOME to Texas!
Spring: Everything! Mostly the weather :)

Sarah S
March 13, 2018 8:32 am

The best book you’ve read recently: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Kodiak Cakes, bacon, eggs
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Charleston
What you are most looking forward to about spring: being done with snow! I live in Upstate NY and the snow feels never-ending!

Sara
March 13, 2018 8:38 am

The best book you’ve read recently: All the Light We Cannot See
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Bananas and blueberries with almond butter and honey on top
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: We’re taking a week long trip to the Northeast in May, so I can’t wait to see all the beautiful views and eat all the seafood!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: flowers in bloom and warm weather!

Kenzie
March 13, 2018 8:40 am

Book- The couple next door
Breakfast- nature valley oatmeal bars
Travel- texas- I am heading to Austin at the end of this month and am so excited!
Spring- warmer weather and spring clothes :)

Ellen Watson
March 13, 2018 8:51 am

The best book you’ve read recently: Simplified Life by Emily Ley (read in conjunction with Grace not Perfection).
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: A Luna bar or a small apple with sunflower butter
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Napa and Big Sur area of California
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Celebrating my one year wedding anniversary at Palmetto Bluff! I loved being an April bride.

Thanks Em!

March 13, 2018 8:55 am

The best book you’ve read recently: A beautiful, terrible thing
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: avocado toast, eggs, and grapefruit
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Asheville, NC
What you are most looking forward to about spring: visiting the beach before the summer crowds

SFE
March 13, 2018 9:06 am

The best book you’ve read recently: “France is a Feast: The Photographic Journey of Paul and Julia Child”, by Alex Prud’Homme

What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Cereal and fresh fruit. If I have time, I’ll bake muffins or scones on the weekend and have those instead of cereal

The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Boston for the “Winnie-the-Pooh” exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts

What you are most looking forward to about spring: Spending more time outdoors and getting back into running

Katy
March 13, 2018 9:08 am

Fun reading everyone’s comments!

Best Book: Stronger than the Struggle by Havilah Cunnington
Breakfast: oatmeal with honey!
Travel: Acadia National Park or a loop of Arches National Park and those nearby! We have an annual trip we do with another family but haven’t decided yet where to go this year so we will see!
Spring: using our fenced in backyard this spring! We moved last year and haven’t been able to use it much yet.

Audrey
March 13, 2018 9:14 am

Best Book: Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson
Breakfast: Plain Greek yogurt
US Travel: Cumberland Island
Spring: picnics and bocce ball

Michelle
March 13, 2018 9:19 am

Thoughtful survey questions, although I’d expect nothing less!

Book- currently working my way through Sally Bedell Smith’s Elizabeth the Queen.
Breakfast: anything bland. I’m in my first trimester and the nausea is hard to control first thing in the morning!
Travel: we are headed to Kiawah with my family this summer- our first big, combined family trip with all the grandkids!
Spring: warm weather, and my second trimester :)

Nikki
March 13, 2018 9:23 am

The best book you’ve read recently: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: eggs, always and always!
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: California, especially San Francisco!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: WARMTH

Cassie
March 13, 2018 9:24 am

Survey complete! Loved the “How We Do It” series! Sad it’s over.

Best book: The Magnolia Story
Breakfast: Kite Hill vanilla almond milk yogurt with Granola Factory Honey Pecan granola
Travel: Grand Canyon
Spring: Baseball!

Amy
March 13, 2018 9:26 am

The best book you’ve read recently: This might sound a little boring, but it’s The New Seed Starters Manual (I’m a gardener and looking forward to finally putting in a serious vegetable garden at our new house!)

What you’re eating for breakfast these days: EGGS EGGS EGGS, which is what happens when you have 14 laying hens

The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: I’d love to go out to Eugene, OR to see my brother and my mom’s family

What you are most looking forward to about spring: homesteading stuff! We’re looking forward to a productive garden, more eggs, and putting in three honeybee hives.

Lisa
March 13, 2018 1:30 pm
Reply to  Amy

Chickens and honeybees! You are living out my dreams, my friend!

March 13, 2018 9:27 am

Hi Em!

Took the survey :)

Best book: The Lifegiving Home (or Fierce Conversations which I’m currently reading)
Breakfast: these days it’s all bagels and peanut butter! Normally it’s Rhi’s Best Breakfast though
Travel: Seaside next month. So excited!
Spring: So many fun milestones! And warmer weather!

Xo

March 13, 2018 9:28 am

Survey done :)

The best book you’ve read recently: I really enjoyed the Magnolia Story!
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: usually a mini-bagel with cream cheese and the “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning from Trader Joe’s – I love it!
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: My husband and I are planning a trip to Asheville soon (we’ve both been there, but separately, never together). Our next “new” trip, though, is a Northeast adventure – we are still working out logistics and are in the early stages of planning, but right now it’s including Vermont, Maine, maybe a day trip to Canada, Boston, and Rhode Island.
What you are most looking forward to about spring: the warm weather! I’m sooo over the cold!

Megan
March 13, 2018 9:30 am

I love surveys (and this blog, of course) — thank you for posting!

Book:Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Breakfast: Light english muffin with canadian bacon and cheese
Travel: Maine was actually what first popped into my head! I’d love to take a trip this summer to the northern seaside.
Spring: longer walks with my dog outside! And Easter!

Megan
March 13, 2018 9:33 am

The best book you’ve read recently: The Cloister Walk
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Today cereal, but usually smoothies with blueberries, banana, and peanut butter
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Charleston or San Francisco
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Being able to enjoy walking outside more often!

Parker
March 13, 2018 9:33 am

I took the survey too; I don’t know why, but I always enjoy taking surveys in general. Must go back to my journalism research days ;)

Best book: “For the Love” by Jen Hatmaker – I’m a little behind on this one, but recently discovered it and loved it! (Also any book by Melanie Shankle is fantastic)
My breakfast is usually half of of cinnamon raison bagel.
The next place I’d like to travel – my husband and I just booked our vacation, but after that I’d LOVE to go back to the Outer Banks where we honeymooned five years ago!
What I’m looking forward to about Spring: Outside projects! My husband and I have so many ideas for our little yard, I honestly cannot wait to start planting in our garden and updating our little deck :)

Victoria
March 13, 2018 9:34 am

I kept waiting for the survey to have me fill in my name.. so my response is kind of conversational, haha!

the best book you’ve read recently: An Ember in the Ashes (trilogy) by Sabaa Tahir (I think you would enjoy too!)
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter and two pieces of chicken or turkey sausage.. every day!!
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: I’ve got my eye on Seaside, Florida!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: all of the celebration, and welcoming our new baby girl!

Natalie
March 13, 2018 9:43 am

The best book you’ve read recently: The American Heiress
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: English Muffin, Slice of Cheese and 2 eggs
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Charleston
What you are most looking forward to about spring: WARM WEATHER!

Sarah
March 13, 2018 9:43 am

Best book: precious little sleep – trying to get baby to sleep
Breakfast: oatmeal with dried cherries
Travel: Alaska
Spring: experiencing milestones with baby’s first spring!

Kelly Strawberry
March 13, 2018 9:52 am

Best book recently: Before We Were Yours
Breakfast: Blueberries and Cream Quaker Oatmeal at work
Travel: the beach
Spring: Being outside more with my son

Megan
March 13, 2018 9:53 am

Took the survey :)

The best book you’ve read recently:The Bright Hour
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: LARABARS and coffee
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: New York City
What you are most looking forward to about spring:Texas wildflowers!

Lauren
March 13, 2018 9:54 am

The best book you’ve read recently: Her Every Fear
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Yogurt
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Boston
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Warm Weather!

Wanda
March 13, 2018 9:56 am

Great Survey! Loved HWD series!

Book – just started the Outlander series and it’s fun!
Breakfast – berries and cereal
Travel – NC ;) hehe
Spring – more outdoor walks and flowering trees!

Hillary
March 13, 2018 9:59 am

The best book you’ve read recently: I just finished ‘Kitchens of the Great Midwest’ by J. Ryan Stradal and ‘Girl, Wash Your Face’ by Rachel Hollis and loved both.
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: This is embarrassing, but frozen gluten-free burritos from Amy’s Organics. They’re so easy to pop in my purse and heat up quickly at work once I get both kids to school!
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Right now I’d love to go visit my in-laws in southern California. The sunshine and warm weather sound dreamy! But an Alaskan cruise and visiting the Hawaiian National Parks are both on my bucket list.
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Being able to play outside with the kids after school (hooray for more sunshine!) and also Art in Bloom at the NCMA next week!

Courtney N
March 13, 2018 10:08 am

The best book you’ve read recently: Dance, Stand, Run
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: PB, Spinach, Banana, Chia Seed smoothie
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Big Sur, CA
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Warm breeze, walks outside, windows open, fresh blooms and greenery galore, ALL THE THINGS!

March 13, 2018 10:12 am

The best book you’ve read recently: The Bright Hour (I can’t even talk about this book without getting emotional) + Big Little Lies (I’m 4 years late to this one but WOW it was so good. I read it in a weekend!)

What you’re eating for breakfast these days: toast with almond butter + half a banana sliced on top + either an apple or grapefruit

The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Rodanthe, NC or Santa Fe, NM (two of my favorite places)

What you are most looking forward to about spring: WARM WEATHER!!!

Sarah B.
March 13, 2018 10:14 am

Book- Belgravia (loved!)
Breakfast- Egg and cheese on Everything bagels
Travel- California is next on my list!
Spring- more daylight for evening walks with my pup and husband

emma
March 13, 2018 10:15 am

Yay, survey! I noticed how this year you were able to include the question about kids! :)
The best book you’ve read recently: The Time Traveler’s Wife
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: oatmeal with banana and honey
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: South Carolina beaches!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: long walks in waaarrrm weather!!!!

Anna
March 13, 2018 10:16 am

The best book you’ve read recently: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Quiche of any kind!
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: New Mexico
What you are most looking forward to about spring: my 3rd child’s arrival!!

March 13, 2018 10:23 am

Best Book: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and Turtles All The Way Down by John Green
Breakfast: Smoothies with fruit, almond milk, and spinach. (In an opaque cup so I can’t see the color!)
Travel: I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans, but right now, I mostly want to go home to Virginia!
Spring: I live in Hilton Head SC so its been pretty “springy” here for a bit, but I’m very excited that the time changed and it will stay light later now. When its dark at 6pm I just want to go to bed! With the change I actually have time to get the kids outside after work.

March 19, 2018 7:16 pm
Reply to  Samantha

I just checked out Year of Yes from my library based on your rec! Love it so far. Yay for great comments sections!!! :)

Emily
March 13, 2018 10:28 am

The best book you’ve read recently: The last book I read was Mud Vein, it came recommended and I found it so weird but still good? Next on my list is The Last Mrs. Parrish.
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: blueberry waffles with peanut butter, every day
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Heading to Los Angeles in April!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: My son’s 2nd birthday (May), and picnic park dates!

Lindy
March 13, 2018 10:42 am

Book- I am reading Emily Ley’s Simplified book… so great! Tackling one chapter at a time.
Breakfast- I’ve been really busy and forgetting to eat breakfast. But I never skip coffee!
Travel- Toss up between wine country (Napa), Asheville, and Colorado Springs.
Spring- warmer weather! Playing outside with my little girls!

Ana
March 13, 2018 10:54 am

The best book you’ve read recently: Along the Infinite Sea
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: english muffin with almond butter and jam (or with nutella and sliced bananas, oops!)
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: Alaska!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Our engagement party and getting engagement pictures taken!

Katie
March 13, 2018 11:10 am

1. Terrible, Thanks For Asking
2. Diet Coke and a green smoothie
3. Oregon/Washington- or anywhere along with West Coast
4. I live in Central Florida- it’s been spring for a while. Hoping “spring” lasts longer because summer is brutal.

Emily
March 13, 2018 11:10 am

The best book you’ve read recently: Salt Houses by Hala Alyan
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Oatmeal with banana & nutella
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: North Cascades NP
What you are most looking forward to about spring: Flowering trees

Leigh
March 13, 2018 11:15 am

Book: Death in St. Petersburg by Tasha Alexander (part of her Lady Emily mystery series)
Breakfast: The leftovers my 2yo son doesn’t finish. Today, strawberries and pancake. He ate all the applesauce. And coffee with almond milk.
US Travel: Seattle, but it won’t happen in 2018. Our next planned trip is Disney in October.
Spring: Taking my son strawberry picking for the first time!

RachelC
March 13, 2018 11:17 am

The best book you’ve read recently: A Gentleman in Moscow
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: eggs scrambled with spinach, onion, & chicken sausage topped with salsa
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: somewhere West Coast!
What you are most looking forward to about spring: warmer and brighter evenings outside with my kiddos

Stephanie
March 13, 2018 11:17 am

The best book you’ve read recently: The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel–I find psychology fascinating!
What you’re eating for breakfast these days: Right now I’m loving just a hard-boiled egg and whole-grain toast. It’s old-fashioned, but also easy, healthy, and affordable!
The next place you’d love to travel in the United States: I’ve always wanted to go to Charleston, SC. It looks so charming.
What you are most looking forward to about spring: My daughter is two months old, and I can’t wait to take her outside more, go for walks, and enjoy the beautiful weather together.