When I sat myself down for a stern talking-to recently, I asked myself what were the things I wished I had more time to do. Then I set about paring down the bits that were getting in the way of that. Besides squeezing my kids until they yelp, up near the top of the list was taking the time to read more blogs. I find them endlessly entertaining, inspiring, and useful. I have learned so much by reading what others do, and I was really missing out on what was happening. I have squished a few more new favourites into my blogroll and I indulge whenever I can… but it’s always good to share! Here is what I’ve been reading and loving lately:
Tammy is an Aussie living in Washington DC – and with every post, makes my American-politics-loving heart positively emerald with envy. She lives in a big, beautiful old house near the Capitol and documents her snowy days, trips to the stunningly gorgeous places a short drive from her new city, and her thoughts on life, love and motherhood. Her family is impossibly gorgeous and she is honest and warm. Not ashamed to say I stalk this one often!
I know Mrs Sit Down Mummy in real life but we hadn’t really chatted before. I was intrigued when I saw she had a blog, and I snort-laughed when I first read it. Girl is hilarious! We now hang out more often, but I still can’t get enough of her stories of growing, birthing and being a mum to twins (you might remember this great photo if you follow me on Instagram), and how she now tries to stop them setting fire to the carpet and screaming through shopping centres. She is fabulously relaxed and has learned a lot on her journey as a mum – and even though I don’t have twins, I can totally relate. And also want to punch the old cronies who say judgy things to her!
I like to think I go to Design Mom for handy hints and tips, but really it’s just to perve at her impossibly glorious life in the French countryside. I am a rampant consumer of her bucolic tales, and I constantly marvel at how many children she has and how they all seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. I want to know how she does it all from home, and I’m addicted to the interiors she posts of other people’s houses. The Living With Kids series has made me want to mop my floors more often and buy more art. And it led me to getting hooked on…
Laura is married to a Hollywood producer and director (but before you yawn, it’s the dude that produced the Jackass TV show and movie, so it’s quite crazy and fun!) and lives the life most people only dream about. She has a ridiculous big house, two children and a really fabulous way of writing. I have been reading all her travel with toddlers tips and generally getting a peek inside a world very far removed from mine. Sometimes that’s fun when you’re stuck indoors for three days straight due to rain and the kids are all snotty and you haven’t slept in about eight years.
Back before she was Photo-A-Day queen, Chantelle was probably my number-one blog crush. Still is! When I first had my blog sorted out with a professional makeover, my designer asked what I wanted it to look like. I sent her nothing but a link to Fat Mum Slim. Back then it was all pink and her header was spelled out in Scrabble tiles, which I thought was just the most amazing thing ever. Chantelle is so creative, so warm and funny and heartfelt, but most of all I just think she’s interesting. She could be writing about potatoes and will find a funny little angle I never saw coming. She is quiet and humble and infuriatingly talented! I never fail to come away from her blog wanting to be better at everything.
Speaking of inspiration, Steph at This Brown Wren has me squirrelling away most of her posts for when my babies are older. They go on nature walks, paint with beautiful watercolours, play with natural toys and look like they’re having a peaceful blast. Steph also makes wonderful clothes from vintage patterns and fabrics – even making a shirt out of a tablecloth recently which I thought was amazing. She’s where I’d like to be.
So there you have it. A cup of tea and a peek into someone else’s life. Now to make some time to comment more!
Who are you loving at the moment?
xo
Lovely blog post Stacey. Just wanted to let you know last night I was having a moment. To help myself feel better, I sat down and read through pages and pages of your blog. I didn’t leave any comments sorry. I was simply soaking you in. It was simply delightful and inspiring. Thank you for your words, your heart and for inspiring us as well. N x
Oh Naomi, what a lovely thing to say! I have seen you haven’t had the best of times lately and I’ve sent some good vibes your way. I love that you were sneakily reading. That’s made my day x
oooo a couple more for me to add to my already obese reader 🙂 xx
Mine is bursting at the seams!
Oh gosh! Made my morning. In a week that I needed the love, there it was. Thank you. A million times thank you. xxxx
You have all the love in my world!
Loving finding new blogs!
I found The Londoner the other day & really enjoy her style of writing.
Posie Gets Cosy is an old favourite that I still adore- her bub is too cute for words & where she lives…sigh….I want to live there too!
The Good Men Project is great too. Not really a blog as such, more like a Mamamia type place but Anerican & focused on men’s issues. Have a look.
Oh Posie has been in my reader for ages! her posts genuinely look warm and cosy, haha! Her babe is truly adorable and inspired me to find the time to make more clothes for my kiddies. I’ve just opened tabs with your recommendations – both sound excellent. Love the idea of The Good Men Project!
I’m loving you of course! I have also just stumbled across Meet me at Mike’s, loving it!
Meet Me at Mike’s is a favourite of mine from way back! I want to be like Pip when I grow up x
Geez everyone seems to be sharing blogs I don’t know but are right up my alley. i only know fat mum slim and design mom – love both. first stop the brown wren when i finally get some work done today with my 1 kid free day!
That’s exactly how I felt! Like there was a well of amazingness I’ve been missing! I’m getting a bucket.
Thanks for sharing the love! Some new blogs will go nicely with this coffee x
I cannot believe how much coffee I’ve been drinking lately!
I am actually popping in here after reading Steph’s latest adventure! She certainly has a way with words and I love her space. I have to say, my neighbour and good friend, Lou has an awesome blog space that I love to visit, she’s at sunnybuma.blogspot.com
Love Chantelle.. and always up for a few more to peruse.. Woogs did you say Coffee? Good Idea.. off to make coffee then come back and click thru 🙂
You lovely soul INSPIRE me! Such a gorgeous thing to read when I popped over here. Thank you to the moon and back! WIshing you a gorgeous weekend x x
Stacey! You are such a generous, kind-hearted human bean. I am floored you included me in this bunch of amazing bloggers. Thank you! xo
this is brilliant – a great selection to take a look at (again and first time). I feel like time just rushes away at the mo so it was so lovely to catch up on your posts (great sprinkly banana’s btw) this morning and get some new inspiration. big love gorgeous mama – emily xx
Stacey thank you so much for sharing your blog love. Just finished reading Hollywood housewife love story wow! So wonderful to peek into someone’s world. I will never forget the day I found your veggie sausage rolls, I commented on how fab they were and you replied. Love your blog always inspiring and funny.
I needed some more reads to break up my study time! Love your photo in the sidebar, gorgeous!
Thanks so much for introducing me to all these fab blogs (am already a Chantelle fan!) – perfect timing as I am wide awake at 3am. Boo! Keep up the amazing work Stacey. A x x
Cannot wait to get stuck into these!
Boo that google reader is closing, i’ve started to use Bloglovin instead to read my bloggies.
Oh forgot to add my new fav blog. It is http://zenhabits.net/ super simple but so very true to the crazy world we create. Found it through another beautiful blog pink of perfection