My friend Catherine nominated me for the Liebster Award. It's just a blog of support and encouragement for bloggers out there with less than 200 followers. I guess that means I qualify and thanks Catherine for the encouragement! It's always nice to know that someone other than my parents read the blog. :) I thought this was a fun little activity and a chance to share some things about me with you so here goes!
The Rules
1. List 11 facts about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you
3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you choose
4. Choose bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate
5. Go to each bloggers' page and let them know about the award.
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
11 Facts About Myself
1. I was born on Friday the 13th and have always loved the number 13. I'm going to try and blog about the number 13 and our family during this year of 2013.
2. I have had six surgeries (not counting my two c-sections) and so have a rather laid back attitude about them. Although, I've found that since I've had kids all medical procedures have become a little more scary for me.
3. I briefly considered going somewhere far away for college and applied and was accepted to a number of places. But in the end, I decided that my heart would forever be in Tuscaloosa and I'm very thankful for that decision.
4. I would much rather be at home hanging out with "my people" than out at a bar or a party. I've always been this way, even in high school and college. Nothing against parties, I just don't feel entirely comfortable at them.
5. I'm a collector. Over the years I have collected carousel horses, porcelain boxes, charms for my charm bracelet, and Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments. My Mom has given me the Pediatric Cancer Charity Awareness Radko every Christmas since my friend was diagnosed with cancer in 1998.
6. After I was in a car accident in high school my parents put a tv in my room but a few years later I took it out because it was taking up space and I never watched it. Now I'm a huge tv watcher and regularly schedule out my dvr schedule at the beginning of the fall season to make sure no shows fall through my dvr cracks!
7. I like everything to be organized but as long as its organized chaos, I'm ok with it. I have lots of stacks of stuff that I know what's in but looks like a huge mess to anyone else. Of course, living with my parents for this time being is making even me crazy with our lack of space to organize my stacks of stuff.
8. If I had to eat one meal only for the rest of my life it would be a chicken salad on sourdough sandwich from Let's Do Lunch with strawberry pretzel salad and Fruit Tea. To Die For!
9. I did community theater growing up and in high school played Diana in Anne of Avonlea, Cinderella in Cinderella, and one of the fairies in Sleeping Beauty. I've always wanted to continue with community theater as a grown-up but with two little one's there's just no time.
10. I am always slow to pick up trends. For instance, I wasn't a big fan of Uggs until they'd been out for a few years. I'm just now wanting to incorporate chevron. So whenever there's a new fad out there let me know and in a couple years I'll get on board with it!
11. We love entertaining and are looking forward to getting our annual Christmas party back on track this December!
Catherine's Questions
1. What's the best book you have ever read? This is hard to answer, but my all time favorite book is "Pride and Prejudice." It's a classic and I can read it over and over again without getting tired of it.
2. What is your favorite place that you have visited? Italy when I was a junior in high school. I'm betting that this answer my change to Paris though once Jason and I get back this spring!
3. Why did you start blogging? I've always kept scrapbooks growing up and when I found other blogs I realized that this would be a good way to continue keeping up with memories instead of spending so much time on something that sits on a shelf.
4. If you could only watch 3 tv shows ever again, what would they be? "The Big Bang Theory", "Gilmore Girls", and "Seinfeld"
5. Which would you rather win -- Oscar, Grammy, or Emmy? Oscar. I've always dreamed of being in a movie. :)
6. What is the one food that you could absolutely not give up? Bread. I'm somewhat sure that I might be able to give up sweets but I can't imagine my life without bread!
7. What is the craziest thing you have ever done? I think it was taking a 7 month old to Pasadena for the National Championship game. Looking back that was ridiculous but, at that time, we didn't know when we would get to go back and our only option to go was to take Charlotte! She did great on the trip but the time change and the hotel and having her in the Baby Bjorn at the game and feeding her in the bathroom stalls at The Rose Bowl?!?! Insane in retrospect!
8. Have you ever met/spotted a celebrity? Who, where, when, and how? When Mom and I went to New York we went to the Badgley Mischka fashion show during Fashion Week and sat a few rows away from some celebs. But I think that's the closest I've ever been.
9. How many traffic tickets have you gotten? None, have I mentioned yet that I'm introverted and scared to get in trouble?? :)
10. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why? A fish because it's low maintenance? At this point the thought of adding a pet to our household and my responsibilities has me shaking in my boots!
11. How many times have you been a bridesmaid and what color dresses have you worn? Twice. The first time I wore a chocolate brown halter dress and the second I wore a pink maternity dress (we got to pick our own).
11 Questions for Others
1. If you had to eat one (everyday) meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
2. What are your top 3 blogs that you read regularly?
3. What's your favorite fashion indulgence (i.e. shoes, purses, scarves, jewelry, etc)?
4. At what age do you think you'll finally feel "grown up"?
5. If there was one household chore that you could have a fairy do for the rest of your life what would it be?
6. Mac or PC? Why?
7. Favorite guilty pleasure?
8. What's your "go-to" recipe for dinner?
9. What's one wish list item that you have for your house right now?
10. What's your favorite vacation spot as a couple?
11. What's your favorite vacation spot as a family?
I nominate A Lovely Avenue, The Adams' Adventures, Cupcakes and Commentary, Mary Leigh Blogs (my cousin who is on staff with CRU!), and Southern Grace! A couple of these don't have their followers listed so I couldn't confirm that they have less than 200 but they're all awesome blogs that you should definitely check out!
Showing posts with label Blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogs. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Friday, October 26, 2012
Posts of the Week
I know I've been MIA lately. I'm behind a week on the house progress and right now it seems like it's too much to ask to keep my kids clean and clothed much less find time to blog. I'm hoping to find some time this weekend but, for right now, this will have to do.
I've read some great posts around the internet recently and want to share some of my favorites.
- The S Word that Ruins Most of Us by Jon Acuff on Stuff Christians Like
SCL is mostly a blog where Christians poke fun of themselves in a light-hearted manner so that we can all relax a little and get a grip. But on Wednesday's, Jon does a serious post and I loved this one about the true meaning of "Surrender" and what a lot of Christians (like me) tend to think surrender means vs what it actually does. I loved the part when Jon said, "If the first thing God does to me is the worst thing I can imagine, I have the worst God....But what I'm starting to learn is that surrender isn't just an act of releasing, it's an act of receiving." I wonder what God is waiting for me to surrender to Him before he can give me the absolutely best that he has?
- The Yesterdays by Pete Wilson on Without Wax
Pete is a pastor at CrossPoint Church in Nashville, TN and surrounding areas and they just celebrated 10 years of their church. He and his wife Brandi have really been motivating me via their blogs and tweets over the past two years and I love this post by Pete. This Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that Pete quotes was a hearty reminder to me to forget my yesterdays and focus on today. ("Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and some absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays." - Ralph Waldo Emerson)
- An Open Letter to New Mama Me by Beth on Five Kids is a Lot of Kids
Whether you're a brand-new Mama or one with twenty years of experience, I bet you'll find something to identify with in Beth's post. Her authenticity and the way that she says exactly what you need to hear is so refreshing and often helps alleviate some of the Mama isolation that I often feel and that she talks about.
- The Election: Thoughts from a Christian Independent by Jen Hatmaker
While I will say that I very much lean to one side in my political leanings, I also backed almost everything that Jen says in her post. And her comment that "four or eight years of an administration cannot compromise the historical work of a holy God"? Well that spoke truth to my heart and made me ashamed at how much importance I do actually place on the Presidency when I should be recognizing that God is on his throne no matter what. Believe me, I know that often it's hard for me to look past what an administration is going to do to our jobs or our money or our freedoms and instead focus on which will help usher in God's kingdom on Earth more. But Jen's post makes me remember that this is not the end game. Even if none of my candidates win, God still ultimately wins and He is still in control.
I've read some great posts around the internet recently and want to share some of my favorites.
- The S Word that Ruins Most of Us by Jon Acuff on Stuff Christians Like
SCL is mostly a blog where Christians poke fun of themselves in a light-hearted manner so that we can all relax a little and get a grip. But on Wednesday's, Jon does a serious post and I loved this one about the true meaning of "Surrender" and what a lot of Christians (like me) tend to think surrender means vs what it actually does. I loved the part when Jon said, "If the first thing God does to me is the worst thing I can imagine, I have the worst God....But what I'm starting to learn is that surrender isn't just an act of releasing, it's an act of receiving." I wonder what God is waiting for me to surrender to Him before he can give me the absolutely best that he has?
- The Yesterdays by Pete Wilson on Without Wax
Pete is a pastor at CrossPoint Church in Nashville, TN and surrounding areas and they just celebrated 10 years of their church. He and his wife Brandi have really been motivating me via their blogs and tweets over the past two years and I love this post by Pete. This Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that Pete quotes was a hearty reminder to me to forget my yesterdays and focus on today. ("Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and some absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays." - Ralph Waldo Emerson)
- An Open Letter to New Mama Me by Beth on Five Kids is a Lot of Kids
Whether you're a brand-new Mama or one with twenty years of experience, I bet you'll find something to identify with in Beth's post. Her authenticity and the way that she says exactly what you need to hear is so refreshing and often helps alleviate some of the Mama isolation that I often feel and that she talks about.
- The Election: Thoughts from a Christian Independent by Jen Hatmaker
While I will say that I very much lean to one side in my political leanings, I also backed almost everything that Jen says in her post. And her comment that "four or eight years of an administration cannot compromise the historical work of a holy God"? Well that spoke truth to my heart and made me ashamed at how much importance I do actually place on the Presidency when I should be recognizing that God is on his throne no matter what. Believe me, I know that often it's hard for me to look past what an administration is going to do to our jobs or our money or our freedoms and instead focus on which will help usher in God's kingdom on Earth more. But Jen's post makes me remember that this is not the end game. Even if none of my candidates win, God still ultimately wins and He is still in control.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Posts of the Week
- Daughter, You Can Take This One to the Bank by Lisa-Jo Baker (Gypsy Mama)
- A Parent Of My Word by Jen Wilkin
A great post about why we shouldn't give in to our kids demands and reverse our 'no' to a 'yes'.
- Has Anybody Told You You're Beautiful by Courtney at Lil Light O Mine
I love the message in this song that Courtney blogs about and I am adding this video to Charlotte's Christmas List STAT! She doesn't need it right now, but I know we'll cross that bridge at some point.
- More Than Watchmen Wait for Morning by Cabell at Goose and Chickadee's
A convicting look at a passage from Psalm 130 and how we should be desiring God and not things (along with lots of other great points)
- A Parent Of My Word by Jen Wilkin
A great post about why we shouldn't give in to our kids demands and reverse our 'no' to a 'yes'.
- Has Anybody Told You You're Beautiful by Courtney at Lil Light O Mine
I love the message in this song that Courtney blogs about and I am adding this video to Charlotte's Christmas List STAT! She doesn't need it right now, but I know we'll cross that bridge at some point.
- More Than Watchmen Wait for Morning by Cabell at Goose and Chickadee's
A convicting look at a passage from Psalm 130 and how we should be desiring God and not things (along with lots of other great points)
Friday, September 14, 2012
Posts of the Week
- The Mustard Seed by Rev. David Bast at Words of Hope
I found this message while writing my Compassion post last weekend and loved it. Rev. Bast explains the mustard seed parable very well and encouraged me that even the small things that I do will make a big difference when done for God.
- A Benediction for Our Nation by Jena Lee Nardella on the Blood Water Mission via Lots of Scotts
I will admit that when I saw where this prayer was spoken I immediately was prejudiced against it. Then I began to read and realized that that immediate prejudice (that goes both ways) is one of the biggest problems in our political arena these days. Please take a second to read this and pray it for our country. And think about what actually living this every day would mean for America.
- Missional Mothering by Jani Ortlund via Whitney Alexander
It's hard being a SAHM and feeling like you need to be doing things outside of the house as well as inside in order to "be productive." It appears that I'm not the only one struggling with that based on this post. My favorite part was this, "There are no neutral moments in a young child's life. Someone is going to be influencing your children, inculcating values, and imprinting standards on their impressionable young minds. Let it be you!" In a season when I'm trying to pull back, this was a good reminder of what's most important right now.
- A Benediction for Our Nation by Jena Lee Nardella on the Blood Water Mission via Lots of Scotts
I will admit that when I saw where this prayer was spoken I immediately was prejudiced against it. Then I began to read and realized that that immediate prejudice (that goes both ways) is one of the biggest problems in our political arena these days. Please take a second to read this and pray it for our country. And think about what actually living this every day would mean for America.
- Missional Mothering by Jani Ortlund via Whitney Alexander
It's hard being a SAHM and feeling like you need to be doing things outside of the house as well as inside in order to "be productive." It appears that I'm not the only one struggling with that based on this post. My favorite part was this, "There are no neutral moments in a young child's life. Someone is going to be influencing your children, inculcating values, and imprinting standards on their impressionable young minds. Let it be you!" In a season when I'm trying to pull back, this was a good reminder of what's most important right now.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Internet Round Up
- Mama's Morning Prayer by JScott
You know those things that you want to print out and put on your fridge so that you'll remember to read it every day? This is one of them.
- It's Like a Little Book Club by BigMama
Just thought I'd share her recent book recommendations. In case you're interested in what I'm reading check out my booklist page.
- Making New Friends by Katie at Lil Light 'O Mine
It's hard making new friends, especially when you're at home with your little's all day. It helps to know that there are others that feel the same way. Anyone want a new friend???!? Call me! :)
- When Expectations and Reality Don't Meet by Lindsey
I love Lindsey and her heart and I especially love this post. It was a timely reminder that just because things aren't going the way that I expected doesn't mean that God is out of control.
You know those things that you want to print out and put on your fridge so that you'll remember to read it every day? This is one of them.
- It's Like a Little Book Club by BigMama
Just thought I'd share her recent book recommendations. In case you're interested in what I'm reading check out my booklist page.
- Making New Friends by Katie at Lil Light 'O Mine
It's hard making new friends, especially when you're at home with your little's all day. It helps to know that there are others that feel the same way. Anyone want a new friend???!? Call me! :)
- When Expectations and Reality Don't Meet by Lindsey
I love Lindsey and her heart and I especially love this post. It was a timely reminder that just because things aren't going the way that I expected doesn't mean that God is out of control.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Posts of the Week
- Why I Hated Meredith's First Grade Teacher by Kylene Beers
Great post about the tug of war inside Momma's as they send their little one's off to school. On one hand you want your child to have an awesome teacher who loves them and teachers them and takes great care of them but on the other you're a little jealous about how much love then gets showered on the teacher from your child!
- A Prayer for a Daughter by Ann Voskamp
A beautiful prayer for our daughter's and ourselves and any woman that you know. Ann has a way with words and her's always bring me closer to the Father!
- The Talk by Glennon at Momastery
What do I want my kids to be? Compassionate. A great post about how to talk to your child before school starts about being compassionate to those that are a little different or hurting. And also a great reminder to be compassionate in my own life.
- Seam of the Sky by Angie Smith
This post gave me chills. You MUST read it.
- Casting a Vision in the Heart of a Child by The Better Mom
Such a timely reminder about not just teaching your child to be polite and obey, but teaching your child about how to recognize the dreams that God has planted in their hearts and encouraging them to fulfill those dreams.
Great post about the tug of war inside Momma's as they send their little one's off to school. On one hand you want your child to have an awesome teacher who loves them and teachers them and takes great care of them but on the other you're a little jealous about how much love then gets showered on the teacher from your child!
- A Prayer for a Daughter by Ann Voskamp
A beautiful prayer for our daughter's and ourselves and any woman that you know. Ann has a way with words and her's always bring me closer to the Father!
- The Talk by Glennon at Momastery
What do I want my kids to be? Compassionate. A great post about how to talk to your child before school starts about being compassionate to those that are a little different or hurting. And also a great reminder to be compassionate in my own life.
- Seam of the Sky by Angie Smith
This post gave me chills. You MUST read it.
- Casting a Vision in the Heart of a Child by The Better Mom
Such a timely reminder about not just teaching your child to be polite and obey, but teaching your child about how to recognize the dreams that God has planted in their hearts and encouraging them to fulfill those dreams.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Posts of the Week
I have a LOT of blogs in my Google Reader. And a lot I end up leaving unread in my reader because I like to go back and read them over and over again. So I'm going to start sharing links to these that I love. This probably won't be weekly but on occasion when I have a lot saved I'll do a post with them.
Jen Wilkin's Gladness Immeasurable - One of the most important things that I read as a mother of a daughter and a mother of a son was, "If you considered my daughters as valuable as if they were your own, you would raise different sons." I want to strive to raise James to be the right kind of man and Charlotte to be the right kind of woman.
JMom's In Progress - My favorite paragraph was, "But isn't sanctification, by definition, the extension of this process [training children] into our adult lives? At what age do we suddenly expect perfection? I have no desire to glorify sin or to 'accept' that I am just wired to be a sarcastic, selfish, impatient know-it-all. Jesus died and rose again to free me from the prison of those things. But I do want to live a life of authenticity that gives God the glory for the parts of me that reflect Him and recognizes that there's still a chunk that is in need of chiseling." This really speaks to the perfectionist in my personality!
Jen Wilkin's Gladness Immeasurable - One of the most important things that I read as a mother of a daughter and a mother of a son was, "If you considered my daughters as valuable as if they were your own, you would raise different sons." I want to strive to raise James to be the right kind of man and Charlotte to be the right kind of woman.
JMom's In Progress - My favorite paragraph was, "But isn't sanctification, by definition, the extension of this process [training children] into our adult lives? At what age do we suddenly expect perfection? I have no desire to glorify sin or to 'accept' that I am just wired to be a sarcastic, selfish, impatient know-it-all. Jesus died and rose again to free me from the prison of those things. But I do want to live a life of authenticity that gives God the glory for the parts of me that reflect Him and recognizes that there's still a chunk that is in need of chiseling." This really speaks to the perfectionist in my personality!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Top Posts of 2011
I've seen a lot of other blog's doing something like this and I thought it would neat to see what have been the top 10 posts of 2011. In case you're new to the blog this might let you find some oldies but goodies!
1. We Wish You a Merry Christmas! (linked with Walk with Me By Faith's Christmas Card Carousel)
2. Charlotte Has a Secret
3. Show Us Your Life - Show Us Your Alma Mater (linked with Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life)
4. Show Us Your Life - Show Us Your Book List (linked with Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life)
5. Handprint Christmas Tree
6. James Ronald
7. Charlotte's Big Girl Room
8. James' Nursery
9. Footprint Reindeer
10. Recipe Wednesday - Preggo Favorites
It cracks me up that the Recipe Wednesday that I most "phoned in" this year made the top ten ahead of all of the others! There were some posts from previous years that were in the mix with these for the top posts viewed in 2011 but I didn't include them in the listing. In case you're curious they were: Christmas Tour of Homes (linked with The Nester and Kelly's Korner), Master Bedroom Re-do Final, and Charlotte's Nursery.
Hope you are having a wonderful New Year's Eve and are anticipating the beginning of 2012 like we are!
1. We Wish You a Merry Christmas! (linked with Walk with Me By Faith's Christmas Card Carousel)
2. Charlotte Has a Secret
3. Show Us Your Life - Show Us Your Alma Mater (linked with Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life)
4. Show Us Your Life - Show Us Your Book List (linked with Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life)
5. Handprint Christmas Tree
6. James Ronald
7. Charlotte's Big Girl Room
8. James' Nursery
9. Footprint Reindeer
10. Recipe Wednesday - Preggo Favorites
It cracks me up that the Recipe Wednesday that I most "phoned in" this year made the top ten ahead of all of the others! There were some posts from previous years that were in the mix with these for the top posts viewed in 2011 but I didn't include them in the listing. In case you're curious they were: Christmas Tour of Homes (linked with The Nester and Kelly's Korner), Master Bedroom Re-do Final, and Charlotte's Nursery.
Hope you are having a wonderful New Year's Eve and are anticipating the beginning of 2012 like we are!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Few of my Favorites
Since I'm in New York with my Mom, I thought I'd take a few minutes to let you in on some of my favorite blogs these days! I read blogs in Google Reader and I can't imagine doing it any other way. I follow so many that I could never do it if I looked at them individually. I'll group these by my own categories but maybe you'll find some new blogs that you like! My right hand column also has a shortened list of "What I'm Reading in my Reader" if you want to check out some that I don't list here! FYI: These are in alphabetical order from my reader and I didn't include some blogs of personal friends who might not want so many people checking them out!
Faith Blogs
1. Compassion Bloggers - This blog isn't always running but when people go on trips with Compassion International (like their recent trip to Guatemala) they blog on this site. The posts are so touching and remind me why it's so important to sponsor children in underprivileged countries if you can.
2. Living Proof Ministries - Beth Moore's blog with her daughter's is poignant and relevant. Their posts always make me think and provide inspiration.
3. Stuff Christians Like - If you like satire then this is a great blog for you. It proves that even Christian's can poke fun of themselves and learn some while doing it!
4. Without Wax - Pete is a pastor in Nashville and if we lived there we would go to his church. He's an authentic leader and his daily posts have helped me in numerous ways.
Mom Blogs
1. Happily Ever After - Stephanie chronicles their life with a 17 month old and a baby a few weeks away from birth. Her husband is a youth pastor and her posts about God and her family always touch me.
2. Baby Bangs - Amanda Moore Jones is hilarious and her tales of their family are great reminders to me that I'm not the only one struggling with motherhood. She is honest and real and I love the way that she writes. She also posts on her Mom's Living Proof Ministries blog.
3. Cupcakes and Commentary - My friend has an awesome blog that showcases some wonderful ideas for cooking and crafts with your kids. I told her she should write a book with all her ideas -- I know that I would buy it! If you're looking for inspiration for something to do with your kids this is a great blog to check out!
4. Life at Sonic Speed - I love Heather and her posts are wonderful. Our daughter's share the same birthday week and over the last year and a half we've gotten to be bloggy buddies (at least I think we have!). She is so honest in her posts and she inspires me so much!
5. Lots of Scotts - Posts on this blog are funny as a Southern Mom chronicles her life with her kindergarten triplets. But on top of that she also shares what she's struggling with and what she's learning from God which is so powerful for me.
6. The PigBear - My friend Erin writes about her life with her son and daughter. Almost nothing is off limits and her stories always crack me up!
Cooking Blogs
1. Bakerella - Bakerella is famous for her cake pops and has a new book coming out about them. While I haven't been very adventurous in trying to make my own cake pops her posts inspire me and hopefully one day I'll attempt them!
2. Pioneer Woman Cooking - Ree's recipes are almost always exceptional and her unique style of photographing each step has helped me figure out exactly what I'm supposed to be doing as I learn more and more about cooking!
Home Decorating/Photography/Product Blogs
1. Aprons and Art - Amy and her sisters make aprons and art and sell them on their blog and their Etsy site. These girls are wonderful women and their work reflects their great personalities.
2. Nesting Place - The Nester is awesome and her ideas for decorating always inspire me!
3. Pioneer Woman Photography - If you're interested in learning about your camera and how to take better pictures Ree and friends share all kinds of tips and tricks to help you out.
Party Blogs
1. Birthday Girl - I love Birthday Girl and her blogs! She showcases real birthday parties and also shows idea boards that demonstrate how to pull a party together for a theme. Her ideas are wonderful!
2. Save the Date for Cupcakes - Lots of pictures of dessert tables. If you're throwing a party and have a theme there is probably an example of that theme on this website!
Faith Blogs
1. Compassion Bloggers - This blog isn't always running but when people go on trips with Compassion International (like their recent trip to Guatemala) they blog on this site. The posts are so touching and remind me why it's so important to sponsor children in underprivileged countries if you can.
2. Living Proof Ministries - Beth Moore's blog with her daughter's is poignant and relevant. Their posts always make me think and provide inspiration.
3. Stuff Christians Like - If you like satire then this is a great blog for you. It proves that even Christian's can poke fun of themselves and learn some while doing it!
4. Without Wax - Pete is a pastor in Nashville and if we lived there we would go to his church. He's an authentic leader and his daily posts have helped me in numerous ways.
Mom Blogs
1. Happily Ever After - Stephanie chronicles their life with a 17 month old and a baby a few weeks away from birth. Her husband is a youth pastor and her posts about God and her family always touch me.
2. Baby Bangs - Amanda Moore Jones is hilarious and her tales of their family are great reminders to me that I'm not the only one struggling with motherhood. She is honest and real and I love the way that she writes. She also posts on her Mom's Living Proof Ministries blog.
3. Cupcakes and Commentary - My friend has an awesome blog that showcases some wonderful ideas for cooking and crafts with your kids. I told her she should write a book with all her ideas -- I know that I would buy it! If you're looking for inspiration for something to do with your kids this is a great blog to check out!
4. Life at Sonic Speed - I love Heather and her posts are wonderful. Our daughter's share the same birthday week and over the last year and a half we've gotten to be bloggy buddies (at least I think we have!). She is so honest in her posts and she inspires me so much!
5. Lots of Scotts - Posts on this blog are funny as a Southern Mom chronicles her life with her kindergarten triplets. But on top of that she also shares what she's struggling with and what she's learning from God which is so powerful for me.
6. The PigBear - My friend Erin writes about her life with her son and daughter. Almost nothing is off limits and her stories always crack me up!
Cooking Blogs
1. Bakerella - Bakerella is famous for her cake pops and has a new book coming out about them. While I haven't been very adventurous in trying to make my own cake pops her posts inspire me and hopefully one day I'll attempt them!
2. Pioneer Woman Cooking - Ree's recipes are almost always exceptional and her unique style of photographing each step has helped me figure out exactly what I'm supposed to be doing as I learn more and more about cooking!
Home Decorating/Photography/Product Blogs
1. Aprons and Art - Amy and her sisters make aprons and art and sell them on their blog and their Etsy site. These girls are wonderful women and their work reflects their great personalities.
2. Nesting Place - The Nester is awesome and her ideas for decorating always inspire me!
3. Pioneer Woman Photography - If you're interested in learning about your camera and how to take better pictures Ree and friends share all kinds of tips and tricks to help you out.
Party Blogs
1. Birthday Girl - I love Birthday Girl and her blogs! She showcases real birthday parties and also shows idea boards that demonstrate how to pull a party together for a theme. Her ideas are wonderful!
2. Save the Date for Cupcakes - Lots of pictures of dessert tables. If you're throwing a party and have a theme there is probably an example of that theme on this website!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
To domain or not to domain?
I'm currently trying to decide if I want to get a domain name for myself and break from the blogger platform. I think I could possibly do some more interesting things with the blog like having a three column design and having different sub-pages so things like my recipes weren't located on a separate blog. But I got a little overwhelmed when I went to look at places to purchase a domain name and hosting site. So, if you have your own domain name could you please let me know where you purchased it and who hosts it and if you think it's worth it? Or, if you know some tricks in blogger like how to do the things I've mentioned could you let me know about those?!?! Thanks in advance for your help!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
My Favorite Blogs
In honor of all of the talking recently that I've been doing trying to get people into blogging I thought that I'd share some of my favorite blogs. I'm leaving out people I know because most of them are on my side bar and that way I feel less stalkerish. Although, I guess if you really thought about it it's much more stalkerish to be obsessively reading about people's lives that I don't know in person! But I have yet to talk to someone who doesn't want people reading their blog...I mean, isn't that what they're for! Just like me, the more the merrier! Unless you're sketchy of course, in which case, please exit from my blog. :)
So here are *a few* of the blogs that are in my Google Reader:
1. Bring the Rain - Angie writes a great blog that she started when she found out that her baby had severe medical problems and wouldn't live for very long after delivery. Go check out her summary of Audrey's story on her page. Angie is married to Todd Smith, one of the singers in the Christian group Selah that is awesome! Angie is really fun and writes about every day stuff going on as well as giving inspiring Christian messages.
2. Baby Bangs - Amanda is Beth Moore's daughter and this is her personal blog about her family. She's expecting a little girl in the spring and has a son, Jackson. She's an amazing woman and always inspires me! Plus, her blog is funny!
3. Living Proof Ministries - Speaking of Beth Moore, this is her blog for her ministry. Her daughters, Amanda and Melissa also post on it. She has great posts that are inspirational and fun. Who knew that someone as amazing as Beth Moore was so down to Earth and so funny! My favorite recent post is the one of Seed and Bread. Go read it, you'll think about things in a whole new light!
4. Endless Possibilities - Kim Wheeler is an artist in Tennessee and this is her artist blog. She does have fun anecdotes about her family but mostly she shows off her beautiful artwork. I can't wait to see what her Christmas 5x5 paintings are because I really want one!
5. Big Mama - Melanie is an amazing woman, again from Texas, who works with Lifeway. Her stories are hilarious, personal, and inspirational.
6. Boo Mama - Sophie is from our own Alabama and also works with Lifeway. She's hilarious even if she is a Miss State fan. :)
7. Magnolias, Marriage, and Manhattan - MMM is from Alabama and is an Alabama fan living in New York. She's expecting a little boy this spring and has links to the cutest, preppiest stores on the web. If you ever want to just click links and surf for hours upon hours go check out her blog and get to clicking!
8. My Charming Kids - MckMama is pregnant with her fourth child who is sick with heart problems in her womb. She calls her three older kids Big Mac, MckNugget, and Small Fry on her blog and always provides the most humorous stories. Please go check out her website and pray for her and her family. Also, she's a photographer and her photographs on her blog are always awesome!
9. Lifeway's Women's All Access - This is Lifeway's women's blog and a lot of the bloggers (like Big Mama and Boo Mama) have already been mentioned. It's a great place to get some Christian inspiration.
10. The Pioneer Woman - Again, if you want to get lost in a blog for days go and check out the Pioneer Woman's blog. She's from Oklahoma and lives with her husband and children on a ranch! She home schools her kids also. And includes sections on recipes, photography (she's awesome too!) and other interesting stuff. If you have a spare 10 hours go and start reading her love story with her husband. She's only on installment 37 and they're just now engaged! You'll be begging for more installments once you start reading it!
So after giving you the Top Ten I feel not only like a stalker but like a big looser. BUT, I'll tell you how I do anything other than read blogs. I use Google Reader which I am in love with. All you have to do is enter the blogs that you want to read when they posts new posts (like mine!). Then you just go check your Reader occasionally. It will give you a list on your left hand sidebar showing all of the blogs that have been updated since you checked last. Make sure and select Mark All as Read when you enter the blog into your reader otherwise those old posts will continue to show up on your sidebar. That saves tons of time because you don't have to go to each blog individually and you don't have to obsessively check for updates, Google Reader does it for you! I do think you need a Google account but those are free. Let me know if you have problems setting it up and I'll help you out.
So now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite blogs?? List them in the comments so I can add them to my ever expanding list!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Blog Design
I love blogging. It is so much fun! To me it's such an outlet to be creative and also to share things that are going on with your friends and family. I love reading your blogs (even though I sometimes feel like a stalker) and I always love checking out everyone's blog design. How do these people get their blogs so cute! I figure they must be art majors or something to have their blogs so cute and fashionable.
But a few weeks ago I stumbled upon a blog that had a tag up in it's corner saying that their blog design was from The Cutest Blog on the Block. I mean, even their name was cute! So I went to check it out and was totally impressed with the number of FREE backgrounds that they have on their website. My background is from this website. However, I was disappointed with their header selection. So many people have such cute headers that I really didn't want to share a design with a lot of other people. So I went looking...
I talked with Jennie Marie whose blog is so adorable! She suggested looking online for digital scrapbook kits and then using Photoshop or some other photo software to create a header. So a few weeks ago I found The Shabby Shoppe. Talk about a bloggers heaven! There are all kinds of kits there! The only problem is they cost money. But the good part is is that they don't cost a lot of money. So I downloaded a kit and created the header above. What do you think? I like it but now I've got the desire to create more and more!
So now you're thinking...Jennifer, where are you going with this blog? I'm kind of wondering the same thing myself. I #1 wanted to let you know where I got my supplies in case you want to create a header or blog design for yourself. I #2 wanted to let you know that if you want me to create a header for you that I'll be happy to. If you know what you want it to say and kind of what you want it to look like I'd be thrilled to create it for you. I'm thinking I would charge maybe $10-$15 to cover the cost of the download and my time depending on how detailed you want your header to be. So, if anyone's interested in a new header but doesn't have time or the desire to create it themselves let me know!
Has anyone found any other really cute digital scrapbook sites? Comment and let me know what they are!
But a few weeks ago I stumbled upon a blog that had a tag up in it's corner saying that their blog design was from The Cutest Blog on the Block. I mean, even their name was cute! So I went to check it out and was totally impressed with the number of FREE backgrounds that they have on their website. My background is from this website. However, I was disappointed with their header selection. So many people have such cute headers that I really didn't want to share a design with a lot of other people. So I went looking...
I talked with Jennie Marie whose blog is so adorable! She suggested looking online for digital scrapbook kits and then using Photoshop or some other photo software to create a header. So a few weeks ago I found The Shabby Shoppe. Talk about a bloggers heaven! There are all kinds of kits there! The only problem is they cost money. But the good part is is that they don't cost a lot of money. So I downloaded a kit and created the header above. What do you think? I like it but now I've got the desire to create more and more!
So now you're thinking...Jennifer, where are you going with this blog? I'm kind of wondering the same thing myself. I #1 wanted to let you know where I got my supplies in case you want to create a header or blog design for yourself. I #2 wanted to let you know that if you want me to create a header for you that I'll be happy to. If you know what you want it to say and kind of what you want it to look like I'd be thrilled to create it for you. I'm thinking I would charge maybe $10-$15 to cover the cost of the download and my time depending on how detailed you want your header to be. So, if anyone's interested in a new header but doesn't have time or the desire to create it themselves let me know!
Has anyone found any other really cute digital scrapbook sites? Comment and let me know what they are!
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