Five Bloggers That Steal My Time And Why I’m Happy About It

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are finishing 2015 in style.  I won’t be posting with my regular schedule over the holidays so I thought this might keep you busy…

Sometimes when I’m out in public getting my hair done, visiting with local shop owners, and chattin’ with ladies at the park I feel like some sort of weird drug dealer.  But I’m not dealing drugs…I’m dealing blogs and bloggers. They usually don’t “get it” and I have to explain what a blog really is.  The conversation usually ends with me giving them my card and writing down on the back 4-5 best blogs they MUST check out.

If you live in the blog world you know all about the addiction.  But you may not know there are a lot of people in the world who aren’t running to their computers for their next fix.

If you are one of those people…the people who aren’t addicted to blogs, won’t you travel down the worm hole with me?  Come on. You know you want to.  I won’t even charge you for this first list of bloggers.  This first one is free (she smiles devilishly).

Meet Amanda From Dixie Delights

This is where it all started for me.  I happened upon Amanda’s blog while searching the internet for something years ago and I-just-couldn’t-stop-reading.  I was so inspired by her devotion to her children with incredible and fun daily events and parties.  Her home is to. die. for. and her house tour knocked my socks off.  Her posts about Disney World will turn anyone into an “expert” and vacation superstar.  For me, she is a must read every day.  Plus, she is just the sweetest Southern lady.

Some of my favorite posts from Amanda are:

*Home Office Before/After ( I covet this room)

*Link to Party Page-I couldn’t pick just one…they’re THAT good

*Everything Disney-BEST guides ever and her kids are SUPER adorable too

Isn’t she amazing?  I don’t know how she does it.  Sometimes I am tired even after reading all she does.

Meet karianne From Thistlewood Farms

I’m hoping to meet karianne in real life at the Snap Conference in April.  I imagine if you could bottle her in a perfume it would smell like cinnamon and sugar (because she’s so sweet), dish soap (because she’s so bubbly) and a dash of cayenne pepper (because she is fiery).  I look forward to her posts so much because I never know what she has in store…but it is always something good.  She’s either going to make me laugh or she is going to make me cry.  Her writing is superb and her home decor ideas are extraordinary.  She should have a warning on her blog.  Something like…”Warning:  Visitors to Thistlewood Farms Can’t Just Click One”.

Here are some of my favorites from karianne:

Life Lessons From A House

My Favorite Song (Go get a Kleenex)

House Tour Part I

House Tour Part II

Seriously, isn’t she just the best?  The stories, laughter, inspiration and photographs just make me happy.  I wouldn’t want you to miss out on karianne.

Meet Cindy From Edith and Evelyn Vintage

Of all the bloggers I read and take inspiration from…Cindy’s home is the one I could bring my toothbrush to and never want to leave.  Her style is perfection in my mind.  A little bit of chippy, a lot of vintage, interesting wood textures, and a whole lot of French goodness.  Whenever I’m “stuck” I go to her blog and study the pictures and then contemplate my own space.

Here are some of my favorites from Cindy:

The French Country Master Bedroom

French Country Kitchen

A French Chair, A Grain Sack, and A Stencil

French Chair Rehab

Isn’t her home fabulous?  It looks so welcoming, yet has just that touch of formality I love so much.  I can’t wait to see what she does with her foyer, the current project.

Meet Heather From The Heathered Nest

Heather started her blog about the same time I started mine.  She has had meteoric success largely due to her “no fear” take on design and her way with words.  Heather’s blog motto should be “Go Big or Go Home” because every time she transforms a room she leaves others saying, “Wow!  I would’ve never thought of that!”.  She’s not afraid of achieving the look she wants.  I really admire her ability to do this because often I worry I might tire of something so I make a safer choice.  Heather doesn’t make safe choices in the world of design…they are inspired choices.

Here are some of my favorites from Heather:

Guest Bedroom

Kid’s Bath Remodel

Reupholstering With Cowhide

French Canadian Chair Makeover

Don’t you just love her bold style?  The floor in the bathroom…I died when I saw it.  The wood ceiling in her guest bedroom…let’s just say I have a “wood” ceiling in my master bath now.  Plus, she’s hilarious.

Meet Victoria Elizabeth Barnes From Victoria Elizabeth Barnes

I have to admit I have a total blog crush on Victoria’s blog.  If I had a split personality disorder, she would be my zany, wild, alter-ego.  I too am in love with “Giant Fancy Things”, something Victoria pursues aggressively, even to the edge of her own demise.  I however, talk myself out of them while Victoria talks her husband into them.  Her home is stunning and her ideas are jaw-dropping.  I laugh out loud while reading her posts and often go back and read them again…they are THAT good.

Here are some of my favorites from Victoria:

Bathroom Remodel

A Manifesto Against the Tyranny Of Luxury Kitchens (A.K.A.-Why I love her blog)

An Auction Tragedy

A Piano For A Kitchen Island

Seriously?  She must have an aura of creativity around her.  Plus, I really love how she just says what she’s thinking without regard to being politically correct.  I love that.  I wish I could do that.  I grew up a Minnesota Lutheran…we are reserved, reserved, reserved.  So for now, I will read Victoria’s blog and marvel at her writing, design, and her overall ability to share amazing adventures.

So there you have it!  My five favorite bloggers.  I really hope you loved them as much as I do.  They are an eclectic group…just what I love.  Wouldn’t you want to be at a dinner party with this group?  I know I would.