Blogs I Love and Why I Love Them

Karen at Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum once asked about bloggers I admire and I froze. I lamely mumbled a couple names and afterwards realized how many I'd missed.

So today I'm listing blogs--or bloggers--I like and why I like them in no particular order. There are others too but this is enough for now and I can do more lists later, I'm discovering new blogs I love all the time. Part of the reason I've chosen these blogs is that most have contributed to my blog in one way or another and it's time to give a little thanks.

To make it a bit more organized I've broken it up into categories. First here are three bloggers that write as I wish I could. Their words are better than mine and I'm envious:

1. One Plus Two. I'm listing Jen first just because one of her posts prompted me to make this list. Jen's had experiences I've never dreamed of, she's passionate about her life and work and it shows in her writing. As a sample post I'd offer Mangoes Roasting on An Open Fire Pit

2. Mental Tesserae. I've mentioned Julie plenty of times and can't help but do it again. Her posts are interesting and intelligent. Artsy and funny, plus her kids are darn cute (Ha! Gabe and his penguins). Try This Little Piggy for a chuckle and a "I never knew that!" I tell her she's the Cliff Claven of the blogging world.

3. Planet Nomad. I love this blog. My only complaint is she doesn't post often enough to feed my craving for her words. She's blogging from Mauritania in Africa and her posts are National-Geographic-meets-Motherhood and it's a vicarious adventure every time I read. As a sample may I suggest Adventures in Eating part one (and part two)?

Next here are six bloggers that are fun to hang around. They say nice things, they comment regularly, they're people that make me understand why I enjoy the blogging community:

4. An Ordinary Mom. Lucy is one nice person. She emailed me and asked if I'd like graphics made up for my custom search engine and had them ready within hours. That's just plain nice. Her blog is climbing the charts and is one to watch. She participates in many weekly "columns" such as Menu Monday and I've been lucky enough to be able to chat with her via email. Wish she lived closer.

5. Waya. (Stands for Who Asked You Anyway?) Betty is a sweet mom expecting her fourth child and she too has had experiences that are fascinating to read. Her entries (both of them) in the Write-Away Contest are examples of what I mean.

6. Don't Try This At Home. I've already said quite a bit about Chili in my interview from last month. She's funny and a great blogger and knows her way around the CSS. She's got her fingers in so many projects and still keeps her sense of humor.

7. Growing a Life. Damselfly was one of the first bloggers I "met" and for six months now I've enjoyed her blog. I love her new Wardrobe Wednesday segment. She too is a regular for whom there's a soft place in my heart.

8. Sandy and Kurt. Sandy is the first person to list me on her blogroll back when I had six or seven hits a day and was just starting into the blogging thing. She commented regularly and made me think that maybe I could actually make a go of it. I'm a loyal person and I'll read her forever because of it. She's a teacher, a mom and a wife and--not least--a blogger.

9. Dancing Through. Janet, mother of Stinkfoot, also linked to me back in the beginning and therefore has my loyalty. She has a great deal of life experiences that influence and support her writing and she puts all of her energy into being the best mom she can.

10. An Island Life. Local Girl is one of the nicest bloggers around and runs a tight ship. Yes, I know I have a soft spot for anyone who posts pictures of Hawaii but this woman also runs the best carnival around. I've been in a lot of carnivals and The Carnival of Family Life is the best. It's organized and consistent and gets good exposure, thanks in large part to her efforts.

Next is blog that is a feast for the eyes and palate:

11. Food Blogga. Susan is an east coast transplant living in L.A. and has terrific recipes. Not only is she an amazing cook but she is quite an accomplished photographer. Who else could make broccoli rabe look so darn appealing? The first post of hers which I read was about Brussel sprouts (which I happen to love) and when I saw her tasty picture I was hooked.

Here are three bloggers that are superwomen and make motherhood look classy:

12. Littlemummy. Erica should be on your reading list not only because she creative and organized and amazing but because she's got the cutest baby on the internet. The cutest. Erica is also involved at GNM Parents, lives in Scotland (and that there makes her terribly cool) and is always looking for the latest and greatest. She's linked to me more times than I could ever repay.

13. The Motherload. Amy too is a must-read for moms. I love her Freebie Fridays and her occasional recipe and tips. She's running all sorts of things and will soon take over the world. Very soon.

14. Stop the Ride! Stephanie also blogs at Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood but Stop the Ride is her blog for tips frugality and her new "Make it from Scratch" column is a winning idea. Blogging from West Virginia you'll enjoy pictures and stories and all sorts of good things when you visit. She too is as nice as they come and would intimidate you with her superwoman skills if she weren't so darn sweet.

The funniest blogger out there (and Julie at Mental Tesserae is a close contender, but I've already mentioned her so she's disqualified):

15. Days to Come. Jeanna's a crack up--I feel sure that if she lived in Anchorage I'd be bugging her to come over all the time just for the laughs.

Yes, I know I've listed 15, and that's cheating, but there are too many blogs I like to expect me to keep it to 13. So sue me.

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