(I promised in my last post a peek into my HUGE photo project.  Somehow, I’ve accidentally deleted all pictures for said post and will need to begin again.  It’s coming soon!)

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Though the Internet gets a bad rap at times, I thoroughly enjoy online connections and the quick availability and access to information (thanks Siri!).

The world wide web is simply a tool, albeit a powerful one, which can be purposed for the good or for the ugly.

I choose the good.

Several years ago, I would have never imagined fostering friendships with complete strangers through Twitter, Facebook,  a blog or a forum — it just seemed odd to me personally and it didn’t fit my style.

Or so I thought….

Turns out, the Internet is a really fun place!

Yes, I have real-life friends and yes, I get together with them in real-life ways.  Still, for multiple other reasons, I have found blogs, forums, and social media really valuable, enjoyable and helpful.

Favorite Blogs

I follow several blogs’ Facebook pages to see highlights, but there are only a few I check on frequently.  Below is my current list of favorites in no particular order:

SouleMama:  Amanda and I live completely different lives!  I think this intrigues me about her farming family (my alter life to be pursued…um, probably never).  I appreciate her strong commitment to build a family life which honors each person’s dreams & gifts, and to center life around HOME. It’s the one reason I’ve read her posts for nearly 7 years.

Wildflowers and Marbles:  Jen’s blog is a resource-filled gem, especially if you’re Catholic.  Her organization and home learning posts are rich with information AND inspiration.  Plus, her site is beautiful.  

By Sun and Candlelight:  Want affirmation that being an ultra planner can be a wonderful thing?  Then you’ll find a friend in Dawn and her lovely homeschooling, homemaking blog.  She was the inspiration behind my yearly file folders and I have found so, so many book titles for our homeschooling via her posts.  Dawn is also a Downton Abbey fan. 🙂

Andrea Dekker:  I love, love Andrea’s blog! Her ability to GET. THINGS. DONE. while enjoying family life keeps me reading her posts.  She is down-to-earth and seems to live life without a lot of fuss or over-thinking it.  I need more of this…

Money Saving Mom:  I’ve mentioned Crystal’s blog before as many of the deals I find and use come from her site.  I appreciate the frugal tips!  Her focus is not all finances and business; posts on family and faith are really encouraging. I’ve also had the opportunity to hear her speak at a few conferences.  Crystal is a avid reader, so I find many book title suggestions here.

The Mom Creative:  I’ve met Jessica once at a conference, and she is just so full of life!  Her blog inspires me to be present with my kids and to make super awesome memories as a family.  Her Put on that Swimsuit post is one of my favorites.  She also introduced me to Project Life (more on this in my upcoming post).

Abide With Me:  Emily’s blog is my favorite photography eye candy space!  Her pictures of everyday life, cooking, food, and nature are simple and beautiful.  Her words are too of course, which is why I read.  Recently, a post on winter wellness had me jotting thoughts in my own journal.  Love her heart and focus.

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So, there you have it!

Seven of my current favorite blogs to read….not necessarily daily, but I do check in about every week or two to catch up on posts.

Any blogs you recommend?