As a blogger (hello!) I spend a fair bit of time reading other blogs. Some are parenting blogs, some are fashion blogs, some lifestyle or interiors. All of them evoke a reaction from me (read my post on what I think makes a successful blogger here) whether it’s making me think, inspiring me to write or even go buy some new shoes. All of them make me smile.
As someone who has built a career writing for and editing magazines, I love the personal link to a blogger that you get, after reading their blog on a regular basis. Don’t get me wrong, I love magazines. I’m a total mag geek – and in my opinion, they still hold an authority. But there’s something special about reading someone’s blog over time and really getting to know them. It’s like catching up with a friend, getting a quick update on their life.
So here are some of those blogs that make me smile – there are lots more that aren’t on this list of course (check out my Blogs I Love page to see more ace blogs) and yes, some of these ladies are very good pals of mine, but this list isn’t about who I’m friends with, it’s about the blogs that I look up to for inspiration. (Sidenote: if you’re my mate, and you blog, and you’re not on this list, that’s not because I don’t love you *blows kisses*)
There are two blogging awards that have just opened for nominations – The MADs and The BiBs. They’re a pretty huge deal in the parent blogging world so I’m sure all of these bloggers would love it if you have 5 minutes to spare and fancy nominating them. (You may also nominate me if you like – no, honestly, I won’t mind if you do. Best Lifestyle Blog or Best Writer in the MADs and Writer category in the BiBs if you must.)
A Baby On Board
Why do I love Gill’s blog? She just has this amazing way of summing up motherhood in a genuinely funny and engaging way. I read her blog and very often think ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ but rather than hate her for it, I’ve decided to be all mature about it (I am officially a grown up after all) and now her blog is one of my favourites.
Read:
The Politics Of Paw Patrol (I Have Some Questions)
Everything I Learned From Judy Blume Books
25 things they definitely don’t tell you in NCT classes (but probably should)
Tigerlilly Quinn
Fritha’s blog has long been a blog crush of mine. She takes beautiful photos and captures family life so well, with cute style posts, a bit of family travel and some interiors stuff too. I think one of the reasons that Tigerlilly Quinn makes me smile is because Fritha is so blooming positive all the time – it’s infectious and a little bit of that Bristol colour seems to rub off on me when I read her blog.
Read:
Postcards From Paris – Part One
Hurrah For Gin
If you haven’t heard of Katie’s blog, you must have been living under a wifi-free rock, because I’m always seeing her hilarious stick-figure drawings shared on Facebook. Her blog posts have me crying with laughter – partly because they cross that line ever so slightly but she gets away with it because pretty much everything she says is bang on.
Read:
The Seven Stages Of Sleep Deprivation
So Fcking What If I Dress Like A Mum
Mummy Daddy Me
Katie’s blog has won a gazillion awards over the years, and it’s because of her amazing ability to tell her family’s story through brilliant photography. When you read her blog, you feel like you really know her, Mr E and her two girls Mads and LL. She also makes gorgeous videos of their days out and holidays – her YouTube channel is worth checking out.
Read:
Far Far Too Many Photos Of Our Trip To Hitchin Lavender…
Wild & Grizzly
Lori’s blog is another one which makes me want to just jump in and start living inside the photos. Her travel posts are packed with useful tips (and always give me itchy feet) and her interiors posts are insanely well-styled. She lives in a very cool flat in Bristol and manages to keep it looking stylish despite having a five-year-old.
Read:
Luxury Family Geodomes In The Dordogne With Glisten Camping
A Simple Winter Plum Tart Recipe
Mother’s Always Right
I always want to know Molly’s take on a parenting issue – whether it’s something that’s been in the news, or just a problem we all face like sleep deprivation or having a fussy eater. She has this fantastic skill of being able to stand back and make a call on a situation, then talk about it in a truly engaging way.
Read:
More Than Toast
Alice is another blogger whose writing I love. Her blog is packed with tales of her life – first as a married mum of one, then a married mum of two, and now a single mum of two. She takes you on a journey through her days, sharing things that we can all relate to.
Read:
The Curse Of Imposter Syndrome
Going Balls To The Wall, Learning How To Fail and Other Life Lessons From Thailand
Teaching My Daughter To Be Authentic
So what do you reckon – all pretty amazing bloggers, right? So bookmark them, follow them on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram and I promise you won’t regret it. PS remember to nominate in those blogging awards I mentioned!
Nominate in the MADs here
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Thank you so much for your lovely lovely words Alison! I’m so glad we became buddies in this funny old blogging world and your blog is one of my absolute favs!! (Almost all the others you mentioned too!) xx
I absolutely love blog recommendations so have just followed the ones of these that I wasn’t following before – thanks lovely! x
Your blog was the very first i had read and i have found some great blogs through your recommedations. I’ve been reading blogs for a while now so need to get voting.
Honestly I could kiss you. What a beautiful thing to say – and what a giving post. If I were to do a post like this you’d definitely be on my list too – and I’m not saying that just cos you’re my mate! xxx
Love these blogs too! Such a great selection and all such different takes on things. xo
What a lovely post and thanks so much for mentioning me you little beaut. I must admit I am a big fan of most of the ones you have mentioned too. On a weird note I love the pinnable image, its so bright and colourful! xx
I love posts like this – you always remind me of the great blogging days Alison as you share the love.
I do not follow all of these so off for a read xxxx
I have to agree with you Alison, lots of my favourites on there too. It is getting harder and harder each year to nominate now that there is such amazing talent out there.
Reading your blogs and other mummy blogs has kept me sane and less terrified about becoming a mother. No baby book in the world has prepared me but reading blogs….just enables me to feel in the majority. I have loved reading your blog weekly. Please visit mine to see how my journey begins