Blog Shout-Out

I’ve stumbled upon some new blogs and websites that I’m digging of late. If you haven’t visited these sites, drop in for a spell. Great images and fun detail.

How cute are these Southern kids?

Back Down South – I’ve been a fan of this site for a while a now, so wanted to share it with you. It features brief Q&As with a variety of Southerners and Southern transplants, as well as great photos of each person or product. You may even recognize a blogger or two in the mix. BDS has a cool Tumblr site, too.

Van of Necessary and Proper

Lauren of Necessary and Proper

Necessary and Proper - Lauren, Van and their dog, Summer, live in D.C. and use this blog to capture life in Georgetown and Capitol Hill, but with the main focus on fashion and social activities. (Do young staffers in D.C. have social lives outside of their political jobs? If not, maybe Lauren and Van can help.) The site is similar to Atlantic-Pacific, but with a guy/girl twist and includes updates on parties, home decor and other topics.

Also, have to give a shout-out to Garden & Gun's redesigned website. Be sure to check out the latest issue which features the South's 50 Best Bars (only one in Kentucky, folks?), as well as great interviews with Morgan Freeman and Lyle Lovett.

Any new blogs or websites that you've stumbled upon lately that are worth noting?
Images from Back Down South, Necessary & Proper and Garden & Gun

Mother Runner

As I’ve mentioned more than once, I’m slowly trying to build a regular running routine. Some of you may ask, “Still? You’ve been saying this FOREVER, lady.” Yeah, I know. I get started, then I fall off the wagon dealing with all-things life. But, I keep coming back to it. I want to be healthier, I want to increase my fitness activity, I want more energy, I want to build muscle tone and I want to wear cute running outfits.

So, when I’m tired after a long day at work and ready to call it quits after giving my kids a bath or helping with homework, I’ve had to force myself to get on the treadmill. And once I do, I feel great. I crank up the music and run. It’s just keeping the excuses not to exercise at bay. It’s easy to talk yourself out of exercising, be it early in the morning (“One more hour of sleep, please!”) or in the evening (“I just want to crawl into bed!”).

Granted, I would prefer running outside, but now that Daylight Savings Time has ended, I have to reserve my outdoor runs for weekends. Bummer, I know. But, at least I’m getting a smoother run on the treadmill.

So, as I take another crack at a regular running routine, I went looking for inspiration. I found a book called “Run Like a Mother.” Then, I learned there’s a blog and Facebook page, “Another Mother Runner,” produced by the authors of the book. I am loving these sites right now and plan to order the book. And, I can’t get my hands on this T-shirt fast enough:

Oh, yeah, I need this for runnin’ in the 'hood.

For those of you who exercise regularly, be it running, aerobics, cycling, swimming – you name it – are there blogs, books or websites that you turn to for motivation? If so, what are they and why are they your go-to sites?

And, thanks again for indulging me in my recent rants. I appreciate the feedback I received from everyone. It's Friday, dear friends. We made it.
Images from anothermotherrunning.com

Seeking Technical Assistance

Okay, blogger, friends, I need your help...has anyone been experiencing issues with trying to comment on other blogs only to have "Anonymous" appear, rather than your Blogger profile name? I am not sure why this is happening, because I am signing in to Blogger to create a post on my own blog, as well as comment on your wonderful blogs. But, for some bizarre reason lately, it won't let me leave comments under my blog name.

I've tried to troubleshoot this via Google Blogger and, well, that's no help. Talk about user UN-friendly. I'll keep trying to figure this out, but if anyone out there knows a solution, I'd be forever grateful if you'd share it with me.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day, my friends. I hope to be able to comment on your fabulous blogs soon!

Profiles in Style

I am so honored that one of my favorite bloggers, Lily Lemontree, has featured me today in her Profiles in Style series. While I certainly don't consider myself a style-setter in any way, shape or form, my dear blogger friend was kind of enough to think of me and ask me to be a part of this series.

If you haven't visited Lily Lemontree before, be sure to stop by and peruse her blog. It's fabulous. (And I'm not just saying that because of today's post!)

We're certainly looking forward to the weekend in my household. The final soccer game of the season is tomorrow - woo hoo!  Then, we count down to the last day of school - where has this year gone?? Fingers crossed that we are blessed with some sunshine this weekend - we really need it.

So, dear friends, any plans for the weekend? Hope you have time to enjoy the nice weather and rest a bit. It's been a crazy week!
Image from Lily Lemontree

Thinking of Jane

As many of us know, Blogland can be a very caring and supportive community. So, dear friends, I ask that you lend your thoughts and prayers to a great blogger, Jane, from My Pear Tree House. I've enjoyed her blog for a while now and she's often been one to leave a nice message on my blog as well. Jane is facing the battle of her life and I ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Jane lives in Melbourne, Australia and at this rate, she may have people praying for her from all corners of the globe. I like the thought of that.

So, this Christmas season, while we're spending time with family and friends, and spreading good cheer, take a moment to say a prayer for those who are really struggling right now.

And, Jane, just so you know, we're behind you.
Image from Epilogue

Wool Tote Giveaway

The oh-so-fabulous Kayce Hughes is having a giveaway on her blog, so stop by for a visit.

I’m a little slow on the up-take, having had a busy couple of days, so I learned that the drawing is actually TONIGHT. But, it appears there is still time to visit her blog and check out the prize: one of her wool totes. These totes are super-cute and would be perfect for the holidays and on into the winter season. So, stop by, say hi to Kayce and enter. Tell her Jen sent you!
Image courtesy of Kayce Hughes

Guest Blog at Lily Lemontree

One of my absolute favorite bloggers, Lily Lemontree, invited me to do a guest blog on a figure I consider to be a style icon. So, please stop by her site today and take a peek. Her blog is fabulous and such a joy to read. I am honored that she asked me to serve as a guest blogger. You’re the best, sweetie!

Have a great day, everyone, and be sure to stop by Lily Lemontree!
Image courtesy of http://lilylemontree.blogspot.com/

Happy Blog-i-versary

Today marks one year since I started my blog. I can still remember the great joy I felt when a reader left her first comment and said such kind words about my writing and subject matter. There were times I wondered if anyone was reading, if they liked what I was saying, if I was making any kind of impact in the world of blogging, knowing there are millions of blogs out there. But slowly, over time, more and more people left comments and became followers. I, too, discovered a number of wonderful blogs and bloggers out there, with great stories to share, beautiful imagery to project and humorous stories to brighten my day. I have found I have so much in common with people from all over the world, making the world seem a bit smaller, which is nice.

So, a huge thanks to all of you who return to read my little blog each day. Your kind words, encouragement, advice and general happy thoughts have made this blog what it is today. I hope you’ll continue to visit, as I will always check in on your blogs, and I will strive to make this a nice place to dwell for a few moments when you stop by.
Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Guys in Blogland

In the few months that I’ve been blogging, I’ve discovered so many wonderful sites and bloggers out there. I love reading about what’s going on in your lives, your opinions about current events, and taking in the artistry that many of you showcase in photographs, arts and crafts, etc.

Most of the blogs I read happen to be penned by women. Nature of the beast I guess – similar interests attract similar readers. But as I travel deeper into blogland, I have landed upon a collection of blogs by male counterparts, many that have a fun take on preppy style, tradition, the South – all things I love. I really get a kick out of reading these, especially from a male point of view.

So, I’d like to give a shout-out to the guys among us who are producing really cool and entertaining commentary each day. If you haven’t come across them, check out a few of these blogs:

1001 Rules for My Unborn Son – Great advice from fathers to sons, many of which Mom can be proud of; cool pics, commentary and songs woven throughout.

A Continuous Lean – According to blog founder Michael Williams, this site chronicles “American things, good looking things, well designed things and all sorts of other things. Sometimes A Continuous Lean even talks about people and ideas. That’s it, keep it simple. More good, less bad.” Gotta love a description like that.

The Trad – Commentary on culture, style, and all things the “trad” man should strive toward.

The Social Primer – “Manners, Conversation, Style and Handling Your Liquor.” About says it all, doesn’t it?

Stuff White People Like – This one is a favorite, having been featured in the New York Times, on NPR and other traditional media, and has been developed into a book (what all bloggers hope to attain!). It’s a satiric commentary on what white people, or should I say a certain type of white person (You know who he's talking about - the well educated, liberal, eco-conscious posers who want to look and talk the part, but it's only lip service) that oozes with sarcastic musings. Funny stuff.

This is just a handful of the many great blogs out there written by our brothers in blogland. So, from your sister-blogger, cheers to you guys for your contributions!
Image courtesy of Brooks Brothers.

Meet Crafty Paper Girl

Lovely Amanda over at Crafty Paper Girl has named me the winner of her latest giveaway: her designer stationery. I'm so excited! I love her new line of colors. Perfect for summer.

If you haven't stopped by Crafty Paper Girl's blog, be sure to do so. And, her shop on etsy is open for business, so click on over and peruse her creative wares.

It's mid-week everyone - we're almost there!
Image courtesy of http://craftypapergirl.blogspot.com/

Cannelle et vanille

One of my favorite bloggers, Lobster and Swan, recently recommended another great blog: cannelle et vanille. What a beautiful site! The recipes, photography, daily entries - it’s a feast for the eyes. Be sure to visit the lovely cannelle et vanille.

Photo courtesy of cannelle et vanille.

Lobster & Swan

One of the things I love about blogging is venturing into new worlds via the Web. It's like opening a beautiful door and seeing what's inside. I find some of these sites just fascinating. So many of you are witty and include such amazing imagery on your blogs. One recent discovery has been Lobster & Swan - love, love, love this site. Plus, the blogger lives in the U.K., which is oh-so-cool. You gotta love anyone who calls their mother "mum." And, she recently blogged about the extended version of the "Sex in the City" film, which I finally got to see the other night. Gawd, love that Vivienne Westwood gown on Carrie. Anyhoo, cheers to Lobster & Swan. Your blog is a delight!