Normally the holiday season is especially slow for me. Most people are thinking less about having a website designed and more about which Christmas sweater to wear to the big party. Not this year, ut-uh-no-way. Everyone and their sister needs a site, or an ad, or a poster laid out. I’ve been enjoying filling my days with lots of multi-tasking and creativity, but my RSS feed is suffering dramatically. The blogs I normally spend half my day drooling over have barely had time for a second glance, backgrounds have changed, trends have come and gone, writers HAVE MOVED TO NEW HOUSES for crying outloud, and I was none-the-wiser. It is a sad sad state of affairs. So this year for Christmas I’m submitting a very special request to Sir Claus for a little free time to catch up on some of the blogs I so adore:
It’s no secret that I’m in love with blogger-down-under, Raina of If the Lamp Shade Fits, but as it turns out, there is more than one great design blog making it’s way north from below the equator. Designalogue chronicles the creative life and interests of miss Camilla Molders (check out her new wallpaper, above). Camilla has exquisite taste, an insane art collection and her Aussie colloquialisms are sure to warm your icy heart right up.
Lauren Kilberg of Double Takes never ceases to amaze me with her super sleuthing abilities. She manages to find thought-provoking images that are both intelligent and witty, her topics range from interiors to art to music yet they always manage to share a common theme and support the strong vision of this always entertaining blog. I can’t wait to catch up!
If it’s Hip, It’s Here is easily the most well-researched blog in my RSS feed. Girl, where do you get all your information? Each post is backed with 18,000 supporting images often showing a designer’s process from start to finish. Did I mention that she almost always debuts something I’ve never ever seen? It’s kinda unreal.
When I’m in the mood to literally salivate all over my keyboard, I cruise on over to fellow Craft Mafia member Jesse’s blog, Bread Baby. Jesse seamlessly weaves hilarious stories from her past with present day adventures in the kitchen. Bonus: each post is anchored with a new recipe. Jesse is vegetarian and I assume she doesn’t mind if I modify each of her suggested dishes with a healthy topping of bacon.
Do you see this screen shot? You probably think it is just another gift guide. Wrong. This is Tula’s list of possible gifts to give Amy Sedaris should she ever have the opportunity to meet her in person. So, are you all with me in realizing that Whorange is one of the funniest blogs ever? (PS, Tula, your hair looks great today)
When I want to see good design oddities or just be reminded that I live in Texas and it’s hot and it never really feels like Christmas, I cruise on over to Even Cleveland. As a reward for good readership I got to see how to make macaroni snowflakes.
For drool-inducing themed round-ups, Eye Spy is always a great place to stop. The above is from E.S.’s most inspiring counter-balanced-weighted light round up. How can something so ridiculously specific be so good? I don’t know, but ohmygod it was amazing.
For great art round ups I turn to le zebra bleu. C’mon, where else are you going to find the works of renowned artists recreated entirely of vegetables? These are things we have to see, people.
I’m pretty sure my ovaries did a little kick when they saw the kiddy costumes posted on Please Sir the other day (don’t get excited, ma). Cruise on over there for quick snapshots of art, fashion and interior design.
Exquisite Function is awesome times five. Yep, there are 5 ladies contributing to this clean-lined design gem and every one of them always posts something great. How does that happen?
Woodley Park Zoo chronicles the adventures of a new DC resident living on the Red Line. Her love for the hot pink shoes above and proximity to my old hood keep her near-and-dear to my heart.
Austin’s snarky misprint magazine has an addictive blog, which follows, in no particular order: armored cats and squirrels, motorized unicycles, Norwegian death metal, and drinking pepsi out of cans found on the side of the road. I read this every day, but mostly I wanted to add it to the list because I know that co-founder, Bryan, will crap his pants when he sees that I’ve rotated and drop-shadowed his logo.
And finally, when I need to be reminded that no matter how good I’m feeling about myself there is a 12-year-old girl in Chicago that always has been and always will be cooler than me, I turn to Style Rookie.
Right now I’m subscribed to exactly 80 blogs on my RSS reader. On the rare day when every planet is aligned, I can see all of them, lately, I have seen very few, but to all of you out there that I haven’t had a chance to visit lately, I hope to see you soon and I miss you dearly. Find something cute for me!
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That 12-year-old girl is terrifyingly precocious.
I think I am a chronic lurker,(do you think that qualifies as an official medical diagnosis?) and you have just fed my addiction. So many of these links are new to me and I am so excited to check them out. Now if you just had a prescription for some extra time to go along with them, I would be forever grateful. By the way, the photo that goes along with the Eye Spy link is giving me heart palpitations, really. Thanks again!
OMG, you made my day! Thanks so much for the flattering words about If It’s Hip, It’s Here! Where do I find my information? I’ll never tell
Gratefully yours,
Laura Sweet
If It’s Hip, It’s Here.
Hey Cassie!!! Your blog is one of the many I follow as well, I love it!! I’ll be sure to put you in the next round up
NKP, I’ve just started following yours, love those wall socket deer today!!!
And welcome laura!! I do love your blog and am always in admiration of all your great finds!
Awww thank you so much for the link love! I’m so glad to find out about some other new blogs too – you are amazing!
Gosh, 1000 merci for this nice comment about my blog (Le zère bleu)!!! I’m glad to know you stop by and like it! I looked through your blog for the first time the other day and thought your were HILARIOUS… I really liked that post on the Millionaire’s fair ( Well I think that was the name). I was really laughing out loud (LOLing I should say!).
So I will definitely be back for more!
Thanks again and see you soon!
Aw, shuckies. Karlypants, je t’adore aussi (it’s sexier en Francais).
Thank God I’m unemployed, so I have plenty of time to check out all of these new blog leads.
And I NEED that armored squirrel, Sir Nutsalot. Ew gross, Raina.
Thank you so much Karly – I’m flattered to be in such great company! I think I definitely need an RSS feed.
Oh, and yes – bacon on anything and everything!!
Karly, that is very kind of you to say. My blog is still very small potatoes.
Rembrandt’s anatomy lesson rendered in vegetables is so weird and wonderful.
Thanks for sharing! – I’ve found some definite faves.
AHHH!! Cortnie, I love your blog, too. This is the problem with round ups, I can never fit all the best ones in. This is going to have to be a multi-parter, for sure.
After days of no internet (a result of moving house & tel co’s SUCK big time!) I was SO excited to finally get some access and see me some DC fabulousness and click on in and be struck straight up with my name – in flashing lights even!!! (ok, I might have exaggerated some what! OOh the squeals that followed (you will just have to imagine!!)
So thanks for the lovin ladies!
Welcome back Camilla!!! I’m so excited to see what else you do with your new pad!
And, yep, Jesse, you need an RSS feed, it’s the most addictivly wonderful thing I’ve ever set up for myself
Holy moly. Here I was, trolling through my google reader, when what to my wondering eyes do appear?
I’m all flattered and flustered that you included me on this list. What company! Thank you.
And just so you know, I live in awe of your and Erin’s terrifying internet research abilities and verbal precocity. I wish I could bring you guys a plate of cookies and learn your ways!
Acks! I’m totally not worthy of this list! But I loves youse guys sooooo much, sooper-dooper honoured, thankees!!
darling, my hair would be nothing without design-crisisQ thank you for giving WHORANGE some karly-love. it’s hands down one of the best gifts i’ve received this holiday. a tip of the tiara to you, miss karly. xoxo
by the way, that “Q” in my above comment is supposed to be an exclamation point (!). just saying.
Karly! I too have been snowed under with work of the bill-paying sort and only just now this minute am reading your generous and wonderful post. I’m so thrilled! What an honor. This is the best Christmas gift! You both are fabulous! Thank you, thank you!