It is only fair since I am starting my own blog, that I share some sites that I enjoy on a daily or weekly basis. These are a mix of healthy living and family blogs that have content that are informative and entertaining. These are ladies that are passionate about what they do and you can tell this in their writing. Most of them have had other careers and developed the blog as a hobby. Along the way, they realized that their BALANCE could be achieved by dedicating more time to their sites. By doing this, they have been in national magazines; written bestselling books; collaborated on apps and other software; and inspired many readers. In no particular order, here are my favourites with a brief explanation of what content they provide.
Julie Fagan started her blog to document her life for family and friends. Since she started PBF in 2009, she left her career in public relations and marketing and developed her interest in fitness as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor and freelance writer. As she says on her blog: “What was once simply a hobby grew into a love affair with blogging and eventually a career.” I love her blog because of her joy for life, her love of fitness, and her adorable dog Sadie.
Tina Haupert is another example of a hobby turning into a career. As she described in one post: “When I started Carrots ‘N’ Cake, I had no intention of it becoming such a huge part of my life… and then it becoming my job! I started my blog to keep me on track with my healthy eating and exercise …” Eventually, Tina left her career as a Harvard administrator to become a freelance writer and blogger. Tina shows that there are ups and downs in one’s health – but it is still possible to do it with a smile (and a pug cuddle from Murphy!).
Emily Malone is a culinary arts grad and vegetarian chef. She doesn’t blog as often as she used to, but she is kept very busy with her two toddlers. I love reading about her adventures in Seattle and how she is raising two toddlers on healthy vegetarian fare.
Because of Kath Younger, I want to go to Charlottesville, Virginia. Her posts make her town out to be an amazing place with great food and amazing culture. Kath is a dietician, a bakery owner with her husband and a mom to a handsome son.
Angela Liddon has turned her blog into an amazing (and beautifully photographed) booked. Her recipes are vegan and often gluten-free friendly too. Angela is the only Canadian in this list and lives in the Greater Toronto Area, just like me.
Chantelle Ellem lives in Australia; you will be jealous of the beautiful beach shots and the sunshine (especially now as we are in the depths of a deep cold winter). Chantelle is the creator of the Photo a Day Challenge which is something I love to participate in as often as possible.
Confessions of a Pioneer Woman
Ree Drummond is a city girl living on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. If you have The Food Network, you have most likely watched her show at some point in time. Her recipes are drool worthy, her photos are gorgeous and she has a terrific sense of humour.
Kelle Hampton is a former teacher and stay at home mom who lives in Florida. She tortures us with gorgeous beach sunsets and creative parties for her children. This is a real life blog that follows the ups and downs of life while still taking the opportunity to enjoy the small things.
Amie Valpone is a healthy living blogger who has lived with chronic illness. She creates anti-inflammatory recipes for her readers to help them use food to heal their bodies.
Ashley is a New York state writer and working from home mom. She keeps it real with posts on parenting, food, eating healthy on the cheap, and exercise.
Hopefully, you have found some new blogs to enhance your daily reading. I plan to start a feature called Blog Love Fridays. At the end of each week, I will provide you with postings and articles from around the internet that I felt were informative and enjoyable.
I am always looking for something new to read. Please share in the comments section your favourite blogs!
Sprouting Balance 