Which is your favourite blog … at the moment?
I say at the moment because if you are anything like me it can change. It can be dependant on your mood, or the writers mood, on the time of year, on what the writer has been writing or publishing recently about their lives or occupation etc etc
I ask not because I want anyone to say yours, yours, yours ... indeed I do not want you to say that unless it perhaps, by any stretch of the imagination it really, really, really, most definitely is.
But because after looking through my sidebar yesterday and deleting some very old, and now dormant blogs, deleting some which no longer held that much of an interest to me, and deleting a couple that I don't remember why they had ended up on there in the first place. I realised that it's been a long time since I have found a blog that I have wanted to read from start to current day.
You know the way you find a new-to-you blog on someone else's sidebar, you read a post and scroll back going Older Post, Older Post, Older Post, until you realise that it would be so much better to go right back to the begining and read it like a book in totally chronological order. You sink into their words, photographs and images ... and totally lose a couple of hours out of your life by accidentally falling into theirs.
It's not happened to me for ages.
I tried to read my old blog Our New Life in the Country from the beginning, but I found myself wanting to edit it ... and you should never edit a life, even if it is your own ... so I stopped before the urge got too strong.
Now I want to find some new blogs to read.
So will you help me?
All you have to do is to name the favourite blog on your sidebar, or in your 'Blogs I Follow' list or simply from your head, the blog you turn to as soon as you switch on your computer, knowing they will have published something that will resonate, or entertain or just make you relax, hands luxuriously tighter round your mug of coffee, back pressed deeper into your chair. Just the name of it if you can't manage a link, and perhaps a line or two about why you like it so much
Just promise me folks that if your bestest blogging buddy in the world doesn't pick your blog you won't be offended. We're all in this wonderful blogging world together, the writers, the readers, the Followers and the lurkers ... let's stay friends and simply spread the blogging love.
♥♥♥
To start this off ... and put myself on the line ... I will say that my current favourite blog is Gillian's Tales from a Happy House with it's beautiful, picture heavy tales from her life and her home. It's like sitting down with a good magazine and losing yourself in images … with just enough words to tell a story.
♥♥♥
I'll call by and visit and Follow all the blogs that are either yours (the commenters) or the ones recommended by you.
I'll call by and visit and Follow all the blogs that are either yours (the commenters) or the ones recommended by you.
Sue xx
I love Sue's 'Quiet Life in Suffolk' blog.
ReplyDeletexx
Yes, I've Followed Sue for years now. ♥️
DeleteFirst one I read every day :)
Delete.oh, that is so difficult because I follow different types of blogs. There are living in the country blogs, downsizing blogs, baking and cooking blogs, quilting and craft blogs.... I could go on and on.
ReplyDeleteI for one am glad people do not expunge old blogs for a while as I had a long hiatus from blogging due to personal circumstances. I restarted blogging only a few weeks ago and managed to reconnect with some of my followers which was wonderful.
I agree with you about Gillian’s blog. Fresh, bright and modern
Yes, thankfully there is still a wonderfully active world of varied blogging and bloggers, and we have not all been lost to Instagram. Your sourdough bread looks wonderful :-)
DeleteGillian's is my favourite too along with Going Gently, though they couldn't be more different :)
ReplyDeleteHaha … you really couldn't get MORE different than John's and Gillian's could you, but both brilliant in their own way. Luckily mine and John's dogs get on brilliantly well, although Winnie, now she's older, found it a tad stressful with all the activity last time we were there.
DeleteOh, one of my favourites too! and yours Sue thank you. I'm very fond of Sadie too because she is a quietly deep thinker with beautiful illustrations and scenes from daily life (like Gillian) and Artemis.
ReplyDeleteWhich blog does Sadie write?
DeleteYes, I love Artemis' blog, and I SO want her beautiful little car!!
I also love Sue in Suffolk's blog, I'm in awe of the way she picked herself up and got on with things (and continues to do so) once her beloved husband died. She never complains - well, not in public (unlike me, I seem to do nothing but moan lately). Going Gently is like reading a chapter of a mostly funny but sometimes very poignant book every day. I love your blog too Sue, it's very forthright and honest and I'm quietly envious of your lovely van lifestyle, something I'd like myself. I like Joy's blogs, she's such an innovative cook. I love all the blogs I follow, I think we all pretty much follow the same ones! One thing I don't like on a blog and which does put me off, is heaps of adverts - especially if they make the page jump about before it settles, and if you have to scroll down through loads of unwanted ads before you get to the blog itself. I do, however, respect the fact that every blogger is entitled to have ads if they make them a bit of money and that's what they choose to do.
ReplyDeleteYes, Sue is one inspirational lady, I love reading about her life, and have nothing but admiration for the way she has carried herself forward after so great a loss. And no, she doesn't moan and whinge half as much as me either!!
DeleteIf John doesn't write a book one day I will have to go and chain him to a desk. I can literally see his blog posts as mini chapters of a book with comic illustrations to accompany each tale.
Joy is a wonderfully prolific blogger, and I've read along for quite a while now on both her blogs. Although she is confusing me with her heAs and heBs. I keep meaning to ask, but usually forget, I obviously missed the post that would have clarified things :-)
I know what you mean about adverts, they are a necessary evil for a lot of bloggers these days. I find some of the most annoying ones are on another of my favourite blogs, Janice's 'The Vivienne Files'. My screen just turns into a jumpy advert filled thing and I do have to be in a patient frame of mind to read for long. But saying that I do love her fashion sense, so I persevere.
As for mine, I enjoy the Van Life part the best too, and hopefully in a couple of weeks that will be THE main area of blogging. I feel I am currently drifting into 'Our New Life ...' territory … and I don't like it!!
heA is healthy extra A and is one of the expected must have's on SW that you are expected to actually weigh out. A is calcium foods (milk, cheese, non-dairy equivalent, etc) and B is fibre rich foods (wholemeal breads, nuts, etc)
DeleteTHanks for mentioning it. I'll do an explanation on the blog.
xx
Aha … thanks for that :-)
DeleteI don't blog myself but enjoy reading a wide variety of blogs - some I have nothing in common with (eg. crafting) and others I do (eg. normal day to day things, pets, etc). I don't have favourites as such - it depends on the content really. I can name 2 that I miss - Just a Little Less and of course Frugal Queen (although I think FQ does a little blogging on Facebook now but I don't do Facebook).
ReplyDeleteYes, it really is nice to read about all sorts of things on blogs isn't it.
DeleteIt's a shame that Claire hasn't blogged for over a year, her blog Just a Little Less WAS rather special wasn't it and covered so many topics … as well as being full of wonderful photographs. Her link is on my sidebar still in the hope she might one day resurrect her blog.
Yes, I'm friends with Jane on Facebook, her life has taken a wonderful turn and she now has a new little pup as well as a lovely new home. She still helps people with frugal advice and tips but as you say just via Facebook for the moment. Although there are a couple of us that keep dropping hints she should resume blogging.
I miss Jane's blog too, she helped me to get out of debt many years ago. I liked her no nonsense, don't feel sorry for yourself approach. Unfortunately, I don't do Facebook either but would love her to do another blog. Sue, if you are in touch with her, please say Hello to her from me.
DeleteThis is a difficult one. There are so many great blogs and I love them all for so many reasons. Great recipe ideas, straightforward opinions (whether or not they differ from my own), crafting, pretty pictures and generally I love to have a nose into the lives of others :)
ReplyDeleteMore often then not Going Gently has me reaching for the tissues or laughing out loud. X
John's post today is simply a perfect example of this, as I can literally picture the stretch of road he was on I could imagine the scene so well :-)
DeleteHaving a good nosy into the lives of others is brilliant isn't it, it's like walking down a road in Winter when it's just gone dark and people have their lights on but have not yet closed their curtains … only with blogging you have permission for a nice long look.
There are just a handful of blogs that I follow daily. Beehaven Acres with Bev is such a lovely inspiring blog about her day to day life on her farm with her animals. She really has a lovely outlook on life and always lifts the spirits. Going Gently is another marvellous blog to follow. I never know though if I will be laughing or crying (spur John on to write a book - it would be great). My Shetland with Frances in Shetland is a wonderful blog to follow and I so enjoy reading about her life with her Icelandic Horses and Shetland ponies, sheep, dog and cat. Her photography is absolutely marvellous and she gives us a glimpse of Shetland with some breathtaking views. My Miniature Donkeys is another blog I follow with Janet on her patch of rural Michigan. I am a member of the 'Down The Lane Forum' and I love checking in daily, there are so many topics. For me the 'Chicken' section is favourite as there are so many lovely people who are willing to share their experiences and give advice. AND I just LOVE your blog Sue. It's been an inspiration and a joy to follow your adventures. I look forward to reading all these blogs as I find they really do lift the spirits.
ReplyDeleteI called by to have a peek at all the blogs you mentioned, and yes, although they are lovely to look at they are all sort of farm orientated, something I have moved so far away from in my head and heart I no longer really want read about. But I'm sure lots of my readers will love them, the images are wonderful, so thanks for mentioning them.
DeleteAs Jules mentioned above, there are so many blogs out there we are spoilt for choice. Like you every chance I get I 'check out' blogs on other's blog rolls looking to find new and different ones. Often the same ones crop up but just ocassionally there'll be one new to look over.
ReplyDeleteMy must reads vary from time to time, I'll become engrossed with some if they are about a project I'm working on, suggest 'money troubles' solutions, Provide me with lots of knitting ideas, or challenge ideas but I often find I enjoy the writings of those who are struggling to make the best of things. Frugal Trenches is one, whilst not actually struggling Rhonda at Down to Earth has been encouraging simple living for many years and Dar at An Exacting Life has been counting recording analysing anything and everything for quite a while now.
Thanks for this post Sue, I'm hoping your other readers will provide us with some new 'entertainment'.
Thanks for your recommendations. Isn't it good to see so many different blogging styles and layouts. Frugal Trenches is a totally different layout to any I have seen before. I need to have a read back through some of her posts, they look really interesting.
DeleteYes Rhonda's posts have been of interest to me for years, especially when I was living back in Oxfordshire and just starting out, she was truly inspirational. I have both of her books and dip into her blog on a fairly regular basis.
Dar's posts on An Exacting Life look interesting and very worthy of further delving into :-)
I know what you mean about reading 'challenging' blogs and posts, it is inspirational to watch someone work through something isn't it, especially if it can be done with a smidge of humour. I think that's why my other blog is so popular, Challenges about surviving on a very limited income especially so. Someone has asked me to do a £3.50 week next ... 50p a day!!
Going Gently and Bless Our Hearts (http://www.blessourhearts.net/?m=1)
ReplyDeleteIt seems all my readers know and love John's blog ... which is so nice :-)
DeleteSo many different blogs on so many different subjects.
ReplyDeleteRest assured you are one of my favourites - don't always agree with you but find your blog(s) always of interest and I have followed your "Challenges" with great interest over the years.
I also enjoy "Sue in Suffolk" - love her interesting folklore bits and what she is reading.
Someone mentioned "Frugal Trenches" and I have been a great admirer of her since she was in England - and now that she is back in Toronto. She certainly hasn't had an easy time of it these past few years but she never moans - just gets on with things. Whenever I get tired of hearing folks moan about their lives I refer them to her blog for a reality check!
For Frugal blogs I also love Brandy at the "The Prudent Homemaker". She only posts once a week normally but women from all around the world comment and chat to each other and it has become a real community. Sometimes someone needs encouragement and sometimes someone will alert others to great deals in their area - I just really enjoy it and the fact that people are always respectful and gentle - I enjoy a good sparring match of ideas at times but things can get very nasty online and I've gotten very tired of all that!
Oh don't worry, I never expect everyone to agree with me all the time, after all I'm up and down like a yo-yo on elastic and all over the place like a wind-up toy that has escaped it's tracks.
DeleteYep, I love Sue's posts too, she seems like a lovely lady, but then us Sues are ;-)
Frugal Trenches needs some dipping into I think, so I've added her to my sidebar. I like people that just get on a do things rather than simply talking about them.
The Prudent Homemaker has some wonderful photos, they are HUGE too, and I have a big computer screen up here in the office. I need to have a read of this blog, thank you.
I know what you mean about on-line nastiness, it's driven a few lovely bloggers away. Keyboard warriors can be so spiteful.
Heads down it's Sean of the South!!
ReplyDeleteOops, I meant HANDS down, I should know better than to try to type before the coffee kicks in.
ReplyDeleteI see that many of you follow Going Gently, as do I. Sean's blog is similar to John's except that his "South" is written from the viewpoint of a straight, red-neck, southern American. They both have the gift of being able to bring readers to tears and/or belly laughs, often times in the same blog. I agree that John should definitely expand his writing talent into a book.
DeleteThanks Betty Mc … he's absolutely brilliant. And now resides on my sidebar :-)
DeleteI want to give a shout out to "The Weaver of Grass". I just love the glimpses of Pat's life in the Yorkshire Dales, so different to my life in the USA and yet we share many of the same thoughts and ideas. I am inspired by her determination to keep living a full life as she ages. It is also where I first found your blog and many other great blogs - in her favorites!
ReplyDeleteYes, Pat's blog is lovely. I was so sad when she lost her gorgeous little dog.
DeleteHi sue,
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I enjoy, in this order, Bless our hearts, Going gently, Magnons meanderings and Yorkshire pudding.
I also enjoy your own as well as she in Suffolk and Rachel Phillips.
I love your tales from the caravan and reading about your challenges.
Thank you.
You've listed some good blogs there :-)
DeleteI love this kind of a blog post!!!!! One that prompts, and allows, bloggers... To state a Favorite of theirs! And a pet peeve of theirs at times too. -smile- We are *brain washed* to not say _our_ favorite choices, for *fear* it may offend someone else. Hogwash!!!! Everyone loves to say what they (secretly) like or dislike!
ReplyDeleteI do not keep blogs, which have "petered-out".. And am amazed to see some Blog Rolls, with some who have not posted in months, even years!!!! Mercy! Why keep them? But that's their business.
As to your question....I am not finding g-r-e-a-t blogs, at present. Same as I am not finding g-r-e-a-t books. -sigh- So many, concentrate on a craft, or on a certain life style, or just daily life, etc. These are fine, for those whose blogs, are devoted to the same things.
But I like a sprinkling of thoughts, and musings, and 'wonderings', along with daily life. And I find these, to be few and far between. Or if they do this, they seldom post. -sigh-
Thank you for all the possible suggestions, in this post and thread!!!!
🌱 😊 🌱
Asking this question is a brilliant way of finding new blogs to read via my readers, some of whom are on my wavelength and some so completely different to me it's wonderful.
DeleteI've added 4 new blogs to my Bloglovin account so that's me sorted out for a good read later tonight, thanks for the suggestions
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to find a new blog to read isn't it :-)
DeleteOh my, this is like asking a person to name a favorite child! I love so many and most of them have already been mentioned here: Sue's Quiet Life in Suffolk blog, Going Gently, Rachel's blog, Weaver, Joanne's Cup on the Bus - see I can't do it because there are so many great blogs! After several years of following blogs I finally got brave and started one of my own on January 1st this year - It Seems Like Only Yesterday. I am still learning but I sure love the friendship blogging brings!
ReplyDeleteThe blogging community is a wonderful thing to be a part of isn't it, either as a write or a reader and even more so as both.
DeleteOh and if I'm ever asked to name my favourite son ... I have two ... I always say 'I don't like either of them!!' THAT shuts them or other people up ;-)
I do really :-)
Still a favourite, although no new posts since 2015 is Anglesey Allsorts. A laid back quiet read with gorgeous photos of the garden. An old fashioned lifestyle which very much appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteShe's on Facebook as GRAIG Trading. Her house on Anglesey is lovely isn't it.
DeleteSo many blogs, so little time-to read them all. When I find a blog that looks interesting I like to read it from the beginning so they go under my 'unread blogs' tab which, at the moment is a mile long. The ones that drive me crazy are the ones that don't have a list of their archives so you keep having to hit the 'Older Posts' for ever. Sometimes I just give up on them because it is taking for ever to find the beginning. There are a lot of blogs that I miss because they have stopped posting, such as Pam at A New Life in Wales and Sue at a Quince Tree. I do enjoy reading your blog Sue and yes I have read it from the beginning. I also enjoy reading many of the ones mentioned above and would add Chris at Diet Coke Rocks, Ali at 40K in 4 years, Kev at An English Homestead, Racheal at Eternaly 28, Sooze at Her in Him Out, Suzanne at Life at Number 38 and so, so many more. I could go on and on. And of course everyone loves John at Going Gently!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems John has a lot of fans, but then he's a great guy in blogland AND in the real world so he deserves some adoration :-)
DeleteI reckon it's a bit like grandchildren.......best not to have favourites!
ReplyDeleteHaha … my sons have on occasion asked me which of them I prefer, I always look purposefully shocked and say 'I don't like either of you!!' now THAT shuts them up. I do have a favourite granddaughter and a favourite great-grandson … but as there's only one of each that's easy. The others simply can't be offended ;-)
DeleteTwo blogs I enjoy, as well as others already mentioned, are firstly Morning's Minion, an American blog. And Bovey Belle's blog, Codlins and Cream 2, about her life in Wales. Both can write really well, and take superb photos too.
ReplyDeleteI also follow Winwick Mum's blog. She specialises in sock knitting and the designing of sock patterns. But she also writes her thoughts and reflections, which are well worth a read.
At the moment my favourite is at the top of your list, but have just found one called Indigo girl which looks promising as I have always loved Indigo and did a workshop in Bali last August.
ReplyDeleteSorry, just checked the name is "Shibori girl " not indigo.😕
DeleteVintage Vixen
ReplyDeleteAttic 21
Cold Antler farm
Are all brilliant !
Finding new blogs can be really hard, asking for recommendations is a great way to find new ones!
ReplyDeleteYour blog of course, Going Gently, My quiet life in Suffolk, Life after Money are my regulars, but I occasionally read others linked to these blogs such as Tracing Rainbows, Weaver of Grass and Rhonda's. I connect with blogs which are frugal, usually rural, pets, beautiful scenery, crafting, cooking and gentle reads. I love Jill's photos in Land of the Big Sky blog as I adore the sea and she lives not too far from me. I can almost feel the sea and the wind when I look at her pictures.
ReplyDeleteI too read and enjoy all those you have listed - and yes, I've usually found one by reading another - also forgot "The Vivienne Files" for fashion!!!
DeleteYou already have most of my favourites. I do like reading Mr Money Mustache to remind myself that I'm not crazy for pinching pennies :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, my all time favourite is the lovely Ilona(Life after Money) the first blog I ever found.
ReplyDeleteFollowed by all of your blogs.
Another I really miss is Anglesey Allsorts.
Anglesey Allsorts (I've forgotten her name, is it Victoria?) is still on Instagram, as is Michelle from Remembering the Old Ways ... another of my of favourites.
DeleteHi Sue, yes Vicky/Victoria, I met her a few years back.
DeleteI also enjoy most of the ones already mentioned. The two I miss the most are The Quince Tree and Not Just Green Fingers
ReplyDeleteYes, The Quince Tree is a very lovely but sadly dormant blog. Sue is still on my sidebar for dipping into as I love her photos and words. And I'm beginning to think that at least 20% of all bloggers are called Sue ;-)
DeleteI enjoy reading some of the blogs already mentioned. I also used to read Anglesea Allsorts. Wish she was still around.
ReplyDeleteI have many Favorites depending upon my mood and topics of Posts... there are so many wonderful Blogs about almost anything you'd want to follow regularly. One of my abiding favorites since the Photography is sublime and the Writing always uplifts is A FANCIFUL TWIST by Vanessa Valencia. I do Hope you find some suggested Blogs you connect to, I too am always looking for new ones to read/follow, so many great Bloggers have quit Blogging in recent Years, I Miss them terribly!
ReplyDeleteI like to check in with many of the bloggers listed here, as well as Sister's Choice Quilts and Rusty Duck, respectively an amazing quilter and master gardener/horticulturalist. I am neither of those things, but those women share both their mastery and their funny stories, as well. Bonnie in Minneapolis
ReplyDeleteI;m not sure I have a favorite.....some days it's one, and then the next day it's another........I was just thinking this morning that my own blog, which I have been writing since 2007, has become a place to reread things about my family, and my life, that I otherwise might have forgotten. I just today reposted a story about my father, which has become a family favorite. Maybe my grands will read it someday, and laugh. I think the joy of my blog, and probably all other blogs, is that we get to talk out loud, and record moments of our lives, important or not, but just the joys and trials of daily life, something that we all share.
ReplyDeleteCurrent favourites;
ReplyDeleteOne Family One Income. She writes from Montana about her family, her job and her day in an honest and straightforward way that is very readable.
A Weaver of Grass for much the same reason. I always want to know how she is each day as if she was my real life neighbour.
The queen of blogging for me is Ronni Bennett and her blog Time Goes By, written for years from Oregon. She was the first blog I found when I retired and from her came the two or three wonderful blogs I’ve followed ever since.
What a great post and great comments!
I don't have a blog. My favourites Are
ReplyDelete1) out my window
2)going gently
3)your own
4) weaver of grass
5)hard up Hester
It's Sylvia
DeleteLet me say: I enjoy yours. Others I really like:
ReplyDeleteDiary of a Retired Teacher
Weaver of Grass
Cottage at the End of the Lane
Nana Diana Takes A Break
Ramblings of a Retired Lady
Mockingbird Hill COttage
Her In Him Out 2
There are others in U. S. I enjoy but they often write politics and/or put pictures of politicians...
The blogs I like are:-
ReplyDeleteOviously yours,
Sue from Cottage at the End of the Lane,
John at Going Gently, makes me laugh and cry, sometimes to-gether.
Vintage Vixen,
Where the Journey takes me,
The Vivienne Files,
Tales from a Happy House,
A bracelet of Days,
Midlife Chic,
Angela at Chasing Rainbows,
Katies Recycle,
Devon Dreaming,
Noth Yorkshire Craft Guru.
There are a couple of other craft ones I like, I like all of the above for different reason, some make me laugh, some make me think, I get ideas for crafts/card maiking, cooking, saving etc.
The one I miss most is Jane's Frugal Queen, I learned a lot from her, when she used to be on Radio Cornwall I think it was, used to send questions in. Helen S.
Frugal Queen is back! Her website is www.frugalqueeninfrance.com She is also on facebook and has a youtube channel.
DeleteLate to the party (as usual).
ReplyDeleteI find new blogs from the comments their authors leave. Sometimes you read a comment on a blog you’re already part of and it resonates, you think “I would like the person who wrote that”, so click their name, off to the Blogger profile and hopefully find their blog. Unless they are one of the many who keep their profiles private, which is such a shame.
That's exactly how I've found some of my favourites in the past :-)
DeleteIf you like Tales from a Happy House you might also enjoy Three Stories High and A Colourful Life. I loved Cosy Things, but she stopped blogging last year. I still visit to re-read posts from time to time!
ReplyDelete