the Blah Blah Blahger

Lately, I’ve been drawn to blogs not necessarily because of deep and beautiful writing (although, that is rather important, too), but because I’ve been inspired by personal stories and journeys. And I keep going back for more because those inspiring people push me to step outside my comfort zone and examine the areas in my own life that need revving up!

When I began reading blogs, I was drawn to people who were just like me. I loved reading all about home projects and renovations. I was working on my house diligently and I loved seeing the guts of other people’s projects, too. I was also learning to cook and finding new step-by-step recipes was very helpful. But then my house was finished and I had built a solid degree of confidence in the kitchen.

I found myself stumbling upon bloggers I had never heard of before…not because they weren’t popular (in some cases, they were exceedingly so), but because they were focused on life stages that I was not presently in. In other cases, it was because of the gabillions of blogs on the interwebs, I had only come across a minuscule handful of them. And I’m so glad I broadened my horizons because I have read things that have made me laugh and cry and have flat out blown me away.

Here’s a few blogs that are inspiring me lately!

Emily, The Pilot’s Wife, challenged herself to learn to fly and she just nailed her first solo flight yesterday! She posts videos from inside the plane and even when her landings aren’t perfect, she keeps practicing and going back for more. PERSISTENCE

Arianne (To Think Is To Create) recently moved across the country, and between organizing her new home, raising her children, settling into a new town and way of life for her family, she’s helped launch and runs Simple Design (one of the Simple Living Media sites). Oh ya, and she’s blogging consistently! TENACITY

Megan from Sorta Crunchy, wrote and released a book on parenting. She received advice from all over, read countless books, and still felt the calling of her heart to do things a little differently – so she did, and birthed a manual for Spirit Led Parenting. VISION

Leigh (HopefulLeigh) left a job she knew and excelled at to move states away from her comfort zone because she had a novel her soul was waiting to write. She’s finished the novel and is in the process of finding a publisher. FEARLESSNESS

Which blogs do you find inspiring? What draws you back time after time? Do you prefer niche blogs, humor, lifestyle, or good old fashioned writing???

I brunched in West Hollywood with the Hollywood Housewife and Kelly (Love Well) on Saturday. It would have been very posh had we not talked each other’s ears off like a pack of hyenas.

We shared a pitcher of spiked lemonade…but I may have had more than my share. Don’t tell my mom…

On Sunday afternoon, I called up two friends and told them to get their butts in gear; I had wine to pick up in Temecula and it was a BEAUTIFUL day.

I love that my friends are suckers and susceptible to peer pressure when trips to wineries are involved.

At one point this weekend, I looked around my living room and realized I have a slight problem. I bought a statue of a peacock and it’s kinda creepy.

Are there 12 step programs for One Kings Lane and Joss & Main addictions?

I’ve mentioned drinking a few times in this post so far, but in all fairness, I was stone cold sober when I bought the dang peacock.

And speaking of drinking, the green smoothies are rocking my world – but I’m not gonna lie, they look like a diaper blowout.

An interested side effect of the green drink is how superior I feel to the rest of the world.

I’m convinced my skin is glowing and that I have more energy than everyone else.

I’ve realized that my blog posts on my European adventure (here, here, and here) were interesting only to me.

I’m pretty sure they’re akin to making you sit in my living room and look at slides while serving you cocktail wieners and pigs in a blanket.

But fear not, I’m still happy I posted them and will look at them and reminisce over a glass of wine at some point in the future.

After our stay in the country, we headed into Stockholm for a few days. The weather was still cold and drizzly, but we were able to do and see a lot.Our hotel was nice and in a businessy part of town and the hotel’s bar and grill was called Bjork. I had to laugh when I saw that…and naturally, they played good old fashioned 90s tunes there.

The people in Stockholm are BEAUTIFUL and fit. The city itself is VERY clean and safe. I didn’t see any ruffians, homeless people, or vandalism. It’s wasn’t a cheap place to visit, but honestly, it wasn’t as expensive as I expected, either! Switzerland was pricier, but Stockholm was more metropolitan. With that said, the city was interspersed with amazing history, as well!

Our cousins told us we HAD to visit the Vasa Museum and we were so glad we did. The Vasa is the oldest shipwreck ever to be raised from the ocean floor. It was restored and made into a museum in the early 60s and it was the perfect place to visit on a cold day.

After the Vasa, we walked across the street to the Nordic History Museum. With a headset and a magic wand, we were able to learn all about our Swedish heritage and the history of our people. The building itself was absolutely incredible…completely exquisite architecture! 

I can't wait for my next dinner party after seeing how the old Swedes did it! : )

We met up for a traditional dinner with a friend of our cousin. We had a nice time visiting with Frederick and learning more about Stockholm. After dinner, he took us for a walk through the city and we even rode the metro. Stockholm is a very clean and safe city. We were out until at least 11:30pm and never felt concerned at all!

Mmmmmm...meatballs.

While walking through Old Town (Gamla Stan), my sister was thrilled to find a paper store!

The next day, we ventured out for a tour of the city. Stockholm is made up of 8 islands and we really enjoyed going through the canals. Gamla Stan is in the background of this photo taken from city hall.

After the canal tour, we went to tea, then walked through Gamla Stan in the daylight. We saw the Royal Palace and beautiful old world Swedish buildings. It was just gorgeous!!!

Prince Carl lives here. I waited in the town square to find him...he IS single, after all!!!

I was so sad to leave Sweden the next day. It truly was the trip of a lifetime and it felt like I was there for far too short of a time. I learned the importance of connecting with my roots, how to be a truly gracious hostess, and that pedestrian travel in the city is a great way to get around!

I absolutely cannot wait to go back and I’m forever grateful to have had this opportunity.

If you have the chance to retrace your roots, please please please grasp it for all it’s worth!!!