And so this begins, as all good things do, with a qualifying statement.
It is nearly impossible for me to narrow down five of my favorite blogs. That’s like narrowing down five of my favorite desserts. Chances are, if I visit you and comment often, then you know how I feel. Time is precious and I often sneak in my blog reading/commenting when the two kids are otherwise being napped and/or schooled. And when there are no photos to finish.
That said, I do like to link up with Old School Blogging, and this month’s theme, by Alison and Elaine, is Five Favorite Blogs.
And so…
Five (out of like..50) Super-Amazing Blogs I read:
Aside from the fact that Kristi is practically my best friend, although I can’t remember how we “met”, her humorous and touching adventures have me reading every single word. Twice. No skimming here! Not that I’d do that with anyone at all… Kristi always has her own twist on the link-ups she participates in. They’ll make you laugh until you cry, and cry until you laugh.
I think I first found Jessica on twitter ages ago, but I didn’t become a regular reader until recently. Sometimes I comment on her blog. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes she comments on my blog. Sometimes she doesn’t. And while I usually require more of a commitment than this to come back, I would never stay away here. Her words are like magic. She weaves together thoughts, analogies and feelings what seems like effortlessly, but certainly cannot be so. She has suffered certain pains that I haven’t experienced, and she highlights certain joys that I have. I always make time for her blog. (among all of my 50 or so!)
3) All Work And No Play Makes Mommy Go Something Something.
That title really grabs you, huh? Her writing. I can’t even fathom how she strings her thoughts together. They are sad, hopeful, beautiful, scary and everything you can imagine, packed both neatly and not into perfect dialogues and paragraphs.
4) Day With KT.
Kim is another one I’d love to hang out with. I can’t understand why we don’t have cheaper, faster and easier ways to air travel to each other. Maybe some sort of Star Trek-like beaming device. Kim is a runner and she often writes about running. She started her blog when she was 43 and every day she introduced a new exercise and did 43 reps of that exercise. Recently, she switched to 44. She mostly uses videos to show her exercises. And if running or 44 exercises aren’t your things, she also talks very candidly about her family, struggles, joys, career, marriage, etc. She’s a keeper!
Stevie. A blog about finding joy. She’s a lover of words, and it shows, and I’m a lover of her words. I usually savor each one, sometimes pounding my desk with my fist and yelling, “Yes!” I try to do that when Des is napping, so as not to startle him.
**
And now, to continue my own countdown since I introduced five of something, I bring you:
Four Things I’m anxious about this week:
1) Tomorrow I’m going to the dentist for the first time in…an embarrassing amount of time. I used to be great about it, but I’ve since fallen off the wagon. I’ve already self-diagnosed myself with: melting gums (not sure what that means but it sounded ominous), 171 cavities, lip cancer, crooked teeth, and an extra wisdom tooth for good measure. (even though I got all four removed when I was 19 and this is probably impossible)
2) I am having house guests. Lots of house guests. Soon. And I want things to be great!
3) I have a photo shoot this weekend with a large family. I’ve never met them! I also still have to figure out the location. Oops!
4) I am a dreadful housekeeper. It’s so bad. I had to have a lesson on scrubbing the shower yesterday, because after 33 years, I still haven’t figured it out. I fold towels like a 12-year-old drunk on her parent’s wine. I was actually bummed about this yesterday, laughable as it may be. Is there hope for me?
**
Three Recent Photos:
(By recent, I mean recently uploaded. They were taken over the summer)
(She’s got a gun! He’s gleeful!)
(Somebody feed this baby!)
(I was so excited about this Alice in Wonderland Meets Doctor Who shirt that I modeled it over a white dress)
**
Two Great Kid Quotes From Yesterday:
Scarlet: “It sure did come from my butt, but it wasn’t a poop. It was a castle.”
Scarlet (again): “Let’s make a deal. Let’s both love winter this year.” Then we sealed it with a high five.
**
One Great Piece of News About Our Book:
It’s now at Barnes & Noble too!!
“Take me to the earth
Leave me on the ground
When I get there I’ll be home
10 – 9 – 8 – 7- 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1
Blast off! Another rocketship run!” — The Laurie Berkner Band.
You're going to kill it tomorrow at the dentist, I just know it. When they're working on you, flail your legs around wildly, so that any children passing by will get the best possible impression of dental care!
I know your 3-5 selections in your fabulous five, and they are all genuine gems. Well done, T!
I did what you said to do, but I was in a private room and no one passed by. And the dentist did not appreciate my wild flailing!
Ah, I kid. I killed it. KILLED it. At the dentist.
Oh, lord, I'm going to remember Scarlet's castle comment all day! I am horrible at keeping house but it's only because I'm too busy with other things to deal with it. I don't know three of your blogs so I'm going to check them out!
Oh no! I hope it didn't ruin your day. She kept it pretty mild.
I'm glad there are other terrible housekeepers out there. Unite!
SO- I didn't go to the dentist until 26 I'm glad I was the only one, you will do awesome! Good blog choices!!!
Awesome about #MOAM being at B&N! Scarlet is SO cool & Des too!!!
LOVE that it is a photo of YOU! WooHoo!! 🙂
I can't believe it! How did it go? 26!!! I took Scarlet at four and felt like that was late. Not anymore. To be fair, I didn't have very good dentists until I was an adult and chose my own. I had a great one in Edison, NJ and a great one here (who since left) and now a new great one.
See, I grew up very poor, we had everything we needed, but, my daddy was a preacher & my momma was (& still is) a preschool teacher… so like we were right above poverty, very rich with love but things like the dentist- eh… my teeth were awesome, my brother & sister had BIG dental issues & I have perfectly straight teeth so the parents didnt worry about me, you know, I'm the middle child so my siblings say I get whatever I want, but, here again, I waited until adulthood & said oh I probably should to the dentist… LOL. Not all who wander are lost, right, Tamara??? 🙂 there's another short book for you… xoxo
Well hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. And a LOT of it is about genetics. I have great teeth but not great gums. (thanks, Mom – it’s totally her side of the family)
You’re very lucky. I had it all – braces, retainers, bad dentists, etc. You rock for going! What’s the story with your siblings? Did they have to do a lot of catch up as adults?
Both my older sister (10yrs older) & younger brother (2yrs younger) had some serious misalignment & thank goodness for braces & retainers. My brother is 28 & still has to wear a retainer and has suffered some severe tooth issues from where the adult teeth grew in wrong… my sister hasn't had to wear a retainer since like her 1st year of college & she will be 40 in like (2) weeks… so… there's our dental history 🙂 the only issue I've ever had is my mouth is so sensitive & we lived in the sticks when I was a teen b/c of my father's ministry so well water ruined my teeth is what my dentist said so I have no enamel on them, I have to use the $85,000toothpaste Sensodyne ProNamel but I can tell a difference when I accidently run out (like three days ago) & have to use regular toothpaste because I'm too cheap to spend the money yet…LOL, buying it soon, I can feel the difference on my teeth- I swear by it… NOW T- there's your book…lol!
I laughed about the $85,000 toothpaste. I guess it’s worth it, right?
T, you know I cannot resist the urge to stretch the truth & be a teensy dramatic… LOL. so in NC it's around $5.25ish… I have no clue what it is up yonder though… 🙂 XO.
I love that comment that Scarlet made yesterday and I too need to go to the dentist. Seriously embarrassed how long it has been and don't want to hear the lecture from the dentist, as well as afraid of all that could be wrong with my teeth and mouth now. It started with the excuses when I first got pregnant with Emma and has only gotten worse since. So, definitely need to make an appointment like yesterday!
Don't worry! It won't be as bad as you think. That's what everyone told me and they were right. Although the x-rays are always dreadful.
I totally suck at cleaning house and pretty much all things domestic. It's a good thing my husband can cook, or we'd all starve. One of my biggest fantasies in life is to hire a cleaning service. Yes, big fantasy. Sad, I know! Can't wait to check out some of your favorite blogs. I follow Kim at Day with KT. She's awesome!
I grew up with a cleaning woman – it obviously ruined me. I dream of the same. And my husband is a great cook and I have never made meat in my life. Too afraid. I make scrambled eggs, pancakes, pasta, and I’m excellent at reheating things other people have made. If it were up to me, I’d just eat cold, fresh, whole foods all the time. Hummus, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, veggies. Why not, right?
I do bake well.
Love the blogs you featured! They are all some of our favorites, too! :)-Ashley
Not surprising! You two are great visitors.
Choosing only 5 would be nearly impossible! I'm a crappy housekeeper, too, which is ironic because I can't stand for my house to be messy! Good luck at the dentist!
It was so hard! Like I said, I could have written ten posts highlighting five. That would add up to my nifty fifty!
I really want a cleaning lady but it is so not in our budget.
The dentist went ok – thanks!
You can't be *that* bad at housekeeping! You obviously know where your vacuum cleaner is (or you did this summer, at least!) I'm not sure where mine is or the last time I used it!
True! I mostly know where the vacuum is, but not always. And sometimes I pretend I don't know where it is so that my husband will get it for me. That thing is way too heavy for stairs!
These are great blogs…and the photo of Des…such a cutie! And you are looking great girl!
Thanks! Even though I was wearing a t-shirt over a summer dress..
..for picture's sake only.
I have read finding Ninee and I loved Kristi. One of the ironies of blogging for me is that I can find a site I love and not make it back there, which is what happened with her. And Kim. She's just the best. Total inspiration every time. And the dentist – I can relate but it's never as bad as I think it's going to be!
I hear you. I rediscover them sometimes. It just goes to show you that I can’t do it all..even though I darn near try. I wanted this to be a post about 50 blogs, but I couldn’t find the time!
I have tried and tried to participate in OSB this month, but I’m just not as strong as you, and my list kept growing and growing well beyond the limit of five favorites. You made awesome picks for yours.
Love love love that tshirt. And that is an awesome picture of you!
It was so hard, Tracie! I could just as easily make ten posts of it because I honestly read at least 50 blogs. Luckily not all 50 post every day. I couldn't handle it.
And thanks! I was happy to get in the photo.
Oh Tracie, list as many as you want! We'd love to have you join us! 🙂
From the queen of TERRIBLE housekeeping to you, self proclaimed terrible housekeeper, KUDOS! And while I’m totally OCD about my towels, be proud that a clean towel shoved into the place you deem proper is what you do. It means you are not sweating the unimportant stuff in lieu of what is important. You seem to have a great grasp on those things.
Ditto showers.
Signed,
My house smells like stinky dog for three days now.
Wow, I never realized it wasn't a character flaw. It's my super strength!! I don't sweat the unimportant, for the most part.. However, the guest shower was pretty unpleasant..and I hadn't noticed it. I guess I outright ignore the unimportant stuff.
Oops.
Tamara, thank you so much – you have made not just my day but my entire week!!!
One day we will make the travel thing work out and meet up – I can’t wait!!!
The castle comment is making me laugh (and sort-of cringe!).
The dentist won’t be as bad as you are expecting – those type of things never are!!!
And – I’m so happy that the book is now at Barnes & Noble since I still haven’t ordered through Amazon – I can get it on my Nook!!!
I’m so glad I made your day/week! You so rock! I don’t miss a post.
Sorry about the cringing with the castle comment.
And you were right – my self-diagnosis before the dentist was totally false. Who knew?!
I need to go and check out some different blogs, I know I have been to those before, but apparently I need to go back! Thanks for sharing…and I love little Scarlet’s quotes. You need to keep all of them for a future “Scarlet” book.
Do you think when she’s 18 she’ll love her poop castle comment? I totally would if I were her.
Enjoy those blogs! Like I said, I read 50. Yours is one of them!
Cracking up at the "castle" comment. I get it. Totally. You can depend on kids to keep it real.
I hear you re: the bathroom cleaning. Le sigh.
And I admire you for being able to narrow it down to five blogs. Not sure I could.
I didn't realize there was an OSB challenge going on. Thanks for the heads up!
Anytime!
Alison, it was hard. I really wanted to showcase all 50 blogs I read. Yours would totally be there under "Inspiring Blogs That Make Me Smile."
I adore you. Adore adore adore. Huge. Thanks so much for the amazing shout-out and kind words. I got a little teary ’cause that’s how I roll.
Ugh to the dentist. I did the same thing. As in I didn’t go for a too-long time. I hope it goes really well for you (is it just me or does everybody worry about having a heart attack in the dentist’s chair? probably, hopefully, just me. you are brave. deep breaths.).
HAHA to the shower! Who showed you how to scrub? Is it weird that I am cracking up picturing you having a “how to scrub the shower” lesson?
And perfectly folded towels are totally overrated, by the way. Totally. So many better things to do in life. Like figure out how to make a castle using your butt. And feeding that squishy little Des face.
I have never thought about having a heart attack at the dentist, but I’m happy I’m reading this now and that I didn’t read it hours ago. I’m afraid of Steve Martin from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Oh, I kid.
In all seriousness, I’m afraid of aging and losing things forever and that I’m not 15 anymore. I feel that way at all doctors. It’s so much easier for me to nervous-blab it out at any doctor but the dentist because usually they frown about it when they need me to stop talking.
My husband. Taught me how to scrub the shower with a sponge, and not just..paper towels. I’m surprised he still stays with me.
And.. you deserve the blog love.
{Melinda} Can’t wait to check out these blogs … I don’t think I’ve visited them. Love finding great new (to me) awesome bloggers.
I take comfort in the fact that someone as talented and awesome as you struggle with housecleaning, just like me! Us creative types just have better things to do, right?! 🙂
Beautiful photos, as always ….
haha, I’m glad I could give you comfort. My talents…they don’t spread very far past what I love to do. I can bake something fierce, but I can’t cook or clean. At all.
Oy, I’m the worst housekeeper also. Sam is actually much better at scrubbing the shower than I (and being pregnant is the perfect excuse for having him do it!)
I’m sure things will indeed be great with your house guests! Just don’t sweat the small things 😉
I just never knew you needed gloves and a sponge, rather than hands and paper towels! No wonder it always looked horrible..
Ahhhh … I love Laurie Berkner. Such happy music.
I've read Stevie's blog and I agree: what a wordsmith! Now you have me uber-curious about the other four!
Awesome shirt!
I will have to check out these other blogs!
Laurie Berkner seems too peppy for me. But Natalie loves her songs. I'd never listen to it in my car though. No way.
I only know that one song of hers! It’s catchy for sure. I wouldn’t exactly listen to it..alone in my car. At least not more than three times.
Go to the dentist.. as someone who neglected it due to fear and is now staring down the barrel of $14,000 worth of work (you read that right and no, I'm not joking) you're doing yourself a big favor. Also.. need to know where you got that shirt!!
The shirt is from teefury. I think it was a daily sale on the site but maybe it will come back or be sold permanently elsewhere!
I did go to the dentist. I did it!
I can't wait to check out some new blogs!
Good luck at the dentist tomorrow. I love going to my new dentist, he sedates with some good stuff, love that.
haha, well that's very important!
love the photo of you – so pretty!
you are so good about reading and commenting on blogs…and obviously you spend a lot of time writing your own posts…and taking beautiful photos and hosting houseguests and, of course, raising babies…HOW DO YOU DO IT?! when do you sleep??
I never sleep! Just kidding, although I didn't sleep last night because this morning was the dreaded dentist visit.
I do most of my commenting when Des is napping. I do my writing at night! It's not every night, so I do get some breaks.
I posted once about how I think the dentist is akin to a trip to the spa so I go EVERY six months. I also wish I got a massage that often!! ha!
Thanks for giving us 5 of your favorite blogs, two I did not know about. YAY! 😀
Elaine, I nearly fell asleep there today. It can be relaxing, after the initial nerves part anyway.
I would love some sort of spa experience every six months..
I love when I get new recommendations from bloggers I know and love – thank you!!
Don't sweat the small stuff. I would be happy to not know how to fold towels. It's meaningless. Love the shirt:-) Really love the "deal" you made with Scarlet!
Well, it was really all her. She thinks I have a bad attitude about winter. I do!
And thanks, Allie. You're totally one of my favorites too. I nearly had to flip coins to figure out five to write about.
LOL at the castle! These kids say THE darndest things…Tamara…a towel? A TOWEL?! I can't fold anything else but I can fold a towel. 🙂 It's ALL about the edges! haha. Great blogs that you spotlighted, especially Kim, that girl keeps me going!
Well we roll our towels. We fold them in half, length-wise and then roll the up. Mine look drunk. I would totally fold them like a normal person but it's just done this way and I haven't spoken up about it yet..
Yet.
I'll check out your favs that I don't already read for sure! I can't fold sheets and I am a terrible housekeeper. Oh well…can't be good at everything right? I have to take my youngest to the orthodontist soon…not looking forward to that trip.
Ouch. Yeah. I’m in denial that day will come. I do remind myself sometimes that this parenting thing is easier with Cassidy. Maybe he’ll do more doctor appointments one day. Right now, I do it all!
I'm obviously familiar with Stevie and Kim's blogs, and I love both of them so, so much. I'll definitely have to check out the other 3 you mentioned. I'm always on the lookout for new blogs to fall in love with!
I hear you about the whole dentist thing. I have an appointment in 2 weeks and I haven't been in 3 years. Gulp. It's not going to be pretty.
I know and love 3 of the 5, so I will have to check out the other 2! Although I can barely read the blogs I simply must read now; how can I add more to the list? I’ll find a way. And I love that you are a bad housekeeper (sorry) because I am too, and now I feel better about myself. In fact, next time I see dust bunnies in the corners I’m going to tell myself, “That’s ok, Tamara hates to clean too.”
Maybe it should be a motto. I’m…terrible. I wish Cassidy would gain access to my blog and post his experiences with my “housekeeping.”
I love your description of how you fold towels. Is it really that bad? Maybe you need to roll them like maps and put them in a pretty basket. No one will know the difference!
It is! I need to take a photo of one of my towels for you.
Cool beans! I guesting over at Finding Ninee today.
I don’t want to make your further freak out about going to the dentist, but I had 8 wisdom teeth! The good news for you I suppose is that they would have known you had four more when they took your first four out 😉
I really hate going too. Even with dental insurance, I’ve have paid a tuitions worth of dental work in my life.
I've been meaning all day to make my way to Finding Ninee – now I can't wait!
And whoa – you can have 8 wisdom teeth? That is insane. My husband still has his and one has a cavity and our old dentist didn't do any work on wisdom teeth. Our new dentist does. Score.
Great shirt and lovely smiles 🙂
Thanks all around!
It's not poop it's a castle? OMG that is priceless. I would have made my son repeat it so I could get it on camera!
I LOVE that first quote from Scarlet….it steals the whole post! I’m sure the dentist won’t be as bad as you think. Chin up!
You're right! It wasn't so bad at all.
I appreciate you sneaking time to see me!
Of course! You're way too entertaining and positive to miss.
Good luck at the dentist! I'm hoping the visit goes better than expected 🙂
It totally did! I don't have 171 cavities at all!
Great blogs there!
Also, Scarlet's quotes are SO AWESOME!
Thank you! It was hard to narrow down since she’s always pretty funny.
So for real. Your husband taught you to scrub the shower? Is it awful that I think that's hilarious???
<3
Nope! He did. He was a bachelor for over a decade before he met me. He was so ready-made. Cooking and cleaning and living alone. I was the one who needed to.. learn some things.
I follow a couple of those blogs, but will have to check out the others! I totally love Scarlet's desire to love winter this year! I'm in! High five her for me, k? The dentist is always dreaded – next week for me. It's usually not that bad….
Yeah, it can even be kinda relaxing once you get over the initial nerves. I sort of just drift away…
Time to myself to think and lay down. Not so bad.
That's an awesome photo of you and thank you for recommending a few more blogs for me to read. High Five for Scarlet as well. I plan on loving winter this year too and good luck to you at the dentist. I'm sure you're going to be great! 🙂
I was ok!! I hope you like the new blogs. Obviously, I love most of mine equally so I'm going to find ways to spotlight all of you in the future.
I totally hate when I haven't met the client before a shoot. I like to be able to "picture" them at a location, know body size, etc. I know how it goes with putting off the dentist. I still need to get there. Good luck and I'm sure you will pass with flying colors!
I know! Once I stalked someone on Facebook just to see what they looked like. Our area is so small that everyone out there has a mutual friend with me.
Honestly I was more nervous for the dentist so this will be ok.
Love Kim's blog but don't know the others! I am sure they are divine if you are reading them.
Thanks! They’re pretty great! Just like you.
Your blog posts are instant smiles for me!
Thank you so much!
You are so beautiful! Will you please come to my house and take photos of us so I can look as good? 🙂 Great list of bloggers; I don't comment enough on your blog, but I love your work.
Well I think you always look good – you and your sister both! (yes, I read your stunning post. I always do.) I am so glad to hear you say that about my work.
I have even subscribed to many of the blogs you mentioned, and I am ashamed to say I cruise right by them!! I always say, "Oh how I need to read that…and that…that one too.." And then they sit in my inbox… waiting.
Thanks for giving me a push in the right direction. I KNOW they are beautiful writers and I need to go take the time to read them.
LOVE the shirt!
Love the pictures!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE "Lets love winter this year okay?" I need to do a high five deal like that with my daughter. She doesn't need it- I do. 😉
Well it can be pretty hard to read every awesome blog out there! I miss many and I hate that.
And yes, Scarlet was more referring to my negative attitude about winter. Not hers!
Thank you for the books!! You should write a real one!
You are TOO kind! 😀
I know! I wanted to do 50, but time wouldn't allow me..
3 years! Ok, I feel better. Although sometimes it's ok if you have good genes on your side. I'm someone who needs to go four times a year because I have sensitive gums. They cry a lot!
That's a good idea! I can ask her to recreate it right now..
I love winter now that I moved out of New England! lol
Good luck at Dentist – I’m sure it will be fine 🙂
haha, you're too funny. I think I'd feel the same.
The dentist was fine!
Love the 54321 post concept! These look like great blogs that I will check out soon. I know what you mean about the dentist, I often delay it as I just despise going. I hope that your appointment goes well. They should give out adult prizes like they did when we were kids to make going easier. Hope your week goes well! 🙂
That's so funny! My husband went too and when he got home my daughter said, "Did you both get to pick out a prize from the treasure chest?" She got a ring when she went! Same dentist, too.
Hmm..
This season of our lives is so busy. Take a few breaths when you can, knowing this will all pass.
Thanks for sharing your favorite blogs! And p.s. I hate the dentist…
Deep breaths.. definitely.
I don't even know why I hate the dentist. It's probably the most relaxing part of my day. I get to lay down and tune out the world, and no one is yelling at me or needing me to cut the crusts off their sandwiches..
Well now you’ve just added to list! Thank you for sharing a list of your favorites.
You’ve also reminded me that I need to make a dentist appointment. Ugh.
Very excited to check out these blogs! I love your writing so much so I definitely want to check out the writers who impress and inspire you.
I have not been to the dentist in an embarrassing amount of time either…good for you for finally going in. If you survive to tell about it, it might just push me to go in too! And you had me laughing about the housekeeping. Totally feel you on that one. My husband had to teach me how to mop. That’s how bad I am. And I already quit doing it the way he told me and went back to my old ways.
How do you take such great photos of yourself? I am so jealous. Congrats on being on the bookshelf! I will bring a copy for you to autograph on my next trip to MA! Scarlet's quotes are HILARIOUS!
In the spirit of your post, here are 5 Things:
1. I love getting a peek at everyone’s favourites.
2. I love your T-shirt – I think I need some Doctor Who-inspired clothing.
3. I love the quotes.
4. There is hope for the housekeeping – I am not great, but I am getting better (slowly.)
5. I hope everything goes well this weekend and that you can relax and enjoy your company. 🙂
tamara, i read 2 of the 5 amazing blogs. must check out the others! my housekeeping skills have taken a major nose-dive. my poor hubby does all of it. i feel so bad!
Aw! I can only imagine how hard it was to choose! I could never be offended for not being in your top 5. You know and follow so many blogs. I'm only happy to be in the network of people you follow and comment on. 🙂 Your pictures are beautiful as always!
Do you see that on your computer screen? Move in a little closer…a little bit more…there you see it? That is my mind blowing all over the place. Girl, this just made my heart skip like 500 beats and yes, that technically means I'm dead…details schmetails.
I am so honoured that you come to my blog and support me and this? Sweet lady.
I love your face.
So the teeth eh?
Let me tell you…I stopped seeing the dentist when I started nursing school because I was kicked off of my parent's insurance. 7 years later…I'm not kidding…I went in. I had 3 cavities that I had no idea I had.
Anyways, I left with amazing teeth and I wanted to rub them all day long with my tongue.
Don't judge me.
xoxo