GREAT READS: A Year-End Blog Tour Part V

This week, I'll be introducing you to some of my most favourite bloggers. I've asked them to tell you a bit about their blog and provide a link to their favourite post they've written in the past year.

(click on the blog headers or links to hop over to the blogs)

About the blog:
Full House is a blog that is used for an outlet and a place to put design related posts that have to do with things ranging from the design of motherhood to the design of a bedroom. The majority of the items posted are design related with an emphasis on interiors. (Note from Jennifer: I would also add that Christina's blog offers a glimpse of a stylish, creative, loving and very full household with twin girls and triplet boys!)

My favourite post:
Do you know it is really hard to pick a favorite post:-) Seriously, thanks for the opportunity because it gave me a chance to reflect on events that happened last year that made me happy. I had many motherhood posts that I liked but settled on a post when my family went to stay with my in-laws on the farm during the summer. I didn't say anything profound and it wasn't really all that interesting but it just makes me happy and I felt like the pictures I took captured the fun times. It was one of the best times I had all year because it was so peaceful, freeing, fun and relaxing.

http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/small-town-in-summer.html

As far as a design related post I remember really liking the below post because it involved food pictures. I love anything honey whether it be food or color related.

http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/perfection.html

About the blog:
Everything LEB is about me and my journey to turn my apartment into a home with my now fiance. Along the way there are many inspirational photos, DIY projects and a few wedding posts here and there (at least till March 2011).

My favourite post:
My favorite post from this year is one of my all time favorite DIY projects - my zig zag tray:

http://everythingleb.blogspot.com/2010/08/tres-chic.html

About the blog:
Bijou and Boheme is a blog devoted to all things pretty. Here you'll find images that inspire beauty in design, fashion and life. An escape.

My favourite post:
Choosing my favourite post was actually not that difficult, which is surprising because I'm definitely not the world's best editor. In this case though, I easily picked my story inspired by jewelry line Fenton-Fallon. I think it was the first post that really felt true to my voice and style. I love writing these little fantasies and hope to do more vignettes filled with gorgeous pictures and fun little tales. I hope you enjoy!
http://bijouandboheme.blogspot.com/2010/11/fictional-story-of-girl-named-fallon.html

About the blog:

Becoming Mom follows the trials and tribulations of Ariana Falerni as she attempts to be a good mother to a terrible two while trying to simultaneously keep her new photography business afloat.

My favourite post:

Jasper's Second Birthday Backyard Bonanza!
http://www.becoming-mom.net/2010/08/24/jaspers-second-birthday-backyard-bonanza/

About the blog:

Moth Design is a portfolio of sorts; a collection of posts, images, and musings, which I hope provide inspiration for beautiful design in a life well lived.

My favourite post:

I'm a sentimental sap at heart, so my post of my ten most precious things in life is dear to my heart....

http://moth-design.blogspot.com/2010/03/happy-101-awards.html
And from an aesthetic respect I'd have to say that my 'equine style' post would also be a favourite...
http://moth-design.blogspot.com/2010/02/equine-style.html

About the blog:
First, thank you Jennifer for including me! I've loved reading your blog and watching your house transformation!! My blog is mostly written about the account of our home with three young children and the things I love to do {some with the children & some without}: sew, bake, renovate, photograph, & explore!

My favourite post:
Our summer trip to my parents farm in Southern Illinois:
http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/2010/08/i-love-life-in-the-country/

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A huge Thank You to all the fabulous bloggers who participated in my Great Reads Blog Tour 2010! I've loved learning more about you and seeing what favourite posts are dear to your hearts. Hope you readers enjoyed the series and found some new blogs to follow!

Be sure to check out all the other Great Reads in Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV!

*****

And in case you were wondering what my favourite post of 2010 was, I narrowed it down to two - this one about what's inside my home and this one about what's inside my heart.

GREAT READS: A Year-End Blog Tour Part IV

This week, I'll be introducing you to some of my most favourite bloggers. I've asked them to tell you a bit about their blog and provide a link to their favourite post they've written in the past year.

(click on the blog headers or links to hop over to the blogs)

About the blog:
Hi - its Mrs. Limestone here. Thanks so much to the Rambling Renovators - the ultra fab diy built in bloggers - for asking me to take part in their blog tour. I can't wait to see the other stops. My blog, Brooklyn Limestone chronicles my adventures in design, renovation, entertaining and travel. I hope you'll stop over for a visit.

My favourite post:
Picking just one favorite post for the year is so hard but I narrowed it down this one: Mod Beach Bathroom Reveal. It was a long time coming so I overjoyed to have it done. If you like it be sure to check out more of the before and the cheat sheet.

About the blog:
Cakies is a blog written by a mom who loves her family, crafting, shopping, and pretty old things!

My favourite post:
Our halloween stories is something I look forward to doing every year!
http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2010/10/three-little-piggies.html

About the blog:
DIYdiva.net - Bridging the gap between "woman" and "powertool wielding badass" one project at a time.

My favourite post:
Picking my favorite post of the year is tough (mostly because I can barely remember what I wrote last week.) I would say my year-end message to all DIYers is a favorite:

http://diydiva.net/2010/12/ending-2010-right-a-message-to-all-diyers/

Or maybe the man-cave bathroom reveal, because it meant I was done with the thing!

http://diydiva.net/2010/08/man-cave-bathroom-style-revealed/

About the blog:
I would describe my style as "contemporary whimsy with a hint of vintage" and my blog, What's Up Whimsy, reflects that. It is my own little inspiration folder full of my "loves" - Home Decor, DIYs and Art - come and get inspired too!

My favourite post:
Reader Redesign - Angele's Dining Room

http://www.whatsupwhimsy.com/2010/11/reader-redesign-angeles-dining-room.html

About the blog:

Under the Sycamore is the online home of Ashley Campbell. Updated every weekday, post topics include: photo tips, diy projects, musings on motherhood, kid's activities, home decorating, links to great online finds, craftivism & community involvement.

My favourite post:

"Being a mom in the mundane" because though I love to dabble in so many different things most of my days are seemingly mundane, but I find that those are the moments I would never want to miss.
http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2010/09/09/on-being-mom-in-the-mundane/

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Find more Great Reads on Part I, Part II and Part III

GREAT READS: A Year-End Blog Tour Part III

This week, I'll be introducing you to some of my most favourite bloggers. I've asked them to tell you a bit about their blog and provide a link to their favourite post they've written in the past year.

(click on the blog headers or links to hop over to the blogs)

About the blog:
Little Green Notebook is a daily design journal where I post about what's on my mind, whether that has to do with something I'm working on with a decorating client, or a project in my own home, or just something I spied in a store or online that I'm loving. I like to try and be budget-conscious and find ways to get an expensive look for a lot less.

My favourite post:
Last summer, I was home visiting my family in Arizona and basically on a whim, we decided to redecorate my parents’ bedroom. It was such a FUN couple of days working with my mom and dad and sister to brainstorm projects, shop, paint and sew. It was a major collaborative effort and it made me wish I lived nearby so we could open a design studio together. :)
http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-parents-new-bedroom.html

About the blog:
a life's design is a collection of lovely spaces. home inspiration. pretty pictures. fabulous renovations. good photography. lifes happenings. creative outlet. architecture appreciation. vintage finds. a daily escape.
My favourite post:
This post featured one of my favorite homes from last year... http://alifesdesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/just-to-swoon.html

About the blog:
My blog the cinnamon post is for me, a place to be creative, to write and photograph my life as I see it now and to capture moments I will want to remember. I hope others see my blog as somewhat of a magazine editorial; one not styled to be perfect but the kind where the homeowners pad around the house in bare feet and the toys don’t always get picked up.
My favourite post:
We Travel At Home
http://cinnamonpost.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-travel-at-home.html

About the blog:
Thanks for inviting me to participate in your "Great Reads: A year-end blog tour", Jennifer! The focus of my blog, Isabella & Max Rooms, is to follow the process of transforming a room, sharing tips, resources and tutorials for the DIY projects included in the room design.
My favourite post:
My favorite post from 2010 is the 'Big Boy's Bedroom ~ Complete' post, showing the final result of redesigning my son Max's bedroom. This room was put together on a tight budget, with many DIY projects contributing to the design. It was also very exciting to be invited to tape a segment with Nate Berkus, sharing two projects that went into this room: how to make a chalkboard lamp and how to cover a lampshade with fabric.

http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2010/05/big-boys-bedroom-complete.html

About the blog:

I’ve been a practicing Interior Designer for 17 years, I started the blog as my personal journal about current client projects and all the things that inspire me and challenge me in my day to day work. Along the way I share my design philosophy, great finds, savvy tips, some before and afters, and practical advice for home renovation and decor enthusiasts.

My favourite post:

So Impossible to pick one! Without a doubt the favorite reader post this year was the one on “Painting Ikea Cabinets” and then a post with After pics of an E-Design Bathroom was a close second. But my personal favorite(s) was a series of posts from my East Coast Road Trip, this past summer (gee, I wish someone had told me I spelled “Coast” wrong in every single heading of the series!!). It was rejuvenating to spend time away from client work and indulge in my love of photography, travel (exploring) and food!

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Looking for more Great Reads? Click on over to see Part I and Part II.

GREAT READS: A Year-End Blog Tour Part II

This week, I'll be introducing you to some of my most favourite bloggers. I've asked them to tell you a bit about their blog and provide a link to their favourite post they've written in the past year.

(click on the blog headers or links to hop over to the blogs)

About the blog:
I started my blog while I was still in school studying interior design. I wanted my blog to be a place for people to come and learn about Interior Design. Hence, 6th Street Design School. I want it to be a place to share and learn and be inspired. I love posting about things that are pretty and wonderful and completely fabulous!
My favourite post:
My favorite post from 2010 was the post about Jett's Birthday party because it was so personal and I put so much love and time into that party. It was a very special day for me.
http://6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com/2010/08/j-is-for-jett-birthday-party.html

About the blog:
The Estate of Things is a resource for home decor; an at home practicalities guide to renovation, decor, stylized living, DIY projects and more
My favourite post:
One of our most popular posts was the Indiana project reveal!

http://www.theestateofthings.com/wp_teot/2010/09/16/indiana-project-interior-reveal/

About the blog:
My Notting Hill is an outlet for my passion for interior design and beautiful homes. Also featuring flea market transformations, my own home and images from visiting design stores throughout the U.S.
My favourite post:
My Friend's Home - Should have been in Domino!
http://www.mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-friends-home-should-have-been-in.html

About the blog:

The Marion House Book is a collection of stories about my 1905 Victorian House located in downtown Toronto.
My favourite post: Since I couldn't single out just one house, I'm actually choosing a category as my favourite blog post of the year. I love my Hello! Neighbour series because I get a chance to sneak a look inside my neighbour's homes!
http://www.themarionhousebook.com/?cat=73

*****

See Great Reads Part I here.

GREAT READS: A Year-End Blog Tour Part I

It IS the most wonderful time of the year, isn't it? I hope you are all having great holidays, spending time with friends and family, or just taking a bit of a breather and enjoying your own home. Since many of us use this downtime to relax and recharge (and catch up on our favourite blogs!), this week I thought I would share with you some of my favourite reads.

Over the next week, I'll be introducing you to some of my most favourite bloggers. Some you may know already and some may be new to you, but I think they're all pretty fabulous. I've asked them to tell you a bit about their blog and provide a link to their favourite post they've written in the past year.

There's a wide variety of blogs mentioned - some write about design and decor, some about life with their family, some write about photography, and others post beautiful inspirational images. They are mothers, wives, girlfriends, professionals, DIYers, and designers, and all of them resonate with me in some way.

I hope you follow the links and find some that resonate with you. Please enjoy these truly Great Reads!

(click on the blog headers or links to hop over to the blogs)

About the blog:

Jeremy & Kathleen is a documentation of life, food, inspiration, fashion, design, adventures (big and little) and details around the J&K home.

My favourite post:

It is so hard to pick a favorite post... but I really enjoyed revealing my home office after deciding to quit my job a senior art director at an advertising agency to pursue a career in freelance. And of course our trek to Mt. Everest in Nepal was a pretty big deal - I've combined all of those posts here.

About the blog:

Russet Street Reno is about crappy DIY projects, fabulous DIY projects, half-finished DIY projects, drinking wine, drinking beer, dirty jokes, my lack of a social life, my upcoming wedding, my paint-loving cats, and my grudgingly helpful fiance dodging as many of my projects as possible. Come see what I'm making him help me with this week!

My favourite post:

Because it's funny and I LOVE the way my master closet turned out:

http://www.russetstreetreno.com/2010/04/master-closet-redo.html

About the blog:

I have a passion for interior design and breathing new life into old furniture. Sixty-Fifth Avenue is about renovating and decorating our cozy bungalow with a little family talk thrown in for fun.

My favourite post:

I think my favorite post was our fairy garden. It was hard to just choose one!

http://sixtyfifthavenue.blogspot.com/2010/05/our-fairy-garden.html

About the blog:

Hi, I'm Kelly! In college I began buying, renovating and renting properties and Tearing Up Houses is where I write about those projects. I also post pictures of our English Bulldog posing in a bikini. Because that's important too.

My favourite post:

Before + After Pictures: The Historic House By The Water: Kitchen, Part 1

http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com/2010/11/before-after-pictures-historic-house-by.html

Come back every day this week to see some more Great Reads!