Introducing a Few of My New Friends: Blog List

New Friends

Last week, while attending Blissdom* in Nashville, I tried to approach each person there like my Darling Boys do at preschool. At their school, and I think most preschools, each child is considered and called "a friend" even when that friend "has made some bad choices" and not been very friendly to his or her classroom friends. So, I attempted to think of each person I met or came in contact with as a friend. And, indeed, after talking with a new "friend" for a few minutes that is often how I felt.

It's amazing how quickly people can connect through social media platforms just because they have similar backgrounds, experiences or interests despite geographical distances. Although it's actually easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger on Twitter than in real life, I talked with many ladies at Blissdom, connecting with a number of them; and came home with a fistful of business cards and a gaggle of new friends. These are friends I will continue to build a relationship with now that I am back at home thanks to Facebook, Twitter and our blogs.

I mentioned {& linked} to the ladies that were so kind to chat with me, hang out with me, laugh with me and cry with me at the Opryland Hotel in an earlier post, but I also wanted to introduce you to a few more blogs that I am getting to know better myself and a couple that I have been reading and knowing for a while.

Blog List

Without further adieu, here's the list of RANDOMLY DRAWN** blogs from my pile of business cards:

1. I'm Domestic...Not Dead! This blog is authored by my new friend, Alethea. Alethea is sweet, funny and welcoming in person and this shines through in her writing as well. Alethea's kids are in elementary school and this "professional housewife" is full of ideas about what to do with her time now and is intrigued by all the opportunities to work from home. Check it out...I'm telling you, I liked her from the "git-go." {It turns out people from Nashville sound just like people from my home state of Texas & its people are just as friendly as Texans too! I love these people! It feels like we have known each other for years. That's how it works in the South!}

    

2. babypop designs. Sherry, of babypop designs, makes great kid superhero capes, masks, costumes, etc. I love these products, and I will be ordering some superhero apparel from her. I met Sherry on the first night and briefly spoke with her, but that's OK; we follow each other on Twitter. I bet you will love these bright satin costumes as much as I do.

    

3. Raising CEO Kids. Sarah's site has a unique perspective. Her goal is to provide parents and kids with the tools to make dreams and ideas a reality by educating, empowering and encouraging parents to RAISE smart, savvy, successful and confident CEO KIDS. I plan to get to know Sarah more, but I could immediately tell she was kind, interested and personable...and Sarah has great lipstick! I know you're curious about Raising CEO Kids; go find out more.

    

4. Good Enought Is the New Perfect. This blog is authored by Hollee and Becky. I met Hollee and have been corresponding with her for the last several months via Twitter. Hollee is a research attorney too. Hollee and Becky are both well-educated, professionals, moms and wives just trying to "find happiness and success in modern motherhood." Their book by the same name as their blog will be coming out in April. I, for one, can't wait to get a copy. I had a chance to talk with Hollee while in Nashville and it sounds like this is a book that any mom who struggles with the guilt of motherhood and career and striking a balance between these two constants will want to get her hands on. You will be hearing more from me about this topic and Hollee's and Becky's book, but in the mean time go over to their site and take a look around.

    

5. Food For My Family. Shaina, mom of 4, wife, foodie, writer and photographer, actually lives in the Twin Cities. In fact, I had met Shaina in real life back in August at Love Feast Table's Blog Love party, but had never really talked to her. My friend, Gussy {from Gussy Sews}, and I sat with Shaina on the plane ride home from Blissdom and had a chance to get to know her better. Shaina is quiet, but funny, witty and opinionated. I like her. Shaina writes about cooking and feeding her family of 6 tasty, healthy food while saving time and money. One thing we discussed on the plane was picky eaters; she is doing a series of posts on that very subject right now. I know that is something all moms have to tackle at some point.

    

6. High Heels and a Hammer. Kristen is another person that I have known and been reading her blog for a while. She also lives here in the Twin Cities. I liked Kristen from the instant I started talking to her at a blogger gathering this summer. She is engaging, warm and smart. Kristen is always ready with a smile and a kind word. Her blog is so clever and full of beautiful and simple ideas. Kristen is always wearing her beautiful and stylish heels, but is quite handy with her power tools too; hence the name. Her projects are simple and inspire the reader to tackle her own small and large projects around the house. You're going to love this last site too!

The Scoop

I hope you will go and get to know my new friends. I think they all have a lot to offer; each in her own way. If you are looking to expand your blog reading list, these should keep you occupied for a while. Enjoy! Over and out...

Anna

*I know I said I was finished talking about Blissdom, but this is about my new friends that I met at Blissdom, not the conference itself.

**I randomly picked a few business cards while blindfolded by my new cool blue-gel GE swag bag eye mask. If you gave me your card, but you aren't featured, I still like you, friend.

Comments

[Alethea @I'm Domestic...not DEAD!]

Thank you for the shout out, Anna! I love your blog, too!!! Also love that you're one of my tweeps! (you like that? two days into it and I'm already throwing around the lingo :)

[Anna]

Thanks, Alethea! I'm not surprised you're catching on to Twitter so fast! I could tell right away that you are a quick study!
Thanks, Friend!

Anna

[Shan]

What a great idea! I may have to use this idea with your permission...lol ;) I wish I could be a quicker study on Twitter. I feel like I might be getting too old since I'm not catching on as quick as I would like. :(

You & Amy from Coffee With The Mrs. were my best buds I made at Blissdom. I completely appreciate your bubbly personality and warm demeanor.

Hope your kids are better. Talk to you soon!

[Anna]

Shan

You are not too old for Twitter. It just takes time! It was lovely meeting you. And please do use this idea!

Thanks, Anna