Whenever midterms come around, I become weirdly productive. The only thing better than studying is, well...anything. Cleaning, exercising, cooking, organizing - literally anything beats burying my head in textbooks. However, when my place is spotless, my DVDs alphabetized, and my closet colour coordinated, there is only so much productive procrastinating left to do. For a "study break" (if you can still call it that three hours later) I like to check out the latest posts on some of my favourite blogs. The other day I was telling a friend about a post I read on Thought Catalog that I thought she might like. "What's Thought Catalog?" she asked. "What's Thought Catalog?! You're joking, right?" I responded. Most of my friends read Thought Catalog, and it's basically the defining factor of my life, so it had never occurred to me that a girl my age wouldn't have at least heard of it. It got me thinking that the blogs I browse through on a regular basis might still be foreign to a lot of my friends. In one of my writing classes we were told never to assume that your reader knows the basics of your topic, and I decided to keep that in mind while writing this post. For some of you, there are blogs on this list that you'll definitely recognize, but there are other jems that I can almost guarantee will be newfound treasures to add to your blog-browsing adventures. I've also included posts worth checking out for each blog, just in case you get too overwhelmed with all this awesomeness you're about to discover. You're welcome.
Click on the pictures to take you to each blog!
1. Betches Love This
If you've read my blog, you know that I strive to be a positive, friendly person. Why is a blog that titled its book "Nice is Just a Place in France" one of my favourite pages I've ever come across, then? Because it's freaking hilarious. Not only is there a strong and consistent narrative voice throughout the site, it seems as though Regina George from Mean Girls could be the brains behind almost every entry. As part of the generation whose social life was basically defined by Mean Girls, it makes it hard NOT to relate to. Simply put, reading Betches Love This is just, like, the rules of feminism.
Favourite Posts:
Unfortunately, the Betches don't seem to think Toronto is "betch worthy" enough to warrant its own post. However, as the only Canadian city in the Betchography list, it will give anyone who has visited, knows the reputation, or has visited Montreal a good laugh.
The Betch List
The Betch List as a whole is one of the funniest things I've ever read. In fact, it's so entertaining that they compiled all the entries and turned them into the book I mentioned above, "Nice is Just a Place in France." Whether you're laughing while you read it, or relating to every word on a serious level, I can promise each post will leave you wanting to read the next one. With over 200 to choose from, even I didn't know where to start with my suggestions, but I managed to narrow it down to two...
2. Thought Catalog
It's known as an outlet for college-aged feminists and hipsters. I don't consider myself to be either of those things, yet I'm constantly hitting the refresh button to check out the latest posts. Even some of my guy friends have confessed to browsing through the sex and relationship posts on a regular basis, which means that there's bound to be something amongst the never-ending stream of random facts that will peak your interest.
Favourite Posts:
There's actually SO many posts on Thought Catalog, which makes it hard to pick "favourites," however I've selected one dating related, one that is more than appropriate to read the day before Halloween, and one that combines two of my loves: Taylor Swift and Mean Girls.
6 Awkward Things That Have Happened to Me On Dates
50 People On 'The Darkest, Creepiest True Story That Terrifies Me To This Day'
3. My Beautiful Adventures
When I first started researching for my future trip to Europe, I naturally scowered the Internet for travel blogs. There was obviously no shortage of those, but there was a shortage of travel blogs by girls coming my way. That's not to say there aren't plenty out there somewhere, I just had difficulty finding them. When I came across Andi's blog, My Beautiful Adventures, it was love at first "site." You know when you meet someone who you instantly connect with, and you know you're going to become good friends? That's how I remember feeling when I stumbled across this page. She combines her love for travelling with updates on her personal life, and it's an exciting one at that. Personally, I'm looking to travel Europe, whereas the focus of Andi's travels has been South America. Having said that, she is still well travelled. If you're looking to read about a particular country, chances are she has a post on it.
Favourite Posts:
FAQs About My Upcoming Wedding
Andi's wedding invite is one of the cutest I've seen yet (this coming from someone who has searched 'wedding decor' multiple times on Pinterest.) The picture of the invite stayed vivid in my mind ever since the first time I saw it. In her blog, she takes you step by step down the journey she took to marry the man she met in South America. All of her unique details are worth checking out if you're as wedding obsessed as I am.
I love that she posts her Bucket List on her blog. I've been thinking of doing this myself, but that would require me to sit down and put all of my goals and wishes down on paper, which I have yet to do. One thing that stood out to me on her list was "#68. Slice off the top of a bottle of champagne in public." The link above will take you to the post where she crossed that one off.
4. Young Love Style
Author of this blog, Nicole Young, is a friend I made back in British Columbia a few years ago. When I was living in Kelowna I found it hard to meet people who I had much in common with, but Nicole was an exception among the crowd. As her blog will show you, she has tremendous personal style and fashion tips, she makes her own jewelry, and compliments most of her posts with her own photography.
Favourite Posts:
I love this section of Nicole's blog. Whether it's summer drink ideas or her latest art project, there's always something new and interesting to be found. Below is a link to her post which showcases some of the jewelry she created. She really has a knack for taking something simple and making it into a must-have accessory.
Before reading this post I was going through life under the impression that there was only one or two ways to tie a scarf around my head. Even the simplest last step she provides, such as tucking the ends of your knot under the band, changes the look completely. Nicole saved me from having to buy even more trendy headbands, and instead play with one of the hundred scarfs I already own.
5. Cupcakes and Cashmere
This blog follows the Betches Love This pattern of blog-turned-book, which is how I discovered Emily Schuman's page. I'll be completely honest - I really only bought the book "Cupcakes and Cashmere" because I thought it was pretty and that it would look nice on my coffee table. Yes, I am that girl. It wasn't until I sat down and flipped through it at home that I realized how much I liked (and could use!) the little bits of advice that it's filled with. The best part is that the book is really only a small portion of what can be found on Emily's blog. There is so much on the site that I'm convinced this girl must be up 24/7 looking for new post ideas.
Favourite Posts:
I love this idea so much that I contemplated not sharing it due to the fact that I actually intend to start making these for my friends. I'm officially deeming this my new 'thing.' Nowadays, it seems as though you need a reason to send a card or a letter to a friend, if you even do it at all, but this idea has inspired me to send quotes to friends to simply put a smile on their faces.
After my first attempt at cinnamon rolls turned out to be a great success, I have become convinced that I can follow almost any recipe if I am given enough time. I came across this recipe for Chocolate Babka a few weeks ago, and as soon as my busy schedule calms down, it will be the next baking challenge that I tackle.
6. Emily Maynard
Former Bachelor and Bachelorette star, Emily Maynard, has always appeared effortlessly flawless to me. As a former Bachelor co-star once put it "Emily is like a Barbie doll with the soul of Mother Theresa." In otherwords? She's the ideal advocate for all things fashion and beauty, while also writing the sweetest posts that make it impossible to hate her. There's tons of beauty tips (I blame her for my YSL makeup addiction), as well as an array of outfit suggestions for every occasion. The only complaint I have is that I wish she posted more frequently, and even that is starting to change!
A Public Promise To All Of My Friends And Family
This recent post reveals the strong, caring heart that lives inside Emily Maynard. I admire her outlook on life and love, especially after the tragedy that occurred in her life nine years ago (her husband was killed in a plane crash, leaving her to raise the child she later found out she was carrying). It's admirable how open she is on her blog about this struggle, and this letter she's written on the matter is undoubtedly sincere.
The Most Perfect Couple I Know
I mentioned above that Emily is to blame for my YSL makeup addiction, and this post is the reason why. After reading what she had to say about two of YSL's lip products, I immediately grabbed my purse and dashed out the door to Sephora. Although YSL is pricey, the quality of their products does have a good reputation, so I knew I would have little regrets about taking Emily's advice. When I tried these products together as Emily suggests, I wasn't the biggest fan; however, I've used them both separately and they've become two of my favourite lip products ever since. I completely agree with what Emily says about the Glossy Stain not drying out your lips, as well as the Glossy Balm feeling like a chapstick. If you're not willing to make the splurge, then I definitely reccommend trying these two products out the next time you pass by a YSL counter.
7. Gracie Carroll
Out of everyone I know, my mom easily sends me the most article and blog links on a regular basis. When she came to visit me last year, we went for dinner with a few of her friends who live here in Toronto. One of her friend's has a daughter, Gracie, who is successfully involved in the Toronto fashion scene. She also mentioned that Gracie had a blog, and given what I was told about her interests, I had a feeling that it would probably be something I would enjoy reading. When I expressed interest, my mom told me she had already sent me the link to Gracie's blog before. As I looked through all my mom's e-mails upon my return home, sure enough the link to Gracie's page sat amongst the dozens of links she had sent me throughout the past year. As I skimmed through Gracie's page, I immediately regretted overlooking the e-mail from my mom - I was missing out on so much! Anyone who is into beauty and fashion will love Gracie's page, but if you live in Toronto it's an especially good source, for she also posts about local businesses and upcoming events that occur around the city.
Favourite Posts:
Where to Go #TO: Queen West's Lebel & Crowe Salon
Like I said, if your an aspiring fashionista living in Toronto, this is the page for you. I hate reading about places that sound so interesting and exciting on websites and magazines, only to find out I can only visit them if I live in Europe or the States. As someone who has had her hair cut in airports, as well as at a stranger's home in France, it's safe to say that I like to be adventurous with my hairdressers. The way Gracie's described Lebel & Crowe makes it out to be a fun and unique salon experience, one that I would definitely check out. It's been a while since I had my hair cut, but I'm keen to try out this reccommendation of Gracie's the next time I decide to put my locks in the hands of someone else.
Shop: The Heart Cake For Your Valentine Sweetie
Being the fat kid who loves cake, only I would find (and favourite) the one cake post on a fashion and beauty blog. This post was obviously made for Valentine's Day, but I'd be interested in knowing if they make these heart shaped cakes with personalized messages for any occasion. I thought the concept was really cool, and once again, it's a Torontonian-friendly business :).
8. Oh She Glows
I still remember the day my friend Emily sent me a link for a recipe to make "Sunny White Sangria." Little did I know, that link would lead me to a site that would change my life forever. Forget cookbooks, magazine recipes, or endless googling; whenever I need a recipe, I can always count on Oh She Glows to provide the perfect dish for every occasion. Personally, I'm more of a baker than a chef, but I've still managed to dabble in a wide variety of the recipes here. Angela, the creator of the site, has a story worth reading. For me, it's always interesting to hear about why people made the transition to vegan lifestyles, especially since I've experimented with it myself. Vegan or not, these recipes are bound to make your stomache growl.
Favourite Posts:
Every time I've made this recipe it's been a hit. They taste just like the real thing, only they are dairy-free and gluten-free. So long as you're fast at applying the middle layer, it's a really easy recipe to follow. You have to wait for them to freeze before you can dig in, but I can assure you that the wait is worth it.
All-Natural Pumpkin Butter From Scratch + Many Ways To Use It!
Maple butter, apple butter, nut butters - it doesn't matter which taste you prefer, for there are recipes of almost every kind of homemade butter you can think of. I haven't actually made my own butter yet, but I've been book marking all the butter recipes for the day that I go on a crazy butter-canning spree in my kitchen - I think they would make the perfect Christmas presents for friends!
9. The Beauty Department
When I first discovered this site, I wasn't aware of the fact that Lauren Conrad was one of the contributors. After I found this out, my obsession made so much more sense. A few of my friends have suggested that I post make-up and hair tutorials, but if I did it would basicallly just be a replica of The Beauty Department, since this is where I go whenever I need help putting together a particular look. Whether you're looking for a nail tutorial, or you just want to figure out how to evenly apply liquid eye liner, The Beauty Department is your one stop shop for all things hair and makeup.
Favourite Posts:
How to Draw a Perfect Cat Eye...Every Time
Like I said, this site has everything from crazy Halloween make-up to every day basics. I love wearing liquid eyeliner, but applying it was always a challenge back when I first started wearing it. Once you figure out a fool-proof strategy, you're bound to shave at least five minutes off your make-up routine. This tutorial might just be your lucky charm.
Nail tutorials can be deceiving at times. Sometimes they appear simple, but when when you get around to doing your right hand (or whatever hand is more challenging) things tend to go awry. This tutorial for ombre nails is more time consuming than your average mani, but you don't have to worry about both hands coming out completely different. The look is simple enough to acheive, but will still generate plenty of compliments when you're out at night. I love to try it out with different colours every time I do it. Last time I combined a couple reds with black - the perfect vamp look for fall!
If you've made it all the way down here without cheating, I commend you. Today's post included a lot of links, and I hope you've made a few new discoveries to help with your mid-term procrastination (or whatever work you're trying to get out of). I'm constantly looking for new pages to check out, so if you have any that you consider a must-read, post them below or send them my way!
With love,
Ciara
