Welcome to the expanded version of my Instagram Saturday Share, where I share my favorite blogs! As well as their websites, I’ve included each Instagram link too. I know you’ll love these, so let’s dive right in!
The hardest thing about writing this post was choosing just one picture from each of this week’s favorite blogs! One photo each was my plan, but as you can see, I failed. They’re all so wonderful I couldn’t pick just one. But, onward!
These first three are the people who inspired me to start blogging in the first place! Without them, Mantel and Table would be just a memory.
So here, in the order I found them, are seven of my very favorite blogs!
Shabbyfufu
My college-aged neighbor helped me set up my Instagram account in May of 2018. (Well ok, she actually did it herself, and I watched and answered questions!) One of the first accounts I looked for was Janet @Shabbyfufu! I had found her blog almost by accident not too long before, and to say I was completely enchanted would be an understatement! I went back to her blog as fast as humanly possible. And the rest is history!
This is just the smallest sampling of her beautiful style! Her photography and her flowers are just beyond! She also does amazing diy, entertaining, and everything lifestyle. Janet’s been blogging for more than 14 years, so she knows all about it all! She’s a blog and media coach, and a sought-after speaker and photographer. I can’t imagine you don’t already know and love her. But if you don’t, you want to! Shabbyfufu.com
DesignThusiasm
It was a very short step to Lory @designthusiasm. Oh my – how I love her tables! And her patio, and her closets, and her whole sophisticated style. She’s just so effortlessly classy! She also shares my enduring love of teacups, so there’s that!
This could easily turn into a glowing resume, but suffice it to say she’s a former fashion designer and graphic artist, runs an e-Design practice, and has lots of awards and credentials. Ultimately, her interiors are stunning, and her organization tips are fabulous (as in “why did I never think of that!?”) Her renovations are amazing, and her entertaining skills are legend! I know you’ll love Lory – she’s seriously and wonderfully and elegantly inspiring! Designthusiasm.com
French Country Cottage
My guess is that you recognize Courtney @frenchcountrycottage too! Every single one of her photos makes me want to step into it. With flowers in my arms and moon dust sparkle in my hair! I have to keep reminding myself that her photos are of actual places. That, theoretically, I could sit at one of those tables in real life – not just in imaginary magical storybook land!
And honestly, hers is one of my dream kitchens! It’s such a beautiful mix of classic, rustic, and french country (natch.) And always flowers! The rest of her home and property follow suit. She has a new book and new website too – you’ll definitely want to check those out! You’ll see in a second why Courtney’s is one of my very favorite blogs! FrenchCountryCottage.net
My 100 Year Old Home
Of course, this iconic house belongs to Leslie @my100yearoldhome. This powerhouse of a woman is inspiring on every possible level! You’ll be able to tell from her fabulous tablescapes, that she’s an amazing entertainer. Every time I read about a dinner she’s planning, or has hosted, or is preparing for, I want to call up my friends and treat them to a Leslie-inspired evening!
For instance, just look at this table above! And her whole website’s full of similarly beautiful projects! She gives us detailed tutorials, follow-along baking videos, and party spreadsheets! She gets into the nuts and bolts of whatever she creates, so we can do it too. Plus I can’t wait to book her lovely renovatedAirBnB in Waco TX. That story is on her blog along with a ton of other things you’re going to absolutely love! my100yearoldhome.com
Happy Haute Home
And for sheer glamorous decorating, you can’t do better than another of my favorite blogs, Densie @happyhautehome! I had to include this holiday photo above because it’s just so gorgeously gorgeous! It still makes me draw in my breath and sigh every time I see it. And it’s so representative of her whole elegant style.
Along with those beautiful interiors, Denise also gives us real life homeowner tips and insights. She’s done several One Room Challenges, and walks us through every step. She passes along great recipes, many from her french chef father. We get tips about pruning plants, replacing your sump pump, arranging flowers, and – my personal favorite – getting rid of groundhogs. She makes me laugh in almost every post! You will love this excellent blog! HappyHauteHome.com
Thistlewood Farms
And then we have the sparkling KariAnne @thistlewood! Her beautiful smart bubbly personality carries right over to her beautiful crisp cozy style! She comes up with innovative creative ideas like they’re falling from the sky!
Besides her gorgeous decorating, which you can see in both these photos and her several published books, she shares really fun diy and how-to’s. Her twin daughters are following in her book writing footsteps – and it’s so fun to watch the three of them in some of her videos. You’ll love this wonderful blog – it’ll feel like making a new best friend! ThistlewoodFarms.com
Life at Bella Terra
And to round out this inaugural edition of My Favorite Blogs, I had to include the beautiful Mary @lifeatbellaterra. Mary is living my dream, having rescued and restored this gorgeous historic home on two acres in Phoenix AZ. While keeping the wonderful character of the property, she’s infused it with her own warm classic style. The Before & Afters on this house are amazing!
She’s an accomplished gardener, a graceful hostess, a savvy business owner, a talented artist. As comfortable with interior decorating as she is with animal husbandry. She’s even a character in a novel – a true Renaissance Woman! We get to read about all those topics and more. Her posts are always chatty and friendly and fun. You’ll love Mary’s stories, and be totally inspired by her beautiful blog! LifeAtBellaTerra.com
Pin My Favorite Blogs For Later
Thanks For Joining Me!
I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know some of my favorite blogs – and bloggers! It’s been so much fun sharing them with you!
For more posts about decorating, entertaining, and other fun & elegant things, subscribe to Mantel and Table in the footer below!
I’d love to have you along. Take care and stay safe out there!
Great choices, Barbara. Lots of wonderful inspiration.
Hi Carol! There’s so much beautiful inspiration out there – I’m so glad you like these too! 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Dearest Barbara thanks for sharing your favorite blogs. I can’t wait to explore! Bloggers you are a gift for readers. It can be an uplifting experience to read a wonderful blog. It’s inspiring! Stay safe. Thanks!
Hi Laural! YES! You’ll love these – they’re all so wonderful! 💗 Thanks so much for stopping by – I hope you two are doing as great as possible over there! Love you!
Oh Barbara, I feel so honored to be included with these amazing bloggers that I love so much as well. They inspire me everyday and I enjoy reading their blogs and books! Thank you so very much sweet friend for including me in your line up, I feel very blessed to have met you, you are one of a kind Barbara 😘 I look forward to seeing where this blogging journey takes us in the next few years. I can’t believe how far I’ve come already…blogging is a gift 🙂
You are so welcome Denise! Your blog makes me happy every day – it totally IS a gift! 💗 I hope you have a marvelous Mother’s Day, and take care as always!
I love your favorite blogs Barbara! What a great post!
Thanks so much Kim! There are so many wonderful blogs out there – I’m so glad you like these too! 💗 Happy Weekend my friend!
Barbara,
Wow! Thank you SO much for featuring Life at Bella Terra. What an honor to be on your blog and among those who I have admired for a long time. You have such a big heart to do this. So I am now convinced we have to meet each other in person. After this COVID thing, we should plan to connect! Summer is not the time to come to Phoenix but my door is always open to you! Thank you again, my friend.
You are so welcome Mary! I love your blog and of course the whole of Bella Terra! 💗 And we absolutely do! I can’t wait till this is all over and we can meet in real life! Till then, sending you virtual lilacs! 🙂
Oh my goodness!
You are so sweet. And I am so honored wine included in this amazing group.
Your blog is amazing. I love it.
Leslie
Thanks Leslie – I’m so glad I found your wonderful blog! 💗 You are truly truly a huge inspiration to me! Happy Saturday my friend, I know you’ll have a great Mother’s Day!