I find it so inspiring to witness time and time again how our families, communities and the country comes together to support others during difficult times such as these. I've witnessed that neighbors-helping-neighbors mentality first hand when we've had devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma, and in the last few weeks I have been encouraged to see others rally to support local restaurants and small businesses however they can in the current tumultuous economic climate.
Did you know that many of your favorite blogs and instagram accounts are technically small businesses? Most have worked countless hours to build their content and reader base for their websites and are able to help support their families because of the content they've created. And, like a regular brick and mortar shop, restaurant, or small business, things are different these days even in the digital content realm.
If you enjoy the free inspiration you receive from your favorite bloggers, now is the time to continue to support them! And really, it's easy to do that at no cost to you. I've never really discussed this much, but I know some readers are curious about how blogging works as a business, so here's a quick summary from my personal experience-
The #1 way you can support a blogger is to open and read their posts! One source of income is the ads they have displayed on their sites, and every time you view a post- whether you click on an ad or not- they are paid a commission for that ad space. The second most helpful way to support blogs is to sign up for their e-mail list. It's vital for bloggers to have a direct line of contact with you, the reader, rather than depending on social media or other avenues to share their new content (you can sign up for mine if you haven't yet right there on the side bar or at the end of this post, thank you!). Third, they can also earn income by sharing sponsored posts, and are more marketable to those sponsors when you engage and give a good response by commenting, liking, pinning, and sharing those posts. Finally, when you shop through a blogger's affiliate link there is NO additional cost to you, but the blogger receives a small commision from the retailer for the service they've provided (I like to think of it as a small finder's fee) if a sale is made through their link.
In my 8+ years of blogging, I can confidently say that my fellow bloggers are some of the most supportive people there are! Any time I've had a chance to collaborate and work with others, my posts and projects always have a great response because of that teamwork. So, as we navigate these uncertain times, we're trying to support each other- our virtual neighbors- the best we know how. One of those ways that we're working together is to introduce each other to you, our readers, and hope that you find some new blogs to follow that interest and inspire you.
So today I have 10 blogs to share with you that fall into the colorful/eclectic/glam category, which are all descriptors that I would use for my own blog, so I think you'll find some new kindred spirits here! Over the coming days when you have some time here and there, I hope you'll take the time to visit each one, see what they're all about, and join their e-mail list if their content is of interest to you.
I've known Jenna almost as long as I've been blogging, and I always enjoy checking in on what she's up to! She is fearless with color and her creative design ideas. Jenna leads the parade at Rain on a Tin Roof where flying your freak flag is highly encouraged. She believes each room in your home should be filled with mad personality. She believes black painted walls are always a good option, but has never turned her nose up at glorious color either. She’s a live wire. Never expect to know what to expect from her - expect the unexpected. She’s clear as mud like that.
Some of Jenna's Favorite Posts:
Joy has always been a HUGE believer in family and home. She creates and designs with budget in mind. Joy's website is based on a simple truth, that a house becomes a home when it has roots and a family thrives if it's members have wings, freedom to live out their purpose. Joy's hope is that she can help her readers make a home that is both a haven and a launching pad that reflects her readers own passions and interests in a bright, bold and beautiful way.
Some of Joy's Favorite Posts:
DIY Paneled Glass Cabinet Door
Backyard Makeover Reveal
DIY Paneled Glass Cabinet Door
Backyard Makeover Reveal
Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it.
Some of Nick & Bethany's Favorite Posts:
Living Wall Vertical Planter with Wooden Bowls
Stenciled Linoleum Floor Makeover
Living Wall Vertical Planter with Wooden Bowls
Stenciled Linoleum Floor Makeover
Some of Lora's Favorite Posts:
Birdz of a Feather is the nesting place that brings together hands-on DIY home and garden renos, crafts and gluten free recipes. Sara’s on a mission, along with her husband (her ‘partner in grime’) to encourage you to feather the nest, one room at a time! A few years ago, Sara challenged herself to lead a more sustainable life by reusing items - whether thrifted, repurposed or kicked to the curb - in new and innovative ways. She never turned back. While some people eat tuna for lunch and recycle the tin, she’s dreaming up ways to turn those tins into a swing out storage tower for her home office! Sara’s projects are so ‘fly’, you won’t even remember their humble beginnings!
Some of Sara's Favorite Posts:
Julia is the designer and founder of Tag & Tibby: a website dedicated to DIY home projects, organization ideas, paint colors, and home related craft projects. She lives just outside Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and two tweens. She enjoys inspiring readers to improve their home on a small budget. Her style is a eclectic with a blend of vintage, mid century, modern, and global.
Some of Julia's Favorite Posts:
Jess is an interior designer & mama who loves to create fun, family-friendly spaces on a budget. Her fearless, modern & colorful style comes through in everything she does- from letting her kids help draw the faux wallpaper in their bedroom, to an Ikea-hacked jellyfish chandelier.
Some of Jessica's Favorite Posts:
Jennifer Rizzo is a Design/DIY/Lifestyle blogger who also loves also throwing in a bit of crafting and gardening. She believes in decorating your home with a mix of handmade, vintage, upcycled finds, and family heirlooms so your home reflects you. She loves mixing old and new and will paint just about anything. She hopes to inspire you to create your home, and craft your life to design a home you'll love.
Some of Jennifer's Favorite Posts:
Corinna is the the author and creator behind The Boho Abode where she loves creating beautiful bohemian interiors designed for living in. She is a free spirited, nature loving, eco friendly products, globally sourced goods admirer and advocate for fair trade kind of gal. She hopes to inspire others to create change in their life through decorating ideas, life tips, and recipes for a life of wellness.
Some of Corinna's Favorite Posts:
Stephanie is the owner and author behind the home and lifestyle website, Casa Watkins Living. Stephanie loves to create spaces and crafts that are full of color, have a modern bohemian inspiration infused with global flair, and have a plant or two..... or more! Her appreciation for worldly cultures drives her design and inspires unique spaces that show global style with respect to the culture. This creativeholic hopes to inspire you to create spaces and complete diy projects to make your home they way you’ve always wanted.
Some of Stephanie's Favorite Posts:
