TypePad Featured Blogs

Kit Up

Kit Up is a military-style blog detailing "the stuff you couldn't have done without in your military life" - and which may be even more useful off the field. Here you'll find close-up commentary on the unusual secret ingredient to a good night's sleep, down under dining, and the do it all bag among the items. Product information and user opinions are freely provided as are ordering options. The compact and durable nature of these items makes them great camping and traveling companions  - and perhaps necessary means of survival, too. Lots of information military links and categories provide interesting reading, so open up Kit Up today!

Real Moms

Here's a heartwarming look at middle America: kids, picnics, summer vacations and all! Real Moms displays the thoughts, photos, and "mom tips" collected through daily life, such as early childhood programs to help preschoolers learn smarter and faster, wonderful thoughts on a sleeping child,  even a fun way for busy moms to stay connected.  There are useful links to parenting resources and volunteer opportunities to make children's lives happier and healthier as well. Of course, dads are welcome to log on and read too!

Next Level Biz Tips

Smart business people know that the Internet can be a source of knowledge, community, and ultimately success. And in the pages of Next Level Biz Tips Denise Wakeman shows you how to "leverage the Internet and take your business to the next level". Denise specializes in tips and tactics for independent professionals and small businesses, such as how MobaTalk can add more audience interactivity to your site, the next trend in podcasting, and action steps to create your brand. Denise is a skilled and savvy Internet marketing strategist, and her observations will help you grow your business from just about any angle.

Kathy Thompson Photography

One picture is worth a thousand…blogs? Kathy Thompson Photography illustrates the talents of this master of the camera, as you'll see in her shots of animals, family and architectural close-ups. That's only a small portion of her portfolio; Kathy has an eye for detail, emotion, and moment and shares them (and her thoughts) with you in these visually pleasing, highly entertaining pages. 

What’s Next in Marketing

Marketers are always looking for the next big thing - and if they're smart, they're paying attention to Mitch Caplan's What's Next in Marketing. Here you'll find opinions, statistics, stories and more from industry experts, columnists, and Mitch himself, ranging from what's next for big agencies, how smart agencies are winning the great digital talent hunt,and a look at the 21st century agency.  There are views into the future of mobile, music, and more, so hop on for a fascinating look into what's ahead for the business of selling.

Cherry Hill Cottage

One of the wonderful things about personal blogs is that they provide a window into other places and lives. Cherry Hill Cottage gives us the view from a  "small cottage in Texas" and the thoughts of one who has "a passion for decorating, cooking, collecting" and more.  Read her thoughts on décor, look at tons of photos, and share coffee talk with a friend who just happens to live 1,000 miles away.  You'll also get a kick reading about pink farm tractors. The door's open to Cherry Hill - drop in today!

House Wren Studio

A "happy mix of design, craft, and art", House Wren Studio is the online “workshop” of artist Charlotte Lyons. Inspired by traditional arts and crafts and the inventive use of everyday materials, Ms. Lyons  has created some unique designs and in her blog, you’ll see items such as tea mice and couch crafts, and read about her sources of inspiration. Ms Lyons also offers her insights into family and vacation.  Her styles have a wonderful, timeless feel, and although you may not be able to visit her studio on the Hudson, this is the next best thing to being there!

Brand to be Determined

How would you "affect change on a global basis"? In Brand to be Determined, "social software, human interactions, and public relations" all come together to answer that question. There are posts on such subjects as using RSS to better respond to crises, how small actions can have large consequences, and frank discussions on the PR industry from the people who know it best. Lots of great categories abound too, from Pop Culture to globalization, to Elvis (where  a cool "non-topic" tour awaits)!

Irwin Lazar

Principal Analyst and Program Director Irwin Lazar specializes in convergence and collaboration (perhaps better known as technology and communications).   Irwin posts about VOIP, unified communications, and presence, and in the pages of his “real time” blog, you’ll read about his experiences with Mobile Instant Messaging, the iPod Touch, and Web 2.0’s place in the enterprise. Irwin’s insights into the industry, combined with a robust blogroll and news briefs, will keep you connected 24/7!

Stellar Self

Sometimes, we all need to take a deep breath and relax. And for those wanting to go even further, there’s Stellar Self, a blog filled with “tips, stories, and resources for finding your body, mind, and spirit”. The author brings a unique perspective on health and wellness and you can draw upon them to create your own journey to a more balanced life. Start with the author’s experience in a Cancun sweat lodge, read about the benefits of natural produce, and discover why your 40 winks are so important. There’s a definite connection between psychological factors and health, and this blog details how you can use both to “nurture your best self”.

Eco-Chic Weddings

Do you promise to love, honor ... and recycle? Eco-Chic Weddings will help you plan “environmentally-friendly celebrations”. Written by a former wedding and event planner at Martha Stewart, this unique blog shows “how to incorporate sustainability without sacrificing style”. And from stylish invitations made from recycled paper, to eco-friendly wedding gowns, all the way to an organic wedding feast, you’ll discover how to put on a wedding that’s good for you and the world you live in. Lots of tips, places to shop, and recommendations grace the pages of this site; so before you set the date, make it a date to check it out today!

Filter Magazine

Do you march to the beat of a different drummer? Then you’ll find him (or her) at Filter Magazine, a blog dedicated to “helping you discover your new favorite band”. The blog is loaded with video interviews, album reviews, and exclusives on such groups as Grand Ole Party, the Perishers, and Just Jack. And if you want to read, see, and hear more about Indy Rock, Electronic, Hip Hop (and beyond) this is the place!

Tasty Data Goodies

What’s it like to work in a data mine? Tasty Data Goodies details the day-to-day operations of Swivel, a website where everyone can explore data and use it to “make better decisions in voting booths, in boardrooms, and at neighborhood meetings”. The blog takes you behind the scenes of the site, and details such subjects as “data mining for the masses”, how the World Health Organization will use data to improve the lives of millions, and how folks are drawing the gender line across societal issues. The blog does a great job of taking facts and figures out into the real world and putting them to work to make a difference — see for yourself!

Rocks In My Dryer

A mommy blog with heart, Rocks In My Dryer contains daily observations on fun and family, from the perspective of an Oklahoma mom. Her 4 kids give her lots of topics to write about, such as crafts and books, and moms of any age (and state) will surely empathize with her takes on marriage! Written with the tongue-in-cheek style of an experienced (and busy) mom, Rocks In My Dryer will leave you laughing — and recognizing yourself more than once.

Joel Makower

Are you seeing green? If so, you’re doing your part for the environment. And so is Joel Makower, “the guru of green business practices” and the author of Joel Makower a blog detailing his efforts to help companies align environmental responsibility with business success. In recent posts, Joel has reported on green marketing, clean tech, and climate change’s winners and losers. Today, subjects like climate change and global responsibility are hot topics — and every company — from smaller shops to multinational corporations — can benefit from the strategies and insights found in Joel’s blog.

Girl Talk

Calling all moms! Here's a spot to talk about food, beauty, and of course, babies. Run by a mother and her three daughters (all moms themselves and pastors' wives), Girl Talk covers subjects that moms love to talk about, but can seem to find the time! Each of the hosts has her own unique take on things, as you'll discover when you read the tribute to moms for instance, or look at family albums. So after the kids are packed off to school, take a look and join the discussion!

The Branding Blog

What's a "persuasion architect"? It's someone who helps makes sure you're speaking to the heart of your customers - and if you're running a business, a blog, or a web site, that's someone you want to have working for you. Dave Young is a Persuasion Architect, and in his Branding Blog, he writes about advertising building buzz, Netflix's unusual approach to customer service, and fun stuff like Teenage Mutant Ninja Wiener Dogs. It's an in-depth, opinionated look at the thrill of the Uncovery (and what it means for your business)!

Animal Rescue .com

Here's a great blog for anyone who has a soft spot for anything that runs, flies, swims, and crawls. Animal Rescue is the official blog for the International Fund for Animal Welfare and contains the latest news and alerts from around the world (and ways you can help), video bulletins from IFAW workers , and samples of the organization's work in danger zones worldwide. You can even discover how to save the whales using your mobile phone. This organization is doing great work for those that share our planet, so get acquainted with them today and see how you can help!

The Dewey Blog

Remember the Dewey Decimal System, that mysterious code you used in the school library to find the book you want? Well, it's now online at The Dewey Blog, and it's run by staffers at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. Their commentary enlivens virtually every subject in the stacks - and will leave you wanting to discover more. Recent posts include balloon travel - by armchair, jewelry (which happens to be 82,000 years old), and what's in store for us this hurricane season. After each post, there are suggested readings provided by the author (listed by the Dewey Decimal System, of course). There's even a contest that will test your knowledge of the system - and show you that it's not just a bunch of numbers anymore!

Beyond Page One

Your morning paper is more than news, sports, and weather. It's also the result of editorial discussions, meetings, and discussions that take place behind the scenes - and in Beyond Page One, you'll get "your daily fix of news and commentary" from the editor of the Watauga (NC) Democrat. You may not live in North Carolina, but this is a fascinating peek into a daily newspaper and the subjects it covers. There are local stories, articles of national interest, and opinions detailing how editors approach their responsibilities. Lots of shots of the High Country's beauty are yours for the viewing as well. It's an interesting look into the life of an American town, so start reading today (you may even be inspired to train for next year's Bear Run!

Life's Little Adventures

Armchair travelers, have we got a blog for you! Life's Little Adventures records the views - and the viewpoints - of a "world traveler, photographer, author, and more" as he roams the world. First stop: Lucca, outside of Florence, Italy. Even if you're not planning to visit, you can still get a taste of the history, food, and flavor of this charming and often overlooked Tuscan village.  For something closer to home, take a trip through the Rocky Mountains to get a sense of the grandeur of North America's greatest mountain range.  The blog also features a nice selection of articles by the author, such as one on castles, offbeat adventures he's had, and daytrips you can take. It's a wide world out there, but Life's Little Adventures makes it just a little bit smaller!