TypePad Featured Blogs

Rare Bird Finds

Rare Bird Finds was started by two friends because they were always on the lookout for cool new things. And in their blog, they share them with you - coincidentally, just in time for the holidays! Here, you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces from indie designers, unique gifts to wear, to use, or to play with. For that hard to shop for person (like the one you're going to break up with after the holidays), there's the holiday gift guide with cool suggestions. There are ideas for men, women, and kids displayed through colorful designs and product shots; the sidebars carry lots of additional gift ideas from sponsors too. It's the perfect place to begin your seasonal shopping, only without the crowds!

The Sports Hernia

Hey, sports is a serious business -except in The Sports Hernia, an irreverent sports satire site that spares no one, on or off the field (or rink, or court). Here you'll find great photos, archives, and posts all with the same unique, laugh out loud commentary attached.  Case(s) in point: the NFL Preview with… interesting… comments on all the players, teams, and coaches in the NFL (does Tom Brady know about this?); basketball commentaries with shots at just about anyone who ever dribbled a ball, and the just completed baseball season, with still relevant, still hilarious posts on all the teams in the league.  (Who's afraid of the big bad Steinbrenner? Not the boys at the Sports Hernia!) You won't find many stats here (at least the kind you're expecting), but you will enjoy yourself! 

The IFC Blog

For those that like their entertainment news neatly laid out with snappy reviews, candid pictures, and insider gossip, The IFC Blog will be right up their alley. Blogger Allison Willmore distills the latest film and television news (or as she proclaims, "reading the news so you don't have to"). Her recent posts on Roman Polanski's next film and what unusual remake Francis Ford Coppola would like to do, her "critics' wrangle" (an ongoing compilation of opinions films from leading critics - this one on Lions For Lambs,), and why the "best reviewed American movie of the year" seems to be snubbed by Oscar pundits. Allison provides lots of links to recommended sites; plus there's a schedule finder and store filled with videos of your favorite shows and moviews, so sign on and start rolling!

Kicking Tires

What's the best feature about the 2008 Toyota? What are the safest cars on the road today? What are the hottest new designs from the LA Auto Show? You'll get the answers - and then some - at Kicking Tires "the blog for car buyers". Whether you're in the market for a car, "just looking", or doing some research, this is your site, because if it runs, it's in here, with facts, figures, reviews and more on every make from Acura to Volvo and on categories from Auto Shows to Safety.  (And if anything began with a Z, you'd be sure to find it here!) Links to help you ask questions, find the right car (or sell it), combined with well-written, informative posts make for a site that even pedestrians will enjoy taking for a spin!

Daily Poetics

"There is a not a particle of life that does not carry poetry within it". - Gustave Flaubert. Sometimes, we all need to take a break and reflect on simpler things - words and images that help us reflect on the beauty all around us. Flaubert's words are the keystone of  Daily Poetics, a blog that helps you take a few moments to consider the thoughts and postings from artists, poets, and writers from around the world. There are poems, articles, and stories on a surprising variety of topics. The real beauty of the blog is finding something worthwhile in even the most everyday objects. There are links to various studios for sampling, sale, or just to see. Think of this site as your "five minute getaway" on the web - so the next time you're giving a bust day at home or work, relax - and get your dose of Daily Poetics.

My Urban Garden Deco Guide

Cities aren't just concrete and steel. Look closely, and you'll discover a world of flowers and grass and intimate beauty. It's the world of urban gardens, and in My Urban Garden Deco Guide you'll explore this "fast-changing" environment, learn the tips and tricks to create an urban oasis, and lots more. Whether you're working with a small space or are lucky enough to have a back yard, blogger Anne Robert gives city dwellers the lowdown on everything they may need to make their urban space even more beautiful, from the next wave of outdoor furniture (some cool stuff, here!), to high-tech options for outdoor offices, to designer edible gardens. Anne Marie also spotlights items that will make any visitor to your garden green (with envy), such as planters that change color and decorating with water. Here's the one stop shop for everything green, so dig in today!

Oh Joy

The clock's ticking, and "H" hour is fast approaching - (H as in holiday, that is). But if you're lacking in inspiration, don't worry… Oh Joy has you covered, with "design, style, and other cool things". A crafts blog with a homespun heart, Oh Joy gathers styles from local and national designers and artisans and presents them for your shopping pleasure. Check out the beautifully screen printed linen handbags , handmade holiday items like tags, stockings and ornaments, and wonderful ways to wrap your gifts. In addition to the main features, there are links to sponsors, daily reads, and categories, all featuring unique gift ideas, news, and places to shop. Lots of colorful product shots will whet your appetite, too!

Runner’s World

What are China's track and field hopes for the Beijing Olympics? Who are the front-runners in the Fukuoka Marathon? Which "home of the bean and the cod" might host the 2020 Olympics?  You'll get the answers - along with news, photos, schedules and more - in Runners World, a blog devoted to all things running. This daily news blog gives you the latest happenings, races, training reports, runner's profiles, and more from the world of marathoning, road racing, and track and field - creating an invaluable pool of news and information for you. A special feature of this site is the wealth of other blogs that you'll find, such as the Running Doctor (who answers  medical questions such as "how do I run in unexpected warm weather"?), High School Runner,devoted to the running questions from high schoolers, and Peak Performance, a blog with the latest training, fitness, and nutrition advice.

Girl Jukebox

If you like your music a little on the indie-rock-new wave-electro-pop side, then tune in to Girl Jukebox, DJ Colleen Crumbcake's blog. As her name suggests, Colleen's a DJ and spins in clubs in the New York area - a job that gives her a unique perspective on what's new in music.  If you'd like to check out her sounds, Colleen plays a monthly gig in the metro area; or get a taste of her observations on food (and music), pets and music, happiness and music. Sensing a theme here? We do, and it's fun reading; Colleen's blog is rich in photos, links to music sources, New York sites, and unique places to shop, providing a one-of-a-kind resource for music lovers everywhere.

Kitsilano

Vancouver is one of our favorite cities and it's nice to see there's a blog that touts its virtues. Kitsilano is a neighborhood on the west side of this jewel of British Columbia, and it's home to a vibrant mix of cafes, markets, shops, families and students. (Growing, too, as noted in a recent post about real estate!)  Vancouver is a premiere destination of the Northwest, and visitors can get invaluable glimpses into what makes the city so special, from eats, to lodging, to shopping.  (We've just linked to a few of the offerings - there are lots more to choose from, such as where to find (yes!) Tex-and Cal-Mex food. If you wish, you can also link to several Vancouver sites for a complete virtual tour of the city! Lots of local flavor abounds in the posts; the blog's writer -himself a resident- knows his neighborhood and his pride in it is evident.

Popwatch

Here it is - the mother lode of gossip, games, music and movies. It's Popwatch, a blog that keeps an eye on pop culture", and it's put out by Entertainment Weekly - which virtually guarantees you inside information, front-row reviews, great photos, interviews, and much more. Looking for celebrity gossip? See what might be in store for Rosie, Want to know the front-runner in this year's Oscar race? Open the envelope. What's going on between breaks on Dancing With The Stars? Get the story here. There's more -much more - from the Hollywood Insider blog; charts that map box office winners, top-selling DVDs, books, and albums; and insightful columns on Hollywood goings-on.  Some of the industry's top reporters, observers, and insiders contribute their skills here, plus the site is constantly being refreshed, making this a funny, smart, and sometimes shocking source of all things entertainment - so sit down and be prepared to be…entertained!

Daily Style Bakery

So many shops, so little time…especially now that the holidays are upon us! Never fear, the Daily Style Bakery cooks up tasty offerings and "what we're loving today from our favorite sites". And how!  You'll find items from A (Accessories) to W (Web Snob) and everything in between (and if something began with Z, you'd be sure to find it here)! This blog captures the best of the web, from fun and funky, to chic to classic, and fitting every budget.  There are "bundled " suggestions on things like gifts for kids, customized jewelry, and gifts for him.  There are links to the hottest news in the retail industry, too. Product descriptions are often witty, insightful, and true-to life; and best of all, many of these items come with special discounts so you can save while you shop! 

meevee

What's on? The writer's strike for one thing, and it's sure to have an impact on your television watching. How do we know? We read meevee a blog that covers everything that's on - and off - the screen. With its insightful postings and reviews of current shows (Heroes selling out?), what to watch during the strike, and just what Tyra Banks talked about on her show.  There are robust archive and category sections filled with posts and pictures from virtually every show on the air, plus links to TV blogs collected from around the blogosphere, so you're assured on great reading, no matter how long the strike lasts. (Memo to The Family Guy that was a…memorable… 100 episode!)

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

The last thing brides-to-be need as their day approaches is stress - and on her blog Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway dispenses "inspiration and information to help brides stay centered and sane". Reverend Brockway practices in New York, but her advice is universal, as you'll see in her post "bridal stress and how to stress less", her thoughts on "second time around" vows, and reflections on marriage itself.  Marriage encompasses many areas and Reverend Brockway offers her thought on them all, along with her wedding album of ceremonies she's officiated, suggested meditation for brides to be, and lots more. This is a wonderful spot that all brides (and perhaps more than a few grooms) can use to really enjoy their day.

Grow A Brain

Hanan Levin has been called "the human vacuum" and once you scan his Grow A Brain blog, you'll understand why.  It's filled with links vacuumed from all corners of the Internet, creating a fascinating, useful, humorous, and just plain fun site. Everything's grouped into categories (over 100 and counting!) such as animals, travel and jokes.  Each of the categories contains several links to related posts; along with the photos and designs, this is definitely a rainy day/lunch hour blog designed to amuse and entertain. Hanan's also a co-owner of a Riverside, CA-based real estate company; you'll find links to his business as well, so dig in and Grow A Brain"!

Fuseblog

Hear the latest? You will, at Fuseblog, the indie-rock/Euro Folk/Classic Rock/You name it spot for the sights and sounds of the music industry. Fuseblog goes behind the vinyl to give you news, reviews, and good old gossip about the stars, the concerts, and the happenings in rock. Case in point: How Aerosmith’s concert cancellation in Hawaii may cost them big bucks – and why; gossip behind the “big boss” of the boy bands, and what Madonna told Warner to do. Lots of photo albums and video- and sound clips of concerts, bands, and personalities enrich the blog; it’s irreverent, insightful, and a great site to see what’s behind the sounds!

Granny Buttons

Here’s one of the more unique blogs we've come across in some time – one dedicated to life aboard English canal boats. It's a different world on the water, as writer (and canal boater) Andrew Denny points out: there are 3,000 miles of canals in England acting as roads that connect cities. Andrew was one of the first boating bloggers in the world (and the first canal blogger in the UK) and his journeys on his canal narrow boat form a fascinating view of life on the river, as you’ll see in such posts as the Ghost of Harecastle Tunnel, thoughts on canal boat builders, and journeying on the canals. This is not boating in the traditional sense as canal narrow boats are different in design and functionality; currently there are about 30,000 full- and part-time “liveaboards” forming a community that is more than just virtual. Indeed, in addition to his own posts, Andrew has posted links to several other “boater blogs” such as the Nuggler, and together with a robust selection of pictures, they recreate a way of life that’s both colorful and appealing – welcome aboard!

Brides Club

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Or so goes the refrain – and Seattle-based Brides Club makes it come true with everything a bride needs to make her day even mores special. Even if you don't live in the Northwest, you’ll be saying “yes!” to this rich online source for information on Wedding Expos, travel, caterers, and more. There ‘s a great list of links to wedding resources, bridal shows, and wedding planners; photo galleries that illustrate the latest trends in fashion and food; and lots of categories to enrich any wedding day.

Flea Market Studio

We’ve been featuring several crafts blogs lately for the simple reason that the holidays are fast approaching and whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Chanukah, many people like to add special touches to their homes Flea Market Studio is our latest featured blog, and in it, you’ll get hints for next year’s ghost and goblin day,  crafting with kids, and sewing, There’s a neat little store specializing in art pieces and art journals for sale by the author too. These are delightful, homemade pieces that will inspire you to create your own works of art for family, friends, and home.

Vintage Pretties

What are Vintage Pretties? They’re unique items (often antique) that you find in stores, flea markets, and yard sales. They can make your home a decorator’s showcase, as you’ll see in Vintage Pretties, a blog that shows you where to find all sorts of items and what to do with them. Case in point: antique biscuit tins and picnic baskets, shoes, and milk carriers.  You’ll be amazed – and inspired – at how the author turns these simple items into eye-catching pieces for her home. Travel stories and birthdays  add their charm, and turn this into a comfortable, beautiful read. Enjoy!

3rd House Journal

Have you ever dreamed of snakes? The writer of 3rd House Journal  knows what it means and in the pages of her blog you’ll find out too. Named after the 3^rd house in astrology, that signifies “writing, conversation, personal thoughts, and day-to-day things”, these pages offer up such diverse topics as the “TVs of others”, gods in color, and reflections on the river. Lots of New England flavors and photos highlight this spot on the web, so stop by!