We’ve got quit the eclectic collection of bloggers and websites to share with our Pocketchange readers this week! We’re so excited by the variety – we’ve got artists and food lovers and a whole series of runners blogs sharing their passion and documenting their amazing fitness journey. We sincerely hope you enjoy this week’s Best of the Web and as always be sure to let the blog authors know how much you appreciate their fantastic work!

 

 

 

Pencil and Leaf 

inspired by the natural world

“Pencil and Leaf is the blog of UK artist Val Littlewood who finds inspiration from the natural world. Currently she paints wild bees and blogs about them and her surroundungs in rural Cambridgeshire. The bee paintings form part of “BUZZ” a travelling show which aims to educate and enchant people about wild bees and their need for conservation.“

Mira Crisp 

to learn and to show

“I started this blog in the summer of 2010 as a result of a project I was putting together called ‘Photography for the Community.’ During this project, I took photos of military families whose parents and/or spouses were deployed and I needed a place to share my work with my friends and family. Starting a blog seemed to be a good idea.  Over time, the blog evolved into a photo learning site where I still share my own work but at the same time share photography and Photoshop tips I have learned along the way. The blog is now primarily dedicated to learning photography rather than simply showing it.”

Long Legs on the Loose 

loving every second, even when it hurts

“I started both the blog and running in 2009 with the sole purpose of raising money for cancer and I was hooked.  Running was my first truly healthy relationship with exercise and I promised to never look back and to always give back through running, because running had given my so much!  I continue to do as much charity running as humanly possible and love every second of every race…even when it hurts.  Long Legs on the Loose is a compiling of my everyday thoughts, desire, annoyances, irritants, joys, questions, and of course a place to share my love of running with so many awesome people! “

My Mama’s Table 

feeding the desire to create

“Both my mother and my grandmother set a beautiful table, surrounding me with lovely objects to enjoy on a daily basis, and not just for special occasions. I grew up appreciating art and design, and now am fortunate to have two creative outlets in my life: graphic design, which thrives on typography, color, texture, illustration, and photography. And ceramics , which thrives on petals, leaves, pods, shells, stones, and insects. At My Mama’s Table, graphic design and ceramics get together to discuss the things that feed my desire to create, as well as the finicky process of creating. “

A Frayed of Fibers

don’t be scared of the fibers!

“My blog is filled with my work in fiber art, quilts, ATC’s, and other mixed medias, along with my travels and life adventures. I occasionally add tutorials and recipes to the mix to share with others. The photo above consists of one of my hand dyed fabrics layered with organza, melted and restitched placements with fiber, clay, glass buttons and bead embellishments. It was eventually made into a vessel that was chosen to be featured in a Quilting Arts magazine.  It’s also one of my favorite challenge pieces and in an earlier posting as a tutorial.”

Run the Long Road

on marathons – the good, the bad, and the ugly 

“Run The Long Road documents the good, the bad, and the ugly of marathon training.  For many years my goal has been to qualify and run the Boston Marathon.  After lots of hard work, determination, and a little luck I qualified in September and will be toeing the start line in Hopkinton on April 16, 2012!  Follow me on my journey to Boston and beyond!“

Blonde Ponytail 

fitness trends, running, healthy recipes and product reviews/giveaways

“Blonde Ponytail began a year ago when I ran my very FIRST race: a Marathon and has evolved from a running journal to an all-inclusive healthy lifestyle blog. You’ll frequently read posts on fitness pop culture and my (hopefully entertaining) opinions of the topics. Additionally, I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS), certified Spinning instructor, and personal trainer, so I frequently share pertinent information on strength training, cross-training activities, and tools that will be of interest to readers. “

Running 42 KM 

learning to love running again

“Running 42km started out as a journal of sorts for stay-at-home mum Alanna’s first marathon.  While marathons are no longer the sole focus of this blog they still come up every now and then.  With no training to talk (incessantly) about until the new year Alanna is occupying her time writing about life, the kiddo Spud, and learning to love running again.”

Artist Unplugged

a propellant for creativity

“I began blogging  almost four years ago to document and share my journey  bringing my art to the public.  Artist Unplugged has proven to be a propellant for creativity, a source of encouragement and valued community at the tip of my fingers. Whether it is art, photography, decorating, baking, the pets or the family, I share it all, hoping to make it an entertaining read. My art is for sale but comments posted are priceless to me.  To purchase or view my artwork go to www.wix.com/tbatchelorartwork/gallery. “

 Daisy, Roo and Two 

documenting this crazy life

“Daisy, Roo and Two is about raising my girl Roo and the boys X 2 (Fraser and Oscar, identical twin boys).  A humorous and heartfelt take on being a stay at home mum with three kids under three, breaking the Super Mum stereotype, and being married to a baker (aka provider of cake), all whilst living in a country town in NSW, Australia.  I started blogging because I just can’t shut up in real life – and probably also because I want to document what this crazy life is before my children and I grow old and it’s just a story I start accosting unsuspecting new mothers in the supermarket with.”

Roti n Rice 

organizing those family recipes

“The purpose of my blog is to record and compile all my recipes in a single place so that I can pass it down to my kids one day. Before this, the recipes were on scraps of paper in between pages of cookbooks and in envelopes. Many, supposedly committed to memory are lost. Blogging helps me keep them organized and the food blogging community keeps me motivated. It is a joy to share the recipes, get feedback, and try new ones discovered on other blogs.”

The Sketchbook Challenge 

a new challenge every month!

“The sketchbook challenge started in January of 2011 and each month challenges followers to work in their sketchbooks to a new theme chosen by one of the host artists on the blog.  Followers can post photos of their sketchbook pages to a flickr group making them eligible to win prizes donated by some very generous sponsors. “

Two Hot Potatoes 

two friends unwavering in their love for food

“The Two Hot Potatoes blog offers cooking, eating and entertaining thoughts brought to you by Angela MonDragon and Sarah Wicker – two friends who share a passion for all things food-related. They blog from beautiful Dallas, Texas – where they live, work and more importantly, eat. Angela and Sarah cook, eat and drink their way through their beloved city and keep us inspired with all their updates along the way. They don’t claim to be food experts or sommeliers, but their love of food is unwavering- and the proof is in the pudding.”

Circular Territory 

recording bits and pieces of life

“Back in 2009, I was introduced to a SLR camera and fell in love with taking pictures. I started Circular Territory as a place to share my photos with family and friends. Over the past two years this blog has since then evolved into a sort of photo journal where I record bits and pieces of my life. I’ve been experimenting with different cameras lately, you will find I love shooting film.”

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