Goodbye Google Reader and GFC, Hello Bloglovin', Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etc.

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Hello.  I hope everyone's had a great weekend.  Last Friday, I found out from Lauren of Style Elixir that Google Reader will be shutting down. Google says that there are two reasons for this.  The first is due to the decline in the number of users and the second is that they want to focus their energy into fewer products.  Well, most of you might have heard or read that it will only be available until July 1, 2013. In line with this, Google Friend Connect (GFC) will most likely end as well.  

It is an unwelcome news for a lot of people and I definitely feel a bit disappointed too.  I am subscribed to a number of blogs through GFC and been using this bookmarking tool for years.  Recently though, I've been keeping myself updated through Bloglovin' and it's cool that Bloglovin' has made it so much easier to import your entire bloglist in just a click of a button.   

I was just starting to build up a following through GFC but since it will be retiring real soon, I thank everyone who has followed me through GFC and I do hope that you will continue to follow my blog on Bloglovin'.

However, Bloglovin' isn't the only option we have to subscribe to our favorite blogs.  Of course, there's email subscription, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram- these are the popular alternatives.  Do you know of other bookmarking tools?  Which one do you prefer to use to get updates from your favorite blogs and websites? 

So anyway, I don't normally ask people to follow my blog or offer to follow in exchange for my following simply because I don't want to make it a conditional (follow me- I follow you) thing.  As much I want to build up a bigger audience, it's just so much happier each time you get new followers, knowing that they genuinely like your blog enough to want to stay tuned to your future posts.  Of course, when you join giveaways, becoming a follower is a basic rule, and I've certainly participated in a lot of giveaways but if I don't feel a slightest connection to a blog, then I would rather not join.  I usually follow a blog for the simple reason that I like it and I don't really mind whether or not the blogger follows me back.  Surely if they follow back, that would be wonderful, but that is their choice  :) 

Today, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to follow my blog through email subscription, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest .  I haven't been super active on these social sites but beginning today, I will be using these platforms to share updates from this blog.  If you do find my blog worthy of your time, if it makes you smile, then it would be great to know that you want to continue reading my posts:)  See you tomorrow!

Blog Hug: A Beautiful Mess

I have a long list of blogs that I follow and I have a couple of favorite reads. One of my most recent discoveries is A Beautiful Mess by Elsie & Emma. First of all, I am so jealous of their blog's name as Jason Mraz's A Beautiful Mess is so close to my heart. (In case you might be wond'ring why I chose this name for my blog, the answer is that all the other ones I would've liked are already taken, but that's another story.) 

A Beautiful Mess features posts on different aspects of living.  I find myself always pleasantly surprised whenever I visit their blog. The blog features DIY projects, fashion, beauty, decor, recipes, photography, among other things.  I am inspired to be more creative and to search that inner artist in me (if there ever is one), right after reading a post.  And I am always, always captivated by their stunning photos.

 

Although I have been blogging for more than 5 years, it was only when I started to focus on this blog this year that I feel like I am truly blogging.  I have a few blogs scattered in different places but they are more of a compilation of other people's creations that I love.  I was very careful not to give away anything too personal.  But this time around, I have began to open up and it feels nice. I guess that's because, I am finally allowing people to see me. It is uplifting to know that you are sharing positivity. And it is encouraging to be appreciated.  I hope I can somehow achieve that kind of effect that A Beautiful Mess does to me, to the people who read my blog.

I guess this is why I love A Beautiful Mess.  Whenever I hop over to their blog, I couldn't help but wonder, "what goodie awaits me there today?"  When I read them, I can feel that sense of vibrance and happiness exuding from each page.   I feel wanting to reach out my hand, to say or "type" something, to let them know that I would like to try my hands on that project or recipe.  To say that the post made me smile.  Or even just to say hi.  :)

I still have a couple of inspiring blogs on my list. One of these days, I'm going to make another post to share them all with you.  Btw, this post is in response to Holly Becker's (from Decor8, one of my all-time fave blogs) invite to "Show Your Love" to bloggers who inspire you. If you haven't read her post yet, you can read it here, and maybe you can join in too! 

What are your favorite blogs?  Who are your favorite bloggers?  You're welcome to leave their links with your comments and I'd surely give them a visit.  Thanks:)

Blog Hops & Link Loves #2

photo: vi.sualize.us

found: via

I love animations that touch the heart like "The Paperman" - nominated for Best Animated Short Film this year.  Thanks A Cup Of Jo for sharing it!  

It reminded me of this Post-It Note commercial.  

And another short film called "Signs".

Quite a very  busy weekend for me.  I'' be visiting blogs later today.  Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read my "Featured Handmade Shop" interview and who has joined the giveaway.  For those of you who hasn't seen it, please do check it out.  I am featuring a lovely shop and you could win a pretty bow necklace.

So,what has been your favorite reads this week?

Blog Hops and Link Loves

Photoshoot: jana-williams.com
Event Design: firefly-events.com

found via: Style Me Pretty

Some of my favorite reads from various blogs this week:

1. I found a new Interior Design Inspiration in the home of Adrienne Antonson featured over Design Sponge.  I LOVE homes that are enriched with character and that looks like people actually lived there. I can't get enough of their walls and I do wish I can hang our pots & pans like that.

2. Oh, Hello Friend is opening shop!  Wee! Congratulations! I think it was yesterday, to be exact but for those who couldn't be there, Danni did say watch out for a giveaway on their blog, a week after the opening.

3. A hashtag party is on at Decor8 and it's called #bloghug. The idea is to take a moment and show some love for your favorite blogs or bloggers.  Planning to join the party for sure ;)

4. Oh Joy! is hosting an amazing $1,000 bag giveaway by FOSSIL.  If you live in the US, hop over her blog quick to join. 

5. Not one but Two Fabulous Giveaways from A Beautiful Mess: this and this. Open for readers worldwide!

6. A short (for those who don't love to read) but inspiring post by Kelly Rae.

What has been your best reads this week? 

I Adore: A Clean and Clutter Free Entryway

It is so difficult not to share something that you truly adore. Like this lovely home of Maria Carr, a stay-at-home mom and blogger from the blog, Dreamy Whites.  If you are looking for inspiration on French farmhouse living, you would find that her blog is  brimming with irresistible, breathtaking insights on authentic home styling.

When I saw the new photos of their entryway, I couldn't help but gasp.  The space feels so inviting that I just wanted to reach my hand out on the doorknob and come in. 

There are so many elements on this photo that I absolutely love:  

That humongous mirror painted in pale blue! I love the fact that it's not formally attached on the wall but just leaning against the crisp white wall like a sweet, lazy giant. 

The shiny, wooden floors that makes me want to walk on it barefoot; 

Old, re-purposed tote bags hang on a vintage french coat rack to hide away clutter.

I love the boots! It's always nice to see boots or shoes neatly lined up in the entryway because you know right away that people live there.  

The vintage french basket is a smart, utilitarian piece that never fails to beautify a space. I totally agree with Maria when she said that "one can't have too many baskets or crates".  They're wonderful for both decoration and storage.

And lastly, I thought that all the other accents just completes the whole look of this adorable entryway : a set of hardbound books in various shades of blue sitting on a white ottoman; the ceramic pitcher on an aged-looking glass-top table; a wooden, folding chair. . . everything is so neat and bright.  

Even if this was just a photo, there is crispness in every single detail - the hues, the light, that rustic air, the  simplicity, doesn't it make you feel pleasant and warm?