Friends in the Flesh

Honey Do Bakes – My friend Clare writes this cooking blog full of tasty, tested recipes and beautiful photos. We often had potlucks in Austin where we could each indulge our tendencies to create huge messes in the kitchen before drinking enough wine to quit caring. She came to visit me in May with her husband, Justin and our mutual friend Clay.

Any Last Word – Bill lived downstairs from me in college and put up with weekly 4 am dance parties in my apartment that often involved a trampoline, tap shoes, and a banjo. Once I stole  took a bottle of tequila from his apartment in the midst of a huge party that he organized in our backyard. I think I replaced it. He still talks to me, so that’s good.

Westermann West Again – I really, really hope Hallie continues updating her relatively new blog now that she’s back from New Zealand! I’ve always admired Hallie’s outlook and ability to get things done. Her travel stories inspire me to get off my butt!

Final Broadcast – Cade doesn’t update his music site very often, but I’m always excited when he does because his writing style makes me enthusiastic about things I didn’t even know I cared about. His blog focuses on music reviews, experiences, lists, etc., mostly concerning metal, but with some indie and folk thrown in for losers like me.

Rick’s writing is all over the internet. He penned a column called “The Turncoat” on well-read Chicago blog about his experience of deserting his ancestral home baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, in favor of the White Sox. You can also find his take on new metal over at American Aftermath. Rick and I lived in the same dorm in college and were often able to convince one another that doing stuff like hitting lightbulbs with baseball bats is a good idea.

People I’d Like to Know

Moments of Libra – I love reading Halina’s frequently updated site. She gives a glimpse into life in Norway through her beautiful photography.

Laura-Sensai - Laura writes all about her life in Japan as an English teacher. Lately, she’s been chronicling the school lunches she’s had in the Japanese school system.

Shto? Shou? What? – I love reading Christina’s updates about life in the Bay Area, her travels, and the pull of her heritage. I relate a lot to what goes on in her head that makes it to the internet.

Kizzling Around - I think I’m obsessed with gaijin in Japan. Erica is based in Tokyo, and I get to live through her via her blog. Soon she departs around the world as a translator and her site will stop temporarily, so get it while you can!

Sweeney Says – Sweeney writes about graduate school in Paris and about her life in a way that doesn’t make me want to punch my computer screen in jealousy or agitation.

Expat Edna – Edna is a serial expat currently located in Paris, though she writes wistfully about her times in Asia. She’s not afraid to write about topics like race, ethnicity, and nationality, and those are some of my favorite posts of hers.

One Day I’ll Fly Away – Ellie and I have a lot in common. We’re both located in Thailand with our partners, trying to get the most out of life while we can. She offers a deeper glimpse into Thai culture and customs than I do, and writes about her struggles and triumphs with the Thai school where she teaches.

Daniel McBane – Daniel is very well-traveled blogger with tales from around the world. More importantly? He’s funny. I love reading his updates about the absurdities of life and travel abroad.

Waegook Tom – Tom is a popular travel blogger teaching English in Korea who often posts pictures of hot men for all of us to ogle. He’s planning his round-the-world journey, and I can’t wait to follow along with his travels.

Popular Bloggers Who Don’t Need Links, But I’m Going to Put Them Here Anyway

Nothing But Bonfires - My 5 year plan is actually just to become Holly.

The Bloggess – She’s mostly hilarious, but she also advocates for mental illness awareness and other awesome things.

Mighty Girl - My 10 year plan is actually just to become Maggie.

Girl’s Gone Child  - A mommy-blogger who doesn’t make me want to stab my computer. Her Mom gave me a recipe for a no-bake pie crust, too.

Sweet Juniper –  Detroit-based daddy-blogger takes readers through urban issues and explores his area’s gems along with documenting decay and regrowth. His kids are going to be so cool.

101 Cookbooks – Delicious and wholesome vegetarian recipes. Going through Heidi’s archives taught me how to cook.

She Simmers – The best place to go for Thai recipes. Leela goes into detail about all of the Thai favorites and introduces readers to new techniques.

David Lebovitz – French food porn and recipes from a former Chez Panisse pastry chef.

Smitten Kitchen –  This is where I look if I don’t know what I want for dinner. Deb taught me how to make pizza.

Thailand Bloggers

Tasty Thailand

Tell Thai Heart

Village Farang

Travel Bloggers

They’re living the dream!

Adventurous Kate

Legal Nomads

Bacon is Magic

A Little Adrift

Fly Brother

There and Back Again - I actually met Shanna on a hike in Chiang Mai! We chatted about everything from airports to massage stones.