Whether you’re searching for an easy 30-minute meal for your family or tips on the latest and greatest social network released by Google, someone somewhere has blogged about it. In fact, there are hundreds of blogs out there just waiting to be discovered. The truth is…I love it! Some might even say I’m a little obsessed. But what about a blog, not only draws you in, but keeps you coming back?

First, let’s get real. We are constantly searching for ways to save time and money in just about every aspect of our daily lives. There are several blogs that I search on a daily basis for simple recipes that even I can master. I love stopping by Oh Joy! to see what new sweet and salty treats Joy has discovered throughout the week. As an added bonus, she is also obsessed with design and fashion, just like yours truly. Next, Orangette is a great place to discover step by step healthy recipes. Both of these sites have such a simple design, but the information and delicious pictures have these two at the top of my list.

"...these are the things that make a blog so effective: informative, relevant, time-saving, easy to navigate and brand specific."

Second, let’s get creative. DIY projects and weddings are my all-time favorite type of blogs. If you’re looking for wedding décor and inspiration, 100LayerCake is the ultimate blog. Real wedding photos are posted every week, as well as comments from the bride herself with helpful do’s and dont's for any type of wedding. From vintage to glitz and glam, 100LayerCake has great tips for traditional and modern brides all over. Design*Sponge is a great blog with thousands of design and home décor ideas, many which you can create yourself! The idea of having blogs that inspire and encourage using your own creativity and talents is pure genius and extremely rewarding.

Finally, let’s get fancy. When I’m searching for the newest styles in fashion, I always start with the wacky but gorgeous blog, A Beautiful Mess. I could search through these crazy, handmade outfits all day. Day Dream Lily is an incredible vintage blog that uses creative photography and simple locations to outline style throughout many different cultures. I adore the layouts as well as the design team that creates both of these blogs. Taking simple, ordinary objects and materials to create such a beautiful style is so refreshing.

So what exactly do these blogs have in common? First of all of they each share an easy to follow basic design that successfully conveys their brand while focusing on content that is regularly being updated. The frequency of updates can vary from blog to blog, but typically at least once or twice a week is normal (some even make updates daily). The content of each blog is always full of great information and inspiration with pictures that grab your attention often before even reading the title of the article. And really these are the things that make a blog so effective: informative, relevant, time-saving, easy to navigate and brand specific.

Of course, these are the blogs that stand out the most to a real, creative, fancy girl like me. What blogs keep you coming back?