Kiddos in the Blogosphere: One Year Later

Photo by Raul Gutierrez.

A long while ago, I posted about some of my favorite families in the blogosphere and their kiddos. Now I'd like to offer a follow up to that post, featuring an update on these beautiful bloggers. Their homes are so full of love, and their little ones are getting so big!

Joanna and Alex of A Cup of Jo are the parents of the adorable Mr. Toby. I love following their posts on life in New York City and adventures in parenting. Joanna offers some lovely insight on motherhood as well as the best spots to enjoy in the Big Apple. And isn't it cute how Toby is already picking up his parents' dashing style? Check out those wayfarers! You're on your way, little man.

  

Ryan and Cole of Pacing the Panic Room are wonderful. They bring such a creative, energetic approach to parenting their little ones, Tessa and the Littlest Buddy. I love when Ryan's photos capture moments like this -- so graceful, effortless, and fun. Ryan is one of those rare photographers who is unafraid to capture the rawness of a moment, like when a set of new parents welcome their child into the world. And if you're into wild hairstyles, fashion photography, or indie music, you should swing by his blog. Plus, how sweet is it that Ryan signs every post with "all the love in the universe?" 

Kelle Hampton's dreamy blog features her two beautiful daughters, Lainey and Nella. Kelle really does stay true to the blog's title, Enjoying the Small Things, as she posts about life's little pleasures like fall arts and crafts, time together as a family, and bathtime and chicken noodle soup. There's something so joyous about this spaced you've carved out for yourself and your family, Kelle! 

I'm happy to report that the little dreamer from Mila's Daydreams is up and about. What a precious little girl who seems to have her mom's eye for creativity already. And, exciting news: Adele Enersen, the genius mom behind the series, is publishing a book! If you'd like to keep updated on the news about when it's published, go sign up here.

Copyright ©Adele Enersen.

Copyright ©Adele Enersen.

Copyright ©Adele Enersen.

Copyright ©Adele Enersen.

I love that Anna of Rummey Bears isn't afraid to post when her daughter has a runny nose or a scraped knee. She captures the essence of childhood on the Rummey Bears blog -- the bright, sneaky, silly side of being a kid -- which occasionally hurts, but is so worth it. Thank you, Anna, for your courage and your humor.

  

Finally, I'd like to introduce Jamie of A Desert Fete, super blogger and mom of precious Hank. Not only does she post here, but she also shares an online space at Hank + Lucy. Sometimes I swing by and just imagine how those two little ones will grow up as best friends. They are in the hands of some good mamas!

Who are your favorite mom and dad bloggers out there?

Note: photos are from each respective blog.

The Quiet of the Day

Photos by yours truly. Check out these beautiful Vegas digs!

I'm enjoying a blissful vacation so far in Las Vegas. It's been so relaxing lounging around in the pool, walking slowly everywhere, enjoying this beautiful house, sipping green tea, and spending time with my lovely friend Ash and her mom.

This morning we did a little kundalini yoga in the living room and then went for a swim. There is something so calm about the space here -- the way you can see the rolling outline of hills in the distance, the warmth of the sun on your skin. I breathe deeply here, and do very little.

Isn't it wonderful when you can leave empty spaces in your day and do nothing but be present to the moment?

Peace abounds. :)

Love Never Fails

Beautiful wedding photography by Clayton Austin.

This wedding took my breath away. I love her tattoo, and that the photographer named the title of his blog post featuring their photos after it.


I'm a sucker for gorgeous weddings and happy couples. Maybe it's a girl thing.... :)

Regardless, it's such a nice reminder to know:

Love never fails.


And there is no fear in love. 

Photography by Clayton Austin.

Announcing the Sponsored Yogis for 2011!

 

The decision was hard. The applications were incredible. A big thanks to all who entered!

And now, Alive in the Fire would like to introduce the blog's sponsored yogis for this year...

Emily Berna,

Nicole Crist,

and

Hans Park!

along with an extraordinarily awesome guest post team: 

Dana Almdale

Richard Krzyzanowski

Beth Morey

Annie Sullivan

 Emily Taggart

This is me, shouting a much deserved: CONGRAAAAAAATS!

In the weeks and months to come, you'll be hearing from these yogis who are located all around the country and who practice a variety of yoga styles ranging from Bikram to Vinyasa to Anusara and Yin, and more.

They are teachers and students.

Men and women with compassion.

Brilliant writers, designers and thinkers who are ready to share their reflections on life as it's lived both on and off the mat.

I couldn't be more excited to have them on board!

I'd also like to send out a personal thank you to every blog reader who entered the sponsorship program. I hope the application process was fulfilling and helped you learn more about yourself and your yoga practice.


I couldn't be more stoked to share some of your stories in the weeks to come, too. I value and appreciate your feedback and your ideas about the blog.


Thanks to you and your honest input, you can expect to see some exciting changes around here at Alive in the Fire, including:

• new design
• more continuity 
• a new series or two
• some new personal posts
• advice on specific postures, plus a comprehensive guide to every Bikram asana in the 26-posture series
• more info for yogis who don't practice Bikram
• more info for guys who yoga

Thanks to you, the blog is better and it's growing. I hope you'll stay tuned for some lovely input from the sponsored team, starting with their bios next week (plus the cutest bio video ever!).


And once again, a big fat congrats to the sponsored yogis, guest bloggers, and to every applicant who submitted. You are amazing!

A new day, a new dawn (on the blog). Beautiful! Photo via One Love Photography.