Blogger Highlight: The Oatmeal

In the past year and a half, Matthew Inman's cartoon take on absurd life moments, also known as The Oatmeal, has catapulted from relative unknown to Internet comic staple. The Oatmeal is a collection of comics and quizzes that poke fun at the silly, life truths that we all know and ignore. His wry, often spastic comics are a fun way to procrastinate online. Here are a few of my favorites...

Remember when we were all forced to learn cursive in elementary school? Whatever became of all that penmanship practice...

Are you guilty of doling out one of these?

What you actually sound like... and it's not pretty!

In case you were wondering, why oatmeal?, Inman joked in a recent interview with Mashable, "My comic has no recurring characters though, so rather than trying to name it something like BisonMeatPorkDesignButterflyPoopiesBigJokesLOL.com, I just called it 'The Oatmeal.'"


If you love his comics, check out his new book, 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth (and Other Useful Guides). For more Oatmeal fun, find more comics and quizzes here.

Blogger Highlight: Fig+Sage

Hola BFF'ers! Per our weekly "Blogger Highlight" series, we here at BFF are super excited to share this week's blog, Fig+Sage. Run by sisters, Stancie and Erin, from California (holla!), Fig+Sage is one of the top eco-friendly lifestyle blogs out there.

I know what many of you are thinking... "Eco-friendly" and "green living" are just code words for "tree-hugging hippies". Or maybe "Buying everything organic is too expensive for me." But with Fig+Sage, these sisters are showing readers that buying products that are natural and low-impact on the environment is absolutely doable and great for health and the planet! Without breaking the bank.

Fig+Sage features awesome, informative reviews of makeup and bath products out there in the market, like BECAUSE Body Care seen above. Eco-chic!

Their fashion finds highlight lesser-known eco-friendly brands, like Naya Shoes pictured above

You can also find a rich array of home products, from bedding to desserts to water bottles (a la Vapur BPA-Free Anti-Bottles pictured above)

Even moms who are interested in organic, eco-friendly clothes and toys for their kids, can find something at Fig+Sage

The great thing about Fig+Sage is that all of the products featured are personally tested and researched by Stancie and Erin. They take green consumerism and living environmentally consciously away from intimidating and shows us that you can stay stylish and on a budget when transitioning to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Check out their fabulous finds and rave reviews on Fig+Sage here.

Stay fab (and eco-chic) guys 

;)

Blogger Highlight: Marian Kihogo

In a gorgeous collection of killer runway fashions, luxurious beauty must-haves, and unique arts and music picks, Marian Kihogo has an eye for the beauty. She's not your typical fashion blogger; a member of the fashion industry, Kihogo is a stylist, contributing editor of PUSH IT Magazine, and creative consultant. 

With her background in the fashion arts industry, she brings an expert perspective to style and culture. Check out some of our favorite Marian Kihogo features:

Jeweled Jimmy Choo heels framed by an ornate gold trimmings for Kihogo's picks for the prettiest party shoes

Her playful "I'd Rather Be Wearing" segment displays her personal style picks

Number 14. Jackson Pollock, 1951.
"I could list a number [of] reasons why I like Pollock's abstract expressionist paintings but it is the simultaneous deliberate and intuitive expression that draws me time after time."
-Kihogo, on painter Jackson Pollock

A devout fan of Ladurée macaroons and candles

Life in a nail-polish-and-handbag nutshell!

Her zig-zag interlocking images mirror a major Spring/Summer 2011 trend: patchwork!

Marian Kihogo's attention to detail and extensive fashion coverage makes her blog a must-read for style mavens, culture and arts lovers, and runway fanatics!

Blogger Highlight: Awkward Family Photos

You're always guaranteed to encounter the dreaded family portrait during the holiday season! In the most extreme cases, your mom makes everyone wear matching Santa Claus sweaters and hold unnatural smiles for an hour while a melancholy photographer snaps photos. We all do it to make our families happy, but some take this a little too seriously.

Awkward Family Photos is one of our favorite humor blogs, especially during this time of year! You think YOUR family is strange...? Check these guys out!

Looks like not everyone is happy about pretending to be a human Christmas Tree... 

Um...? How does this make for a valid family portrait theme?

This family is a bit too enthusiastic about Christmas!

Have your own awkward family moment? Or just want to laugh at other people's? Head over to Awkward Family Photos, and remember, there's no place like home!

;)

Blogger Highlight: TasteSpotting

Have you ever been to a restaurant and felt the urge to take pictures of their prettiest dishes? Well, TasteSpotting is a blog devoted entirely to gorgeous food! Run by Sarah J. Gim and Jennifer Bartoli, TasteSpotting is a visual feast of decadent, eye-catching culinary creations. Each image is accompanied by a recipe so you too can not only admire, but also recreate these beautiful dishes. TasteSpotting is built upon the idea that "we first eat with our eyes," and these dishes will, without a doubt, get your tastebuds going! Here are some of our favorites here at BFF...

Pistachio Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chick pea and zucchini salad

Milk Chocolate Almond Macaroons

Marinated Skirt Steak

Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Bars

Gorg!! Check out TasteSpotting, Biffles!
;)

Blogger Highlight: Lovely Undergrad

Biffles, as you all know, I love frugal finds and DIY crafts! If you don't want to drop tons of cash (like me!) to decorate your room, invest in high-end beauty products, or find fun things to do, Lovely Undergrad is an awesome resource for ideas and inspiration! A college student herself, Jessica shares her tips on everything from spicing up a plain room to great books to read and cute wardrobe ideas... all on a small budget! Here are a few of my favorite inspirations:

Try scouring a flea market for this birdcage photo display. Just use clothespins to attach photos!

Edamame: a healthy and cheap snack!

An AWESOME alternative to a traditional nightstand

This bulletin board was made from a door! Insane.

Great theme!

Get your make-up organized!

From salvaged chain gate to adorable headboard with just a blanket or quilt!

Hope you guys found some inspiration here. It's true that with a little flair, you don't need a big budget to get organized and add some style. Check out Lovely Undergrad for more tricks and ideas. DIY away, BFF'ers

;)