Best of the UK Parent Blogs: Ten at Ten (72)

Morning bloggers!

It’s Friday, it’s 10am and it’s time for another selection of brilliant posts from the UK parent bloggers of the Tots100.

This week, I’m taking advantage of being the boss of these here parts and want to share some of my favourite reads of the last week with you.

There are so many wonderful bloggers in the index who I know you won’t be familiar with, so I’ve tried to include some blogs some of our members might not be familiar with quite yet, as well as some well-known names.

The summer holidays are drawing to a close, and with just a couple of weeks of freedom left, my thoughts are starting to turn to September and new starts and projects.

So I really enjoyed reading this post from In a Bun Dance, about how it is possible to start – and love – cycling if you’re a bit old, or unfit. Well done Ellen on enjoying and surviving a five mile ride this week!

There’s not a lot in life that will make me break into a run but a swarm of killer zombies might just do the trick. Sound unlikely? Not so, as Cabbage Dan proves. I LOVE this post. Not enough to go running of course, but you know… quite a lot.

Another really positive post this week came from Diary of a Blonde Mum, about ‘stranger friends’ – the people we see day to day, but perhaps never really speak to. Do you ever wonder whether the postman, the shopkeeper, the other Mums in the library ever notice you? This post might make you smile – and even prompt a few friendly words on your next shopping trip.

As bloggers, we can be ‘stranger friends’ to one another, I think. Although you might never have met a fellow blogger, we all know the power a few kind words or a thoughtful comment can have when we’re going through a tough time.

One blogger in need of support is Alex at Lashes and Little Ones, who has just returned home with baby Arthur, following a horrible health scare. Thankfully all is well, but this post is a salutary reminder of the importance of trusting our instincts and acting fast when a baby’s wellbeing is at stake.

Life has thrown a curveball in the direction of Sarah from A Life More Lived, who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, so far, Sarah’s feeling well and able to keep up, but we’re all wishing you a speedy recovery and the very best of luck with your next appointment.

The title of Sarah’s blog always makes me smile because the very best lives are those that are more lived. Perhaps that’s why this post by Suzanne at 3 Children and It also struck a chord with me.

Suzanne reminds us that sometimes having a ‘to-don’t’ list can be as important as the to-do list. But sometimes even the most tedious and back-breaking chore has a lesson to teach us – like the value of weeding in our emotional lives, as well as in the garden.

Wisdom’s all well and good, but it can sometimes be in short supply on Facebook. I challenge you not to snigger at this brilliant post from Forty Plus and Frazzled, who has gathered together all the VITAL news from her friends, via their status updates. It’s just wonderful.

I also giggled like a fool at the video over on Tim’s blog following his appearance on This Morning – and his interview at the hands of Eamonn Holmes. Well done to Tim for remaining as cool as a cucumber, while also managing to convey his amusement at the questions!

I can’t remember ever featuring a review on our Ten at Ten before, so that’s probably a good reason to include one today. But I did really love the look of these customised bracelets over on Really Ree – how cute? I really love the idea of designing something as a gift for a picky friend.

I’ll finish up this week with two posts by a Mum who is experiencing doubts – one of those fun things that plague all of us parents, I’m sure. Henry’s Mother has just returned to work and is feeling overwhelmed. And I can guarantee she’s not the only new Mum who’s wondered whether someone made a terrible mistake giving them a baby!

Thanks to all the bloggers featured for such great posts – do pop over and say hello to any new blogs especially, and feel free to follow our Top 10 bloggers over on Twitter (follow @tots100 and you’ll see the links)

That’s it for now – see you next Friday!

About Sally

Sally Whittle is founder of the Tots100, Foodies100, BlogSummit and the MAD Blog Awards. When she's not working, she can be found blogging at Who's the Mummy, or having fun with her 7 year old daughter, Flea.