Bringing back the blogroll
And awakening a meadow of delight*.
Hello friends,
I recently re-instated my blog, and its 15+ years of posts, and it was like catching up with an old friend you hadn’t seen in ages but immediately felt at home with, like no time had passed at all.
Feeling nostalgic, it got me thinking about the joy and fun there was in discovery back in the blogging days. Creating posts again after years of mainly sharing to Instagram Stories (with the odd foray into newsletter writing) feels gloriously expansive. The difference between renting a slick-but-soulless apartment (where you’re not allowed change anything and they keep your deposit no matter how immaculate you leave the place) and having your very own higgedly piggedly perfectly imperfect home, with all its creaks and cobwebs.
Yes, there was a lot tea and tedium (and a lot of graft and patience on Ben's part) in getting everything back up and running again, but there was also the joy of discovery and connection and the simple pleasure of thinking something through, adding images, hitting publish.
I deleted Instagram off my phone over the Christmas break (an annual ritual), but have yet to install it again. Instead, I keep old iPhone on my desk to check in and the Beeper app to stay on top of any work-related DMs (checking for these was often my gateway to mindless scrolling).
It has surprised me how much opening it up at my desk, with intention, instead of just reflexively as I went about my day, has curbed my appetite for it. This is partly because it no longer feels like a place for connection: if I find someone inspiring on Instagram, following them is no guarantee the merciless algorithm will serve up their content to me.
So, in that spirit, I thought I would share 10 people who I love to follow online - some mega established creators you may already know, some possibly new ones that might inspire.
The OGs: three blogs I (still) check regularly
I have been reading Joanna’s posts for well over 15 years and have loved growing and learning with it. Still my go-to when looking for recipes, present ideas and book recommendations.
Tina’s blog serves as a constant reminder that the cool, quirky and idiosyncratic web I remember still exists.
Jamie Beck (free newsletter here)
Though the URL has changed over the years, the person has not. I’m such a huge fan of photographer Jamie Beck’s work (I have this print on my living room wall, and am enjoying using her 2026 planner) and have loved following her journey from New York to Provence.
Three newsletter I always open
I mentioned this newsletter already in my January Snapshots post, but Dee has such good taste and has put me on to some of my favourite books and shows. The newsletter has a super simple premise (three recommendations, every two weeks) and gorgeous design to boot.
Han Bullivant (newsletter link here)
I adore Hannah’s whole approach to interior design, decluttering and creating soulful, liveable spaces. Her tips manage to be both practical and inspiring, and she really encourages you to work with what you have instead of buying something new.
Anne Helen Petersen is a deeply curious person, but also a brilliant writer and researcher, which is what makes her newsletter so compelling. Whether it’s TikTok trends or our fascination with true crime shows, she always manages to have a fresh, informed take on zeitgeisty topics while also brilliantly hooking you into subjects you thought you didn’t care about at all.
Four family Insta accs I still check
I just want to step right into one of Jacinthe’s gloriously cosy photographs of family life. Her approach to creating slow, gentle Waldorf-inspired rythms is something I aspire to.
Each of Cora’s little Instagram squares is its own piece of art; at once soothing and challenging, showcasing the beauty, the blur and the mundane of being a stay-at-home mother and artist.
Another go-to account for book and TV recommendations, I love how much Robin loves the things she’s a fan of, and dives deep into them. Again, her slow, seasonal approach and sweet crafts really draw me in.
Ada is almost three, so we are (slowly) emerging from the coal mines of being entirely sleep obsessed. However, I still love checking in on what Rachael is sharing, and love her open, honest, realistic (but still research-backed) advice.
I’m working on creating a dedicated blogroll page (love Ben’s one!), so will update this post when I do.
Who do you still love reading, following and connecting with? I’d love to know.
*This beautiful line is lifted from John O’Donoghue’s magical poem Beannacht
