Might as well face it, I'm addicted to blogs

Hi, I'm Cathy, and I'm addicted to blogs.

So a friend introduced me to the Google Reader tool, which is basically an inbox for your blogs. It's so cool because you just put in the URL of the blog you like to keep up with, and just like your Yahoo! or Google mail, it pops up with a new post whenever one of your blogs has been updated. I keep it open in a tab so it lets me know when there's a new blog post on one of my subscriptions. I love it. I try to casually surf the web, all the while with that Google Reader tab in my peripheral vision just hoping that (0) changes to a (1)! I know, I'm a freak.

Another great thing about Google Reader is that it will recommend blogs to you that are similar to the blogs that are in your subscription list. So of course, since I've got blogs like Ginny's hilarious PreBabyBlabber or Danielle's fun New Mommy Rant and the like, it suggested some other fun Mommy blogs to check into. My favorite new discoveries are the blogs about deals, sales and product recos. And the other great thing is, each blog links off to more blogs, which link off to more blogs... it's an endless feast of blogs! Here's a rundown of a few of my new addictions...

Baby Cheapskate -- This is a blog filled with great deals on baby stuff, both online and offline. She keeps an eye out for quick specials, clearance deals, free samples, etc. A lot of times, these sites will offer an exclusive discount just for BC readers, too. Some examples are

• Labor Day cloth diaper sale at FancyPantz. BC readers get an extra 10% off regular prices with code "cheap"
• A post on the top diaper and formula deals for the week
• eToys 50% off sale, plus free shipping
• Huge stroller sale at AlbeeBaby, most with free shipping

Freebies4Mom -- A blog similar to BC (they share info between them sometimes too), specializing in free sample deals, coupons and stuff. One that I'm going to take advantage of is getting a free diaper sample from Seventh Generation diapers. Also, she just did a post of all the places that give you free stuff for your birthday! Fun!

CoolMomPicks -- This mom was actually featured as Mom of the Month in my most recent Parents magazine. It's a reviewer site of cool stuff for Moms and kids. Plus, usually with each "pick" she does a giveaway of the item, or some special deal on their web site.

MomAdvice.com and her blog, The Motherload -- From her site, "Well researched and in-depth articles on frugal living, saving money, work at home opportunities, inexpensive recipes, and tips for organizing your life. Find answers, opinions and a community who understands." She also does review blog.

Mommy Track'd -- From her site, "A smart, stylish, helpful and always entertaining resource for the stay-at-work moms managing the daily tug of war between work and family." Articles, reviews, etc. Pretty cool site and entertaining newsletter.

And those are a just a few that I've been keeping up with! They're fun, provide recipes and often have links to the latest and greatest cool stuff. And those of you that know Chris and me know that we are total gadget freaks... whether it's the latest in techno gadgets, baby gadgets, kitchen gadgets, etc. We are so there.

So if I see anything exceptionally cool, I'll post it on my blog. Otherwise, be sure to check out some of these sites and see where you end up. Endless entertainment during naptime, I assure you.

And, just because I can't wait until Foto Friday to post this super cute photo of Annabel at her first soccer game yesterday, cheering on her buddy Josh...


Cheers!