Happy Thursday! We loved having Jen Curran guest post for us in August so much that we asked her to do a bonus post to help us wrap up our Inspiration Month! Thanks so much, Jen! We've loved having you!!

My Not-So-Guilty Pleasure: Four Inspiring Blogs

Long before I had a blog of my own, I was obsessed with them. I was first introduced to the blog concept while I was losing weight in my early twenties. I was a member of a message board online where people shared their struggles and victories, and a few brave women from that forum began their own compelling sites. I read their stories every single day – I craved them.

While we can all agree that the Internet can be a huge time suck (as in, do I need therapy for this?), there's no denying that we are inspired, challenged and moved by one another online all the time.

Needless to say, following those weight loss blogs really helped me on my own journey. Whenever I felt like I couldn't stand the thought of eating another vegetable or clocking another hour at the gym, I'd force myself to get re-focused by catching up on some blog reading. Worked every time.

Today, I’ve become obsessed with so many blogs about a wide variety of topics. And as much as checking in on some of my favorites doesn't always feel "productive," I'm so often inspired by them, I’d have a hard time giving them up. Blogs are my not-so-guilty pleasure.

I'd love to share with you a few of my favorites – some of the sites I’ve been inspired by recently, and the bloggers behind them:

When Ms. Single Mama gave birth to her baby boy she already knew her marriage was over. Her relationship with her husband wasn't what she'd expected, and it certainly wasn't what she wanted for herself or the baby. She left when Benjamin was only four months old. Since she started her blog a few years ago, Alaina has made some inspiring personal, professional, and (romantic!) relationship progress. Today, she's engaged to be married to an amazing man and her little son is as happy as can be. Alaina's writing is funny, insightful and honest. Even if you can't relate to her circumstances, you will love her warmth and common sense.

White Elephant in the Room is a new find for me. A couple years ago I became obsessed with the blog of a young father and husband who lost his wife a mere 24 hours after their baby was born. Matt's heartbreaking account of his unthinkable situation soon became a national news story, was featured on "Oprah" and he's even about to publish a book. My boyfriend couldn't believe I was so fixated by a blog about losing your wife - he didn't understand the draw and thought it was depressing that I was reading about death. But to me, there’s something so human and even sometimes uplifting about stories like Matt's. They put things in perspective. White Elephant in the Room: Memoirs of a 30-Something Widow is a lovely new blog written by a woman named Tre who lost her partner Alberto. I'm captivated. She shares her pain, her loss and her undying love for her late husband with such eloquence, grace and courage. It's a truly inspiring read that reminds me to appreciate the love in my life every single day.

A Year In Pictures Following The Break-up is an oldie but a goodie. Long story short: a young couple had a serious relationship for many years, got engaged, and then broke up. And in his blog about working through and eventually getting over their split, Arnie shares what it's like to be a guy with a broken heart. It's a touching, funny site that he kept for precisely one year (2006), as the title implies. Arnie’s story reminded me that wounds eventually heal. Start at the beginning and read it like a book. He’s since gone on to keep other "A Year In..." blogs and the current version follows Arnie and his now girlfriend as they plan their upcoming wedding!

Ramshackle Glam is written by Jordan Reid. I like her because she's fearless. Not to lead with the negative, but she's been the victim of some nasty commenters who followed her to her new blog after she left the widely criticized NonSociety.com. Not only do Jordan’s detractors have something negative to say about almost everything she does, they've started an entire website dedicated to mocking her whole life. This is something Internet celebrities like Julia Allison might be used to, but it's a surprise to see such negativity directed at someone like Jordan, who comes off as a sweet, cheerful, do-it-yourself domestic, a charming and natural writer and TV show host, and a loving, devoted wife to her adorable husband. (You'll have to check out her site for the sweet story of their quick courtship and marriage.) In a phrase, Jordan is inspiring because she refuses to be thrown off course by people who judge her. And her site is a great collection of simple, unpretentious recipes, smart ideas for housekeeping and decor, and fabulous ways to make the most of New York City, her native town. Best of all, she quit an office job that didn't suit her to get where she is today! If you're looking for an inspirational, brave and positive site, visit hers. 

Jen Curran is a writer, comedienne, and baker living in Brooklyn, NY. Jen recently quit her "boring desk job" at a law firm to pursue what makes her happiest, and she chronicles the inspiring, messy, colorful journey on her popular blog "follow my bliss." Besides spending her time as a freelance writer, Jen also owns the boutique wholesale bakery, Fanny & Jane, she's a member of the award-winning sketch comedy group, Harvard Sailing Team, and she performs improv comedy at The PIT in NYC. She draws inspiration from her two zen cats, her talented, supportive boyfriend, her big, boisterous family, and from a sincere belief that anything we put our minds to becomes instantly possible.