17 Most Interesting Small Blogs (And Why You Should Be Paying Attention To Them)
In a world dominated by big players like the Huffington Posts and BuzzFeeds of the internet, the essence and charm of small blogs can sometimes get overshadowed. However, dedicated writers, passionate about their chosen niches, continue to create illuminating content. Often, these small blogs are treasure troves of specialized knowledge, untapped wisdom, and personal experiences that resonate on a more authentic level than the curated glossiness of larger sites.
Let’s dive into 17 of the most interesting small blogs that you might not have heard of, but definitely deserve your attention. Each of these blogs boasts a unique perspective, valuable insights, and a passionate base of followers. They provide not just information but a sense of community and a level of engagement that often gets missed in the noise of mainstream media.
1. A Beautiful Mess
Focusing on small living, A Beautiful Mess (abeautifulmess.com) by sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman serves up a delightful blend of DIY crafting, home decor, and delicious recipes. With a highly visual layout and personal storytelling, their blog feels like flipping through a friend’s well-curated photo album.
Why Pay Attention? Their creativity and relatable content will spark your own project ideas, and their down-to-earth approach makes crafting and decorating feel achievable for everyone.
2. Zen Habits
At Zen Habits (zenhabits.net), Leo Babauta blogs about mindfulness and simplicity in everyday living. In this fast-paced world, his words offer a peaceful refuge and tips for decluttering your life, both physically and mentally.
Why Pay Attention? Leo’s wisdom can help anyone find tranquility amidst chaos and adopt healthier, more focused lifestyle habits.
3. Brain Pickings
Curated by Maria Popova, Brain Pickings (brainpickings.org) is a collection of musings on literature, philosophy, art, science, and the interconnectedness of knowledge. Each post feels like sitting in on a conversation with a particularly brilliant friend.
Why Pay Attention? It’s a blog that celebrates human creativity and intellect, encouraging you to think deeply about the world and our place in it.
4. The Minimalists
Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus write about the art of living a meaningful life with less at The Minimalists (theminimalists.com). Their content ranges from articles to podcasts, all providing actionable steps to help reduce excess and focus on what’s truly important.
Why Pay Attention? They offer practical advice on minimalism which can lead to profound changes in how you view possessions and happiness.
5. Nomadic Matt
Matthew Kepnes delivers comprehensive travel guides and budget travel strategies at Nomadic Matt (nomadicmatt.com). His in-depth tips go beyond the surface to help travelers of all experiences see the world without breaking the bank.
Why Pay Attention? Matt provides an insider perspective on traveling smarter that can save you money and enhance your travel experiences.
6. Smart Passive Income
At Smart Passive Income (smartpassiveincome.com), Pat Flynn teaches readers how to build an online business and create multiple income streams. His transparent approach to discussing his earnings and what works (and what doesn’t) makes for compelling reading.
Why Pay Attention? Flynn’s blog is a goldmine for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and remote work, offering genuine advice drawn from personal experience.
7. Wait But Why
Tim Urban’s Wait But Why (waitbutwhy.com) tackles complex subjects with humor and easy-to-understand stick figure drawings. From the future of AI to procrastination, no topic is too daunting for his witty and well-researched posts.
Why Pay Attention? Urban has a knack for breaking down dense topics into enjoyable reads that leave you both educated and entertained.
8. Mr. Money Mustache
Mr. Money Mustache (mrmoneymustache.com) is a financial blog that advocates for frugality and intelligent financial planning with the goal of early retirement. The blog mixes financial advice with a philosophical approach to personal wealth.
Why Pay Attention? It’s a great resource for anyone looking to reassess their financial habits and work towards financial independence.
9. The Bloggess
Jenny Lawson writes on The Bloggess (thebloggess.com) with heart and humor, often about her struggles with mental health. Her transparency and honesty provide solace and understanding to readers dealing with similar issues.
Why Pay Attention? Lawson’s approach to difficult topics with humor sets her apart, and her community of readers is a testament to her impact.
10. The Everywhereist
With a quirky and candid writing style, Geraldine DeRuiter of The Everywhereist (everywhereist.com) shares her travel stories and personal anecdotes. It’s part travelogue, part memoir, and all heart.
Why Pay Attention? Geraldine’s engaging storytelling and honest reflections make for a travel blog unlike any other.
11. Cookie and Kate
Run by Kathryne Taylor, Cookie and Kate (cookieandkate.com) is a treasure trove of vegetarian recipes that are not only healthy but also creative and genuinely delicious. Her vibrant photography could convert even the most committed carnivore to try out meatless Monday.
Why Pay Attention? For foodies interested in healthy eating, this blog is a well of inspiration and practical advice.
12. AoM – Art of Manliness
Brett & Kate McKay at the Art of Manliness (artofmanliness.com) infuse classic concepts of masculinity with modern sensibilities. Covering topics from fitness to philosophy, AoM explores what it means to be a man in the 21st century.
Why Pay Attention? It’s a thoughtful examination of male identity with practical tips that apply to everyday life.
13. Going Zero Waste
Kathryn Kellogg’s Going Zero Waste (goingzerowaste.com) is an informative and approachable resource for reducing your environmental footprint. Her blog aims to simplify eco-friendly living and proves that small changes can have a huge impact.
Why Pay Attention? If you’re interested in sustainability, Kathryn offers actionable advice that is easy to implement into your daily life.
14. Cupcakes and Cashmere
Emily Schuman at Cupcakes and Cashmere (cupcakesandcashmere.com) offers a mix of fashion, food, and lifestyle content in her own personal and approachable way. Her blog is aesthetically pleasing and provides a well-rounded perspective on living a stylish, yet substantive life.
Why Pay Attention? Emily’s mix of content appeals to a broad audience and offers readers a source of daily inspiration.
15. Adventure Journal
The Adventure Journal (adventure-journal.com) is an online magazine that celebrates outdoor culture. Articles range from poignant environmental pieces to profiles of adventurous souls and the stunning photography alone is worth a visit.
Why Pay Attention? For anyone passionate about the great outdoors, this blog fuels the spirit of adventure and highlights important conservation issues.
16. Tiny Buddha
Tiny Buddha (tinybuddha.com), founded by Lori Deschene, is a blog about reflecting on simple wisdom and learning new ways to apply it to our complex lives. It encompasses happiness, mindfulness, and the challenges of daily life.
Why Pay Attention? It’s a gentle guide for personal development and spiritual growth, with a strong community support system.
17. You Are Not So Smart
David McRaney’s You Are Not So Smart (youarenotsosmart.com) is a blog (and podcast) that delves into self-delusion and cognitive biases. It’s a fascinating exploration of psychology and the way we think.
Why Pay Attention? It’s a deep dive into the inner workings of our minds that uncovers why we do what we do, which is valuable for personal growth and understanding others.
Conclusion
Small blogs offer a unique, often more personable voice in a sea of generic content. They serve niche interests, foster communities, and often lead to actionable changes in readers’ lives. Regardless of your personal interests, there’s a good chance that one of these 17 small blogs holds valuable content you won’t find elsewhere.
By paying attention to these small but mighty sources of information, tips, stories, and reflections, you can enrich your life with perspectives that challenge the status quo and offer a more intimate connection to the world of information. It’s time to take a dive into the inspired world of these interesting small blogs – you might just find a new favorite.
