If you are anything like me (or any other person who found themselves living in the age of the Internet), you will routinely find yourself on a two-hour detour from your original google search.

Though a considerable amount of my valuable time might have been better off reading or doing other activities, some of these detours have led me to the most inspirational blogs, helpful resources for home decor, advice for non-profit work, and I can’t lie here – simply some snazzy lifestyle or travel blog to drool over.

Here are some of my top favorites:

12hrs

Let’s be realistic: not all of us get jet-set off to some romantic European country for the weekend, let alone 12 hours. BUT- that shuoldn’t stop us from drooling over the destinations and recommendations of the blog 12hrs. It’s core mission was to highlight the best (i.e. least obvious to tourists) things in a city you could see as a traveler if only a short trip was possible, or more specifically, 12 hours. It’s romantic, modern, and beautiful. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use it as fuel for your next journey!

Manger

As you’re plotting your next international escape, here’s a little more daydreaming material for you. Mimi Thorisson’s blog Manger (or rather, her life) is dreamy: she’s got 7 children, 14 dogs, a photographer husband, a villa in Médoc, and a cookbook. Whoosh. Oh, and in addition to the marvelous backdrop pictures (AKA her home and family), she gives offers some insane recipes!

IKEA Hackers

I hate to even share the source, knowing that my secret will be no more, but I must! This blog is incredible. Jude takes all of IKEA’s already hip, modern furniture and twists it into something even cooler! Her designs are inventive and relatively intuitive, making the how-to journey easy and fun. It’s a unique way to give your space some charm and character. You can get ideas from her creations or maybe take inspiration and do your own thing!

The New Potato

I couldn’t make it through the list without throwing on a food blogs! Founded by the two sisters, Danielle and Laura Kosann, The New Potato creates a one-stop destination for all things good, fashion, design, and media. As the founders have stated themselves, the lines between these fields are no longer so rigid — instead, now, they’re bringing them all together. The site has everything from restauranteur interviews, city guides designed by models and chefs alike, and, of course, recipes!

The Jungalow

Hands down, Justina Blakeney has one of the most distinct interior design styles. In comparison to the mainstream’s push for minimalism, Justina is definitely a refreshing take on art and the possibility of color! On top of her eye for design, she is one fierce lady; in many of her interviews, she has repeatedly boasted that her goal is to inspire women to be creative, messy, and a little wild! If you grew up along coast like I did, you will probably appreciate her (colorful) jungle meets bungalow style that’s reminiscent of the palm tree-covered streets of childhood.