This post is part of my homework for Blog Boss, the online course I’m taking with Holly Becker of Decor8. Incidentally, Holly was the first blogger to offer an online course on the business of blogging, and now, I can see why she is the person to talk (and blog!) about how to get this right. I’m having an amazing time in class, sharing insights, critique and advice between with my fellow classmate-bloggers.

Part of this week’s homework is to look at 8 blogs that I really like and why. I’m supposed to choose six of my favorite blogs, and 2 from among the student roster over at Blog Boss. It wasn’t easy to narrow things down, but I’ve managed to find my absolute favorites and write about them here. And so, without further ado…

Here are 8 Blogs that Rock (to me)

1. Mom, Inc. Daily: As a mom, I look forward to business blogs that cater to my niche. Cat Seto’s blog is the perfect blend of business meets baby, and offers tips, resources and guides for mom entrepreneurs and work at home moms. Her branding is consistent, from the blog design and photography, to the book, Mom, Inc.

2. Oh Happy Day: I’m a Pinterest addict, and also a resource junkie. I love knowing where to get things, how to make things, especially pretty things. Whenever I read Oh Happy Day, I find them all. The branding is tight and consistent, from the styling of the post post photos to the fonts and colors, even the mood and tone of the blog posts.

3. Susannah Conway: I’ve always been inspired by how Susannah’s blog is, well, inspiring! It oozes with that blissful sense of calm and purpose, which is all tied in with her brand. The serenity of the layout, the splendid photography, and her voice all tie in with her brand of inspired, creative blogging. I particularly like that her service offerings (book and course) are also unique in their thrust. Not everyone can teach inspired blogging and photography, but Susannah has used her blog to really own this niche.

4. Joanna Goddard: Joanna is one of those bloggers who needn’t worry about having a “.blogspot” on her domain. Her writing and story-telling on the blog make up for whatever “lack” of online real estate she has! I love her editorial approach to her blog, much like a magazine or newspaper column. Naturally, it is because she is a journalist who stumbled into blogging. I think her weekly pre-weekend “round up” posts, where she curates her best Net finds for the week. It’s something that we, her regular readers, can all look forward to.

5. Mighty Girl: I love how Maggie Mason has used her blog as a platform for the life list revolution. Her branding is solid, and resonates with her posts, her other online initiatives (Go Mighty) and even her offline events (Camp Mighty). She has also been able to expand her brand beyond her blog, through Mighty Goods, Mighty Haus and Mighty Junior. It’s the perfect example of how a blog can go from a small business to a real online mini-empire.

6. Pioneer Woman: Ree Drummond made me fall in love with food, photography and fun. These qualities are characteristic of all her blog posts, and are threaded in her branding throughout her site. It’s not just a blog: It’s a portal. The Pioneer Woman site is the go-to place for moms like me who want a yummy dinner for Friday night: She provides shopping lists and downloadable recipes. I LOVE her Entertainment posts (rather addicted to them), and also her Photography mini-lessons. The main point why she rocks? Value, value, value. You can’t NOT leave Ree’s website without learning something new, or being inspired by something beautiful

My Picks from among my classmates at Blog Boss

7. The Artful Life Blog: This blog rocks because it is clear from the get-go what you are going to experience while you are here. Again, as with the other blogs I’ve cited, the branding is tight, consistent. I love how Bronwyn has allowed her photos to stand out, in the same way that Susannah Conway’s do, giving you that sense of creativity and passion. As a business, the blog also does a good job of showcasing Bronwyn’s offerings (courses, retreats), and it also ensures that interested visitors subscribe to her mailing list — so important for business.

8. Fifteen, Sixteen: I love Fifteen, Sixteen for its beautiful branding, solid and thoughtful photography, and unique features. I love the idea of “What I Wish I Was Wearing!” — what a great way to brand “lookbook” type posts. The blog obviously highlights photography, and rightfully so since it is an obvious style blog. I love that it has that handmade/mom-style vibe, which is consistent throughout the site.

That was some fun homework! Did you like my recommendations? What are YOUR favorite blogs?