Google Reader and the NEXT button

Let me say it again GOOGLE READER. The other day I read this post on Heather Bailey's site about Google reader. Now, I have been using Bloglines forever. I'm sure most of you all know about these services but in case you haven't they are simply free services where you can put all your fave blogs in one spot . Saves you from clicking on a blog everyday. Well I have like a hundred and fifty something blogs listed in Bloglines. If you are familiar with bloglines you know that you can click on the blog name in your list of blogs and it will show the contents of that latest post in a white screen without actually opening the blog. I always thought it wasn't really necessary to go to the site since you are reading their latest and greatest news.

But, I decided to sign up for Google Reader (it's free so why not I figured) and then  I went in to the preferences on G.R. and clicked the button too install the "Next" button in to my bookmarks bar. Super easy. Now I just click on the Next button and it opens the actual blog from my list in all it's intended glory. I still thought this not a big deal to open the actual blog but holy cow, I was wrong! Over the last few days when I have a moment (usually as my boys are watching an episode of MythBusters for the 900th time) I have been "hitting" my next button. OMG! It's such a better experience to visit the blogs. It's.... so much more personal. Some may have some really cool info in the sidebars that I have been missing out on... or their "about me" photo! I have added so many blogs directly into Bloglines that I never knew what some of you looked like. Hello Gorgeous! And the blogs we design have so much personality, I find my self commenting more. So people sign up if you haven't already you'll be so happy you did or if you already are make sure you install the "Next" button. 

Oh, because there is just no possible way for me to do a post without a pic or two: Here are a couple I took at our Easter Bash

This is my dad... the most amazing, inspiring, hilarious and cool man I know and he's turning 70 this Saturday. He's wearing the ear thingys because we should skeet at our ranch on Easter (yes I said we) but I looked at this photo and thought if this is was 70 looks like, I'm in!

Happy Tuesday Love monkeys!