Designer, author, and AltSummit founder Gabrielle Blair created Design Mom in 2006; since then, she’s published thousands of posts on design and parenting, travel, food, and other topics (from the evergreen to the timely).

“I’d like to say who cares, but I do care.” Romance novelist Holland Rae writes on rejection — an integral part of the creative process for most artists and writers (not to mention job and college applicants) — and what keeps her motivated.

“Our world focuses on the looks of girls and the accomplishments of boys.” At OTV Magazine, Angela Noel reflects on the gendered compliments adults give children, and how they make it hard for girls to separate their self-worth from their appearance.

Avid traveler and photographer Heather Bean shares a collection of detail- and texture-rich photos from the Greek and Roman galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Sometimes it takes a touch of darkness (from the “glandular sacs of dead musk deer” to particularly putrid flowers) to create something alluring.

“Some people collect out of historical interest, some see it as a natural extension of their interest in true crime, while others may see it as a way of keeping controversial artifacts out of the public eye. And, of course, some collectors just get a kick out of owning something attached to a dark history.”

Montana-based blogger Kristin shows how a single post can be more than one thing — in this case, a lovely musing on seasonal change, a collection of gorgeous photography, and a vegan cheesecake recipe.

Do you ever feel a tad claustrophobic here on Earth? At Book Riot, Jenn Northington recommends 50 works of speculative fiction set in space “in all its mystifying, occasionally terrifying, really freaking huge glory.”

Sahitya Poonacha reacts to the Supreme Court of India’s landmark decision to decriminalize gay sex: “Society still has a long way to go, but now with the court on love’s side, it gives the confidence to the people who are afraid.”

If you ever wondered what an opera singer’s daily life looks like, you’ll love Charlotte Hoather’s blog, where the British soprano invites visitors and fans behind the scenes (and occasionally on stage, too).