OU Alumni Blogs of Note

It's no secret the University of Oklahoma has been home to some truly talented people.  Featured today are some blogs written by some of OU's own!  Many of these fine individuals have turned their blogs into full-time careers.  You will find a Hollywood housewife, manliness, health, wellness, parties, jewelry, travel and animal advocacy.  There's truly something for everyone! 
 

Hollywood Housewife:

Laura Tremaine, an OU graduate from the class of 2001, is the Hollywood Housewife.  A little about her:

"From a one-stoplight town to a Hollywood housewife.  I am an Oklahoma girl somewhat misplaced in the City of Angels. I spent six years working in reality television, but my true passion is writing. I live in Hollywood with my toddler daughter, infant son, & my producer/director husband, who is nothing like you'd expect. I hope I bring a little southern grace to this crazy city." 

Her blog features regular posts on red carpet, lazy beauty, mommy Mondays and hostess home.  But she always sprinkles in true-to-life moments and is a fantastic writer.  I once sat down and started reading her blog and when I looked up, a couple of hours had passed without me knowing.  She's that good.

Her blog can be found at http://www.hollywoodhousewife.com or click here.

The Art of Manliness:

Reviving the lost art of manliness are husband and wife team, Brett and Kate McKay.  Brett is a 2006 OU grad with a degree in Letters.  The Art of Manliness features articles on helping men be better husbands, better fathers, and better men.

"In our search to uncover the lost art of manliness, we’ll look to the past to find examples of manliness in action. We’ll analyze the lives of great men who knew what it meant to “man up” and hopefully learn from them. And we’ll talk about the skills, manners, and principles that every man should know." 

Variety of content and visually pleasing design make this a great blog for both men and women alike.  From articles on how to back up to a trailer to how to make proper eye contact in business and love, there's something everyone can enjoy. 

This blog can be found at http://artofmanliness.com or click here.


InspiredRD:

Alysa Bajenaru became a registered dietitian in 2002 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Nutritional Sciences.  After a short stint in clinical dietetics, she realized her true passion was leading her to the wellness side of nutrition and fitness.

"As a busy mom of two, I am passionate about showing people that healthy living can be simple.  Finding local food is easier than you think.  Cooking fresh meals for your family doesn't have to be complex and time-consuming.  Encouraging your kids to try new things can be fun.  Fitting fitness into your schedule doesn't have to be a chore."

Alysa's blog features delicious, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, fitness challenges, crafts and much more.  It's so personable and inviting, I know you will love it!

InspiredRD can be found at http://inspiredrd.com or click here.


Parties Extra! with Helen Ford Wallace:

Helen began writing for The Oklahoman as a teen correspondent for the Oklahoma City Times in 1957.  She earned a BA in Journalism at OU in 1962.  Currently she is Features writer and columnist for The Oklahoman and creates, maintains and authors this blog, which includes weekly web casts.

Helen has never met a party she didn’t like and thinks that Oklahoma City hosts and hostesses have a real flair for entertaining.  Through the years, she has attended unique and distinctive buffet dinners, benefit luncheons, holiday events, seated dinners, birthday parties, baby showers and wedding showers involving eight to eight hundred people.

Readers, locally and statewide, follow this column regularly, because they are really, really interested in people and parties in Oklahoma. This blog is a fantastic way to get great ideas for your own parties and events.

Her blog can be found at http://blog.newsok.com/partiesextra or click here.

Kay Donahue Designs:

Kay Donahue is a wold traveler and jewelry designer and her blog is dedicated to documenting both aspects of her life.  She also graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Economics in 1969.

"People often ask me when I started painting or making jewelry.  I think it may have begun with the very special sunglasses I bejeweled for my mother when I was about five. Did she wear them?  Of course!  Since then, my entire family and friends have supported my passion for art."

"And traveling is another passion.  I got my first passport at age 40, so I was way behind on seeing other parts of the world.  But, my husband, Steve, and I are endeavoring to catch up both here and abroad.  There have been some hiccups along the way though."

Kay has been on several Sightseeing Sooners trips.  To see highlights from her travels or to see her gorgeous jewelry, visit http://www.kaydonahuedesigns.com or click here.



Life Inspired by Belle:

Savanna Sutton graduated from OU in 2008 with a degree in Interior Design.  While she enjoyed interior design, she'd always had a soft spot for furry, four-legged friends, specifically dogs.  As a child and teen, she was always a kind face to any stray and would take them home, sometimes nurse them back to health, and many times, find them a new forever home.

Now, Savanna is still rescuing animals and spends much of her time doing what she loves most.  She is a pet photographer, but perhaps even more than that, she volunteers her time to do what she refers to as "Pictures for Paws."  During these sessions, she takes remarkable photos of dogs and cats who are in desperate need of a home.  These sessions have made all the difference for countless animals. 

Belle, from the blog's title, is one of Savanna's lovable pups.  Savanna is an advocate for pet adoption and a huge supporter of PAWS, Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society.  To see Savanna's work, visit http://www.lifeinspiredbybelle.blogspot.com or click here.