These local moms lead the pack in Orange County’s blogosphere.
Compiled by Lauren Felechner
With over 152 million blogs on the Internet and a new blog created every half-second, it’s safe to say that the blogosphere has revolutionized the World Wide Web. Blogging is where the real world meets the online world, in a space where experiences, opinions, photos and thoughts can be shared. According to a recent study by Scarborough Research, 14 percent of all American mothers with at least one child in their household blog about parenting or turn to blogs for advice—that equates to about 3.9 million moms in the U.S. identifying as bloggers. Some individuals choose to blog as a form of therapy while others are in search of income. Whatever the case may be, Parenting OC has compiled some of Orange County’s finest on the blogging front, showcasing their online following for their entertainment value, ability to share knowledge, tricks of the trade, or simply things to do on the weekend—these women have added “top blogger” to their already-impressive repertoire of titles.
Jennifer Scheumann – Tiny OrangesJennifer Scheumann created Tiny Oranges in 2008 after becoming a first-time mom. Featuring OC flair but universal topics to appeal to parents anywhere, Jen strives to inspire moms with juicy tips for sweeter family living. She is a mom to two girls, wife of 12 years to husband, Stefan, and lives in Costa Mesa. You can find her on social media at @TinyOrangesOC. |
Jill Parkin – Sandy Toes & PopsiclesJill Parkin (AKA @popsicleblog) is the creative mind behind the lifestyle blog, Sandy Toes & Popsicles. She started her blog in 2009, hoping to provide ideas on how to travel with kids, cook, craft and celebrate every day. Jill lives in Anaheim Hills with her husband and three boys, ages 11, 8 and 3; and has a passion for illustration, party planning and kids fashion. |
Sarah Ollenburger – Juggling in HeelsSarah Ollenburger dove headfirst into blogging with Juggling in Heels. She’s an editor, wife of 13 years and mother to two boys and a girl. Juggling in Heels is a compilation of Sarah’s passions for fashion and writing, and is meant to inspire women who want to stay up on the latest trends. She shares about fashion, design, recipes and her favorite locations around OC. |
Wendy Byde – Over the Top MommyWendy’s blog, Over the Top Mommy (@overthetopmommy) features tips on cooking, baking, crafting and travel. She resides in Ladera Ranch with her husband and daughter, and is a first grade teacher who loves making a difference with her students. Wendy always strives to be a hands-on mom and enjoys reading, local events, party planning and shopping. |
Meygan Caston – Marriage365With 72 percent of OC marriages ending in divorce, Meygan wanted to be part of the solution. She and her husband started the blog Marriage365 to help inspire and enrich couples by offering inspirational quotes and practical tools. The couple of 11 years lives in Irvine with their daughter and son, and love the beach, surfing and neighborhood BBQs. |
Ciaran Blumenfeld – MomfluentialCiaran Blumenfeld is an OC entrepreneur and mom of four who started Momfluential to encourage moms to seek out information to share. With a massive social media following, she’s a well-respected influencer, listener and community builder. She has received accolades from Babble and Forbes. Travel, photography and storytelling make Ciaran’s heart beat faster. |
Adrianne Grant – Hopscotch and JellybeansChauffeur, therapist, referee and boo-boo kisser—Adrianne Grant holds down many jobs in her hood—motherhood, that is. She began blogging three years ago, writing about the things she loves, mostly revolving around “F” words: family, faith, friends, food and fitness. This is her journey navigating through motherhood one hop, skip and jump at a time. |
Kristen Howerton – Rage Against the MinivanKristen is a professor and a mom of four. Since 2006, she has been blogging at Rage Against the Minivan, with musings about the impact of the skinny jean on her self-esteem and her crush on Jon Stewart. She also indulges in rants on parenting, poop, adoption, politics, race, religion and social justice—subjects that her mother warned her not to discuss in public. |
Jennifer Willey – Toddler TrailsJennifer is a wife and stay-at-home mom from Anaheim enjoying raising her two kids. Through Toddler Trails, Jennifer shares her family’s journey of raising toddlers to responsible youngsters in the hustle-and-bustle of OC. Her blog is a directory connecting OC parents to fun, toddler/family-friendly activities, products, places, events and things to do. |
Shelby Barone – The OC Mom BlogHailing from Aliso Viejo, OC native Shelby Barone is the founder of The OC Mom Blog. Along with a talented and influential team, Shelby’s blog highlights the best adventures, beaches, parks and creative ways for families to enjoy living in Orange County. It has also expanded to cover online dining, parenting and travel resources for families in the OC. |
Giselle Baturay – Granola LivingGiselle Baturay is the busy mother of four from Costa Mesa, and owner of Granola Babies—a parenting education center and boutique. She has studied holistic mothering and wellness, and is an herbalist, aromatherapist, educator and community builder. She provides moms with resources so they can raise babies in a natural state through her blog, Granola Living. |
Julie D. – Angry Julie MondayJulie of AngryJulieMonday.com is a resident of OC and a working mom of her 9-year-old son. When she’s not busy blogging, she enjoys running, CrossFit (newbie), photography, crafts and baking. Angry Julie Monday chronicles the things going on in her life, and what interests her. Readers can find Julie on all social media platforms as @AngryJulie. |
Sarah James – WhoorlSarah James regularly contributes her musings on style, beauty, healthy living and spirituality at her blog, Whoorl.com. A busy mother of two, Sarah consistently proves that motherhood can be stylish, fun and upbeat, and she loves recommending products, books and new ways of approaching life. She lives in Newport Beach with her husband, son and daughter. |
Caroline Johnston – SweetlyLemonCaroline Johnston of Huntington Beach is the wife of a pastor and mom to a 1-year-old girl. She is also a blogger, fraud specialist and avid party thrower! She chooses to seek joy first and find the sweet even in the bitter, which led her to name her blog SweetlyLemon. She features recipes, parties, beauty tips, fashion and thoughts on life. Cheers to the sweet life! |
Gemma Touchstone – I Love Party StyleWith an innate interest in party planning, graphic design and styling, Gemma Touchstone turned her coupled passions into reality with her blog, I Love Party Style. Her designs range from readily-made themes, party goods and confections, and dishware. Living in Irvine with her son and daughter, Gemma enjoys 5Ks, family time and glitter, lace and ruffles. |
web says
I’d like to find out more? I’d care to find out more details.
Rocket Dad says
Another new Parenting blog popping up from the O.C. area.
https://www.rocketsandtutus.com/
Scott W says
My new favorite site for Parenting Tips and Tricks is BeeHaven Tribe.
https://www.beehaventribe.com/
Diane says
Great list thanks for sharing! For the working moms check out http://www.DiariesofaWorkingMommy.com