Drumroll please, we are happy, thrilled, absolutely ecstatic to announce the 2009 "You've Just Been Spotted" Orange County Blog Awards. Can I get a "Woot! Woot!"? There are so many fantastic & incredible websites written by our very own Orange County locals, we thought it was high-time we did a little celebrating & recognized all of these wonderfully talented people. So here's the deal...We are looking for the "best of the best," websites & blogs that Orange County has to offer. Sure, we could hand out awards to all of our favorites, but really, where's the fun in that? So, we are asking that you nominate YOUR absolute favorites. There are plenty of ways to make sure YOUR favorite blogs & websites make our list: email us (justspotted@gmail.com), send us a message via twitter (@justspottedOC, @xoxoC, or @according2kelly), leave a comment on our Facebook page HERE, or simply leave a comment on THIS very post. All we want & need to know is the blog or website's web address & which category you'd like to nominate them for. What?! We haven't told you the categories yet? Silly us! Well here they are... we are looking for most fantastic, fun-to-read, inspiring, eye-catching & humorous sites in the following categories: Be Creative (you know, the best crafty-ish & creative inspired site), Food & Cooking (yum! my mouth is watering just thinking about these sites), Lifestyle & Design (amazing people, with impeccable taste), Shopping & Style (my hubby hates it when I browse these sites, because he knows I'll be spending $ soon!), Eye Candy (pretty, pretty pictures), Kid & Family, and then, your all-time Favorite Local Blog (which site do you absolutely have to read every day?) & Local Micro-Blogger (this one's for all our twitter & yelp! friends).
So, your probably asking yourself, "How exactly is this going to work?" Well, let us explain...
Step 1: YOU nominate your favorite blogs & websites (preferably written by an Orange County local, although we might me willing to make an exception or two), via any of the previously mentioned ways. Simply tell us which site, & the category you are nominating it for. Feel free to nominate as many sites as you wish (heck! You could even nominate your own site!) & tell your friends to do the same (you know what they say, "the more the merrier"), although each site will only be allowed placement in one category. Not only will this be a fantastic way to "reward" the best sites in the OC, but we're hoping to be introduced to some new ones we might not have otherwise found. All we ask, is that you get your nominations in by Tuesday, August 4th at 11:59 pm. That way we have plenty of time for step number 2.
Step 2: We will gather up all the nominees & compile them into one big list, which we will then "open up to the public" (that means you!) for voting.
Step 3: The sites that receive the most votes, as well as an "editor's choice" winner (chosen by Coleen & Kelly of course!) for each category, will then be announced & honored at a super fabulous, fun-filled evening. An evening totally dedicated to celebrating our winners & how wonderful they (& their sites) are. (Think paparazzi everywhere, flowing drinks, delectable treats & a plush orange carpet. Okay, okay, that might just be what we imagine in our heads, but trust us, this is one party you don't want to miss!)
So here we go... start sending us links to your favorite OC websites. If you want your submission to make "the list," be sure to contact us before Tuesday, August 4th at 11:59 pm. Oh! & Don't forget to pick your category: Be Creative, Food & Cooking, Lifestyle & Design, Shopping & Style, Eye Candy, Kid & Family, Favorite Local Blog, Favorite Local Micro-Blogger.
After we announce our BIG list of nominees, we'll be sharing more information about our "not to be missed" awards & ceremony, & how you can get invited!
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Let's get this contest started! Now it's up to you! Have you nominated your favorite OC sites yet?
xoxo, C & K
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122 comments:
I love this idea! I have a couple of fun little blogs/websites I have found that I can't wait to nominate. Thanks!
www.nadaguides.com
Any nominations yet for the fast food maven? I read that one religiously! http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/
I want to nominate :
http://www.doubletheadventure.com/ , she is form OC and her Blog is one of mt favorites, Sharlene is a Mom of Boy and Girl twins who takes the risk to travel with them everywhere, she is kid and nature oriented, please have a read you will love her. Kids and Family friendly cathegorie
I nominate http://www.doubletheadventure.com in the kid & family friendly category. Sharlene's always on the move with her twins. I love finding out about hiking local trails!
sounds fun! I want to come!
Love picky-palate.com for scrumptious recipes.
Definitely Fast Food Maven.
I nominate thismamamakesstuff.blogspot.com (Be Creative category). She can make anything! I'm slightly jealous.
I can't wait to see the sites that come up! I haven't come across that many OC blogs but I know they are out there!
http://www.LandofGraciousLiving.com for community blog!
I have GOT to recommend Daytrippingmom.com....funny to see her here to nominate other people,.....but that is how on - top of every thing going on in the so. cal. region is! I was turned on to her via Facebook by a friend, and have had several 'antsy pants' solutions for my three children under 7. When they have gotten too stir crazy staying home to avoid the heat (and expense of things), I can go to Daytrippingmom.com and find just the right place to take them.....I can't remember how I came up with ideas before her!
I must nominate daytrippingmom.com. Such a great site for fun activities for the kids! I've learned so much! And she's saved me money, which is always a plus!
I nominate http://www.jennerrose.com/blog/
This lady takes beautiful pictures and is a true professional!
http://www.jennerrose.com/blog/ is amazing, so I nominate her, such an amazing and talented photographer.
http://www.jennerrose.com/blog/ Such an amazing photographer and will also post tips on how to capture an great photo yourself!
Love, love, love http://www.jennerrose.com/blog/
She captures beautiful, true moments.
I nominate www.according-to-kelly for the creative one. I just found out she lives in Orange County.
Tara Whitney for Photography, please.
I love www.picky-palate.com. The author, Jenny Lewis has run the blog for awhile and just relocated to Orange County from AZ. Her recipes are creative, fun, and easy. For example, she included an Oatmeal Raisin cookie awhile back, using Raisinets instead of boring plain raisins. She also makes this adorable cookie cup topped with rice crispy treat and drizzled with chocolate. I make one of her recipes at least once a week. Check it out, I'm sure you'll get hooked too.
Definitely http://www.respectthestache.com/ for Be Creative!
and
http://myabsentblog.blogspot.com/ for
Food and Cooking!
creative:
according-to-kelly.com
& thismamamakesstuff.blogspot.com
food:
picky-palate.com
fast food maven
eye candy:
tarawhitney.com/justbeblogged/
www.traceyclark.com/blog/
shopping:
boutiquing.com
family:
www.just-spotted.com, of course!
local blog:
www.just-spotted.com
You are genius!
I nominate www.tiffanyportraits.com for eye candy.
I'd nominate my own blogs for something but I'm all self promoted out. So someone, please, toss me a bone? Popshopology? Car and Caboodle? Anyone? Twitter @momfluential?
Oh well, I can't wait to see the list of local blogs - it's the best part of these contests!
C
www.burginconstructioninc.com
A nomination in your Creative Blog Category for sure is http://www.thehapppyhooker.blogspot.com
Great idea! We're so lucky to be living here in OC... such a diverse group of people and equally diverse blogs. Love it and love all the ideas!
I haven't seen TinyOranges.com nominated yet, so I'd like to!
I'll second the nomination I saw for Daytrippingmom.com :)
The Best Local Blog I must start my day with is Alive in Wonderland:
http://emphasisallmine.typepad.com/
If you live in OC and are a parent you need to know about the blog I am nominating! ocmomactivities.blogspot.com
http://ocfoodblogs.blogspot.com/
http://oc.metblogs.com/
http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/
ocmamma.com
www.coronadelmartoday.com for the Favorite Local Blog category. This "must read" daily news blog covers local issues for the Corona del Mar community.
http://themomblog.freedomblogging.com/
http://ocdeals.freedomblogging.com/
http://www.ocezine.com/
http://blog.drewbphotography.com/
http://www.momtog.com/
http://www.littlemissmya.com/
http://www.navysouphotography.com/
http://www.orangecountyparent.com/
www.according-to-kelly.com
http://www.parentingoc.com/
ocfamily.com
http://i-think-im-an-artist.blogspot.com/
Clothing
http://www.rascalstorebels.net/
Photo
http://www.tarawhitney.com/
Craft
http://suzyplantamura.typepad.com/
Family
http://annieadams.typepad.com/
http://www.noragriffin.typepad.com/
Adventure in the oc
http://www.daytrippingmom.com/
Clothing
http://www.rascalstorebels.net/
Photo
http://www.tarawhitney.com/
Craft
http://suzyplantamura.typepad.com/
Family
http://annieadams.typepad.com/
http://www.noragriffin.typepad.com/
Adventure in the oc
http://www.daytrippingmom.com/
http://thislifeisworthliving.blogspot.com/
http://www.twentyfouratheart.com/
http://www.palosstudioblog.com/
for family friendly, i would like to nominate Babes in Disneyland
http://babesindisneyland.blogspot.com
@Hazel_YelpOC
www.sipperphotography.com
http://peaceloveandmomminess.com/
http://www.fififlowers.com/
http://blondiensc.typepad.com/blondie_n_san_clemente/
Best local blog: http://www.coronadelmartoday.com/
So many to choose! Here's just a few I'll start with here... the fab, fun Popshopology for Shopping & Style, Alive In Wonderland for Local blog, MomCrush for Kid an Family, of course Just Spotted for Local & Kid, The Glamourous Life for local blog, my Peace Love and Momminess for lifestyle (shameless and thx for the anon nom!), Hip Moms Who Work for Shopping and Style, ok I must stop for now. But more soon I'm sure. Great contest C & K!
http://www.cupcakeactivist.com/
singlemomsanctuary.com for kid and family friendly
Alive in Wonderland
www.suzannebroughton.com is the best!
LOVE Alive in Wonderland for best local blog!!
http://talesfromanoccottage.blogspot.com/
http://moderncrush.blogspot.com/
I love to read the blog "Alive In Wonderland" - Suzanne's writing is very clever and funny.
http://www.dana-made-it.com/
http://meringuebakeshop.blogspot.com/
http://modincorporated.blogspot.com/
According to Kelly
Favorite local blog: Alive in Wonderland!
My fav local blog is by Suzanne Broughton, called Alive in Wonderland!
Fav Local Blog: Alive in Wonderland -- great local pictures, humor, & things to do
I want to nominate: accordingtokelly.com
she is from the OC & covers pretty much everything. Totally crafty, tons of recipes (everything I've made has been wonderful), one of my all-time favorite blogs.
My favorite blog is "Alive In Wonderland". She makes me laugh!
twitter nomination goes to:
http://twitter.com/mckayslife
I nominate "Alive in Wonderland"
http://www.greersoc.com/
http://www.topmomblog.com/TopMomBlog/HOME.html
http://www.mysparrowblog.com/
http://linnysvault.blogspot.com/
http://babybluecollar.blogspot.com/
http://circlesareforever.blogspot.com
http://tolduso.wordpress.com/
http://lamialarkin.blogspot.com/
http://joyunexplained.blogspot.com/
http://www.theblahblahblahger.com/
http://wrightcreativity.com/blog/
http://ocartsandculture.com/
http://www.laurabloom.typepad.com/
http://bonnindesigns.blogspot.com/
How about Sugar Mama, love her! http://www.sugarmamablog.com/
Shopping- www.my-sparrow.com
Lifestyle blog www.mysparrowblog.com
Your list is huge. But it is missing MY FAVORITE blog,
http://kameejune.com/theblog/ If you haven't seen her photography, you are missing out on some serious CREATIVITY, style, and art. Her pictures look better than real life. Please add
http://kameejune.com/theblog/ to your list under EYE CANDY.
http://www.jennerrose.com/blog/
Love this blog plus amazing and cute pics.
Oh this is fun..what a great list!! I would love to nominate http://www.sadieolive.com/theblog!!She is an amazing photographer and her home is GORGEOUS! thanks coleen! can't wait to see who wins...how did I miss this? :)
Okay, I've got a couple of nominations.
For food blogs: Food Frenzy! http://foodfrenzy.freedomblogging.com/
and Fast Food Maven http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/
Oh, and Stick a Fork in It http://blogs.ocweekly.com/stickaforkinit
For lifestyle/ all-around local stuff:
Greer's OC http://greersoc.com/
and (shameless self promotion) The Weekly Yelp http://www.yelp.com/weekly/orange-county
A few of my fave yelpers:
Holly W in Irvine hollysarah.yelp.com
Monica D in Mission Viejo mondoggie.yelp.com
...and sure, myself Hazel Q hazel.yelp.com and @yelpoc
Local Twitter noms:
@miachambers
@HandmadeBrigade
Oh, and prettiest:
Wiley Valentine out of Irvine: http://www.wileyvalentine.com/blog/
Whew. Too many!
oops. Proper link for the Weekly Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/weekly?edition_id=O0nmI3IrPyK_jhDK6spZUQ
www.portolacoffee.com
Furey and the Feast! http://www.fureyandthefeast.com
Local blogs: OCBeachblog is a must -- Laylan Connelly is awesome. (http://beach.freedomblogging.com/) Also at the Register: Sciencedude ( http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/ ) and -- in food -- the already nominated Fast Food Maven.
Lifestyle: Hazel's weekly yelp is always juicy. http://www.yelp.com/weekly?edition_id=O0nmI3IrPyK_jhDK6spZUQ
Also in Food: HmmGoodFood http://hmmfoodgood.blogspot.com/ has been rocking lately.
Shamelessly (but honestly!) - My favorite hyper-local is the one I work on day and night: Seal Beach Daily http://www.sealbeachdaily.com
Hey, Just Spotted -- thanks for the fun look at OC blogging!
I love stopping into Tara from Blondie"N"SC blog. She has such Style and Wit with every post. She is a Doll and her blog is pure Eye Candy. Jamie
have to give a big nomination to fellow Titans for best microblogger/tweeters - @vitaminoc and I guess you can put them in the local blog category, vitaminOC.com.
SHOPPING & STYLE - hands down, boutiquing.com!!!!! <3
for lifestyle and design, the best are - Sadie Olive and Blondie 'N SC
I nominate www.theLiberalOC.com - the best lefty blog in OC - best political blog & news in OC!
I nominate www.theLiberalOC.com - the best lefty blog in OC - best political blog & news in OC!
Favorite Local Blog: http://blondiensc.typepad.com/blondie_n_san_clemente/
Hands down most witty, honest, humorous blog you'll find that celebrates So Cal and living IN it!
I vote for http://blondiensc.typepad.com/blondie_n_san_clemente/ and http://www.sadieolive.com/theblog/
I also nominate Miss Tara:
http://blondiensc.typepad.com/blondie_n_san_clemente/
She is super sweet, takes amazing photos and has impeccable taste!
i love these:
blondie n sc.
sadie olive.
and my fav is laura at a piece of cake.
xo
I love Blondie 'N' SC and Sadie Olive - two of the most beautiful and inspiring blogs ever!!
I nominate www.sealbeachdaily.com , my favorite local blog, because it tells me everything I need to know about my hometown, plus always great photos and giveaways, too.
My favorite blog of all time is BlondieNSC...I love Tara, her personality and wit come through in all of her posts. There needs to be a category of best all around!!! She deserves it, hand down!!!!
I recently stumbled upon localhipster.com. Its a search engine for OC bar happy hours. It looks like its just getting started but it still has some great info.
I love these husband and wife photographers:
www.kymberliq.blogspot.com
and
www.albertquackenbush.blogspot.com
be creative catagory.
http://www.markbeam.com
Www.Anabrandt.com
Love Blondie 'N' SC. She always brightens my day. :)
Most Creative
JJ from http://www.theblahblahblahger.com/
Micro-Blogger
@RockdaMullet
Eye Candy
http://www.popshopology.com/
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