February Spotlight: “IT” Mom Shelby Barone

Tell us about your early blogging days, When did you start blogging?

I started blogging almost ten years ago. I originally started blogging about my felt story business, and then it turned into my family life and beyond. Once I started blogging about all the activities I would bring my children too, people started to request to learn more about fun things to do with their kids around Orange County.

You relaunched The OC Mom blog along with a few other projects! What do these ventures offer to OC families (and beyond) and what makes your resource unique?

I started the OC Mom Blog a little over a year ago and re-launched the site in January!

I have written for more than 13 publications across the Southland, so I have become somewhat of an expert in covering local events. I would have moms ask me for just one site that would cover everything they wanted to know from parenting to events to crafts and I would always list of a bunch of different sites. It was at that time that I realized Orange County needed a one-stop resource site for Moms in area – which became the OC Mom Blog. I have expanded this year to include OC Mom TV and The Best of OC to launch later this year.

What tips do you have for other Moms (or Dads) who are starting a blog?

My first tip is to do it because you love it. I hear everyday about bloggers wanting to start blogs for an income, and I always see that reflect in their writing style and online social behavior. I always encourage people to do it because they have a passion for writing and helping the community – then all good things will come to them in time.

How do you balance blogging with family/life/challenges?

I am lucky to have a supportive husband and family. I have a commitment to my family and also to my readers. I love what I do, and it has never felt like work to me.

What is your favorite family getaway/attraction in the OC?

My favorite is Zoomar’s Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano. It was the first place that I took my first born son too. It is so unique, has something for everyone and my favorite coffee shop in Orange County is right on the corner to boot!

What do you do for some “me” time?

I am a very spiritual person, I always spend thirty minutes a day with my Bible on the patio before everyone wakes up. There is nothing more inspirational that watching the sun rise every morning to motivate me to make the most of my day.

Seeing that Valentine’s Day is around the corner, What is your dream “Valentine’s Day”?

My dream Valentine’s Day is a nice glass of wine in front of fireplace with my husband. I am a pretty simple girl and it is always the small things that matter to me!