Last year at this time, I did a list of my Best Mom Bloggers of 2010 (and a few token guys).
I thought it was a pretty rad list, if I do say so myself. Because I’ll tell you a secret. Shhh. Get closer. No, closer, so I can whisper in your ear.
I don’t read nearly any of the “big” bloggers. And never have. Saying that out loud probably means an automatic lifetime ban for me from the Cool Bloggers club. But I like the little peeps, like myself.
I still read nearly all of the blogs on last year’s list. {when I read blogs, that is. ahem. Goal for 2012.}
I have been wanting to do a 2011 list for two weeks, but realized that the list would mainly be the same, with a few new additions. So I decided to do a different list this year.
This list is called Bloggers To Watch in 2012.
I throw a wicked party here, don't I?
These are the bloggers who I see working really hard, putting themselves out there, that I hope continue to do well, whatever their blog dreams might be.
If these bloggers are anything like me, they run to the Babble list and the other lists that come out about top mom bloggers and secretly hope they were chosen. Their hearts sink a little when they see the usual suspects instead of their own names. Like running up to see the show casting lists when I was a theater major in college.
Of course, some of these women have made lists somewhere. And I’m happy for any who did. And insanely jealous.
Some of these gals are darn seasoned bloggers. Some are uber-talented writers. Others are damn funny or just have a unique perspective that I love. Some are fairly new to the blogging scene.
But I want them all to be recognized, even if by a person Who Didn’t Make Any Best Of Lists This Year.
Go!
Missy from Literal Mom – because she approaches parenting in a smart way.
Kristin from What She Said – because she writes from the heart.
Nicole from Moments That Define Life – because she’s ambitious and always coming up with great new ideas for her blog.
Jessica from Four Plus An Angel – because her writing touches me.
Galit from These Little Waves – because she has a way with words that is simply lovely.
Tracy from Sellabit Mum – because I love her quirky humor.
Katie from Sluiter Nation – because she can be as funny as she can be introspective.
Renee from Lessons from Teachers and Twits – because I like how she weaves a story together.
Julie from Julie C. Gardner – By Any Other Name – because she has an uncanny way of capturing not only a moment, but how she feels in a moment, that every single woman can identify with.
Elizabeth from The Mom Pledge – because I think her cause is awesome.
Stacey from Tree, Root and Twig – because she knows her stuff. On life and blogging.
Wendy from Wendy Will Blog because I can look at her smiling face and say, “I want to be that person’s friend.” Her blog welcomes me.
Deb from San Diego Momma – because I can get lost in her blog.
Kelly from Mom Got Blog because she writes about two things I love: food and family.
Margot from Old School – Self Reliance 101 – because I love all of her DIY tips for around the house. They are amazing.
Grace from Formerly Gracie – because she writes a lot about another thing I love – tech – along with a whole lot of great family-oriented posts.
Robin from Farewell Stranger – because she does a fabulous job of writing openly and honestly about difficult topics.
Nicole from By Word of Mouth Musings – because she is incredible to be able to maintain two blogs within one – homeschooling and personal – and it one of the most generous bloggers I know in terms of paying it forward (my personal bloggy mantra).
Lynn from All Fooked Up – because I love a blogger who just does her thang, tells it like it is, and doesn’t give a crap what you think.
Deb from The Truth About Motherhood – because she combines a sassy take on parenting with a lot of heart, and she’s another blogger who always pays it forward.
Yes, I have a nagging feeling that I’m forgetting someone that I didn’t want to overlook. But to you fabulous ladies who I managed to remember, I wish you a fantastically successful 2012!
About the Author Gigi Ross
I'm a blogger, social media geek, mom and wife, foodie, reality TV addict and Jason Mraz fangirl. Not in that order. I write here about parenting, blogging, technology, social media and pop culture.
{ 121 comments }
A fine list… I’m glad to see I recognize several… and have a few to check out!
Get out of town!! I made a list?!!
I know that list-checking, low-head-sigh, feeling of not seeing your name. Then a shoulder shrug and a “maybe next year”
But this is my year…because I made YOUR list, and that is the BEST one to be on!
Thanks Gigi!!
xoxo
Kelly´s last [type] ..Today is My Day With The SITS Girls!
Kelly, you should be on all of the lists – as should you Gigi!
By Word of Mouth Musings´s last [type] ..Wordy Wordless Wednesday. One Word.
Beyond honored, friend! Thank you!
I’m so excited to see what 2012 brings- something tells me it’s going to be amazing!
xo
Galit Bren´s last [type] ..Softly Focused
Galit, you totally deserve it! Way to go!
Courtney Kirkland´s last [type] ..Working Mom Guilt
I know YOU! You’ve come over to say hi to me! How exciting for everyone!
Gianna´s last [type] ..Friday Freebie
What a amazing list!
Hey, who you calling quirky?
Thank you sweet lady – I am truly honored to be on your list. Happy 2012 my friend. xoxo
tracy@sellabitmum´s last [type] ..A Birthday Suit…not that kind of Birthday Suit..
A list of many of my faves as well… and exactly for the reasons you mention!
Melissa {momcomm}´s last [type] ..Blog Critique: Momma Needs a Beer
Shut the front door!
You are not going to believe me, but I am in bed reading blogs for a few minutes like I do every day. And I thought to myself: I wish Gigi knew I was alive.
Kinda dorky, huh?
But wow. That message was delivered quickly, eh?
And so proud to be listed with some of these wonderful bloggers, several of whom I follow and consider cyber-buddies. I will start stalking the others promptly.
Seriously Gigi. This means the world to me. You have no idea. Or maybe you do. You probably do.
Renee Schuls-Jacobson´s last [type] ..Lessons Learned: Guest Posts for 2012
I just wanted people to see that I’m a real girl. Not all red and boxy.
Renee Schuls-Jacobson´s last [type] ..Something Wrong
I love your lists because you are sincere in what you promote. Thank you for sharing.
I agree with a lot of the awesomeness you have here, and now I have to go and get to know the others.
This’ll be fun, something new is always fun.
Thanks, Geeg.
Happy New Year!!
Fabulous list! And I admit, I read very few of the “big” bloggers myself. It’s just strange, when you’re used to blogging being so interactive, to follow someone who has so many fans they can’t be one-on-one with!
Megan – Best of Fates´s last [type] ..Bringing Photography’s Sexy Back
Oh my goodness! I’m so honored to be on this list! Totally made my day. Thank you so much, Gigi! I know most of the lovely ladies on this list. Off to get to know the few who are new to me…
Great list that includes some of my new favorites as well. Why am I picturing a drama filled reality show with weekly challenges titled “The Next Top Blogger?”
Because I’d totally watch!
Oooh, me too!
Jessica´s last [type] ..Easiest Recipe Ever
I totally thought the same. I’ll watch with ya!
MommaKiss´s last [type] ..2012. Like, Whoa.
Great list Gigi! And Nicole from Moments that Define Life is one of my favs too!
Awesome list, Gigi! I’ve seen some but glad to find the rest of them
Maureen | Tatter Scoops´s last [type] ..Nickle Town On My Mind
I read several of these and I definitely have to agree with you that they are AWESOME! The ones I don’t? I’m going to go check out right now.
I don’t read hardly any of the “big” bloggers either. Just Jill (Scary Mommy), but then she would probably tell you that she isn’t “big” even though I think that she is.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..A Very Merry Christmas
Ok first of all…WHAT??? I have never made a list. And if I get to be on a list? Yours is the one I want to be on. Even if I have a sneaking suspicion that making you laugh at monkey butt had something to do with it.
Secondly…I don’t read hardly ANY big bloggers unless I see a link tweeted or facebooked that interests me.
And lastly. Go on with your bad self. The rest of the bloggers listed here? Simply amazeballs. I am so honored to mingling my ridiculousness among them.
Katie´s last [type] ..a heart of conflicts
Great list!
Galit, Katie, Elizabeth…these are some great women with voices we need to hear. I read them – and some others here – already. I’m glad you’re shining a light on them.
Kim at Let Me Start By Saying´s last [type] ..Focus on the Priorities, People. Like Cake.
Those are some pretty amazing bloggers on that list. I am happy to say thay I follow most of them. I also don’t read many of the big bloggers. I like these ladies because they actually interact with their followers. Also they are great cheerleaders for all bloggers as well whether your following is big or small.
Jayme´s last [type] ..Thank You For 2011
See some favorites and glad to see some new places to check out. Thanks!
Nina Badzin´s last [type] ..Searching for a New Best Friend
Go ladies! So glad to see so many wonderful women on here!
Wait a minute.
You’re not a big blogger?
Huh.
Well, it’s been nice getting to know you.
Good luck and all.
julie gardner´s last [type] ..Today call me home
Just kidding you know I adore you and thank you so much you have always been more supportive than I deserve and I can’t believe I put a stupid “recap” post up today joking about the Wizard of Oz when people who haven’t seen my blog might check it out for the first time now because you recommended me.
But seriously.
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Much love.
julie gardner´s last [type] ..Today call me home
You know what? Being on a list created by a TOP BLOGGER (that’d be you) that I love and admire and READ, and sitting among other bloggers I love and admire and read is a major, major honor.
THESE are the lists that mean something to me.
Thanks so much for including me in a place so fabulous.
San Diego Momma´s last [type] ..PROMPTuesday #176: The Recap
Wouldn’t be the same list without ya!
That’s an amazing list. Every blogger I recognize on there is a must-read for me, and I am going to check out the others (and likely add more feeds to my overflowing RSS).
Thanks for sharing Gigi!
RSS = bad. There has to be a better way! mine’s overflowing too!
Love this list and there are even some new bloggers I get to check out!
Natalie´s last [type] ..Another Reason Not To Be On Your Cell Phone While Driving…
Some of my absolute favorites. Great list.
MaryLauren@My3LittleBirds´s last [type] ..Happiness Is: SITS Feature Day!
Thanks…and happy SITS day, by the way! : ) I enjoyed reading your posts while prepping your feature!
Great list! I read a lot of these blogs and agree with you!
molly´s last [type] ..Starting the New Year off right
Power to the little peeps!
Oh wow, unbelievably honored to be listed here. You just made my year Gigi. Thank you so much.
I may not always comment, but I always enjoy your writing
Super list Gigi! Only a few that I’m not already following. THANKS for the recommendations! I love finding new bloggers who have already gotten a ‘thumbs up’!
my pleasure
What a GREAT idea, and a fun list. I’m checking back later this evening to read some fun new blogs! =) You’ve sold me.
Aww! thank you, Gigi! I think you are pretty rad too!
Grace´s last [type] ..12 Things in 2012
Oh, I see, I’m one of the big bloggers! Thank You!
You know I kid.
Love this list. I’m just going to Pin the post, because my reader is sadly neglected.
Mommakiss´s last [type] ..2012. Like, Whoa.
You were on last year’s list, my friend, which disqualified you for this year’s list.
I know silly! Bustin your nuts.
Gigi! Those are some of the nicest words anyone has ever said about me or my blog! THANK YOU! You seriously made my day. And friend, we will be sharing a glass of wine — soon. Cheers!
Wendy´s last [type] ..Come On, Eileen
Thrilled to see quite a few of my friends on this list!
And now I have more new blogs to read! Thanks Gigi, as if I didn’t already spend too much time reading blogs!
Bernice
Successful Woman’s Resource Center´s last [type] ..3 reasons why moms are so tired
thanks, Bernice!
Great list! I read quite a lot of these.
Lindsey´s last [type] ..Top 10 Reasons to Procrastinate
I love Sellabit Mum. She is awesome sauce. And I know most of the others too. Gonna have to check out the new ones for sure! I made a list this week too! You know, to rival THAT OTHER ONE everyone is always talking about:)
dumb mom´s last [type] ..Wordful Wednesday. Fun Ways to Print Instagram Photos.
Putting a list together is a way of getting over my own sour grapes
Ooohhhh, must check this out-I am still totally honored you included me in last year’s list!
AmyBlam´s last [type] ..Wednesday Whatnots…
hi stranger, good to see you!
One of these lovely ladies? I know in real life. Woot woot!
that? is super cool.
What a great list! Great bloggers, but really just amazing people.
amen!!!
I made a list! I feel like I’ve arrived.
I also don’t regularly read any of the Big Bloggers. Not a single one. And I don’t expect to make the Babble lists – I don’t have the time, resources, or entrepreneurial spirit to promote myself that way. And I’m OK with that. I kind of like my small blog where I can interact with my readers one-on-one.
That said, it’s nice to be recognized for the work I’ve put into my blog over the past year. And so I’m truly honored to be among your pics, as well as to be in such great company. Thanks, Gigi!
Kristin @ What She Said´s last [type] ..To Thine Own Self Be True
My pleasure, Kristin
And here I thought I was all washed up!
No, really – where are all these young whipper-snapper bloggers coming from? I feel positively *ancient* next to some of them (I just celebrated 6 years of blogging – gasp)!
I figured 2012 might be my year to come to accept that maybe I’m a little more “yesterday” than I feared.
But then comes this boost, at exactly the right time, and from exactly the right person.
Thank you SO much for including me here. I feel grateful and humbled, and am honored to be among the awesome women here!
Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: “How To Read Literature Like a Professor”
THe list would be incomplete without you. Because, you know, we have that eerie mind meld thing with posting topics
6 years? Is amazing.
Oh mah lord. I just fell off my chair.
Thanks for including me, Gigi! That’s a huge honour, especially given some of the others on the list. Whee!
And I’m laughing because I totally consider you a big blogger. Well, sort of, anyway, because you’re more accessible than a big blogger and that makes you rock.
Robin | Farewell Stranger´s last [type] ..A Commuter’s View
I’m too niche-less to ever be a big blogger…:) and honestly? I’d rather be known as accessible than big! But thank you for boosting *my* ego.
You are awesome, Gigi! I love that you did this.
While I haven’t gone to check if I made any lists, I can safely assume I did not. But I think I would like to. Blogging Resolution for 2012? I think so.
xoxo!
Tracy! Julie! YES! And so many that I just don’t know. Sad. Must rectify. Somehow.
Happy New Year, Gigi!
All of them are wonderful blogs to read!
Like a you & others here I don’t read the “Big Bloggers” either… and commenting… it’s like getting lost in the shuffle unless you’re the lucky one to be the first to comment.
I hope that it’s a wonderful year for you!
Tears. Mine. Chills. Mine. Gratitude. Mine.
You have no idea what a SURPRISE and HONOR it is to find myself here today! I am having a kind of crappy day and to open up one of my favorite blogging sites that I visit every single day and find MY name here?
Just made my day. No, my week. No, actually, you might have made my year.
Hug. I needed one today and you gave it to me.
Missy | Literal Mom´s last [type] ..A Plan for Giving in 2012
This may as well be called “The List Of Love” because I LOVE LOVE LOVE every single one of these women and their blogs.
Mrs. Jen B´s last [type] ..12 Goals for 2012
That’s a great list! I read many of them already!
Teresa – Embracing the Spectrum´s last [type] ..The Waiting Game {PYHO}
Great list! I love several of these blogs and can’t wait to check out the other ones.
Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: First Night Boston – A New Years Eve of Arts and Family Fun
what a great list! i’ve definitely found some wonderful new blogs to follow (and share!). being a “newbie” to the blogging world I have so much respect for those who have found true success and reward writing about their passions. thank you!
Nice list. I will have to check out some of these sites. I couln’t agree more with your choice of Farewell Stranger. Love it.
Hannah Pratt´s last [type] ..Who I’ve Read Along the Way
Gigi! You just made my day! Thanks for including me on this list with so many fabulous bloggers. XO
Nicole @MTDLBlog´s last [type] ..A Year in Review {Listable Life}
What an awesome list!! Wendy is fabulous and LOVE her. Can’t wait to check out the others!
Ashley´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday – Instant Happiness
Oh and San DiegoMomma? Love.
Ashley @ It’s Fitting´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday – Instant Happiness
Not sure if you’ve met her in person, but if you haven’t, she is as lovely in person as she is on her blog.
Awesome list!! Sellabit Mum is a fav on mine
franticmommy´s last [type] ..My Shopping Dream Sequence
I want her closet.
I love ALL of these blogs! Nicole and Missy are both super sweet and supportive.
Ryan @ The Woven Moments´s last [type] ..The Resolution Matrix
It’s always so great to meet new bloggers. I love your list- it’s quite different from the typical 2012 bloggers-to-read- lists.
Susan (HomeGrownKids)´s last [type] ..The Animal School – A Parable
I definitely try to not mention the usual suspects that are on all the other lists. Thanks for recognizing it!
Love your list and reasons and especially love seeing some of my favorites included! Well done, Gigi!
Tonya´s last [type] ..The Golden Years
Yeah for this list!!! So many of my faves–for many of the reasons that you so succinctly described. A lot of heart in this list— thanks for sharing!
Elena´s last [type] ..What I learned about Marriage in 2011
very cool list
becca´s last [type] ..Nobody Saw Me by Glenda Thomas
It is a beautiful thing to see many of my favorite blogs here, because they definitely deserve to be on a list.
AND, a few new ones to go read right now!
Alison@Mama Wants This´s last [type] ..Word-ish Wednesday: A Boy and a Basketball Court
I agree…that’s why I do these lists. So many bloggers never get recognized and I just love doing it. It’s probably my favorite post of the year.
This is fantastic! You have some of my absolute favorites & some new blogs to explore tonight. Very exciting! Thank you for sharing the love.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Please Don’t Be A Mean Girl
I love that some of everyone’s favorites made the list. Makes me know I chose well!
Fantastic list! I read most of those already, but will definitely check out a few new ones at your recommendation.
NotJustAnotherJennifer´s last [type] ..My Favorite Thing About a New Year – At Work
Thanks for this list! Im looking forward to clicking and finding some new favorites.
Cheers!
This is a great list and wonderful bloggers!!! Awesome!
Maegan´s last [type] ..Don’t hate me…
glad you liked it!
OMG! I had no idea about this until I was looking at where people came from today so THANK YOU GIRL!!! That’s so, so nice of you and i appreciate it.
This will be the ONLY list I’m on but ya know what? I’m resting on my laurels with this one!
Now, where the hell are those laurels? hmmmmm
Lynn MacDonald´s last [type] ..In which there’s one pony in the mail
Well you’re on one more list than I am
snort.
I don’t have laurels but I will send you a virtual beer!
I’m glad to see I already follow most of these bloggers. And the ones I don’t, I will certainly check out!
Just Jennifer´s last [type] ..The Stress of Poor Health
So, it would be cool if I could understand why my FACE doesn’t show up here. How can anyone understand how gorgeous I am in real life if they just see red squiggles?
You’re all techie. Can you explain the problem?
Renee Schuls-Jacobson´s last [type] ..Something Wrong
Okay, so now I sound like a weisemheimer. How come I showed up down here perfectly fine, but earlier not so much.
Wait, I was on my iPad!
How to integrate all these devices?
I have no idea.
But seriously. Thank you again (and again and, apparently, again) for the linky-love.
Renee Schuls-Jacobson´s last [type] ..Something Wrong
Love that you recognize these great bloggers.Fabulous list;I’m especially in love with the writing of Sellabitmun,Galit,Frelle & fourplusanangel! I have to admit I do read the Big bloggers but I also ‘ know’ several of them through various social media outlets and have gotten to know them through our blogs, so They are just bloggers no different than you and I, except people know who the hell they are:) I’ve made it my resolution to not even look at the Babble list, it just renders me pissed off and feeling deflated for a day or so. Besides, it seems I couldn’t buy my way into a top list if I tried.I may need to work on my people skills:) Anyways, I’m rambling but wanted to tell you that it is very cool that you recognize other bloggers in this way. 2012 is going to be the year of great things to good people, my friend. Xo
Thank you so much for such a wonderful list of fantastic bloggers. Many of them I know, and I’m happy to meet some others. And I don’t pay attention to the Babble list either for that same reason. Too depressing!
Charlotte´s last [type] ..2011 wrap-up
Just the list I was looking for as one of things I wanted this year was to read new blogs & add to my reader. Yes, it’s like you’re speaking from my brain because I always check those lists knowing I won’t make it, but still wishing to be surprised.
Vivian´s last [type] ..New Year! New Neighborhood! – I’m Officially on WordPress
What a fabulous list, Gigi! I know a lot of the ladies here and each of them more than deserves to be on MANY lists! Off to visit the others.
Courtney Kirkland´s last [type] ..Working Mom Guilt
It is so nice of you to think of that way for your co-bloggers. I think that small things are those that become very special in the end. I’d like to check all of those bloggers and thank you for sharing them all. Happy new Year!
Angel Collins´s last [type] ..Spotlight on Eyebrows
All perfect picks!!
All bloggers to watch for!
Leighann´s last [type] ..On January 4th…
A GREAT list of blogs and bloggers.
CHEERS to the great posts to come in 2012.
laura´s last [type] ..Recruiting Duty Journey ~ two months in
now there is a list that i can give a thumbs up to. i read quite a few of those blogs listed; i have for awhile now. awesome!!
melissa´s last [type] ..The Inheritance: Amelia’s Story
I feel like a douchebag, saying “Oh, I was a U2 fan since before The Joshua Tree” here, but I’m so happy to be reading so many of these, already.
John´s last [type] ..Where I recap this past year
Oh John. How I love you and your U2/douche bag reference usage.
Katie´s last [type] ..watch me now
Best.Comment.Ever.
Kristin @ What She Said´s last [type] ..To Thine Own Self Be True
Love this list, most of the blogs noted are on my reader list….they MUST be amazing
SoberJulie´s last [type] ..Friday Funny~A 6yr old & an iPad
So happy to see my girl Renee on a “best-of” list! She really is fabulous!
Tamara Lunardo´s last [type] ..I’ve Never
Thank you so much for the mention! **hugs**
The Damsel in Dis Dress´s last [type] ..giveaway!
Great list! There are a few I have not checked out yet and look forward to doing so!
a fantastic list of all the ladies I love love love. Congratulations to each of you…WeLL DESERVED!!!!!! xo
Kir´s last [type] ..Proud Mommy Moments: Elaine from The MissElaine-our Life is Sharing the Corner Today
OMGawsh … here I am flaunting it on Facebook without even a Thank YOU over here!
Hoping you make Blissdom, would be lovely to catch up without the crazy that was Blogher …
this is WAY better than any other list I can think of!
By Word of Mouth Musings´s last [type] ..Wordy Wordless Wednesday. One Word.
Amazing post and really impressive list, thanks for sharing.
Arjun Rai´s last [type] ..Memorable India tours
Ah…Gigi…
Great list with a several of my favorite bloggers on it.
Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to check out the ones I haven’t been to yet.
Wishing you all the best for 2012!
Melanie´s last [type] ..A New Year…A Guest Post
ooh, just found some more great bloggers to follow – goal of 2012 is to keep up with all the blogs I subscribe to!
Brenna @ Almost All The Truth´s last [type] ..Natural pregnancy and birth in Going to the Motherland, plus a giveaway!
Thanks for compiling this list! I’m always on the lookout for new blogs – this is perfect!
Thanks for this! I was feeling in a rut and wanted to read some new stuff for 2012! Happy New Year & Thanks again!
Wow! I’m late to the party, but so happy to be loved. Thanks!
The Damsel in Dis Dress´s last [type] ..birthday parties made simple
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