April 2011 I started this blog. I actually started it a few months after my older brother passed away. I had to escape and find an outlet as the reality was way too rough for the first few months. I took to writing, I wrote about everything and this blog became something more than I could have ever imagined. I enjoyed writing about parenthood, reviews and everything in between. As life is always a journey and things happen, I somehow forgot until the latter half of April that this was in fact my blogger anniversary “Bloggiversary”. So with that I wanted to share all the exciting news happening over at Hopscotch N Jellybeans.
I decided to branch out and add some talented, raw, funny and real mommies and daddies to the crew.
Without further ado, lets get acquainted with our stable of writers.
Adrianne
Founder of Hopscotch N’ Jellybeans. I am a chauffeur, therapist, referee and boo-boo kisser. I hold down many jobs in my hood -motherhood, that is. I write about the things I love, mostly revolving around “F” words: family, faith, friends, food and fitness. This is my journey navigating through motherhood one hop, skip and jump at a time.
Laurie
I am a granny who has seven grand children all living close. I actually drew a circle around my house on a map and told my girls they were not allowed to leave this area. Well it worked and they all are within a 15 min drive. I raised my girls here in South Orange County and I was always looking for things to do with them to keep them curious and having fun. I was born in Canada but moved to Southern California as a small girl, so I considered myself a So Cal Gal. I am a Critical Care Nurse so I need time to go out and distress from my job. A walk around a garden is one of my very special ways to relax, or working in my own garden I can can get lost in my thoughts and stay out there all day! Hiking and biking are other hobbies of mine, I love being outside. We are so close to the beaches, the mountains and canyons I feel so blessed to be in this area.
Patty
I have four offspring, whom I adore half the time, just kidding all the time. I’m a domestic engineer. Nothing scares me anymore. I have mad organization skills and I wear lucky charms and sleep deprivation well. I’m a full-time mommy , part-time student I am majoring in psychology , I am a wifey and lets just say I wear many hats!
Paula
I am a wife and mother of three and completely devoted to my family. I have been married to my husband Brent for 20 years. we have 3 children; One boy and two girls. Our youngest is 18 years old. I work part-time as I am a full-time mother. From PTA, Booster board officer positions. I also volunteer at my church. From leading LifeGroups, Bible Studies, weekend retreats and youth boating trips. For fun my family enjoys camping, boating, skiing and dirt bike riding. I love to travel, especially cruising. For entertainment, I like to read and watch movies. I also love good food and good company and enjoy entertaining friends and family. I am also in a hand bell choir which lets me live out my dream of playing music.
David
An Investment Advisor Representative with Cornerstone Wealth Advisors specializing in retirement plans for local businesses and asset management for individuals and families. Originally from Napa, he graduated from UC San Diego where he received a BS degree in Biology. While in college David was recruited by a small company where he was ultimately promoted to GM/Executive President.In 2007, due to the pending sale of the business, he decided to pursue his passion of investment management and financial planning. David was a former advisor with Edward Jones, and also with the Financial Planning Division of MetLife, before ultimately realizing he needed to move to a truly independent Wealth Management firm to best serve his clients.Believing in investing in his community, as well as the markets, he is also a board member of the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary, the Kappa Phi chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha alumni advisory council, as well as volunteers with the 5th Marine Regiment support group, among others. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking, movies, watching football and just spending time with his daughter!
Kimberly
Happy-go-lucky wife and mother to a doting fur baby (Doberman) that keeps her on her toes. Kimberly enjoys all things fun and adventurous; avid movie goer, cosmopolitan, fashion guru and Make-A-Wish volunteer. She commands the industrial packing world by day selling bubble wrap, tape and cardboard. An epicurean by nature who loves to indulge.
Stephanie
Wife, mother and grandmother. Yes I know I said grandmother. I am currently raising my two grandsons both under 5 years old. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy trying new foods, traveling, reviewing the latest toddler toys, exploring the new world of essential oils and yoga. I am into health and fitness. Everything is in moderation, so pass that cake! I almost forgot to mention my best friend is Adrianne.
Angelica
My job is to make sure you look good…literally. I’m a makeup artist with a long line of credits. I work in TV and film. I have won several Tele awards as well as teacher of the year. I am the California reigning champion in esthetics high school division. I am an instructor as well as the founder at the Downey makeup academy. I am a professional makeup artist to the stars. I’m a mother for two fabulous girls. On my free time I love reviewing the latest makeup techniques and beauty secrets. One thing about me, I’m honest and I keep it real.
Lachele
I am a mom of two beautiful, fun and energetic girls. My weekdays mostly consist of school drop offs/pick ups, playdates and dance! If it’s not my daughter’s ballet classes, it’s me trying to master the whip and nae nae after everyone’s asleep. While working on the weekends leaves little ‘ME TIME’, I try to stick to my creative side in my free time. I love-making things! To name a few; I’ve recycled/redesigned clothing, brought an old stroller back to life, and created birthday parties you’ll never forget. The list goes on and on and I hope it never stops!
Margie
I’m a mother of three beautiful girls, I married my best friend and I am also a registered nurse. I just passed my boards and finished strong while being pregnant with my third. I am so blessed to call Southern California my home. I enjoying spending time with my family and trying to save the world, as an RN. I’m bilingual and I’m so happy to share my journeys with you.
Now for “Mi Familia”. This is a huge blessing as I was just introduced to them in 2016. Here is a glimpse of that back story and yes more is coming. My cousin Helen found me on social media out of all places. Thanks to her East Meets West was formed. Growing up I thought I had 4 cousins whom I met and I am close to. After meeting on social media a few months ago, I discovered I have 64 new cousins. Everyday is a treat! Lisa is the original four that I knew growing up. Terri, Francesca, Laurie, Joe, Corina, Georgia and Helen…I have only known them for a few short months but I feel like they have been my missing pieces in my heart all these years. Half my cousins are in the health care field which is so amazing as I was going to school for nursing a few years back. All my cousins are amazing and I am beyond blessed to have them start this journey with me.
Terri
I am a wife, mother of three and grandmother of seven living in Northern Oakland County, MI. My first passion is writing and I believe it’s never to late reconstruct yourself. Life is never ending. A tree doesn’t stop growing and neither should you!
Francesca
I’m a Mother of Three, Outgoing, Ambitious, Rambunctious Teens. Oh I can’t forget their “Swagg”. I’ve worked in the Healthcare Field for 15 years, I’m definitely a” Do it yourself” kind of gal. My motto; “There’s nothing this Mama can’t do attitude!” Everyday is a new adventure and we’re making memories along the way. There is never a dull moment here..
Laurie
My favorite job is full-time mom to two theatrical children, a sometimes theatrical chocolate lab and a guinea pig. My other full-time gig is teaching college students about the human body. I can usually be found driving kids to and from activities, watching live theatre or knee-deep in human anatomy. I am a great lover of family, theatre, music, science and sunshine.
Joe
Hello, I’m Joe, from Columbus, Ohio. Of course a HUGE Buckeye’s Fan…O H….I live with my Fiance and our two kids. My kids are big into sports and are often on the go from one sport to another. Other than that I am a computer geek who also likes to fish, watch sports, and mostly spend time with my family.
Lisa
Mother of one, chef extraordinaire. I love heels and steel. Nothing more beautiful than a sassy chef in heels slicing and dicing. I have been creating masterpieces in the kitchen for the last 14 years. “The way you cut your meat, reflects the way you live.” Confucius
Corina
Hola! My name is Corina, I’m a hardworking mom of two. Working full time in the healthcare field , all while holding down a bilingual house hold! I enjoy anything and everything Disney! I swear I’m a Disney princess turned Cruella de Vil on most days! Most of all I enjoy my family and comida! Food what’s a Spanish household w/o food? From tortillas to homework and some days tequila, I came to the conclusion, ” All you need is faith, trust and little bit of Pixie dust” (Peter Pan), and anything can be possible in this crazy journey we call life.
Georgia
Busy mom with four daughters. Working full-time while going to school finishing up my psychology degree. With family, work and school it is a constant balancing act that requires flexibility and a sense of humor. I love showing my girls to go for their dreams no matter what age, as my husband and I continue to reach for ours. I love to read, travel and explore.
Helen
I was a mother of 1 for many years until my husband came along and blessed me with his 2 sons. I am a proud mom of 3 smart, self-sufficient children and grandmother of 7. I am a pediatrics nurse by night. I can be found in school advancing my nursing degree and cursing the creators of Algebra by day. I am learning to be more adventurous by traveling and trying new foods. In my spare time I can be found having a battle of the wills with my 1 year old rat terrier Titus, or explaining mind blowing facts to curious minds like why we can’t grow corn from a can to my five year old grandchild.
