Ok. We admit it. We didn’t always love it here in Orange County, California. In fact, for many years, we hated it. It’s how we became friends actually. Sitting around, drinking wine and hating on Orange County. In our defense though, we just missed home.

Valerie was living the good life in Santa Barbara where, according to her, they invented the work-life balance. Cheri was a Beverly Hills Fashion Junkie whose biggest concern was dodging the paparazzi. In 2006, a job opportunity brought us, somewhat reluctantly, to Orange County where we met and became instant friends.

Four years, and several glasses of wine, later we pulled our heads out of the warm, Orange County beach sand and realized how destructive our behavior had become. Hate and negativity are dangerous little creatures and they had us in the palm of their hand. We had spent so much time and energy complaining and commiserating that we failed to see all the wonderful things surrounding us in Orange County, CA.

So, we made a pact. To get off our bar stools and get out in the community exploring the parts of Orange County that often go unnoticed. Places outside the strip malls, track homes and amusement parks. Then we thought – while we’re at it – let’s write about it too and share the love!

This blog does not just list events in Orange County. But we did create some great calendars for that. We also listed our favorite OC event blogs below if you’re looking for stuff to do this week. Instead we want I Heart OC to be like a friend who just learned about something awesome and is dying to share it with you.
All the people, places and events on I Heart OC are things we personally love. You may love it, hate it or love to hate it. The choice is up to you! And just because we like to find the hidden gems, doesn’t mean we’re never going to write about Disney Land or the Orange County Fair. We just hope, if we do, we bring you a fresh perspective or interesting fact.

Thanks for visiting I Heart OC, we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy writing it. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for real-time updates or join our email list for access to our upcoming exclusive events. And if you know of a hidden Orange County gem that should be discovered, or you want to be a contributing writer, email us!

Love,
Cheri & Valerie

Other awesome OC blogs:

Just Spotted
Tiny Oranges
Day Tripping Mom
I Heart Old Town Orange
Babes in Disney Land
Eat in OC

Want to be added to out list?  Contact us.