Sometimes the moments that scare us the most are the ones that grow us the most. Last week, I attended my son’s basketball banquet knowing it might be an uncomfortable room for me. The other parents on the team don’t really speak to me, and over time it has been made clear that I’m not exactly part of their circle. But as a mother, my job is simple: show up for my child. When we arrived, my guest and I were seated at the kids’ table. And while the seat itself didn’t bother me

I discovered a hidden gem in Long Beach this week, a Hawaiian spot tucked away off Atlantic and Long Beach Blvd. You can’t just drive by and stumble on it; you park, walk a little pathway, and suddenly you’re in this charming open-air courtyard with lunch tables. The vibe is casual, sunny, and just welcoming. I knew I wanted the Kimchi Butter Chicken Sandwich with macaroni salad, and let me tell you, my taste buds were not disappointed. It’s messy, yes, but in the best possi

Today was full. I went to the gym. I got a pedicure. I paid my rent. I grabbed lunch at Shoots (so good). I took my dad and my son to get haircuts. I made doctor and dentist appointments. I took my kids to the park. On paper, that sounds like a lot. But here’s what made it different: I wasn’t rushing. The Gym At the gym, an older gentleman came over when I was struggling with the treadmill and set it for an hour. An hour. In my mind, I immediately thought, “There’s no way I’m

Waiting isn’t easy. Even now, I don’t feel like I’m waiting for anything specific, but looking back, I can see just how powerful waiting has been in shaping me. I think about when I was waiting for a God-ordained spouse. While I waited, God wasn’t idle, He was actively working in me. He delivered me from lust. He strengthened my confidence. He taught me wisdom and discernment. He showed me how to be intentional with my time, how to prioritize growth, and how to make choices t

There’s a misconception that joy only comes when we’re with other people, a partner, friends, or family. Some of the most transformative moments happen when you date yourself with joy . And I don’t mean just doing things you like, that’s the easy part. True joy comes from planning, anticipation, self-discovery, and surrendering to the unexpected . Dating yourself with joy starts long before you step out the door. It begins in the preparation, in the way you plan the experien

Some days feel impossible. Chaos, responsibilities, and decisions all at once. But it doesn’t have to feel like that. When you anchor your day on three non-negotiable’s, overwhelm begins to lose its power. 1. Start With the Word — Always When women tell me, “I don’t even know where to start,” this is it. Just one verse. One devotional. One truth. The Word of God is active, living, and breathing. It calms the mind, steadies the heart, and reminds you that you are not in contro

There’s something special about intentional evenings, the kind you plan with a friend you’ve known since middle school. That’s exactly what brought me to Yard House in Pasadena . Located on the second floor of a plaza near a movie theater, the space is beautiful: dim, cozy lighting, a central bar surrounded by TVs, booths, tables, and even a patio perfect for warmer nights. My friend and I came with the plan of dinner + improv show, a little night out to discuss our businesse

Hidden Gem! Tucked on a corner across from Gahr High School, this small café is easy to miss if you blink. But don’t, it’s worth finding! Despite its size, it draws a packed crowd from all walks of life: families, babies, groups, and solo diners alike. There’s even a bar to sit at and a lovely patio if you prefer. I grabbed a table in the back and started exploring the menu. The café is fast-paced but very efficient. I ordered the avocado toast topped with poached eggs and ba

Life is busy, and sometimes reconnecting with old friends takes intentional planning. I recently met up with a high school friend at Isla Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar , a beautiful hidden gem in La Palma CA,. Though our kids don’t know each other yet, we carved out time to laugh, reminisce, and just enjoy each other’s company proving that meaningful connections don’t happen by accident. The ambiance sets the tone: black-and-white vintage 1950s elegance, intimate lighting, and an o

A Magical Light Experience with a Few Real-Life Located in Lakewood, California, Imaginarium transforms what used to be a Forever 21 into a massive indoor light experience and honestly, the creativity alone is impressive. From the moment you walk in, it feels like stepping into a glowing dream. There’s a room filled with twinkling sunflowers. An immersive balloon space where hundreds of balloons swirl around you (imagine standing in a shower of balloons without them popping).

A Solo Dining Experience Worth Dressing Up For Located in Newport Beach, Shorebird is romantic, elegant, and perfect for date nights or celebrations, but let me tell you, it’s just as powerful solo. 💅🏽 There’s a parking garage (they validate), and the flow walking in feels smooth and organized. Immediately, you notice the intimate private dining room to the right and a beautifully designed round bar that feels like the centerpiece of the restaurant. The crowd was mature and

The room was dim, but the candles were everywhere. Soft light flickered across the stage where the violinists would soon play. Couples leaned toward each other. Friends whispered and laughed. The air felt warm, almost sacred. And then there was me. Black and champagne. A long skirt that moved when I walked. A red lip. Hair pulled back. My black trench coat resting on my shoulders, not even fully worn, just draped. Polished. Intentional. CEO energy. Before I even made it insi

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come when you simply show up for yourself. About a year ago, I was exploring my singleness after my divorce, learning to enjoy my own presence, and my second solo dining experience became a small but powerful milestone. I chose to sit on the patio at The 908 , soaking in the sun and the gentle California breeze. There was no rush, no agenda, just me, my thoughts, and the joy of being fully present. I ordered the Lamb Burger and started

Sometimes, the best discoveries come from a simple conversation. I found Mate Coffee in Hawaiian Gardens, California, thanks to a chat with my bank teller. I was looking for a cozy coffee shop where I could study and really lock in, and truth be told, this little gem is where the idea for One Foodie Mama came to life. This coffee shop is run by a husband-and-wife team inspired by Australian café culture, hence the playful name, Mate . Their menu is premium and unique, featu