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2026 Valentine’s Gift Guide

Posted on February 9, 2026 | Filed Under: Books, Reviews | Tags: Adams Media, Gaynor Carradice, Penguin Random House, Valentine’s Gift Guide, Vivi Tinta | 6 Comments

Valentine's Gift Guide 2026 - banner

Note: I was sent products for inclusion in my Valentine’s Gift Guide. There may be some affiliate links in this article. Valentine’s Day is usually all about the sugar rush, but I love balancing out sweet treats with something creative! If you’re looking for a non-candy gift idea, check out these three stickers and coloring books in my Valentine's Gift Guide. It’s a nice alternative (or addition!) to the usual sweets. The Heartwarming … [Read more...]

Celebrating the Digital Release of Rental Family! {Giveaway Contest}

Posted on January 28, 2026 | Filed Under: Pop Culture, Reviews | Tags: Brendan Fraser, Budonoki restaurant, Rental Family, Searchlight Pictures | 29 Comments

Rental Family Banner

Last week, I attended an event to celebrate the digital release of Searchlight Pictures’ Rental Family starring Brendan Fraser. The film is a moving look at Japan’s "rental family" industry, a service dating back to the ’90s where people can hire surrogates to combat loneliness and social pressure. While the concept might feel foreign, the movie beautifully explores the universal need for human connection, offering stand-ins for … [Read more...]

Black Angus Steakhouse – Visit Ventura

Posted on January 26, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Reviews | Tags: Black Angus Steakhouse Ventura, steakhouses in Ventura, Ventura restaurants, Visit Ventura | 11 Comments

Black Angus - Ventura signage

A few weekends ago, my family and I headed out to Ventura for a fantastic lunch at Black Angus Steakhouse. You might remember me mentioning their grand re-opening back in November, and now that the holiday rush has finally settled, it felt like the perfect time to treat my parents to a meal there. Even though it’s a 45-minute drive from the Valley, that crisp beach air and coastal breeze make every mile worth it. We started out with … [Read more...]

My 2026 Word of the Year – Evolve

Posted on January 22, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Misc, Mommy Stuff | Tags: Evolve, physical therapy, Safe Catch Tuna, Word of the Year | 3 Comments

Word of the Year - 2026 - Evolve

I finally decided on my Word of the Year. I know that we are more than halfway through January, but it took me a while to decide. I initially leaned toward "healing journey," but the word I’ve officially chosen is Evolve. To evolve is to change and develop gradually, which is what I am hoping to do both physically and mentally. Last October, I had a procedure on my hand that left me unable to grip things. So, I started physical therapy to … [Read more...]

Bring Home “Song Sung Blue” on Digital! {Giveaway Contest}

Posted on January 14, 2026 | Filed Under: Pop Culture, Reviews | Tags: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment | 23 Comments

SONG SUNG BLUE - PVOD

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star in "Song Sung Blue," a musical drama inspired by the true story of a 1990s Neil Diamond tribute band and their unlikely path to regional fame. I must admit that when I hear the chorus to “Sweet Caroline,” I HAVE to sing along to that Neil Diamond song. However, it’s not just the songs that drew me in to this movie, the film’s storyline intrigued me as well. Based on an incredible true story, Mike … [Read more...]

Rose Cafe & Bakery in Granada Hills

Posted on January 13, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Reviews | Tags: Granada Hills restaurants, North Valley breakfast spots, Rose Cafe & Bakery, SFV eateries | 9 Comments

Rose Cafe - storefront

A new cafe opened up in my neighborhood recently and I finally had a chance to try it out with my husband. Rose Cafe & Bakery is located on the corner of Chatsworth Street and Yarmouth Avenue. It’s a cozy eatery with about a dozen tables inside. After settling into our table, we ordered an orange juice and vanilla latte with almond milk. There were so many yummy things on the menu. My husband had just finished running a 5k … [Read more...]

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  • 2026 Valentine’s Gift Guide
  • Celebrating the Digital Release of Rental Family! {Giveaway Contest}
  • Black Angus Steakhouse – Visit Ventura
  • My 2026 Word of the Year – Evolve
  • Bring Home “Song Sung Blue” on Digital! {Giveaway Contest}

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