A Day at the Sherman Library and Gardens

Botanical gardens continue to be one of my favorite places. I’ll certainly not see enough in my lifetime, so finding a new one is always a treat. The latest to discover? The Sherman Library and Gardens in picturesque Corona Del Mar, California. Having spent a […]

Read more

Fall Updates for Along Comes Mary

We’re officially a month into Fall. Just weeks away from the heated election, and about two months to go before we say goodbye to 2020. To say this year has been a roller coaster is an understatement. From the pandemic and lock downs to the […]

Read more

A Road Trip to Paso Robles

Raise your hand if you’re going stir crazy sitting at home. I know I’ve been. With my last assignment for the website in February, I was thrilled when the newly opened Stables Inn of Downtown Paso Robles invited me for a stay. Given the strange times we’re in, of […]

Read more

Gluten-Free Along the Central Coast: Part Two

Despite this year has been anything but normal, one thing is for sure: I still love to eat. Last summer found me going up California’s Central Coast  to San Mateo County. While plans were in store to return this month, Covid decided to take care […]

Read more

Melissa’s Freaky Fruits from the Quarantine Kitchen!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…..for me AND Melissa’s Produce. Pumpkin spice and everything nice is filling the shelves, and if you’re lucky, you may be seeing some fall leaves. While we don’t get too much of that in SoCal, I’m already going […]

Read more

Things I Took For Granted Before 2020 (And Now Miss)

Traveling on an airplane. I don’t like the efforts that go into flying, especially when I was l leaving from LAX. Now? I actually miss the hustle, bustle, and frustration of airports. There. I said it. Live concerts. On two separate occasions last year, my […]

Read more

Join Me at SHINE Presented by Idea World!

Despite this year being a very understandable pity party, there are still some positive aspects. One for me has been the opportunity to attend several events and conferences virtually that I’ve missed in past years due to timing, funds, or travel. The latest on the […]

Read more

A Getaway to Taos, New Mexico

I’m probably a broken record by now, but this has been a very strange year. I’m someone who loves to be among people yet also spend a lot of my time solo by choice. This is probably the most time I’ve spent with Mike, my […]

Read more

For the Love of Jackfruit: Adventures with a Very Exotic Fruit!

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting bored. One look around this website and it’s pretty clear I’m a wanderluster. I love the thrill of the open road, planning my next trip, or eagerly adding places to check off of my bucket list. Then, […]

Read more

Canyon Theatre Guild’s Strangely Distant in Awesometown Proves Live Theatre Can Thrive Amidst Quarantine

(Editor’s Note: I’m thrilled to welcome back Julie Raelyn today for a terrific review of the Canyon Theatre Guild’s online production of Strangely Distant in Awesometown! xo, Mary) Well, I want to start off by saying these are strange times, indeed. On an indefinite pause […]

Read more

4 Minority-Owned LA Cafes with Gluten-Free Options

Between COVID-19 and ongoing social injustice, it can be difficult to come up for air this year. I’ve attempted to keep myself as “zen” as possible and enjoy the little things in life lately. This usually involves getting out and about (safely. Wear a mask!) […]

Read more

Quality Time with your Dogs and Old Mother Hubbard Treats

This post is sponsored by WellPet but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. As if you haven’t noticed, I really love my dogs. I rarely meet any canine I don’t immediately love and wish I could save them all. Hammond, AKA Hammy, […]

Read more