Category: Blog

  • Baby…Everything Does NOT Need a Personal Testimony Attached to It

    Baby…Everything Does NOT Need a Personal Testimony Attached to It

    I seen the prompt asking, “What’s the most profound piece of advice you’ve been given? and ” and immediately thought about something someone told me before I left for college.

    “People say experience is the best teacher, but the wise don’t need it.”

    And honestly? At the time I had NO idea what that meant.

    I was just excited to be going off to college. New freedom. New people. New experiences. I probably thought it was just another one of them sweet little sayings before I left home lol.

    But baby… years later?

    Now I get it !

    Cause if you went to college then you already knowwwww how people act like certain things are just “part of the experience.” Like if you don’t do this, go there, talk to him, stay out all night, make reckless decisions, or have at least one “girl what was I thinking” story… then somehow you didn’t fully live lol.

    And I ain’t gonna lie, when you young, that mindset really sounds normal.

    But looking back now, I realize that advice was really telling me I did not have to do all the things (which let’s be clear I ain’t do all the things just some lol) just because other people called it normal. Some stuff really can just be left alone 😂

    Like no ma’am.

    I actually do not need that experience.

    Y’all can have it though

    And whew, the older I get, the more I appreciate that advice because experience WILL teach you… but sometimes the lesson comes with heartbreak, embarrassment, confusion, wasted time, unnecessary soul ties, or emotional exhaustion attached to it.

    Meanwhile wisdom be over there trying to save you the entire time lol.

    Now whenever I think about that quote, I don’t take it as somebody trying to stop me from living life. I hear it differently.

    I hear:

    “Baby, everything does not need a personal testimony attached to it.”

    So did I take the advice?

    Honestly… I thought I did 😂

    At the time, I took it based on what I understood it to mean. In my mind I was like, “Okay got it. Make good choices. Stay focused.” Whole time I was missing the deeper meaning.

    Years later I looked back and thought, “Ohhhhh 😭 THAT’S what that meant.”

    Cause while I was out living my best little college life, having fun, making memories, and doing what felt normal at the time, I can remember feeling little tugs here and there.

    Nothing loud. Just little moments where I probably should’ve slowed down and paid more attention.

    So technically? Yes, I took the advice… I just don’t think I fully understood it until later.

    So now I’m curious… what’s one piece of advice somebody gave you that didn’t make sense until years later? 😂💕

  • One Day I’ll Be a Morning Girly… But Today Ain’t That Day

    One Day I’ll Be a Morning Girly… But Today Ain’t That Day

    Chile… listen. I want to be a morning girly so bad lol you know the soft sunrise, the quiet house, coffee in a cute mug, Bible open… all that aesthetic Pinterest-perfect stuff. But my flesh? Baby, she be wide awake at midnight acting like it’s brunch time. I be up reading the Word all times of the night.

    I don’t know what happens, but a whole burst of energy hits me at 10pm every single night lol. Like suddenly I’m refreshed, flipping pages, highlighting, talking to Jesus like we in a late-night FaceTime. And listen… I’m here for all the girlies who get up before 6am.

    One day I’m gonna join y’all. One day I’ll come on up to the 5AM Club … just not today. 😂 So honestly? I’m a “trying to do better” person. Becoming who God is calling me to be one habit at a time but until then night owl here. 💕✨

  • My Final Day in San Antonio: Good Food, Great Laughs & God’s Simple Joys

    My Final Day in San Antonio: Good Food, Great Laughs & God’s Simple Joys

    Sunday Vibes – Applebee’s, JCP & the B.A.T.

    Sunday was our last full day in San Antonio, and even though we were getting close to the end of the trip, we still had stuff to do. First stop? Lunch at Applebee’s because we were not about to be out here sightseeing on an empty stomach lol. I ordered the Bourbon Street Chicken and Andouille Sausage Pasta, and added shrimp too because why not? It was good. Definitely one of those meals that leaves you full and happy.

    After that, we made our way back to North Star Mall, and listen… it turned into a whole event. I thought I was gonna hit a few different stores, but I ended up spending like 2.5 hours inside JCPenney alone 😭. I didn’t even make it to the other spots I planned to check out. But to be honest? The deals I got in JCP were worth it.

    Then came the main event: Natural Bridge Caverns.

    I had never been inside a real cave before, so I was kind of excited. The walk down was beautiful — cool formations, soft lighting, and this stillness that was lowkey calming. But let me tell you, it was slippery and wet all the way down, and you had to really watch your step. It also gets humid real quick. I’d say it felt like a solid 80 degrees down there if I had to guess. I saw a video on it before I went and it looked so peaceful. I’ll try to drop it in this post, and if not, check my Insta because it was too good not to share.

    But babyyyy… that B.A.T.?

    It’s not a staircase. It’s a belt — like the moving walkway at the airport — except this one is angled upward and it moves fast. Ain’t no rails to hold on to either. So picture me, tired from walking through a whole cave, trying to keep my balance going uphill on this conveyor belt with zero grip 😩. I slipped trying to get on, and then almost made the tour guide and myself fall trying to get off. I was lowkey embarrassed for like 10 seconds… and then I could not stop laughing. Like, the whole situation was too ridiculous not to laugh at.

    Still, I’m glad I did it. It was a unique way to end the trip adventurous, a little dramatic, but definitely something I’ll never forget.

    Would I Go Back? My Honest San Antonio Recap 💭

    San Antonio caught me off guard in the best way. I came in thinking it would just be a quick spring break trip with the fam — a lil sightseeing, some good food, maybe a few photos… but baby, it ended up giving culture, fun, reflection, and a few surprises too.

    From slipping on that B.A.T. at the Caverns 😩 to shopping for 2.5 hours in JCPenney like it was Black Friday, to laughing with my people at the arcade — it was the kind of trip that reminded me how much joy lives in the in-between moments.

    My favorite moment?

    The Riverwalk — hands down. I’d go back just for the vibe, the music in the air, and the feeling of walking with no rush. Honorable mention to the Selena Bridge, because that moment had my heart.

    Least favorite?

    The SeaWorld crowds had me tired before noon. Would I do it again? Maybe. But not during peak season, and probably with a water fan strapped to my chest next time lol.

    Most random moment?

    Easy — those bats in the parking garage on Day 1. Still laughing about how we ran like something was chasing us.

    If you’re planning your own San Antonio trip, here’s what I’d say:
    • Pack comfy shoes (non-negotiable)
    • Don’t skip the Riverwalk boat ride
    • Try to stretch the trip to at least 3–4 days
    • And leave room for unplanned moments , they end up being the best ones

    Would I go back? Yes. But next time I’m staying longer, packing lighter, and probably way more photos than I did on this trip lol.

    And if you’re thinking about going but don’t even know where to start — let me plan it for you! I book trips, I’ve done the research, and I already know the cute spots. Hit the Travel Inquiry Form and I’ll help you build your own San Antonio adventure ✈️🫶🏾

    Missed a day? Catch the full San Antonio series here ⬇️

    🚗 Day 1: Travel Day + Mall Finds

    The bats in the garage? Wild. But we made it.

    Read More

    🎢 Day 2: SeaWorld Adventures

    Dolphins, orcas, and that BBQ brisket… whew.

    Read More

    🏙️ Day 3: Alamo, Riverwalk & Vibes

    Culture, food, and the cutest downtown strolls.

    Read More

  • A time was had: Alamo, Riverwalk & Downtown

    A time was had: Alamo, Riverwalk & Downtown

    Saturday Adventures – Alamo, Riverwalk & Downtown

    Saturday was pretty much my favorite day to be honest! We did The Alamo and the Riverwalk all in one day, and it made for the perfect day to explore, eat, and actually learn a lil something lol.

    The Alamo

    We started off at The Alamo, and I’m not even gon’ lie — it was actually pretty cool. Reading about it in history books is one thing, but being there? Girl… that’s a whole different kind of feeling. You could feel the story in the air. The architecture, the flags, the Church, even the tourists — it all gave “important moment in time.” I learned more just being there than I ever did in school lol. And all the statues, the stories, the heroes that were never thanked… whew. It was one of those spots that make you stop and just take it in.

    Vibes on the Riverwalk

    Next up was the Riverwalk and whew… y’all, I loved it. The mix of music, restaurants right on the water, and little shops tucked along the way. We ate, we walked, we shopped, and yes… I took way too many pictures lol. And don’t let me forget the Selena Bridge! Girl. A moment. That spot just feels special — like the city put a piece of its heart right there.

    River Boat Ride + Quick Shopping

    We even hopped on one of the river boat rides, and that was honestly such a good time. I got to learn more about the city and rest my feet at the same time, which was much needed lol. After all that walking, it felt good to just sit and coast.

    We also stopped by the Riverwalk Mall, and let me tell you — it’s full of stores and resturants. I could’ve stayed in there longer but we had other places to go.

    Downtown Strolls + Sweet Stops

    While we were walking back to the car, we passed through downtown and ended up at Voodoo Doughnuts. That spot is funky, colorful, and the doughnuts? Definitely not basic. I got one with strawberry jelly and another one that was almost too cute to eat.

    I also spotted some of the dopest street art while we were out there — bright colors, bold messages, and the kind of walls that make you stop mid-walk like, “wait, I need a picture right here.” I love stuff like that. It’s the little moments that really make a trip for me.

    Arcade Vibes to End the Day

    After that, we ended the night at an arcade, and it was so fun. Unlimited games for two hours, a whole dance battle game situation — just good times with the fam. I was out there laughing, playing, just enjoying myself and being in a new city. That’s the kind of fun I like.

    So yeah, Day 3 was packed — but it was that good kind of full. I felt like I got to experience so much of San Antonio all in one day. Culture, fun, family, food, photos… 10/10.

    📸 A Few Flicks from the Day

    Voodoo Doughnuts Sign

    Voodoo Donuts Sign

    Voodoo Decor

    Inside Voodoo Donuts

    Voodoo Donuts

    Voodoo Donuts Box

    Voodoo Wall Art

    Voodoo Wall Mural

    Street Art

    Street Art Mural

    Street Art

    More Downtown Street Art

    Riverwalk Wall Art

    Wall Art by the Riverwalk

    Alamo Church Front

    Front of the Alamo Church

    Alamo Church and Flag

    The Alamo — with the Texas flag

    Alamo Sign

    The Alamo Sign

    Unfinished Church Wall

    Side Wall of the Church (Unfinished)

    Travis Statue

    Travis Statue at the Alamo

    Travis Quote Plaque

    Famous Quote by William B. Travis

    Emily West Morgan Statue

    Emily West Morgan Statue

    Bronze Statue Riverwalk

    Riverwalk Bronze Statue

    Riverwalk Bench Lady

    Lady on Bench — Riverwalk

    Riverwalk Building

    Historic Riverwalk Building

    💕 Let me know what you think in the comments or tag me if you try it!

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or love. Thank you for supporting my content 💛

  • Dear Me: Keep Showing Up

    Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

    Consistency is Hard

    … But I’m Learning Anyway ✨

    If you remember my “Taking My Life Back” series from last fall, then you already know — I started strong with Days 1 through 3… and then life happened. Things got noisy, distractions took over, and that consistent energy? Gone.

    But the desire to keep going never left. I just needed time to come back with intention.

    This post isn’t a continuation it’s a check-in. A reminder to myself (and maybe to you too) that just because you paused doesn’t mean you quit.

    Let’s talk about what it looks like to keep showing up, even when it’s messy, uncertain, or delayed.

    Whew, let me be real for a second being consistent is not as easy as it sounds.

    When I first started this journey of blogging, building my brand, chasing my dreams I came out the gate on fire. I had ideas flowing, energy high, and everything felt exciting. But after a while… life started life-ing. lbvs

    The truth is, staying consistent when the excitement wears off is hard. Some days you’re tired. Some days you’re doubting yourself. Some days you’re just not “feeling it” and that’s real.

    But here’s what I’m learning:

    • Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
    • Showing up “imperfectly” is still showing up.
    • Momentum builds quietly , sometimes it’s slower than we want, but it’s building either way.

    I’m not writing this because I have it all figured out. I’m writing this because I’m still in it. I’m still choosing to start again, even after slow seasons or setbacks. And that’s something to celebrate. 🤎

    If you’re in a season where it’s hard to keep going, just know: you’re not alone. Keep showing up for your future self, even if it’s a little messy. We’re in this together.

    ✨ Progress over perfection, always. ✨

    “God doesn’t require perfection—just obedience. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. There’s purpose in your persistence.”

    — Love, Terri Marie 💛

    💕 Let me know what you think in the comments or tag me if you read this!

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or love. Thank you for supporting my content 💛

    Featured image by Photographer Name on Unsplash

  • What to Get Your Dad (When You Have No Clue What to Buy )

    What to Get Your Dad (When You Have No Clue What to Buy )

    What You Should Get Your Dad This Father’s Day

    Listen… Father’s Day always sneaks up on us. It’s not always easy trying to figure out a gift that feels thoughtful and useful, especially when they swear they “don’t need anything.” So to save you the stress, here’s a quick list of gift ideas that actually make sense. Whether it’s for your dad, stepdad, uncle, grandpa, or whoever holds that space in your life — these picks cover chill vibes, tech stuff, grilling, and a little bit of everything in between. These are all Amazon finds (yep, affiliate links), so it’s easy to click, add to cart, and keep it pushin’. Let’s make it simple this year — here’s a few things he might actually like.

    For the Chill Dad

    For the Grill Master

    For the Stylish Dad

    For the Techie Dad

    For the Sentimental Dad

    🎉 Fun Add-Ons

    💛 Let me know what you’re grabbing in the comments or tag me if you snag a good one!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or love. Thank you for supporting my content 💛

    Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

  • SeaWorld Was a Whole Experience — Here’s How It Went

    SeaWorld Was a Whole Experience — Here’s How It Went

    Whew, That Was a Day — SeaWorld, BBQ & All the Feels

    Friday was all about SeaWorld — and let’s just say I had some thoughts. Some moments were fun, some had me in my feelings… but it all made for one unforgettable day. We were there from open to close, so by the end of it? Whew, I was TIRED. The weather was actually perfect — warm during the day, then cooled down just enough as we were leaving.

    We started off checking out the sea lions, which was super cool. We missed the show because we were in line for a rollercoaster that, let me tell you, had me holding on for dear life 😩. I don’t think I can ride like I used to — I couldn’t even catch my breath afterward lol.

    The alligators and turtles were chill, and I honestly enjoyed seeing all the animals. I’ve never been to a zoo or aquarium before, so it was a first for me to see everything up close. That alone made the day worth it.

    I skipped the water park — and yes, I’ll admit it, I’m scared of water slides 😅. The rest of the crew went and said the water was freezing anyway, so I didn’t feel like I missed out too much.

    My favorite part was Discovery Point — it was calm, not too crowded, and gave me the chance to really enjoy the dolphins, sharks, and fish. Definitely more my vibe. I got to take it all in without feeling rushed.

    Then came the Orca Encounter and the Beluga Whale & Dolphin show. The shows themselves were beautiful — the splashes, the flips, the way they jump out the water? Stunning. But something about those orca fins folding over just didn’t sit right with me. It gave sad. They showed videos talking about saving the whales, but didn’t really say what they were saving them from… which had me thinking.

    Maybe I was just in my head, or maybe it’s because I watched that documentary Blackfish on Prime. Either way, it had me processing while still trying to enjoy the moment. (If you haven’t seen it, here’s the link: Blackfish on Amazon)

    Now let’s talk about the Smokehouse Grill — baby, that brisket was falling apart tender. The chicken was seasoned and juicy. I’ve never been to an amusement park where the food was actually good, but this? Worth every overpriced bite.

    📸 A Few Flicks from the Day

    SeaWorld memory

    Turtle

    SeaWorld memory

    Alligaotrs

    SeaWorld memory

    Sea Lions

    SeaWorld memory

    gators

    SeaWorld memory

    Orca

    SeaWorld memory

    Orca jumping in the air

    SeaWorld memory

    Sharks

    SeaWorld memory

    Fish tank

  • Spring Break:San Antonio

    Spring Break:San Antonio

    Whew, So this trip update is long overdue! The Fam and I hit the road this past March for a spring break getaway to San Antonio, and baby… it was the perfect mix of culture, history, and walking my entire soul off. From deep history to riverside views and underground caves — these 4 days were full.

    Went to the North park Mall thursday as soon as we arrived.

    We went to the Alamo and listen, standing in that space hit different. You hear about it in school, but being there? It was giving reverence and reflection. I had to just pause for a moment and take it all in.

    Then came the Riverwalk — and girl, it did not disappoint. Restaurants lined up along the water, live music, the Selena Bridge (yes ma’am, I had my moment), and the overall vibe? 10/10 recommend. I walked, ate, soaked it all in.

    We wrapped up our weekend with the Natural Bridge Caverns on Sunday. Almost 300 feet underground and cool in more ways than one. I was scared on that B.A.T. staircase trying to come back up I almost fell 😩 but it was so worth it.

    Chileee I forgot to mention SeaWorld .

    San Antonio really surprised me — there’s beauty in the stillness and history in the stone. I’d go again… but next time in sneakers and couple more days. Stay tuned, girl — ’cause the funny moments, the food, and a lil SeaWorld chaos? I’m spilling it all in the next posts.

    That’s just the beginning, girl. 💅🏾 I’ve got stories to tell—from SeaWorld chaos to doughnut runs and everything in between.

    🎢 SeaWorld San Antonio

    Big Laughs, Big Splashes, & Big Crowds.

    Read More

    🍩 Voodoo Doughnuts + Murals

    Quick stops, cute finds, and street art gems.

    Read More

    💭 Honest San Antonio Recap

    Would I go back? My real thoughts on the whole trip.

    Read More

    Bookmark this series and come back each week — it’s worth it. 🫶🏾

  • Vegas Moments: The Must-Sees + Cute Little Things That Made the Trip

    If there’s one thing Vegas is gonna do, it’s entertain you. Whether you’re big on shows, sightseeing, or just taking in the lights and vibes — trust me, there’s always something to get into.

    One of my favorite things? Just walking the Strip at night. Everything lights up. The energy hits different. There’s music, people dancing in the streets, and every five steps you’re like “wait, what’s that?”

    I stayed at the Paris Hotel, right across from the Bellagio Fountains, and listen—those fountains were my nightly ritual. I’d grab a little cup of ice cream, park myself outside, and just let the moment sink in. That water show against the Eiffel Tower replica? It was giving cinematic.

    We also walked through The Flamingo Hotel, and yes, I had to snap a pic of the real flamingos. Don’t ask me why they have flamingos in the middle of Vegas—but it’s iconic, and I was here for it.

    Another fave was the Gondola Ride at The Venetian. I didn’t know how romantic a fake river inside a hotel could be until I was floating under little bridges with strangers singing opera. It’s cute whether you’re solo or with your girls—it’s giving main character energy.

    Oh—and Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood? So clutch. Great little stores, and the food court was budget-friendly without tasting like it. It’s the kind of place where you can ball a little and still feel like you didn’t go broke.

    I didn’t get to catch a show this time around or hit up every rooftop spot I wanted (next time for sure), but even with just exploring, it was everything I needed.

    So what’s the move?

    Vegas has the glitz, the glam, and the moments in between. You don’t even have to gamble to have a good time. Whether it’s a girls’ trip, a solo soul reset, or just a break from the day-to-day—this city knows how to give you a good time.

    And if you’re already thinking, “I wanna go!” — don’t wait.
    Let’s book it.

    🌆 Want all the juicy Vegas details?

    Listen—this post was just the vibes. But if you want the tea on where to stay, what to eat, what to do, and my full honest review… I got you!

  • Las Vegas Foodie Edition: What I Ate in the City That Does the Most

    Las Vegas Foodie Edition: What I Ate in the City That Does the Most

    Listen… I didn’t come to Vegas to gamble, I came to eat—and baby, the food did not disappoint. Vegas is the kind of place where you can go from bougie bites to wild late-night snacks all in one day, and I made it my mission to do all the above.

    🍽️ Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips

    This was my “I’m being fancy but still chill” moment. It’s at The LINQ Promenade and YES—this is where I had fried lobster for the first time. Crispy, seasoned just right, and came with a side of dipping sauces that made me shut up mid-bite. I wanted to go to Hell’s Kitchen too, but reservations were tight… next time, though. It’s on the list.

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    🔥 Wing King

    Now let me be real—I pulled up here because I saw they had CBD-infused wings. Yes, you read that right. And they were GOOD. They even have cannabis-infused wings if that’s more your style, but I stuck with the chill vibes. It’s a lowkey spot, nothing fancy, but the flavor was hittin’.

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    🌮 Taco Bell Cantina

    I know… you’re probably like “Taco Bell, girl??” But no—this ain’t your usual late-night drive-thru. This spot is right on the Strip and feels like a mini turn-up. They’ve got a full bar, music, and the kind of energy that makes you forget you’re eating fast food. I had a frozen Baja Blast and went upstairs to the lounge area that overlooks the street—it was a vibe.

    🍦The Ice Cream I Can’t Name but Still Dream About

    I wish I remembered the name, but just know it was THAT good. Every night, I’d grab a cup and post up outside my hotel watching the Bellagio fountains light up. I didn’t need a show or a reservation—just that little moment with the lights, the sound of the water, some people watching, and the best ice cream ever.

    🛍️ Miracle Mile Shops (inside Planet Hollywood)

    Perfect for when you want to grab something quick without doing too much. Tons of food spots that won’t break the bank. I love places like this because you can mix shopping and snacking without running all over the Strip. It was giving convenience and flavor.

    Final Bite

    Vegas really said, “You hungry? I got you.” I left full, happy, and already planning what I’m gonna eat next time. The food scene is a whole experience on its own—you don’t have to spend crazy money to eat good and make memories.

    Thinking about your own foodie adventure? Let me help you plan it right. I’ll make sure you eat good, stay somewhere cute, and don’t miss the best bites.

    Let’s Plan Your Trip

    🌆 Want all the juicy Vegas details?

    Listen—this post was just the vibes. But if you want the tea on where to stay, what to eat, what I spent, and my full honest review… I got you!