The warm weather is back and honestly so am I. Spring has a way of doing that, resetting your energy, lifting your mood, and reminding you to breathe a little. And somewhere in that reset I started thinking about just how much moms power through, even in the seasons when that reset never really comes.
The amount of things you hold together on any given day is genuinely remarkable. And the wildest part is that most of it happens quietly, without anyone clapping for you or even noticing. You just handle it, move on, and start the next thing. Adjusting when things don't go to plan, showing up when you're running on empty, keeping it all together when everything feels like a lot. You've been doing it so long it probably doesn't even feel like anything special anymore. But it is. That's resilience, and you have more of it than you probably give yourself credit for.
So here's your challenge this week. At the end of each day, think of one thing you handled that you didn't give yourself credit for. Something that you didn't even realize you were resilient in. It doesn't have to be big. It just has to be real. I guarantee you'll surprise yourself.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff…
Girls Day
Speaking of resilience, grab a girlfriend and go enjoy yourself for a fun brunch this week. The Tea House on San Juan Capistrano is the perfect spot. Tucked away on Historic Los Rios Street, the oldest neighborhood in California, this beautifully restored 1911 cottage is so adorable and the perfect spot to get an insta-worthy photo. A wraparound veranda draped in blooms, a lush brick-path garden, and whimsical vintage interiors set the scene for an afternoon that feels like stepping into a real-life Bridgerton episode. It's intimate, charming, and endlessly photogenic. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends when brunch runs from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
When it comes to the bubbly, the Tea House delivers. The Victorian Tea Experience is the go-to for groups. At $55 per person, it kicks off with a glass of champagne or a mimosa, followed by warm currant scones with raspberry preserves and Early California cream, soup or salad, six assorted tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, a duo of sweets, and your choice of premium loose-leaf tea. For those wanting to go all out, the Royal Tea upgrades to a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, six tea sandwiches, a trio of sweets, and a gorgeous mixed green salad with candied walnuts, bleu cheese, and sliced pear. The weekend brunch menu also offers mimosa flights and Bloody Marys for those who want to keep the glasses flowing. It's the kind of afternoon that stretches on effortlessly, and that's entirely the point.
Family Fridays
Friday pizza nights have become my absolute favorite. It’s an easy, affordable, yet fun way to get out the house and enjoy some delicious pizza after a long week. The kids love it and it’s a great excuse to check out some new local spots.
If you haven't made it to Ten Mile Brewing yet, this is your sign. Tucked into Crown Valley Parkway in Ladera Ranch, this family-owned brewery hits the sweet spot between laid-back and really good. The open air patio is the move, especially on a warm spring evening, and the vibe is exactly what you want at the end of a long week. Low key, easygoing, and it’s kid friendly, with a little play area on the patio for the kids (as long as there is no live music performance going).
The wood-fired pizzas are the real reason to go. Trust me, it’s not your average brewery food. You order at the bar, they text you when it's ready, and you pick it up at the pizza window, which makes it easier with kids. The menu keeps it simple, think classics like margherita, pepperoni, BBQ chicken, and pastrami, with gluten free crust available if you need it. Pair it with one of their 40-plus taps of local Southern California craft beer and you have yourself a genuinely great Friday night without having to drive far or spend a lot. Open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays at 25662 Crown Valley Pkwy, Suite H4 in Ladera Ranch.
Bunny Bonanza
If you're looking for a free, easy morning out with the kids, this one is a no-brainer. The City of Laguna Niguel is putting on their annual Bunny Bonanza at Crown Valley Park from 10 AM to 1 PM, Saturday March 28th, and it's free to attend. Think face painting, games, crafts, inflatables, Touch-A-Truck, live entertainment, and of course, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny. It's the kind of event where you show up, let the kids run wild for a couple of hours, and head home happy without spending a dime.
One thing worth noting is there is no egg hunt at this event, so don't tell the kids to expect one! The City also offers free shuttle service from City Hall to the park during the event, which is a nice touch if parking feels like a hassle. Leave the pets at home on this one. Location is Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. No tickets, no registration, just show up and enjoy it.
Movement Motivation
Spring is here, the energy is back, and it’s the perfect time to do something that actually challenges you. That is exactly what F45 delivers. If you haven’t taken a class it, it is a 45-minute functional group fitness class that combines HIIT, circuit training, and strength work into one session. No two classes are ever the same. The coaches are hands-on, they correct your form, offer modifications, and keep the energy high enough that you forget you're exhausted until you walk out. And then you feel incredible.
Now is the perfect time to channel that newly found spring energy it into something that will challenge you. F45 has several locations right in South OC including San Clemente, Rancho Mission Viejo, North Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Dana Point. Most studios offer a free first class, which means the hardest part is just booking it. No excuses. Get some movement in this week.
Last week's challenge was about doing something for yourself, something that fills you up. This week I want you to look back at the last seven days and find one thing you powered through that you haven't given yourself credit for. Big or small, it counts.
Resilience doesn't always look like bouncing back from something hard. Sometimes it just looks like a regular Wednesday where you kept going anyway. That counts. Your week was full of those moments whether you noticed them or not. Pick one, sit with it for a minute, and hit reply. I really do want to hear from you.
See you next Thursday!
