Blogs

Empower your life, one story at a time.

Dive into the topics that matter most to you—wellness, self-discovery, and personal growth. Join me as I share insights, tips, and stories to inspire your journey.

Latest Blogs

rsz_gettyimages-619659166c

From Heartbreak to High Heels: The Magic of Desert Nights

Once upon a time, Alexandria “Alex” Thompson thought she had it all—a dreamy husband, a picture-perfect life, and a future wrapped in a big, shiny bow. And then? Plot twist. Divorce papers, broken promises, and enough emotional baggage to fill a Bellagio suite. Welcome to Desert Nights, the debut novel [...]

ChatGPT Image Jun 30, 2025, 11_49_04 AM

Desert Nights: When Life Changes Overnight… and You Rise Anyway

You think you’ve got your life mapped out. The house, the marriage, the picture-perfect plan. And then—bam. Everything shifts. Suddenly, the life you thought would last forever? It doesn’t. But here’s the plot twist: that ending… might just be your beginning. In Desert Nights, author Cristina Rose brings us a [...]

b908983e908546579ca4b13afba62c77

5 Real Estate Tips Every Divorced Mom Needs to Know

Moving forward with life, especially after a significant change like divorce, often feels daunting yet opens a doorway to new possibilities. As you prepare to step into this new chapter, it’s essential to consider how real estate decisions shape your future and your family’s comfort. You might think about the [...]

f76df746c60945c5b0eb82e7d906591b

Top Home Staging Tips to Maximize Your Property’s Value

Posted on November 29, 2024 Selling a home can often feel like navigating a maze, especially when life is already pulling you in different directions. Picture this: you are a single mom juggling school drop-offs, after-school commitments, and work while trying to maximize the value of your home for sale. [...]

da7f0249-d5d0-487c-b694-678226dbdd7f

Holiday Mulled Wine

Posted on December 4th, 2024 I love having mulled wine over the holidays. This drink reminds me of my college days when my roommate would make this holiday tradition for us. Fast forward many years later, we still make this holiday tradition but we have our kiddos now to celebrate [...]

af4ccffa-fb52-4e47-aef5-cb3a24659ffa

Thanksgiving Weekend in Monterey/Carmel: A Quiet Escape, but Missing My Boys

Posted on December 4th, 2024 As I sit here, looking out over the rugged coastline from my Mother’s home up on top of the Skyline in my beautiful hometown Monterey, I can’t help but feel both gratitude and a bit of longing. This Thanksgiving weekend was all about the beauty [...]

2c06800f-a16e-48c8-90c2-13a26d7bffce

38 Things I’ve Learned at 38

I turned 38. It’s a number that feels neither too young nor too old, but just right. As I reflect on my journey, I realize how much I’ve learned—about love, courage, motherhood, and the power of positivity. Life has been a beautiful, messy adventure, and I want to share 38 [...]

748ed3bf-44cf-4ab0-a370-e224049b1630

The Struggles of Being a Divorced Single Mom: Missing Moments and Finding Balance

Being a divorced single mom comes with its share of joys and challenges, but one of the hardest parts is missing out on precious moments with my kids. Recently, my boys went on a 10-day cruise with their dad. While I was happy for them and their adventure, the reality [...]

5031389b-7813-49aa-ab65-97af19b5643f

The Perfect Love Potion Cocktail for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love, whether you’re planning a romantic evening with your partner, a fun Galentine’s gathering, or just treating yourself. And what better way to set the mood than with a festive and delicious drink? This Love Potion cocktail is the perfect blend of [...]

233b28f0-d9b0-45b6-8cc7-09f03a4993ba

Balancing Work and Motherhood: Finding Harmony in the Chaos

Being a working mom is a juggling act—one that requires patience, resilience, and a whole lot of coffee. The challenge of balancing a successful career while being present for your children is one that many mothers face daily. The good news? It’s possible to find a rhythm that works for [...]

0061fc81-3186-4aae-8dd3-639ccf311f22

Traditional Italian Anise Cookies: A Family Holiday Favorite

These anise cookies, also known as Italian Anisette Cookies, hold a special place in my heart. Every holiday season, they bring back fond memories of my childhood—watching my mother bake her mother’s cherished anisette cookie recipe. These cookies are light, fluffy, and packed with a delicious anise flavor, making them [...]

03c10757-88fa-4cce-ad3d-8123a1577547

Why I Feel Like My Marriage Failed: A Reflection on Love, Distance, and Growth

Marriage is supposed to be a partnership, a union built on love, trust, and teamwork. But somewhere along the way, my marriage started to unravel. When I look back, I can see the signs—how we lost communication, became distant, and forgot to nurture the foundation we once built together. The [...]