• I'm back to blogging! I'm a little rusty, but I'm slowly getting into it. My sister-friend, Jeanna, started her blogging journey as a new mom (please check her out and subscribe!) and I thought to myself why did I ever stop blogging? I don't really know why, but I do know that not having a creative outlet for me really affects my happiness. I went through a really rough transition in my life a few years ago and that really allowed negativity to encompass me. It took so much to get out of that and now that I am, I never want to go back. I'm literally OVERJOYED to be back in ~good vibes~ and I'm super thankful for it.
• I celebrated one year at my new job! I finally found where I'm suppose to be (which took awhile, but alas! I'm here haha. (that was dramatic, but you get it lol.) I've learned a lot and I'm so happy about that I wrote about it! I work with some of the BEST people and I love the environment I'm in. I appreciate the trust and autonomy that upper management gives me and I'm embracing it all. 
• I hit 1.4k on my food instagram! I know that's not much in the "influencer world" but I appreciate the love. :) I really do love food! (I legitimately have a happy dance when really good food arrives to my table lol.) I think a lot of it has to do with my family, upbringing, and culture. Now that pretty and yummy food is a trend, I love being a part of it all! It's fun to see new creations and combinations the food space comes out with! So shameless plug right here... if you don't follow my food IG, check it out!

This month I celebrate completing my first year at my new job. (yay me!)

Last year, I finally made the leap to get out of the comfort zone that I built for myself and truly spread my wings. I wanted to begin living in the full potential that God has given me and honestly, the only thing holding me back was actually myself. It was a long road of a delicate yet bold combination of trusting God and stepping out in faith. I told God that you’ve had me from day one, so if it’s time for a new chapter, let it be. And he did.

A photo posted by Hey, I'm Simba! 🦁🐾 (@thesimbadiaries) on Oct 30, 2016 at 12:05am PDT

A photo posted by Gardenia Rose (@gardeniarose) on Oct 29, 2016 at 10:24pm PDT

Lately, I've been struggling. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. I'll tell you what I mean.

My life has decided to throw a curveball and give me cluster migraines and tension headaches. Since late March, It's just been getting worse and worse. Imagine waking up with what feels like someone pressing against the side and/or back of your head and attempting to go about your whole day that way. And that's a good day. The bad days feel like someone is knocking from inside my head trying to get out. Odd and somewhat creepy analogy, I know... but so true.

Most days aren't too bad. But some days are unbearable that I just do the minimum of what is absolutely required of me that day (usually on the weekend) or take an Excedrin and just try to tough it out. Knowing that I shouldn't take NSAIDs on a daily basis, I do this minimally and try what the professionals like to call non-pharmaceutical treatments. So far I've had three doctor appointments, have had my medications switched twice, attended a headache class and evaluation, and am now scheduled for a CT scan and an evaluation with my neurologist.

With all that's been happening, this obviously bleeds into my mental and emotional state of mind- attempting not to worry and trying to do just as much as I can to try to get my mind off the situation. Easy to say and very hard to do. If I'm left to my own idle business, it's a very dangerous and occasionally dark path. The negative thoughts begin to overflow my mind and those never lead to good things. So... I set my sights on other and more positive things. I spend time with family and friends, write music, go to church, have foodie dates, chill with my little Simba, and attend a young adults bible study group.

I mentioned earlier this year that I started going to bible study. We've been learning a lot and it's really allowed me to see another aspect of God that I didn't learn in Sunday School or youth group, which is awesome. Lately, we've been learning about who God is through the life of Joseph- his story and the trials he faced while still being faithful to God and the dreams that He gave him.

The "funny" thing about all this though is that earlier in the year, I've been asking God to give me more patience and not to be quick with anger. And in God fashion, he gives me lovely opportunities to be patient and not resort to anger. And on top of that, he provides a teaching that reminds me to stay faithful even in the tough times. How... timely isn't it? That's just who He is. The scripture that stands out to me the most and that hold onto is this...

"There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"

I know that's a lot to take in, but I'm barely at the "developing passionate patience" portion of it all. I most definitely do not have a "tempered steel of virtue" quite yet. But, I am in the process. I'm allowing to let the troubles that I am currently facing in different aspects of my life teach me how I choose to react.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm not perfect, but God is doing a work in me. He is bigger and stronger than the struggles that I am facing, so I trust in Him. I have faith that he will see me, not out of it, but through it. He will make me better and stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally as the Holy Spirit pours into my life, just as the passage says, that even I can't contain it.

-Gardenia Rose

Whoaaaa... We're already halfway through this season & I haven't been here since it started! Well hello again! As you know spring is a season for new things to bloom (see what did there?) and blossoming in life is what it's all about! So here's some updates as of late!(Get ready... it's a long one.)

Doggie Things! I went on a long hike with Simba! He's a little one (5 pounds to be exact) & I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type, but I decided why not?! My little fam and I usually like to be homebodies, but the day was so beautiful, we couldn't waste it!

perfect day for a hike. ☀️ #OCExplore #OCWanderlust #OrangeCounty #NaturalBeauty

A photo posted by Gardenia Rose (@gardeniarose) on Feb 28, 2016 at 12:42pm PST

We hiked Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. A few friends and I joined Healthy Spot for their Howls and Hikes event. Our fam went along with Camille/Cea, Skylar, Skylar's dog, Nauhla, and Simba's new friend Mufasa and their parents! Yup, we had a Lion King pack happening with the doggies! We even met an older pom named BonBon & three poms formed a little pom squad!

Formed a pom squad on our hike! Meet BonBon & Mufasa! Thanks @healthyspot for getting us together! #HealthySpot #MindBodyBowl #HowlsAndHikes #SquadGoals

A photo posted by Hey, I'm Simba! 🦁🐾 (@thesimbadiaries) on Mar 1, 2016 at 7:01pm PST

It had been awhile since Simba and I trekked a long hike, but we've been jogging a lot more so I think he was ready for it! The hike was about 3 miles and we took time. The place was just amazing and day was perfect.


We topped it off by taking him to the Huntington Dog Beach for the first time and he LOVED it! I mean I could go on and talk about it... but I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.


Then on April 7, Simba turned two! I didn't want to go FULL dog mom mode, but I felt like a big balloon and a big cookie wouldn't be too crazy, so that's what I decided to go with! He ate the cookie over 5 days because there was no way I'd let him eat all that on his own!

T H E B I G T W O ❕❕❕

A photo posted by Hey, I'm Simba! 🦁🐾 (@thesimbadiaries) on Apr 7, 2016 at 7:09pm PDT

Also, I ran a 5k! I know that's not a lot, but something better than nothing right? A few friends and I did the Bubble Run in Irvine and it was so much fun! I was so worried about the dark clouds, but it ended up working in our favor. It was a little cold, but beyond that, it was just fine! There was a little bubble party afterwards and of course we had to get in on it!

B U B B L E S ❕❕❕ #BubbleRunIrvine #GoodCleanFun

A photo posted by Gardenia Rose (@gardeniarose) on Apr 10, 2016 at 10:43am PDT

Another thing I've been doing a lot more lately is that I started going to a bible study for young adults! Since I don't go to church on Sundays too often lately, I've made a point to sacrifice my Wednesday nights for my spiritual betterment. And let me tell you, it has most definitely paid of. It was made more bold in my faith and more trusting in God. One thing I had the pleasure of taking part in (which was sort of what roped me in) was sharing our life's story. To be able to do share about the things that God has done for me (and spared me from) on an intimate level was such a liberating experience. And for someone younger to benefit & learn from my past experiences... I mean, that's all I, as a big sister, could ever want.

Last thing I wanted to share... I lead worship at a women's conference in Prescott, Arizona. Let me tell you, that was nerve-wracking for me. I love worshiping and helping someone lead other into worship, but to do that all on my own was terrifying for me. I was so rusty because it's been awhile... but by the the grace of God and his light through me, I was able to do it.

see creation, see God. 🙌🏽 #NaturalBeauty #GodsCreation #NatureThings

A photo posted by Gardenia Rose (@gardeniarose) on Apr 17, 2016 at 3:56pm PDT

Thing happened, that I hadn't witnessed since I was little. The presence of God was so real and tangible that you could feel his embrace. I was hesitant to go, but so glad I did. I take such joy in using my talents for God's glory and to help others know Him better. So with that I leave with you with this...

I saw this idea on BuzzFeed and thought it was really cool. Since I'm on this positive kick of life, I figure I would keep it going by trying to do this at least every other week as part of my open book diary. Feel Good Friday is basically a gratitude list. Sometimes I get so caught up that I forget exactly how blessed I truly am. So in doing this, it'll keep me in a thankful attitude, even with the little things.

• Worked out three times this week. (And maybe one more time tomorrow?) I'm really trying to make it a lifestyle change. It is most definitely not easy, but it's a conscious step towards the right direction. I'm living that 80/20 life forsure because I legitimately love food. (If you've seen me take a scrumptious bite, there's a dance with it... yeah, I love it that much. lol.) But as long as I try to do my best with working out and eating healthy, I can still indulge without the guilt!
• Worked four days this week. YAAAAAAS! My company celebrates Presidents' Day the Friday prior to the weekend versus Monday so I have today off! :)
• Lorenzo got his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Woohoo!!! Last week was his final week of classes. He got an A on his test (that's my man!) & now he's all done! He doesn't want to walk for the graduation ceremony (is that a guy thing?) and doesn't want a party (which is hard for me not to do), but I'm respecting what he wants. I'm just happy and proud of him. So this is my way of sharing that.
• Lots of one-on-one dates this month! I love hanging out with my girls, but I don't get to all the time because there are literally so many things to do! But since I've made a point to be more purposeful in the friendships that I do have, I love setting aside the time (because I'm a planner) to catch up with people beyond the surface that is social media. There are some people that I only see a handful of times a year, but I'm thankful for those friendships.

Do you have a gratitude list? If you don't, make one! There's so many things to be happy and thankful for!

-Gardenia Rose

Whoa! It's 2016 already?! Looks like my blog took a little one month hiatus there. That's ok, because I'm back!

Every year, I like having dinner or game night with all my friends for my birthday. But as time passes by, and as we all get older, it's harder to get together. This year became something entirely different, and to be honest, I really liked it!

Since my 27th birthday was actually on Thanksgiving this year, I decided to celebrate in the weeks leading up to it (as so to keep my birthday & Christmas apart in my brain, I guess). I ended up spending some on-on-one (and much needed) girl time with a few I was closest to. We visited some yummy spots, and being the foodie that I am, I wanted to share that with you!

Place: Coffee Code
City: Buena Park
With: Jeanna (aka Jea)

latte art, fruit waffles, & sister talks. 👭💕 #CoffeeCode #Foodstagram #LatteArt

A photo posted by Gardenia 🌹 Bush (@gardeniarose) on Nov 17, 2015 at 9:43pm PST

Yum right?! In the words of Jea, breakfast for dinner? Don't mind if we do! We had fruit waffles topped with strawberries, bananas, kiwis, chocolate sauce, and of course, ICE CREAM. (All caps for the deliciousness!) For drinks, I opted for the white chocolate latte (decaf cuz it was late), and Jea got a peppermint latte. Fun Fact: the reigning latte art champion works here! She won the latte art competition at the US Coffee Championships. (It's real. It's legit. It's a thing. Read more about it here.) They're open pretty late (for an OC place) on a weekday so it's nice to chat and bond over yummy treats without a time constraint. Even though I don't go often, I love coming here for a good latte, art included. :)

Place: Ledlow
City: Downtown Los Angeles
With: Camille (aka Cea)

Baked Eggs en Cocotte. #brunch #dtla

A photo posted by Gardenia 🌹 Bush (@gardeniarose) on Nov 22, 2015 at 11:44am PST

Saturday brunch at DTLA? Why not? I'm not much of a DTLA fan simply because of the drive, (I can't handle it!) but since Cea was kind enough to drive, I was all about it! :) She'd been wanting to try this place for awhile & of course I've never been so I was totally up for it! I got Baked Eggs en Cocotte and she got the Coddled Eggs Benedict. Instead of Mimosas, we opted for Ledlow's Brandy Milk Punch... and let me tell you, that packs a punch, to say the least. It's definitely not for the light-hearted, if you know what I mean. We walked around after for a little bit and witnessed some lovely street art. It was pretty nice not to be in my typical Orange County element, but slightly odd. It's so crazy to drive an hour and be in a totally different state of mind due to the environment you're in.

Place: GD Bro Burger
City: Santa Ana
With: Amelia

The Italian Stallion with my HB bae. #Foodstagram #WeWorkOutForFood #NomNom

A photo posted by Gardenia 🌹 Bush (@gardeniarose) on Nov 23, 2015 at 7:55pm PST

At first we were going to the Dirty Cookie in Irvine, but when Amelia spotted this place on Insta, all she had to do was send me a snapscreen and I was in. In an effort to attempt to be nice to our bodies, we decided to jog two miles and catch up at a park near by before sharing this insane meal. We split an Italian Stallion burger (subbed grilled chicken for the hamburger meat), Parmesan Truffle Fries, and last but not least, a Cap'n Crunch Milkshake. Fun Fact: GD Bro Burger is the winner of The Great Food Truck Race Season Six on The Food Network! Thank God we decided to share everything because it was A LOT. Everything was good and could wish an endless amount of those fries, but I know I shouldn't. At least it's only a few cities from me and should I need a craving fulfilled... you know where I'll be.

Place: Urth Caffe
City: Pasadena
With: Monica

pretty much my fave pizza of all time. d'lox pizza. #UrthCaffe #🍕

A photo posted by Gardenia 🌹 Bush (@gardeniarose) on Nov 25, 2015 at 8:14pm PST

This has become tradition for Monica and I to come here together once every fall/winter. We both aren't too fond of driving so it's a labor of love to get there, but it makes such a happy tummy. :) We grabbed our usual drinks, matcha green tea lattes of course, and split our favorite orders, which are the d'lox pizza and egg sandwich (it's not on the menu anymore, but if you ask for it, they'll make it & you won't regret it). We sat outside and chatted about our husbands (she's my only married-without-a-kid friend), how crazy married life is, and how so much has changed in a year. This was the perfect day to go because you can actually feel the Fall weather. And I absolutely love that. I never come to this place enough to change my order, but one day I'll have the courage to.

I'm proud to say that even if there were snaps and instas about our food, we weren't all about it,or at least did our best not to be. Everything in moderation. :) I absolutely had a blast spending time with these girls. Each of them unique in friendship, but all close ones indeed.

A couple of week ago, an insta-famous teenager decided to "quit" social media to due its pressures for an unattainable perfect life. (Read More Here)

Before all this unfolded, I was already going through something within myself. I was definitely struggling to find the balance and afraid of "too much" social media. With Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, (respectively listed from what I use least to most) there's no way I can keep up. And quite frankly, I don't even understand this internal "need" to be current with what everyone you literally know is doing at this current time. With Instagram & Tumblr, I use to scroll until the pictures I saw were already familiar. I justified myself to thinking, "Oh, I'm just making sure I'm keeping up with all of my friends." But now that I think about it, that's kind of crazy! Especially because there's no way you can keep up with your 592 (or more) friends.

Here's some of my thoughts on social media:

(Warning: it's pretty negative, but I need to rant & bring it to light so that it's known. I've some point in time have fallen guilty of it so I need to put it out there so I'm aware, and maybe someone else can be too.)

• Social media, specifically Instagram, has become diluted, and for lack of better word, filtered. Most people only post about their ups in life, their highs but not lows. Of course, people only post what they want out there. But the thing is... what's out there can be MUCH different from actual life. In the end, it's all not real.
• Social media has become, in some sense, artificial happiness. How did likes turn become some odd sense of validation? How did followers turn into a direct reflection of one's value? How does joy connect to the number of times people touch the heart button under your photograph? I just don't understand. And yet, ...I'm a part of it all. I've succumb to these so-called norms and have definitely had those thoughts.
• Lastly, social media has taken away our ability to become social. When we're out to dinner with friends, we can get so caught up in documenting the experience that we're not living the experience. Now, there's people who balance this well, but for the most of us, if we're actually real with ourselves, we don't do this well. 

So there you have it. Now, I'm not saying boycott social media and everything you post is just simply fake. But just... be careful. Be yourself. Don't lose you and your true connections with the people you love all for the sake of something that exists on the internet and on your mobile device.

If you're a foodie (like me!) then snap & shoot your food, then put your phone away. (As they say, everything in moderation right?) Hold the scrolling until you're alone in boredom. Take selfies and be proud of your makeup glam or all natural face, but maybe skip sending ten-second hair flipping, blue steel giving selfie videos? or at least limit it to five. haha. :) And just a rule of thumb, if there's a person you know (or maybe not know), next to or in front of you... look up and have a conversation. And maybe it'll grow from small talk & surface chatter to a deep and incredibly open friendship. Speaking from experience, the people you know (or think you know) may still surprise you.

Do you agree with me? Or you think I'm out of my mind? Or even better, hypocritical to the max? Well, leave a comment below! OR... let's a have an actual conversation about it over coffee & macarons, or if we're not near, let's FaceTime! I'll even settle for texting back and forth. Why? Because it's an actual interaction with an actual person, not a blast post to the masses. So do you agree or disagree? Reach out & surprise me. :)

-Gardenia Rose

Where in the world have I been? This is my first post (& hopefully not last, but you never know lol) in August. So what have I been up to?

I celebrated two years of marriage. I know. CRAZY. It's been two years since I've said "I do" and it's been such a ride. When they said your first few years would not be easy, they were SO right. Geling two different people, from different backgrounds and upbringings, to make one decision on everything is difficult. The first year was such an adjustment, but I feel like we're getting better with our communication. We do our best to uncomplicate things for each other and we're doing things that work for us. I really feel blessed to be with Zo and I'm so thankful that we found each other early enough to spend a longer forever. He's so amazing and for him to deal with crazy me, I give him props. lol. I'll stop with the sappy stuff, but needless to say, I love him. so much.

I got promoted! YAY! With the promotion comes more responsibilities (eek!), but I'm truly happy. I know the path my life has been on is a) unconventional, b) not what I thought, and c) hard to comprehend sometimes, but I'm so happy. This journey is so full of purpose. God is showing me that all things happen because He chooses it to be so. I can't wait for what else God has in store for me. (Sounds cliche and such "Jesus-jargon" but it is completely true.) Before this personal realization a few weeks ago, I was so into asking God why. I was so fixated on needing a reason AND knowing that reason. Now, I'm just letting God and being content. Looking at life this way is a) wayyy less stressful, b)makes me happy, and c)ultimately way better for me holistically.

I keep getting sick. Nothing major. I'm just sensitive to temperature change and lately the weather has no problem changing its mind ever so often. So with the weather change, I get sick every now and then. It's kinda annoying, especially cuz if it gets bad (like right now), I can't work out cuz I'm coughing all the time. I'm trying to be positive through it all. It's not a big deal, but it's a minor hiccup every now and then.

Lastly...

I created Simba an Instagram! (Cue the laughs, weird looks, and oh boys!) But I didddd. It's a little odd at first, but honestly, it's better to place all my love for him in one social media outlet so that people in don't get annoyed if I tweet or snap him too much. It's pretty fun and kinda entertaining, and I love it! Call me weird and crazy, that's okay. But if you wanna see and join the fun, add him @TheSimbaDiaries! :)

I think that's about it. Hope your summer has been great so far! We have one more month until it's officially Fall. I know right?! Time is passing by so fast! How crazy.

Until next time...
-Gardenia Rose

In my last "open book diary" blog about a week and a half ago, I was determined to be more positive. Have more focus. Be a better version of myself. So I actively did that.

I have a blogger's block.

For the past two weeks I've literally been writing drafts on drafts on drafts. And then, when I'm halfway, I go through thoughts like... do people even want to read this? do I want it (it being my emotions, thoughts, & feelings) out there? why am I even writing this? and the list goes on. Then I just stop typing or even worse, just delete the whole thing altogether.

I don't know what's with me. A lot internally, I guess. So, in the old school "tumblr" version of myself... I'm just gonna let it out there. (Down the rabbit hole I go...)

Last week, I went to lunch with Cea (aka Camille) and among our topic of conversations, she brought up that I hadn't been blogging lately. (My last blog was on May 6th!) So I figure I'd write a bit about what I've been up to. A lot has been happening... but more in my brain. But then a lot has happened irl too. Anyway, let's just get to it.

So... May. May was hectic, in a good way though. My sister and her family from Texas came to stay and we had SO much fun. She graduated with her Masters in Education from Vanguard University. To be honest, I have no idea how she tackled school with three kids (all 8 and under) and a husband who worked night shifts. But if I ever knew superwoman in the flesh, it'd be her.

Yesterday I posted this pretty flower on Instagram.


I was going on a run in a residential area near my work and I saw this and just had stop and appreciate it for all its beauty. So small but yet so beautiful. The way the light accentuates the colors of the petals, it didn't need a filter. It was gorgeous all on its own. This flower reminded me to appreciate the little things. To always be grateful.

Last week I was in such a mental rut. My brain was just wired for negativity and it wasn't helping me be the best version I can be. I only worked out twice (which is not a lot) and was not eating healthy (which may have contributed to my negativity. ugh, the vicious cycle). I was just in a bad place.

Over the weekend, when I was alone, I had a huge breakdown. Monumental. I'll spare you the details because I can't even talk about how bad it really was. Let's just say... I didn't cry. I wailed. Yeah, that horrible.

May 4, 2013: I graduated from college.


It's already been that long ago, but it feels like it just happened. Bachelor's of Science in Nursing with a Minor in Business Administration. That sounds so serious. But ugh, look at me. I look so happy. Excited. As they say... bright-eyed and bushy tailed. The thing that I worked so hard for years was finally done. I have a degree. Looking at that photo, I have mixed feelings about it. Why? Because I'm not where I'm suppose to be I thought I would be.

Because I LOVE making lists, I have a 2015 to-do list. As months have passed by, I kinda forgot all about that list... until today. Sam posted this on Facebook. (Now, I know I'm not thirty yet, but it's never to early to start right?) That post made me remember about this 2015 to-do list that I had for myself. My personal goals.

This year, one of my goals was to weigh 150 pounds. (This about to get reeeeeally personal.) October 2014, I weighed 163 pounds. I didn't like myself. I didn't like my body. I felt fat. I felt unhappy. I wasn't being good to it. I had the YOLO diet... every. single. day. So I decided to start making changes.

Eat (a little) better. Exercise more. You know, be the best version of myself that I can be. I wanted to make a change and I was determined to do so.

On the first Saturday of Spring, our parents, Lorenzo, and I decided to go boating. It was only for two hours, but we had such a fun time. It's rare that both are parents just get to bond and without... other distractions.

Oh wow! I've been out of touch for more than a week now! A lot has been happening and will be happening in the next couple months. (So many activities!) Well here's what I've been up to...

As you know (or maybe not lol), one of my dear friends is getting married in June! I attended her bridal shower and it was so much fun! I haven't been to a bridal shower in awhile, so it was such a joy to be there! It's nice to be in a room filled with people who all love one person so much, you know? Anyway, she has such a girly and yet vintage style, which worked to perfection with her rose garden theme. Everything was so cute! And I wish I took more pictures, but I was too into "being present" that it escaped me. This lady has such a knack for party planning and decor. All the details were so perfect. If you wanna see more of her cute bridal shower photos, follow her on Instagram: @monzii_ruiz!