Hey, So I am Amanda. I am your not-so-average 45-year-old. How often does a 40-something change their whole life and move across the country to a new job, new friends, and a new way of life? Well, I did, and I fell in love with SoCal. (Yes, I understand only transplants call it that)

My story started during the COVID shutdown. I was one of the few who decided to make the best of my situation. I learned a new job, got a promotion, and decided to leave Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, behind for palm trees and ocean waves. 

Let us talk about it now. I work in tech all day and every day. My job is stressful. When I am not at work, I am a Lego adult, something my boss encouraged me to do to break from the tech life, and I also started CozyGaming. Anything that makes this once city girl slow down and smell the ocean water. 

But now, a few years into living here, I miss blogging. For ten years, I was a hyper-local blogger who loved to highlight the city of Pittsburgh. I wrote for my site, VisitPittsburgh, LocalPittsburgh, and any other outlet that let me put my name in a byline. I wrote about food, art, and living. 

This site also serves as my portfolio as a Graphic Designer and Photographer, which will expand the more I explore.

I decided to start blogging again about living in Southern California: the food, the surf, the art scene, and Disneyland. I have lived here for a few years, and I am ready to spread the word about what to do over the weekend, on a Tuesday night, and where to buy the best oysters (my favorite food). 

Whether you are a transport, local, or just browsing for your next vacation, please enjoy Southern California through my eyes and pen.