Naples, FL Review: A Golden Life Getaway

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An invite to a friend’s home in Cape Coral and a desperate need to get away last-minute for the summer led my partner and me to Naples, Florida last month. While I had visited Marco Island a few years back (check out my review), my hope was to return to this beautiful southwest Florida region again to check out Naples. Opportunity presented itself, and I took my shot!

It’s worth mentioning that Naples and Cape Coral, like Marco Island, aren’t very racially diverse, but that didn’t stop me from choosing them as destinations. I’d heard great things about the beaches and food, which, for a beach bum foodie like myself, is really all I need!

Our home for a few days was the beautiful boutique AC Hotel by Marriott Naples 5th Avenue. One of the main reasons we chose this hotel was the location. It was close to pretty much everywhere we wanted to go. Secondly, they offered a cute (and free, I might add) hotel shuttle that took us almost everywhere we wanted to go, including the beach!

But the amenities didn’t stop there. Upon arrival, we were greeted with glasses of champagne during their daily “champagne happy hour.” (Side note: They were even generous enough to let us take our champagne to go upon departure. My kind of people!)

The standard room was spacious and included a couch and long bench that provided extra seating and storage.

Another major selling point was the rooftop pool with its sprawling deck and abundant sunshine. I’ll add that the pool water temperature can make or break my experience at a property, and I’m happy to report they did not disappoint. I was able to walk right in and enjoy my bath water in peace. (smile)

If you’re like me and prefer to spend your first night in relax mode, the hotel restaurant was perfect. Located right off the pool area, this swanky, reasonably priced spot offered delicious bites and beautiful scenery that almost had us going back the next day.

I know many of us are breaking up with salad these days but that grilled caesar salad was the truth! The wild mushroom flatbread was just as delicious.

Beach Days + Good Eats

While the hotel shuttle could have taken us to a nearby beach, we opted for a 15-20 minute Uber ride to Vanderbilt Beach for lunch at The Turtle Club. I’m so glad we did! This beachfront restaurant offered one of my favorite dining experiences of the trip. Food just tastes better when an ocean view and breeze come with it.

The view from our table. It was perfect.
I know, I know another salad but I couldn’t resist street corn caesar salad and it was scrumptious!
This might have been some of the best calamari I’ve had in my life.

Had we known we wouldn’t want to leave, we would have reserved beach chairs on the same property, just yards away. Instead, Cabana Dan’s was only a short five-minute walk and offered lounge chairs and beach snacks. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, though, opt for The Vanderbilt, but make sure you book in advance!

Our final two dining experiences in Naples were both top-notch, but for very different reasons.

Photos don’t even do this place justice. The outside terrace, where we dined was just as beautiful but hard to capture in the dark.

Not only were the decor and ambiance at Blackbird a whole sexy vibe, but the culinary experience was on another level. I loved their nontraditional takes on Asian cuisine, like the smoked brisket fried rice and Gabby’s orange chicken, along with their unique and delicious craft cocktails.

Our brunch experience, just a short free shuttle ride away, was at a quaint neighborhood favorite called The Rooster Food + Drink. As a benny lover, they had me at blackened snapper Benedict. It was a first for me, but definitely not the last. My partner enjoyed perfectly cooked chicken and waffles, and everything was fresh and delicious.

It’s also worth mentioning that one of the best meals we had was at another local favorite and true “hole-in-the-wall,” Grouper & Chips. Trust me, what they lack in ambiance, they more than make up for in flavor. The Fisherman’s Platter had everything I could desire in fresh, fried seafood: lobster, grouper, scallops, and shrimp. Oh my!

Sometimes You Just Need to Go

If there was one takeaway from this trip, it’s that every getaway doesn’t need months of planning, a packed itinerary, or even a special occasion attached to it. Sometimes you realize you need a change of scenery, an opportunity presents itself, and you simply say yes.

Naples gave us a few days of sunshine, really good food, warm water, ocean breezes, and the chance to slow down and enjoy each other. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

I’m learning that part of living this Golden Life is recognizing those little windows of opportunity when they appear and giving yourself permission to walk through them. Take the trip. Order the seafood platter. Sit by the water a little longer. Drink the champagne. ☺️

Because life doesn’t always give us opportunities to experience joy before the celebration. Sometimes being here, being grateful, and having the opportunity to enjoy it is reason enough.

Until the next adventure…live well, travel often, and stay golden.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com. 

The Lost Art of Being Still

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Recently, I received an invitation to visit a friend’s vacation home in southwest Florida. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity for a little R&R because, to say the least, it was long overdue.

What I soon realized was that God beautifully orchestrated this time of rest because I clearly had a hard time setting it aside on my own.

While I’ve gotten much better over the years at not treating every empty space on my calendar as an opportunity to squeeze in more work, I still haven’t quite mastered the art of scheduling stillness.

If you’re an overachieving, productivity enthusiast like me, an unscheduled moment can quickly become a mental to-do list. Even when you’re sitting still, your mind is asking, What should I be doing right now? What could I be getting done?

In the workplace, that mindset can be a strength.

For your soul? Not so much.

Our bodies need rest. That’s a fact. But I’ve realized that rest and stillness aren’t always the same thing.

Back to my vacation.

I intentionally didn’t pack every day with activities, even though I was visiting a part of Florida I’d never experienced before. (Don’t worry…I’ll share those adventures in another post!)

This trip wasn’t about checking attractions off a list. It was about allowing myself to simply…be.

And honestly? That was harder than I expected.

So what does it really mean to be still?

To me, stillness is intentionally quieting the constant need to produce, consume, fix, plan, or perform. It’s choosing presence over productivity. It’s allowing your mind, body, and spirit the space to simply exist without feeling guilty that you’re “not doing enough.”

Biblically, stillness goes even deeper.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us,

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Notice God doesn’t say, Be busy and know.

Or, Be productive and know.

Or even, Be entertained and know.

He says, be still.

Because stillness creates room for trust.

It reminds us that God is in control even when we stop moving.

What stillness gives us

I came home realizing that stillness offers gifts we often don’t realize we’re missing.

Clarity.

Have you ever noticed how your best ideas rarely come while you’re rushing from one thing to the next? When the mental noise quiets, things that once felt confusing suddenly become clear. Stillness helps us separate what’s urgent from what’s actually important.

God’s voice.

God is always speaking. The question is whether we’ve made enough space to hear Him.

When every spare moment is filled with podcasts, social media, television, emails, or notifications, His gentle whispers can easily get drowned out. Stillness creates space to listen.

Renewed energy.

Real renewal isn’t just physical.

You can sleep eight hours and still wake up mentally exhausted.

Stillness restores something deeper. It gives your mind permission to stop performing, your heart permission to breathe, and your soul permission to reconnect with the One who created it.

We don’t have to fill every quiet moment.

Many of us don’t actually know how to rest because we’ve forgotten how to be still.

The moment life slows down, we instinctively reach for our phones. We scroll. We binge another episode. We answer one more email. We fill the silence before it has a chance to do its work.

Those things aren’t inherently bad. But they’re often distractions masquerading as rest. The truth is, our minds and bodies aren’t always craving more stimulation. Sometimes they’re simply craving stillness.

This week, I’m practicing something different.

I’m resisting the urge to fill every empty space.

I’m sitting at the table a little longer after I eat.

Watching the sunset without photographing it.

Leaving my phone in another room.

Listening more than talking.

Praying without rushing to the next thing.

Because I’ve realized that some of God’s greatest work happens when I stop trying so hard to do mine.

Maybe that’s your invitation, too. Not to do more or become more productive. But simply to be still.

You might be surprised by what you hear…and by how much lighter you feel.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

You Were Created for Such a Time

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I’ve always worn a lot of hats as a multi-passionate entrepreneur, but at the core of everything I do is one thing: creating.

As a communications consultant, I help bring stories to life. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to support major projects shaping Washington, D.C., helping communicate visions that quite literally transform communities. In many ways, I’ve learned that building isn’t always about pouring concrete or laying foundations. Sometimes it’s about using your voice, your ideas, and your gifts to help create something meaningful in the world.

And the truth is, you’re a creator too.

You don’t have to paint murals, write songs, or own a business to create. Being created in God’s image means there is something inside of you designed to produce, innovate, solve, encourage, build, and inspire.

Too often, we convince ourselves we’re “not creative,” when really we’ve just stopped giving ourselves permission to think beyond the limits we’ve accepted.

But look around. These times are demanding something deeper from us.

People are navigating uncertainty, grief, career pivots, burnout, financial pressure, and major life changes. Yet even in the middle of all that, I believe purpose still remains. The fact that we are here means there is still something for us to contribute.

Maybe this season isn’t just about survival. Maybe it’s about discovery.

What gifts have been sitting dormant inside of you? What ideas keep tugging at your spirit? What solution, business, ministry, conversation, boundary, or dream have you been afraid to pursue?

This may be the very time those things were meant to be birthed.

I’ve watched people reinvent themselves, launch new visions, heal, pivot, and create opportunities not only for themselves, but for others too. That’s not accidental. Pressure has a way of revealing what was hidden all along.

Years from now, I hope you’ll look back at this chapter and say: I was created for such a time as this…and I didn’t waste it.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Aging Gratefully

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Somewhere along the way, aging became something to resist.

We joke about it. Hide from it. Fight it with creams, filters, and quiet comparisons to who we used to be. And if we’re honest, for many, there’s a real fear underneath it all. A fear of losing relevance, beauty, strength, or even purpose.

But what if aging isn’t something to fight, but something to honor?

What if every year we gain is not a loss, but a layer?

A layer of wisdom.
A layer of resilience.
A layer of perspective we couldn’t have had any other way.

There is a grace that comes with growing older. A settling. A knowing. A deeper understanding of what truly matters. The things that once felt urgent begin to loosen their grip. The noise quiets, and in its place, clarity begins to bloom.

Aging, in its truest form, is a gift.

Not everyone gets the privilege of watching their story unfold year after year. Not everyone gets the opportunity to evolve, heal, try again, or become more fully themselves.

And yet, we live in a world that often tells us to mourn what we’ve lost instead of celebrating what we’ve gained.

But I’m learning, slowly and intentionally, to shift my perspective.

To see my age not as something to conceal, but something to carry with pride.
To appreciate the lessons that only time could teach me.
To embrace the beauty of becoming instead of clinging to who I once was.

Because the truth is, I don’t want to go back.

I like who I’m becoming.

More grounded.
More grateful.
More aligned with the life God is calling me to live.

Aging isn’t the end of something. It is the expansion of everything.

So instead of asking, “How do I stay young?”…maybe the better question is, “How do I grow well?”

How do I age with intention? With joy? With gratitude?

Because maybe the goal was never to age gracefully in the way the world defines it.

Maybe the goal is to age gratefully.

To honor every year.
To celebrate every lesson.
To recognize that each new chapter is evidence of God’s goodness and grace.

And if that’s true, then aging isn’t something to fear.

It’s something to embrace with gratitude.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

An Unexpected Masterpiece

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Some of the most meaningful moments in life aren’t planned. They’re stumbled upon.

That’s exactly how I found myself walking through the doors of the Studio Museum in Harlem. I didn’t even know it existed until a friend suggested that my mom and I stop by during a recent trip to New York, where we were in town to see another friend perform at Carnegie Hall. What was meant to be a quick visit turned into one of the most memorable, soul-filling experiences of the entire trip.

An image featured in the museum of the original Studio Museum in Harlem in 1968

Originally founded in the late 1960s and recently reopened in a new space this past November, the museum spans six expansive floors. Each level tells a story, layered, intentional, and deeply rooted in the richness of Black artistry. From photography to paintings to striking three-dimensional works, every corner invites you to pause, reflect, and feel.

And feel I did.

It was one of those rare experiences that manages to be awe-inspiring, overwhelming, and soul-soothing all at once. The kind where you find yourself moving slower, reading more closely, and taking it all in just a little deeper. There was something sacred about it, like walking through a living archive of creativity, culture, and legacy.

What made it even more special for me was discovering a familiar thread woven into the story. One of the museum’s greatest contributors is Peggy Cooper Cafritz, a philanthropist, art collector, and educator with deep ties to D.C., and someone my family had the privilege of knowing. Seeing her influence reflected in such a powerful space felt personal. It was a beautiful reminder of how impact travels, how seeds planted in one place can bloom far beyond it.

Each floor offered something new, but the throughline was clear: this was more than a museum. It was a celebration. A preservation. A declaration that the stories, perspectives, and creative expressions of artists of African descent, locally, nationally, and internationally, matter, and always have.

I left feeling full. Inspired. Grateful.

Grateful for the friend who made the recommendation.
Grateful for the time with my mom.
Grateful for the reminder that sometimes, the best parts of a journey are the ones you never planned.

If you ever find yourself in Harlem, consider this your sign.

You might just stumble onto something that stays with you.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Love Notes

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The month of love is nearly over, but the beautiful fingerprints of the month still remain. Love has a way of lingering, long after the calendar page has turned.

This month was also the mark of another trip around the sun for me. Like many, this season is always reflective. This year, I reflected on the many relationships I cherish, which include sister, daughter, friend, and partner.

Here are some notes I wrote to myself in honor of those relationships, and I hope they resonate with you as well.

  1. If we truly love the way God loves, it is not circumstantial or conditional.
     It does not operate on “if, then” statements. Love shows up even when the conditions are not ideal.
  2. Love overlooks imperfections and embraces the beauty of humanity.
     It chooses grace over perfection and understanding over unrealistic expectations.
  3. While it may not always feel good, love includes being able to give and receive correction.
     Real love cares enough to speak truth and humility enough to receive it.
  4. Patient love looks like being quiet, even when the other person is wrong.
     Sometimes it looks like walking away and returning to the conversation when hearts are calmer.
  5. Kind love looks like offering a hug, smile, or encouraging word in place of criticism.
     It asks, “What does this moment need?” instead of “What do I want to say?”
  6. A love that does not keep a record of wrongs lets things go.
     It refuses to store pain as ammunition for future disagreements.
  7. Love receives forgiveness even when it isn’t given.
     It releases the weight, not for them, but for your own peace.
  8. Self-love looks like making sure you include yourself in your week’s to-do list.
     Rest, joy, and boundaries are not luxuries. They are necessities.
  9. Real love is giving people the space to be themselves without you editing them.
     It allows room for growth without control or comparison.
  10. Love honors seasons, understanding that not every relationship looks the same forever.
     Some relationships shift, some deepen, some require distance, and all can still be held with care.

As I look back on this month, I am reminded that love is less about grand gestures and more about daily choices. The choice to be patient. The choice to be kind. The choice to let go, to grow, and to trust God with every relationship we hold dear. I hope that these notes serve as a gentle reminder that love always leaves room for God’s light to shine through each of us.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Gratitude in the Middle of It

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If I’m being honest, this season has felt heavy for many of us.

The political climate feels exhausting. Grief is showing up in unexpected ways. The cold has lingered longer than we hoped, and the ice and snow storms have made even simple routines feel harder. It’s one of those moments where gratitude doesn’t come easily, and yet this is often where it matters most.

There’s a scripture I keep returning to when life feels like this.

Notice what it doesn’t say.

It doesn’t say give thanks for all circumstances.

It says in all circumstances.

That distinction matters.

Gratitude is not denial. It doesn’t pretend things don’t hurt. It doesn’t silence grief, frustration, or disappointment. Gratitude is not toxic positivity wrapped in a Bible verse. Instead, it’s a posture, a quiet decision to look for God’s presence even when the picture isn’t pretty.

Sometimes gratitude looks bold and joyful.

Other times, it looks small and faithful.

It looks like thanking God for getting out of bed when your heart feels heavy.

It looks like warm socks, a working heater, or a hot cup of tea when the weather feels relentless.

It looks like the friend who checks in, the prayer you whisper under your breath, the strength you didn’t know you had until you needed it.

Gratitude in hard moments doesn’t erase the pain, but it anchors us while we walk through it.

And that’s the beauty of gratitude. It keeps us grounded when everything else feels unsteady.

When we practice gratitude in difficult seasons, we aren’t ignoring reality. We’re choosing to believe that God is still present in it. We’re choosing to trust that this moment, as uncomfortable, unfair, or uncertain as it feels, is not the end of the story.

Some days, gratitude may be the loud declaration of praise.

Other days, it may be a quiet whisper that says, “God, I don’t understand this, but I still trust You.”

Both count.

If today feels heavy, let yourself feel it. And then, ask yourself this simple question: What is one thing I can thank God for right now, even here in the middle of it?

That’s gratitude in motion.

Not perfect. Not polished. But real, rooted, and resilient.

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Love Has a Name

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No one can say they’ve seen the face of God, but if you’ve seen an act of love, you know exactly what He looks like. Scripture tells us plainly: God is love. And every time we choose love over hate, humility over pride, generosity over selfishness, and forgiveness over resentment, we give the world a glimpse of Him.

That’s the heart of Christmas.

In the middle of lights, lists, traditions, and to-dos, it’s easy to forget that Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a story. A story of God’s ultimate act of love. He didn’t send a sign or a symbol. He sent Himself. Wrapped in flesh. Placed in a manger. Given freely to a world that desperately needed hope.

Jesus didn’t arrive with power and prestige. He came in humility, bringing peace to the weary, hope to the broken, and light into dark places. Through Him, we learn that love isn’t just something we feel; it’s something we live.

When we choose love, especially when it’s inconvenient, undeserved, or unseen, we reflect the heart of God. When we extend grace, show compassion, slow down to listen, or give without expecting anything in return, we continue the Christmas story in real time.

This season, maybe the greatest gift we can offer isn’t found under a tree, but in how we show up for one another. A kind word. A softened heart. A forgiven offense. A generous spirit. These are the moments where love becomes visible.

Christmas reminds us that love has a name, and His name is Jesus.

So as we celebrate, let’s get back to the heart of it all. Let’s choose love boldly, live it daily, and share it freely. Because every act of love points back to the One who loved us first, and that is truly something worth celebrating!

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Miami Beach Eats: The Good, The Bad & The Delicious

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There’s something about Miami Beach that always resets me. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Maybe it’s the waves. Maybe it’s the way good food just hits different when you’re on vacation celebrating someone you love. Whatever it is, Miami remains one of my foodie happy places, and this month’s trip reminded me exactly why.

Between a little rest, a little reflection, and a whole lot of eating, I discovered three spots worth talking about—two longtime favorites and one brand-new love that officially has me in a chokehold. Let’s get into it.

A New Favorite: Sazon Cubano

How did I come to Miami all these years and not know about Sazon Cubano? This was my first time stepping into this colorful, authentic Cuban spot for lunch, and let me tell you—I was instantly mad at myself for not coming sooner.

The vibe is classic Miami meets abuela’s kitchen: warm, lively, and filled with the aroma of garlic, citrus, and love. I ordered the seafood paella, the churrasco (marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection), and a classic mojito. I loved every single thing. The paella was loaded, flavorful, and comforting. The churrasco was tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. And that mojito? Exactly what a mojito should be: crisp, bright, and absolutely refreshing.

Sazon Cubano is officially on my “must return for dinner + live music” list. 10/10 would recommend.

The Letdown: Front Porch Café

Whew… this one hurt a little.

Front Porch Café used to be one of my Miami staples…the kind of place with a benedict you dream about long after vacation ends. So imagine my disappointment when I walked in and realized the magic was gone.

They’ve moved several blocks down Ocean Drive into a smaller location, and unfortunately, the quality went with the square footage. I ordered the crab cake benedict I once loved, only to receive lightly seasoned poached eggs perched on tiny crab cakes that were overcooked and underseasoned… with no English muffin. Where do they do that? My partner’s chicken and waffles were better – at least the bacon was cooked perfectly – but the chicken was not crispy. The audacity.

The service was slow, the energy was off, and even the bathrooms looked run-down. It just wasn’t the Front Porch I remembered, and that’s never fun to say about a place that once brought you joy.

Ending Strong: Call Me Gaby

Thankfully, Miami never lets me leave on a sad culinary note, and Call Me Gaby came through like a champ for my partner’s birthday dinner.

I love the eccentric decor
And the soft lighting was a vibe

This restaurant remains one of the most charming, romantic spots in South Beach. Perfect for date nights, girls’ nights, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something delicious and beautifully done.

We ordered the Rita pizza, and let me just say: this might be one of the freshest, most flavorful pizzas I’ve ever had in my life. Truffle burrata, bosco mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, prosciutto di Parma, shaved parmesan… it was luxurious, indulgent, and worth every bite.

Love how they provide the check in a Campbell’s soup can

We also tried the clam linguine (not as amazing as last time but still solid), the pappardelle bolognese (which we switched to bucatini), and a side of perfectly cooked asparagus. Chef’s kisses were in full effect.

Final Bite

Miami Beach never disappoints, even when one meal does. This trip reminded me of the joy of discovering new favorites, revisiting old ones, and savoring every moment in between. From mojitos to mushrooms to memories with my favorite people, it was exactly the reset I needed.

Until next time, Foodie Heaven.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

The Mystery of God’s Good

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I often think about how different my life might look had I made different choices. If I’d said yes to that opportunity. If I’d held on instead of letting go. If I’d chosen courage instead of comfort, or silence instead of speaking up. Like many of us, I replay the “what-ifs” and wonder how life would’ve unfolded had I taken a different path.

But Ecclesiastes 11:5 stops me in my tracks. It reminds me that I cannot possibly know the work of God. How He weaves every decision, detour, and delay into something meaningful. There’s no alternate version of my life where I can see what He would have allowed or withheld, because every scenario would still be filtered through His sovereign hand.

Even in seasons where I truly believed I made wise, Spirit-led choices, life didn’t always reward me with ease. Some decisions led to heartbreak, disappointment, or moments that felt unfair. And yet, time after time, I’ve watched God redeem the very things that once left me in tears. What felt like loss eventually revealed itself as protection. What looked like failure was actually preparation.

Romans 8:28 says that God uses everything for our good, but for years I saw that verse through the lens of my own definition of “good.” I thought it meant resolution, restoration, or reward. But Ecclesiastes helps me see that God’s good often looks nothing like what I would have chosen. His good might come through pruning instead of prosperity, stillness instead of success, or heartbreak that humbles instead of happiness that flatters.

And yet, His version of good is the only one that matters because His good leads to growth, character, and dependence on Him. The mystery is that even when I don’t understand His process, I can trust His purpose.

So these days, I’m learning to release the “what-ifs” and rest in the wonder. I may not know the path of the wind or the details of His plan, but I know the Maker. And for me, that’s enough.

For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.