After five years away from the blog world — I’m back. Not just blogging, but back outside. Back to being a woman who dates herself, dresses up for her own pleasure, and walks boldly into solo brunches like it’s a runway.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Bettina — an empty nester, full-time claims supervisor, bourbon lover, and cigar-smoking soft-life enthusiast who built a lifestyle around solo adventures after divorce, active parenting, and a pandemic that brought me all the wayinto the house.
In short? COVID happened.
I went from being out and about to being full-time at home, working in my cozy sweats, eating dinner at my desk, and rarely leaving the house for anything other than essentials. I blinked, and the solo adventurer in me — the one who loved trying new restaurants alone, dressing up just because, or sipping bourbon poolside — was buried under comfort.
I became a homebody, and for a while… it felt okay. Until it didn’t.
The world opened up, and something inside me stirred.
✨ I missed being seen.
✨ I missed creating just for me.
✨ I missed the joy of solo dining, solo travel, and that soft-yet-bold feeling of being in full command of my time, my space, and my glow.
Now, I’m taking up space again — one solo outing, one blog post, one bold lip at a time.
This is for the grown woman on her own terms — not waiting to be invited, but creating magic solo.
Expect stories, tips, and real-talk encouragement about:
Solo dating, dining, and travel (especially for women 45+)
Beauty, style, and soft life tips that feel grown and confident
Bourbon and cigars with a touch of glam
Life after divorce, kids, or career pivots — for the second act glow-up
Have you ever been a homebody longer than you planned?
Or felt the nudge to get back out there — not for others, but for you?
Hit reply and tell me:
What’s one solo thing you want to try again this year — or try for the very first time?
If you’re new — welcome. This is more than a blog. It’s a community for women who’ve raised kids, weathered life’s storms, and are still ready to live boldly. I’m honored to be doing that right alongside you.
Be You, Love You, Forgive You.
— Bettina
Confidence lives here.