We had the good fortune of connecting with Maritza Alarcon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maritza, how do you think about risk?
I was not much of a risk-taker when I was younger. I was afraid of failure. It was a pressure I put on myself. I always wanted to take the safest road. I even changed majors because I was scared of failing and taking risks. It wasn’t until in my late twenties I learned that taking risks should be something I do to learn. Learn about myself and my struggles and maybe find a better alternative. I see failure as a redirection now, and if you change your mindset about it, you will see taking risks and failure as a learning opportunity, and the pressure won’t be as much. I still get scared to take risks, but now I take the opportunities that come to me and learn along the way. For example, I took a risk to start my blog and open up about my postpartum depression as a new mom. I met many people and learned I wasn’t alone. I stopped working in healthcare after 10 years and went into the tech world. I went to Europe on a trip with my friends. We got lost; we were in a place where we didn’t know the language and experienced a new culture. If I hadn’t taken these risks or opportunities, I wouldn’t have experienced and lived life. Experiences that changed my life where I found myself and my passions. We learn when mistakes are made.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a lifestyle & motherhood blogger, content creator, and full-time analyst. I started blogging in my teen years when Xanga was my go-to place to blog. It’s something that has always caught my attention. A place to show my creativity and an outlet for my life. In the beginning, my Instagram was just a page to post pictures. We weren’t printing photos, so I saw Instagram as my album for my friends and family to see. Throughout the years, it has evolved, just like me, and I think that’s the beauty of social media and life. Before the pandemic, I created a separate Instagram to show my travel photos. Then at the end of 2019, I got pregnant, and many things started to change, and I’m not just talking about my belly. I had a pandemic pregnancy, and Social Media became more to many. It became a place to see how people were doing. A place to connect with our loved ones. I started to show my pregnancy pictures and then share my experience with a high-risk pregnancy, being stuck in the hospital for a month during a pandemic. After having my daughter, I continued to post, but it didn’t feel authentic because I was showing the beautiful parts of my life, but I was hiding the fact that I was dealing with Postpartum depression. So I opened up about my struggles with motherhood. I was afraid to show something so personal, but I wanted to share it to maybe help someone and let them know they’re not alone. So I started a blog about my struggles, and I began to get many people sharing their experiences as a mother. It made me realize that I am not the only one. I love sharing the good and the bad on my social media. I am not afraid to show vulnerability. I want to be as authentic as I can. As my life changes, so does my content on Social Media. I love to show my family trips, travel, and lifestyle. Though my life changes and my daughter grows, I will always advocate for mothers who have Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many things to do that you will never be bored. I love to explore new places, the beach, and incredibly yummy restaurants. You can’t go wrong with food and adventure! So we would explore the OC and head on up to the Los Angeles area. These are some of my favorite things to do.

Before heading to Newport Beach, Bella Cuba in Santa Ana is necessary.

Delicious Cuban food and great hospitality are top-notch at this family-owned restaurant. It is an excellent atmosphere for a date, birthday, or family gathering. After a fantastic dinner in Santa Ana, a short drive to Newport to walk along the beach and Balboa pier is where we will spend our afternoon into the evening to catch the sunset.

Since we are in the area, Disneyland is a must for my family. We enjoy trips as a family and are current Passholders. A churro is a must at every visit, and the famous Monte Cristo Sandwich!

Now that Disneyland is crossed off the list, it’s time for some baseball. So on our way, we go to Los Angeles for some Dodger baseball. We grab a Dodger dog, enjoy my favorite team, and sing “Take me out to the ball game” during the 7th inning stretch. Being in the stadium is an incredible feeling and is a must to experience for sports and non-sports lovers alike.

After a busy few days, a relaxing stroll in Pasadena. Shopping is excellent down Colorado Blvd and is always my favorite place to walk. The shopping is fantastic, and the food is delicious too. Brunch or Dinner at Maestros is on the list. Their modern Mexican cuisine is delicious that still captures the authentic traditional taste. Not only is their food delicious their cocktails and Mezcal are a must-try.

For those adventure seekers, a hike in the Los Angeles National Forest. They have excellent trails and picnic sites to explore the outdoors. Some even offer horseback riding experiences.

Living in Southern California is so fun that any weekend can be a staycation. From the beach to the mountains you will never be bored!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a great support system and it truly takes a village. I have a husband who supports me and pushes me to get out of my box and follow my dreams. He tells me to take time for myself, so I appreciate him giving me the time to do so. As a full-time analyst, full-time mom, and blogger, life can get hectic. So, my husband and mom have stepped in incredibly so I can achieve my goals and dreams. My mom has been my most significant support. She has always put my sister and me before her. She still continues to do that for my sister and me, now that we are mothers ourselves. My dad has been a great role model. His work ethic is something I admire, and I try to achieve what he has done. He came to this county with nothing, started to work as a bus driver, and is now an Executive Officer. My sister, she pushes me to do better. I admire the way she lives her life. She follows her heart. Something I wish I had done from a young age. As a big sister, I want to make her proud because she makes me proud. My family might not understand my blogging world, but they still help me achieve my goals and support me in the good and bad times. I hope i’m making them proud.

Website: www.MitzyDays.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/MitzyDays

Image Credits
Keren Hapuc from Hapuc Photography

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