Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.I can’t believe January flew by so quickly — how is it already mid-February? 이제 곧 발렌타인데이네요.세상에, 1월이 어디로 갔나 했는데 벌써 2월 중순이라니 믿기지가 않아요. Last Friday, I attended a Galentine’s Day cake decorating event at Fleur Studio.For those who don’t know, Galentine’s Day (Girl + Valentine’s Day)…
I didn’t post on Instagram for a year.It wasn’t a dramatic decision. I didn’t announce a break or plan it carefully.At some point, I simply stopped. Life felt full enough without documenting it.I wanted to spend my energy living, not showing. Looking back, that year wasn’t an absence.It was a return — back to myself.…
Back to Blogging, After a While. It’s been a while since I last wrote here.More than a month, actually. I want to share our trip to Hawaii in December! Escaping the cold, gray days of Seattle, we flew—almost impulsively—to sunny Hawaii.This end-of-year family trip came with no strict plans, no packed itinerary.Just one simple intention:…
보통 나의 하루는 똑같이 흘러가요. 아침 8시 30분, 아이를 등원시키고 출근. 오후 4시 퇴근 후 아이 픽업 → 공원에서 놀기 → 저녁 식사 → 목욕 → 재우기. 그러다 보면, 어느새 나 먼저 잠들어 있는 패턴의 반복인데요.
이렇게 하루가 온전히 ‘아이 중심’으로 돌아가다 보니, 내가 좋아하는 것, 내가 좋아하는 공간 같은 건 종종 잊고 살게 되더라구요. 그런데 얼마 전, 내가 좋아하는 것과 공간이 모두 충족된 완벽한 저녁 시간을 보냈어요.
그건 바로, 예쁘게 꾸미고 힙한 식당에서 친구들과 밥 먹기.
Most of my days look exactly the same. Drop my kid off at school at 8:30 AM → head to work. Get off at 4 PM → pick up my kid → play at the park → dinner → bath → bedtime. By the time I put my little one to sleep, I often end up falling asleep first.
With life revolving entirely around my child, it’s so easy to forget about the things I love or the places I enjoy. But recently, I had an evening where both my favorite things and places came together perfectly. It was none other than dressing up and dining at a chic restaurant with friends.
이번만큼은 “예쁜 곳에서 먹자!” 하고 찾아낸 곳이 바로 El Encanto. 커크랜드(Kirkland) 호숫가 옆에 새로 오픈한 멕시칸 레스토랑이에요. (참고로, 커크랜드는 코스트코 브랜드 이름의 ‘그 커크랜드’가 탄생한 도시. 호수를 끼고 있는 덕분에 부동산 가격이 높은 부촌으로도 유명하죠.)
We decided, “If we’re finally meeting, let’s go somewhere pretty!” and found El Encanto, a newly opened Mexican restaurant right by the lake in Kirkland. (Fun fact: Kirkland is the birthplace of Costco’s “Kirkland Signature” brand. With its stunning lakeside views, it’s also known for its high-end real estate.)
여름 저녁, 노을이 물드는 호숫가 뷰와 세련된 인테리어까지… 이미 기대감 상승! 실제로 가보니, 화이트와 우드톤이 어우러진 미니멀하고 모던한 스페니시 스타일. 과하지 않고 편안한 분위기가 마음에 쏙 들었어요.
미국에서 요즘 유행하는 ‘Mocktail(논알콜 칵테일)’ 메뉴도 있었지만, 오늘만큼은 오랜만의 외출이니 마가리타 한 잔! 🍹 그리고 음식은… 말해 뭐해. 다 맛있었어요. 추천은 세비체와 플렌테이션 칩이 나오는 애피타이져랑 피쉬타코 그리고 그릴문어 디쉬 였어요. 문어 정말 쫀득하고 스모키한 향이 나면서 맛있더라구요.
The moment we arrived, the setting was magical—warm summer evening, golden sunset over the lake, and a beautiful modern Spanish-style interior. Minimal, airy, and tastefully done in white and wood tones—just my style.
While trendy restaurants in the U.S. often offer a variety of mocktails, tonight called for a classic Margarita. 🍹 And the food? Absolutely delicious.
Our favorite was ceviche with plantation chips, and grilled octopus dish.
물론, 오랜만에 예쁘게 꾸몄으니 사진도 필수. 마침 친구의 폴카닷 드레스와 나의 블랙&화이트 아웃핏이 찰떡이라 사진도 완전 만족.
사실, LA에서 시애틀로 이사 온 뒤 가장 아쉬웠던 건 ‘내 취향의 식당 찾기’였어요. LA에는 예쁘고 힙한 식당이 워낙 많아서 매주 고민이 행복했는데, 시애틀에 와보니 만족스러운 곳을 찾기 힘들더라구요. 그런데 이번에 El Encanto를 발견하면서 음식, 뷰, 인테리어까지 모두 만족!
오랜만에 친구들과 수다 떨고, 마가리타에 살짝 취한 채 바라본 호숫가 노을은 최고의 힐링이었어요. 역시 시애틀의 여름은 너무 아름다워요. 다음엔 꼭 다시 와야지.
Of course, a rare night out means photos are a must. My friend’s polka-dot dress and my black-and-white outfit made for a perfect color combo—photos turned out beautifully.
Since moving from LA to Seattle, my biggest struggle has been finding restaurants that fit my taste. In LA, I was spoiled with endless hip, beautifully designed spots. Seattle has fewer options that check all my boxes—until now.
El Encanto had it all: food, view, and interior. Catching up with friends, sipping margaritas, and watching the sunset over the lake left me feeling completely recharged.
Somehow 2025 is already coming to a close.Time moved so fast this year that I honestly don’t know where it all went.But as I look back, I wanted to take a moment to deeply thank myself for everything I’ve carried, survived, and created. 2025년도 어느덧 끝자락이에요.정말… 시간이 이렇게 빨리 지나가도 되나 싶을 만큼 훅 지나가버린…
It’s finally my favorite season of the year — Christmas!This year, I’ve been attending so many Christmas parties that I haven’t been able to blog as much as I wanted. Today, I’m excited to share a little story from our pink-themed Christmas party, which we hosted for Leo’s daycare friends a couple of weekends ago.…
Last weekend, we went and visited Seattle Aquarium. We were all excited for the new renovated aquarium. It was a such a fun family outing. 지난 주말, 가족 모두가 기대하던 시애틀 아쿠아리움(Seattle Aquarium)에 다녀왔어요.리노베이션된 새로운 아쿠아리움이 오픈했다고 해서 정말 설레는 마음으로 출발했습니다.오랜만에 가족끼리 즐거운 주말 나들이였어요. Seattle Aquarium https://share.google/xvkx6Fvjzj10CyEJ7 Tickets:Adult ticket is $50, and kids…
📸🏖️와이키키, 호놀룰루, 노스쇼어에서 꼭 가야할 곳들, 내가 좋아하는 곳들 추천 – 여행 계획 짜는 팁
📸 Places to Visit
🏖️ Beaches 해변가
Waikiki Beach (Kid-Friendly) 와이키키 해변
If you’re staying in Waikiki, this beach is right at your doorstep. I loved the beach in front of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa — it’s protected by seawalls, so the waves are gentle and the water stays shallow. Great for kids!
보통 하와이, 오아후에 오시면 와이키키에 많이 숙소들 잡으시더라구요. 그러면 걸어서 이어지는 해변가를 다니시기에 너무 가깝고 편리하고 좋죠. 보통 호텔들마다 호텔 비치가 딸려있는데 저는 그 중에서도 메리엇 호텔 뒤에 비치가 제일 좋더라구요. 비치에 낮은 방파제를 설치해둬서 파도가 높아지지 않고 늘 잔잔해서 아이들 놀기에 안전하고 좋거든요. 어른들끼리 가는 여행이라면 다른 비치가 파도 타기에도 수영하기에도 더 좋을거에요.
💡 Parking Tip: Skip the overpriced hotel parking and park at the Honolulu Zoo lot — just $1.50/hour (max 4 hours), and they’ll text you when your time’s almost up so you can extend from your phone. Amazing.
호텔에 머무신다면 파킹 걱정 없으시겠지만 주변 에어비엔비에 머문다면 와이키키 주차비 정말 장난아니죠. 이번에 제가 정말 최고 와이키키 파킹 꿀팁 드릴게요. 와이키키 비치 끝자락에 위치한 호놀룰루 동물원 파킹랏이에요. 시간당 $1.50 이라 스트릿파킹 미터기보다 싼 가격인데 4시간 맥스로 넣고 주차할 수 있구요, 최고는 시간이 익스파이어 될 때 쯤 파킹랏에서 문자가 와요. 시간을 문자로 더 연장시킬 수 있답니다! 파킹 걱정 없이 여유롭게 다닐 수 있어서 너무 좋았어요.
On the windward side of Oahu — this beach is breathtaking. Soft white sand, turquoise waters, and the iconic Mokes in the background. Just note that it’s a residential area with limited parking, so go early.
아름답기로 유명한 라니카이 비치. 파킹이 조금 불편해서 아침 일찍 가야한다는 점 잊지마세요. 너무 아름답고 운 좋은 날에는 바다거북이나 바다표범과 같이 수영할 수 있는 아름다운 비치.
Iconic hike with panoramic views. Hike is not too intense, but the road is not paved all the way, and have stiff staircases at the end of the course. Not a stroller friendly, and wear your sneakers and bring water.
아이코닉한 다이아몬드 헤드 하이킹. 건강한 성인 어른이 하기엔 그렇게 힘들지 않은 대략 1시간 정도 소요되는 하이킹입니다. 아이와 가시는 분들은 준비를 좀 더 하셔야 할 거에요. 정상에 가까울 수록 가파른 계단이 많이 나오고 그늘이 없어서 많이 더워요. 물 꼭 준비하시고 올라가주세요. 하지만 정상에 올라가서 보는 뷰는 정말 모든 고됨을 잊을만큼 아름답습니다. 주차와 입장권을 미리 예약해야 올라가실 수 있어요.
Easy hike with waterfall. Beautiful easy hike through the botanical garden. Fun part of this hiking is you can jump into the water at waterfall. Bring your swimsuit and get ready! Entrance fee is Adult, $25. Senior ; Adult, $10.
여기 정말 좋아하는 곳이에요. 와이메아 보테니컬 가든. 하와이의 아름다운 열대꽃들 감상하며 느긋하게 걷다보면 어느새 산 속의 폭포에 도착해요. 폭포수 밑에서 수영할 수 있는 정말 특별한 경험을 할 수 있는 곳이에요. 하와이 원주민들의 문화도 경험하는 액티비티 센터도 곳곳에 있어서 하이킹이 지루하지 않아요. 입장료는 어른 $25 입니다. 60세 이상은 할인 받아서 $10 이에요.
📍Waimea Botanical Garden 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Emotional, educational experience. If you are into WW2 history, this would be a great experience. It takes a half of the day to visit all the museums inside. There’s 4 sights you can visit – USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Aviation museum and submarine museum. To visit USS Arizona memorial, you should make a reservation ahead for the boat tour. Entrance fees for each museums are different, check the website.
전쟁 역사 덕후라면 꼭 가봐야 할 곳! 가장 아이코닉한 아리조나 선, 배틀쉽 미주리, 잠수함 박물관 및 에비에이션 박물관 까지 있는 엄청난 규모의 박물관입니다. 저희는 너무 계획없이 가서 배틀쉽 미조리 보는데 거의 반나절 걸렸어요. 물에 잠겨있는 아리조나선 보는 곳은 보트 타고 들어가야하는데 그 보트를 미리 예약해두시는게 좋을거에요. 아니면 무한정 대기를 해야해서 보기가 힘들어요. 배틀쉽 미주리와 에비에이션 뮤지엄은 버스를 타고 이동하는데 이동시간 및 대기 시간 포함하면 꽤 오래 걸립니다. 배틀쉽 미주리 가시면 한국말로 무료 투어도 해줘요. 그래서 펄 하버 뮤지엄 가시려면 시간 넉넉히 잡고 가시길 추천 드립니다. 입장료도 각 박물관 마다 따로 내야해서 꽤 비용이 소요됩니다. 링크 참고하세요.
Once home to the last monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom, this historic palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past. Advance reservations are required for the interior tour, so be sure to book online before you go. A must-visit for history lovers!
하와이 왕국의 마지막 왕족들이 살았던 역사적인 궁전으로, 하와이의 독특한 문화와 왕실 이야기를 생생하게 느낄 수 있는 곳이에요. 내부 투어는 사전 예약 필수이니 꼭 온라인으로 먼저 예약하세요. 하와이 역사에 관심 있는 분들이라면 특히 재미있게 둘러볼 수 있는 추천 명소입니다.
Book one! It’s magical and fun experience. Crab & steak dinner with cocktails, and enjoy hula dance shows with beautiful sunset.
Whale watch snorkeling
North Shore Day Trip Plan🍍🌊
If you’re thinking about visiting the North Shore, it’s about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Waikiki — so I highly recommend renting a car for the day. It’s totally doable as a one-day trip, and if you plan ahead, you can hit all the must-see spots and make the most out of your North Shore adventure.
와이키키에서 45분에서 1시간 정도 소요되는 North Shore지역을 방문하실 때는 렌트카가 있으면 편리해요. 렌트카비용도 만만치 않은 하와이니까 하루 플랜을 잘 짜서 한 번에 다 보고 오면 좋겠죠? 제가 추천하는 노스 쇼어 여행 루트에요.
Here’s my suggested itinerary:
🌿 Waimea Valley Start your day early to beat the heat and enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful botanical gardens. The waterfall at the end is such a refreshing treat — bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip!
🍤 Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck A total must! Grab their famous garlic shrimp plate for lunch (so good), and while you’re there, check out the other food trucks nearby — lots of yummy options!
🌺 Haleiwa Town This cute little town is perfect for walking around. Stop by Matsumoto Shave Ice for a classic treat, and don’t miss the Snoopy store for fun souvenirs.
🍦 Dole Pineapple Plantation Before heading back, swing by the Dole Plantation to browse the shop and treat yourself to their legendary pineapple soft serve. It’s a classic Hawaii moment.
이른 오전 출발 – 와이메아 보테니컬 가든 방문 – 지오반니 슈림프 트럭 방문, 점심 – 할레이와 타운 방문 (마츠모토 세이브 아이스와 스누피 샵 등 방문 할 수 있어요) – 돌 파인애플 플렌테이션 방문 (기념품 샵 구경하고 파인애플 아이스크림 먹기) 이렇게 하면 중요 포인트들 다 방문하고 하루 마칠 수 있어요.
What do you think about my recommendations? It feels great after I wrote down all the places I went. Made me wanna go back to Hawaii again soon. Do you have any other recommendations? Please share with me on the comments!
저의 추천지들 어떻게 생각하시나요? 늘 다녀와서 사진만 보다가 이렇게 다 정리하고 나니 뿌듯하네요. 쓰다보니 또 가고 싶어지는 하와이. 하와이에 다른 추천할 만한 광광지나 액티비티 있으면 댓글로 공유해 주세요.
A few days ago, I shared a little story on Threads about living with my in-laws.I honestly didn’t expect such a warm response… but so many of you left the kindest comments, and it truly meant a lot to me. 🥹 며칠 전에 스레드에 시부모님과 같이 사는 이야기를 올렸는데생각보다 너무 많은 분들이 따뜻한 댓글을 남겨주셔서…
As parents, the space we think about the most—and the space our kids spend the most time in—is definitely the playzone. Today I’m sharing the IKEA kids’ items we’ve been loving,plus a few extra pieces that make our play area feel warm, cozy, and functional.(All product details are listed below 👇) 아이가 집에서 가장 오래…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
We escaped to Hawaii with Leo, my parents and my brother and soaked in every warm, slow moment. It was chaotic, beautiful, and everything in between. Traveling with toddler is not easy, but definitely worth it. I loved watching Leo having so much fun at the beaches and get so excited with all the activities we did together. Here’s what we loved the most — in case you ever need a happy escape to Oahu.
🍽️ Where to eat (Mostly in Waikiki)
Duke’s Waikiki
Iconic beachfront spot at the Outrigger resort. Coconut shrimp, galbi tacos, and cheeseburgers were all amazing — but don’t miss the Hula Pie for dessert. Tip: Go for lunch to avoid the dinner crowds and enjoy the ocean view!
Honestly, we were surprised by how good the food was! There’s live music, pretty decor, and an open-air space overlooking Waikiki’s streets. Order the pork ribs and coconut shrimp — and trust me, end your meal with the Piña Colada Cake. So good.
You’ll see this chain all over, but the one inside the Royal Hawaiian Center was our favorite. Perfect spot for a macadamia nut latte, poke bowls, or an acai bowl. Bonus: Their shave ice (especially near the beach locations) is also really good.
📍 Coffee: 2301 Kalākaua Ave #C215, Honolulu, HI 96815
My favorite coffee spot in Waikiki. Their Kona coffee is smooth and rich, and the Kouign Amann is a must. Located in the International Market Place (bottom floor).
📍 Kuhio Mall Entrance, 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
A casual spot by Chef Roy Yamaguchi serving Hawaiian-Japanese fusion. Very family-friendly with live music and even complimentary kids’ meals (yes, with guava juice!). We loved the miso-glazed dishes and pork belly bao. And the ramen was amazing.
Spam musubi heaven. So many varieties and perfect for a quick bite on the go. They have multiple locations — just look for the one closest to you!
📍 2330 Kalākaua Ave (Kuhio Mall Entrance)
Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill (Local Gem)
Chez Kenzo (Japanese Izakaya-style Pub) This place had such a fun local vibe. Go during happy hour (5–7pm) — all menu items are $9 and the portions are great for sharing. If you’re craving Japanese pub food at an awesome price, this is your spot.
One of our all-time favorites in Hawaii. Walking in feels like you’ve been transported straight to Japan — so cozy and authentic. They offer BYOB, so bring your favorite drink if you want to sip something with your meal. Don’t leave without trying their desserts — especially the fried mochi with red bean. So good.
Perfect for big groups and big appetites! They’re known for their generous portions and Hawaiian-style comfort food. The kalbi, fried chicken, and fried rice are must-tries. Tip: Make a reservation — it gets packed, especially with large parties.
There’s 2 locations, I usually goes to Kapahulu location.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – The garlic butter shrimp is signature dish you need to try in Hawaii, and Giovanni Shrimp truck is one of the most popular garlic shrimp truck. We tried Shrimp scampi, Hot& spicy shrimp and Lemon butter shrimp. They are all good, but Scampi was my favorite. Hot & Spicy is pretty spicy but addicting. You have to try, this place is the MUST!
These were my favorite places to eat in Oahu island. I will share places to visit in next post. Are you going to Hawaii? If you have any other recommendations in Oahu, please share with me!
Starbucks just dropped the cutest new merch —I couldn’t resist, so I got a few pieces myself. 🤎The Hello Kitty items were already gone (of course 🥲),but these little bear cups are adorable. 요즘 스타벅스 신상 굿즈들이 너무 귀엽게 나왔더라구요 🤎나도 결국 몇 개 Get!유명한 헬로키티 시리즈는 이미 품절이었지만 🥲곰돌이 컵들이 너무 귀여워서 친구 생일…
Weekends are always for the park.When we decided to move to the Seattle area, it was mainly for one reason —to raise our child surrounded by nature. 주말이면 늘 아이 데리고 동네 공원에 갑니다. 시애틀로 이사 오기로 한 가장 큰 이유도아이에게 좋은 자연 환경을 주고 싶어서 였어요. Now, whenever we visit little playgrounds tucked inside…
How about a matching scarf moment this winter?I’m really into this kind of effortless, minimal styling —it looks cozy, warm, and still feels so chic. 🤎 이번 겨울엔 역시 이런 신경 안 쓴 듯 자연스러운 스카프 스타일링이 대세인 듯!코지하고 따뜻해 보이면서도, 세련된 무드가 딱 내 스타일 🤎 Try pairing your scarf with your jacket in…
Summer Playdates & Sweet Moments at Bellevue Downtown Park
This morning started bright and early — I was up before Leo, packing a little snack bag for his playdate with his friend, Sena. I kept it simple and fun: homemade inarizushi, fresh fruits, Go-Gurt, overnight oats with berries (a.k.a. our “mush”), and a handful of animal crackers.
After daycare, we headed straight to Bellevue Downtown Park — one of our favorite local spots. In the summer, they open up a water play area that’s such a hit with kids. It’s complete with a little waterfall and lots of space to splash around. Leo’s been a few times, but this was Sena’s first visit, and it was so fun watching them take it all in together.
The park itself is a little gem in the middle of the city. There’s a big loop where you can stroll around the lake and waterfall, and if you’re lucky, spot a few duck families gliding by. Right next to it is a huge playground with all kinds of fun rides and climbing structures. It’s always buzzing with happy energy.
What makes it even better? It’s walkable from Bellevue Square Mall, and nearby you’ll find treats like Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and Nana’s Green Tea — perfect for post-playdate pick-me-ups. Matcha for the moms, ice cream for the kiddos. Win-win!
Leo and Sena had the sweetest afternoon together — running around, giggling, and just being their joyful little selves. Leo especially loved Sena’s family dog, Aldo, a 10-year-old cockapoo who joined us on our walk. Leo was so proud to hold the leash and gently pet him while we strolled around the park. (somehow I didn’t get a good photo of them together laughing.. next time, I will try to capture the moment.)
One of my favorite parts? Watching Leo and Sena interact so kindly — taking turns, chasing each other around, and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. When it was time to say goodbye, they hugged ten times. TEN! My heart melted.
Days like this are what summer is all about — sunshine, simple joys, and watching our little ones make sweet memories together. We’ll definitely be planning another playdate soon.
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. 요즘 완전 빠진 홈 네일 키트 💅🏻 I found the perfect mom-friendly nail kit — and honestly, everyone thinks it’s my real nails. 😂Every time I wear them, someone says, “Your nails look so pretty!” 이거 붙이면 진짜 다들 “네일 어디서 했어?” 라고 물어봐!가짜 네일인데 너무 자연스럽고 예뻐서…
Everyone’s been showing off their Trader Joe’s mini tote bags today — so of course, I went out after dinner to see if I could grab one too. 😅But apparently my neighborhood moms are on another level… totally sold out! Not even one left. So instead, I picked up a few other little treasures to…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
One thing I’ve learned after becoming a mom is this: always expect the unexpected.
This morning, I dropped Leo off at daycare like usual. But not even three minutes later, his teacher came rushing out to tell me that his left eye looked slightly pink, and they were concerned he might have pink eye. Oh no. That one scares me — it’s so contagious.
So I had to turn around, bring him back with me, make a last-minute doctor’s appointment, and call my boss to update her that I might not be able to come into work today. Leo, having no clue what was happening, was just his happy self — excited to come back home.
Honestly, I was frustrated. My Monday was completely thrown off. I wanted to start the week fresh — I had so much to do at work, and I had even dressed up cute in a floral dress. But instead, I was carrying a toddler into a doctor’s office in my “Monday best.”
The doctor checked his eye and said it looked very mild. She couldn’t prescribe any medication and didn’t think it was pink eye — but I still had to keep an eye on him for the next 24 hours in case symptoms worsened. So no daycare for Leo today. I was relieved it wasn’t serious, but also overwhelmed knowing I’d be watching him all day while juggling work from home.
This kind of thing happens all the time. It always seems to hit when I least expect it. I was 100% sure this would be a “normal” Monday. I’d go to work, Leo would go to daycare — simple. But life had other plans.
I’m trying to learn to let go of control and flow with these moments. It’s hard for me. I like planning. I like routine. But motherhood teaches you quickly that control is an illusion — especially with little ones.
That said, I realized today is actually a beautiful day. The sun is out, and I can take Leo swimming this afternoon. He’s still little. He still wants to spend every minute with me. And one day, he won’t.
So instead of fighting this unexpected Monday, I’m going to embrace it. Enjoy it. Because these moments — even the messy ones — are part of the magic of being a mom.
Take it slow, grasp this moment.
Beautiful view from our pool today. It was a perfect day for swimming.Leo got ready with his floaty when I told him we are going to the pool.Blackberries were everywhere around the pool house!Leo enjoyed the fresh blackberries at the pool
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
As you know, I’m a fashion designer — and I love to dress up. But what I love even more is dressing up my kid. 🥰I try my best not to go overboard with shopping since kids grow so fast and most clothes only last a few months. But still… I can’t resist picking up…
Last week, Leo and I flew to Hawaii, just the two of us, to spend about a week on vacation with my family. I was a bit worried since my husband couldn’t come with us, but in the end, I feel like I made some truly precious memories with my family after a long time apart.
One thing I’ve realized while raising a child is that the most meaningful memories aren’t always the big events or grand milestones like people might think — they’re often the small, happy moments. I think other parents might feel the same.
In Hawaii, the moments that stand out most are things like all of us splashing around in the ocean together, Leo excitedly eating shaved ice, or my parents smiling happily while enjoying delicious food.
But, if I had to pick just one unforgettable moment — it was definitely the hike up Diamond Head. Oh my… that was a real adventure. 😅
가족과 함께 보낸 하와이에서의 일주일
지난주에 리오와 둘이 비행기 타고 하와이에 가서 친정 가족과 같이 일주일정도 휴가를 같이 보냈어요. 남편과 같이 안가서 좀 걱정 했었는데 오랜만에 가족들과 정말 좋은 추억 만들고 온 거 같아요. 아이를 키우면서 느끼는 건 정말 소중한 추억들은 남들이 생각하듯 큰 이벤트나 어떤 큰 사건이라기 보다는 소소한 작은 행복한 순간들인 것 같아요. 아기 키우는 다른 부모님들도 그렇게 생각하시지 않을까 싶어요. 이번 하와이에서도 온 가족이 바다에서 첨벙거리며 놀던 순간들, 아기가 신나서 빙수를 퍼먹는 모습, 엄마아빠가 맛있는 음식 먹으며 행복한 미소 같은 것들이 기억에 남네요. 그래도 뭐니뭐니해도 다같이 다이아몬드 헤드 올라갔던 게 제일 기억에 남는게 그날 엄청나게 고생했거든요…ㅎㅎㅎ
The Struggles of Hiking Diamond Head with a Baby
Even though I’d been to Hawaii four times before, I had never made it to the top of Diamond Head because I always forgot to make a reservation in advance. Not many people may know this, but you must reserve both your entry and parking ahead of time in order to hike the trail.
This time, since I was with family, I finally made the reservation. But here’s where I messed up — I only trusted people saying the hike was “easy” and didn’t look into the details… So we began the hike with Leo sitting comfortably in the stroller — totally unprepared.
Not long after we started, the paved road ended and the real hiking trail began. As we started climbing over rocky paths, I immediately thought, “Uh-oh… this isn’t going to work.”
In the end, my dad carried Leo on his back while my brother and I awkwardly lifted the stroller from the front and back — which turned out to be way harder. We gave up after less than 10 minutes and just abandoned the stroller right there on the trail (!).
We had booked the 2–4pm slot, and oh boy — it was so hot. The sun was beating down, and the dry, sandy ground was slippery. To make matters worse, we had just come from the beach and were all wearing Crocs — big mistake. 😅
Whoever said the trail was easy clearly wasn’t hiking with a toddler. The incline was steeper than expected, the ground was dry and slippery, and poor Leo was struggling in the heat. We tried to give him water, but he wouldn’t cooperate. As we got closer to the top, there were lookout points with great views, but the railings weren’t the safest, and Leo kept insisting he wanted to climb down by himself. It was nerve-wracking.
And then, near the summit… a massive flight of steep stairs. We each held one of Leo’s hands and climbed step by step, slowly and carefully.
the abandoned stroller at the trail 중간에 내동댕이 친 유모차Stiff stairs before the tunnel. this wasn’t the last one. 자꾸 나오는 가파른 계단. 이게 마지막이 아니라는.
고생스러웠던 다이아몬드 헤드 하이킹 트레일
하와이를 네번이나 가면서도 매번 미리 예약하는 걸 깜빡해서 한 번도 못올라가본 관광 명소 다이아몬드 헤드 정상. 많은 분들이 모르실 지도 모르지만 미리 입장권과 파킹을 예약 해야 트레일 까지 올라갈 수 있어요. 이번엔 가족과 같이 가니 제가 미리 예약을 했는데… 다른 사람들이 생각보다 하이킹은 수월한 코스라고 했던 것만 믿고 디테일하게 알아보지 않은 제 실수였죠.. 우리는 아무 생각없이 애를 유모차에 태워서 하이킹을 시작했는데, 얼마가지 않아 유모차를 끌 수 있는 포장도로는 끝나고 본격적인 하이킹 시작. 돌길을 올라가기 시작하는데 어? 이거 아닌데? 싶더라구요. 결국 할아버지가 애를 들춰업고 앞장서 가고 저랑 제 동생은 유모차를 앞뒤에서 들고 올라갔는데 어머, 이게 더 힘들어. 결국 십분도 못가서 유모차를 길 한 복판에 내동댕이(?!) 치고 올라가기 시작. 시간대를 오후 2시-4시 대로 예약했는데 이거 왠 걸, 너무 더운거에요. 해가 쨍쨍 내려쬐고 모래바닥은 미끄럽고. 우리 다 바닷가에서 바로 온거라 아무 생각없이 크록스 Crocs신고 있었잖아요 ㅎㅎㅎㅎ 진짜 웃음 밖에 안나옴.. 트레일 쉽다고 한거 다 누구야, 생각보다 더 경사가 가파르고 길은 매마른 모래길이라 미끄럽고. 헉헉 대며 올라가는데 애는 또 애대로 너무 힘든거에요. 업혀 가고 무등해서 가고 하는데 덥고 해가 머리 위로 내려쬐니 애가 점점 기운 없어지는게 눈에 보여요. 걱정되서 물 좀 먹이려고 해도 말 안듣고.. 점점 정상에 올라갈 수록 중간중간 경치 구경할 수 있는 전망대 같은게 있는데 이게 또 난간도 엉성하고 가파른데 애는 애데로 자기 혼자 내려가겠다고 떼 쓰지, 보는 우리는 조마조마. 어휴 정신이 하나도 없는데, 정상 가까이 가니 엄청나게 높은 계단….. 계단도 꽤 여러번이나 있어요. 양 쪽에서 애 손을 잡고 한계단 한계단 가파른 계단을 올라가 겨우겨우 정상에 도착했네요.
The View from the Top
But wow — when we finally reached the top, it was breathtaking. That view alone made it all worth it. Now I understand why everyone raves about Diamond Head. The ocean stretched out in a stunning 180-degree panorama, blending into the sky with the most beautiful shade of blue. And the view of Waikiki Beach from up there? Absolutely gorgeous.
We were drenched in sweat, but the climb was worth it. Even my sister, who had been complaining the whole way up, was happily taking photos and chatting away on the way down. I felt a little bad for putting everyone through it, but in the end, I think the challenge made the experience even more memorable.
Once we made it back to the parking lot, we shared fresh fruit smoothies and a fruit bowl before heading off for dinner — tired, happy, and full of stories.
아름다운 정상에서 본 경치
정상에 도착하니 와우. 이래서 여기 올라오는 구나 싶을 정도로 아름다운 뷰가 펼쳐졌습니다. 이래서 다들 다이아몬드 헤드 가는구나. 180도로 펼쳐지는 바다는 하늘과 구분이 가지 않을 정도로 아름다운 파란색. 거기에 와이키키 쪽 비치 전경은 또 얼마나 아름답게요. 땀을 뻘뻘 흘리며 올라갔지만 그만큼 올라갈 가치는 있었던 거 같아요. 너무 아름다웠고 온 가족이 다같이 고생한 기억이 추억이 될 거 같네요.
올라가면서 그렇게 덥고 힘들다고 투덜대던 내 동생도 만족스러웠는지 사진 열심히 찍고 내려오면서는 수다를 재잘재잘 떨며 웃더라구요. 다들 고생시킨 것 같아 미안했는데 그래도 이런 고생하는 재미가 있어줘야 여행이지 싶었어요. 내려와서는 주차장에서 신선한 생과일 스무디와 과일볼 나눠먹고 저녁을 먹으러 갔네요.
My dad with a beautiful viewI was wearing a dress and crocs slippers. How prepared 🙂
다이아몬드헤드 입장 및 파킹 예약
꼭 예약을 하시고 가야 올라갈 수 있습니다. 예약은 밑에 링크 들어가서 하시면 되요. 오전 시간대와 오후 시간대가 두 시간씩 파킹 할 수 있습니다. 하이킹 자체는 올라가는데 30분 내려오는데 30분, 총 1시간 정도 소요됩니다.
Diamond Head Entry & Parking Reservation Info
Reservations are required if you want to hike Diamond Head. You can make them at the link below. You’ll get a two-hour parking window in either the morning or afternoon. The hike itself takes about 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down — around 1 hour total.
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend.Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 It’s getting cold and rainy here in Seattle, and I’ve been loving the crisp air and the beautiful autumn leaves.With this weather, I…
It’s officially pumpkin season in Seattle! 🍂The mornings and evenings are getting chilly, but the daytime still feels warm and cozy. You can see autumn all around — the colorful leaves, crisp air, and that golden sunlight that makes everything feel magical. I love pumpkin season, so we decided to visit Carpinito Brothers Farm in…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend.Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛 We…
Hi World. I’m Ran — a mom, a wife, and a fashion designer living in Seattle. This is my personal journal — a place to record life, motherhood, and the little things.
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved writing in a journal. But one day, I just stopped. There wasn’t any special reason — I was simply too busy with everyday life. Work, travel, parties, boys… distractions were everywhere.
Then I met the one, and life got even busier. We got married, went on our honeymoon, had a baby. We moved to a new city and started a brand new chapter as parents.
Life has never been this full — and honestly, I’ve often felt overwhelmed by all the changes.
One day, I was watching Leo (my almost 2-year-old boy) sleeping, and I started tearing up. I suddenly felt like time was slipping through my fingers. He has grown so fast this past year and a half — and I feel like I haven’t even had a moment to sit down and truly take it all in.
So here I am. I’ve decided to start writing again — to capture all the little joys I’m experiencing each day. I’m not aiming for long, polished entries. I just want to preserve the moments.
Five minutes a day. That’s my goal. That’s what The Slower Days is about.
The Slower Days 