VM Mom to Follow: Valencia Naomi Subroto
This week’s VM Mom to Follow is Richmond’s Valencia Naomi Subroto, a former PR professional turned full-time mom to her adorable 3-year-old son, Sean. If they’re not busy exploring beautiful destinations inside or outside the city, they’re on the lookout for new places to eat. This summer, they travelled to Indonesia, the east coast of Canada, and Seattle.
Naomi loves people, traveling, coffee, and social media. In addition to becoming a mother, she spends most of her time mentoring young people to find their talents and to live a meaningful life. She always has a heart for young people due to her tough background where she experienced real struggle finding her identity at a young age. She’s starting a new blog about her faith journey and now manages several social media platforms for business and ministry.
She’s going back to school end at the of this year to enhance her knowledge of digital marketing and of course – to travel more! Follow her dynamic life through her Instagram feed @littleseanshine where she shares her thoughts and photos on faith, motherhood, and travels.
Places Valencia loves to go with her family
FreshPress Coffee Bar
Being a mom, there are days when I just can’t keep my eyes open without coffee. This is my rescue place whenever I’m sleep-deprived and in need of a caffeine boost to survive the day. I love their tasty but real coffee, as well as the ambiance – a perfect spot for mom dates.
4940 No 3 Rd #121, Richmond
Flying Beaver Bar & Grill
This is our favourite brunch spot in Richmond. I go there either for a brunch date with Hubby after dropping Sean off to school or for a family brunch on a non-school day. The uniqueness of this place is that you can watch the seaplanes take off and land while enjoying your meal. Don’t forget to ask for their stamp card and bring it with you every time you go there. After 10 meals, you’ll get the 11th one for FREE!
4760 Inglis Dr, Richmond
Steveston Community Park
We’re so lucky to be able to pick so many play parks in the Greater Vancouver area. Steveston Community Park is one of the main reasons why we keep coming back to Steveston. What we love about this park is that it offers an extensive selection of activities and different playground sections based on age groups. So, Sean doesn’t get easily bored there. Their waterpark is his favourite during summers too!
4011 Moncton St, Richmond
Valencia’s favourite getaways
During my pregnancy, my husband and I committed to keep our traveling lifestyle even after Sean’s born and to introduce him to the world as early as possible. And that’s what we’ve done. If I could only pick one ‘hidden gem’ destination for a short getaway that we can recommend to Vancouver families, it would be Gibsons. It’s not as touristy as Victoria and only 40-minute-ferry away from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. We loved how we can do so many things outdoors as a family while taking a break from our daily routine there.
Gibsons Landing
We’d love to explore Gibsons Marina and have lunch at Molly’s Reach, a waterfront legendary restaurant in ‘The Beachcombers’ TV Series. Shopping and window-shopping in the small town and have olive oil and vinegar tasting at Sunshine Coast Olive Oil Co. And just sit back and relax with an amazing ocean view while letting Sean running around in the area.
Roberts Creek Beach
This is a must-go destination on the Sunshine Coast. There’s a giant mandala artwork in a Roberts Creek beach parking area, which was painted together at their annual festival. The view from the beach was quite amazing too.
Party Pony & Farm Ventures
This was probably the highlight of the trip for Sean. He loved playing with the farm dogs, chasing around chickens, the turkey, and peacock, feeding the goat and the pig. The farm tour was affordable, fun and educational. Please note that it needs a booking in advance.
Secret beaches and lakes
What I liked about this place was there are so many adventures await for us to be found. There are so many lakes and secret beaches with incredible views to explore around the area. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture any priceless moments with your family!
Follow Little Sean & Valenica on her social feeds!
Instagram: @littleseanshine
Facebook: @littleseanshine
