Every Monday, we'll feature a local mom. If you'd like to be featured or want to pass on someone you know, let me know!

This week, we'll hear from Valarie Miller-Corl of Cary.

MOM2MOM: Tell us about yourself - kids, family, work, where you live.

Valarie: I just turned 40 (yikes!) and I have lived in the Town of Cary for a little over three years. I moved here from Southern California, where I was a native. Moving to North Carolina was a big shock to my system. I'm over it now ... well, kinda. I have one daughter, Lila. She's five and will be entering kindergarten (yikes again!) in July. My husband Todd and I will be celebrating our 10-year anniversary (triple yikes!) on April 18. To celebrate, we have a trip to the Bahamas planned for a whole week in May ...!!! I cannot believe it, just the two of us! I work, but my job doesn't pay. I'm a stay-at-home-mom ... heehee. I did direct sales for the last three years but after becoming disenchanted with the industry, I quit, and am now enjoying hanging out with my daughter and working on new found hobbies like oil painting and writing fiction.

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle and why?

Valarie: My cul-de-sac. Because most of my life living in California I pretty much never knew my neighbors. One or two, but that was about it. I not only know my neighbors, I think I almost know everybody's name, their children's names and dog's names on the block, but we also consider each other friends. This has been an unexpected and nice blessing. Outside of my neighborhood, I'd have to say Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. This is a really unique and gorgeous venue for enjoying concerts and movies. With the geese floating on the lake and looking up at the stars at night, it's a relaxing environment. I like that some events there are free and they let you bring in your own picnic and wine for some events. I pretty much have always been able to bring my daughter to any event we have attended there. Dancing with my daughter, husband, sister and mother-in-law at the Earth, Wind and Fire concert was a blast!

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle and why?

Valarie: Crema Coffee in Cary. I am a HUGE coffee fan and they roast their own coffee on site. That kind of flavor is UNbelievable. The owners Regina and Kevin are so sweet and really cater to you. They have a nice ambience with tribal masks and local art on the wall, comfy big leather chairs and couches. Just a nice place to relax. And Kevin makes one mean White Chocolate Mocha!

MOM2MOM: What's your favorite ritual with your daughter?

Valarie: Ritual? I didn't know I was supposed to have one. If I had to pick something, I would say it's when we read books together. She reads hers and I read mine. She reads out loud so, although it makes a distraction to concentrate on my book, it's also really cute to listen to!

MOM2MOM: What did you eat last night? Can you share the recipe?

Valarie: Chicken Adobo. Sure! Buy one cut-up chicken, throw it in a pot with lots of garlic, about 3/4 cup of red wine vinegar (Trader Joe's is the best), about 1/2 cup soy sauce, a little pepper. Simmer until chicken is done and the flavor is salty sweet. Adjust seasonings according to your taste buds. I'm Filipino on my Mom's side and they cook with a lot of vinegar-based dishes. The vinegar imparts a wonderful sweetness that it draws out the meat. You can do this with fish, pork and beef as well. Oh, and don't forget the white sticky rice to serve it over. Calrose is my favorite. Simple, but really yummy!

MOM2MOM: Care to share your guilty pleasure?

Valarie: Nice, oaky glass of chardonnay in my Reidel wine glasses that my husband just got me for my birthday and a really sharp cheddar or other decadent cheese with an authentic French bread from La Farm Bakery. This is enjoyed at the end of the day, with my feet up on the coffee table on my down-filled couch. Ahhhh ... I'm trying to lose the guilt on this one.