So I have a little secret.* Something I have shared with only a few people because frankly, I was kind of embarrassed about it. But not anymore. Many women deal with it, but don’t always talk about. In fact, one in three women have this very same thing. Okay, here goes. So you know when you’re standing in line at the grocery store after a busy day, surrounded by your hungry kids and a cart full of food everyone wants to eat right then and there? Then suddenly you get the urge to sneeze and you instantly cross your legs...
The Grand Velas: Best in Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya
Excited doesn’t begin to explain how I’m feeling about my next trip!* I’m heading to one of the most sophisticated, ultra luxury, all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya for its fifth anniversary! The Grand Velas is the only family-friendly, all inclusive resort in the Mexican Caribbean to receive a “Five Diamonds” rating by AAA. Designed for couples, girlfriends, or parents traveling with children, if you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, the Grand Velas is it! Grand Velas Resort Awards and Recognitions World’s 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts – Forbes.com “Best Spa In the World” – Virtuoso...
Supporting Haitian Artisans With #Bloggers4Haiti
I just returned from my fifth trip to Haiti over the last four years. Each time I leave Haiti I return to the states with so many different emotions; I feel inspired, encouraged, hopeless, frustrated all at the same time. Much has been done but still so much more remains. I am often asked how people can help, what they can do. There are many different organizations, non-profits, etc. that I am aware of that it would be hard to name them all. Through #Bloggers4Haiti, I can do a small part in sharing an initiative between Macy’s Heart of Haiti, the Artisan...
10 Quotes to Remember Maya Angelou By
I couldn’t believe the news today when I heard that the legendary Maya Angelou died today. The famed Grammy winning novelist was 86 years-old and was not feeling well. Maya was an author, poet, actor, singer, songwriter, dancer, playwright, historian, director, civil rights activist and teacher. Many people didn’t realize she was fluent in six languages, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and West African Fanti, and English. Maya was one of the most well know African-American writers. When Maya spoke she captivated her audiences. She wrote five autobiographical novels that inspired many including Oprah Winfrey. Maya was Oprah’s mentor. It was after watching Maya on the Oprah Show that...
Make-Up Tips for Watery Eyes & Other Allergy Symptoms
I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for Latina Mom Bloggers on behalf of ZYRTEC® ALLERGY FACE®and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own. Allergy season is officially here and my eyes and nose have had it! Under my eyes are the first thing to puff up and it really takes away from my “youthful” glow I work so hard at keeping. (Ha, ha!) Not the look I’m going for. I really can’t complain though. My youngest son, who is only 8, suffers...
Best Locally Owned Breakfast Restaurants, Jacksonville
Looking for the best breakfast restaurants in Jacksonville? You’ll want to visit these four top spots. Why breakfast? Well, I love breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day, and weekend! We live for breakfast or brunch on a lazy Saturday morning. Years ago when we were a young family and the kids woke up at 6 am, you would usually find us at Village Inn in Atlantic Beach sometime around 8:30 am. It was breakfast for us but “brunch” for the kids. After Village Inn closed we had to venture out. Leaving our comfort zone and exploring new breakfast restaurants was...
Ad-Free Search For Kids Thanks to Bing
The Internet and technology are such a major part of our children’s lives and how they learn. Just the other day in my son’s second grade class, the teacher told the students to “look it up on the Internet.” When we were growing up, we looked things up in encyclopedias. The research was already outdated by the time those books went to print. Not today. Kids get instant access to research, news, and articles related to their project. And this is a good thing. But there are risks that we can easily resolve. Kids of any age are at risk of being exposed to...
Travel Guide: Fountain of Youth Tour
My son and I spent two hours doing The Fountain of Youth Tour at the Archaeological Park in St. Augustine, Florida recently. We had a blast! We have lived in Jacksonville for over 10 years and I’m surprised we haven’t been yet. Located near Historic St. Augustine, families can enjoy learning about Ponce de Leon’s acquisition of “La Florida” in 1513 and the Timacuan Indians that were indigenous to this area. St. Augustine is where the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in his search for Florida. While there, legend has it that Ponce de Leon discovered the Fountain of Youth, a water spring that supposedly...
San Miguel de Allende Travel Guide
Traveling to Mexico can be a little overwhelming, especially for fist timers or parents traveling with children. I put together this San Miguel de Allende travel guide in hopes to help anyone traveling alone, with friends, or with kids to make the trip planning process easier. If it’s your first trip to San Miguel de Allende you’re probably wondering about airports, things to do, etc. I answered those question and more below. For our trip to SAM we planned a vacation and cultural immersion experience for our kids. I did extensive research for our three week stay. I read trip guides, advisories, tips,...
From Lawyer Mom to Happy Mom: A Happiness Project
I’ll never forget what one of the male partners at my law firm told me when I announced my second pregnancy, “I guess this means you’re not coming back.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. After a brief second of shock I defended my career and pregnancy with conviction. Then I went to my office, shut the door, and fought back angry tears. Deep down I felt he was right. How could I practice law with two small children and really find happiness? Many lawyer moms find themselves in similar situations until they one day resign and choose a less demanding...