From the beach to the golf course and back seaside for the local cuisine–there is something for everyone in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s what many call “the new South” -an American gem of authentic Southern charm with upscale attractions AND a laid-back coastal vibe. I’m a Midwesterner who has a love affair with the South. Love everything about it. Some might say that I have romantic notions of Southern hospitality. You know, folks with drawls who take the time to say hello or hold the door, sweet balmy heat, Southern Belles, fresh seafood and old sprawling mansions… Well, with...
Hispanicize Conference: Blogging Basics & More
I’m in Miami this week speaking and attending the fourth annual Hispanicize Event in Miami, Florida. This is my second Hispanicize conference and certainly one of my favorite blogging events. Attending conferences is so important to your blogging career. I say career because I know many of you don’t spend hours writing, connecting, and building a catalog of content only for fun. Sure, you enjoy but nothing better than earning some income on something you enjoy, right? I’ve meet so many new friends and business contacts. Some that have lead to successful brand ambassadorships and opportunities that have made some additional income for...
Celebrate Easter With Marshmallow Resurrection Rolls
Happy Easter to all of you! In our home, we celebrate Easter by remembering that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our sins. After the third day He rose again. Teach the real meaning of Easter even to young children by serving up this delicious treat known as Marshmallow Resurrection Rolls. A cinnamon and sugar treat so delicious, you won’t believe how easy it is to make. The rolls signifies Jesus being laid to rest in the tomb, then rising again. This idea was inspired by my children’s school. Every kindergarten class learns the story of Easter first with Jesus, then last with...
Five Tips to Planning a Family Road Trip on a Budget
March in our house means one thing: spring break! Okay, make that two things: spring break and road trip! Even with a family of five, we make sure that we take at least two family vacations a year. But with a family our size, we know this means that most, if not all, of the travel we do will be by car and not by plane. It’s just not practical for us to buy five airline tickets while also paying for hotel, food, and everything else involved in a fun vacation. The hubs and I enjoy ourselves much more when...
Loving My Working Mom Status
For the first time in 11 years I am rid of the mommy guilt associated with being a working mom. For years I was constantly fighting my inner demons between wanting to advance my career and wanting to be home with the kids. I remember many times rushing home after putting in a long day at the firm. Later when I started teaching law, I made sure my classes ended early so that I could pick up the kids from school. This meant I had to leave the school usually by 2:30. Hardly enough time to get any work done...
Recipe: How to Make Homemade Ice Cream
Kids love ice cream, heck, so do adults! Don’t you hate when you go to the freezer ready to enjoy your dessert only to find out you ran out of ice cream? Well, not to worry, homemade ice cream is actually easy to do and a great activity to do with your children. It’s an inexpensive, simple activity that will entertain the kids and keep them busy. Busy mom tip: keep these ingredients stocked in your kitchen and you’ll always be prepared to make your own. I love fresh fruit and granola on my ice cream or frozen yogurt. Fill...
Is Beyonce Possessed By Sasha Fierce?
Fans and media are still buzzing about Beyonce’s mind blowing Super Bowl performance that literally blew the lights out at the Budweiser Super Dome. Following her performance, I read a few articles about Beyonce throwing up the Illuminate symbol while she was dancing. The symbol has ties to the alleged secret society formed in the late 1700s. Coincidentally, the symbol also represents husband Jay-Z’s record label. After reading several articles, I was convinced – Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Jay Z, Jennifer Hudson, and others are part of some New World Order trying to take over the world. I mean, they were all associated with...
The Other Side of A Cancer Diagnosis
It’s been a hell of a six weeks over at the Jonesie household. Six weeks ago, a week before Christmas to be exact, we found out my dad has cancer. Renal cell carcinoma to be specific. In plain English that means cancer of the kidney. The diagnosis came after my dad started having some serious problems in his neck for an unrelated condition. His doctor ordered an MRI of his spine and alas, there was a large mass. So large my dad had actually noticed it months earlier when he...
Four Simple Ways You Can Honor Dr.King Day With Your Kids
Dr. Martin Luther King Day gives parents and teachers an opportunity to teach children about important moments in black history. This year, MLK Day will be even more special. As we honor Dr. King, we will also be celebrating and watching President Barack Obama, the first African-American President in American history, give his second presidential inauguration speech. As President Obama takes the oath of office, he will do so using Martin Luther King’s bible. What a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and his life’s work. It’s important for our children to know that leaders like Dr. King and Rosa Parks,...
Kim Kardashian Pregnant! Oh Baby!
Oh baby! So Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced yesterday that they are expecting a baby. In usual fashion, Kanye announced the news during a concert. And of course the entire family has taken to social media to share their joy including Kim’s mom Kris who appears to be overjoyed. Kim is reported to be 12 weeks along in her pregnancy. Oh BABY BABY BABY!! — Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) December 31, 2012 As we know, Kim Kardashian does everything for or with the media in mind. Her wedding to Kris Humphreys, for example, was more about keeping up her image and...