Tag Archives: Florida

Top Moments of 2018

December 31, 2018 Aubrey Leave a comment

The days, months, years as a parent fly by, as much as we focus on just getting through a day and look forward to trips, events and making memories, sometimes those achievements and milestones all start to blend. So, since today is the last day of 2018, I decided I want to reflect on some of our top moments in the past year.

Texas – For Spring Break we traveled to Texas and visited family and friends in Dallas and Houston. We watched a Dallas Mavericks game, went to the Houston Zoo, Space Center Houston and Kemah Boardwalk. It’s great to be able to expand their minds, show them new places and watch as they explore.

Baseball – From our farm ball team, to summer league, taking in several Oakland A’s games and ending the year with winter baseball camp, the boys definitely have a love for the game.

Photo Shoot – We booked our first lifestyle print modeling gig together, as a Mom and two sons! It’s easy work for them…they had to play with toys for the gig.

California Adventure – I had a work trip to Anaheim to check out Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort, and I was able to bring the boys along for the ride! It was a quick one day trip for them, fly down to SoCal in the morning, then last flight back home at night… I had to explain to them, that’s not “normal,” and that they were very lucky to have that experience.

Pre-K Graduate – Isaiah successfully completed preschool and couldn’t wait to join his big bro in elementary school.

Hawaii – The Hawaiian Islands are probably my most favorite places to visit, and this year I was able to take the boys to Maui to get their first taste of aloha. They loved it, and they think this will be a yearly adventure now!

4th of July Parade – Every year our city has an Independence Day parade and for the second year in a row, the boys were in it!

School – This fall, both of them started at the same school on the same schedule. I have a kindergartener and a first grader, seriously…this is when I’m thinking time needs to slow down!

Green Fish – The local swimming pool association where we live offers free KinderSwim lessons for kindergarteners in the spring and fall. It’s such a wonderful opportunity for the kids to really get comfortable in the water and swim with classmates. My boys each took it a step further by earning “green fish,” which means they can torpedo across the pool, front and back and also tread water for 5 MINUTES! I’m still beyond amazed at the accomplishment.

Disney World – An October trip to Florida gave me the opportunity to make a quick stop in Orlando to take the boys to Disney World and Hollywood Studios. We stood in line for nearly 3 hours and endured 2 rain delays while trying to get on the Slinky Dog roller coaster in Toy Story Land. I think the fact that my boys actually endured the wait and saw it through to actually get on the ride is HUGE in itself.

Turkey Trot – For the second Turkey Day in a row, my boys participated in the Oakland Turkey Trot fun run called, “Stomper’s Stomp.” There was an absolute downpour as soon as the race started, but it didn’t stop my love bugs from being the first to finish!

What a year!! And now- time to do it all again… more memories, milestones and Mom-life!

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Kristen Hewitt

January 28, 2016 Aubrey 9 Comments

Name: Kristen Hewitt
Children & Ages: Lila 6, Emylia 4
Hometown/Current Location: Minnesotan sweating it out in South Florida
Quick Bio: Kristen Hewitt is a two-time Emmy Award winning Television Reporter, Host, and Producer in South Florida for Fox Sun Sports and the Miami HEAT. (But she tells everyone she’s just a mom who talks on TV sometimes!) After struggling with infertility and finally having two daughters via IVF, she decided to work part-time. She chronicles the misadventures of working late nights in sports broadcasting and early morning with the kids on her site mommyinsports.com. Her work can also be seen on the Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, TODAY Parents, She Knows, and Mom Babble to name a few, and is continuing to produce her webshow Playtime. She strives everyday to find that elusive balance between work and home with grace, gratitude, and Pinot Grigio.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Seriously, I should have tattooed this on my wrists when I first became a mom. The late nights, the teething, the potty training, it’s hard. But before you blink they’ll be six and so independent you’ll miss the baby stage like crazy. Hug em’ tight, hold them often, and and cherish every second that you can.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: Finding time between work and kids is TOUGH! I tried to get up before the kids to workout, but let’s be real….mama needs her sleep! I’ve found when things don’t add up, it’s time to subtract. If you can’t find time to work out, you need to cut something out to make the time. It’s crucial to your well being both physically and mentally. I work out at a park with a trainer 2-3 times a week, and often bring the girls. It’s so important that they learn to love fitness at an early age, and who better to teach by example than mom!?

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: My daughter at 4 said she didn’t like anything about herself. I realized my own self image was spilling over into her. I worked with her on complimenting ourselves and about 6 months later she told me she loved herself. She probably didn’t know what it meant at the time, but in that moment, I knew I had to teach self-love, kindness, and pride in ourselves more than anything. I wrote about it here and called it “My Best Day as a Mom So Far”…it’s my favorite piece to date I’ve ever written.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: How much time do you have? Seriously, I am who I am today because of them. When you look at our children it’s like looking at your own reflection. They make me want to be the best version of myself everyday. I truly believe we discover who we are supposed to be in our kids…they are the best gift in the world. They are the ones that are really teaching me who I want and need to be.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: Ummm…I’m a HAUTE mess when it comes to fashion! Seriously, I’m a mid-westerner trying to survive among the glamorous in Miami! I prefer flip flops and maxi dresses, or baseball hats and leggings, but when I work, I usually pick dresses. (Now that my friends have taught me what to wear!) I like simple pieces with fun and colorful shoes and accessories. But not too high! Three inches are good for walking around a basketball arena all night!

Q: What’s the best surprise you’ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: Sunrises at the beach. Let’s face it, the kids wake up early, before the sun sometimes. So a couple times a year we pack up early and head to the beach for a sunrise breakfast. It’s always so much fun!

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Janie Porter

May 20, 2015 Aubrey 2 Comments

Name: Janie Porter
Children & Ages: 3 boys – Sullivan (3 yrs), Porter (2 yrs), Kendall (2 wks)
Hometown/Current Location: La Habra, California/St. Petersburg, Florida
Quick Bio: For 8 years, I worked as a TV news reporter, wearing false eyelashes, dresses and high heels everyday. Now, I’m a stay-at-home mom, lucky if I get a shower before 8 p.m., and let’s be honest, ballet flats are my “dressy” shoes. When I’m not chasing my three boys under 4 years old, I’m sharing my less-than-perfect parenting journey on SheJustGlows.com. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too!

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: I’m all about helping you find what makes you glow, and a huge part of that is just loving yourself! My favorite piece of advice to new moms is: Trust your gut! Sometimes, we all just need to be reminded that we’ve soooooo got this. All too often, in our society, it seems everyone, from doctors to mother-in-laws to other moms, want to strip us of our own gut instinct about what’s best for our kids. From vaccines to formula to crying it out, let there be no shame in your game. Because only YOU can make the absolute best decision for your family. #justdoyou and you’ll never go wrong.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I learned that I have obscenely high expectations of myself, and it made my first few months as a stay-at-home mom really tough. Prior to having kids, I thought that staying home would be a cakewalk, especially since I was coming from a high-stress job as an early-morning TV news reporter. Boy, was I wrong! Turned out, staying home with babies is very stressful as well, although in a very different way than breaking news and covering police shootings. (I call it the Stay-at-Home Mom Conspiracy Theory.) Since then, I’ve learned that part of loving myself is learning that I can’t do it all. And that doesn’t make me any less of a mom.

Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: Last summer, my husband and I took our first trans-Atlantic trip since having kids. Through work, he had an opportunity to spend a week in Paris, and I jumped at the chance to join him. But that meant leaving our 2-year-old and 14-month-old behind. I loved the trip because it not only allowed my husband and I to reconnect, but it also allowed me to experience the range of emotions that come with leaving your babies for that long! I felt so silly, bawling in the airport as I was about to board our plane to Paris, but I let myself feel the sadness of missing my boys. I think it’s a universal Mom emotion: you can’t wait to leave them, but when you do, you miss them more than ever.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I’m fortunate that my husband is happy to get up with all 3 of our kids every weekday morning, so that I can leave the house at 5:30am to sweat it out for an hour at a 6am bootcamp. As a couple, we’ve realized how much happier EVERYONE is when I’ve gotten in my exercise for the day. I’m happier, I think more clearly, and I just feel more in-control of my day. And, that’s a win, because as we all know, if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Christina Nicholson

January 28, 2015 Aubrey 1 Comment

Name: Christina Nicholson
Children & Ages: Julianna (2 1/2) and Landon (4 Months)
Hometown/current location: Marion, Ohio/Fort Lauderdale, FL

Quick bio: I’ve worked as a TV reporter and anchor for almost 10 years. I recently left the business for something with more family friendly hours and something that let’s me tell more positive stories. So now, instead of being on tv, i’m putting people on tv working as an account executive at a public relations firm – insider media management. I am also a Younique presenter – think of a more modern, social media based version of Mary Kay or Avon. I’m a contributor to Spotlight Families Magazine and a coach with Reel Reporting. When all that is said and done, I try to find time to blog – “try” bring the keyword. You can find my blog at mascaramavenandmore.com. You can follow me on twitter @onairchristina, like my Facebook page at facebook.com/itischristina and check out this magic mascara i’m slinging at christinasmascara.com

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: For Julianna – anything Frozen or Cinderella will do the trick. She hates getting her nails clipped so we always make a deal – I will let you watch Frozen and Cinderella videos on youtube if you let me clip your nails. Works every time. For Landon, it’s noise and walking. When he gets fussy we turn on this giraffe that makes soothing sounds or my husband speed walks while holding him. It’s the funniest looking thing you will ever see.

Q: How do you balance being a mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: I’ll get back to you. I’m still working on that. (see above… I think i’m trying to do too much.)

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new moms?
A: Don’t sweat the small stuff. I’m OCD about a clean and orderly house, but I’ve learned – I can clean a house anytime.

Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: We haven’t done it yet… But i cannot wait for disney world with the kids!

Q: As a mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: When it comes to discipline, my husband and I are adamant about not giving in. We let Julianna know what she did wrong, how it made someone feel, and why she should not do it again. Sometimes it’s hard because this takes time and depending on her mood, it could take a lot of time. It’s easier to just let it go, but in the long run – it’s not something we want to see the results of… So we take the time to “use our words” as we tell her.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: I love my bargains! TJ Maxx and Kohl’s are my go to places. I never buy anything full price and I always have a coupon!

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Jaclyn Diaz

December 10, 2014 Aubrey Leave a comment

Name: Jaclyn Diaz
Child & Age: Angel – 2 and a half years old.
Hometown/Current Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Quick Bio: I am a journalist, fashion blogger and the founder of InsideAccessTv. I graduated from Florida International University in 2011 and hold a BA in mass communications. I was born in Chicago, but raised in Miami, and 3 years ago I moved 25 mins north to one of Miami’s neighboring cities, Fort Lauderdale a.k.a The Venice of America. I’m the oldest of three (even though I look the youngest-ha), and I am very proud to be a part of Miami’s hispanic population. I love to dance, but I especially love to dance salsa. Like every other girl, I love fashion and shopping but I also love to save money, so I’m always on the hunt for the best deal. I also love food and I love to eat, which I guess makes me a foodie- a person who has an ardent interest for food. One of my favorite things to do on my down time (besides relax) is taking photographs of nature or of my son.

I worked at WSVN Channel 7 in Miami for five years and in 2012 I quit my job at the station and put my journalism career on hold to stay at home with my newborn son Angel. It was also the year I went to Vegas to marry my best friend and father to my son. For the last two and a half years, I have been a full-time mommy working part-time from home. As a freelance journalist I wanted to do something that would help jump start my career and allow me to do what I love without restrictions. I decided I would start my own online entertainment show, InsideAccesstv.com. It’s an online web show that gives viewers an inside access to South Florida’s current trends, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. Please follow us on instagram; insideaccesstv or like our page, insideaccesstv.com. Your likes and support are truly appreciated.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: One of the most memorable moments I’ve had to date is when I gave birth and held my son for the first time. I remember I was in the ‘zone’, eyes shut so tight I was seeing black, still pushing, when the doctor laid him on my chest. It happened so quickly that It took me a few seconds to realize that the agony was over. I remember looking at him in disbelief and tears of joy crawling down my face. I couldn’t believe this was my baby and that he was finally here and in my arms. I remember his barely opened eyes looking at me and I at him, his pale pink wrinkled finger holding mine and whispering “hi baby, I’m your mommy” to him. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him and I couldn’t stop kissing him. It was the most beautiful moment of my life and I will ever forget how my little Angel made me and everyone else around us feel.

Q. What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: My go to snack when Angel starts to fuss up is a lollipop. He loves them and will practically do anything I ask of him for one. I know it’s not the healthiest snack but it works. He gets what he wants and I get him to sit still for a few minutes. Besides, don’t you remember how much you loved candy and lollipops when you were a kid?!

Q. As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: What I feel I am doing right is how I am educating Angel. I have been a hands-on mother from the beginning. I try to integrate flashcards, letters, shapes, music, art and a lot of outdoor exploring as part of our daily routine. Before Angel was two, he knew his shapes, three colors and could sing the alphabet all the way to G. I pride myself in what I have accomplished with my son at such a young age. It’s reassurance that I’m doing something right.

Q. What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
My favorite piece of advice to new moms is to talk to your baby. It doesn’t matter how young they are. Talk to them as if he/she knew what you were talking about. I almost feel like Morgan Freeman because I’ve been narrating everything for Angel since he was a baby. I know it sounds crazy and you probably will look crazy doing it. But I really feel that it has helped Angel develop his vocabulary. I explain and describe everything to him. Where we’re going, what we’re doing. What ever you feel like talking to your baby about, do it. It’s so easy for our little ones to understand the world around them if you help explain it.

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Lauren Berger

May 21, 2014 Aubrey 2 Comments

Name: Lauren Berger
Children & Ages: Hudson, 5 & Mila, 1
Hometown/Current Location: Weston, FL
Quick Bio: I’m the dayside Executive Producer at Local 10 News in Miami. I love the news business, I can honestly say I have never had a boring day at work! I grew up here in South Florida and consider myself lucky to live near family and friends who have I have known my entire life. I am thankful everyday for my amazing husband, Donnie. We are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary in November and I could never juggle it all without his help. Between work, appointments, and play dates I feel like I never stop moving! I started my blog, Working Mom Magic, for other moms who are trying to keep it all together.

Blog: www.workingmommagic.com
Twitter: @workingmommagic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workingmommagic
Instagram: http://instagram.com/workingmommagic
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/workingmommagic/

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: I feel like any problem can be solved with a bag of goldfish crackers. For real.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Don’t stress! With my son, I was always worried about if I was doing everything ‘right’. I took everyone else’s advice. With my second baby, I was much more confident in my parenting. Just because something works for someone else’s child, doesn’t mean it will work for yours.. so now I always trust my gut. And try to enjoy everything, it goes by so fast. One day you will miss those middle of the night feedings!!

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: My husband & I take turns going to the gym every other day. I’m up at 5am, so I can get my workout in and be back by 6:45 when the kids wake up. It was really hard to get started, but now that we have our routine, I love it. I have way more energy and it helped me get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: The day my son came to the hospital to meet his baby sister. He had been asking for a sibling for so long, it was really awesome to see his reaction to her. Even now… watching them interact is my favorite thing. Especially now that she is a little older, she is obsessed with him. It’s so freaking cute.

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”? Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I realized early on I can’t do it all. I have always been a type-A personality, but I had to let go of some of that when I became a mom. Now I try not to be so hard on myself. If I can’t make cookies for the class party, I simply say no and offer some money instead. If my kids have a play or an appointment, I am honest with my bosses explaining why I will be late. As long as I go to bed each night feeling like I did my best to make my kids feel special & loved… then I feel like I did my job.

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Katy Widrick

February 26, 2014 Aubrey Leave a comment

Name: Katy Widrick
Child & Age: Audrey Saison, 16 months
Hometown/Current Location: Orlando, Florida
Quick Bio: Katy Widrick is an admitted fitness freak who blogs about Healthy Living in a Hectic World at http://katywidrick.com. A full-time television and multimedia producer (Growing Bolder, distributed nationally), Katy is also a new mom (http://bugchild.com), a triathlete, half marathon runner and vegetarian. She’s passionate about helping others use the latest tools and technology to connect with the healthy living community. While she loves green smoothies and kale, she believes in moderation in all things — including moderation. So don’t be surprised to see her with a cupcake in one hand and a large coffee in the other. Katy does not consider herself a natural athlete — she still shudders when thinking about the timed mile runs in 4th grade P.E. class — but she has fallen in love with fitness and says it has changed her life. It has also helped her maintain a 40-pound weight loss, and inspired her to become a group fitness instructor to help others become fitness freaks, too.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: I sweat! Keeping fitness and healthy living a priority helps me with a very stressful workload — so I run, I swim, I practice yoga, I dance and more. Having that sense of purpose helps me put everything in perspective and hopefully, it’s helping me serve as a great role model for my daughter!

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: I’m still a pretty new mom myself, so I remember the great advice I received. Overall, I think my advice to moms (and dads!) is to not stress about stressing. 🙂 My daughter spit up frequently when she was a few weeks old and it freaked me out! Even though people were telling me everything was OK, them trying to calm me down only added to my anxiety (when I would hear “trust your instincts,” I would want to scream — “I have no instincts! This is my first time at being a mom!”). So be OK with not being OK for a while, but know that things do get much, much better. One day you’ll think — I’ve really nailed this parenting thing! And you’ll be right!

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I work long days, but I make sure that fitness is a part of almost every one. Sometimes that means running on my lunch (ha!) break or arranging for my husband to pick our daughter up at daycare so I can go straight to a spin class. Often, it means working out before everyone else is up, or after they’ve gone to bed.

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I like to say I’m a Type A hippie. I had an unmedicated, hypnotherapy birth with a doula, and I am a breastfeeding, vegetarian, baby-wearing kind of mama. On the other hand, I’m addicted to technology, so I have a blog for/about my daughter, and I know I’ll be the stricter one of me and Audrey’s Daddy!

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: There have been so many great moments, but I think watching my daughter pull herself up to a standing position was the one I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Watching her struggle and achieve something, all with a smile on her face, inspired and touched me very deeply. Now, of course, she’s off and running!

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Kalyn James

February 19, 2014 Aubrey Leave a comment

Name: Kalyn Chapman James
Children & Ages: Phoenix, 11 and Zen, 7
Hometown/Current Location: Lives in Miami, FL, and is from Mobile, AL
Quick Bio: Kalyn Chapman James is the Host of Art Loft. She is a native of Mobile, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. An accomplished dancer and choreographer Kalyn has danced since the age of nine. She served as a television journalist on The Fox Sports Network’s show Behind the Game, and she is the first, and only, African-American woman to be crowned Miss Alabama (1993) where she placed as a top ten semi-finalist in the 1994 Miss America Pageant. She has danced professionally for the Universal Dance Association and Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney/MGM) in Orlando, Florida.

Kalyn’s been working in the arts since moving to Miami in 2003. She worked as a teaching artist for Arts for Learning Miami where she instructed after school programs in some of Miami’s most under-served communities, including Wynwood and Overtown, and at Girl Power in Liberty City. She’s performed in the MTV Video Music Awards, the Latin Video Music Awards, the Latin Billboard Awards, as well as danced and choreographed for the Univision and Telemundo Television Networks in Miami. She has worked extensively as an events emcee, a print and television model, appearing on the pages of Glamour, Ebony, Essence, Jet, and O Magazine, and has been featured in national commercials for Crocs, Hershey’s Air Delights Chocolate Candy, Old Navy and Walt Disney World. She currently teaches fitness classes at Ironflower Fitness Miami and is also the Corporate Sponsorship Coordinator for the Adrienne Arsht Center, where she secures funding to support the Center’s education and outreach programs. Kalyn also hosts her own lifestyle vlog, Fashion Style Miami! You can see art loft on WPBT2 on Tuesdays at 7:30pm or watch episodes online at www.wpbt2.org/artloft. Catch Fashion Style Miami at www.facebook.com/therealfashionstylemiami. Follow her on twitter and Instagram: @kalynjames and @fashionstylemia

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: I remind them that it’s important to be kind to one another. I encourage them to read and if all else fails get out the iPod or iPad!

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: Being a mommy is the ULTIMATE responsibility. I feel it’s important to lead your children by example regardless of your career choice. If you are a stay at home mom or a corporate executive, it is important to teach your children how to commit to and execute their responsibilities well and how to balance responsibility with a decent quality of life. In addition to being a great leader in work, you must remember to take time for yourself. Whether a walk in the park, a weekly exercise class, or a monthly massage – you must find time to recharge and show them that life requires balance. By doing the things I love – I keep my sense of self. I work in the performing arts, I host a TV show which is one of my dreams come true and I teach fitness classes which is a great stress release for me.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Cherish every moment. Time passes so quickly so it’s important to hold them near and cherish each moment and every smile.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I teach fitness classes a few times a week at Ironflower Fitness Miami. This allows me to work out, get paid to do it and inspire other women to feel and look their best! When I can’t work out, I try to take the stairs, take a walk on my lunch break or find a way to be active on the weekends, including playing Just Dance with my kids! It can really help you break a sweat! And, no, I don’t show my kids any mercy. I have the high score on every routine! At least while I can!! Lol!

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: Tough fun love.

Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: I like Key Largo or any island destination where we can swim, snorkel and fish. I also like to see national monuments like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and The Empire State Building because travel is a great way to learn about your country!

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I talk to my girls about life and hold them to high standards in terms of discipline and responsibility, while still encouraging them to be kids. I expose them to physical fitness, education and culture and encourage their creativity and individuality. I give them lots of love and hugs and I apologize when I have done something wrong. They never doubt how much I love them and this builds their self-confidence. When they go places, stranger will approach me and say how well behaved they are and this means a great deal to me.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I’ve learned that no matter how hard you try, you will never be a perfect person nor parent. You can merely do the best you can to learn, love, encourage and sacrifice to be the best mother you can be. I’ve also learned that time flies and that I am capable of juggling responsibilities and handling much more than I ever thought possible. Also, I have learned that crying is very therapeutic – and so is laughter!

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: I love fashion and I take risks. This has spilled over to my girls and we have a great time deciding what we might wear to an event. I enjoy both the corporate and arts world at work so I can be more expressive and creative in my wardrobe choices. I have a fashion vlog called Fashion Style Miami and the girls often see me interviewing people about design so they understand fashion. I love designer shoes and mix high-low wardrobe choices to create a look all my own. You might see me in a Peter Pilotto for Target skirt and Chanel shoes! But more than anything, I stress that style is more about individuality and personality than it is about how much you spend on clothes. Confidence is the best accessory!

Q: What’s the best surprise you’ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: Taken them to a concert for Mindless Behavior and Diggy Simmons complete with a backstage meet and greet. Which makes me feel like I need to work on something a bit more special! Haha

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Lisa “Lee” Arneaud

February 12, 2014 Aubrey 1 Comment

Name: “Lisa Lee” Arneaud
Children & Ages: Alyssa (12), Tristan (10), Chance (21 months)
Hometown/Current Location: Miami Gardens/Pembroke Pines
Quick Bio: Always on the Go sums this Mom up. I have always been likened to the Energizer Bunny who wears a Colgate Smile. My days are always packed with a million and one things to do and somehow they get done. I like to tell other moms that my secret is wine at night and coffee in the morning. The wine is to put me down and the coffee is to get me up. I juggle a full-time job, freelance work, 2 active and busy kids who need constant chauffeuring to and from school, dance class, basketball/baseball practice, friends’ house and of course a rambunctious 1 1/2 year old who is trying to figure out where he fits in all of this. Oh yeah let’s not forget in all of that I TRY to keep the house clean, stay in shape and keep my self attractive (it’s work) and find time to enjoy some romance with my husband of 13 years. Like many working mothers, my career path has been altered. My dreams deferred. I know the meaning of sacrifice. I have sacrificed my body and career for my family with no regrets.

Connect with Lisa:
www.schoolduel.tv
www.twitter.com/lisaleeinc
IG: LISALEEINC
www.facebook.com/lisaleeinc

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: I make sure that I look like myself! Meaning that I keep my weight at where I like it be and make sure I make it to the gym, which helps keep me sane. I keep my hair styled ( does a ponytail count?) and nails polished. Gotta stay cute for the hubby! I also show my kids who I am – like when I make then jam out to Michael Jackson and Bob Marley with me, even if they don’t want to (I know they will appreciate it one day). I don’t hide who I am with my kids, if I am having a bad day, I let them know. I try to be real with them. I show them my goals and teach then how I plan to achieve them.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Don’t lose YOUR identity while being a Mother. It’s inevitable that you will change, but your core will remain the same. Learn to adapt but not forget what makes you happy. Do not become too accommodating to your children at the risk of you getting the short end of the stick. Kids should not always have it their way. I know it’s hard not to give in but it will bite us in the butt later in life if we train them the wrong way. Also remember if mommy isn’t happy, then no one else will be. You are the glue in the family and set the tone of the home.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I am that mother who will drag her kids to the gym. I tell them that in a family, we all do things for one another, so the same way I sit down and wait for you at dance/basketball, is the same way you will wait for me while I work out.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: It’s the simple things like the big smile on their faces and huge hug they give you when you pick them up from school.

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I think I do the communication thing “right”. I am very open and honest with my children. If they ask me if they are getting a shot at the doctor’s office I will tell then “yes”. If they ask if the shot will hurt, I will say “it might, it depends on your tolerance because everyone is different”. I truly try to be an open book because I know that as they get older we will all benefit from this type of relationship. Early on as parents, my husband and I took a parenting course at our church. We read the book The 5 Love Language of Children by Drs. Gray Chapman and Ross Campbell. The book taught us how to understand how each child is different in receiving and feeling loved. So with this knowledge and understanding we try our best to make sure that we fill our children’s “love tank” daily.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: I am such a jeans and top kinda girl. I am not a fashionista, however, I do try to stay on top of trends and most importantly try to look good for myself and the hubby. I love when people say to me “Wow, you have three kids?” I like to buy stylish sneakers, and of course here in Florida, flip flops and sandals are a staple to every lady’s wardrobe. However, when I am working I love to wear pencil skirts, and heels are always a must!

Mommy 101

DOC Band Swag

January 23, 2014 Aubrey 1 Comment

My son Isaiah is now wearing a DOC Band…it’s a “baby helmet” designed to help shape and guide his head into a more round shape, since in his case he has a flat spot. I’ll write another post about the treatment and process, but this post is going to be more focused on the “swag” aka decor we had done on his helmet! But the quick summary of whats going on is, he has a form of plagiocephaly called brachycephaly, which basically means that the width of his head is considered a bit too wide compared with the length and there is flattening across the back of it. At the end of the day, it’s a cosmetic fix we are really going for here and chances are his head would probably round out on its own without the “helmet,” but after a couple expert opinions, we decided to just do it, as at 6 months it’s the ideal time for treatment, as opposed to down the road when it may be too late, if in fact his head shape did not correct on its own!

Now back to the DOC Band. We were lucky enough to come across Metro Signs in Hollywood, Florida, who as a courtesy to the infants and babies who have to sport the head gear, wrap them at no cost. The vinyl wrap them, just as many cars you see “wrapped” these days! The design can really be anything you want and since we are a sports-oriented family, we decided to go for a design that resembled a football helmet…and we ended up with the Chicago Bears “theme,” because that’s Daddy’s team. I basically let him have his way…this time! 😉

Actually, it’s working out because the colors actually suit a good portion of Isaiah’s current wardrobe. And to Daddy’s credit, he did offer to go half-half with my NFL team being the design’s other half, but I declined…no need to add more to the mix, just wanted a simple clean design!

Metro Signs made the process really easy and we couldn’t be more thankful. I had emailed back and forth with one of their sales reps about what I was looking to do, once we found out we’d be getting the DOC Band. Then, once we got it, they measured it, sent us a proof for approval and wrapped it up! Simple as that… and seriously, my kid just looks so darn cute with his helmet, totally game ready!!! I think another plus to decorating it (and there are plenty of options out there, just do an internet search), is that when we are out and about, instead of people looking and staring at him, wondering what that helmet is for and what’s “wrong” with my baby, they are so impressed and in awe of this uber cool “baby helmet,” that we are showered with compliments and smiles everywhere we go!

53 Weeks

Tag Archives: Florida

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DOC Band Swag

…and 2 babies later