Well! It’s official. If it is online it must be true, right? I’m running my first marathon. And it’s the Chicago Marathon! In about 20 weeks. On October 7th. Why, you ask? I’ve partnered up with my company GoGo squeeZ and their partner Action for Healthy Kids and will run as a part of Team Action For Healthy Kids! Both companies are so passionate for healthy kids and I am super excited to help raise money for their programs!

The furthest I’ve ever run was a 1/2 marathon here in Tampa. The Gasparilla Distance classic. I did some crazy challenge where I did the 5k & 8k on Saturday and then came back to run the 1/2 on Sunday. Phew! That was about 5 or 6 years ago.

Listen- I’m going to need all the help I can get. October 7th is the big day in Chicago! I thought about doing a training journal, but decided I already have an online journal and I think this will be a great place to connect with other runners for tips, track my progress and maybe inspire others.

So today is Week 1 and today is day 1. I’m following this program (honestly first program in my Google search, but looked goo!) so here’s the link? Anyone want to join me?! Come on… it’s only 26.2 miles!

Tonight’s Run: Rivercrest Park- Tampa, FL

Solo or Group: Solo

Miles or Minutes: 20 minutes

Training: Weights after

Favorite Song Heard: Katy Perry- Firework

Day or Night Run: Sunset run

Motivation: The finish line. I’ve never done this before so I’m motivated to check this off my list.

Dinner: Vegetarian Refried Beans with tomato, red onion and cheese garnish.

Feeling: Really good. This will be good for me to show my kids dedication to a goal.

Please offer any tips, advice, etc on how to improve or just survive! I’ll be on Instagram too!

I lead an amazing group of girls. Girl Scouts have become a huge part of my life with my own three girls and the opprotunities we have had because of their hard work and dedication what Girl Scouting is all about!

We are excited to announce that my Girl Scout Troop 30893, 6th grade Cadettes from Learning Gate Communtiy School, will be hosting a community screening of the Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age.  This film was chosen to help open the conversation between parents and kids about screen time, social media, and how our children are growing up in the digital age like no generation before.  We invite you to attend with your children and then stay for a Q&A with a special guest. Bark.us will have their CPO (Chief Parent Officer- Tatania Jordan) to help talk about social media safety and conversations we should be having with our children. (Bark is an app that helps keep kids safer online.) Mark your calendars for this event and invite your friends.  It is one that should not be missed. This is a free event and open to the community. 

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 6pm. Film will begin at 6:15pm. Discussion begins at 7:15- 8pm.
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
Learning Gate Community School
Hosted by: Girl Scouts Troop 30893
Hanna Campus- 16215 Hannah Road, Lutz, FL 33549
Open to the public- seating is limited. Doors open at 5:30pm.
Link to Facebook Event for more details.
Snacks will be provided by GoGo squeeZ.
 **Appropriate for adults of kids all ages and kids 10 years old and older. We will leave the choice up to parents who choose to bring their children. No childcare on site will be provided. 

About the Girl Scouts: The Girl Scouts Troop 30893 from Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, are earning their aMAZE Journey badges. This journey requires the girls to host a Take Action Project taking what they have learned about healthy relationships and passing it along to others. They hope to open up the conversation between kids and their parents and believe that healthy relationships online and in person could keep kids safe. 

It was a fun morning on Great Day Tampa Bay talking about egg-citing Easter baskets and DIY Spirng crafts! Having 4 kids, I have a few rules for our family when it comes to gifts like Easter baskets. We love quality vs. quantity! We also try to curate the gifts to really mean something for the kids. It is much more meaningful rather than a bunch of $1 items thrown together. We also like to give experience gifts. Now, we don’t go overboard, but rather give items that would engage our kids in an activity where we could do it together- gardening, arts & crafts, a beach day, or even a sports game!
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In partnership with the Tampa Bay Bloggers.

I have been a Cirque du Soleil fan since I first saw La Nouba in Downtown Disney (or Disney Springs as it is now known) in Orlando in 2000. I feel in love with everything about the show. The music. The wonder. The entire show. I had never seen anything like it. I have traveled all over the country to see Cirque shows. 9 different shows to be exact. They truly are works of art unlike anything else I have ever experienced. From Vegas to NYC, and cities in between, Cirque du Soleil shows will never disappoint.

I am excited to be on board as a Tampa Bay Blogger to see my 10th show, VOLTA, coming to Tampa February 14, 2018 – March 18th, 2018. Cirque du Soleil VOLTA, written and directed by Bastien Alexandre and with Jean Guibert as the director of creation. International electronic group M83 as composer and musical director, brings his space-age future pop sound to the Cirque du Soleil stage for the first time ever. The show will be presented under the Big Top at the Tampa Greyhound Track February 14, 2018 – March 18, 2018. The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.

From the Cirque du Soleil website: “Freedom is the ultimate rush. VOLTA tells a spellbinding story about the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing your own trail. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of action sports, the show weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score.”

OMG!! I can’t wait!!! Annnddd…. I am giving away a set of 4 tickets on my Instagram account and I hope you’ll hop over and enter!

I can’t wait to see it opening night! Make sure to follow along for a sneak peak of opening night!

Yes, my loves, Valentines Day is upon is. Time to plan a most romantic date for you and your lover/ friend/ spouse/ best friend/ etc. But let’s be real about this day… You all know I have 4 kids and no time. Not saying that I wouldn’t want to do any of these most romantic things (because I seriously do), but seriously, I can barely find the time to take a shower and go shopping for an outfit, much less plan a much much MUCH needed date night for me and my man. So here’s the deal. This is my super awesome Most Romantic Things To Do in Tampa list that if and when I ever have the time, this is where I am going. I hope you will love all these date night ideas!

Dinner and A Walk Along the River

Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is the hottest new place to be. With a gorgeous view of the Hillsborough River and a new hot spot, Armature Works, along the river, this date night will be amazing! Grab some drinks from Cru Cellars and sit under the stars on the patio at Armature Works and start the night out right. Walk over to Ulele (read all about why Ulele is my ultimate date night restaurant here) and dine with waterfront views and the most delicious food. Stroll along the river to Downtown and catch a Downtowner car back to grab your car.

Quick Bite and Brews

The Hall on Franklin

The new Hall on Franklin has some delicious new taste options for everyone to enjoy. Casually grab a lux couch and sit down and relax. Walk over to Hidden Springs Ale Works and enjoy a locally crafted brew and just chill. Have a fun night together exploring a little bit of pure Tampa in Tampa Heights!

SUPER AMAZING FANCY Dinner and Dessert

Of course Bern’s Steak House will always be a top restaurant in my books (and many others) but dressing up for the occasion is always more fun when the ambiance will help set the mood for this uber fabulous date. Dress to the nines. Make it a real date. Dine on the finest food and sip the finest wine. After your meal, a must is the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, where you’ll order a banana fosters to share. The best of Tampa Bay is right here. One stop.

Off The Beaten Path

Seminole Heights mural.

Our favorite date night restaurant is in our little neighborhood, tucked away about 5 miles north of the city.
Rooster and the Till in Seminole Heights has made quit the impression on the food scene in Tampa Bay and beyond. Quiet yes, but you’ll definitely need a reservation to make this date night happen. Plan ahead and make that reservation for two. (Especially now that they just made the Tampa Bay Times top 50 Restaurant List). I have never had a bad meal here and we love every new item they add to the menu. It will not disappoint. If you are looking for a night cap, the Independent is a fun spot to go an have one more before you Uber home.

Sweet Dreams

Edge rooftop bar.

If you love a rooftop bar, Edge or Bulla Gastrobar is where you’ll want to catch a famous Florida sunset with a hand crafted cocktail to start your night. Indulge in a fabulous four-course tasting menu designed by the two-time James Beard nominee Executive Chef Chad Johnson at Epicurean’s signature restaurant, Elevage. The menu is being offered from 5:30-10 p.m. Stay the night in the sweetest hotel, The Epicurean, right in the heart of South Tampa as you escape reality for just a night (along with the kids.) Sweet dreams love birds!

Dinner and A Movie

Centro Ybor

My favorite spot in Tampa Bay for Sushi is Samuri Blue in Ybor City. Slightly off the beaten path, the sushi is fresh and unique and the atmosphere is quite and intimate. Afterwards, walk over to Centro Ybor and see a romantic move…maybe the new Fifty Shade Freed*?! It opens in theaters everywhere on February 9th! Sounds like a perfect romantic night to me!

Lots of ideas and I have personally been too, seen and have dined at all the above. If I recommend it, I truly love it and wouldn’t say so otherwise. Enjoy your romantic night on the town in Tampa!

*I partnered with Universal Pictures to bring you this post. I was invited to the Fifty Shade Freed screening. As always, all opinions are my own.

Clear blue skies + ☀️ mean it must be #FloridaStateFair time 🌭🍦🍗🎡

The Florida State Fair begins today and I have partnered with Magic 94.9 to give away a family 4-pack of tickets 🎟, unlimited ride armbands 🎡 and food vouchers 🌭🍗🙌🏻🙌🏻 We love the fair and can’t wait to head to the Florida State Fairgrounds right here in Tampa for another year of fun! So much to see, ride and eat each year at the Fair!

Here’s how to enter to win:

1. Visit @TampaMama on Instagram

2. Like the Florida State Fair photo and comment below what your favorite food is to eat at the Florida State Fair.

3. Tag a friend!

This giveaway will close at 8am, Friday, February 9th! Winner will be contacted via DM on Instagram. This giveaway is in no way endorsed by Instagram.

Good luck 🎉

Lots will soon be happening as the Outback Bowl gears up for its annual New Year’s Day game held at Raymond James Stadium.

I have a long history with the Outback Bowl as I was an intern there for 3 years as I finished my Mass Communications degree from USF. This is so much more than just a football games. It is an annual event that invades Tampa Bay with energy and passion as Tampa Bay turns into THE place to be as millions of viewers watch football in paradise from their snowy hometowns on January 1st.

I hope you’ll follow along with me over the next month as I give you a behind the scenes look at everything from the contract signing to the President’s Gala to the the teams practices and of course all the family events that will take place all over Tampa Bay!

Football in Paradise is about to begin! We’ve got your 50 yard line seat right here!

Hop on over to Instagram and Twitter with Tampa Mama for an all access pass to the hottest ticket in town on New Year’s Day.

So excited to announce that I will be a contributor to the beautiufl new venture Twist Travel Mag! This magazing is BEAUTIFUL and has amazing content by some very seasoned family travel and travel writers. Let me just say, I am so honored to be in their company. I hope you’ll subscribe or veiw the magazine online. The winter issue will be in mailboxes soon, so you haven’t missed out yet!

Growing up Peruvian in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, thousands of miles away from my Father’s homeland, I grew up listening to my Papi’s marachsri music, singing songs in Spanish and learning about my family through picture albums as many were thousands of miles away.

The memories of my childhood awakened the other night after watching the new Pixar’s Coco. Closing my eyes I was brought back to my childhood as the music lead me back to remembering my father, my Peruvian family and all the family that I came before me- everything that makes me who I am today.

The story of Coco follows a 12 year old boy Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) as he travels to the Land of the Dead. A movie that depicts Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos and the bridge that links the living and those who are not with us, maybe physically or through distance. His Great Great Grandmother Coco is very old and beginning to forget things. However, the only way those who have gone before us can come back to visit us on Dia de Los Muertos is if someone remembers you and adds you to their alter. He finds the Grandfather he thought was his only to learn more secrets no one ever told him. Had the stories and truths been past down, he would have known more of where he truly came from and what his destiny was to be.

The movie focuses on the ancestry, strength of the family, forgiveness and unconditional love. It’s the love letter I wish I would have written to my father. Remembering where we cane from and those that came before us is an important piece to the puzzle of who we all are.

The gorgeously depicted afterlife insinuates that those who have gone before us are in a much better place. The Mexican folklore is beautifully told through the eye of a child who realizes the afterlife, his family and his ancestors are all pieces to the puzzle that make him who is and help him retell the stories to the next generation.

My father was there with me as I watched the movie- always in my heart, and never forgotten. It is our duty to pass along the stories, keep the memories alive and let the stories of the past live on. Thank you for the reminder, Coco.

With four kids, I have to be on ready for Christmas! And shopping early at Westfield Shopping Centers is the perfect place for us to get a head start on the holidays! We love Westfield Shopping Centers – Westfield Brandon, Westfield Citrus Park and Westfield Countryside, because we know we will always find awesome deals and gifts for everyone on our lists!

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