EVENTS

Summer Reading 2021 at the Boca Raton Public Library

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As parents, we all know how important summer learning is. There will be no “summer slide” in my house! Luckily, Modern Boca Dad and Mayor, Scott Singer, agrees. He recently issued a proclamation declaring that June 1 – August 31 will be designated as Summer Reading 2021! This year’s theme is “Tails and Tales.”

Residents are also welcome to participate in the over 100 programs and classes for all ages at the Boca Raton Public Library (BRPL). I can definitely appreciate some FREE summer fun!

Continue reading Summer Reading 2021 at the Boca Raton Public Library →

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

Vaccinated Boca Parents, Unvaccinated Kids: What’s Safe to Do as a Family?

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COVID-19 vaccines are now available to everyone age 16+, so many Boca parents have done their part to help combat the spread of COVID in our community by getting their shot. But what happens when you’ve had your vaccine (yay vaccinated Boca parents!), but your kids aren’t eligible to get theirs yet? And how long until kids ARE eligible? When can we resume family travel? And the biggest question of all…WHEN CAN WE ALL JUST GO BACK TO NORMAL?!

Vaccinated Boca Parents, Unvaccinated Kids: What's Safe to Do?Local Pediatrician, Chad Rudnick M.D. FAAP of Boca VIPediatrics weighs in with some sound advice on keeping us all sane during this vaccine “limbo” time. “Clinical trials are underway and we expect kids ages 12 and up to be eligible in the next couple of months,” says Dr. Rudnick. “But the timeline for younger children may stretch out until closer to 2022.” Not exactly the news vaccinated Boca parents want to hear…

So…does this mean that those of us Boca moms with little ones at home are stuck isolating again like last summer?!

“Not necessarily,” says Dr. Rudnick. “As long as we continue to stress the importance of vaccines for those who are eligible, we’ll hopefully see the number of cases decrease and we can protect babies and young children who are not yet eligible.”

Okay…so no isolating, but no giant crowds either? Is there a happy medium? How can we best protect our Boca kids while still enjoying life events, time with family/friends and activities?

“Each family is going to have to determine their own comfort level with risk…while the long term effects of COVID are still unknown, there is also the balance of keeping kids completely isolated from social activities and the resemblance of a ‘normal’ life,” Dr. Rudnick says. “We’ve seen that schools and daycares can be run safely and kids can interact with other kids and learn, play and most important… just be kids.”

So we compiled a list of top tips for venturing out with young children this summer, with Dr. Rudnick weighing in on his best advice for each scenario. Whatever your family chooses, remember the most important rule of thumb: “If you or your child is sick or were sick recently, please stay home!” Continue reading Vaccinated Boca Parents, Unvaccinated Kids: What’s Safe to Do as a Family? →

HOME & GARDEN

This Boca Raton Home Services Company Makes Homeownership Easy

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cinch, a Boca Raton home services and warranty company. All opinions are 100% mine.

Homeownership certainly comes with its challenges, am I right? Being married to a Boca Raton handyman, you think it’d be super easy to maintain our house, but it’s not always the case…especially when it comes to appliances and systems. Luckily, I have an amazing Boca Raton home services and warranty partner: Cinch Home Services. With a home service plan from Cinch, I have the peace of mind that if something breaks down in our house, we’re covered!

Boca Raton Home Services Company Cinch Logo

Follow Cinch Home Services on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and check out their blog.

Here’s How a Cinch Home Service Plan Works:

Request. Repair. Relax

  1. Request service if something breaks down. You can find a complete list of the appliances and systems Cinch covers HERE.
  2. Cinch sends a verified pro to fix it.
  3. Life is good again!

Pretty simple right?

Continue reading This Boca Raton Home Services Company Makes Homeownership Easy →

DINING

Best Boca Center Restaurants Roundup for the Whole Family

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When you’re sick of going to the same old restaurants (on Atlantic Avenue, downtown or throughout the mall), there just so happens to be a glorious cluster of fine and casual dining right at your fingertips (or taste buds?) in central Boca Raton that you may have overlooked. Located in a beautiful open air plaza, Boca Center restaurants feature a cuisine option for everyone in your family! Not to mention SO MUCH OUTDOOR DINING. And there have been a few recent additions you just may not have heard about yet.

Take a look at our complete roundup of the Best Boca Center Restaurants!

Continue reading Best Boca Center Restaurants Roundup for the Whole Family →

HOME & GARDEN

Boca Guest Room Makeover Featuring Custom Curtains by Excell in Design Group

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Having houseguests is one of our biggest joys in life–I’m being totally serious! Now that Modern Boca Dad and I are lucky enough to have an actual guest room at home (instead of having visitors crash on our NYC couch or air mattress), it’s become our mission to make our guests feel as comfortable as possible. From a newly remodeled bathroom to comfy pillows, sheets and custom curtains in Boca from Excell in Design Group, our goal is to show our family and friends how much we appreciate them when they visit us. Continue reading Boca Guest Room Makeover Featuring Custom Curtains by Excell in Design Group →

TRAVEL

Renting a Tiny House in the Florida Keys with Your Family

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I have an unhealthy obsession with tiny homes. You’d never know it considering I currently live in a 4 bedroom house in Boca. But, my current dream for retirement in 20 years or so involves a big pickup truck, a hitch and a luxury custom tiny home on wheels. The former Manhattanite in me knows I can live in a small space with my hubs and be (mostly) happy. I’ll definitely need some extra clothing, handbag and shoe storage, but everything else I’m willing to compromise on! So, for our 10th wedding anniversary, I thought we should give this type of living a whirl and commit to renting a tiny house in the Florida Keys for the weekend. It was time to put my mini living dreams to the test and see if my 6 foot 2″ husband and I could feel at ease in 200 or so square feet!

renting a tiny house in the Florida KeysWe took this amazing photo using this $20 selfie-stick tripod. #affiliatelink

Continue reading Renting a Tiny House in the Florida Keys with Your Family →

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

In Case of Emergency: Where is the Pediatric ER in Boca Raton?

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It’s a typical day. Nothing out of the ordinary seems to be happening at your house. Then suddenly, you hear a crash. Your child has fallen and a certain bone doesn’t look quite right. Or perhaps your toddler decided to swallow something that they shouldn’t have…or the baby stuck a foreign object up his or her nose? Whatever the situation, it’s dire enough for you to consider taking your child to the emergency room. But where is the pediatric ER in Boca Raton?

Where is a pediatric ER in Boca Raton? Continue reading In Case of Emergency: Where is the Pediatric ER in Boca Raton? →

KIDS

Why Boca Raton, Florida is the Healthiest Place to Raise a Child

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I’m a mom. And I live in Boca Raton. Hooray! I personally think our town has everything you need (and more) to raise an awesome kid. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. But where do we stand when it comes to health? Boca Raton, Florida is the healthiest place to raise a child. Or is it?

I reached out to the board certified pediatricians at Boca VIPediatrics to find out the facts…

Here are our Top 5 reasons why Boca Raton is the healthiest place to raise a child:

Continue reading Why Boca Raton, Florida is the Healthiest Place to Raise a Child →

TRAVEL

How to Enjoy Central Florida’s Westgate River Ranch on a Budget

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Feeling the urge to get outdoors and embrace your inner cowgirl, but don’t know where to start? Experience one of the last untouched pieces of Florida wilderness at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Central Florida about two hours northwest of Boca Raton. Families have the opportunity to kick back and relax (in their favorite cowboy hats of course) in “the beautiful, great wide open.” The Ranch, which is situated on 1,700 acres overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, features horseback riding, an award-winning Saturday night rodeo and so much more. And believe it or not, it’s totally possible to do Westgate River Ranch on a budget! Let me tell you how…

Westgate River Ranch on a budget
Posing in front of Westgate River Ranch’s Luxe Teepees. Snag my hat via my affiliate link below!

Continue reading How to Enjoy Central Florida’s Westgate River Ranch on a Budget →

TRAVEL

A Dreamy, but Safe Family Road Trip to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Never have I received more Instagram DM’s than when we embarked on our recent family road trip to Tennessee for Thanksgiving break. And it wasn’t even a sponsored gig this time! I knew I had to write a blog post about it for you all who may be considering a similar escape to the mountains. We decided to go because our extended family members decided to do something different for the November holiday this year. We’re staying home for Winter Break, so I definitely wanted to find a fun (safe) change of scenery for our fall vaca. I’d like to think we succeeded, taking a memorable 12+ hour drive north to the Smoky Mountains. Here are my travel tips on how to take your family on a dreamy yet safe road trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the fall!

Safe Fall Family Road Trip to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Continue reading A Dreamy, but Safe Family Road Trip to Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee →

TRAVEL

How to Plan a Space Coast Family Road Trip from South Florida

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Never in a million years would I have thought my family and I’d be taking so many road trips in 2020. Like most, I’m still too nervous to get on a plane with my husband and daughter…but we’re all craving a major change of scenery. Luckily, we live in Florida and there are so many fun, active and cultural things to do right in our state’s backyard–even just two hours from Boca Raton! This in and of itself makes for a great long weekend away. So, let me ask you this: What do you get when you combine space, surf, sun and tons of cool animal species? A SUPER FUN Space Coast family road trip!

Space Coast family road trip

And we have all the COVID-era tips and tricks to help you plan the best visit for your crew… Continue reading How to Plan a Space Coast Family Road Trip from South Florida →

HOME & GARDEN

Affordable Landscaping in Boca Raton is a Reality with Yards Plus

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If you’ve read Modern Boca Mom for some time, then you’re probably familiar with the fact that my husband, Handy Andy and I have been renovating our east Boca house for about…say…7 years now. We love a good home improvement project, but have been primarily focusing on interiors and our pool/patio. #priorities Being at home since March, however, I could clearly see that our front and backyards were craving a little TLC. They were in desperate need of an artist, a landscape designer to take them from drab to fab! Finding affordable landscaping in Boca Raton is no easy task, but I found a great company, mamas.

I am so thrilled to introduce you to Yards Plus and it’s founder, Sayeed Aljamal, who I partnered with for this home makeover project!

Affordable landscaping in Boca Raton Yards Plus
Hi Sayeed!

Yards Plus is Palm Beach County’s premier landscaping specialists. Serving Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach, they specialize in providing complete landscape planning, design, management, renovation and maintenance services.

They did a fantastic job on our yard. I have been especially thrilled with the customer service and post-project text follow up to make sure everything is going…er GROWING…ok! 

Continue reading Affordable Landscaping in Boca Raton is a Reality with Yards Plus →

HOME & GARDEN

The Boca Raton Laundry Service Local Moms Never Knew They Needed

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Of all the house projects I tackled during the 2020 pandemic, who knew my Boca Raton laundry room would be my favorite one. Yes, I have officially fallen victim to making the workhorse room of our house look worthy enough for the ‘gram. Good thing I married a handyman! And P.S. I’m not alone. If you search the hashtag #laundryroommakeover on Instagram, you’ll find drool-worthy laundry stations featuring everything from trendy floral wallpaper and custom shelves to cheeky signs and ornately stenciled floors.

But of course now that I have this gorgeous laundry room, why in the world would I want to mess it up by actually…doing laundry? 😉

I’m only half kidding, but you moms know what I’m talking about!

Boca Raton Laundry Service & Laundry Room Makeover

Sometimes, the laundry process can be arduous. Tedious. Overwhelming. I have no idea how my family creates so many dirty clothes every week–and I only have ONE KID!!! That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to HappyNest, the Boca Raton laundry service us moms never knew we needed.

Boca Raton Laundry Service & Laundry Room Makeover

Continue reading The Boca Raton Laundry Service Local Moms Never Knew They Needed →

HOME & GARDEN

Boca Raton Patio and Pool Makeover Reveal featuring Outer

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Since the day #modernbocadad and I moved into our “forever home” almost 7 years ago, we wanted to make over our Boca Raton patio and pool. Our pool was built in 1981 and while our ages may be close, it was in much rougher shape initially.

Boca Raton Patio and Pool Makeover
Yuck.

See all those spots? No matter how hard we tried to clean them, black algae would constantly settle in, especially during the hot, summer months. The pool’s surface had worn away in many places due to its age and, in my opinion, was an eyesore considering it was a focal point of our house. Continue reading Boca Raton Patio and Pool Makeover Reveal featuring Outer →

CLASSES & THINGS TO DO

New Ice Rink Coming to Boca Raton in 2021

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Winter + Boca Raton? Frozen’s Olaf may have actually found the perfect destination in our town if an ice rink in Boca Raton opens by the end of 2021. Boca Ice and Fine Arts Center has received approvals to build a new 72,800 sq. ft. facility located on Peninsula Corporate Circle.

A cool community asset like this has never existed in Palm Beach County. This proposed new efficient, modern, state-of-the-art ice rink in Boca Raton will have a long list of community benefits. It should be able to interest local residents in every age group.

Continue reading New Ice Rink Coming to Boca Raton in 2021 →

CLASSES & THINGS TO DO

POUND Out Your Stress & Worries at Organic Movements Boca Raton

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Like most Boca moms, I LOVE me some cute accessories. So, I consider it a major bonus if my workout class includes a cool prop to use. It just needs to distract me from the inevitable sweating and minor pain during a (much needed) exercise session. My favorite workout class is POUND Fitness Boca Raton! Continue reading POUND Out Your Stress & Worries at Organic Movements Boca Raton →

KIDS

How to Get the Most Out of Your Boca School Tour

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If you have school-age children…or younger kids you can’t wait to send off to the old schoolhouse (no shame in thinking it, Boca moms- we all could use a break!), then you’re probably aware that it’s peak admission season. I’ve seen parents all over town fretting about different education options for their kids, frantically booking a Boca school tour here and there, east and west to see which is the best fit for their little snowflake.

I was in that boat last year when looking for a private preschool for #dailybocaavery. And, I want to share what I learned about the search process and making the most of your Boca school tour.

My resource? The Director of Admission at Grandview Preparatory School, Stephanie Wood.

Continue reading How to Get the Most Out of Your Boca School Tour →

LIFESTYLE

Town Center at Boca Raton Multi-Million Dollar Makeover is a Stunner

Town Center at Boca Raton is officially worth millions…especially when it comes to all the renovations it recently underwent.

“This multi-phased renovation has enhanced the shopping center from floor to ceiling, all to better serve our loyal customers,” said Sal Saldana, General Manager at Town Center at Boca Raton. “We have been committed to the community for over 40 years. With this significant redevelopment, I can confidently say that Boca just got better.” We couldn’t agree more!

Town Center at Boca Raton makeover Continue reading Town Center at Boca Raton Multi-Million Dollar Makeover is a Stunner →

MOMPRENEURS

MOMpreneur Monday: The Power Of 3 Strengths Children’s Coaching Program

MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.

Welcome to our latest installment of MOMpreneur Monday, highlighting businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow mamas!

Modern Boca Mom MOMpreneur Monday

Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is Rachael Allen, Owner of The Power Of 3 Strengths, a children’s coaching program.

The Power of 3 Strengths children's coaching program in Boca Raton: Founder, Rachael Allen

Continue reading MOMpreneur Monday: The Power Of 3 Strengths Children’s Coaching Program →

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