TRAVEL

How to Plan a St. Petersburg & Clearwater Family Road Trip from South Florida

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I recently wrote about our “good ol’ fashioned family road trip” to St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach, Florida in my column on BocaMag.com. Road trips are officially back in high fashion thanks to this lingering pandemic! One area of Florida we hadn’t hit as a family yet? Tampa Bay’s gulf coast area—specifically Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg (St. Pete to the locals). I was excited to visit a section of the state I hadn’t explored yet during spring break. On our long weekend St. Pete and Clearwater family road trip itinerary? Pirates, dolphins, a little Dali and some hands-on discovery of Florida’s gulf coast!

Read on to start planning your own family road trip…

Clearwater family road trip Continue reading How to Plan a St. Petersburg & Clearwater Family Road Trip from South Florida →

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 →

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 →

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 →

KIDS

Local Hospital Has Gift & Toy Safety Advice for Parents this Holiday Season

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If I had to pick just one, the word I’d choose to represent 2020 would be: safety. Keeping our kids safe is at the top of every parent’s list and this year was quite a doozy. It’s pretty much our number one job aside from keeping the snacks flowing. And with the holidays coming, my partner West Boca Medical Center and I wanted to offer some valuable gift and toy safety advice for  parents.

Toy Safety Advice for Parents
Photo by Sweet Memories Photography

Together with Celina Moore, MD, FAAP, we’ve put together tips on red flags to look out for when gift giving this season and what to do in case your kids do get hurt or sick as a result. Continue reading Local Hospital Has Gift & Toy Safety Advice for Parents this Holiday Season →

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 →

LIFESTYLE

Holiday Photo Shoot at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton

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One of my most favorite parts of the holiday season is getting photo cards in the mail from my family and friends! Heck- I even love ’em from business associates! Last year, we ordered bold and artsy holiday postcards from minted. This year, while I still plan to order postcards, I wasn’t quite sure how we wanted to express our overall feelings about 2020. You may be in the same boat. This year stunk.

Since my family and I spent most of 2020 in pajamas and athleisure outfits, I brainstormed fun ways to visually turn the worst year ever right on its head. So, I convinced my family to go GLAM! And the best reason to dress up in town? The theater. I reached out to my friends at The Wick and they were so gracious to accommodate our  annual family shoot with Sweet Memories Photography.

Not to mention…what type of local business could really use the most publicity right now?  Live theater. Yes, live theater. Are you ready to see the photos from our 2020 holiday photoshoot at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton?

Holiday Photo Shoot at The Wick Theatre Boca Raton
Featuring Playbills from some of our favorite shows at The Wick
Enjoy 15% off holiday cards with code MERRY20 at Minted.com

Holiday Photoshoot at The Wick Theatre Boca Raton

Continue reading Holiday Photo Shoot at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton →

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

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 →

LIFESTYLE

Relationships + Holidays | How to Survive and Thrive According to this Boca Therapist

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Under pressure! That’s how I feel this time of year as a mom. I never quite think my husband is under the same amount though, am I right? Makes me resent him a tiny little bit. But, this is supposed to be the most “wonderful time of the year!” Relationships are complicated, aren’t they? Why is it that the holidays in particular put so much strain on a marriage/partnership? Especially if you’re a parent…

I reached out to Boca therapist, Lori Lundin-Fish, PhD, LMFT of Palm Beach Therapy Center. As a mom AND therapist, she gets how muddled and stressful our lives are during the holiday season. And I need help!

Boca therapist gives advice about holiday stress Continue reading Relationships + Holidays | How to Survive and Thrive According to this Boca Therapist →

LIFESTYLE

Boca Raton Museum of Art Outdoor Holiday Photo Shoot

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One of my absolute favorite parts of the holiday season is getting photo cards in the mail from family and friends! Heck- I even love ’em from business associates! We always cover an entire door in our family room with the cards we receive and leave them up through January…maybe even February. Last year, we ordered vintage-themed holiday postcards from minted. This year, I was inspired by that super cool red sculpture at the Boca Raton Museum of Art–they renovated that whole outside section along Federal Highway earlier this year. So, I went ahead and scheduled an October shoot with Sweet Memories Photography. Are you ready to see the photos from our 2019 Boca Raton Museum of Art holiday photo shoot?

Save 20% on holiday cards and get FREE Rush Shipping with code: BELLS at Minted

Boca Raton Museum of Art 2019 Holiday photo shoot

Continue reading Boca Raton Museum of Art Outdoor Holiday Photo Shoot →

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 →

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

Local Psychologist Helps You Find Your Merry Way Through Holiday Stress

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The season is a time for family, friends, presents, parties and….holiday stress. Studies show that the holidays can be the most stressful time of year. Nearly a quarter of Americans reported feeling “extreme stress” come holiday time, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association.

So what can you do to limit common holiday stress for you and your family? Boys Town of South Florida Psychologist Diane Andreou has shared her tips with us!

Continue reading Local Psychologist Helps You Find Your Merry Way Through Holiday Stress →

KIDS, LIFESTYLE

Boca Raton Train Museum Holiday Photo Shoot

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My favorite part about the holiday season is getting all of the fabulous photo cards in the mail from our family and friends! We literally cover an entire door in our family room with all of the cards we receive and leave them up through January…maybe even February. ? Last year, we ordered gorgeous foil stamped holiday cards from minted. This year, I decided I wanted to create less waste (sans envelopes) and send out holiday postcards. So, I went ahead and scheduled an October shoot with Sweet Memories Photography so I could get them out right after Thanksgiving. Are you ready to see the photos from our 2018 Boca Raton Train Museum holiday photo shoot?

Enjoy 15% Off Holiday Cards with code JOY18 at Minted!

Boca Raton Train Museum 2018 Holiday photo shoot

Boca Raton Train Museum photo shoot by Sweet Memories Photography

Boca Raton Train Museum photo shoot by Sweet Memories Photography Continue reading Boca Raton Train Museum Holiday Photo Shoot →

HOME & GARDEN

Save Energy this Holiday Season: 9 Easy Ways to Get Started

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Between the massive amounts of cookie baking, late nights of gift wrapping and the addition of hundreds of twinkly lights to our Boca Raton house this month, any measure that helps to lower our January energy bill is a welcome one. And let’s be honest, who couldn’t stand to save some money this holiday season? In my ongoing effort to streamline our family budget, I have been actively seeking out ways to save energy this holiday season at our home.

Save energy this holiday season with Modern Boca Mom & FPL

The best online resource I’ve found? Go figure, it’s from our energy company itself: Florida Power & Light. Make it your New Year’s resolution to visit their site year round for energy (and money) saving tips and tricks: FPL.com/EasyToSave

Continue reading Save Energy this Holiday Season: 9 Easy Ways to Get Started →

LIFESTYLE

How to Wrangle Your Family into Taking Boca Raton Holiday Pictures

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I have a love/hate relationship with family portraits. My entire childhood, my mother would drag my sister and I over to the Sears Portrait Studio at the Town Center Mall (RIP) to take our Boca Raton holiday pictures. We did this even AFTER I graduated from college. But now that I have my own daughter, I totally see why it was important to her.

Boca Raton Holiday Pictures
www.swtmemoriesphotography.com

Continue reading How to Wrangle Your Family into Taking Boca Raton Holiday Pictures →

KIDS

Holiday Safety Tips for Kids: MBMom’s Top 10

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Children have a great time during the holiday season. As for parents, it’s definitely a fun but also very busy time with many distractions, long to-do lists and changes in routine. In order to fully enjoy the season, it is important to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Take appropriate safety measures and follow these 10 holiday safety tips for kids that will help everyone in the family, especially the little ones, enjoy a safe holiday season! Continue reading Holiday Safety Tips for Kids: MBMom’s Top 10 →

HOME & GARDEN

Always Be Prepared for Those Last-Minute Guests with this Publix Promotion

This post is sponsored by the “Stock Up” promotion at Publix. The opinions and text are all mine.

With the holiday season approaching, you never know when friends and family might decide to drop by to say an (often unexpected) hello! It happens quite frequently at “The Rogers Ranch,” aka our Boca Raton home. Make sure you’re always prepared for that spur-of-the-moment visit, dinner or last-minute houseguest by stocking up on the essentials!

Be Prepared for Last Minute Guests with this Publix Promotion Continue reading Always Be Prepared for Those Last-Minute Guests with this Publix Promotion →

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY

The Essential Check-Up Checklist for Boca Raton Parents

Us parents tend to have a love/hate relationship with check-ups for our kids, am I right? Sure, they’re an important milestone for our Boca kids. They need that yearly physical! It’s the best way to track progress as our little ones grow with their trusted pediatrician. Whether you do a well check-up with your pediatrician before the start of summer camp or when the school year begins, or right around your child’s birthday, it’s important to get a baseline check-up to keep your Boca child the healthiest.

But what should a pediatric check-up consist of, anyway? We all know we need those updated school/camp forms, but how can we make sure our kids are staying on target in terms of wellness, exercise, nutrition, sleep, behavior, study habits, etc.?!

I asked the experts at Boca VIPediatrics and Boca’s favorite pediatricians, Dr. Rudnick, Dr. Gilbert, Dr. Fisch, and Dr. Alex just how a well child check-up should go in a perfect world. What questions should we moms (and dads) be asking? What information should we be receiving from our pediatrician? Are we doing everything we can to keep our child the happiest and healthiest?

Continue reading The Essential Check-Up Checklist for Boca Raton Parents →

MOMPRENEURS

MOMpreneur Monday: YogaSix West Boca

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 logo

Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is Carolyn Schwartz, Owner of YogaSix West Boca!

YogaSix West Boca Raton

Continue reading MOMpreneur Monday: YogaSix West Boca →

EVENTS

In Search of South Florida Pumpkin Patches?

Pumpkin Lattes. Spiced bread. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin beer.

T’is the season in South Florida for all things pumpkin and fall. Unfortunately the weather does not come close to even reflecting the change in season, so we South Floridians rely upon pumpkins to set the tone…and nothing says pumpkin more than a good ole South Florida PUMPKIN PATCH.

Today we shall focus on two can’t miss South Florida pumpkin patches for Fall; one in the west and one that is east. Continue reading In Search of South Florida Pumpkin Patches? →

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