Sporty Mommas

Cannabis is the new Black

Filed under: Mom Life ·

We all have heard the debates over medical marijuana and I am not here to join the debate at all. What I would love to share is some of the things that I have discovered over the past year. I was thrilled to attend the Women Who Wine event a few weeks ago hosted by Wine with Nat and Surterra Wellness Company. Since I already have experience with CBD and know a few family members that are using medical marijuana products just like the CBDDY: hemp oil, so I was ready to hear what a “real” medical doctor had to say. Boy did she have a lot to say. And also, DocMJ Orlando aims to make the process of getting your medical marijuana recommendations much simpler.

As fifteen influencers sat around the multi million dollar yacht, “Something About Meri”, we listened to the benefits of cannabis from special guest, Dr. Stephanie Jimenez.  There is definitely a difference in CBD and Medical Marijuana (THC). The marijuana plant is powerful. It is considered by some to be a superfood. The articles by I Love Growing Marijuana can help people in tending their marijuana garden. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two primary cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Both of these substances interact with the cannabinoid receptors that are found in the human body. However CBD and THC have dramatically different effects on the brain. CBD is non-psychoactive which means that you won’t get high. Because of this CBD is popping up everywhere in dietary and natural supplements. 

About a year ago I was talking to a mom friend of mine about how I was having difficulty sleeping. She asked me if I had tried the CBD oil that she had given me months before and I told her no. I actually gave it to a friend who has a daughter with ADHD and autism. She told me that I needed a bottle for myself so I desperately gave it a try. To my surprise Buddasbest has helped me so much. I use it sporadically but I can tell you that it helps me relax and sleep better. Recently I have found out that it helps my body when I am super sore from working out. (Bath Bomb) Dr. Jimenez mentioned in our group discussion that a lot of women and kids are benefiting from CBD. Women go through so much on a daily basis the last thing we need is anxiety and lack of sleep.

The Benefits of CBD: Research studies show that CBD may be helpful with:

*Pain Relief

*Epilepsy

*MS

*ALS

*Parkinson’s 

*Inflammation

*Acne

*Broken bones

*Depression

*Diabetes

*Rhematoid Arthritis

*Anxiety

*ADHD

*Heart Disease

*IBS

THC is what produces the high or sense of euphoria. 

THC (Medical Marijuana) is used to help with conditions such as:

*pain

*muscle spasms

*glaucoma

*insomnia 

*low appetite

*nausea

*anxiety

Cannabis comes in many different forms. There are oils, vapes, smokable weed, and edibles that are infused with THC such as baked goods, gummies, or chocolates. There are even some beauty products that are infused with CBD. Did you know that Josie Marin has a CBD Argan oil? The cannabis world is expanding daily. I think it is a great time to learn more and see how this powerful plant can help you or your loved ones. Please note that Medical Marijuana is prescribed by a medical professional. CBD is is legal in all 50 states as long as it complies with the regulations of keeping the THC level below 0.3%. Which is what Buddasbest regulates in all of their products. Dr. Jimenez explained to us how the Surterra Wellness center works with patients. Surterra is a medical marijuana dispensary with locations all across Florida.  If you have a serious condition and are interested in medical marijuana I highly recommend that you reach out to her.  They actually just opened a location in Pinecrest. There is a process and you will be monitored to find the right dosage for your body.  Most patients have to adjust their dosage several times before getting it right.  If you or someone you know are interested in speaking with a medical professional about CBD and medical marijuana you can reach her at sjimenez@surterra.comr  If you want more information on the CBD oil that I currently use visit www.buddasbest.com and use code: momlife to get 15% off your total purchase. 

XOXO,

Sharonda

Disney Dream (Part 2)

Filed under: Mom Life ·

 

Day two on the Disney Dream was just as full of excitement as the first day. We had to get up early for our breakfast seating time. Everyone is assigned restaurants and times to have breakfast. I was very happy with the gluten free menu accommodations for our son. Sometimes when you travel it is hard to find options but once our server found out about his dietary restrictions they were on it. He was able to enjoy yummy pancakes, donuts and Mickey Waffles just like the other kids. Tip 4: Let the server know if you have any food allergies. After breakfast at the Royal Palace we gathered our beach bags and departed the ship for a busy day at Atlantis Aquaventure. We spent last Spring Break at Atlantis so it was cool to be able to enjoy the slides and spend some time on the beach with the kiddos. They love the slides and the lazy river. I usually just chill at the pool and take pictures. The last time that I went on the lazy river, my tube wanted to do it’s own thing so yeah…I am not going back for awhile.

 

We spent about 6 hours at Atlantis, which is just enough time to enjoy the water, have lunch and explore a little. The waves were very serious so we didn’t spend as much time at the beach. Before we knew it, it was 4 p.m. and time to head back to the ship. I wasn’t playing around after having those dreams that the ship left us lol! It took a while to get everyone cleaned up and ready for dinner. It was Pirate Night!!! I ordered a bunch of Pirate stuff from Amazon. Thank God for Amazon Prime.  Tip 5: Order or make Pirate costumes Everyone willingly participated in Pirate Night (even the hubby) and we enjoyed dinner at the Enchanted Garden. This restaurant was the prettiest but I wasn’t crazy about the menu. I think it changes from time to time and perhaps I ordered the wrong selection.

 

The older two kids enjoyed watching Captain Marvel in the movie theater while the little one and I went to see Beauty and the Beast live. I was so impressed with the theater, performers and special effects. We enjoyed fresh popcorn, gummy Mickey’s and ginger ale while watching the show. It is amazing what they can do on these ships. I must say it was a full day and we were all ready to go to bed. The kids were so tired from our daily activities that they only went to kids club once.

 

 

On the third day we headed to Castaway Cay. It was all my little one kept talking about. Disney’s own private island was not a disappointment. You name it, they had it. Slides, kids club, jet skis, snorkeling, great food and an adult only beach. There is definitely something for everyone. My oldest daughter convinced her dad to take her on the jet skis. I thought they were just going to ride back and forth where I could see them but they left with a group of about 12 jet skis and disappeared for like 45 minutes. She said it was the best thing ever!!!! I needed a glass of wine from worrying so much lol.

 

The Disney Dream was really amazing. Now I know what everyone was talking about. It was worth every penny to see my kids have so much fun and experience something new. They were actually sad when we started packing up our bags. There is so much more to share but I don’t want to tell you everything. I can say that if you have never been on a Disney Cruise you should definitely plan one soon. Tip 6: Go for it Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring the world. I am already planning our next Disney Cruise for 2020. This time we are heading to the Mediterranean!!!! Where’s your favorite family vacation spot?

 

 

 

 

My son says, “My favorite thing on the Disney Cruise was the Aqua Duck slide and finally seeing Captain Marvel”

 

XO,

Sharonda

 

 

 

 

The Stew Crew’s Disney Cruise

Filed under: Mom Life ·

My kids must have watched over 100 YouTube videos reviewing the Disney Cruise. I would walk into our office and find my 8 year old watching the kids go on the slides, eating treats and searching for the perfect room. They started begging us to go last year but I was very hesitant. You see I have been on a few day cruises to gamble and catamarans hanging out with the girls but never slept on a ship. I didn’t know if I could survive with my nerves. In January, I started searching for the best itinerary that fit our Spring Break schedule. I decided on the 3 night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream leaving out of Port Canaveral because it left right when the kids got out of school and we could enjoy a few days in Orlando when we returned. When I told the kids they were beyond excited and started counting down right away.

 

 

I had anxiety for weeks leading up to the cruise. Crazy dreams that one of the kids went missing lol. Or dreams about missing the ship at the port of entry and being stuck on an island. Yes, I was a bit paranoid. But after talking to a few friends they reassured me that the Disney Cruise was the best cruise to book and I would have a great time.  I am so glad that I calmed down enough to really enjoy this trip. We really had a blast. I have had so many people ask me for tips and what not since posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram so I wanted to do a quick review of our amazing Disney Cruise. This is part one because there’s so much to share.

 

 

We packed up the truck on Thursday afternoon and jumped on the Turnpike around 4 p.m. heading to Orlando. My hubby and I decided that it was easier to already be in the area then jump up at 6 a.m. rushing to the Port and something crazy come up like the SUV breaking down or unbearable traffic. The truck had been giving us some problems and even though we picked it up from service the day before we didn’t want to take any chances. We arrived to Orlando with way too many bags. Anyone else over pack like me? After checking into the Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace we headed over to have dinner at Paddlefish in Disney Springs. It was delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday morning we checked out of the hotel, grabbed breakfast from Panera and headed to the Port around 11 a.m. I was already freaking out and driving my husband crazy. We left a little later than I planned and I was starting to worry. Well we got to the port around 1 p.m. which was an hour before our boarding time. First tip: Drop your bags off at the drop off before parking the car lol. We didn’t do it and had to roll the bags quite a distance. After clearing security and check in we had our picture taken in our matching shirts and our cruise adventure began. Tip 2: Get  cute themed shirts from Etsy or Amazon. 

 

 

 

Everyone was so nice and helpful as soon as we walked on the ship. It was like being at Magic Kingdom but on water. We immediately went to our rooms to decorate our doors. Tip 3: Order a fun door magnet to help identify your room from the others cause they all look alike. I ordered ours from Etsy. I was super impressed with the rooms. I originally booked the Veranda ocean view that slept 5, but my husband decided to add another connecting room because we are used to the extra space. (I/m so glad that he did) The kids had their room and we had ours. I must say the beds and showers were amazing considering we were on a ship. I need to find out what kind of mattress they had.

 

 

 

 

Each night had a theme so you want to pay attention to the itinerary. There was a Sail Away party, Pirate night and Fancy attire on our ship. Most people dressed up each night but you don’t have to. I got tons of compliments on our t-shirts and pirate costumes. After the sail away party my kids rushed to put on their swimsuits to hit the slides. We enjoyed dinner at Animation Palate where we had an interactive meal with Crush from Turtle Talk. It was super yummy and fun. The kids went to the Oceanaire Kids Club after dinner while the adults explored the ship. The ship was so big by the way that we did not make it to the front of the ship. There are over 1250 room on the Disney Dream! Crazy right?  Stay tuned for Part 2 later on this week.

 

 

 

Here’s what my eight year old said about the cruise. “My favorite thing on the Disney Cruise was the Kid’s Club, Goofy’s Sports Simulator and the Aqua Duck!” She must have gone on this slide 20 times.

 

XO,

Sharonda

A day in the life of a Sporty Momma

Filed under: Mom Life ·

If you follow me on social media you already know that I am always on the go. But I think that is the case of most moms of multiple kids. My friend Stephanie always jokes with me telling me that I need to get my own reality T.V. show…. Not quite sure about T.V. but I decided to share with you guys what my normal routine is like on most days of the week.

A day in the life of a Sporty Momma

6:45 a.m. First alarm goes off

7:00 Alarm number 2 goes off, guess I better get moving

7-7:25 Get myself dressed

7:30  Comb kid number 1 hair and send her off to school. Wake up kids 2 and 3

7:45-8:15 Prepare breakfast, listen to kids argue over what to watch on T.V. while eating breakfast and packing lunches.

8:20 rush to school to get them inside before the bell. Pray that there is no traffic or that the crossing guard doesn’t hold up the flow

 

 

8:45-9 Sit outside in my car and read a page of You are A Badass Every Damn Day

9-10 Hit the gym (most days I listen to Billboard’s Top 100 on Tidal) Side note: Ariana Grande is killing it 

10:15-10:45 Mail off Sporty Mommas packages to my favorite customers and grab breakfast.   (Yes I know I should have eaten something by now) 

11:00-11:30 Shower and get dressed again

11:30 -12:30 Complete daily tasks of emails, social media updates, searching the web for ideas and inspiration

12:30-1:30 Complete a session from B-School. (It is an online coaching program that helps me create a better business but today I am feeling like WTF) 

 

 

1:30 I need a nap but time to pick up the kiddos

2:00 Get the kids lunch cause they eat too early at school and I need food too. Thank God for the Panera App our food is already on the shelf waiting for us.

3:00 Pick up kid 1 

3:30 head to a doctors appointment for kid 2 and don’t forget the book bag to do homework while we wait cause it is always a long wait

4-6 We are at the doctors office trying to stay calm and positive but at least we did our homework and got a good report from the doctor. 

6-7 Complete homework with other kiddos and throw dinner in the oven. Tonight it is herb roasted chicken, baked potatoes and green beans. (I only cook 1-2 times a week)

 

 

7:30 finally sit down, eat dinner and watch the Heat game

8:30 Iron clothes for tomorrow while listening to Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming on my audiobook app

9 p.m.  I am exhausted but everyone is healthy and happy so I won’t complain. Damn I forgot to give him the probiotics. 

**This was actually a calm day because there was no practice or tutoring today lol.

 

XO,

Sharonda

 

 

Fashionista Friday: Sporty Chic Inspiration

Filed under: Fashion, Mom Life ·

Can you believe that it is March already? I can’t. The only thing that I can say is that I am super excited about Spring Break. But other than that the days are going by a little too fast for me. Well March is Women’s History month so I wanted to kick off the month with a few of my favorite quotes from a few of my favorite badass women entrepreneurs. Did you know that Women’s History month traces all the way back to the first International Women’s Day in 1911? In 1978, the school district of Sonoma, California participated in Women’s History Week but it wasn’t until 1987 that congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month. Salute to all of the amazing women that came before us and let’s continue to uplift and support the amazing women in our lives. What are some of your favorite quotes?

 

 

“Nothing beats a failure but a try”

Rosemary J.

 

 

“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”

Oprah Winfrey

 

 

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself”

Co Co Chanel

 

XOXO,

Sharonda

Valentines Gift Guide

Filed under: Mom Life ·

Hey Sporty Mommas!!! Are you looking for the perfect Valentines gift for your significant other? I know shopping for Valentines Day may not be that fun and it is just one more thing to add to our long to do lists. In my case I always struggle with finding a cool gift because Christmas, our Anniversary, Valentines Day and his birthday are right after each other. Most of the time I am like… hey Valentines Day is supposed to be for the ladies anyways right, lol! But I know that guys like to be acknowledged and spoiled too.  I recently read an article where relationship experts say that couples who take time off to appreciate and celebrate each other, stay together. If you don’t have a Valentine date yet, I suggest you read this reddit sexting info. So I guess we better get to shopping. The fun thing about this gift guide is that I found things that both of you can enjoy. Happy Shopping!!!!

Did you know that Tom Ford Black Orchid is unisex?

Concert or sports tickets!

Andrea Bocelli is actually in town on Valentines Day


A couples Spa Day is a win win for both. I love the Mandarin Oriental!!!

Don’t want to splurge, try a couples massage instead. 

Dinner for two at Fiola Miami

The hottest spot in D.C. just opened in Miami a few moths ago.

A boudoir photo shoot. Pics for him and for you!!! Check out Serendipity.

XO,

Sharonda

Give yourself a break

Filed under: Mom Life ·

The other day I was speaking with one of my mom friends just chatting it up about life. You know how the conversation goes…how are you, how are the kids, what are you up to these days. Same ole, same ole. But after talking for a few minutes, she noticed that I seemed somewhat frustrated. She was right. So once I started sharing my true feelings and let it all out she made me feel so much better by saying that she could relate to what I was going through.

 

Most of you may not know that I was a teacher before getting married and having a family. When I went off to college I had already buried my dream of being an actress. (That’s another blog post) I decided that I could be a pediatrician and help save children. Then, I wanted to be a pediatric pharmacist.  However, after failing organic chemistry twice, I decided to teach cause I could still help save kids and not have to take out anymore student loans, lol. The message is that I never planned on being a SAHM! I am sure most of you SAHM didn’t either. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. It is a blessing to be able to be home with them and attend every possible activity in my power. But what happens when the kids get older and don’t need you as much? Then what? It’s something that I think more and more women are discussing these days. I think it was Glenn Close’s Golden Globes speech that really struck a nerve. She shared the story of how her mom at 80 felt like she hadn’t accomplished anything in life even though she kept up her home, raised amazing kids, grandchildren and supported her husband. She felt empty.

 

 

What I learned from that was that it is never too late to start to follow your dreams and do the things that you love. You may miss a game or two. You may not be able to host parent meetings at your house or attend every field trip but it is okay. You have to find personal fulfillment and follow your own dreams too. So, if you are beating yourself up over not being where you want to be… give yourself a break. You are doing an amazing job and the kids will one day appreciate that you did your own thing too. Take small steps towards your dreams but just keep stepping. I am writing these words to you guys but also to myself. For years I have suffered from severe mommy guilt. Fear of missing my daughter’s  first 20 point game or my son’s game winning shot. Not being there when they call home sick or so busy that I can’t be there for homework, activities or doctors appointments. But, I am learning each day to give myself a break and I hope that you will too. Here are three of my favorite affirmations to remind you of your greatness and if you want something, go for it! YOLO! (You only live once)

 

 

 

XO,

Sharonda

January Lovin’

Filed under: Mom Life ·

Can you believe that January is almost over? It seems like every time that I blink it is Friday. But hey I am not complaining at all. This year is off to a very hectic start and to be honest with you all I am just trying to keep my sh%t together. I have been decorating part of our home for almost a year now but you can’t really tell. Everything is moving so slow. I have window treatments up in one room, missing in another, the bar cabinets are missing and well there’s stuff everywhere.  I have hired two interior designers since March and well things just never seem to go as planned. But I guess that is how life goes. I am learning to be patient and to trust my gut. (Side bar: I should have ordered the sofa back in September lol)

 

On a happier note, I have decided to read a book a month and I am proud to say that I am on my second book of 2019 already! I am currently reading “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a f$ck by Mark Manson. It is not exactly how it sounds and even though I am only on Chapter 3, I highly recommend it.  I also challenged myself to try one new thing every few months and this month I took a boxing class at Sucker Punch Gym. The boxing and fitness studio is fairly new and located near the Falls. They offer personal training, boxing, spinning, yoga and there is a fully equipped gym located next door. It was so much better than I thought it would be and I must admit that I felt a huge sense of freedom punching the hell out of the bag. Have you ever tried boxing?

 

 

 

I hope that your week was amazing and I want to encourage you to do something for yourself this weekend.  Maybe book a spa day, take a class or buy yourself a new pair of undies cause I know we mommas are always looking out for everyone else. (You deserve new undies too) Here are a few other things that I am loving this month. Let me know if you have tried any of them.  Have a fabulous weekend!!!!

 

Must Have Makeup:  Becca Ultimate Concealer

 

 

Favorite Scent: Louis Vuitton Attrape-Reves

 

 

 

Designer: Marchesa’s designs have caught my eye over the past month. I love the bright colors, lace and flair these days. Normally I would never wear something like this but this is the year of trying new things!!!!

 

XO,

Sharonda

Shake it Off

Filed under: Fit Moms, Mom Life, Recipes ·

Happy Friday beautiful people! I have been slowly working on my vision board. When I see something that pops off of a page I cut it and save it into my “vision” folder. Hopefully by the end of the month it will all come together. One thing that has been on my list for the past few years is Health and Wellness. I must confess that I have picked up a few more pounds than I wanted to and now I need to find a way to shake them off because bikini season is right around the corner. Do you feel me?

After talking to my friends and reading up on a few different products I decided to go with 22 Days Nutrition to help me reach my goal of losing five pounds ASAP! Two weeks ago I purchased the 22 Days Plant Based Protein Powder in Vanilla and a box of Carmel protein bars. Thanks to our best friend Amazon Prime it was here next day and I got started right away. So far I am loving the taste of the products and I have dropped 2 pounds. I must add that eating out over the weekend did not helped me lol but I jumped right back on the program Monday morning.

I know that the key to this wellness journey is finding balance between diet, mindfulness and to incorporate exercise daily. It is true what they say about your metabolism slowing down the older you get and well for the first time in my life I really feel like I have to work to lose this weight. Consider trying Down to Earth Organics for low-calorie snacking options—they’re great for supporting weight loss while satisfying cravings guilt-free. So if you are struggling too, don’t feel bad. Grab your headphones turn on your favorite playlist and let’s shake this off. Below is one my favorite smoothie recipes!

Acai Smoothie

  1. 1 cup Malk Milk Vanilla
  2. 1 scoop 22 Days Nutrition Vanilla Protein Powder
  3. 1 cup 365 Frozen Tropical Fruit Mix
  4. 1 pack Sambazon Acai pouch
  5. Blend and enjoy

XO,

Sharonda

Change of plans 2019

Filed under: Mom Life ·

Happy New Year ladies!!!! I hope that your 2019 is off to a great start. Did you write down your goals, make a vision board, or sign up for a new gym membership yet? That is what we tend to do every year. On January 1st we come out swinging ready to take on the world. And there’s nothing stopping us, right? Until about two weeks later we realized that those excuses that we thought we buried are still nagging us telling us that we can’t do it. 

 

So this year I decided to try something new. I am not making any goals… yet. I am going to rest and give myself time to recover from the kids being home for 2 weeks. I am going to declutter my closet, clean out my makeup drawer, wallet, the locker room (aka the trunk of my car) and just chill. Because the truth is I am exhausted and I need more time to get my shit together. My mom says that I always had a plan growing up. Well ladies, I have no plan. I am just looking forward to getting back on a real schedule.

 

 

I have started my list of must read books for 2019. Over the break I purchased Jen Sincero: You are a Badass Every Day. It is a daily motivation book to remind you of your bad ass self! When I mentioned it on Facebook a friend told me to get the green book. So I decided to get the audio copy of You are a Badass at Making Money. The audio is working out pretty good for me. I realized that since I spend so much time in my car I can probably finish it in less than a week. (I’m already on Chapter 4) Now that I am thinking about it I should have gotten Michelle Obama’s book on audio too cause I have been stuck on page 101 for a month. #momlife 

So please don’t feel bad if you haven’t set goals or made a vision board yet, just do it when you are ready. Well that’s it for now. I am going to chill, sip on some Kombucha and finish listening to Jen tell me that I am a badass so I can keep creating badass stuff and make some money in 2019. 

 

XO,

Sharonda 

 

P.S.

Amazon has a free 14 day trial of Audible if you want to give Audio books a try. : )