You guys. How is it only the end of January and already I feel like I've been on the go-go-go train for forever? The new year started with a bang and I've been non-stop ever since! Everything from on-boarding a new cycle of mastermind students to hosting houseguests for the long weekend, to attending parents' night for ... high school (!!) orientation. Thank goodness a girls' weekend had been on the calendar for weeks - it came at just the right time. Weekend before last, I had the pleasure of stealing away for two whole nights with my blogging BFFs Jessica McFadden of A Parent In Silver Spring, Amy Mascott of Teach Mama, and Sandie Chen of The DC Moms to Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA, and it was just what the doctor ordered. Spending time with good girlfriends always recharges me and being able to do so in a gorgeous and tranquil setting was icing on the cake. Jess did us the honor of driving and we caught up on life by chatting non-stop for the almost-5-hour-drive down. [Note: without traffic the drive from where we live in Maryland is just under 3 hours, but we left smack in the middle of rush hour and we stopped for a bite a Cracker Barrel - a must-do on a road trip through Virginia.] Check-in was a breeze and they gave us the keys for our 2-bedroom condo with gorgeous views of the James River. By the way, the Resort offers all kinds of accommodations, from guest rooms to private vacation homes. Check it. About Kingsmill Resort The only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort in historic Williamsburg, Kingsmill Resort offers luxurious riverside accommodations. From our (anything but) standard guestrooms to our 1,2, and 3-bedroom condos we have the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day. And whether you’re traveling for business, a weekend away with the family, or a romantic getaway for two, resort amenities like fantastic golf, a relaxing spa, and sumptuous dining options will enhance your visit. Because when you stay at Kingsmill, it’s more than just a hotel room—it’s an experience. Our spacious digs were fully appointed and had a full kitchen, dining room, living room and fireplace, making us feel right at home. Of course we did what any group of girlfriends would do and stayed up late talking and snacking and talking and laughing. Perfection. The next day was... Spa Day!! We enjoyed a combination of pedicures and massages in the on-site Kingsmill Spa. Sandie and I got a little bit "lost" on our walk over to the Spa (there was no good reason other than we were yapping) and the friendliest guy driving a golf cart for the Resort took pity on us and gave us a lift. He literally couldn't stop laughing because he thought we were such a mess. What can I say? If the shoe fits! The Resort has a full-service spa and is fabulous. I truly wasn't expecting such a luxurious facility! The staff were all helpful and sweet and one of the best parts of the day was kicking back in the spa lounge in our … [Read more...] about Relaxing, recharging and rejoicing at Kingsmill Resort
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Fergie’s Feel-Good Gift Guide 2017
1.Rachel Roy Party Shift Dress via Jaci Blue // 2. The Crybaby Club Big Girl Panties Enamel Pin via Jaci Blue // 3. The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna // 4. Shortcakes from Callie's Charleston Biscuits // 5. Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey // 6. Women's Mayliss 6-inch Boots by Timberland // 7. Lady Bey Votive Candle (similar) It's that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us. And not a moment too soon given the BAMBOOZLE OF A YEAR that we've lived through. If I thought that we needed a Feel-Good Gift Guide last year, then this year we need a Feel-GREAT Guide, amirite? The last 11 months were a series of ups and downs for me. The Ups? Celebrating my birthday 5 months early at Trinidad Carnival; a fun family Spring Break road trip to Charlotte, NC; witnessing The Teen run in the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics at North Carolina AT&T and qualify for Nationals; pouring into the businesses of my Cycle 2 influencers in the Rockstar Program; presenting at Black Social Media Summit in Austin during SXSW; getting my whole entire life at Odyssey Retreat in Amelia Island as a guest of Coca-Cola; the Tween starting Middle School; rescuing a Bulldog/Boxer mix named Lola; giving a keynote talk at sea during the Midwest Women's Empowerment Summit cruise; eating my face off in New Orleans at the Being Boss Vacation; producing the 9th Annual Blogalicious Weekend in Miami... The Downs? Above everything, the complications that resulted from my hysterectomy and the 6 weeks of tubes, physical and emotional suffering and procedures that followed. The other major down? Your president. I'll leave it at that. And so, in the interest of bringing a little bit of 'Up' into your holiday season, check out my picks for Feel-Good Gifts! Feel-Good for My Curves: Anything from Jaci Blue Boutique (1+2) When I was in NOLA last month, I scheduled my trip so that I would land back home in Maryland just in time to do a quick change and head out to Howard University Homecoming. I wanted to rock something cute so I Yelp'd boutiques in New Orleans since I had a couple of hours to kill before my flight out. Something told me to set myself up for success and to just search for plus-size boutiques so that I wouldn't be wasting time at stores that didn't have clothes that would fit me properly. Imagine my delight when Jaci Blue's Boutique came up in my search - amazing ratings, a cute website and it was open: score! The shop was adorable and the owner was so great - she helped me pick out items to try on and I learned that this was her second venture in the retail game. What I loved most about the boutique was the emphasis on positive body image: she had love notes in the dressing room and books and pins - like the Big Girl Panties pin - and other merch that reinforced her motto that "beauty is a mindset, not a waistline." She even has a blog. My girl. Feel-Good for My … [Read more...] about Fergie’s Feel-Good Gift Guide 2017
Being Boss In New Orleans
This summer - while laid up in a hospital bed for the a week - I decided to gift my future self some time away and some self-care. I had been toying with the idea of registering for the Being Boss NOLA Vacation, since I love Kathleen and Emily's Being Boss podcast, but I was doing that thing we do where we talk ourselves out of something. It's too pricey. I don't know if I can get away. I won't know anyone there. And then my summer came crashing down around me (more on that in another post). Sitting in that hospital bed with 3 tubes coming out of me, I decided - eff it! I'm GOING. That was "July Stacey" and let me tell you that "October Stacey" really appreciated the gesture. Last week, I boarded a plane bound for New Orleans all by my lonesome...and I was super excited about it. I had of course mapped out my eating plans for the weekend, but other than that, I was going to let myself go where the wind blew me. The trip was a lovely combination of "me time" - a fab mani/pedi at Buff Beauty Bar; lunch for 1 at Willie Mae's Scotch House; diving into a novel I've been waiting a long time to read; binging on Real Housewives of New Jersey (I'm not proud but it was fun) AND connecting with fellow girl bosses at the retreat. I made several fast friends and we got to have drinks together, visit the Pharmacy Museum together, enjoy SUPER DELICIOUS grilled oysters together and hang out for the LIVE Being Boss podcast and Masterclass. On my free time I used to play online slots. What I loved the most was meeting women entrepreneurs with ALL SORTS of touchy feel-good kinds of businesses. Special shoutouts to Kate of Southern Minnesota Midwifery; Becca of BeccaPiasterelli.com; Amy of AmyKuretsky.com; and Meg of Meg K the Va, to name a few! If you're debating whether you can and should step out on a limb and attend an event all by your lonesome or even take some time out just for you - the answer is a resounding YES. Thanks to Emily and Kathleen of Being Boss for creating this space for bosses like me. … [Read more...] about Being Boss In New Orleans
Missing My Yoga Practice
I haven't worked out since July. It's a tragedy. After experiencing my BUMMER SUMMER and having multiple procedures and bed rest and extended recovery time, I am just now getting to the point where I can start back up with my exercise routine. Make no mistake, I am not a triathlete or anything, but I *was* going to Zumba and cycling regularly and the occasional yoga class. I say "occasional" because I haven't found a class that I love as much as when I was going to Core Power Yoga. The classes are upbeat (mostly Vinyasa flow), with house or hip hop music, and even incorporating weights. Oh yes and the room is warm - not as hot as Bikram, but CLOSE. Leaving those classes made me feel so energized and grounded and alive. But then we moved to a whole 'nother county. And now the closes CPY is 16 miles way. Which may not sound terribly far, but it's a solid 30mins without any traffic. Now that I've turned 40, my body makes it plain that I need stretching and breathing and centering on a regular basis. The problem is that I keep comparing each yoga class I try to my old one. And they don't measure up. What's this suffering pseudo-yogi to do? … [Read more...] about Missing My Yoga Practice
A Guest Review of Olney Theatre’s Little Orphan Annie #sponsored
[The good folks at Olney Theatre invited me to attend this production but I was going to be giving a keynote talk on a cruise for the Midwest Women's Empowerment Summit, so my mom - who traveled to Maryland to watch the kids - went instead! This is her review... thanks Mom!!] I went to this musical production excited to hear one of my favorite scores, which my children have sung since they were toddlers, and I was not disappointed. From the moment Little Orphan Annie’s character, played by Noelle Robinson, appeared on stage, revealing her captivating personality, to the final bows, the show was upbeat, funny and tore at the heartstrings. The production presented some changes to the original score but the old standbys, It’s a Hard Knock Life, Little Girls, I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, Easy Street and, of course, Tomorrow were all show stoppers. The performances by members of the diverse cast (i.e. it was exciting to see the lead Annie and Daddy Warbucks played by African-American actors) brought energy and humor, showcasing enormous talent from the delightful orphan Molly, played by Kylee Hope Geraci to the imposing Oliver Warbucks played by Kevin McAllister. The sets, though simple, vividly brought the show to life, transporting the audience from the orphanage to Daddy Warbuck’s mansion and locations in between. This is a ‘must see’ for youth and adults; music lovers and drama aficionados. It is great theatre! --- Annie runs November 10, 2017 - December 31, 2017 and tickets begin at $47. Visit OlneyTheatre.org to purchase. ABOUT THE SHOW From the director of last year's hit holiday musical, Mary Poppins, the sun will come out brightly during the holidays. Annie has been the gateway for millions of kids to develop a love of live theatre, with this 40th Anniversary production, a new generation gets its shot. It's the middle of the Great Depression in New York City, and hard-knocks abound, especially for Annie and her friends at the orphanage run by Miss Hannigan. But when billionaire-celebrity Oliver Warbucks requires the presence of an orphan to soften his image, Annie unexpectedly finds a way into his heart. Along the way, Warbucks attempts to help Annie find her lost parents, prompting Miss Hannigan to concoct a scheme intended to get her hands on Annie and Warbucks' cash. Featuring Patricia Hurley (Mary Poppins), Kevin McAllister (Ford's Theatre's Ragtime), Rachel Zampelli (Evita), and Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Rent - Tony Award® Winner). Annie is recommended for ages 5+. **Parental Guidance for the performance HERE. Disclosure: We received complimentary show tickets for this performance. All opinions are Mommy's own! … [Read more...] about A Guest Review of Olney Theatre’s Little Orphan Annie #sponsored
