Jul 13 2018

Cancer Moms Travel for Self-Care at Mary’s Place by the Sea

Take a moment to imagine that you’re head is pounding. You’re feeling nauseous. You’re weak and struggling to get out of the bed.

Your children are young and don’t understand that mommy needs a moment. Mommy’s body isn’t cooperating so she can’t do the things that she normally does.

Although mommy wants to.

Mommy should be focused on taking care of herself but she can’t help to think about her kids.

Because that’s what mommies do.

This is part of the struggle for a mom with cancer.

I won’t pretend to know all of the struggles but I can imagine. We’ve all been sick before and still have had to summon either the mental strength or the physical strength to still be there for our kids.

Cancer Moms Travel for Self-Care

There’s a “little ol” house in Ocean Grove, NJ that takes care of moms battling cancer.

The truth of the matter is Mary’s Place by the Sea is neither little or old. Thankfully.

It’s a beautiful refuge constructed and curated with love by people who understand the struggles of mothers living with cancer.

Founder, Michele Gannon tried to imagine what it would be like for a mom dealing with cancer as she recovered from an illness back in 2009.

She understood that it had to be a physically, mentally, and emotionally draining journey. Thus began her quest to provide a place where women with cancer could find healing and respite.

After consulting with a cousin diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and her friend/co-founder Maria McKeon while in the gym, she began pitching her idea to potential patients, hospitals, and local BnB sites.

Marys Place By Sea Founders — Founders Maria McKeon and Michele Gannon

What started off as a personal struggle has blossomed into an amazing non-profit organization and a beautiful home.

Through word of mouth, a dedicated board of directors, past guests, social network support groups, hustle, and God, Mary’s Place by the Sea has hosted over 8000 women.

The women who step through its doors come for the day, overnight, or they stay for two days for intentional and guided self-care.

The three-story home, built by Michele Gannon’s husband, has 10 bedrooms and provides everything complementary to the women who walk through its doors. This allows Mary’s Place by the Sea to serve women from all walks of life and demographics. Because as Michele points out “Cancer does not discriminate. Cancer is the great equalizer.”

As a mom of a 10-year old cancer survivor, I know this all too well.

Thanks to 125 volunteers along with highly-qualified practitioners guests can enjoy the following:

yoga classes
individual counseling
guided imagery
expressive writing
meditation
nutrition education
oncology massage
prayer
reflexology
reiki/healing touch

Local women come in weekly for counseling or what Michele calls transitional counseling which aids a woman through her journey from pre-treatment to post-treatment.

Michele also offers a support program for women after they leave Mary’s Place, sending birthday cards annually to the women who travel far to get to New Jersey.

And for the women who make their final transition, Michele mentions that the families often let her and the team know.

As a mom on the other side of cancer, there’s a special place in my heart for what Mary’s Place by the Sea is doing for the self-care needs of moms.

Besides it being a place of immense love and hope, we share a common philosophy: mom’s self-care is critical and sometimes you need to get away to focus on it.

During my son’s cancer journey, the prayer, yoga, massage therapy, meditation, reiki, reflexology, and nutritional education are some of the same activities that I sought for myself.

Those activities are the same suggestions that I make to moms of children with special needs or critical illnesses.

No matter what side of the cancer pendulum a mom swings she needs this level of self-care.

And Mary’s Place by the Sea needs donations from people who understand that struggle.

If you’d like to donate, you can do so by clicking here. And women impacted by cancer can call any time to arrange a visit to Mary’s Place By The Sea – even if it’s just for the day.

Jun 18 2018

Solo Travel for Moms: How Moms Can Use Travel for Self-Care

Solo travel is truly a self-care remedy for tired mothers. It is a time when moms can enjoy concentrated holistic self-care that puts them first. I’m a firm believer that solo travel can do wonders for us mentally, physically and spiritually.

Let me tell you why.

Using solo travel for self-care

If you think about it, solo travel is a form of respite.

When there are no demands on your attention or your time, you have an opportunity to focus on YOU.

You can do things that you love or that you’d love to try but never have the time (think calypso or merengue lessons).
You can arrange pampering time for yourself and take as long as you need.
You can spend time decompressing via long walks, meditation, or physical activities like yoga.

The ultimate goal is to refill your drained cup.

Taking periodic self-care travel breaks has helped me return home feeling 100%. I come back a better woman for my family because I’m renewed, refreshed, and replenished by the experience.

Activities like taking quiet walks on the beach, hiking to a waterfall, relaxing on a sailboat, touring an art museum, wine tasting at a vineyard, sleeping by the pool, surrendering in a spa, exploring on a food tour, or simply sitting quietly on a deck contribute to that renewal.

Because I see travel as a necessity for my self-care instead of a luxury, I prioritize it. If you can also see travel this way, it will help you to justify why you need solo breaks as well.

What about childcare?

Figuring out childcare is not easy for most moms with younger children or school-aged kids. It takes A LOT of coordination.

And although it can be difficult, it’s necessary if you want to make your solo travel dreams a reality.

How to do Solo Travel if You’re Married with children

If you’re married, you have to negotiate with your spouse. I am always negotiating with my husband…like several times a week!

Here’s what I mean specifically:

Be proactive with the calendars. Check his calendar, your calendar, and the kids’ school calendar. Coordinate where you can find synergy and make an opening for yourself to slip away.
If you take a solo trip, encourage him to do the same. If you go on a girlfriends’ getaway, encourage him to go on a guys’ trip.

Solo travel tips for single ladies

If you don’t have a spouse, partner, or are dealing with constraints with a significant other, then you may need to call in the troops.

Don’t be afraid to add family who live nearby to the equation. Ask them for a favor.

We often fly in my mother-in-law up to watch the kids. In the past, I’ve dropped off my boys with my sister in New York or we’ve even had my brother-in-law watch the children.

One of the single ladies who traveled with me to Costa Rica shared a great piece of advice for moms who can’t count on a spouse or family members: do a swap with a close friend!

I love this idea.

Identify a friend who you’d feel comfortable leaving your children with for an overnight or for a few days.

Set up an arrangement whereby you all swap watching each other’s children so that you can each get time away.

Talk about a win-win situation.

You’re getting a timeout and you’re also providing that gift to a friend as well.

Bottom line: if you want your solo travel plans to work you have to get creative. Not having a spouse, nanny, or family member nearby doesn’t have to kill the dream!

More creative ideas to help moms travel solo

If the budget allows, consider using sites like Care.com or check out nanny services for short-term or temporary nannies.

Work your way up to leaving your children with your providers for longer periods of time.

If you’re concerned with leaving them with someone you don’t know, this is where that pre-planning comes into play.

This strategy has to be set in motion way ahead of your intended travels in order for it to work. Leaving your children with someone other than a family member or friend takes a leap of faith.

If you have the resources, set up a camera in your home to keep an eye on things.

My Vivint home security system has an in-home camera option. You can also use Amazon’s Cloud camera security system which essentially does the same thing.

Most interior cameras are connected to apps on your phone where you can monitor from abroad and communicate with your family.

How to Take the First Step to Solo Travel for Self-Care

Start where you feel most comfortable. You want to start where things feel the easiest for you.

This can depend heavily on your resources or what’s available to you: time, money, and childcare.

A first step for the newbie solo traveler

Find an amazing property in your own city if you want to start locally. Then when you’re ready, stay overnight in a city a few hours away.

If you live in Maryland you may be interested in these relaxing things to do in Hagerstown Maryland.

Work your way up from there to another state, another region, another country, or another time zone.

Pushing yourself to go further for longer periods of time is called flexing your travel muscle.

You need to flex it for yourself and stretch it for your family until it becomes a strong habit.

Does your solo trip have to be totally solo?

Moms Travel Solo Girlfriend Getaway — Me and one of my Retreat attendees at a wine tasting in Spain.

That’s a good question to ask yourself. What does solo travel mean?

Within the context of family travel, I believe solo travel is a little broader than just traveling by yourself. I personally interpret it as traveling without your spouse or your kids.

For a mom, solo self-care travel can mean traveling completely by yourself or traveling with a friend or traveling with a group of like-minded women.

Part of my job is to empower you to be comfortable with any one of these options and do the coordinating for you.

I enjoy watching the transformation that happens when I take a group of women who are ready to flex their travel muscles on a retreat or a getaway.

Our goals are to always have fun and focus on our self-care.

Whatever way you define solo travel, those should be a couple of your goals as well. Download the FREE Solo Mom Getaway ebook version of this blog post to get a copy of a travel goal-setting worksheet:

Download Ebook

Self-care travel is about investing in yourself

As moms, we need to invest in our self-care. If we can do a better job at looking at self-care travel as an investment, the decision-making process would be a lot easier.

How is self-care travel an investment?

There is a return and there is a pay-off. The return is a renewed YOU.

The payoff is the benefit a renewed you offers to those around you. This could include your children, your spouse, your team or your employees.

Actionable Solo Travel Planning Steps for Moms

Moms Travel Solo Greece — Traveling in Greece.

The best way to get started is to set a goal for yourself.

We’re going to set your travel goals using a framework called G.O.S.T: Goals, Objectives, Strategy, and Tactics

I first learned about this framework from Sean Jackson of The Digital Entrepreneur podcast. It’s a very useful framework to help you keep things simple.

So this is how we will start: Decide on your G, your travel goal. This is where you are going to decide the who, what, and where of your solo travel goal.

For example, your goal could be to go on a solo luxury spa getaway weekend within driving distance. #TravelGoals

Are you traveling solo, with a friend or with a group?
Will you travel overnight, for 2 days, for a long weekend, for the week?
Will you travel by car, train, boat or plane?
What city, state, region, country do you want to explore?

Let’s consider your O, your objective. This is when you put a measurable detail on your goal, basically a metric of sorts.

Will you go on that solo trip in August of this year?
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your solo self-care trip. If there’s no limit, even better. One less thing to worry about it.

S is your strategy. This is where you decide how this is all going to work.

Do you need to negotiate with your husband, partner or another family member?
You may need to go during a time of year where you kids are occupied in school and on a schedule.
You may need to travel when your kids are out of school and you can drop them off to someone’s house to watch them until you return.

And lastly, the T stands for your tactics. Essentially, this is your To Do List. Here is where you break down all the things you have to do to set your strategy in motion.

Remember, your strategy supports your objective which helps you to reach your travel goal. Here’s what part of that list might look like:

Give yourself permission to invest in your self-care.
Check the kids’ school calendar.
Check your spouse’s calendar.
Call mom to see if she is available to watch the kids.
Check times and prices of flights.
Sign up for a group retreat.

This is where a lot of the pre-pre-travel planning work comes into play. These are the more challenging tactics you have to take care of to make your vision a reality.

Some of it is about your mindset, some of it is about a shift in your behavior. All of it is coordination.

Get this part done and the rest is a breeze.

Homework

Yes!! I have the nerve to give you homework after you read through all of that.

I want you to write down your own G.O.S.T. and leave a comment below with your answer. This will serve as your very public accountability.

I’ll leave you a reply and offer some tips where appropriate. Can’t wait to see your vision for your solo self-care travel goals!

Share this post with a friend you’d love to see traveling as well.

May 28 2018

The Beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Sailing in Rock Hall, MD

Sailing in Rock Hall, MD the “Pearl of the Chesapeake”

Rock Hall, MD is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Chesapeake.” For boaters, it’s a playground and for tourists-in-the-know, it’s a quiet escape from the more popular beach towns of Delaware and Ocean City, MD.

A financially-friendly way to enjoy sailing

Living in the Chesapeake Bay area I’ve experienced my fair share of boat envy here and there.

However, I stand firm in my convictions with my husband that we do. not. need. a. boat. A kayak, no problem. A boat, no!

It doesn’t matter how enticing they look in the summer months (and boy, are they tempting)!

A smarter way to get our taste of the boating life is to hire a charter boat like the one offered by Shardana Saling Charters. I think it’s a fair compromise – there’s minimal financial commitment, maximum relaxation, and zero responsibility.

When the excursion is over, we can pack up and go home. We don’t have to worry about slip fees or storage costs, maintenance, upkeep, taxes, fuel and most importantly, a second mortgage!

I chatted about these very details with Davis Jones, part owner along with Andrew Seligman of Shardana Sailing Charters. Davis took me out on the water for a couple of hours in Rock Hall, answering my dozens of questions and feeding my boat life craving.

New kids on the block

The Shardana Sailing crew is new to the Rock Hall area. Its’ team of captains sail from Osprey Point Marina in a new 42.5′ Sloop, a Catalina 425 that has all the bells and whistles for up to six passengers not including two crew members.

Before sailing away, Captain Davis and his first mate, Yvonne showed me around the boat. I quickly got acquainted with all the beautiful features of the vessel.

It was a beautiful day. We had perfect conditions for sailing.

Let me tell you, time really does fly when you’re having fun. And although Shardana offers half-day (3.5 hours) excursions, you really should go out for a full day (7 hours).

A sunset cruise is 2.5 hours but I guarantee you, after relaxing on the Shardana, you’ll wish you booked more time. Luckily, they have options for longer sails ranging from an overnight sail (24 hours) to weekend sails, 5-day sails (Monday-Friday) or custom multi-day cruise packages.

Getting to know the Shardana crew

Depending on availability of the Shardana’s crew members, all of whom work full-time jobs, you will either have a 1 or 2-person crew to see to your needs.

I liked having both Davis and Yvonne on the boat with me. Not only were they friendly, patient, and passionate about sailing, I loved hearing their individual stories of how they got started sailing.

Davis got started, thanks to his church and Yvonne grew up on the water. Interestingly enough, she lived on a boat and sailed for months with her husband and young kids. Talk about a traveling mom!

To sail the Shardana yourself or not to sail

And while Davis was eager to teach me how to sail, knowing that I wouldn’t need to if we got in a pinch made me feel more relaxed.

I had a chance to get behind the wheel but man is there a lot to remember!

There are red and green buoys to stay on the left or right of, channel markers, passing boats, changing winds, jibs, sheets, compasses, monitors, Coast Guard chatter and sailing protocol to follow.

And although it didn’t take me long to learn the important safety tips, etc., I’m at my best just relaxing on the boat.

The great thing about the Shardana Sailing operation is that they cater to all types of clients, whether you want to learn, do nothing or take over the helm because you’re a seasoned sailor.

They will cater the sailing to whatever you want to experience.

Let the pros create your sailing itinerary

There are some customers who know exactly where they want to go, and others who don’t. The Shardana team offers a number of route options on the Eastern Shore depending on the length of your sail.

They take into consideration what you want to see and do, then go from there.

Passengers who are familiar with the quaint towns and inlets of the Chesapeake area are welcome to work with the crew to chart their own excursion.

Guests who are less familiar with the area and open to suggestion can enjoy waterways from Baltimore and Annapolis all the way to Hampton and Norfolk, Virginia. And there is plenty of things to see and do in Hampton, Virginia if you do decide to take that trip.

There are well over a dozen cute towns to see along the way.

Features on the Shardana Sailboat

The Catalina 425 has several places for you to take in the scenery whether you sit on one of the cushioned couches near the captain or on the bow or below deck.

If you’re sailing overnight and want to spend the night on anchor or just need a place for younger kids to take a nap, there are three rooms to choose from for an even more chill experience.

Below deck, you will also find 2 bathrooms, one with a separate shower and one that converts into a shower room thanks to a pretty smart hook and hosing.

You can cook a meal for your guests in a well-equipped kitchen complete with a sink, gas stove, burners, and microwave.

You will also find a small fridge and freezer in the kitchen area aka galley.

And, there’s a separate wine cooler! -> This is my kind of boat!! If I were to ever buy a boat, THIS would be necessary. 🙂

Enjoy your meal above deck or in the dining/living room area.

Conceal the table and add a large cushion, this area becomes an additional sleeping space. It easily converts into a queen size bed, spacious enough for two adults.

Directly across is another seating area that turns into a twin bed.

There is more than enough storage space on the Shardana to keep your items undamaged and safe from the unpredictable seas.

I truly enjoyed sailing with Shardana Sailing Charters.

Whether you’re looking to buy a boat or you just want to be a passenger for a day or two, you’ll leave wanting more.

Apr 28 2018

5 Mother’s Day Travel Deals for A Dose of Self-Care Travel

Mother’s Day Travel should be all year-round

We moms today are often faced with chronic exhaustion and overwhelming circumstances because of everything that we’re juggling.

Let’s be clear – we have a lot on our plates.

So what do we need to do? Take care of ourselves and prioritize our self-care.

One of the best forms of self-care, in order to refresh and revive ourselves, is to take a travel break. I like to call it self-care travel or taking a personal retreat.

I not only take retreats often but I plan retreats for other moms who need me-time and transformation.

And these five Mother’s Day travel deals make justifying a personal retreat easy.

Whether you’re looking for a day, overnight, or weekend getaway, here is a list of destinations that are offering wonderful getaway specials just for mom.

Mother’s Day in Hagerstown, Maryland

Getaway for the Day to Hagerstown. Tea Time at the Inn at Boonsboro on May 12th from 1:00-3:00 pm.

Sample a variety of tea flavors with light refreshments in keepsake teacups and saucers, play parlor games, and if you dress up with a fabulous hat you can enter The Hats Off contest where the “most” unique hat will be selected.

Tickets available on the Inn Boonsboro Facebook page.

Digital Detox for Mother’s Day in Pittsburgh, PA

The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel offers a Digital Detox Package for all guests.

This isn’t necessarily Mother’s Day specific but it’s definitely appropriate for a Mother’s Day self-care getaway.

Mom can check in and tune out. Package includes an upgraded room, breakfast for two, no electronics in the room. In exchange for surrendering your electronics at check-in, you can choose between a 30-min kayak rental or 30-minute bike rental.

Mother-Daughter Getaway Package in the Poconos

Woodloch spa — The pool at the Spa at Woodloch

The Lodge at Woodloch, PA: A destination spa resort is offering a Mother-Daughter Getaway Package where mom enjoys 30% off resort rates for a stay of 2 nights or more.

The package includes 3 gourmet meals per night of stay, speakers, and workshops, group fitness classes, chef’s cooking demonstrations, guided group excursions, spa and fitness amenities.

All-Inclusive Mother’s Day Getaway in Paradise

The Warwick Paradise Island, in Paradise Island, Bahamas is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort offering a very affordable room rate in honor of Mother’s Day.

Starting May 6 until May 14th, rates are $145 per person, per night, based on double occupancy in an Island View room. The rate, booked exclusively through the resort, includes all meals and snacks available at five on-property restaurants, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, private beach access, nightly entertainment and an array of activities.

Mother’s Day in Mexico

In Puerto Vallarta, MX “mommy and me” can enjoy discounted spa services at the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.

Having just returned from Puerto Vallarta for my couples’ retreat I can vouch for the weather being absolutely wonderful and this being a perfect time for a quick weekend retreat in Mexico.

The Hyatt Ziva’s packages range from $90-$170, a perfect range for mom’s travel budget.

So, which of these destinations interest you? Or do you have somewhere else in mind? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear where you are planning to hang your cape for a day or two.

Me? I’m heading to the Caribbean. Mama needs it!

Apr 10 2018

How To Stay Healthy While Traveling – with Vitamins

I’ve published several pieces of content on the site providing tips for travelers who are traveling while sick.

It’s a pretty popular subject because we all have had to deal with it at some point in our lives as travelers.

Whenever I know that I’m going to be on a plane, I pump myself up with vitamins before and after my trip.

I also make sure that I practice really good hygiene because I know there are too many people who don’t.

What’s “good hygiene?”

Wash your hands people! Simple.

You go to the bathroom – wash your hands.
You wipe or pick your nose – wash your hands.
You touch multiple surfaces – sanitize or wash your hands.

It’s good for your overall health and it prevents the spread of germs and disease. (It’s just plain NASTY not to wash your hands!)

Here’s the key to how to stay healthy while traveling

When people research this topic, a lot of times they are looking for answers to a problem because the problem has already arisen.

The key to staying healthy when you get on the road or on a plane or on a crowded boat is to take preventative measures.

We have to be proactive, not reactive when it comes to our health…especially when we’re around a million other people who aren’t taking care of themselves.

SLEEP! Don’t deprive yourself of sleep because you’re anxious for your trip. Sleep deprivation will get you sick faster than a crockpot of mucus!
Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Your system needs this all-natural liquid to flush itself of toxins regularly. No water = poor health.
Work it out! Besides helping us look and feel good, physical exercise helps to strengthen our immune systems and ward off viruses thanks to increased immunoglobulin.
Take your Vitamins. As we age it’s more important that we take regular multivitamins and other supplements depending on our individual deficiencies. You should make sure you’re getting those annual physicals to know exactly what you should be taking. However, the basic Vitamin C pill will go a long way for you to stay healthy while you’re traveling around a bunch of new germs.

There are other vitamins that you may want to consider while you’re traveling.

In the video review below I talk about a few that I took and some of the benefits I enjoyed from the Superior Source Vitamins.

Live Review of Superior Source Vitamins

Watch on #Periscope: Review of @superiorsource vitamins. #selfcare #superiorsource #spon https://t.co/4nAtnaHUt7

— Tawanna B Smith, MPP (@TawannaBSmith) April 10, 2018

When you get the Superior Source Vitamins, do not be fooled by their tiny nature (except for the Vitamin C).

You know the saying, “Good things come in small packages?”

Well, yeah. That’s very true here!

My nails are grateful for the Biotin tablets. I’m pleasantly surprised at how quickly they’ve grown in such a short time. No lie!

I know this is a sponsored post but they didn’t pay me to say that.

I literally looked at my nails the other day and was like, “huh! my nails are looking really good and I haven’t been for a manicure all winter.”

I forgot that I had been taking the Biotin vitamins. It’s an added plus that I don’t have to swallow these and they dissolve quickly under my tongue.

And lastly, my husband and sons are grateful for the 5-HTP vitamins which help to elevate your mood.

When you are an overwhelmed mom, you need these bad boys.

Treat your body well when you travel

Whichever vitamin company you decide to go with, just go with one – especially if you’re going to be on the go.

You’re not only doing yourself a favor but you’re also doing your family a favor by protecting yourself.

In some situations getting sick while you’re traveling is hard to avoid.

But you can give your immune system a leg-up by taking preventative measures before you hit the road.

Check out more of their vitamins here on their Flipboard magazine:
Superior Source Vitamins.

– To your good health and your safe travels.

*This is a sponsored post