Journeys With Jani

Take Your Travel Photos to the Next Level with a Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer—Let’s Talk About It…

May 17, 2025

Travel Advice

Alright y’all, we’ve already talked about how the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a little miracle worker all on its own, but if you really want to step into your main character energy and capture buttery-smooth, professional-level travel content—enter the smartphone gimbal stabilizer, AI version.

This little gadget isn’t just some techy toy for YouTubers and TikTok stars (though don’t be surprised if you accidentally go viral after using it). It’s a compact, lightweight, genius-level piece of equipment that takes the shaky, bouncy, motion-sickness-inducing travel videos we’ve all suffered through—and replaces them with smooth, cinematic moments worthy of the big screen.

So, how do you combine your iPhone 16 Pro Max with a gimbal and really work that magic? I’m about to spill all the secrets…

1. Set Up Your Gimbal BEFORE You’re Out and About

Listen, ain’t nobody got time to be fumbling with buttons and balance settings while standing in the middle of Times Square or halfway up a mountain trail. Take a few minutes in your hotel room to familiarize yourself with the controls. Most AI gimbals now have gesture control, face tracking, and automatic balancing—let them do the work while you just look fabulous.

Pro Tip: Pair your iPhone via Bluetooth and practice the “V” hand gesture to start recording—yes, darling, you’re directing AND starring in your own travel documentary!

2. Use Action Mode + Gimbal for Next-Level Smoothness

Remember that fancy Action Mode on your iPhone 16 Pro Max? Pair it with the gimbal and good gravy, your footage will look like you had a camera crew jogging backward with you. Whether you’re strolling cobblestone streets or chasing after grandkids on the beach, the combo keeps everything smooth and cinema-worthy.

3. Master the Pan, Tilt & Inception Spin

Here’s where you really start to look like you know what you’re doing.

Pan Slowly: Sweep the camera left to right for dramatic landscape shots. Tilt Up or Down: Perfect for those grand “reveal” moments—think walking into an opulent hotel lobby and slowly tilting up to showcase that chandelier. Inception Mode: Feeling a little extra? Activate the 360° spin feature for those mind-blowing rotating shots. Warning: This is how travel influencers make their videos look like Hollywood trailers. Use wisely… or lean in and be that person.

4. Take Advantage of AI Face and Object Tracking

Want to walk and talk through a charming market or along a beautiful coastline without having to constantly adjust your camera? Turn on AI face tracking. The gimbal will literally follow you around like your own personal camera crew. You can even set it to track that perfect gelato cone or sparkling cocktail. Because let’s face it, those moments deserve their time to shine too!

5. Perfect for Golden Hour and Night Mode Magic

Holding your phone steady at dusk or in low-light situations can be tough—cue the gimbal. Combined with Night Mode on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you’ll capture those cozy twilight dinners and sparkling city lights without the blur. And during golden hour? Honey, your glow will be so flawless people will think you’re filming a skincare commercial.

6. Hands-Free Group Shots and Selfies That Aren’t Just… Selfies

Prop that gimbal up on its tripod base, set the timer, or use gesture controls, and get in the shot! You didn’t plan this fabulous vacation just to play photographer the whole time. Capture yourself sipping wine on a balcony, standing in front of a waterfall, or laughing with your favorite people.

7. Create Reel-Worthy Transitions with Ease

If you love making fun reels or TikToks (or you’re just thinking about dipping your toes in), the gimbal helps you execute those trendy whip-pans, spin transitions, and dramatic walk-ins perfectly—without spending hours trying to line everything up.

Bottom Line?

Your iPhone 16 Pro Max is powerful. Your gimbal stabilizer is brilliant. But you, my friend, are the star of the show. Use them together and you’ll have photos and videos that don’t just remind you of where you went—but make you feel like you’re right back in that moment, living your best life.

And when you’re ready for that next cinematic adventure? You know who to call.

Journeys With Jani — Turning Your Vacations into Blockbuster Moments, One Fabulous Trip at a Time!

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Travel Photography Tips with Your iPhone 16 Pro Max—Let’s Talk About It…

May 17, 2025

Travel Advice

Let’s just go ahead and say it—if you’ve got the iPhone 16 Pro Max in your hand, you’re basically walking around with a Hollywood film crew in your back pocket. This phone doesn’t just take photos—it creates cinematic magic that could make your vacation look like it was produced by Netflix.

And you didn’t even have to hire a director or say “lights, camera, action!”

But listen up, friend. Fancy tech doesn’t automatically mean fabulous photos. You still need to know how to use it. So let’s break down how to turn those casual vacation snaps into absolute masterpieces using all the iPhone 16 Pro Max has to offer.

1. Clean Your Lenses—All. Three. Of. Them.

Yes, you’ve got a whole trio of camera lenses back there now, and every single one needs to be smudge-free. Give them a quick wipe before you start snapping. Because nothing ruins that perfect Santorini sunset like a greasy fingerprint filter.

2. Take Advantage of the New 48MP Super Resolution Mode

This beast of a camera lets you shoot in insane 48MP resolution now. That means you can capture every detail—like the sparkle on the ocean or the frosting swirls on that Parisian pastry. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and enable “ProRAW Max Resolution.” Your future photo album will thank you.

3. Master the Telephoto Lens – You’ve Got a Real Zoom Now!

Unlike older models, this one’s packing a 5x optical zoom. Translation? You can actually zoom in without turning your photo into a pixelated disaster. Use it to grab that close-up of a mountain peak or a sneaky wildlife shot—just remember to hold it steady!

4. Don’t Forget About That Ultra-Wide Lens

Want to capture the whole beach, the entire skyline, or a massive mountain range? Flip to the ultra-wide lens and let it work its magic. It makes everything feel grander—

and you don’t have to walk backward into traffic to “fit it all in.”

5. Experiment with the New Smart HDR 6

Your iPhone 16 Pro Max is practically a lighting genius now. Smart HDR 6 helps balance bright skies with shadowy foregrounds, making every shot look perfectly lit. You don’t have to be a pro to use it—it’s automatically doing the heavy lifting. Just make sure you’re tapping to focus and letting that HDR work its magic.

6. Go Cinematic—Because Why Not?

The Cinematic Video Mode is no longer just a gimmick. It’s incredible. You can shoot travel videos that literally feel like movie scenes. Imagine walking through a vineyard in Sonoma with that beautiful blurred background …chef’s kiss.

7. Use Night Mode for After-Dark Magic

Don’t let the fun stop just because the sun went down. This phone’s Night Mode turns dimly lit streets, rooftop bars, and starlit skies into absolute showstoppers. Just hold the phone steady and let the longer exposure do its thing. Bonus tip: prop it up or use the timer for even sharper shots!

8. Edit Right from Your iPhone Like a Pro

With this much power, you don’t even need a separate editing app. Hit “Edit” right in your Photos app, play with exposure, brilliance, and contrast, and lean into those new filters like “Vibrance Boost” or “Golden Hour Glow.”

Just remember—editing should enhance, not overwhelm.

9. Capture Motion with Action Mode

If you’re ziplining in Costa Rica or trying to film a wild camel ride in Morocco, Action Mode is your best friend. It keeps things smooth and steady, even when you’re bouncing all over the place.

10. And Seriously… Get in the Photo!

This phone has one of the best front-facing cameras yet, and the improved timer and hand-gesture shutter options mean no excuses. Set that phone up, flash that fabulous vacation smile, and capture yourself living your best life.

Because at the end of the day, the best part of travel photos is looking back and remembering you were there.

Journeys With Jani — Your Favorite Travel Advisor and Unofficial Director of Cinematic Vacation Memories!

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5 Tips To Keep You Going at Disney World—Let’s Talk About It…

May 15, 2025

Travel Advice

Hey there, Disney Dreamers! It’s your official Disney Diva from Take Time To Travel, here with a little dose of reality sprinkled on that pixie dust. Listen, I’m all for living your best Disney life—ears on, Dole Whip in hand, and a permanent spot in the virtual queue. But honey, if you don’t plan for some good old-fashioned REST, you’re going to be crawling back to your resort wondering why your feet feel like they went through their own personal villain origin story.

Not having planned rest breaks and rest days is one of the biggest mistakes I see Disney guests make. And I get it—FOMO is real! But if you’re hobbling around Magic Kingdom like you just ran a marathon through Cinderella’s Castle in glass slippers, it’s time for a better plan. So, grab that refillable mug, prop those feet up, and let’s chat about how to keep your body and sanity intact while conquering the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Why Rest Breaks and Rest Days Are the Real Disney Magic

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you spent 14 hours walking nonstop, dodging stroller traffic, and standing in lines longer than the Chick-fil-A drive-thru on a Sunday (if it were open, of course)? And don’t even get me started on that Florida sun. She doesn’t play nice.

Even Olympic marathoners like Jeff Galloway recommend rest intervals—and his job is literally running! If the pros take breaks to stay strong, why on earth wouldn’t we apply that same logic to our Disney days? Trust me, a little sit-down now saves a whole lot of whining later—whether it’s coming from the kids or the adults.

Let’s Break It Down: Where You’ll Be Walking the Most (and Least)

Not all Disney parks are created equal, y’all. Some are charming little strolls, and others feel like a full cardio boot camp with a side of Mickey pretzels. Here’s the scoop:

1. Magic Kingdom – Queen of Cardio

Size: 107 acres Operating Time: Up to 16 hours! Attractions: 24 rides, 5 shows

It may be the smallest park by size, but don’t let that fool you. You’ll walk the most here trying to pack in all the magic. Plan those breaks or you’ll be melting faster than a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar.

2. EPCOT – AKA, the World Showcase Workout

Size: 262 acres (and that Lagoon is no joke) Operating Time: 12 hours Attractions: 11 rides, 15 shows

One lap around World Showcase Lagoon is 1.2 miles. Add in “just one more country” syndrome, and you’ll hit those steps before you even realize it.

3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – It’s a Jungle Out There

Size: 470 acres (hello, massive!) Attractions: 8 rides, 8 shows

The biggest park with the least rides? Yep. Which means lots of walking and some uneven paths. Your calves will be singing by the end of the day.

4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The Chill Sibling

Shorter operating hours and attractions closer together make this your easiest day for the feet. Save this one for when you need a “lighter” park day.

Your 5 Survival Tips for Rest Days Like a Disney Pro

1. Don’t Do Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Back-to-Back

Your feet, knees, and lower back will form a rebellion, and no amount of Tylenol will save you. Space. It. Out.

2. Pair a Heavy Walking Day with a Lighter One

Follow up Magic Kingdom with Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. It’s called balance, y’all.

3. Knock Out Magic Kingdom or EPCOT Early in Your Trip

Tackle the big parks before your legs turn into cooked spaghetti noodles. You’ll thank me later.

4. Take Frequent Breaks at the Big Parks

If marathoners can do it, so can you. Hydrate, find the shade, people-watch, and then hit the rides refreshed.

5. Plan a Full Rest Day After Magic Kingdom or EPCOT

This is the Disney version of Sunday church and sweet tea on the porch—pure revival, friends! Sleep in, lounge at the pool, enjoy a spa day, or book a relaxing dining experience at Disney Springs.

Every body is different, and every Disney body needs a little love to stay strong through the magic. Don’t let exhaustion steal your joy or waste those hard-earned vacation dollars. Plan ahead, build in the breaks, and you’ll head home with memories—not just blisters.

Need help planning the perfect Disney trip with just the right balance of magic and rest? I’ve got you covered. Reach out to me at Take Time To Travel, and let’s sprinkle a little planning pixie dust over that itinerary!

Until next time, stay magical, stay rested, and keep those ears high, friends!

XOXO, Jani

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Is The Southern Accent Disappearing? Let’s Talk About It…

May 14, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

I was watching the Today Show this morning—because that’s how I keep up with the world before I decide whether or not to participate in it—and they were going on about how the southern accent is disappearing across the United States. Well, bless their hearts, that’s part of the problem right there.

It’s not that it’s disappearing everywhere—it’s just that the whole of the United States ain’t southern. And when we pack up and head off to college up north or out west, or we marry someone from, say, Connecticut (Lord help us), sometimes we pick up a little of wherever we land. Same way someone who moves to France starts throwing around a few merci beaucoups with a twinkle in their eye—even if they’re still mangling the pronunciation.

Actors are the worst about this. They drop their southern drawl for a career and then try to haul it back out for a movie role—and honey, it sounds like they’re choking on a mouthful of marbles. That’s why Walton Goggins nails it every time. He’s southern through and through and never tried to scrub it off. You can’t teach that kind of authenticity. It’s in your bones, not your vocal cords.

Take Julia Roberts, bless her heart. She dropped her southern accent years ago, but when she played that role in Steel Magnolias, it came back so thick it was almost comical. That wasn’t creamy buttery, warm homemade grits—that was day old instant grits.

Now, Parker Posey in White Lotus? That girl was pretty spot on. She walked that fine line just right—didn’t overdo it, didn’t make it sound like some backwoods cartoon character. That was the kind of southern that sips sweet tea on the porch but will cut you down with one sharp side-eye before you even realize it happened. Why do I feel so SEEN!

My Gramma was from South Carolina, and even after she moved up to Pennsylvania, she never lost that sweet southern drawl. You could hear it in every word she spoke, and I loved that about her.

And my Chubby! She had that accent thicker than Georgia humidity on an August day—grew up in Decata’, not Decatur, and you didn’t dare try to correct her on it.

Now me? I was born right here in the South, but growing up, I went back and forth between my Gramma’s house and my daddy’s house—and let’s just say, it gave me a little bit of a mixed accent over the years. And let’s be real clear about something—Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is Pennsylvania Dutch country. That’s not exactly a “northern” accent by any stretch. And honestly? I like that I have both. I can flip that southern charm on in a heartbeat, but I’ve got a little something extra tucked in my back pocket too.

The second my feet hit Georgia soil again? Oh, honey, I’m back to sounding like cheesy jalapeño cornbread—sweet, spicy, and a little bit extra.

Folks come to Atlanta expecting to hear those rich southern accents, but Atlanta ain’t exactly the South anymore, is it? It’s a big ol’ melting pot with more transplants than native peaches. But if you drive down into Mississippi, drop below Georgia gnat line, or over to Louisiana? There it is. Thick as molasses and twice as sweet.

I like my southern accent. I don’t have a bit of desire to lose it. Sure, I might could lose some of that cornbread from my hips, but the accent? Oh, it stays. I’m proud to be southern. And I’m proud I spent a little time up in Pennsylvania Dutch country, too. It gave me a different perspective—made me shoot from the hip, stand my ground, and skip the sugarcoating unless it’s on a pound cake.

Is that good or bad? Who knows? But it’s me. And I’m keeping it.

What about y’all? Do you think accents really disappear—or do they just take a little vacation now and then?

XOXO, Jani

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The Diddy Drama—Let’s Talk About It

May 14, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

It’s finally happening. Sean Combs—Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Puffy, Diddy, Love, or whatever monogrammed personality he’s using these days—is on trial. And y’all, I’m just sitting here like… well, it’s about time.

Now, I know how this circus works. His defense team will argue. His accusers will testify. Some folks will stretch the truth like a pair of cheap leggings at a buffet. Others will flat-out lie. But babe, that video—you know the one—is doing all the talking we really need. You cannot tell me that’s a one-off incident. No sir. No ma’am. No way. That kind of behavior doesn’t just pop up like a bad rash. That’s learned. That’s practiced. And worse? That’s controlled.

And his lawyer—actually stood there with a straight face and called it “simple domestic abuse.” I’m sorry, is that on the new Dollar Menu at McTrauma? Because I don’t recall seeing “simple” and “abuse” ever sharing space in a sentence like that before. Abuse—whether it’s physical, verbal, emotional, or all wrapped up in a toxic little combo pack—is never simple. And just because you’ve got a shared address or some rings involved doesn’t somehow make it less violent or less wrong. If he’d done that to a stranger out in public? Oh, he’d be locked up before he could even finish his “Do you know who I am?” speech.

But here’s the thing that really gets me. People ask all the time, “Why didn’t she leave?” Why didn’t she press charges?” And I have to stop myself from getting too high and mighty, because I know the answer. I’ve asked that same question. Then I turn right back around and say, “I know exactly why.”

Sometimes it’s just easier to stay with the devil you know. But y’all… if you’re referring to the person you share a home with as “the devil,” it’s probably time to go. Scratch that—it’s absolutely time to go.

And back to Mr. Combs. It’s sad, but not shocking. It’s Hollywood. That place has been a pit of well-dressed depravity long before I was born, long before my momma and daddy were born. Y’all ever heard of the “casting couch”? That wasn’t just a rumor—that was a whole business model.

The difference now? People—real people—are standing up. Women aren’t as afraid to come forward. Men either. But with that comes a whole other mess, doesn’t it? The folks who see a moment of fame and jump right on that train with a lie in their back pocket. And that’s where it gets complicated.

There’s a fine line between a harmless flirtation and real harassment. And if someone crosses it? Speak up. Say it made you uncomfortable. That should be the end of it. But too often, it’s not. And too often, people wait years to say something. And sometimes, honestly, I think, “Why now?” But then I check myself because I remember—I didn’t speak up either.

I didn’t speak up about the abuse I went through as a child until I was grown. And let me just say, and the silencing shaped me. I’ll never forget the first time I told a family member. You know what I heard? “We’re just not going to discuss that.”

Well, lucky for me, I got tired of staying quiet. Eventually, that silence nearly broke me. But that’s a blog for another day.

Back to this trial—what do you think? Is he going down? And who else should be sitting right there beside him in that courtroom? People we think are angels with perfect PR teams—are they really? Or are they just better at hiding it?

XOXO, Jani

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The Perfect Vacation Companion? A Great Book, Of Course!

May 13, 2025

Travel Advice

Whether you’re buckled in for a long flight or stretched out poolside with a fruity drink in hand, nothing beats getting lost in a good book. The kind of book that makes you forget about your cramped airplane seat or helps you completely ignore the guy at the pool doing cannonballs right next to you. You know the type!

So, if you’re wondering what to toss in your carry-on or load onto your e-reader, here’s a round-up of books that’ll keep you turning the pages and fully immersed—no Wi-Fi required!

For a Fun Escape: Fiction That Feels Like a Mini Vacation

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Glamour, scandal, heartbreak… and a peek behind the Hollywood curtain. Evelyn’s life story reads like a juicy tell-all, and you won’t be able to put it down.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Travel, friendship, and a little bit of “will they, won’t they?” This one will have you booking your next getaway before you finish the last page.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion A socially awkward professor embarks on a scientific quest to find love—what could possibly go wrong? Quirky, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus A brilliant woman in the 1960s breaks every rule when she becomes an unexpected TV cooking star. Witty and empowering with a side of sass.

For a Thrill: Page-Turning Mysteries & Suspense

The Guest List by Lucy Foley A glamorous wedding on a remote island turns deadly. This one is perfect if you love a good whodunnit with a modern twist.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris The perfect couple? Think again. This fast-paced psychological thriller will have you glued to your seat—and side-eyeing anyone who claims their life is “perfect.”

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware Luxury cruise, missing person, and a journalist caught in the middle. If you love a locked-room mystery with a twist, this is your pick.

Need a Laugh? Lighthearted and Hilarious Reads

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano A struggling single mom and writer is mistaken for a hitwoman. What follows is pure chaos and comedy gold.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren Picture this: sworn enemies forced to share a free honeymoon trip in Hawaii. Spoiler—there’s only one bed. Tropes galore and we’re not mad about it!

In the Mood for a Little History? Beautifully Written Historical Fiction

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Grab the tissues—this story of two sisters in WWII France is emotional, powerful, and unforgettable.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford A touching story set during WWII, exploring love, loss, and redemption across cultures and decades.

So, What’s Your Vacation Reading Vibe?

Whether you’re looking for laughs, love, or a little mystery and mayhem, there’s a perfect book waiting to tag along on your next adventure. Just don’t blame me when you miss your boarding call because you’re this close to finding out who did it!

Happy reading, my fellow wanderers—and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Need help planning that dream getaway to go with your new favorite read? I’ve got you covered!

Contact me at Take Time To Travel and let’s plan your next great escape!

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Rediscovering America—One Road Trip at a Time

May 11, 2025

Travel Advice

When I was a kid, we didn’t go on road trips—we lived them. Like a lot of folks my age and those before me, flying was a luxury, not a standard. If we were going somewhere, it was by car—windows down, radio blasting, and a backseat full of Mad Libs, Etch-a-Sketches, a deck of cards, and maybe a few coloring books rolling around the floorboards.

There were no iPads or cell phones keeping us entertained. Game Boys? Switch? Honey, those weren’t even a twinkle in anyone’s eye. My sister and I knew every single word to whatever was playing on the FM radio—because that’s all we had! And let me tell you, when “Islands in the Stream” came on, we performed it like we were on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

Maybe it’s those memories that sparked my deep love for road trips today. And now, as a Take Time To Travel Advisor, I’ve fallen head over heels for planning them for others. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the Pacific or hunting down the best roadside pie in the South, there’s something magical about hitting the open road.

So if you’re feeling the itch to pack a bag, load up the car, and chase a little adventure, here are The Five Best Road Trips—no matter how much time you’ve got!

For Two Weeks (The Big Bucket List Trips)

1. Pacific Coast Highway – California Dreamin’

2. The Great American West – National Parks Loop

3. The Deep South – History, Hospitality & Hushpuppies

4. New England Fall Foliage – Leaf Peeping Perfection

5. Alaska by Land – The Final Frontier Adventure

For One Week (The Perfect Getaways)

1. Blue Ridge Parkway – Appalachian Magic

2. Route 66 Highlights – Retro Roadside Fun

3. Florida Keys Overseas Highway – Island Vibes All the Way

4. South Dakota’s Great 8 – Wild West Wonders

5. Oregon Coast – Wild, Windy, and Worth It

For a Long Weekend (Quick and Unforgettable)

1. Nashville to Memphis – A Music-Filled Escape

2. Texas Hill Country – Wine, Wildflowers, and Charm

3. Northern California Coast – Rugged Romance

4. Smoky Mountains – Cozy Cabins and Mountain Air

5. Charleston & Savannah – Sweet Tea and Southern Charm

Ready to hit the road? I’m just a message away from turning those old FM radio dreams into your next unforgettable adventure. And hey, I’ll even make sure there’s a solid playlist involved—because some things never go out of style.

#RoadTripReady #TakeTimeToTravel #FMRadioAndGoodVibes #TravelAdvisorLife #JourneysWithJani

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Mother’s Day: A Mixed Bag and a Lesson in Love

May 10, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

My Mother’s Senior Photo, 1967

My Senior Photo, 1987

Mother’s Day is one of those days that, for me, comes wrapped up in a whole mess of emotions—some sweet, some heavy, and some I just tuck away and try not to unpack. I know I’m not alone in that. You see, I haven’t spoken to my mother since 2013, and truth be told, our relationship was never what you’d call “motherly” to begin with. She wasn’t a momma. Not really. I don’t think she had it in her.

That’s a hard thing to admit out loud, isn’t it? That the very person who should have taught me what unconditional love looked like never quite managed it. And before anyone asks—yes, I tried. Lord knows I tried. But our time together was always a roller coaster of ups and downs. And not the fun kind of roller coaster.

With her, it was always a competition. And let me be real clear—I wasn’t even in the game by choice. But she was determined to be the star, the center, the one who mattered most in her parents’ eyes. And the truth is…she wasn’t. I was. I did all the “right” things in their eyes, and she never quite lived up to their expectations. I don’t know what they wanted from her exactly. Trust me, she was beautiful, smart, talented. Now whether she meant to or not, she poured every ounce of that resentment onto me. That’s a heavy weight for a child to carry.

Occasionally she was the proud mother. Any photo opportunity that gave her the chance to brag about what a great job she was doing …she showed up for that!

My High School Graduation Day ‘87

It’s hard for most people to grasp how a mother can look at her daughter and feel anything other than pride and love. But I lived it. And it shaped me.

Maybe that’s why, when Jake and Jarrett were growing up, they became my entire world. I treasured every little moment with them—the late-night feedings, the sticky kisses, the scrapes and bruises, the teenage eye-rolls, all of it. And with each passing year, my love didn’t stay the same—it grew. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? Isn’t that what being a momma is?

💙 One of my fave photos 💙

That’s what’s “normal” to me. Wanting your children to have a better life. Cheering them on when they succeed. Praying over them when they struggle. Hoping they go further, do more, and live a life filled with love and goodness.

Mother’s Day is a mixed bag for me. I’ve spent years longing for that mother-daughter bond that so many of my friends have. I envied the phone calls, the shopping trips, the easy conversations over coffee. But that ship? Well, it sailed a long time ago.

And yet—here’s the hardest truth of all—if she ever called and needed something from me, I would help. Without hesitation. Because that’s what a momma does. And despite everything, I learned to be a momma by knowing exactly what I didn’t want to be.

So today, I’ll sit in the quiet and honor the kind of mother I became. The kind of love I gave—and still give—to my boys. That’s the legacy I’m proud of. And that’s the Mother’s Day I choose to celebrate.

To every woman out there whose heart is a little heavy today, know this—you’re not alone. And sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones we write ourselves.

XOXO, Jani

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Flights for $69!? Let’s Talk About It…

May 9, 2025

Travel Advice

Today Show Travel Talk: What You Need to Know Before You Get Too Excited.

This morning, I was sipping my French roast and watching the Today Show (you know, my daily dose of news and life lessons), and Vicky Nguyen was on chatting all about travel. Y’all know I leaned in for that! She had some great tips and insights, and I was loving every second of it…BUT. And you knew there was a “but” coming, didn’t you?

Let’s have a little real talk. When you hear those magical price tags floating through the air—Atlanta to Chicago for $67 round trip or Los Angeles to New York City for $99 round trip—go ahead and assume this: you’re not flying Delta, United, or any other major airline that lets you sip your club soda with a little legroom and dignity. Unless you’re sitting on a nice pile of SkyMiles or frequent flyer points, those kinds of prices usually come with some fine print the size of a gnat.

Don’t get me wrong, if you’re willing to rough it a little—think red-eye flights, economy seats, carry-on only, and maybe a connection that feels like a scavenger hunt—then yes, those deals do exist. And hey, sometimes the adventure is in the journey, not the seat that reclines a whole inch.

Now for some good news: travel costs are down compared to last year. But let’s keep our feet on the ground here—we are not back to pre-COVID prices, and honestly, we probably never will be. The world has changed, friends, and so has the travel industry.

So what’s the move? Let’s start thinking a little differently about our travel plans.

🤠Go off the beaten path—those lesser-known gems often bring the most unforgettable experiences.

🗓️Consider off-season travel—the crowds are thinner, prices are better, and you get to experience destinations in a more authentic way.

✈️ And if you must have that Delta flight with a checked bag and a comfy seat, let’s plan ahead and use those miles or look for bundled deals that actually make sense for your budget.

Bottom line? You can still see the world without selling a kidney, but it’s all about how flexible you’re willing to be. And if you need help navigating all of this, well—you know where to find me.

Let’s go somewhere fabulous—smartly!

XOXO, Jani

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Fifty-Six? When Did That Happen?

May 5, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Well y’all… apparently I’m about to be 56. On Thursday. And honestly, I’m not even sure when that happened. One minute I was trying to master the big hair of the ’80s and the next I’m putting readers on top of my head trying to remember where I left my other pair. Life moves fast, doesn’t it?

Now let’s get one thing straight—I’ve never been one of those women who dreaded the big birthdays. Thirty? Fabulous. Forty? Bring it. Fifty? Honestly, I was feeling myself. Sixty? Hmm… I’ll get back to y’all on that one.

But truthfully? I’ve earned every single one of these years. Every laugh line, every stretch mark, every gray hair (well, I don’t know if I have those and you’ll never know either). They’re all little badges from a life well-lived—and still living, thank you very much.

When I look back, I’m proud. Mostly. Occasionally those Facebook memories pop up and I find myself whispering, “Jear Desus… what was I even thinking?” A cringey dude, an overshare, maybe a questionable post. No wait. What? But that’s life. You take the good with the bad, learn what you can, and keep it movin’.

That’s the real secret, isn’t it? The lesson. Not perfection. Not staying young forever. But learning from every wild twist and turn life throws at you.

I feel pretty sure my Gramma and my Chubby would be proud of the woman I’ve become. Oh, they’d roll their eyes at me sometimes—especially when I get mouthy or add a little flair where there’s supposed to be “decorum”—but they’d be proud. Because I know how to act. I love my pearls. I know which fork to use at a fancy dinner.

But let’s be honest… where’s the fun in always being proper?

So here’s my advice as I tiptoe (in wedges) into 56:

Embrace your age.

Embrace your story.

Embrace life—even the messy, complicated, beautiful parts of it.

And most importantly… never forget where you left your readers.

XOXO, Jani

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