I’m not the fastest runner, but my ego suggests otherwise.

Training for my fifth marathon, I was working out ten times a week. Five of those were runs, three were HIIT classes and two were yoga classes. On each run, instead of including one speed day, I was pushing myself harder and faster each day. Every time was a chance for a PR and if I didn’t attain that goal, I was irritated.

After over a month of pushing myself, it happened. About half an inch above my left ankle, there was a slight twinge I felt when I walked. Being the stubborn runner I am, I still stuck to my training schedule. …

Chances are, you always complained about not having enough time, and wished for more of it. Well, that wish came true, just not in the way you imagined it. With another surge of COVID-19 and increased mask mandates, we’ll be at home for a bit longer. Here are 8 ways to remain productive during quarantine.

1. Declutter

If there’s even been a time to KonMari every single item you own, now is the time. Clothes, paperwork, photo albums, laptop documents, pictures on social media — nothing is off limits. When you’re done decluttering, tidy up and organize everything that’s left over.

2. Take Courses

Google Skillshop has a ton of free courses you can take to brush up or learn digital skills. The best part? It’s free. You can also take project management courses, Excel courses, or anything you’ve been dying to learn but haven’t had the time to. …

Born in 1990 and at 30 years of age, I am a true millennial. With my generation came the advent of smart phones, faster technology and, of course, social media. Tumblr, AIM, Myspace — you name it, my generation has touched it.

Senior year, I finally created a Facebook (late to the game, believe it or not). From then on, it was over 12 years of embarrassing pictures (duck lips + peace sign combo, anyone?), cringe worth statuses (“Gym, homework, then din din with my girlies ❤”), and a ridiculous amount of time “researching” (stalking).

Yet, Facebook didn’t always serve as a time waster. I certainly cannot deny the impact it had on my writing. Social media assisted me in not only sharing my published articles, but in acquiring new writing gigs, clients, and pitch ideas. …

I am notorious for never upgrading my phone.

Throughout all four years of college, I had a flip phone that cost $20 at most. Towards the end of senior year, I finally upgraded to a Sidekick-esque Android, and was astonished I could take pictures on it. I couldn’t send or see any pictures I received, because, you know, I had a college budget to buy a phone.

Regardless, it was a big step. After a family member stated that my phone was embarrassing (let’s be honest, it was), I upgraded to my first iPhone. …

2020 is, without a doubt, a dumpster fire on steroids. Thanks to a deadly pandemic, heightened racial tension, extreme environmental crisis and crazy election, this year is one for the books. And it’s not even over yet.

It doesn’t help matters that quarantine orders are forcing people to stay isolated, left to entertain themselves with Netflix and their phones. It’s even worse for the unemployed, who can’t even pretend to occupy themselves with work. Every event is exacerbated, then shared on every social platform through posts, stories, and within 280 characters.

Less than three weeks away, the election is no exception. Data exhibited in The Social Dilemma and Greater Good Magazine shows that in recent times, we are more politically divided than ever, thanks to social media. How can we manage to indulge in a temporary escape from reality on Instagram when, in reality, every post or story blows said reality up in our faces? …

Back in January 2015, I ran the Miami Marathon. This was my first marathon, just seven months shy of my first half marathon. The process was grueling but memorable, mostly because I was self coached and didn’t really know what I was doing. But the race support and energy was something I’ll never forget.

Flash forward five years later to February 9, 2020. I’m standing at the starting line for the Miami Half Marathon. The crowd energy is still there, but this time, I’m more trained and more prepared.

To help prepare all you runners out there, I decided to write a race review. Here are some things to keep in mind for this particular race. …

Disclosure: I was invited to see Jeff Foxworthy’s comedy show in exchange for this post. All opinions here are my own.

Classy redneck Jeff Foxworthy. visited Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on Sunday, February 9 for two back to back shows.

Although this was not a stop for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, there was quite a few mentions of Larry the Cable Guy, including a funny story of Foxworthy getting locked outside his hotel room naked.

His signature “You may be a redneck if” and “here’s your sign” jokes did not make an appearance, but no matter — the audience still laughed heartily at his stories. He included jokes about his family, gender roles in marriage, and the facts of life. “The more kids you have, the worse a parent you are,” Foxworthy said. He joked that parents with one kid purée food grown from their own garden and parents with multiple kids smoke cigarettes while watching the kid “eat a year old Milk Dud off the floor from underneath the stove.” …

Disclosure: I was invited to dine at 3800 Ocean in exchange for this post. All opinions here are my own.

In search for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner? Look no further than 3800 Ocean, located inside Palm Beach Marriot Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa.

Starting at 4 p.m., there will be a four-course menu created by Executive Chef Marc Rosen. Dishes include Asian Marinated Hanger Steak, Caramel Roasted Almost Boneless Half Chicken and Oven Roasted Halibut and Halibut Cheeks. Attendees can end the night on a sweet note with Strawberry Lemon Basil Cheesecake or Raspberry Chocolate Crème Brulee. …