Hey! Bienvenidos. I come from a place of love. My name is Nikita… like the bad@a$$ female spy in the movie and TV show, La Femme Nikita. Although, I’m clearly not Russian (some microscopic DNA), or a spy, I am an average American mom of young twins, and a wife. Consider me a northern girl with southern roots. Salty, buttery grits or sweet/savory cream of wheat is how I like to start my day (to end those debates), but an English muffin or a bagel with LOTs of cream cheese will do (when I’m not on my no carb diet – the struggle is real).
I’m an alumna of the historic Tuskegee University, a former radio host and television news reporter (yes, I reported on live TV every day). Once a journalist, always a journalist. I’ve had several successful years working in the travel & tourism PR industry, promoting Upstate New York to the world. Currently, I am a PR/marketing director for a major player in the retail and tourism industries. Throughout my life, I’ve lived in various places along the Eastern United States (from Alabama to Maine and in between). My home town is Pittsburgh, PA (GO STEELERS!) yet, I spent my adolescent years in Augusta and Atlanta, Georgia. Despite my professional accomplishments, my favorite and most rewarding job is being called “Mommy”. It is not easy but it is a blessing. Trust me, it took a while and some non-traditional methods to get to be a mom and I thank God EVERY DAY.
I have always been a social butterfly (hence the name of the blog), and love staying physically active – swimming, salsa dancing, real Muay-Thai kickboxing (not just the cardio classes), boxing, Jiu Jitsu (this one needs work), ice skating, running and skiing. I love new adventures and looking to try skydiving. I am happily married to my soulmate and best friend, Erik, who is an athlete and serious sportaholic (I think he needs help) but he does balance me out.
Our twins, Noble and Xochi (pronounced So-shee) are the inspiration behind the title of this blog. Since the origin of their names is always a top question that comes up, here’s a quick explanation they will have to give everyone for the rest of their lives: Erik named our son, Noble, because we need more noble gentlemen in the world. I named our daughter, Xochi, after a pyramid I hiked in Mexico, called Xochicalco, while in college (over 20 years ago).
Navigating the COVID quarantine hasn’t been easy for anyone but it has given us a special chance to witness our children’s growth and development, 24/7, without getting a report of their “firsts” from a childcare provider. For 2020, we were their support system, nurturers, and safety net. Every day, we tried to find ways to teach, challenge and excite them; which can be exhausting, exhilarating and some of the reasons why I started this blog.
Why I Started My Blog
I have always been a sociable xochoble person, and I launched this lifestyle blog because I’m passionate about finding little tricks to make things easier and more practical. When speaking with family or friends, they would always seem intrigued by some of the tactics I used with my twins, and asked many questions. So I figured I’d create a one-stop-shop that could give tips and tricks I’ve used to navigate raising little humans while trying to pass for an adult myself. Oh, and it wouldn’t be me if I only chose one topic, so you’ll find anything from life hacks, parenting tips, spiritual testimonies, recipes, reviews travel info or more. I just want to help others and make them laugh as we all navigate this journey we call life.
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