Deciding what beach to go isn't always easy. How's the environment? Is it kid-friendly? How's the water? The list goes on and on so we decided to put a list of beaches and hotels we have personally gone to. If you have other recommendations please feel free to email us at info@bambinadiaries.com 1) Marco Island Marco Island is especially special to both of us because we grew up going to this beach. While Maddy stayed in the family condo, Krys stayed at the JW Marriot. Another great option is the Marriott Vacation Club known as Marriott's Crystal Shores. Marco is definitely a family-friendly pl ..read more

I still can't believe that I'm already 32 weeks pregnant and approximately 51 days away from my due date. Like most mamas, I suffer from anxiety when I feel I am not organized or have things prepared. Which leads me to todays blog post - the hospital bag. The biggest item on the list of course is the actual hospital bag. Our friends at TwelveLittle just came out with the most beautiful new collection which includes their Peek-a-Boo Satchel Bag in black. This bag is so versatile and comes in an array of colors. The best part, for me, is that you can use it as your diaper bag later on! (Don't f ..read more

We just got back from an unforgettable trip to Puerto Rico and although it was amazing, we had never taken a whole week vacation with the kids. Another unique factor, it was technically a work trip for Javi, so that meant that from Monday to Thursday I was pretty much riding solo with the kids. Javi came home a few weeks ago and asked me if I would go with him and take the kids. Initially my answer was, "Are you crazy? Absolutely not!" When I told my mom, sister and a few others, their responses were all the same - GO! So go I went ... I packed, made a little list of things I might want to do ..read more

In 2010 ... In 2010 I opened myself to the world of social media by sharing, at the time, my jewelry line that was being sold at my aunt and her best friend's boutique. After doing this for a few years, in 2017 I joined forces with a close friend of mine and we transformed the space into a safe haven for new moms and the rollercoaster that is motherhood - Bambina Diaries. Fast forward to 2023 and once again I am transforming the space into my escape to share what I love, fashion, reading, food and of course my little pod - Casita Rodriguez. Why the change? Three years ago, I started my busine ..read more

It is only fitting that our February read would be a Nicholas Spark novel, The Wish. Synopsis: 1996 was the year that changed everything for Maggie Dawes. Sent away at sixteen to live with an aunt she barely knew in Ocracoke, a remote village on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she could think only of the friends and family she left behind . . . until she met Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. Handsome, genuine, and newly admitted to West Point, Bryce showed her how much there was to love about the wind-swept beach town—and introduced her to photography, a passion that would ..read more

This week the girls kick off their spring break and since we aren't going out of town, I decided to share a few of my favorite staycation spots for locals, as well as, must-see destinations for anyone planning to visit from out of town. Southern Belle Farms First up is a family favorite, Southern Belle Farms! Officially opening back up to the public on April 1st, this family-owned farm will have its market open (with delicious farm-fresh goodies) + outdoor activities from 10 am - 5 pm that the kiddos will love. For more information visit: https://www.southernbellefarm.com/ Blue Ridge Mountain ..read more

We are kicking off the year with, what we know, will be one of this year's favorite reads. Our first meeting was only going to consist of discussing Part 1 and almost everyone has FINISHED the book! We don't like giving spoilers away but this book will definitely keep you at the edge of your seat or bed, or wherever you're reading. Here's some questions we've put together to lead the discussion. Part One: When you first read that Owen went missing, what did you think happened? Owen’s note to Hannah says—protect her. We know he’s talking about Bailey and protecting her from the past. Why didn ..read more

Maddy and I were talking the other day and we started sharing with each other that even though the holidays are "merry and bright", they also bring on another rush of emotions - some that are not so bright. I was riding the peloton bike last week, when during one of the Christmas songs I completely began to cry, thinking of my sister, my grandparents ... so many emotions hit me at once. The holidays always seem to bring out this nostalgic set of emotions. You start thinking of those you miss, anyone who is sick or getting older, those you used to share special traditions with. Then for New Yea ..read more

The last two years have been filled with many firsts and one of those was starting a virtual book club in 2020. It's been a blast so far and we decided it would be fun to share a quick roundup of the books we have read, including links to purchase each title and where to learn more. If you do end up reading any of these "good reads" please let us know. Happy reading! 1. Untamed Buy:https://amzn.to/2ToDbIJ Overview and book club questions - https://www.bambinadiaries.com/post/virtual-book-club-review-untamed Rated by us: Amazing! Such a great read that you won't want to put it down. Oh, and ma ..read more

With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, it's normal to think back on the year that will soon come to an end. For me, I've thought of the changes each season has brought. From moving back to Miami to added a new member to our family, there have been many. I really hadn't reflected on it until recently that my oldest, Annemarie, started having some separation anxiety. As I tried to think of why she had this regression, a teacher from her school kindly reminded me that she has endured many changes. She is now the oldest of three, moved from one city to another in one year, changed sch ..read more