Maya Sutherland
Maya is a full-time SAHM who squeezes in part-time work as a Local Childcare Consultant for an au pair agency. She was born in Ohio but has spent most of her childhood and adult life in Florida. She is André's devoted wife and mother to 3-year-old daughter Audrey, 1-year-old Mason and her fur baby, 12-year-old Egyptian Mau cat named Midnight. Maya earned an A.S. in Culinary Dietetic Technician and a B.A.S in Supervision and Management from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Her professional background is in management and most recently she managed a skilled nursing facility food service department staff of 15. Maya has a long-time love affair with food and is happiest when she is in the kitchen preparing fresh, homemade meals for her family, utilizing her numerous gadgets and food preparation-specialty items. She also is an aspiring business owner but hasn't figured out what she wants to do 'when she grows up' yet. In her spare time, she loves painting rocks, coloring using colored pencils, yoga, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, and online shopping. Earlier this year she started a personal blog. You can follow her at 5spicemomma.com, Instagram @5spicemomma, and Facebook @5spicemomma.
My Quest for Black Santa
When I was growing up, there was no such thing as a Black Santa, at least not in my hometown. Being born in the '80s before Black Santa was a common entity meant that...
My Daughter’s Obsession with Elsa Hair
I can vividly remember the day my 3-year-old daughter Audrey asked for a large amount of food as I was serving her lunch (which was completely unusual for her), and when I questioned her...
Your Fall Guide to All Things Pumpkin Spice in Jax
Nothing says fall more than the first pumpkin spice latte of the season — especially in Jacksonville, because you know the weather isn’t quite screaming, "It's fall, y'all!" just yet. I am welcoming the...
Having Gratitude During a Hurricane Day Off
I honestly think hurricane days are God's way of telling us it is time to slow down and to really enjoy quality family time. Yes, I mean completely stopping the everyday hustle to work...
Back-To-School Activities for Littles In Jacksonville
The summer came and went for many, not fast enough for some, or way too fast for others — no matter which it was for you, it’s time to gear up for some one-on-one...
Surviving the Summer: Things to Do with Littles in Jacksonville
As a mom to two littles ages 1 and 3, summer means a lot of fun in the sun and cooling off indoors. We love to stay busy which means sometimes you need to...
Moms Doing More in the 904: Sandy Jacoby, Founder of Sheep Not Goats &...
When Sandy Jacoby's husband Steve got laid off his job in 2012, they took a leap of faith by selling their car and house and moving to Nicaragua. They originally planned to live there...
Pressing Pause and Being in the Moment with Your Kids
I will never forget the moment when my 3-year old daughter Audrey said to me, "Mommy, put your phone down!!" And this was after I already said I would do whatever she had requested...
10 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Kids
Valentine's Day was always such an exciting time for me as a kid. I have fond memories of my parents having a special surprise for my sister and me each year, a tradition that continued...
Safer In and Around Water with AQUA Swim School
When I initially found out I was expecting our first baby, there was no question that swim lessons would be a part of our child's future. I took swim lessons as a child and...
Reflecting on MLK: A 14-Year-Old’s Experience
My childhood summers were always a blast because they consisted of me traveling to see one of my aunts (I rotated between five of them who lived in various geographical locations every year). The highlight of...
Why I Celebrate Kwanzaa
I have fond memories of celebrating Kwanzaa as a child. We celebrated Kwanzaa because my mother thought the principles were important building blocks for promoting good stewardship while also emphasizing others and promoting character...