Journeys With Jani

Kids, Devices, and the Magic of Unplugging – Let’s Talk About It…

August 24, 2025

Kids

My grandson was on his GiGi’s iPad earlier today, and let me tell you—he was in another world. So deep into his game that the rest of us may as well have been invisible. The only thing that could snap him back to reality? His brother attempting to share. That, my friends, is a recipe for a full-blown meltdown.

Now, GiGi (my sweet mother-in-law) is visiting for a couple of weeks. And bless her heart, she has no interest in playing the disciplinarian. Nor should she. Grandparents have earned their stripes. They’ve been there, done that, and raised their kids. This stage of life is about soaking up the grandkids, spoiling them just a smidge, and enjoying every second without the worry of being the bad guy.

My husband and I are pretty lenient with our grands too. But I can’t help noticing how easy it is for kids to get swallowed up by electronics—phones, tablets, video games, computers. You name it, they’ll dive into it headfirst.

But here’s the thing…

When we just say no to electronics for a little while, magic happens. Suddenly, blocks become castles. The play kitchen turns into a fast-food drive-thru (with the most imaginative menu you’ve ever seen). Dress-up clothes transform them into superheroes, princesses, and sometimes both at the same time. They play, they laugh, they create. And there are lessons hidden in all that pretending—sharing, problem-solving, and figuring out how to entertain themselves without a screen glowing in front of their faces.

The Unplug Principle

Here’s the funny part: it isn’t just kids who need to unplug. Our brains do too. Think about it. Doesn’t everything work better when you unplug it, wait a second, and then plug it back in? Phones, Wi-Fi routers… even us. Sometimes the best reset button is stepping away from the constant stream of dings, pings, and notifications.

So yes, my grands may melt down when you try to take away the iPad. And yes, GiGi is perfectly fine being the keeper of screen-time peace (or chaos). But when we gently nudge them toward play that doesn’t involve electronics, we give them a gift that screens simply can’t match.

Unplugging isn’t punishment. It’s freedom.

Now I’m Curious…

What do your kids or grands do when the screens get turned off? Do they collapse in a heap, or do they surprise you with some wild imagination play? Let’s swap some stories—I could use a few new “unplugged” activity ideas!

XOXO, Jani

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What Is My Favorite Recipe? Let’s Talk About It…

August 24, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, Let’s Cook!

What’s your favorite recipe?

Well, today’s Daily Prompt has me stumped, y’all. What is your favorite recipe? Seriously? That’s like asking me to pick my favorite grandchild—or my favorite vacation destination. Impossible!

Some of my recipes are comfort-food classics that wrap you up like a warm hug. Think:

🐓 Chicken n’ Dumplings – the kind that takes all day and makes your whole house smell like heaven.

🍤 Shrimp & Grits – creamy, buttery, just enough spice to make my ancestors proud.

🌶️ Dirty Rice – because Cajun flavors never disappoint.

Then there are the quick-and-sassy ones that show up at parties and tailgates:

🧀 Tailgate Pimento Cheese – creamy, sharp, and gone before halftime.

🥓 Cream Cheese, Bacon & Scallion RITZwich – snack-sized perfection.

🍇 Prosecco Grapes – fancy little gems that say, “yes, I do bring the fun.”

And let’s not forget my sweet tooth:

🍋 Lemon Pound Cake – fresh, tangy, and perfect with coffee.

🗽 New York Classic Cheesecake – tall, creamy, indulgent.

🍫 Brick Street Chocolate Cake – rich enough to cure any bad day.

🍹 Wash it all down with a Pineapple Margarita, and I’ve just described my whole personality in recipes.

So no, I can’t pick just one. Recipes are like stories for me—they hold memories, comfort, and a little bit of flair. Some are quick fixes for busy days, others are weekend projects that bring everyone to the table.

And maybe that’s my real answer: my favorite recipe is whichever one I get to share—with family, friends, or even just with you here.

XOXO, Jani

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Addiction Is a Taste for Something You Can’t Quit—In All Things

August 23, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

Watching a show today called True South, a man struggling with his weight said, “Addiction is a taste for something you can’t quit” …those words make you think!

Addiction isn’t always the monster in the shadows that we associate with dark alleyways and whispered confessions. Sometimes it’s a whole lot sneakier, dressed up as a daily ritual or a guilty pleasure that feels too harmless to call out. But let’s be honest: addiction is simply a taste for something you just can’t quit—in all things.

For some folks, it’s that first sip of coffee in the morning, like oxygen disguised in a steaming mug. For others, it’s scrolling their phone at midnight, convincing themselves that “just one more video” won’t matter. Addiction wears many outfits: food, work, shopping, drama, alcohol, love, validation, even grief. Sometimes it’s as heavy as a mountain on your back; sometimes it’s a quiet little whisper you almost welcome.

And here’s the kicker—addiction doesn’t always have to destroy to exist. It’s not always about rock bottom. Sometimes it’s about the way your mind craves consistency, or your soul aches for comfort. It’s about patterns we build, habits we cling to, and the little highs that keep us running back for more.

The truth is, most of us are addicted to something. Maybe it’s not the scary kind, but it’s still the thing you can’t quite put down. It’s the cookie you reach for even though you swore off sugar. It’s saying yes when your plate is already too full. It’s the drama you swear you’re above but somehow find yourself smack in the middle of again.

Addiction isn’t always about weakness—it’s about being human. We are creatures of appetite, of desire, of habit. Some addictions hurt, others help us cope, and a few might even bring us joy in small doses. But they all have one thing in common: they hold on tight, and they don’t let go easy.

So maybe the question isn’t, “Am I addicted to something?” Maybe it’s, “Which flavor of addiction is running my life today?”

Because at the end of the day, addiction is just a taste you can’t quit. The real power comes in admitting it—and deciding if that taste is worth the hold it has on you.

XOXO, Jani

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Saturdays in Cartersville: Let’s Talk About It…

August 23, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

If you wake up early on any given Saturday here in Cartersville, you’re in for a treat. Honestly, you don’t have to go far to fill your day to the brim—it’s all right here in our little town.

Morning at the Farmers Market

The Cartersville Farmers Market is my first stop. Picture this: steaming cups of coffee in every flavor imaginable, the smell of fresh sourdough bread in the air, pies and croissants calling your name, tables loaded with farm-fresh veggies, blocks of creamy cheese, jars of homemade jellies, and some of the best local body products you’ll ever get your hands on. Add in a local musician strumming out a tune, and it’s just the perfect Saturday soundtrack.

Some of my favorites?

Sugar’s Pimento Cheese – creamy, spicy, and Southern through and through. Stilesboro Sourdough Bread – the kind of loaf you don’t just eat, you savor. Creative Organics lotions & soaps – heavenly little luxuries I always stock up on.

And don’t even get me started on the flowers. Bright bunches wrapped up just right, practically begging to come home with you.

Shopping the Square

Once you’ve had your fill of the market, it’s time to wander the square. Cartersville’s boutiques are full of treasures—jewelry, clothes, unique gifts, and plenty of knick-knacks that make you say, “Well, I didn’t know I needed that, but I sure do now.”

Hungry again already? No problem. Grab a chewy bagel at Nagel’s Bagels, a piece (or three) of fudge at Kilwin’s, or step into The Jerks. This old-fashioned soda shop is as nostalgic as it gets, serving up ice cream along with lunch classics that’ll hit the spot. And then there’s Dreamweaver… if you know, you know.

Still need that coffee buzz? Pop into Noble & Main for another caffeine kick—you’ll thank me later.

Museums, History, and More

Now that you’re properly caffeinated, it’s time to decide what kind of adventure you’re after. Cartersville is blessed with some of the best museums in Georgia.

Booth Western Art Museum – where cowboy art meets pure Americana. Tellus Science Museum – perfect for science lovers, dinosaur fans, and star-gazers alike. Savoy Automobile Museum – my current favorite, and a must for anyone who swoons at the sight of classic cars. Bartow History Museum – a beautiful step back into our local roots. Rose Lawn – history, architecture, and charm all wrapped up together.

Fun for the Kids (and Kids at Heart)

Bringing the little ones along? Cartersville makes it easy.

Petit Creek Farms – adorable animals and wide-open spaces. Dellinger Park – swings, slides, and plenty of room to run. Crayon Panda Playground – bright, safe, and loads of fun for littles. LakePoint Station – games, mini-golf, and activities inside and out. For the older kids (and let’s be honest, us grown-ups too), check out Game of Throwns—axe throwing at its finest!

The Great Outdoors

Of course, sometimes you just want to get out into nature. In that case, skip the museums, grab a kayak from Euharlee Outfitters, and float down the Etowah River for a few glorious hours. Peaceful, scenic, and the best way to let the world slow down.

Why leave town when you’ve got it all right here? From coffee at the Farmers Market to museums, history, parks, and rivers, Cartersville makes Saturdays feel like a mini vacation without ever hitting the highway.

And you can bet your biscuits, you’ll see me out there—coffee in hand, flowers under one arm, and probably fudge tucked away for “later.”

Sure, I’ll always be ready to help you plan your next big getaway (and you know I love to do just that!)—but sometimes, the best trip is the one where you stay right here at home in Bartow County.

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What’s In A Name…

August 22, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

Where did your name come from?

There are a few different versions floating around about where my name came from. The first one, and probably the most respectable, is that my mother’s family was Catholic. In a Catholic family, “Mary” is always a solid, go-to name. My mom is Mary Catherine. My grandmother was Catherine Haynes. So on and so forth. Basically, you’re either a Mary or a Catherine — those were your options.

My Mother

My Daddy

Now, as for “Jane,” the waters get a little murkier. I’ve heard plenty of stories, but the one my mother tells is that my daddy wanted to name me after a high school girlfriend named Jani Neal. Needless to say, my mother wasn’t about to let that fly. Still, my daddy called me Jani anyway. Is that the gospel truth? Who knows. That’s her story, and I let her keep it.

Ah…Young Love in the 60’s

My story, though? Oh, it’s my favorite — and probably not one my daddy would currently tell, considering he is a Sunday school teacher with a master’s in theology. Here’s how I see it: I’ve seen my parents’ wedding photos. My daddy looked like one of the Beatles. My mother looked like a flower child. They drove off in a Volkswagen with peace signs all over it. Add to that the little detail that I was born in 1969, right in the heart of the hippie movement, and well… let’s just say naming me Mary Jane feels a little too on the nose to be a coincidence.

And cute little me!

So, where did my name come from? According to my mother, it was tradition. According to her version of my daddy’s story, it was a girlfriend. But according to me? It was the Summer of Love, a VW bug, and a name that fit the times just a little too perfectly. 🌸✌️

XOXO, Jani

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TSA Just Banned Some New Items in Checked Bags—Here’s the Scoop

August 21, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”, Travel Advice

Traveling is stressful enough without TSA snatching your favorite stuff out of your bag. Following their rules isn’t just about getting through security on time—it’s also about keeping everybody safe up there in the sky.

Now, TSA may have finally ditched the dreaded “shoes-off shuffle,” but they’re still hanging onto that little 3.4-ounce liquids rule like it’s the Ten Commandments. And as of now, they’ve decided three new items are a big ol’ NOPE in your checked bags.

The Big Offender: Cordless Hair Tools

Ladies (and gents, no judgment), if you swear by your cordless hair gadgets, listen up. TSA says those tools can stay at home. Why? Because some of them run on butane or gas cartridges, and apparently, the whole “exploding fire hazard in the cargo hold” thing isn’t a good look for anyone.

Here’s what just made the banned list:

Cordless curling irons or flatirons with gas cartridges Butane-fueled curling irons or flatirons Extra gas cartridges/refills for those irons

👉 Translation: if TSA finds these in your checked bag, they’ll yank your luggage faster than you can say “bad hair day.”

But here’s the twist: you can bring them in your carry-on—so long as they’ve got a safety cover that keeps them from turning on mid-flight. Oh, and your old-school corded hair tools? Those are still welcome in both carry-on and checked luggage.

The Fun Part: 9 Weird Things TSA Actually Lets You Bring

Now, while TSA is busy banning curling irons with an attitude problem, they’re totally fine with some truly bizarre items. If you’re a cowboy Harry Potter fan traveling with a live lobster and a string of Christmas lights, you’re golden.

Here are 9 head-scratchers that are totally TSA-approved:

Live Lobsters – Yes, you read that right. They just have to be in a clear, spill-proof container. (And no, they don’t need a boarding pass.)

Christmas Lights – Want to decorate your row on the plane? Go for it.

Cowboy Spurs – They’re fine, just not on your boots. Antlers – As long as they fit in the overhead bin. Talk about a carry-on conversation starter.

Harry Potter Wands & Lightsabers – TSA even joked, “May the force be with you.” Bless ‘em.

Coffee & Espresso Makers – If you need caffeine on standby, pack it up.

Magic 8 Ball – It can’t ride in your carry-on, but it’s welcome in checked bags. TSA even asked it, and apparently, “Outlook not so good.”

Sewing Machines – Allowed. Just make sure it’ll fit under the seat or in the bin.

Waffle Irons – So yes, you can take your waffle obsession on vacation.

Bottom Line

Cordless gas-powered hair tools? Forget it. But cowboy spurs, Christmas lights, and lobsters? TSA says sure, why not.

Moral of the story—before you pack your bag, hop on over to TSA’s full list online. It might just save you from having your luggage hijacked… or from having to explain why you tried to sneak a waffle iron through security.

Happy Travels!

XOXO, Jani

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What Motivates Me? Let’s Talk About It…

August 20, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

What motivates you?

Seriously—For most of my life, I was the rise & shine, go-getter kind of girl. You know the type—up before the alarm, coffee in hand, already halfway through a to-do list before most folks even rolled out of bed. Motivation wasn’t something I had to search for—it was just…me.

But then life, in its sneaky way, threw a few curveballs. First came what I like to call mentalpause (menopause, but with a heavy dose of mental chaos). Add in Covid and my multiple sclerosis, and suddenly the girl who used to wake up ready to conquer the world was more like, “Eh, let’s see what happens after this nap.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. The go-getter is still in there, but she’s pacing herself differently these days. Motivation doesn’t show up with a marching band anymore—it’s quieter, slower, sometimes harder to recognize. Some days, it’s simply getting out of bed, feeding the dogs, and calling that a win. Other days, it’s showing up for my clients, my family, or myself when I’d rather just pull the covers over my head.

The truth is, motivation shifts with seasons. What once looked like big goals and relentless energy now looks like small victories and choosing joy wherever I can find it. It’s not less—it’s just different.

And maybe that’s the biggest lesson: sometimes motivation isn’t about sprinting toward the next big thing. Sometimes it’s about honoring where you are, taking a breath, and reminding yourself that even in the blah seasons, you’re still moving forward.

XOXO, Jani

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What Do You Enjoy Most About Writing? Let’s Talk About It…

August 18, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

What do you enjoy most about writing?

Love this prompt!

For me, writing has never just been about putting words on paper—it’s about leaving little breadcrumbs of my life behind. Some days it’s a way to stretch my creative muscles, to play with words until they sound just right. Other days, it’s the only way I know to hold onto a memory that might otherwise slip through the cracks of time.

I’ve lived enough life to know how easily days blend together. Writing lets me freeze them in place—those big, joyful milestones, sure, but also the quiet, ordinary ones that mean just as much. One day, my grandchildren will be able to read these words and see not just the places I’ve traveled or the things I’ve done, but who I really was—sass, sarcasm, heart, and all.

Writing also feels like a gift I get to share. Sometimes it’s a story that makes someone laugh, other times it’s a reflection that helps someone feel a little less alone. Whether I’m jotting down travel tips, sharing memories from my own winding road, or just rambling about life’s absurdities, I like to think that maybe, in some small way, it helps.

So what do I enjoy most about writing? It’s the mix of all of it—the creativity, the record-keeping, the connection. Writing is my way of saying, “I was here. This mattered. These words are mine, but they’re also for you.”

XOXO, Jani

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A Look Back at Our Agent Training Day

August 18, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love, Travel Advice

Well y’all, I think it’s safe to say our Agent Training Day this past Saturday was a huge success! Not only did we pack a ton of information into the day, but the simple act of gathering together, laughing, and swapping stories was a win in itself. There’s nothing like the energy of being surrounded by people who love this business as much as you do.

Learning, Laughing, and Leveling Up

We had an incredible lineup of guest trainers who brought their A-game. Mousumi with Delta Vacations gave us a much-needed refresher on SkyMiles—how to use them when booking packages and even smarter ways to work the platform for marketing and training. Let me tell you, it’s always good to be reminded of those little tips and tricks that make such a big difference for our clients.

Then came Clarence with Norwegian Cruise Line—and let’s just say, wow. Between the gorgeous ships, exciting destinations, and the insider info he shared, my bucket list may have grown by about five cruises in the space of an hour. More importantly, we all left better equipped to help our clients find that perfect fit at sea.

And of course, our very own Julie, our fabulous BDM with Hyatt Inclusive. If you’ve traveled with me—or followed along on my trips—you’ve probably seen me in and out of some of Hyatt’s incredible properties: Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, Ziva, Zilara, Zoëtry… the list goes on. They truly have something for everyone, from budget-friendly to full-on luxury. Bonus? Julie is also my neighbor here in Taylorsville, proving that “buy local” doesn’t just apply to produce at the farmer’s market.

Looking Ahead

One of the most exciting takeaways from Saturday is the launch of our quarterly training sessions. These are going to give us even more opportunities to dig deeper into destinations, marketing strategies, and industry updates. Because here’s the truth: the more we know, the more we can do to help YOU plan unforgettable vacations.

So, cheers to a successful training day and to many more ahead. I can’t wait to see how what we learned translates into even better adventures for our clients.

XOXO, Jani

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Bowling, Babies, and the Redneck Brawl

August 17, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Last night was one for the books, y’all. We started out wholesome enough—bowling with my kiddos and friends. Laughter, gutter balls, and just enough strikes to keep us humble. From there, we rolled (pun intended) right into Jake’s for a little get-together.

Now, let me set the scene: Tasha, Tyra, and Hayden had been in the kitchen all day working on dinner. Tyra, of course, had little Harvey attached like a permanent accessory because, well—he’s a baby, and that’s what babies do. Smelling food cooking all afternoon while trying to wrangle family into one house? That’s its own kind of sport.

But what were we really gathering for? Oh honey, it wasn’t just dinner. We were there for the TV event of the night: The Redneck Brawl—LIVE from Tennessee.

Yes, that’s a real thing.

Picture this: a boxing ring straight out of a smoky backwoods bar, mullets flowing in the breeze of the ceiling fan, PBR’s flying through the crowd like confetti, and ring girls in boots and bikinis strutting their stuff while shaking those big number cards (and let’s be honest…shaking everything else, too).

And then came the fighters. All 31 bouts of them.

The Lineup (with my two cents, because how could I not?):

STORMY vs SADIE LYNN – I’m guessing this feud started over the last Marlboro at a cookout.

WARDOG vs CHOP – Pretty sure Chop got his name from a lawnmower incident.

423 COWBOY vs COWBOY CURTIS – Too many cowboys, not enough dental insurance.

ONE-TOOTH HILLBILLY vs HILL BOB – Spoiler: Hillbilly lost the tooth to Hill Bob years ago.

WIRECUTTERS vs BACKWOODS BRAWLER – Sounds less like a fight, more like a felony.

ITALLION STALLION vs TARZAN – Mispronounced “Italian,” but at least Tarzan wore pants. I think.

COUNTRY vs RIGHT HOOK – Betting odds weren’t great for Country.

TENNESSEE WHISKEY vs CITY COWBOY – Winner got a shot of Jack and a belt buckle.

WILD WOOD vs SEXY BOO BABE – Guess who got booed? Not Babe.

WALKERDOG vs TINY – Tiny was not, in fact, tiny. Shocker. CRAZY SHADY vs HOSSIE – Eminem would sue if he saw this. HOLLER COLOSSUS vs SMOKEY MT. REDNECK – Can’t lie, I’d buy that pay-per-view poster.

TATER vs KNOCKOUT CRYBABY – Potatoes were mashed. Feelings too.

VANILLA GORILLA vs BEAST OF MIDDLE EAST – Ring announcer’s tongue tied itself in knots.

APPALACHIAN ANNIHILATOR vs HILLBILLY – Just “Hillbilly.” No frills. No teeth either.

BIG RED vs HUMAN HIGHLIGHT – Honestly, should’ve been the main event.

DUI SHY vs BOUNTY MAMMA – One drove to the fight, the other posted bail.

METH MOUNTAIN MANIAC vs HOOK HOGAN – No relation to Hulk. Sadly.

PLAYBOY vs TAYLOR FROM THE TRAILER – The trailer park deserves better representation.

JAY DRONE vs TENNESSEE PATRIOT – One vapes, one waves a flag. Both winded by round two.

PEEKABOO vs SHEEN GREEN – Peekaboo came out swinging… then hid.

BOCEPHUS vs HOLLER BRAWLER – If Hank Jr. didn’t walk out, I’m disappointed.

SCARECROW vs INDIANA LUMBERJACK – Honestly sounds like a horror flick I’d accidentally watch.

MACHOMAN vs GIRTHQUAKE – Ohhh yeahhh… the earth did move.

NYQUIL vs CHANEL – Sleep aid vs perfume. Nobody wins. TENNESSEE CORNBREAD vs SASQUATCH – The carbs fought the hair. Who ya got?

BABY DADDY vs THE HUSBAND – Thanksgiving dinners just got awkward.

LIL LARRY vs LIL FIRE – Lil fight. Lil audience. Lil dignity. LUCKY vs BARBIE JESS – Spoiler: Barbie Jess had more fight in her press-ons than Lucky had in his fists.

T-BONE THE MT. MAN vs GEORGIA OUTLAW – Naturally, I rooted for Georgia.

LIL TERRY vs LIL SMOKEY – Sounds like a rap battle at Golden Corral.

🥊 Top 5 Craziest Matchups of the Night

Baby Daddy vs The Husband – Thanksgiving dinners are never going to be the same again. Who got the stuffing, who got the turkey leg, and who got the ex?

One-Tooth Hillbilly vs Hill Bob – Winner takes the tooth. Loser takes the moonshine jug. Dental plan not included.

DUI Shy vs Bounty Mamma – Honestly felt like a court case waiting to happen. Spoiler: one of them left with a warrant. Tater vs Knockout Crybaby – Never in my life did I expect to cheer “Go Tater!” but here we are. Mashed. Fried. Served hot. MachoMan vs Girthquake – Ohhh yeahhh! The earth shook, the crowd screamed, and I think somebody’s knee still hasn’t recovered.

And yes, some fighters didn’t even make it to the ring—eliminated due to intoxication. Only in Tennessee, folks.

The trash talk was as wild as the punches. My personal favorite? A woman screaming across the ropes: “I’m finna rock yo meat box!” (No, I cannot explain it. I can only repeat it.)

All in all, it was part wrestling, part family reunion, and part circus. And the best part? It was exactly as redneck and ridiculous as you’re imagining.

The Redneck King!

Life’s about balance, right? A little family, a little food, and a whole lotta Redneck Brawl.

XOXO, Jani

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