We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Aparbal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
There is no denying that we all want to be the best parents to our children in order for them to be successful adults. But how do we as parents successfully parent these tiny humans so that we are making an impact on their lives? This was a question that I had asked myself numerous times before becoming a mother. Once I became a mother I knew that it was a decision I could not make alone. Since I would not be parenting these babies on my own. This was something as new parents my husband and I had to determine together. How we were going to navigate through this new journey of parenthood. The most important thing that we could both for our children was to ensure that WE were staying connected as a couple. This can be very difficult with two small children who have now become the center of your world. But I have always stressed to my husband that there was just US before the kids and it will be just US after them. It was important for us that we model a healthy loving relationship for our children to see. I was fully aware of how your parents relationship could affect you as a child from my own childhood experiences. It was something I did not want to repeat with my own children. But I am not going to tell you that we did not experience any periods when we were always connected. Day to day life happens, work happens, kids activities, homework along with everything else on your to do list gets in the way of you and your spouse connecting. However being able to realize when we were experiencing these moments of disconnect and working through them to reconnect has been so valuable to our relationship. Some days it would mean connecting for a few moments over our morning coffee to acknowledge each other’s presence. There was the occasional date night but other times we’d have a Costco lunch date. It could also mean seeking professional help during the more difficult times to help you through them. It is in these small acts that we are showing our children that as parents it is important to spend time together. We found that when we are able to connect regularly that our children benefited most. I believe that when our children are able to see us united and happy they are able to thrive off that positive energy. They are motivated, excited and are able to create their own healthy relationships. By creating and modeling a connected healthy relationship as parents it has been the most important thing we could for our children.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the last six years I have not worked formally in the corporate world. When I did leave the working world I had just received my Bachelors degree in Psychology while working in the Human Resources industry. At that time one of the challenges I faced was balancing work life and being a new mom. Although I loved my job I had other passions I wanted to go after and I wanted to be at home with my son. That is when I made the decision to stay home permanently and begin my blogging journey. Now I was figuring out how to balance mom life and blogging. It has been challenging but one of my biggest insiprations has been my own father’s journey. I draw on all the things he has taught me about building your own business. I remember all the talks we had when I worked with bout how he faced challenges, nay sayers, and not losing site of your vision. When I created Cincity Style Edition I envisioned a space where I could share a part of my creative side. I have always enjoyed photography and fashion. Cincity Style Edition was that place for me to combine my passion for both of these. You can still find tons of outfits insipration on my site but now there is much more. Now you can find a lot more resources for your kids including activities, travel and food. Going forward you can expect to find more on maternal mental health, receipes, and of fashion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A fun Day in Lauderdale Breakfast – Circle House Coffee https://www.instagram.com/circlehousecoffee/ Lunch – Temple Street Eatery https://www.instagram.com/templestreeteatery/ or Sistruck Maket Place https://www.instagram.com/sistrunkmarketplace/ Dinner – Shimuja https://www.instagram.com/shimujaflorida/ Fun Evening Drinks & Food- The Wharf FTL https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/ Sweet Treats- The Cake Lovers Cakery https://www.instagram.com/thecakeloverscakery/ Things to Do … Take in some of the art murals in the up and coming FatVillage – https://www.instagram.com/fatvillage/ If the kids are with us then we need some fun activities for the little ones- https://www.instagram.com/youngatartmuseum/

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is true when it is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Whether you are nuturing your child, your passions or your dreams it also takes a village to make them actualized. For me my village consist of my husband who is my number one supporter then our extended family. If it were not those people closest to me who continued to encourage, babysit and show their support. Managing a blog and being a mom would be much more difficult. I also draw positive enegry from my online community of mom bloggers friends. These ladies are also walking a similiar jouney and jut know that these ladies are there with encouraging words helps make my day better.

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Image Credits
I will send images seperatly.