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

Hi Amanda, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As the mom of two teens, I’ve tried to give our kids a safe, loving home while inspiring them to reach for their goals. It’s the time-tested idea of roots and wings. A solid foundation of family and trust can help children feel supported and ready to take risks that can lead to greater success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been a writer. I love to share information and details that inspire and lift others up. My degree is in Agricultural Communications because I wanted to support farmer cooperatives. I grew up on a farm in Florida, and interned for the National Watermelon Promotion Board! But after moving to Arizona I change directions somewhat. For a long time, I was a stay-at-home mom and volunteered with my church and other organizations to utilize my communication skills. I worked professionally in marketing as a writer to build up three local businesses. But I really took a risk when I started my travel blog, LoveLifeAdventure.com. I have always enjoyed travel and valued the experiences that exploring a new place can bring to your life and soul. Even as a kid my family camped all over Florida! As an adult, I’ve grown to adore international travel. Then in 2016, my family moved to Israel with my husband’s job. We took 14 trips to 12 different countries in two years! I wanted to help other Americans learn the ins and outs of visiting Europe and other overseas places. When we returned from Israel I was ready to go back to work full-time, and blogging seemed like a natural place to start. So I jumped in!

Over time, I’ve encountered challenges such as prioritizing my time and updating tech skills. The most difficult part can sometimes be the voice in your head that worries and doubts. But with my faith and my support network, I was able to keep going.

It’s incredibly valuable to have people by your side to help you through those difficult times. I had an online group of bloggers who shared information and inspiration to get me through challenges. Of course, my husband and kids supported me every step of the way and I’m so grateful to them!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Arizona has so many amazing places to see! Sedona may be my favorite, but currently, I’m digging Tucson. Yes, Tucson! I feel like many Phoenicians always head up north for trips and sights, but Tucson is really a great resource. We like to stay there and use it as a springboard for local trips. Of course, the Mexican food there is to die for! We’d stay at the Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort, which backs up to the Catalina Mountains and has gorgeous views of the city. (When we’re not out exploring I’d highly recommend a visit to their spa and saunas.) But our day trips would include Kartchner Caverns, the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Tombstone, Bisbee, Mt. Lemmon, Saguaro National Park and the Titan Missle Museum in Green Valley. At night we’d stargaze at the nighttime program at Kitt Peak Observatory.

Tucson had a variety of interesting, delicious eats but we keep going back to Boca Tacos y Tequila. The tacos are fantastic and the unique, daily salsas (goat cheese? strawberry?) are a delight. We always get chips with the variety of fresh, inventive salsas to taste it all!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has always supported my goals and encouraged me even when I felt frustrated. Thank you, Ruben, for being my partner in this amazing life!

Website: https://lovelifeadventure.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelifeadventureblog/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.