There was a time when I thought influence meant perfection.
Perfect photos.
Perfect outfits.
Perfect motherhood.
Perfect adventures.
But after years of blogging, traveling the world, raising a son, navigating heartbreak, grief, joy, reinvention, and all the beautifully messy moments in between, I have realized something important:
The people who truly connect with others online are not the people pretending to have a perfect life. They are the people willing to share a real one.
Recently, I was honored to be featured in FeedSpot’s list of the Top Southern Mom Instagram Influencers for 2026. Seeing my name included among so many talented creators genuinely surprised me and made me pause for a moment.
And while recognition like this is exciting, what moved me the most was not the ranking itself. It was what it represented.
Because behind every photo on my Instagram and every story on My Beautiful Adventures is a real life filled with moments that matter deeply to me:
- Late-night cuddles with Panda.
- Conversations with my dad that I still carry with me.
- Soccer tournaments with Joaquín.
- Love stories across continents.
- Family traditions.
- Motherhood.
- Loss.
- Healing.
- Travel that changed me.
- And learning, over and over again, how to find beauty even in difficult seasons.
For over a decade, My Beautiful Adventures has never just been a travel blog. It has been a living scrapbook of my life.
Some of you have been here since I was photographing luxury hotels around the world with a DSLR camera hanging from my shoulder. Others found me through motherhood posts, wellness content, emotional essays, or even puppy updates. No matter how you arrived here, thank you for being part of this journey.
The truth is, the internet has changed dramatically over the years.
Algorithms change.
Platforms change.
Trends change.
But authentic connection never goes out of style.
I think that is especially true for women and mothers online. We are no longer interested in impossible perfection. We crave honesty. Warmth. Humor. Vulnerability. Inspiration that actually feels attainable and human.
And perhaps that is what influence really is. Not convincing people your life is flawless. But helping them feel a little less alone in theirs.
So. to everyone who reads my posts, comments on my photos, sends me messages, supports my work, or simply quietly follows along from afar — thank you. YOU are the reason My Beautiful Adventures still exists after all these years.
And to the brands, tourism boards, and companies I have had the privilege of working with over the years: thank you for trusting my voice, my storytelling, and this incredible community we have built together.
This recognition belongs to all of us. Here is to many more adventures ahead!
With love,
