Maya James

I am a writer, information gatherer, resident cat lover and multimedia specialist. I believe that words move people and this belief is strengthened by my background in journalism. 

Photo by Airam Dato-on on Pexels

Central Florida Lifestyle

How you can help: IDignity

In Downtown Orlando, there sits
an organization composed of a
team of volunteers, attorneys, and
staff members who are dedicated to
helping people change their lives. That
organization is called IDignity.
Based upon the concept of treating
all individuals with dignity, IDignity
is an organization that helps U.S.
citizens and legal residents obtain
identification such as birth records,
driver’s licenses, and social security
cards.
Communications Manager Ben
Jimenez says that IDignity is a big resource
for the homeless, with 56% of
their clients being homeless and 76%
being unemployed. According to the
Homeless Services Network, there are
6,315 people experiencing homelessness
in Central Florida.
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Unlocking the Secrets of Matcha: How Antioxidants Make It a Superfood

When soft, powdery matcha powder hits any beverage, it adds an earthy green tea flavor complemented by smooth milk and sugar. Matcha enthusiasts who appreciate unadulterated matcha in all its glory can even drink ceremonial grade matcha, a slightly more expensive matcha meant to be drunk as-is.

Originating from Japan, matcha is high on the list for summertime beverages especially as people have begun to drink it cold. With cafes flocking to stock unique cold matcha drinks like iced matcha latte
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Revamp your Closet and Limit Textile Waste by Upcycling

‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ has been a mantra used to describe the process of disposing of garbage in an environmentally conscious way, but what if you were told that the same process applies to clothing?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste accounts for a little over 5% of landfill space. Upcycling, or the process of transforming an old item that would otherwise end up in a landfill into something new is the perfect way to revamp outdated clothing into a brand new, f
Central Florida Lifestyle •

How to Master the Art of the Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards, named after French charcuteries or butcher shops where cold cooked meats are prepared and sold, serve as an upscale appetizer or even a tasty hors d’oeuvre. While they may seem daunting due to the seemingly endless combinations of meats and cheeses, they’re incredibly simple to master.

Start with breaking down the process into steps – what do you want on your charcuterie board? Do you want to have a plethora of fruits, cheeses, and vegetables with a small portion of meat? Do
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando:Rising from the Ashes

Meet the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, one of the region’s oldest and largest nonprofit animal welfare agencies serving Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and parts of Brevard, Lake and Volusia counties.

Founded in 1937 as the Orlando Humane Society, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando has blossomed into a community staple that has allowed approximately 60,000 people to find their forever pet, and currently operates with 55 employees and around 400 volunteers.

Late last year, in September, a fire c
Central Florida Lifestyle •

A Close Look into IDignity

In Downtown Orlando, there sits an organization composed of a team of volunteers, attorneys, and staff members who are dedicated to helping people change their lives. That organization is called IDignity.

Based upon the concept of treating all individuals with dignity, IDignity is an organization that helps U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain identification such as birth records, driver’s licenses, and social security cards.

Communications Manager Ben Jimenez says that IDignity is a big r
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Orlando Dominates OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants

Local food aficionados will be delighted to hear that three of Orlando’s very own restaurants Bites & Bubbles, Orlando’s Eddie V’s, and The Boathouse were featured in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list. Why is this a big deal? Well, according to the folks at OpenTable, the reviews of over 10.5 million verified OpenTable foodies across America are analyzed to determine the list.

First up is Bites & Bubbles the restaurant, which features a fine selection of luxurious wines and gourmet cheeses,

Let's get social