Spring Break in Destin

It’s spring break in Destin. Well actually it’s been spring break for the past month, but my kids are actually out of school in addition to all of the families and kids visiting from out of state. I’m sure spring break in, say, Atlanta doesn’t have the same ring to it. We are a beach town and sometimes the population doubles just because it is Easter weekend and three colleges are out. It’s not a big deal usually. When families are visiting, I usually try to stay out of the way. I take the back roads since only the locals know them, and we don’t eat out during the peak times. This week is a little different. It is often in the 60’s to 70’s this time of year. This week, it is hovering near the 50’s with lows in the high 30’s. I’m sure it is summer weather if you are from Alaska, but here it is COLD. The beaches have been relatively empty. I’m enjoying it.

Shamrock shake paleo style

On St Patrick’s Day I shared a link for a smoothie on my Facebook page.

It was originally posted here. So, I decided to make it.

I didn’t have any coconut milk on hand, so I used coconut water. Hopefully it was the same potassium level, but I haven’t had a chance to look up the nutritional value differences. I made it the same way as the recipes except that I didn’t measure the coconut water. I think it was about one cup. I used one avocado that was mostly ripe, three tablespoons of local honey, one tablespoon of homemade vanilla extract, and a 1/2 tablespoon of peppermint extract. I also added 1 1/2 cups of ice and puréed everything in my vitamix blender. This is how it looked.

It was surprisingly good. My husband likened it to mint chocolate chip ice cream. The only thing I would do differently is either to use slightly less peppermint oil or not to do a Pilates class immediately after drinking the shake as it kind of gave me heartburn. But I would happily make it again. Tasty and good for you? Yes, please!

Musings

Living in Destin is a bit unique. We live on a barrier island and the only way to access it is via bridges. I know a few friends and even relatives that have a phobia about driving on bridges. They will go out of their way to avoid them at all costs. I’ve lived in Destin since 1999 and crossing bridges to me has come to symbolize coming home. Whether I’m crossing the Destin bridge and viewing the harbor, Gulf and pass with the fishing fleet or crossing the Midbay bridge and viewing the Bay, I always feeling like I am coming home. The photo above is a quick shot crossing the Midbay looking toward Destin. Home.

Brandcation – Destination 2013

I will admit to being slightly new to the blogging community. I have posted via MySpace and Facebook, and even kept up a professional blog, but this is my first personal blog. That being said, I have been working in social media for the past 5+ years. I have been watching from the sidelines all the fun events that pro-bloggers have had over the years. One of those yearly events is Brandcation put together by MomDot. This year is being hosted in my backyard so I *have* to join in for the fun. If you have a blog and want to join us, please consider it. We would love to have you!

Sunrise view from the ballroom at the Emerald Grande!

7 years of MNO

7 years ago a local mom by the name of Maria started a monthly tradition- a night out to meet other moms, build friendships and share a hot meal. We had our first evening out at La Paz, a local Mexican restaurant. And tonight, seven years later, we continued that tradition. It’s been awesome and I’ve made some real friendships over these past seven years. Having kids really made mommy friends a necessity, not a luxury. A network of other women who understand what you are going through and who can provide a perspective, a sane voice in the wilderness and often times ample laughter. It really makes you feel like you are not alone. And I know it has helped me be a better, saner mom. Thank you Maria.

I did it!

I did it! I actually finally started a personal blog! What will you see here? Misc posts about my life. I am a wife, mother of boys, real estate appraiser, entreprenuer, jane of all trades and master of some. I live in this paradise called Destin. People pay money to visit here and I get to enjoy it year round. More soon!