Gulf Shores, Family Time, Vacations
A Break From Reality
I think we can all admit that 2020 has been completely out of whack. After being stuck at the house for the better part of two months we decided that for everyone's mental and emotional health we needed to getaway.

I contacted a local friend that books condos in Gulf Shores AL and asked if she had anything open.
To my surprise, she had an opening for the following week. UMM OK.

I am a planner and this was completely out of the norm, BUT we need a change in scenery.

Many people go on vacation and stay busy 100% of the time. Defeating the purpose of getting away to relax and recharge. I admit we also do that occasionally. This vacation was not that type of vacation. We just wanted to see something different. We wanted some fresh air. We wanted a place that reminded us of the normal life we were accustomed to.

Oddly, we needed to rest.




 
A empty beach. Our first afternoon at the beach

So off to the beach we went. And let me tell you. It was one of the BEST-MOST relaxing vacations we ever had.

Curtis and I would get up in the morning and enjoy the sunrise while sipping on coffee. Searching for dolphins jumping in the ocean while having some uninterrupted conversations. Once the kids finally rose, we would go down to the beach and spend hours playing in the sand, jumping waves, and/or reading a book.





 
Breakfast on our patio overlooking the beachBreakfast on the Beach
By the time the beach started to get “crowded” we were hungry. When I say crowded, it wasn't crowded like the pictures being shown on the news, newspapers, or the internet. I simply mean just more people, probably around 100. There was still so much room left of the beach for hundreds of others.

So we would clean up our stuff and head back to the condo. We would then get cleaned up and sometimes head out for lunch. If we are planning on eating out at a restaurant, I prefer to go out to lunch. Restaurants usually have a lunch menu, which equals cheaper meals. And when you have teenagers you can imagine how expensive eating out can be.

After lunch, we would head back to our condo and relax. Whether that rest meant reading a book, taking a nap, drawing, playing a game, or even watching tv that is what we did. Once everyone had some downtime, and after dinner, we would go back down to the beach to play some more. By this time everyone else has already left to clean up and go out to dinner. We had the beach to ourselves. Ok, not really ourselves but it was pretty empty.

My daughter playing paddle tennis on the beachThis vacation gave us exactly what we needed. A peace and break from the issues going on in the world. A fun and happy environment, with no arguing or shame. If you can go to the beach or anywhere and just chill and soak up all the goodness. Go! It will refresh your soul. Stay tuned for more details from the trip.


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Gulf Shores, Family Time, Vacations

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I help women overcome their negative mindset and start remembering their light is worth shining! 

Welcome! I'm so glad you found your way here.

 
Hey there! 👋

I'm Michelle — the voice (and occasional chef hat wearer) behind this little corner of the internet where family, fun, and food intersect... just not always in that order. 😄

If you've ever wondered how to slow down long enough to actually taste life (and not just the leftovers on your kid's plate), you're in the right place.

Here's the deal: I'm a busy mom with a heart full of curiosity and a kitchen full of half-used spices. Some days we're chasing sunsets, exploring small towns, and hopping on steam trains. Other days we're elbow-deep in pierogies, trying a new recipe, or laughing over whatever adventure the day throws our way.

I believe the best memories aren't always the expensive vacations or picture-perfect moments. More often than not, they're found around the dinner table, on a spontaneous road trip, or during an afternoon that wasn't planned at all.

What You'll Find Here

🍰 Real-Life Recipes
Simple, family-approved recipes with comforting favorites and fun new twists. Food just tastes better when it's shared—especially with people who understand that dinner time doesn't always go according to plan.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Adventures
Weekend getaways, staycations, hidden gems, and affordable outings that help families spend more time together and make memories that last.

📍 Feel-Good Finds
Local businesses, fun activities, products I genuinely love, and simple ideas that make everyday life a little more enjoyable. Because sometimes the best adventures don't come with a hefty price tag—they just require a little curiosity.

Why This Blog Exists 
I didn't start this blog to make you jump through hoops.

I started it because I was tired of everyone else doing it.

You know the drill. You find a recipe you're excited to make... and before you can even see the ingredients, you've dodged six pop-ups, watched three ads, and learned someone's entire life story.

Or you're told to "Comment COOKIE 🍪 for the recipe!" so a robot can send it to your inbox—and suddenly you're getting emails every day about things you never asked for.

No thanks.

Around here, I respect your time. If you click on a recipe, you'll get the recipe. If I recommend a place to visit, I'll tell you why it's worth the trip. No endless scrolling. No keyword games. No nonsense.

Life is busy enough.

I'm not here to waste your time—I'm here to help you enjoy it.

So if you're looking for recipes without the endless scrolling or pop-ups, family adventures that won't break the bank, honest recommendations, or just a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things, you've found your people.

Grab a cup of coffee, stay awhile, and make yourself at home.

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