Cooking, Food

Best Shrimp and Grits Recipe Ever!

I realize it may sound like bragging to call my shrimp and grits recipe the best shrimp and grits recipe ever. However, these aren’t my words. These are the words of everyone who has ever tried my shrimp and grits – a regular in my dinner party repertoire. I first discovered shrimp and grits when we moved to the South fifteen years ago. I was hooked! I ordered it whenever it was…

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Family Travel

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY + Why JORD Wood Watches Are Boss

I love my smartwatch. I love that it helps me achieve my fitness goals by keeping track of my steps, heart rate, and daily calorie burn. I love that I can text with it, screen phone calls, and order an Uber without having to remember where my phone is. I also love that it helps eliminate the distractions caused by my smartphone—I can’t get caught in a feedback loop of checking each…

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Family Travel

10 Reasons Why I Use the Parking Spot + A Giveaway

For years, our family was spoiled by living under the shadow of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We lived so close, that if we were planning to be gone for more than two nights, it was cheaper to Uber than any onsite Charlotte airport parking lot. We took advantage of the door-to-door convenience of not having to hassle with lugging our luggage, car seat, and stroller from car to shuttle to airport. Then,…

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Europe, Travel

11 Must Eat Foods in Barcelona – A Catalonia Food Guide

Barcelona attracts us to Catalonia with the promise of Gaudi and Picasso. However, it’s the cuisine that most impresses foodies. From avant-garde Michelin star to traditional Spanish and Catalan cuisine, the region is quickly becoming known more for its food than its art. Any foodie worth his or her fork needs to make the pilgrimage to Catalonia. Start in Barcelona and then explore the rest of the region. Here are 11 must…

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Europe, Travel

9 Mouthwatering Foodie Hotels in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain is known for its vibrant culture, unique architecture, and artistic style. Did you also know that the city is host to an amazing culinary scene? From traditional Catalan cuisine to a plethora of Michelin Star restaurants, visitors can dine on treats as tasty and unique as the city itself. Yes, even some of the best hotels in Barcelona cater to the foodie set. Here are some of the best foodie…

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Caribbean, Travel

11 of the Best Family Restaurants in Aruba

My very popular (and helpful) post on the best family restaurants in Aruba has been updated as of September 2018 after yet another successful family vacation to One Happy Island. There are many reasons why Aruba is a perfect spot for a family Caribbean vacation. First, the island’s location in the southernmost stretches of the Caribbean makes it almost immune to hurricanes. Second, the beach options are nearly endless. When we’re in…

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Travel, United States

Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina Review

From the moment you arrive at Old Edwards Inn and Spa – greeted with a glass of champagne, no less – you’ll know that you are in for a luxurious couple of days, with spoils that extend from the hotel’s AAA Four Diamond food and drink program to its awarding winning spa and posh accommodations (seriously, I never slept on linens so comfortable). It’s why the Old Edwards Inn and Spa (445…

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Travel, United States

A Guide to the Top St Simons Island Restaurants

This St Simons Island Restaurants Guide is my delicious and humorous account of eating and drinking my way through the island over a long weekend. Feel free to spread this guide over a week-long vacation if you have the time.     Day 1 2:43 pm Annoyed. I’m running late for the welcome reception at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St Simons Island, Georgia, racing the clock to…

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Travel, United States

Where to Stay in New York City – Best Neighborhood Hotels

I made the mistake of staying in Times Square just once. It was overly crowded with tourists pushing back and forth, annoying “comedians” trying to sell tickets to shows, and an obnoxious sense of chaos. And no, I don’t want to buy your knock-off purses or sunglasses! Plus, there’s hardly any good food with the likes of Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and other chain restaurants occupying the brightly lit storefronts. Times Square is…

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Travel, United States

15 Tips for Visiting New York City with a Baby

My very popular (and helpful) post on visiting New York City with a baby has been revised as of August 2018. It’s filled with even more tips on how to navigate the Big Apple for a fun and safe family vacation. I know what you’re thinking. Visiting New York City with a baby sounds more than a little cray-cray. I understand where you’re coming from – hordes of people, the subway, tiny…

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