living proof of God's grace & living free to share hope, encouragement & adventures
Our 2021 Christmas Beach Vacation For the second year in a row, John and I took a Christmas trip to a beachy destination that I'd never been before. In 2020, it was coastal Georgia—St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island to be exact. It's a beautiful area with stunning beaches; however, being on the Atlantic Ocean, …
Continue reading Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama & the Florida Panhandle
Friends, I have a confession. I almost didn’t go skydiving a second time. Okay, that’s dramatic. But, I did put it off way, way, wayyyyyyy longer than I should have. And not because I was afraid. Or didn't have the money. Or because I had a mediocre experience the first time. I actually loved it …
Continue reading Don’t Let Your Bucket List Keep You From Doing the Things You Love Over Again
It may not be Christmas when you're reading this, but it's never a bad time to talk European Christmas markets. When a $434 roundtrip flight to Brussels popped up in my inbox (thanks to Scott’s Cheap Flights) I could not pass it up. Initially, (to save up more moolah) I wanted to book the latest …
Continue reading Best Things About European Christmas Markets
Living just 30 minutes from the Tervis headquarters, I’m no stranger to the company’s iconic tumblers. I own several, and use them daily to stay hydrated—whether my giant 24 oz. or one of my water bottles. Clearly, I’m a fan. So, when I received an invite for an exclusive sneak peek at The Tervis Experience, …
Sometimes, I just don’t feel like adventuring. Whaaaaaaa??? Did I really just say that? Yeah. I really did. Sometimes… some days… I’d maybe rather take a nap or just veg out than go for a nature walk or catch a sunset at the beach. And, ya know, sometimes that’s okay. I’m all about listening to …
Three years, seven months, and twenty-two days. That’s how long I lived in Florida before experiencing a hurricane. On September 10th, we were set to be hit with a Cat 3, maybe 4 hurricane along the Gulf coast of Florida, with storm surge ranging from 6 – 15 feet between Tampa and the Keys! And …
Continue reading Hurricane Irma Story: My First Hurricane Experience
When you look back on life, is it the unexpected moments that often stand out more than the planned? I think so. Of course, there are exceptions. There are always exceptions. But, in general, I think the stuff we don’t see coming makes for a more interesting story to tell and remember. Thinking back on …
Ya know how I’m always saying there’s sooooo much of Florida I’ve yet to explore? Here’s another case in point. I just visited Jacksonville and St. Augustine for the first time this past weekend – after three years and nine months of living in the Sunshine State! My friend Kelly recently moved to Jacksonville and …
Continue reading Things to Do in St. Augustine Florida on a Rainy Day
Where did you spend Museum Day Live? Me? I paid a visit to The Ringling in Sarasota, FL. Because, HELLO. Free admission! That’s right. The Smithsonian Mag’s 13th annual Museum Day Live was Saturday, September 23, and a BUNCH of museums around the country were FREE. Who doesn't love free?! I hadn’t visited The Ringling grounds …
Continue reading Visiting The Ringling and Ca d’Zan in Sarasota for Museum Day Live
When I think of adventuring, my brain automatically goes BIG. Like, globetrotting big. Hiking through the Alps. Exploring a Scottish castle. Cliff jumping in Hawaii. Bungee jumping in Costa Rica. Speeding down the Autobahn. Skydiving over Dubai. You get the idea. While I plan to do all of the above—and more!—I also understand that adventure …
Continue reading How to Have Everyday Adventures Where You Live
adventure and the girl 