In 2019, we did kind of a crazy thing — we got annual passes to Disney World in Orlando. I feel like every time I tell someone that, I have to justify why because they aren’t cheap and we’re not rich by any means. So here goes my canned justification: Jason’s mom lives about an hour from Disney, so it gives us an extra excuse to go see her several times a year. Also, this was the last year that both of our kids would be free (kids 2 and under are free) for over half of the year, so we wanted to take advantage of only having to buy the passes for Jason and me.
Read moreNYC: A guide from a tired mom who needed a long weekend
Let me first say that if a trip was ever needed, this was it. In the days leading up to this vacation, I wasn’t sure if I’d make it. I LOVE my kids with my whole heart. I also recognize that I am in the trenches with toddlerhood. Between a sassy 3-year-old who thinks she knows everything (partly because she knows A LOT), and a 10-month-old on the verge of walking and is currently into EVERYTHING, my days feel like I’m sprinting a marathon sometimes. Add in there that Jason works out of town quite a bit and has a busy videography business in addition to his 40+ hours at his regular job (which we are so thankful for), I’m left feeling like have nothing left at the end of every single day. So, all of that is to say that I needed some time away from my day-to-day.
Read moreThe Disney-est Non-Disney Summer Vacation
It's no secret that Disney World is a special place in my family. We spent many a Sansom family vacation in there. Being from a family of all girls, except for my dad who grew up in a Disney-loving family himself, we all loved meeting the princesses, riding the not-too-rollercoaster-y rides, and dining with characters in the most magical place on earth. Then, I met and married a man who is from Central Florida, so now we have the perfect excuse to Disney-it-up when we go to visit friends and family in his hometown.
Read moreCharlotte: A Guide from a Small Town Southerner
I've always loved the city. The BIG city. Put me in London or New York or LA and I'm a happy traveler. Honestly, the bigger the better. But now, I have a daughter and the thought of public transportation with a stroller and a squirmy baby makes me want to crawl into a fetal position.
Read morePortland: A Guide from a Small Town Southerner
Oh, Portland. In one week I had several life experiences, which included feeling 50 degree weather in August, the most beautiful panoramic views, watching a guy hand out "brownies" on the street, and smelling some of the worst and best smells ever. I got to see "the coast" (not to be confused with "the beach"), a giant waterfall, and we even got to meet our case worker (#journeytojudah)! I ate some delicious food, drank incredible coffee, and relaxed. What a wonderful trip it truly was!
Read moreA Guide to my Hometown: 30A from a Local
t's never too soon to begin planning your next beach trip. Even though I'm an expert (joking) (sorta) when it comes to Destin, the South Walton/30A area has grown so much since I have lived there that I enlisted some help. Chastity Adams is a resident of Santa Rosa Beach (aka South Walton) and along with her daughters, Reese (11) and Maggie (9) and her husband, Chad, the Adams family takes advantage of living the SoWal life more than anyone I know. Chastity just happens to be one of my best friends, so I asked her to write a guest post and guide to 30A for all of you who are ready to plan your next trip to the beach. Chastity is such an inspiration to me and a wonderful example of a mother, wife, and friend. She's beautiful from the inside, out and she's the "big sister" I didn't have. Chastity and her family moved to SRB about 6 years ago and it's so much fun to get to visit them when we are in the area. Without further adieu, here is Chastity:
Read moreA Guide to my Hometown: Destin, FL // Things to Do
Growing up, I always complained about how there was never anything to do at home. Almost immediately upon moving to Birmingham for college, I realized how privileged I was to have so much at my fingertips. There are always new things to do in Destin, but here are just some of my favorites.
Read moreA Guide to my Hometown: Destin, FL // Places to Eat
For as small as Destin is, it surely accommodates a lot of restaurants! When we begin planning a trip home, one of the first things I do is plan the restaurants I want to go to. There truly is some amazing food in this town - and so much of it is locally owned!
Read moreA Guide to my Hometown: Destin, FL // Where to Stay
Now that the summer is starting to wind down, I finally have a chance to sit down and write my little guide to Destin, Florida, also known as my hometown.
Read moreNYC: A Guide from a Small Town Southerner - Part II
Since the Part I, we have been back to New York twice. The first time back (our third time together) was at Christmas last year. We went to see the lights, do some shopping, and freeze. Needless to say, it was beautiful - but not as beautiful as this last time (our fourth time together). Okay, I'm lying. There's nothing like New York at Christmas...but this last time was amazing because we had PERFECT weather.
Read moreNYC: A Guide from a Small Town Southerner
Monday night Jason and I returned from New York City for the second time together. I've been quite a few times in high school in college with my family, and Jason made a 3 hour trip to the Big Apple from New Jersey when he was touring with Crowns back in 2012.
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