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My Summer Bucket List 2013

May 17, 2013 By 1 Comment

destin harborWith Summer just eight days away (yes, I am counting down… I think I am more excited than the girls are) I have already started thinking about everything that I want to do this year.   This Summer is a pretty big deal – as The Teen heads off to high school in the Fall, meaning this will probably be our last completely “free” Summer before all of the extra curriculars kick in…. and I fully expect to take advantage of that!

  1. Take Mike Snuba diving.  This was totally the highlight of my Brandcation weekend – besides getting to see all of my friends of course.
  2. Take the family to Big Kahunas.  I am so excited to have the opportunity to show you all Big Kahunas.  I have been going there every Summer for what seems like a hundred years – we even had our “Project Graduation” there many moons ago.   There are few things better than spending a day floating around the Lazy River.
  3. Go Tubing.  I absolutely love going tubing.  Pack up a cooler, take your waterproof camera, slather on some sunscreen and you are ready to go.   Trisha and Mike and I went a few times before Phoenyx was born, and it was the highlight of that Summer.
  4. Spend a weekend at the Cabin with the family.  I absolutely love it up there and we do not go near enough.   In fact I am not sure we made it up there one single weekend last Summer.  Sad.  Going to remedy that this year. [Read more...]

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Best Moscato Wines – Part Deux

May 16, 2013 By 11 Comments

A few months ago I did a post on what I think are the best Moscato wines – and to date is has been the highest viewed post of mine so far.  And as much as I think that list is still totally relevant, I have had the opportunity to check out a few more brands and now have a few more “favorites” to share with you!    Though my #1 favorite is still the same – Bartenura Moscato di Asti – a few others are now making the list of what *I* think are the Best Moscato Wines:

1. Bartenura Moscato

Since the very first sip I took of Bartenura Moscato back in 2008 at Skopelo’s Restaurant I have loved this wine.   It is a very light, sweet wine with only 5% alcohol – low for many wines.   It is a bit effervescent giving it almost a champagne-like feel… perfect for any little celebration.

Bartenura Moscato pairs best with fruits, desserts, and cheeses – but to be honest, I drink it with just about anything.

When I first discovered this wine I could only find it at Four Winds – a local specialty food and wine store, but I am happy to say that Publix carries it now as well!

2. Cupcake Moscato

Cupcake MoscatoThis one was highly recommended on my other post, so I was excited when I found it while in Tennessee for Brandcation.  We picked up a couple bottles and all were big fans.    Cupcake Moscato is also a Moscato di Asti, meaning its comes from the city of Asti, a key wine town in Northwestern Italy.

“Crafted with a passion for celebrating the good and genuine things in life – from food and drink to family and friends – Cupcake Vineyards wines make any occasion delicious.”

3. Fish Eye Moscato

fish eye moscatoI discovered Fish Eye Moscato this year at Mardi Gras when I was searching for a bottle of Moscato that I could take to the parades – meaning not in a glass bottle.  Sure, they also have bottles, but I was delighted to find a “Cardboardeaux” – wine in a box!

The Fish Eye Moscato ”Cardboardeaux” holds the equivalent of four bottles of wine – perfect for glass-free events like Mardi Gras parades – but I also took a box to the beach during Brandcation and enjoyed sharing with everyone while enjoying the beach… although I wish I had taken two.

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Get Your Snuba On

May 16, 2013 By 26 Comments

Last weekend while at Brandcation: DESTINation … I fell in love.    Growing up on the Gulf Coast has given me the opportunity to do a LOT of water sports – from skiing to surfing to parasailing.  But this weekend I found what I truly want to do – scuba dive.

snuba diving

Now, Snuba Diving is a little bit different than SCUBA diving.  When you Snuba, instead of carrying your own tank on your back, you are actually attached to a raft which carries two tanks – enough air for you and up to three of your friends.   Your airline is about 20 feet long – so plenty long to let you get to the bottom of the inlet, with the security of knowing you can not drift too far away from safety.  And, since you have a certified diving instructor going with you, you do not have to be certified yourself to dive.

snuba diving destin florida

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Thank You DESTINation Sponsors!!!

May 13, 2013 By 11 Comments

I am still reeling from all of the excitement of last weekends events at Brandcation: DESTINation at the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village.   It was by far my favorite Brandcation event so far, and I am already ready to go back!

emerald grande at harborwalk village

Man my hair has gotten long. 

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Best Family Vacation DESTINation

May 13, 2013 By 8 Comments

This past weekend I had the pleasure of getting to stay in absolute paradise at the Best Family Vacation DESTINation on the Gulf Coast – The Emerald Grande Resort at Harborwalk Village on the Destin Harbor.  Now, being a “local” I know how amazing Destin is – I practically grew up there as my Uncle has a condo and grandparents both loved it out there – but this weekend I got to see a new side of Destin and one that I will not soon forget.

emerald grande destin resort

The Emerald Grande is located just east of the Destin Bridge and has access to literally everything.  This was the first Brandcation that required ZERO driving.  Once we parked (for free I might add) we did not get in the car again until it was time to leave.  Everything we needed – from activities to shopping to dining – was all located in Harborwalk Village with easy access from the resort.

brandcation destination

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