Sneak Peek of Family Pictures with Darris Hartman

March 12, 2018 By Molly Leave a Comment

Spring is upon us which means it’s family picture season at the beach.

I’m often asked for photographer recommendations by friends who are visiting the area. Destin and the surrounding coastal towns make the idyllic backdrop for capturing family memories, so no wonder so many of you want to snag pictures here!

Let me introduce you to my friend, Darris. Darris Hartman is a local photographer who has photographed hundreds of family sessions as well as weddings in the area since 2009. She is known for her soft and whimsical images that are the perfect keepsakes for your family.

We had a beach session with Darris during a particularly warm spell in February and I’m just thrilled with how they turned out! We haven’t had professional family photographs made since before Miles was born and I love the way she captured this crazy stage in our lives (Miles’s meltdowns and all!).

I can already envision these beauties as canvases on the walls in our new home.

If you are visiting the area this spring or summer and wish to have professional family photos made, definitely give Darris a call and let her know I sent you! You will not be disappointed with the images she captures. Promise!

Staycation at Henderson Park Inn

March 7, 2018 By Molly 2 Comments

A couple weekends ago Jason and I had the opportunity to have a quick little staycation at the Henderson Park Inn. We were barely away from home 24 hours but it was glorious!

The Henderson Park Inn is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Destin and overlooks nearly a mile of pristine, undeveloped beach. It is known as the most romantic hotel in Destin and one of the most romantic in the nation!

Henderson Park Inn is an all-inclusive New England style bed and breakfast and is only for adults. It is the most picturesque place to spend a few days with your sweetie. We lucked out and had perfect weather during our time at the Inn!

We arrived around 4:!5 on Friday afternoon and the front desk attendant alerted us that only few minutes remained of Happy Hour, so we high-tailed it to the tiki bar out back!

I could have stayed right there all day. Free drinks, incredible views, perfect gulf breeze…and we met this really nice couple from New England and chatted a good hour with them. I love making new friends on vacation.

We lucked out and were upgraded to a honeymoon suite. I loved the floor-to-ceiling drapes and how dark they made the place. Perfect sleeping conditions for a night away from kids!

The roses, wine, and chocolate were a nice touch, as well.

We had dinner plans off property with friends for Jason’s birthday, but I’m really wishing we had the chance to dine at the Inn’s signature restaurant, Beach Walk Cafe. We’ve been in the past and it was excellent! It’s Destin’s only fine-dining restaurant directly on the gulf and you do not have to be staying at the resort to have dinner.

Get a load of that view! (image source)

The Inn serves breakfast every morning complete with shrimp and grits, beautiful pastries, and made-to-order omelettes.

If you are staying two or more nights, the staff will prepare and pack a picnic lunch for you to grab for the beach. We missed out since we only stayed one night, but I love that extra touch!

The beach was absolute perfection and it’s quiet since the area is reserved for guests of the Inn.

We enjoyed a few peaceful, sun-soaked hours at the water’s edge before having to head back to the kiddos.

I cannot rave about the Henderson Park Inn enough! Even though we live 10 minutes away, it was the most relaxing and romantic getaway we’ve had in ages. I only wish we could have stayed longer. We will definitely be back!

Henderson Park Inn
2700 Scenic Highway 98
Destin, FL 32541
888-836-1105

Spring Break Beach Bag Essentials + Scout Bag Giveaway

March 4, 2018 By Molly 72 Comments

The 2018 Spring Break season has officially commenced in Destin! Our quiet winter days are gone and the roads and beaches will soon be filled with college kids and families hoping to catch a glimpse of the Gulf of Mexico (not the ocean) and soak up the sun.

I love when our area is filled with tourists. Sure- the roads, stores, and beaches are more crowded and restaurants have ridiculous wait times, but tourism is our lifeline here and so many of my friends and family benefit big time. I say bring it on!

I’m thrilled to share with you my Spring Break beach bag essentials plus an amazing giveaway!

Believe me, I’ve searched high and low for bags that are good for the beach. I need a bag that is easy to clean, can hold a ton, stand up to sand and water (and three kids), all while looking good!

Enter the Pocket Rocket by Scout! I found mine at Fisher’s Pharmacy in DeFuniak Springs, FL (just north of Destin) and it couldn’t be more perfect for the beach and pool. The bag boasts SIX exterior pockets, which are perfect for everything from water bottles to sunscreen to sippy cups. I love the easy-to-wipe all-weather woven fabric AND it zips closed. Glory!

The Pocket Rocket comes in nearly 20 patterns and easily fits all your beach necessities! Speaking of beach bag necessities, here are mine:

I absolutely love the pop of color these Maui Jim Sunrise Mavericks give me at the beach and I always get plenty of compliments! I found mine locally at Sunglass World at Destin Commons, but you can also shop online.

I absolutely must have a hat for a day in the sun. I found this floppy fedora on Amazon before our cruise last summer and it’s quickly become my favorite. I might even order another color for this beach season!

Living in Destin, I have a closet full of beach towels. My new favorite is this fabulous micofiber towel/blanket that my cute friends at Frill Seekers monogrammed for me. It’s lightweight and HUGE! Perfect as a towel or picnic blanket for the playground or ball park.

Scout has other great bags that I like to bring along. Packin’ Heat is technically a makeup bag, but it’s lined on the inside and perfect for storing phone and keys or wet swim suits.

The Pleasure Chest is too much fun! It’s a collapsible cooler bag that can hold a six-pack or four bottles of wine. Yes, please! Again, I found mine at Fisher’s because they have the best selection of Scout bags in the area (as well as other adorable gifts for home, kids, and baby).

I am absolutely thrilled, because I’m teaming up with Fisher’s Pharmacy to give away THREE amazing Scout bags to ONE lucky winner! One reader will receive the Pocket Rocket, Packin’ Heat, and Pleasure Chest pictured in this post! The Deano in the last photo is mine.

Follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. Contest will end Friday, March 9th, 2018. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Destin Duchess

A Mom's Guide to the Emerald Coast

Sneak Peek of Family Pictures with Darris Hartman

Staycation at Henderson Park Inn

Spring Break Beach Bag Essentials + Scout Bag Giveaway