Make Your Garden Grow

I have always wanted to have my own garden. Not something too big, but something to produce enough fruits and vegetables that could feed my family and help cut down on our enormous grocery bill each month. I plan to try again this year in getting a small garden started and plan to follow the tips below to make it happen. Hopefully, if you are a beginner as well, these tips can help you to make your own garden grow.

Tip #1. Pick the perfect spot. Most vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. If they don't get enough light, they won't provide as much food and the will be more susceptible to attached from insects. 

Tip #2. Plants need water. Not so much in the beginning as they will only need a few cups every few days but as they start to grow be sure to keep up with their water intake. 

Tip #3. Plants need food. Plants need three main nutrients to thrive: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed your plants by preparing the soil before you plant, and be sure to fertilize the plants throughout the season. 

Tip #4. Start Small. Gardens require attention on nearly a daily basis and even a small garden can take 20-30 minutes each day for upkeep, pruning, feeding, watering, etc. Start small with only a few different types of plants that you will use regularly and then add something additional each season as needed or wanted. 

Tip #5. Consider starting with seedlings instead of seeds. Seedlings that have already been weather-proofed will provide a greater chance of survival of your first garden which will, in turn boost your confidence as a first time gardener.

Destin Eats: Breakfast Edition

Breakfast, my favorite meal of the day. Whether first thing in the morning or late at night, below are some of my favorite breakfast joints in Destin. Be sure to check these out. 

The Pancakery - The name itself lets you know that this place is all about the pancakes. They offer other options but if you are looking for gourmet pancakes then this is the place to be. If you love bacon, and who doesn't, try the bacon lover pancakes. If you are looking for something savory and sweet, check out the Banana's Foster as either a pancake, waffle, or french toast. http://thepancakery.com/

Another Broken Egg - Come hungry. The amount of food you get is ridiculous. They specialize in just about everything but the omelettes, scramble skillets, and signature benedicts really stand out. If you like to add seafood to your breakfast then give the lobster and brie omelette or the smoked salmon benny a try. You won't be disappointed. http://www.anotherbrokenegg.com/

Donut Hole - A staple of Destin. Offering breakfast all day and night, this is the place to visit at least once. Traditional southern breakfasts are found here along with plenty of options for those looking for something a little different. Also, don't leave without getting a few homemade donuts to take home with you. 

Destin Eat's: Dinner Edition

Looking for restaurant recommendations for Destin? Here are my Top 5 favorite restaurants for dinner in Destin.

Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi - Absolutely one of THE BEST restaurants not only in Destin but along the Emerald Coast. I have always had an amazing meal here, regardless of what I've ordered (and I've ordered a lot). Their sushi rolls are amazing and so different from other sushi restaurants around. My favorite is the Zolie Roll with the mango sauce. So delicious. And their entrees are top notch as well. I would highly recommend the Bone-In Pork Chop or the Pan Seared Grouper. You will not be disappointed. Visit http://jackacudas.com/ for more info.

Boschamps Seafood & Oyster House - I mean. it's in the name. Oysters!!! Their oysters are second to none. Try to oysters boschamp with the bacon marmalade sauce. The snapper entrees, Pan Sauteed Gulf Snapper and "The Original" Snapper Destin are my favorite dishes bar none. Oh, and I cannot forget about the view and location. They have an expansive outside deck that overlooks the Destin Harbor and you can take the kiddos down to the sandy play area. It's the perfect place to enjoy the Destin Sunset. Visit http://boshamps.com/#Home for more info.

McGuire's Irish Pub - Kiss the Moose, Kiss the Moose! This is definitely a local's favorite as even in the off-season, its packed. Everything about McGuire's is top notch. The atmosphere, service, and food. They are known for their 69 cent bean soup that you can get with any entree order. You will probably eat the best steak of your life while dining here. And don't miss out on the homemade spinach and artichoke dip. Make sure to go hungry because the portions are out of this world. Visit http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/ for more info.

La Famiglia - I love Italian food. Pasta is my weakness in life. La Famiglia does it right. The family that owns La Famiglia is from Italy so you know they are doing it right. Just go ahead and order the Trio of pasta's that come with Lasagna, Fettucine Alfredo, and Gnocchi. And get the gnocchi with the basil pesto sauce. You will thank me! The gnocchi is probably my all-time favorite meal ever! Visit http://www.lafamigliadestin.com/ for more info.

Bric a Brac - If you love Red Bar in Grayton Beach then this is where you want to be. The owners are from the same family and have brought the same great food and atmosphere to Destin. The concept is very similar to Red Bar with a very selective menu but they make up for lack of choices with the fact that EVERYTHING you eat will be mouth watering delicious. The Bric a Brac chicken is definitely my favorite here. A close second would be the Jambalaya pasta. And don't forget about the ceviche for your appetizer. Visit http://www.bricabrac824.com/ for more info.