Taking a Break in Destin: A Short Family Recharge
True to our 2011 resolution, which once inspired a quick escape to Maui, we decided to take another short getaway—this time road-tripping down to Destin, Florida. We wanted a week of sun, sand, and a chance to recharge our DIY batteries while spending quality time with family. After a busy stretch that included a trip to Atlanta for the Haven Conference, Destin felt like the perfect place to slow down for a few days and enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast.
Even when you love painting, sanding, and tearing down wallpaper, stepping away from tools and projects for a little while feels restorative. It’s refreshing to put the laptops away, leave the to-do list at home for a few days, and focus on what really matters: time together, long walks on the beach, and simple moments that don’t involve measurements or power tools. We drove down with our good friends the Bowers—who had sung Destin’s praises—so the trip felt like a mini reunion as well as a vacation.
We planned ahead so we could still share a few updates while we’re gone. Over the next five days we’ll post a handful of items that we prepared before we left, including a big international giveaway and a reader redesign feature. Most of our energy, though, will go toward recharging and making sure our daughter Clara has a great time—exploring shallow water, building sandcastles, and discovering shells along the shore.
We’ll be popping in occasionally, but please forgive us if we’re slow to respond to comments or messages this week. Our main objective is to come back refreshed and inspired, ready to tackle everything on our lengthy to-do list. We’ve left the house in the care of friends and family who are taking turns staying there while we’re away. If we could persuade them to paint a bit of trim for us, that would be a wonderful surprise—but realistically, we expect they’ll mostly enjoy the house rather than tackle any projects.
Still, a little hope goes a long way. Wouldn’t it be nice to return to a pop of freshly painted trim? We’ll admit the odds are probably slim, but the thought makes us smile. Either way, we’re already grateful for this opportunity to step back, breathe in some sea air, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a vacation with close friends. Destin’s calm waters and wide beaches create the perfect backdrop for that kind of reset.
During our time away we plan to keep things simple: slow mornings, family meals, and plenty of playtime. We’ll take photos and jot down ideas inspired by the surroundings so we can return with fresh energy and new projects. There’s something about a change of scenery that clears the mind and sharpens creativity—exactly what we hope to benefit from before diving back into renovation work and daily responsibilities.
We look forward to catching up with everyone next Monday. Until then, expect occasional posts we scheduled in advance, but mostly enjoy our break right along with us from afar. We’ll return refreshed, motivated, and ready to attack our list of projects with renewed enthusiasm—perhaps even with a touch of coastal inspiration.
Naaaature! (said with a grin—and maybe a dramatic voice for extra effect).