Hey! I’m Jessica & I’m so glad you stopped by! Carefree Mermaid is about living life deeply. I’m on an adventure to see all of the great things this world has to offer, make memories with loved ones, stop eating mediocre food, and appreciate the beauty that’s everywhere!
I have a huge passion for anything artistic, especially photography. Photography has always been a favorite of mine. I also have a strong background in the food business after working in it for a long time & fueling a passion for it. And I love to travel!
Culinary Tales
I love food & I’m always trying out new recipes, or perfecting old ones.
I like to eat “healthy-ish”. Which means some days I just can’t resist a big juicy Cheeseburger and Fries. Or keeping it classic in the kitchen, like my Slow-Cooked Brown Sugar Baby Back Ribs because there really isn’t anything that could make these any better! And other days I’m throwing Spinach in my smoothies and jumping on the “Zucchini Pasta” bandwagon, Healthier Shrimp Scampi anyone? Whatever I’m making though, I promise it will taste amazing, I never sacrifice flavor!
Rosemary + Brown Sugar Baby Back RibsWhen it comes to creating recipes, I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented culinary influences my entire life. They have helped me to develop a large repertoire of tips and tricks for all types of cuisines & cocktails.
In the kitchen & behind the bar I put a big focus on using fresh ingredients as much as possible. I think that alone can make such a big difference in your health and in turn your life. Not to mention how much better fresh & healthy taste!
Shrimp Scampi with Caramelized Zucchini Noodles
Travels
I love exploring new places. I’ll be sharing everything from local favorites to cross country destinations… from family-friendly fun to peaceful weekend getaways! I love checking out popular landmarks as well as hidden gems! (Check out my favorite Florida destination: Amelia Island, Florida)
Amelia Island, Fl
I’m a writer, photographer, mixologist, and self-proclaimed chef. Also, I’m mom to a sweet, but wild little boy, who always keeps me on my toes.
I live by the water, near the coast. But, not nearly as close to the ocean as I wish. I do live close to the middle of nowhere though, which I also appreciate.
There’s nothing better than back roads & looking up at the sky, being able to see every single star shining back at you. There aren’t any lights around to spoil the beauty of the night.
I’ve actually lived all over the country, moving from state to state just about every year while I was younger. My dad would get transfered with his job a lot. From New Orleans to Chicago, West Virginia to California, and many more places in between. And while it wasn’t always easy adapting, I came to appreciate each new state. To this day I can think of numerous things I miss from each state I lived in. The food, the places, the people. This is probably why I love to travel.
All in all I always thought of myself as more of a city girl, until I moved to my current location about ten years ago. Turns out I was actually always a country girl at heart.
Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better place to raise my son. My biggest passion is definitely my son. As I tell him often, he’s my favorite thing in the whole wide world. I’m well aware that when he’s fifteen he’s definitely not going to hold my hand in public, ask me to carry him, read to him, snuggle with him, and randomly kiss me on the forehead. He won’t need my help building Ninja Turtle Legos anymore, counting, or trying to recite his ABCs. He won’t be interested in Peppa Pig books or The Hungry Caterpillar and he won’t need my help reading them. So, I’m enjoying it while I can. Every single moment of it….
