The Guzlas family was established 16 years ago by Eric and Mia. These two met at the Fairhope Art Walk through mutual friends, and the rest is history. Together, they have one 11-year-old son named Jaxon.
Eric is self-employed as a General Contractor who specializes in drywall. Mia is a dance educator at Creative Outlet in Fairhope and South Baldwin Dance Center in Gulf Shores. Jaxon just finished 6th grade with all A’s from Gulf Shores City School’s Virtual Academy. He loves the water and wants to be a beach lifeguard one day in Hawaii.
“We love ‘Glamping’ at state parks and Fort Wilderness in Disney World. We bring our camper with all the comforts of home,” shared Mia. “We love to travel – and not just glamp. At the beginning of this year, we went to Park City, Utah to snowboard, and in July, we will head to New York and Canada to see Niagara Falls.”
One of the most breathtaking trips the Guzlas family has taken was to see the Redwoods in California and the Grand Canyon.
“When we are glamping, I do not want to be cooking all day. We want to bike ride, hike, and swim. So while we are having fun, dinner is often cooking for us in the crockpot,” Mia said. “I am sharing our favorite taco soup recipe. I just love how easy and delicious this recipe is. This is my go-to meal when life is just too busy, and it is kid-approved by Jaxon.”
Mia found this recipe online and described it as a ‘Pinterest Win’. The recipe makes enough for at least two days, so you can have leftovers right away or even freeze for an easy weeknight meal later on.
“Anytime my friends are sick or just need a meal, you better believe this is what I am bringing,” said Mia.
With summer in full swing, Eric, Mia, and Jaxon intend to embrace every single second of it.
“We love the water,” exclaimed Mia. “Boating is our number one favorite thing to do. Jaxon enjoys wakeboarding, I love to float, and Eric is an excellent boat captain!”
The trio will bounce back and forth between lazy days on the Gulf of America and quick trips to Orlando to visit favorite theme parks like Disney World.
“Jaxon’s present for completing sixth grade with all A’s was an encounter at Sea World,” Mia exclaimed. “One of my son’s favorite animals is penguins, so that was our encounter. He was so excited to get to feel them, take pictures, and ask questions to the handlers. His major question was, “Do Penguins have knees?” and the answer was yes.”
Frugal Girls Easy Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Ground Beef, browned and drained
- 14.5 oz. Beef Broth (1 can)
- 16 oz. Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz. Black Beans (1 can), rinsed and drained
- 14.5 oz. Petite Diced Tomatoes and the liquid (1 can)
- 15 oz. Corn and liquid (1 can)
- 10 oz. Original Rotel – Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (1 can)
- 1 oz. Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix packet
- 1 oz. Taco Seasoning Mix packet
- 1.5 tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Salt
Optional Garnish Ingredients: Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Green Onion, Hot Sauce, Fritos or Tortilla Chips
Directions:
- Add all ingredients (except garnish ingredients) to Crockpot and stir well.
- Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, or LOW for 4.
- Top with a dollop of Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar, Chopped Green Onions, Hot Sauce, and some Fritos.
Hot Tip: What is great about this recipe, if you are out of time you can throw it in the pressure cooker for 8 minutes on HIGH and let cool for 5 minutes.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
