Monday, June 2, 2025

A Taste of Paradise: Our 10/10 Dining Experience at Oceana, Dreams Natura Cancun

 


Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife – Oceana Restaurant Review at Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico


Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife! Today is a beautiful day, and I’m so excited to share my review of Oceana Restaurant at the stunning Dreams Natura Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico.


Let me just start by saying this: everything at Oceana was a 10 out of 10 for me and my family. From the moment we arrived, the ocean breeze, elegant coastal vibe, and warm, friendly staff created the perfect setting for a memorable family dinner.


Our wonderful waiter made excellent recommendations, and we happily followed his lead. Every single dish was spot-on — delicious, fresh, and served at perfect intervals.



🐙 Starters to Remember



We began with a vibrant ceviche, made with fresh ingredients and tender octopus. It was light, citrusy, and bursting with flavor. Alongside it, we enjoyed crispy chips with chipotle sauce — smoky, just a little spicy, and oh-so-addictive.



We also tried the ocean taco starter, and let me tell you—it was absolutely amazing. Light, flavorful, and gone in seconds.



🦑 Irresistible Calamari



Next came the calamari. It was fresh, slightly rubbery in that perfectly cooked way, and full of flavor. A definite standout on the menu.




🐟 Mains That Stole the Show



For the main course, my sweetman and I shared the fish and fries — perfectly crispy, tender inside, and incredibly satisfying. He also ordered their creamy pasta with clam, and it was amazing — rich, flavorful, and cooked just right. We also tried the Brazilian-style fish in a special sauce, which was incredibly flavorful, and the octopus dish — another perfectly prepared seafood option.



The kids had their favorites too — creamy, dreamy mac and cheese and juicy, tender oven-baked chicken. They loved every bite and cleared their plates in no time!




🍹 Drinks to Sip and Savor



We enjoyed a variety of fun and refreshing drinks, including:


  • A fruity and colorful Superman drink
  • A light and tasty Sprite and strawberry mixed mocktail
  • The playful and mysterious No Name #45 pink slushy drink
  • And to finish, my sweetman ended his meal with a mojito — the perfect refreshing touch.





🍪 A Sweet Ending



Dessert was a hit for the whole family. The kids ended their meal with a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich, and I had the same delicious treat — it was wonderful. Soft, gooey, and creamy all in one bite — the perfect end to a perfect dinner.





Final Thoughts



The food, the ambiance, the service — everything about Oceana Restaurant was top-notch. Every dish was fresh and flavorful, and the pacing of the meal was just right. The kids were happy, my sweetman was happy, and I left feeling completely satisfied.


✨ Final Rating: 10/10 ✨

Whether you’re in Cancun on vacation or staying at Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, you have to try Oceana. It’s a truly joyful dining experience you won’t forget.


Thanks so much for joining me today on MaryamsJoyfulLife! I hope this review inspires your next delicious adventure. 🌊🍴💙














The above pictured drink is a shrimp sauce given to us by our waiter and it was delicious 😋 





Saturday, May 31, 2025

A Joyful Bite in Camden, SC – Our Review of Blaney’s Restaurant 🍔🍟

 



Hey guys! 👋🏾


Thank you so much for checking out MaryamsJoyfulLife today! We’re always excited to share the little things that bring joy to our hearts — and today, it’s all about food (one of our favorite topics, of course 😉).


During our recent weeklong visit to beautiful Camden, South Carolina, we stumbled upon a hidden gem that we just had to visit more than once — Blaney’s Restaurant. And let me tell you… it did not disappoint!


From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm Southern hospitality and the comforting aroma of burgers sizzling on the grill. 😍


What We Ordered:

On our first visit, I ordered their Cowboy Burger, and oh my goodness — it was bursting with flavor, cooked perfectly, and stacked with all the right toppings. So good, I was literally counting down the days to go back. On our second visit, I tried the Bacon Burger, and once again… absolutely delicious!


The Family Favorites:

My kiddos were all smiles with their cheeseburgers and wings, which they devoured in minutes! And my Sweetman? He couldn’t stop raving about the bold, savory flavor packed into his sandwich and wings. Safe to say, Blaney’s won us over — heart and stomach. 💕


The onion rings and fries were also a huge hit. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned just right.


If you’re ever in the Camden area or just passing through, Blaney’s Restaurant is a must-visit. Whether you’re in the mood for juicy burgers, crispy wings, or hearty subs, they’ve got something for everyone. Trust me — you’ll be planning your second visit before you finish your first meal!


Thanks again for reading, friends. Until the next joyful bite! 🍴✨


With love,

Maryam

#MaryamsJoyfulLife #FoodReview #BlaneysRestaurant #CamdenSC #FamilyFavorites #BurgerLovers #SupportLocalEats





















Baby’s Toes in the Sand: Laila’s First Visit to Myrtle Beach

 


Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for checking out Maryam’s Joyful Life blog today!


I’m so excited to share a little snapshot from our recent family adventure to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! It was such a sweet day trip filled with laughter, waves, and a whole lot of sandy toes. Me, my sweetman, and our three kiddos packed up and headed for the coast during our South Carolina visit—and we had an absolute blast!


This trip was extra special because it was baby Laila’s first time at Myrtle Beach—and her second beach trip ever (her first was to the beautiful Orange Beach in Alabama). Watching her tiny eyes take in the big blue ocean was everything. She and I cozied up at the shoreline while Le’Veon, Zoe, and of course, my sweetman jumped right into the waves without hesitation! Their joy was contagious.


One of my favorite moments was gently dipping baby Laila’s little toes into the soft sand, then letting the ocean waves wash them off. She looked up at me with those wide eyes and the cutest curiosity—it melted my heart. Simple moments like that are truly unforgettable.


Now, I won’t pretend everything was perfect. The flies—oh my goodness—the flies would not leave me alone. And just when we’d get into a peaceful groove, those loud military aircraft would come roaring by and startle everyone (especially poor baby Laila). But hey, nothing can truly ruin a good beach day, right?


If you’re ever in South Carolina and looking for a beautiful, family-friendly beach spot, we highly recommend the State Park Beach entrance at Myrtle Beach. Yes, there’s a fee to get in—but it’s 100% worth it. Parking is included (huge bonus!), and it feels clean, safe, and way less hectic than some of the other entrances.



















We always leave Myrtle Beach feeling a little more sun-kissed, a little more relaxed, and full of memories. Until next time!


With love and joy,

Maryam 💛

#maryamsjoyfullife #familytravel #MyrtleBeachMoments