I’m Michelle — a lifestyle and travel content creator based in Franklin, TN, and the face behind Sips to Sugars. Part baker, part travel advisor, full-time lover of a good cocktail and a warm oven. Whether I’m sharing a new recipe, planning a trip, or hunting down the best cocktail bar in town, this is where I document all of it — and everything in between.
A little backstory
I’m what you’d call a California girl at heart — born and raised in San Diego — but Tennessee has owned me since 2007, and honestly? I wouldn’t change it. My husband Corey and I have been together since high school (yes, really — since 1989), got married in 1995, and did things a little backwards by growing up alongside our kids. Our oldest was born in 1996, our second in 1999, and our daughter in 2004. We basically blinked and became empty nesters, which — spoiler — turned out to be one of the best chapters yet.
The part that changed everything
In June 2017, I was diagnosed with stage 3, triple negative breast cancer. That year was the hardest of my life — chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and a lot of sitting still when I’m not exactly a sit-still kind of person. On January 19, 2018, my doctors gave me the news I’ll never forget: full response. Cancer-free. I followed that up with radiation in the spring, and then I made a decision — I was going to stop waiting to do the things I loved and just start living them.
That shift is honestly what Sips to Sugars is built on.
So… why “Sips to Sugars”?
Let me start with the Sugars, because that’s where it all began.
I’ve been baking for years — cake pops, decorated cookies (genuinely therapeutic, 10/10 recommend), cakes, bars, you name it. When the kids got older and it was suddenly just Corey and me at the dinner table, cooking became something I actually enjoyed rather than just managed. Trying new dishes, experimenting with flavors, cooking for two or cooking for a crowd — it’s become one of my favorite creative outlets. (You can find some of my favorites on the blog.)
The Sips half? That’s all Corey. The man has a serious whiskey collection and the knowledge to back it up — he’s a certified Bourbon Steward, loves getting into the science of spirits, and has perfected the craft of making a really great cocktail. My job is to drink them. We make a good team. We love hitting distilleries, taking cocktail classes, and hunting down the most interesting bars wherever we land.
Somewhere in between baking and bourbon, we started doing all the other things we love: traveling, going to concerts, discovering new restaurants, hiking, kayaking, the occasional half marathon (me, not Corey — he’s very clear about that), and staying sane at OTF.
Let’s Work Together
And now — travel is officially part of the mix
In January 2025, I became a licensed travel advisor with Sips to Sugars Travel, hosted by KHM Travel Group. Honestly, it felt like a natural next step — we’ve always loved to travel, and once I started digging into the planning side of it, I realized I actually enjoy this stuff. Research, itineraries, finding the best cabin on a ship, figuring out where to eat — it turns out that’s just… fun for me.
I’m not going to pretend I have every destination memorized. I’m still learning, and I’m okay saying that. What I can promise is that I’ll be thorough, I’ll be honest, and I’ll treat your trip like I’m planning my own. Cruises, beach weeks, girls’ trips, family vacations, anniversary getaways — bring it to me.
Thanks for being here.
This little corner of the internet has grown into something I’m really proud of — and it keeps evolving, just like we do. Stick around. There’s always something good in the glass and something warm in the oven.
— Michelle and Corey ????
Want to book a trip?
I’d love to help you plan something amazing. Reach out anytime at sipstosugars@gmail.com
