Travels and Headline News

Wanderlust 4 Eva

Hello hello and welcome back to the merriest corner of the internet! After a little hiatus from blogging for some friend-filled travel and celebrations last week, I'm back to tell you where I've been lately and why you need to go there too.

First, Charleston, SC. Have you been? I visited Charleston over Labor Day weekend, staying at a rented house on Isle of Palms (one of the beach communities just outside downtown Charleston) and had an absolute blast. Charleston has beautiful homes, lovely beaches and a down south chill vibe that made it an excellent vacation destination (including for our family's little kiddos). I highly recommend renting a house near the beach (with a pool, it gets HOT!) and letting your days be a relaxing mix of beach, golf, swimming and the occasional trip into town for shopping (Charleston has awesome shopping of the boutique and designer variety) and eating (we went to Hominy Grill one night and loved everything from the shrimp and grits to the pie for dessert). There was a ton of history and exploring we didn't get to do this trip, but I guess that just means I need to go back!! A short flight from NYC, consider Charleston for your next family vacation, romantic getaway or even a bachelorette or girls trip destination!

View from Munjoy Hill, where our rental house was.

Second, Maine... Like the whole state, but this time around, specifically Portland. I have now vacationed in Maine twice (Bar Harbor last time) and I think it might be my exact-opposite-of-NYC-can-I-have-a-home-here-too favorite destination. Portland is another short trip from NYC (just a 50 minute flight) and the crisp air, gorgeous ocean/bay views and out of this world seafood make it the most refreshing place on the planet to visit. Again we rented a house (sensing a theme here!?) and I fell in love with everything from our multi-story old house, to paddleboarding on the bay, outrageously good lobster mac HERE and the general adorableness of a small city meant for exploring and enjoying on foot. I've already got plans to be back in Maine next summer and  I think this is a tradition I could get used to!!

And finally, HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS!? Thanks to an "I-just-opened-my-eyes-and-saw-your-email" from my beloved (parent)thetically speaking, I learned this morning that the royals are expecting another bundle of joy. While I wish first and foremost for Kate and Will a healthy bitty baby, I wish secondly for myself and the world for a little princess because after closely following George's adorable clothing swagger, I'd love to see what a royal lady baby would do. Congrats to the parents-to-be!!

Hump Day - Independence Edition

I crush on the Founding Fathers. Hard.

Huzzah!!! A hump day that requires no humping at all! Happy Wednes-riday to all of my fellow Americans! May your next few days be filled with sunshine, barbecue, fireworks and friends. See ya Monday!

* 3 super easy and adorably patriotic desserts you can whip up in time for tomorrow HERE, HERE & HERE.

* Did you know that NYC is loaded with Revolutionary War era history?

* Adorable summer printables to make your table look picnic perfect!

* Ahoy matey!!

* Outside of Maine, where to get your lobster rolls.

* Nothing more American than a slice of warm apple pie (even if I'm more of a blueberry girl myself!)

* A "holy crap that's brilliant" ice cream sandwich making solution.

* Blurred Lines look out, Robin Thicke is adding to the soundtrack of summer!

* Nap time is always the best time. For giraffes and all other adorable animals. (giraffe via CupofJo)

* Beach babes beware!

Fire up the grill!!

Throw another shrimp on the bar-bay!!!

Summer eating rocks. Plain and simple. Not only are "summer foods" awesome (bring on the hot dogs!) but you get to enjoy warm sunsets and nights under the stars while chowing with family and friends. Here are a few ideas for bringing summer eats into your home (and how to look fabulous while doing it!)

Grilled shrimp are an awesome BBQ app
Nice and easy = a little olive oil and Old Bay Seasoning
Feelin fancy = This simple recipe

Serve up your hamburgers & hotdogs in style with this
simple crafty DIY from OhHappyDay (plus bun recipe!)

Take this classic summer side dish to the next level with a
simple recipe that gives Diablo Royale a run for it's money!

Since you can't all get invited to Staten Island for my Uncle's
SICK lobster roll, check out this recipe, or road trip to one of these:)

You don't need a grill to cook up this BBQ classic...
City dwellers rejoice, your crock pot pulled pork is here!

Can't ruin that adorable sundress...
Be a Grill Masteress in style

Destination Newport.

The Cliff Walk - Newport, RI / I heart New England.

Now that the season for chilly weekend getaways has passed us by, it's time to chat about spring/summer destinations (nothing beats the Mondays better than dreaming about a Friday!) Though I'd never visited before last summer, I've been to Newport, Rhode Island three times this year and I'm in lurve. From the stunning and outdoorsy Cliff Walk, to the  ridiculously fresh seafood and bumpin bar scene, Newport is my new favorite mini-adventure!

Plenty of good meals to be eaten at places like The Mooring (go for the lobster, crab and shrimp doughnuts, stay for the excellent martinis), and get your fresh air/"I did something active today" fix by walking (and at times rock hopping) on the infamous Newport Cliff Walk.

The lobster roll (bottom) was tasty, but the lobster grilled cheese
(top) really took me to culinary heaven (eaten on Bowen's Wharf)

You can shop for adorable knickknacks (unsurprisingly, I am a "chachki" junkie), jewelry, and preppy nautical themed apparel for hours (my heaven) or go for a boat cruise around the harbor and coast.

Don't forget your Topsiders!

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Newport has an awesome drink/dance/party scene. It's a city filled with people chilling (jazz festival) getting fresh air (sailboat racing) or celebrating (bachelorette parties, weddings, reunions) and the restaurants and bars set a perfect scene for everything from sunset cocktails to late night dance parties. Newport is a historical town by the sea that adores cocktails, celebrations, outdoor adventurers and relaxation... are you packing your bags yet?

Love me a good music festival (on the water = even better!)