Jonathon Edwards Winery, North Stonington, CT

The second stop on our Columbus Day Road-trip was one of my favorite vineyards, Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington not only is it absolutely beautiful but they make one of my absolute favorite Zinfandel's (unfortunately for us it wasn't bottled for this visit), that's okay though the Cabernet was equally delicious.  

Onto the best part the tasting...

I have to admit they had some very good whites as well my favorite being the 2012 Estate Connecticut Chardonnay and the 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay.  But on a chilly afternoon everyone was in a red wine kind of mood so the Napa Valley Cabernet it was! 

My husband was one lucky guy spending the day with us three and have I mentioned I absolutely adore these two who I never get to see enough!  Unfortunately for us there was a wedding about to start so we had to get on our merry way...

Barrels and Barrels of wine!

Quite possibly the absolute best vineyard directions sign I have ever seen, ever.  

It was a must capture for us girls after a very fun wine filled afternoon. 

All photo's in this post are my own. 

Mystic Seaport, Mystic CT

Columbus Day is hands down one of my all time favorite weekends of the year.  It is quintessential fall throughout most of New England and I love taking in the natural beauty of our surroundings.

With that said I like to plan something exciting to kick off the start of my favorite season - my girlfriend suggested we visit Mystic Seaport for Chowder Days (and seriously what is better on a cool crisp autumn day than a hot bowl of Chowder).  Hubs was a true sport and kindly offered to take my girlfriends and I out east on a day trip venturing through Mystic Seaport and some of our favorite vineyards.

This was our first trip to the seaport and I really didn't know what to expect and have to admit I almost thought it was going to be a complete rain out.  With that being said we lucked out and the clouds finally started to dry up on our ride.  The village is very cool it is more or less a living breathing museum that literally takes you back to a 19th-Century Seafaring Village, and we all know I have a soft spot for anything nautical.  

What I wore: Gap Super Stretch Legging Jeans / Boots (Old) Similar Here
Vest (Old) Similar Here / Sweater  / Scarf (I will probably be in this all season)

This street was my absolute favorite from the picket fence, the hanging mums, 

the lamp post, and can we talk about those leaves - its official I have become 

my mother nothing make me more happy than beautiful fall leaves! 

My only major regret of the day was not getting a single picture of the delicious chowder that we all enjoyed.  All in all Mystic Seaport was a great visit and its perfect especially for families as there is so much for children to do during the stay.  

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of our day ventures. 

All Photo's in this post are my own. 

Fourth of July Must Haves

Tonight we are Cape bound for Fourth Of July Weekend and let's just say with the impending weather situation, what some people are beginning to call a possible hurricane has drastically changed my packing list (insert sad face here).  Although, I am still holding out hope that this ugly thing named Arthur is going to venture out to sea and I will be happily relaxing on the beach all weekend :)  Fingers Crossed...

Anchor Print Shep Shirt Everyone must at least own one Shep Shirt they are by far the most comfortable sweatshirt I have ever worn 

 Vintage Stripe Tunic Still hoping I will get to rock this 

fabulous cover up to the beach on Friday

 Marielle Boatneck Firecracker Sweater Since it may or may not be a little chilly and rainy this could be perfect for "rain or shine" 

fireworks and can be a Fourth of July staple for years

Seersucker Gold Trim Bikini Classic Seersucker Bikini, enough said

 J.Crew Chino's must have to anyone's summer wardrobe 

I have a bunch of pairs in entirely too many colors

Anchor Straw Tote such a great beach bag to store all the necessities even great to take along for a shopping trip

 Jack Rogers if there is one word to describe Jack's it's timeless they will never go out of style in my world and I love all the new colors

 Macy Linen Espadrille great option if you are going out and want to dress up your look but still keep it Cape Cod Casual

Wishing a Happy and Safe Fourth of July to All!!!!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to my other half, my best friend, my husband and most importantly the only person that will always make me smile on the roughest of days!!!  It has taken me 2 years to finally post pictures from our wedding...first off it took us forever to finally choose pictures for our album and at the point I figured why not wait until now!  Our wedding was everything I ever dreamed up, nautical chic was my inspiration and of course when it came to location there was no other choice than Cape Cod!  

Stationary - Splash Stationers Located in Sandwich, MA Rose is a pleasure to work with and absolutely incredible with her work,

she took my vision and made it a reality!!

Bridesmaid dresses - Lula Kate before I even got engaged I
 knew my ladies were walking down the aisle in Lula Kate

Venue - Wychemere Beach Club located in Harwich Port, MA - Michael and I walked in here and knew instantly this was where we had to get married it had everything we wanted beach, boats, it was modern and chic but also had a classic nautical cape cod vibe and the food was incredible...they surpassed everything we ever expected and the service is top of the line.  Karen took care of everything for us and neither of us worried about a single thing all day!!

Photographer - The woman behind the lens Nancy Gould she is the absolute best and I couldn't picture anyone else capturing the day as well as she did.  She was amazing to work with from engagement photos to planning, and the day of the wedding she made it a breeze knowing exactly what we wanted.  The best thing about her is she is so fun to work with and she never gets in the way if you are getting married on the Cape I highly suggest you hire her - you won't be disappointed!!!

Kennebunkport, Maine

In honor of our second anniversary coming up this weekend I want to take you back to the very special place that we spent our first anniversary Kennebunkport, Maine.  The greatest thing about living in New England is we have so many local gems to visit that are all within driving distance.  As a little girl my family use to visit Maine often and I have always wanted to go to Kennebunkport as an adult, it is everything I love, a classic New England coastal town and everyone should take a weekend to visit.

WHERE TO STAY:

For our stay we lucked out on a great deal with Jetsetter (which I swear by if you love to travel) at the Lodge on the Cove when we checked in we realized it was the very week that they had opened so everything was brand new.  The property had everything we could have asked for and the decor was incredible, come on they used my wedding colors how could I not fall in love...The rooms were spacious with large comfy beds, I could have laid by the pool all day long with a delicious cocktail and the morning breakfast delivery of fresh pastries, fruit, hard boiled eggs, and fresh squeezed OJ is just what we needed to start the day.  Each room also has a porch where you can sit and enjoy cocktails.  The best part about the lodge is it was in walking distance to town - always a plus in my book.  Lodge on the Cove is part of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection and after visiting a couple other properties owned by them in town I can highly recommend you will have a marvelous stay at any one you choose!

MUST EATS:

One Dock - This restaurant was our first stop when we arrived and it was excellent, the service was great, the wine was much needed and the food was classic with a modern creative twist!  It looks like they have changed their menu style since last year but I promise it will not disappoint.  

Ocean at the Cape Arundel Inn - This is a must visit if staying or traveling through KPT we celebrated our actual anniversary here and it was such a treat.  The restaurant is beautiful with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the food and service were divine - the Lobster Thermidor is a must try!!!  The best part is it is just steps from the Bush Compound, if you cannot get a reservation I highly suggest at least stopping by and having a cocktail on the porch overlooking the Ocean it is quite breathtaking and what is more relaxing than that!

David's KPT  - Sunday was a beautiful day and we knew we wanted one more delicious meal to fill our bellies for the ride home.  We stopped in at David's and had ourselves an excellent afternoon of fresh seafood.  They have a great deck overlooking the water and we started with oysters and little necks and M dove into his last lobster of the weekend and I opted for the open faced ravioli, yum yum yum.  Obviously all was accompanied by a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc.  After this and a little bit of shopping we sadly were on our way home.  But David's is a must try especially if you are looking for a delicious afternoon lunch on the water.  One other thing to note is if you are a fan Bloody Mary's there's are a must have - Just look at that shrimp!

***Other must's while visiting, the shopping is fab especially the antiquing,  people swear by it and I learned why!  Rent a SUP or a kayak and get out on the water, also just take a drive and look at all the beautiful homes and architecture you will surely be impressed!  It will be hard to top another anniversary after the great time we had last year, stay tuned to see whats in store for this weekend :)

1 Birthday, 2 Showers, and a Clambake!

Happy Friday!  This weekend is going to be an absolute whirlwind, I have my nephews birthday tonight, My cousins Bridal Shower and M's cousin's baby shower Saturday afternoon. Once that is through I am finally off to my first weekend on Cape Cod! We're celebrating a small Family Reunion with my aunts and uncles from Norway and California with a quintessential Cape Cod clambake.  I am counting down the seconds for beach time, grilling, fresh fish and most importantly family.  Here is a sneak peak on what's coming with me - since it's still June the Cape gets a little chilly in the afternoon especially when you are on the water so I swear by packing light layers, and most importantly being comfortable with all the traveling I will be doing in 48 hours!

Nautical Rope Bikini (couldn't be more perfect for the Cape) 
Anchor Popover / Destroyed Denim Shorts / Classic Espadrille 
Lilly V-neck Tunic Sweater (this is a summer staple It can be worn with shorts,
 jeans, and I love it as a cover-up on the beach) 
Orchid Tunic Sweater (everyone must get this sweater it is light, 
comfortable and can be worn year round) / Pleated Short 
Nicole Wedge Sandal (these are great to throw in your bag 
or keep in your car to dress up a casual outfit added plus they are super comfy) 
Dangling Stone and Petal Necklace (cannot get enough of J.Crew's Jewelry EVER)

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon White Chocolate Mousse

Nothing screams summer like Strawberry Shortcake and no better way to ring in the beginning of my favorite season than with this refreshing dessert.  I have added a few of my own little twists that knock this recipe out of the park and even better it is so incredibly simple to make!  

I was inspired to make this by a trio of preserves that we had bought while in England.  We had gone to visit Stonehenge for a day and I totally fell sucker to the lady giving jam tastings in the gift shop.  Yep, I was that girl that had to try and buy at least three of them - come on they threw in the cutest little burlap travel bag for free with three.  Clearly I couldn't resist at that point, but in all seriousness these things were good, real good, even M felt the need to buy them and he buys NOTHING.  So if you go to Stonehenge besides the big rocks go to the gift shop and buy these Jams they will not disappoint.  My absolute favorite was the Lemon Curd - it was incredible, light, flavorful, fresh, and absolutely delicious!  I knew I had to use it for something special and nothing is more special to me than strawberry shortcake, my absolute favorite dessert OF ALL TIME! 

I am not lying when I said this was super easy to make!  First mix the heavy cream with half of a packet of White Chocolate Instant pudding mix, as it begins to stiffen add the lemon curd by tablespoon to taste and continue to mix until it thickens and soft peaks form, feel free to use any type of lemon curd I have seen it at most major grocery stores.  Key thing here is to try and not lick the entire bowl...it is not easy.  I had sliced my strawberries in the morning and added a little bit of Grand Marnier for flavor and let them sit throughout the day.  When ready to eat just assemble your shortcake, I used southern style biscuits as they are my favorites and I love their texture and the sweet/salty flavor but you can use anything!  Then it's time to Dive In and I promise you will be licking the plate as these were divine!

~Ingredients~ 

Serves 4 

1 Quart Strawberries

1/4 Cup of Lemon Curd

1/2 of a packet of White Chocolate Instant Pudding

16 Oz. Heavy Whipping Cream

2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier

4 Southern Style Biscuits

Mint to Garnish

Friday Friday Friday...

Image

Thank goodness it is finally Friday!  It has been a crazy and rough couple of weeks in our household and I am so looking forward to the weekend especially since my best friend is coming to visit.  I cannot wait to lay by the pool, catch up, guaranteed laughs, and enjoying a couple glasses of Sparkling Rosé. Speaking of the pink bubbles how darling is this painting by Caitlin McGauley I absolutely adore all of her stuff not only does it remind me of my favorite summer beverage but it would look lovely in a ladies dressing room or sun room. 

London?!?!

Call me crazy - Borderline insane even but if you asked me a year ago what the first place in Europe I would like to visit would be I would most likely name 10 places before London, England.  In fact a year ago I really had no interest in going to London at all which is even more nutty because eventually you will learn I have a slight obsession with European history primarily the 15th and 16th century most importantly the wild seductive world of King Henry VIII. So naturally I should be out of my skin to go to London, nope not a chance, even now I am cringing typing that.  

So when I decided to take the hubs to London for an Arsenal game for his birthday I still wasn't 100% sold.  In fact I spent days begging and begging to extend our trip and spend time in France or Ireland because in my warped head England couldn't hold a candle to them.  He wasn't having it, shot me down over and over, luckily for M he has been to London a few times and knows the absolute brilliance that is England and the slight ignorance that was his wife.  So I started researching, planned the trip, got into the whole London will be great idea, its the perfect first stop in Europe, I can handle a rainy week in April there, etc.  WHO WAS I KIDDING...London is incredible rain and all. 

The city, the culture, the history, the ambiance, the quaintness, and did I mention Palaces, what girl doesn't love palaces, If you ever get a chance to visit take it and you will be thrilled you did.  London is classic it is everything I love and it is the backbone and inspiration behind this arguably lovely piece of the internet that you are reading right now.  Through here I am going to mention some of my favorite travel spots home and abroad and hope that other people can use it as a tool while planning their own trips.  The best thing I got from London is not just the wonderful experience I had over their but the new outlook on life I had when I came back.  I can promise this will not be the first and last time you hear about this magical trip there will be more to come and I will try to not be so sentimental next time, Cheers.