NANTUCKET IN JUNE

It's impossible for me to go to Nantucket without embracing my love of nautical style. This monogrammed bikini is basically my new favorite thing in the entire world. Can you even?! Other summer musts: an anchor infinity scarf, mint cat eye sunglasses, and a cross-body bag that doubles as a clutch.

The Naushop clubhouse... So many memories of Marco Polo and shuffleboard with my siblings.

Amy and I are always on the lookout for colorful doors and cute door-knockers. Don't you love this starfish? I wish I could add an anchor or a lobster to my apartment door but somehow I don't think my landlord would be keen on the idea. :(

Spotted my dream car in the neighborhood. I learned to drive in a Land Rover Discovery so I'll always a soft spot for them! The Defender is the ultimate island car in my book.

No trip to Nantucket is complete without a stop at Sankaty. My parents took their wedding pictures here 28 years ago! 

My mom grew up spending summers in a house on Baxter Road... Safe to say that's the address of my ultimate dream home.

Fell in love with this little ship on the outside of one of the cottages. Would love to find a similar vintage piece for my parents' place!

The Chanticleer, where my parents had their rehearsal dinner. No matter how many times I stroll the streets of 'Sconset, I'll never tire of its quaint charm.

Watching the sun set over Old South Wharf in town. I've been living in this Swiss dot tuxedo top.

Always nice to pop into One Orange Shop and see what's new. Will picked up this belt that matches the one my grandmother needlepointed for me!

Jacks and Krewe... What else is new? ;) Itching to get back for July 4th next week!

It's impossible for me to go to Nantucket without embracing my love of nautical style. This monogrammed bikini is basically my new favorite thing in the entire world. Can you even?! Other summer musts: an anchor infinity scarf, mint cat eye sunglasses, and a cross-body bag that doubles as a clutch.

The Naushop clubhouse... So many memories of Marco Polo and shuffleboard with my siblings.

Amy and I are always on the lookout for colorful doors and cute door-knockers. Don't you love this starfish? I wish I could add an anchor or a lobster to my apartment door but somehow I don't think my landlord would be keen on the idea. :(

Spotted my dream car in the neighborhood. I learned to drive in a Land Rover Discovery so I'll always a soft spot for them! The Defender is the ultimate island car in my book.

No trip to Nantucket is complete without a stop at Sankaty. My parents took their wedding pictures here 28 years ago! 

My mom grew up spending summers in a house on Baxter Road... Safe to say that's the address of my ultimate dream home.

Fell in love with this little ship on the outside of one of the cottages. Would love to find a similar vintage piece for my parents' place!

The Chanticleer, where my parents had their rehearsal dinner. No matter how many times I stroll the streets of 'Sconset, I'll never tire of its quaint charm.

Watching the sun set over Old South Wharf in town. I've been living in this Swiss dot tuxedo top.

Always nice to pop into One Orange Shop and see what's new. Will picked up this belt that matches the one my grandmother needlepointed for me!

Jacks and Krewe... What else is new? ;) Itching to get back for July 4th next week!

MEMORIAL DAY IN ROWAYTON

It's a pretty rare occasion that my three siblings and I are all at home at the same time. With me working in New York, Reilly working in Massachusetts, Grayson at school in Pennsylvania, and Camden in high school in Connecticut, it just doesn't happen nearly enough. The stars aligned this weekend, though, and we got to spend Sunday dinner and all day Monday as one big happy family. (Has anyone else found that they're even closer to their siblings now that they're a little bit older? All the petty arguments have stopped and it's pretty much constant storytelling and tears-rolling-down-your-face-can't-take-a-sip-of-water kind of laughter.)

On Sunday night, we sat outside on my parents' back deck and ate berries, corn on the cob, hamburgers and hotdogs for the non-vegetarians, yummy salad, and Brussels sprouts from my mom's garden... Easily the best meal I've had in months and the most I've laughed probably since we were all together at Christmas. On Monday morning, we woke up early, got coffee, and found seats for the Memorial Day parade. Camden is an EMT with the local ambulance crew (run by high school students... no big deal) so we were sure to embarrass him with lots of cheering when he walked by. I also ran into my old gymnastics coaches which was a welcomed blast from the past.

Then it was off to Rowayton for lunch by the water. We almost always skip lunch at a real restaurant in favor of grabbing a baguette, cheese, and fruit and eating on the back deck at Rowayton Market overlooking the water. Highly recommend! Then it was time for a leisurely stroll around my favorite Connecticut town. There are so many beautiful homes and views I figured it'd be rude not to share ;)

Patriotism at its finest.

Adore this little garden planted on top of a stone wall!

I'd like to camp out in these Adirondack chairs all afternoon, please and thank you.

If you live in the tristate area and you're looking to plan an easy weekend day trip, put Rowayton on your list! It's an hour long train ride from Grand Central and has the feel of Nantucket without the travel time. And don't forget an ice cream cone from 101... There's an amazing art gallery in the back and the Mount McKinley mint is not to be missed ;)

What's your favorite day trip in New England? Always love to hear your recs! xx

It's a pretty rare occasion that my three siblings and I are all at home at the same time. With me working in New York, Reilly working in Massachusetts, Grayson at school in Pennsylvania, and Camden in high school in Connecticut, it just doesn't happen nearly enough. The stars aligned this weekend, though, and we got to spend Sunday dinner and all day Monday as one big happy family. (Has anyone else found that they're even closer to their siblings now that they're a little bit older? All the petty arguments have stopped and it's pretty much constant storytelling and tears-rolling-down-your-face-can't-take-a-sip-of-water kind of laughter.)

On Sunday night, we sat outside on my parents' back deck and ate berries, corn on the cob, hamburgers and hotdogs for the non-vegetarians, yummy salad, and Brussels sprouts from my mom's garden... Easily the best meal I've had in months and the most I've laughed probably since we were all together at Christmas. On Monday morning, we woke up early, got coffee, and found seats for the Memorial Day parade. Camden is an EMT with the local ambulance crew (run by high school students... no big deal) so we were sure to embarrass him with lots of cheering when he walked by. I also ran into my old gymnastics coaches which was a welcomed blast from the past.

Then it was off to Rowayton for lunch by the water. We almost always skip lunch at a real restaurant in favor of grabbing a baguette, cheese, and fruit and eating on the back deck at Rowayton Market overlooking the water. Highly recommend! Then it was time for a leisurely stroll around my favorite Connecticut town. There are so many beautiful homes and views I figured it'd be rude not to share ;)

Patriotism at its finest.

Adore this little garden planted on top of a stone wall!

I'd like to camp out in these Adirondack chairs all afternoon, please and thank you.

If you live in the tristate area and you're looking to plan an easy weekend day trip, put Rowayton on your list! It's an hour long train ride from Grand Central and has the feel of Nantucket without the travel time. And don't forget an ice cream cone from 101... There's an amazing art gallery in the back and the Mount McKinley mint is not to be missed ;)

What's your favorite day trip in New England? Always love to hear your recs! xx

WEEKEND IN AUSTIN

Thanks to your awesome recommendations (who knew I had so many readers in Texas?!), we had an unbelievable trip to Austin. Here's a recap of what we packed into a little more than 48 hours — I already can't wait to go back and try the rest of your favorites! Prepare yourself for photo overload...

"Breakfast" at Hillside Farmacy

Any breakfast that includes mac and cheese is fine by me ;) Hillside Farmacy is a cute spot in East Austin with old-school medicine cabinets and penny tile floors. I love how many people on Instagram noticed Will's Blackberry — he has an extra phone for work, I swear! #TeamiPhone

Tour of Deep Eddy Vodka

I had my first sip of Deep Eddy when I visited Dallas for New Year's and was pretty excited to get to see where the magic happens. This. Stuff. Is. So. Good. (My favorite is the sweet tea but apparently Texans go for ruby red grapefruit!) They're moving to a new space soon (think on-site tastings!) but it was pretty incredible to see what they've accomplished in a small space. Think they want to take over shipping for Design Darling? ;)

Lunch at Josephine House

Navy exterior, pink flowers, marble countertops... This place had Design Darling written all over it. I had an insane Brussels sprout and quinoa salad and we toasted to vacation with a glass of rosé. Doesn't get much better in my book!

Tour of Katie Kime's office

You all know about my girl crush on Katie Kime so it will come as little surprise that I was obsessed with her office space. Fabric swatches, ginger jars, hot pink packaging, Slim Aarons prints, unfinished furniture... This was basically my version of heaven and Katie herself could not be sweeter. Stay tuned for a few of her goodies coming soon to the boutique!

Dinner and drinks at Hula Hut

I don't usually associate Texas with water so I was pleasantly surprised by this casual lakefront spot. Guacamole, margaritas, and a killer sunset... What more could a girl want?

Breakfast at Elizabeth Street Café

If I lived in Austin, I would be at Elizabeth Street Café every weekend. It has the prettiest exterior, the happiest waitresses, the best Vietnamese iced coffee, and every sweet treat you could possibly want. My mouth is watering looking at these photos...

Lunch at Clark's Oyster Bar

A taste of Nantucket in the heart of Austin and honestly an Instagram-worthy photo opp around every corner. (Wearing this shirt and these jeans c/o South Moon Under!)

Swimming in Barton Springs Pool

A cool man-made pool filled with chilly spring water. Great people-watching and something you can't do in just any city. This was definitely the highlight of our trip! 

Gelato at Dolce Neve

Note to self: hot pink patio furniture belongs in the dream home file.

Dinner at La Condesa

It was pretty dark inside the restaurant but take my word for it: this tapas spot is worth a visit. I credit their fish tacos for helping me putt two holes-in-one at mini golf that night. ;) (Wearing this dress c/o Persifor!)

Easter brunch at Perla's

My mom called me on Sunday morning to wish me a happy Easter and ask whether my clothes still fit because I had been Instagramming so much food — then I promptly went to brunch where we ordered homemade poptarts and lobster rolls. #dietstartstomorrow

- - -

We had such a great time and packed so many stops into two and a half days. Every weekend should be an unofficial food tour, don't you think? The best part is that we ate well, walked a ton, slept more than usual, and came back to New York feeling totally inspired and refreshed. I'm already planning our next weekend getaway — if you have any suggestions for fun destinations, I'm all ears!

Thanks to your awesome recommendations (who knew I had so many readers in Texas?!), we had an unbelievable trip to Austin. Here's a recap of what we packed into a little more than 48 hours — I already can't wait to go back and try the rest of your favorites! Prepare yourself for photo overload...

"Breakfast" at Hillside Farmacy

Any breakfast that includes mac and cheese is fine by me ;) Hillside Farmacy is a cute spot in East Austin with old-school medicine cabinets and penny tile floors. I love how many people on Instagram noticed Will's Blackberry — he has an extra phone for work, I swear! #TeamiPhone

Tour of Deep Eddy Vodka

I had my first sip of Deep Eddy when I visited Dallas for New Year's and was pretty excited to get to see where the magic happens. This. Stuff. Is. So. Good. (My favorite is the sweet tea but apparently Texans go for ruby red grapefruit!) They're moving to a new space soon (think on-site tastings!) but it was pretty incredible to see what they've accomplished in a small space. Think they want to take over shipping for Design Darling? ;)

Lunch at Josephine House

Navy exterior, pink flowers, marble countertops... This place had Design Darling written all over it. I had an insane Brussels sprout and quinoa salad and we toasted to vacation with a glass of rosé. Doesn't get much better in my book!

Tour of Katie Kime's office

You all know about my girl crush on Katie Kime so it will come as little surprise that I was obsessed with her office space. Fabric swatches, ginger jars, hot pink packaging, Slim Aarons prints, unfinished furniture... This was basically my version of heaven and Katie herself could not be sweeter. Stay tuned for a few of her goodies coming soon to the boutique!

Dinner and drinks at Hula Hut

I don't usually associate Texas with water so I was pleasantly surprised by this casual lakefront spot. Guacamole, margaritas, and a killer sunset... What more could a girl want?

Breakfast at Elizabeth Street Café

If I lived in Austin, I would be at Elizabeth Street Café every weekend. It has the prettiest exterior, the happiest waitresses, the best Vietnamese iced coffee, and every sweet treat you could possibly want. My mouth is watering looking at these photos...

Lunch at Clark's Oyster Bar

A taste of Nantucket in the heart of Austin and honestly an Instagram-worthy photo opp around every corner. (Wearing this shirt and these jeans c/o South Moon Under!)

Swimming in Barton Springs Pool

A cool man-made pool filled with chilly spring water. Great people-watching and something you can't do in just any city. This was definitely the highlight of our trip! 

Gelato at Dolce Neve

Note to self: hot pink patio furniture belongs in the dream home file.

Dinner at La Condesa

It was pretty dark inside the restaurant but take my word for it: this tapas spot is worth a visit. I credit their fish tacos for helping me putt two holes-in-one at mini golf that night. ;) (Wearing this dress c/o Persifor!)

Easter brunch at Perla's

My mom called me on Sunday morning to wish me a happy Easter and ask whether my clothes still fit because I had been Instagramming so much food — then I promptly went to brunch where we ordered homemade poptarts and lobster rolls. #dietstartstomorrow

- - -

We had such a great time and packed so many stops into two and a half days. Every weekend should be an unofficial food tour, don't you think? The best part is that we ate well, walked a ton, slept more than usual, and came back to New York feeling totally inspired and refreshed. I'm already planning our next weekend getaway — if you have any suggestions for fun destinations, I'm all ears!

AUSTIN RECOMMENDATIONS?

Because you were all so helpful in planning my trip to Atlanta in January, I thought I'd defer to you again for your dining and shopping recommendations in Austin! My boyfriend and I are headed there this weekend as it's one of his favorite cities and I've never been! I'm so excited to see what the city has to offer. So far I've been told not to miss Elizabeth Street Café (pictured above) and Josephine House. What are your Austin favorites? Thank you in advance! xx

*all photos via A Piece of Toast

Because you were all so helpful in planning my trip to Atlanta in January, I thought I'd defer to you again for your dining and shopping recommendations in Austin! My boyfriend and I are headed there this weekend as it's one of his favorite cities and I've never been! I'm so excited to see what the city has to offer. So far I've been told not to miss Elizabeth Street Café (pictured above) and Josephine House. What are your Austin favorites? Thank you in advance! xx

*all photos via A Piece of Toast