Italy Recap #3: Cinque Terre (Part 2)

I am definitely drawing out this Italy trip but I know if I don't recap the whole thing on here I'll regret it! So, I am back today with Part 2 of our time in Cinque Terre. Hopefully, after this, I can fit our Florence recap into just one more post!

If you missed Cinque Terre Part 1, check it out here!

Resort Wear Picks: Packing For St. Barths

 I couldn't be more excited to head to St. Barths next weekend for my aunt's wedding. Not only am I over the moon for her to get married, but I'm (almost) equally excited about visiting St. Barths itself. The little island exudes beauty and luxury and I just can't wait to soak it all in. 

What I'm Packing for Rhode Island + The Hamptons

I leave Sunday morning for a two-week trip to see my extended family, and I am so excited to be back in Boston, Rhode Island, and the Hamptons for a little bit. I am so looking forward to seeing my dad and all of my family on his side, and I'm kind of excited about what I'm packing too, so I thought I'd share a peak into my suitcase!

Mexico Recap

Hello!!! This post is long overdue considering I returned back to school from my spring break trip to Mexico over two weeks ago, so I am excited to finally share my trip with you all! This trip is definitely going to remain one of the most memorable vacations I've ever been on, not only because it was my first time to Mexico, but because spending spring break with my best friends just couldn't have been more fun!

One Week Until Mexico!

I will be arriving in Mexico for spring break with my friends around this time next week! I am so excited for our trip, so I wanted to share a little round-up of things I am packing and a few things I wish were in my suitcase.

Part I: Palm Beach Weekend RECAP

Hi!!!!! I am so excited for today's post to share everything I did last weekend in Palm Beach for my birthday (how was that already a week ago?!). I had such a fun time with my Dad-- he seriously never fails to plan (or lack-thereof... that's what I love so much about our trips) an amazing vacation. Every minute was so perfect that I want to make this an annual trip! In this part of my recap I am going to share everything we did on Saturday and Sunday, and then tomorrow in Part II I will share what we did on my actual birthday!

This Week's Top 10: 10 Pieces I'm Packing

I leave tomorrow at 6 AM for my birthday vacation to Palm Beach, and I really am so excited to celebrate with my dad (who I haven't seen since May!) and take a few days just to relax and unwind. Since my internship ended last week I almost feel like I've been busier, tackling things I hadn't been able to when I was at work all day and tired afterward. I am looking forward to doing nothing for a few days, celebrating my ~golden~ birthday (20!) on Monday, and getting a little tan (or, more likely, a major sunburn) before school starts soon. Instead of a typical top 10, I thought it would be fun to share 10 pieces I'm packing for the trip!

Part III: My Second Weekend in New York

Okay... this is it, I promise. I didn't intend for this trip to get split up into three separate recaps (Part I here + Part II here) but I just crammed so much into my 10 days in New York that I didn't want to leave anything out!

New York Recap: Part II

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I was at work this morning when the power went out, so I had a little bit of a break in my morning to get this post up since I didn't have time to last night. Although I am technically working "remotely" right now, a lot of the stuff I have to work on can't be accessed on outside computers (something we maybe should have looked into before now, ha). Anyways, here is Part II of my trip recap to New York two weeks ago. If you missed Part I, you can read that here!

New York Recap: Part I

I am so excited to recap the first half of my trip to New York! I went on a huge trip last summer for Rhode Island, Maine, and New York and never got around to recapping it, so I wanted to be sure to do that this time around... This year alone I have recapped my trips to Vermont, Miami, and Easter in New York and I have been recapping almost all of my vacations in the past few years on this blog. If anything, it's a useful travel guide for any of you and a fun memory to me!

Spring Break 2017 Shopping Guide

I am so excited about spring break this year. Because my spring break falls the week before my brother's, my dad is taking us on a mini ski weekend during the overlap, but I will be heading to Miami with my best friend for the week prior! I am so, so excited because I love traveling with friends, and I haven't been to Miami since freshman year of high school. It will be especially fun, too, because it'll be just the two of us, so we can lounge by the pool, hang out at the beach, or do as much shopping and exploring as we want to. I seriously can't wait!

I've already started looking into a few outfits that I'll want to pack for the trip, and I've made this fun Spring Break guide to share with all of you as well. I am thinking of making a "resort" tab at the top, which would be similar to the "shop" tab, but all vacation clothes/accessories. This way all of you can come here for vacation packing essentials and fun pieces... let me know if that's something you'd like!

Without further adieu...

Cover-ups + dresses

Swimsuits

Shoes +Accessories

Do you have Spring Break plans? I would love to hear!! Also, if there are any Miami suggestions out there, I am all ears :)

xoxo

My Tips for Flying Alone

I've been flying alone since I was 12, and it is one of my favorite things to do. I love airports, and I'm at them so much that I automatically connect to the wifi at O'Hare! Since I've started flying sans parents, I've noticed I actually prefer it, and it's not a big deal or tricky at all. In fact, ever since my first flight alone, I think I've only actually flown with company on my school trip to France, my big trip to Europe last summer, and to New Orleans with my mom... Just a fraction of the trips I've taken in the last several years! 

However, for first-timer's, there are a few tips I have that might help your airport experience go a little bit smoother, from security all the way through to picking up your bags at baggage claim and hailing your ride. Surprisingly, the first really unfortunate experience I've had flying alone was my flight out on this trip on Thursday. I landed in Chicago for my connection, and I was waiting for my bag in the jet bridge because I had to gate-check it since it was too big for the small plane. Turns out they'd left it in Milwaukee. Then, I discovered my connecting flight to LaGuardia was delayed so I'd land at 1 AM. Oh, that was fun. But like I said, really in the long run wasn't that big of a deal.

1. Prepare before you even get to the airport // Check into your flight, screenshot your boarding pass on your phone, and make sure your I.D. is accessible. When you arrive at the airport you should be able to walk right up to security (unless you're checking a bag first, which in that case I always find that doing it outside at the curb is easiest and least busy. Usually they can print your boarding pass for you too if you want a hard copy/don't have it yet).

I always have TSA pre-check when I fly, but if you aren't signed up for it, make sure you wear shoes that are easy to remove and a jacket that isn't too tricky to remove if you have to! (Even if it's hot, bring a jacket or sweater, or even just a wrap n your carry on. It always gets chilly on the plane!)

Having everything organized will make going through security a breeze, and always remember: they will ask for an I.D. You don't want to be fishing around for it! Make sure you have some money, too. Whether it be for snacks, checking a bag that unexpectedly is too large for the plane, or any random emergency, you never want to be without some cash just in case. I really can't stress how important this is, too. There have been so many times that I really shouldn't have had to check my bag and they made me do it anyways, among other things I've needed money for (like upgrading my flight one to avoid an 8 hour layover after my first flight was delayed and I missed the second one. That was not a fun day)

2. In-flight entertainment // Oh, this doesn't just mean your headphones, book, sudoku (#guilty), and three issues of Vogue and Marie Claire (even though you will seriously be at a loss for time killers if you forget those). You always need snacks. Always. I'm the first to admit I think I won't get hungry at the airport, and I always do. When flying alone, you can't rely on your mom to magically pull out the goods from her tote, you've got to load up yourself. Granola bars, popcorn, fruit, nuts... Candy ;) Luckily you can get unlimited water once you've boarded, but you will never regret bringing a few snacks. Another random tip: you can't paint your nails on a plane. They don't let you... I've tried. I learned that one the hard way. 

I think this goes along with in-flight, but don't worry about who you're sitting next to. I've sat next to wacky people, and then I have also sat next to some of the coolest and nicest people too. No one really gives a sh*t though if you want to talk or not... if you do, you can chat as much as you want, and if you don't, they'll get the hint. It really doesn't matter. I used to be really paranoid about who I'd wind up next to, but it never ends up making any difference.

3. Find your ride // All airports have numbers outside saying what claim or passenger pick-up you're at. Make sure to text whoever is getting you the number you're sticking by, and stay there. They'll find you. It looks confusing, but the cars usually have only one path they can take, so your chauffeur will arrive sooner or later! If you're getting an uber or a taxi, or even a shuttle, never just hop in a random car even if it's empty and looks ready to go. Going to the taxi stand or shuttle point will ensure you get in a real taxi, and the driver will legit take you where you need to go. Better to be safe than sorry!

Happy traveling!

xoxo

I'm Off: NYC, Rhode Island + Maine

I couldn't be more excited for my departure today! I'm heading to New York for the weekend, Rhode Island for the beginning of next week, and Maine (which I've never visited before!) for the rest of next week and next weekend to celebrate my birthday on the 20th. The trip overall has been a long time coming, considering my boyfriend Jack flies out to meet me in New York on Sunday and my dad's graduation gift to me includes lots of back-to-school shopping in the city this weekend. I really can't wait to be reunited with my dad in my favorite cities like New York and Newport, but I'm also sad to say that this trip concludes my summer! It's been hard squeezing in all of my good-byes to my close friends and even my boss yesterday. It's been crazy to look back at graduation, my trip to Door County, my impromptu visit to Martha's Vineyard, even my quick stunt attempt at nannying, because this summer has been so jam packed and busy. I rarely had a "day-off" that meant no work, no plans, nothing to do, so I feel like even looking back I was so occupied that I'm not sure if I completed took in every last moment.

I return to Milwaukee next Sunday evening, and then I fly to school on Tuesday afternoon (the 23rd). Packing for school and unpacking from this big vacation is going to be a hot mess I'm sure, but the anticipation and excitement that will unveil afterward will all be worth it. For now I am just hoping to relax and enjoy my time out east with my brother, my dad, and Jack. I'm especially excited to turn 18 in less than 10 days, and to visit a new state!

Can you even believe this summer is coming to a close?

xoxo

Door County Recap

This past weekend was one of the best weekends I may have ever had. My best friend Elizabeth and I booked a surprise road trip up to Door County, a three hour drive to the peninsula of Wisconsin typically referred to as "the Cape Cod of the Midwest."

Elizabeth and I ventured out to Do-Co to visit my boyfriend, Jack, who has been living up there this summer with his grandparents. I haven't talked about it a ton on the blog, but doing a semi-long-distance-ish relationship before college has had a ton of benefits (like getting more and more used to seeing each other less frequently), and of course, it has also been a challenge. We definitely lucked out that this weekend when we got up north Jack didn't have to work and he was such a fun tour guide for a few days.

This past week I have been nannying, substituting for a friend who has been in Europe. Elizabeth nanny's too, so we hit the road a little before seven on Friday after we both finished up work. We had the perfect playlist going, some road trip drink essentials (shoutout to Belvior Rose Lemonade, literally my new favorite drink ever, it's unreal how good it is), and the drive was surprisingly beautiful! I didn't even realize until then that the furthest north of Milwaukee I had ever been was to a beach just 45 minutes from my house... Northern Wisconsin is honestly beautiful!

We got to Green Bay, experienced a slight slip in directions and circled around the city for about 30 minutes until we finally figured out our exit. When we got to Door County around 10 PM we called Jack and picked him up and surprised him! We originally told him we were in Chicago for the weekend, so although he might've been a little suspicious, I think he really was surprised and excited we came.

On Saturday morning Jack took Elizabeth and I to literally donut heaven... a little donut shop where you can customize your own donuts. We got a dozen for the three of us and they were so delicious. We ate them on the rocks by a little marina before going on one of the coolest hikes I've ever been on in Peninsula state park.

We went back to the hotel to relax for a little bit before swimming, going on another hike with a beautiful bluff overlooking the water, going to dinner, watching the sunset, and doing a few photos for the blog. We planned to go mini golfing too on Saturday night but we were unfortunately too late and the golf place had already closed when we got there!

On Me: striped oxford // similar denim shorts // silver jack rogers // round ray-bans

On Elizabeth: similar white lace top // navy chinos // metallic jack rogers // ray-ban aviators

On Jack: gingham button-down // yellow shorts // Birkenstocks // Daniel Wellington watch (his Christmas gift from me!)

On Sunday we had to be home by mid afternoon, so we got an early breakfast at a really famous restaurant in Door County called Al Johnson's. Al Johnson's is a super charming, authentic Swedish restaurant with the best Swedish pancakes just doused in strawberries and whipped cream... ugh, they were so good! (Unfortunately I didn't save the photo, but they were on my snapchat story!!)

Jack had to go to work at ten and he rents kayaks and paddleboards on the water, so after breakfast Elizabeth and I went down to the dock and rented paddleboards from him! I'd never gone paddleboarding before but it was surprisingly easy to get up on the board and it was super fun just enjoying the water. Elizabeth and I did a little shopping afterwards and explored Door County a bit more before grabbing fudge, Lobster Rolls, and taking some more blog photos in a huge cherry orchard... Door County is known for their cherries and the orchards were beautiful!

Overall, it was such a fun weekend and I was so lucky to spend it with two of my favorite people! My schedule lately has been super crazy considering Friday on the drive up to Do-Co my aunt texted me about Martha's Vineyard, and just a few days later, today I am hopping on a plane out to MV! I've never actually been, so if you have any island recs for me, send them my way!

xoxo

Weekend Travel Recap: Part 2

Happy Monday! How crazy is it to think that it's already May?! This year has seriously flown by. And, to add to that, I already know this is going to be a crazy month with prom, graduation, graduation parties, and more things to celebrate along the way. I'm excited, but also a little anxious knowing that this is my last month of high school before I'm officially thrown into my final summer before college!

As per usual, I have dragged out my latest vacation longer than is good for me, so I want to tie up my trip today by recapping the events of the last few days of my long weekend out east. You can read part one here. I left off my last recap mentioning that I headed out the Hamptons on Saturday night where we celebrated my cousins birthday at dinner.

We went to a cute Italian place that I unfortunately can't remember the name of, and returned home for coffee and cake. Sunday we woke up, made a yummy breakfast, and relaxed before my dad and I drove my Grandpa back home to Brooklyn. 

When we dropped him off, we then got pizza at Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge, which was so good and totally worth the wait, and then walked over the bridge!

I had never done the Brooklyn Bridge before, so it was super fun to try out a little tourist attraction while I was in NYC. Sometimes I feel like I do the same things over and over again and it's fun to see the incredible things the city has to offer! We crossed the bridge into Manhattan and did a little more shopping around Tribeca and Soho before we decided to see a film since the Tribeca film festival was going on.

Unfortunately, we were too late in line for the movie we wanted to see and ended up exploring Chelsea before heading to dinner at my favorite restaurant, the Smith. My dad was definitely more bummed about the movie situation than I was, but I love the Smith more than anything, so that made up for it! We were closest to the location on Broadway in the Nomad district, which was actually the only Smith location I had never been to, so that made it even more exciting too. 

When we got there, I opted to order something different than my usual mac and cheese with a side of brussel sprouts. Ever since NOLA I have been a huge fan of grits and anything chipotle or jalapeño flavored, so when I saw the jalapeño cheddar grits on the menu, I knew I had to try them. This particular Smith also had kale sprouts on the menu instead of brussel sprouts, which I was intrigued by and ordered as well. Ohhh my gosh, you guys, this meal was outstanding. Seriously, more delicious than anything else I have ever eaten, probably ever. Did I mention for dessert we split the sticky toffee pudding? Dead.

We didn't head out of New York until 10:30/11 PM-ish, and then we had a two hour drive to Lehigh. We arrived at Lehigh around 1 AM, exhausted, ready for our 7 AM wake-up call because the admitted students day started on Monday at 8. I'll spare the educational details of the admitted students day for another post, but I just want to say the whole experience really couldn't have gone smoother! I am so excited for Lehigh, even more than before, which I didn't think was possible. It definitely feels like the perfect fit, and I can't wait to start in the fall!

After the admitted students day was over, my dad and I drove home to Rhode Island, and stopped in Greenwich, CT on the way for dinner. We went to the cutest place on Greenwich Ave, Meli-Melo, where we split a crepe and had salads. So delish, and so cute for a casual meal.

Tuesday was my last day of the trip, but definitely not the least exciting!! On the drive home from Greenwich, my friend Jenna snapchatted me and suggested we meet up for breakfast. I was super excited to actually meet Jenna for the first time in real life, so we made spontaneous plans to grab pancakes Tuesday morning in Newport. Jenna was so sweet and even invited me to the KJP factory after breakfast for a little tour, where I got to meet Sarah and Kiel!

The whole morning was so much fun and seriously so cool to actually see the factory and meet them in real life- they're two of the nicest people, too.

After leaving the factory, I walked around Brown University for a little bit just to explore before meeting my grandma, who lives in Providence, for lunch. My grandma is so cute and I loved spending time with her, even if it was just for a couple hours!

Following lunch, I drove back to my dad's where I packed up my suitcase and then we went on a little nature walk. Rhode Island is seriously a beautiful state and I love taking advantage of that whenever I go! Another thing to take advantage of (besides the lobster rolls, because I definitely had one of those for lunch), is the ice cream. My dad and I are the biggest fans of banana ice cream, so we always make sure to stop for a cone whenever I'm in Rhode Island. So, I finished off my trip with my favorite sweet treat and then left for the airport.

Overall, it was an incredibly fun weekend. I was all over the place, but it was such an exciting and eventful way to spend a few days hanging out with my dad, because I don't get to see him so often!

Have a great Monday!

xoxo