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57 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet Nutcracker 2019

December 6, 2019 by Emily Leave a Comment

And just like that, it’s December again. A year ago at this time I was desperately trying to come up with an excuse for why I was turning down some pre-show champagne and charcuterie (two of my main food groups), and now I’m frantically brushing my four-month-old’s spit up out of my just-washed-for-the-first-time-in-five-days hair. Cheers!

I’ve done some deep analyses of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker over the last half decade. Well researched not ironic at all insight on costumes, characters. This year, I’m running on sub 6 hours of sleep and a turkey hangover, so my stream of consciousness is truly the best you are going to get.

1. Interesanté, turns out there was a red + white attendee attire requirement for which I did not receive the memo.
2. But I’m wearing white and am permanently flushed so joke’s on them.
3. How is this also the second year in a row I’m sitting adjacent to someone wearing a velvet bodycon dress?
4. You just don’t forget that.
5. Is 1:28 in the afternoon REALLY too soon for champagne though?
6. I feel like this is a yolo opportunity .
7. Welp too late.
8. This Clara means business.
9. Truly never noticed that the sweeper was actually needed to clear the stage! Well done!
10. How has it taken me 25 years of watching this ballet to realize Clara and Wendy Moira Angela Darling might be the same person?

Clara photo by Angela Sterling, courtesy of Boston Ballet;
Wendy photo courtesy of Disney, I guess?

11. The party scene is my favorite scene and I cannot lie!!!!
12. The dads taking Fireball (I assume) shots in the corner will never not make me lol.
13. I’m normally all, hashtag feminism girls rule girl power I’m so sick of running as fast as I can wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man, but I do feel a teensy bit for these little bebe cutie boys who I imagine just aren’t getting the same amount of attention as their female coworkers.
14. And we must encourage male dancers from a young age!!!!
15. Granny and Gramps tryna hang is just next level adorable.
16. Wait,
17. Is Clara,
18, Gloating?
19. TAUNTING even?
20. She seems a little too smug in her showing off this shiny new toy.
21. Possibly unpopular opinion but COULD she have had it coming then?
22. Well now the whole squad’s got Nutcrackers when did this happen?
23. Special snowflakes.
24. (Kidding)
25. No no no, those littles boys couldn’t be carrying toy –
26. GUNS really guys seriously?!
27. God bless Bear still the strongest cast member on this stage every year I tell ya.
28. What is a normal reaction for the soloist who just found out they were cast as Bear?
29. Is it like an honor or a groan or is this a volunteer position?

Photo by Angela Sterling; courtesy of Boston Ballet

30. More rats this year!!
31. Is Mikko sitting there refreshing choreography and staging and is just like, yes, we need more rats this year.
32. Are they mice or rats?
33. Mouseeee King right right you’d think I’m new here.
34. Justice for Gingerbread Man!!
35. Is that a coconut Mouse King is ready to fight with or?
36. Lol remember when Nutcracker fashion had its moment
37. Baller grand jetés there team.
38. Are the reindeer actually pulling that sleigh or is this a trick?
39. Fresh Nutcracker y’all! Hel-lo Lasha!
40. Never realized there is some third wheeling going on here.
41. I know one of the 84 main rules of ballet is to be light on your feet but there is something so delicious about the sound of pointe shoes hitting the ground to me.
42. Murrr the littles are so cute I miss Eloise.
43. Does the Opera House have a mother’s room?
44. Feeling a little full suddenly.
45. Sorry but when did Nutcracker Prince change clothes?

Photo by Angela Sterling; courtesy of Boston Ballet

46. I would happily sit through an entire 2.5 hour performance of the Arabian dance alone.
47. Andddd somehow every new baby black sheep ends up cuter than the last.
48. Pastorale is basically just a 2-on-1 first made famous by The Bachelor™ franchise.
49. These Russians appear to be new and I’m skeptical.
50. One looks like Hugh Grant.
51. Where the actual hell are Isaac and Lawrence.
52. OK OK I take it back you have my seal of approval!
53. Honestly why would anyone ever pay $32 for a cycling class when they could just learn a fraction of the Russian choreography and be done with their workout for the entire week?
54. Entire month in my lazy ass case.
55. Everyone’s all high on Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy and ok rightfully so but shouldn’t Flower Queen also get a little more credit here?
I later confirm Flower Queen is actually Dew Drop. Who knew.
56. Aha you’re all clapping thinking it’s over but I know it’s not over.
57. You’re doing amazing sweeties. See ya next year!

At the time I’m writing this there are exactly 26 more performances of Boston Ballet’s The Nurcracker 2019 and you deserve to be at one! Learn more & get tickets here.

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Leaf Peeping in Stowe, Vermont

November 22, 2019 by Emily Leave a Comment

As if you haven’t seen enough fall foliage grace your phone screens over the last three months, I’m sneaking one more leaf peeping post in here before the jingle bells start. You’re so welcome.

Stowe, VT with a baby, what an adventure you were!

This mountain town has been on my New England wishlist for a long time, and a friend’s fall wedding finally gave us the excuse we needed to make the 4-hour foliage frosted drive up there. The save the date had been sitting around long before our little’s arrival and we debated whether or not we could make it work numerous times, but I’m so glad we did. Hot tip: 3-months old is definitely the time to rock a road trip.

New England foliage is fickle. It has a short shelf life, and its arrival date is slightly unpredictable. Steph’s wedding could not have fallen at a more perfect time, the sun was warm and the trees were on fire, while the following weekend saw snow(!!).

So, my pals, should you be ever so lucky to sneak up north for a fall weekend in Stowe, Vermont, bookmark this.

[ stay ]
We brought a slew of ~~babysitters~~ family with us, so a house made the most sense (hmu if you want the Airbnb link!). But if Field Guide is like any other Lark Hotel and Spruce Peak Lodge anything like its wedding venue, then I can recommend those wholeheartedly. The Farm Home is also a GORGEOUS rental in a perfect downtown location.

[ play ]

I’d guess four(??) months out of the year, Stowe is a ski town. I no joke had a seizure last time I went skiing, so I can’t help ya there. So our October weekend was spent leaf peeping. Best places to peep:

Direct yourself to 232 Mountain Road (the Salon Salon parking lot) for the quintessential Stowe photo op of the white church in front of the mountains.

Continue driving north on mountain road and you’ll hit a wide open field with the most gorgeous sprawling trees as a backdrop. Just look for the 168 other cards parked along the side of the road, ya can’t miss it.

Drive 108 from Stowe to Jeffersonville. Another hot tip: Don’t do it in a camper. Also don’t get yourself stuck behind a camper. A half hour voyage may end up doubled. Hooray!

Foliage and skiing aside, Stowe is also known for its breweries. I’m not the biggest beer drinker, so we opted for Stowe Cider. Super cheap tasting flights, outdoor picnic tables, and way less crowded.

And the other kind of cider: I’ve had a lot of apple cider donuts in my life, and Cold Hollow‘s are up there.

Downtown Stowe is sweet, but small. Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens is a lovely home and gift store, and it’s very easy to get lost/spend all of the money in Tangerine & Olive, but other than that shopping felt limited to souvenirs and flannel. But, my soul sisters, the Vermont Lilly Pulitzer store—Pink Colony—is just a few minute’s drive out of town.

The hills are alive fam. Don’t leave town without visiting the Trapp Family Lodge, for the views if nothing else. And I guess to sing in the vast open field and say you did.

Finally, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour is not to be missed. Alas, we missed it. Too many donuts. But if you plan your calorie intake well, this is a great stop to make on your way home.

[ eat ]

I can confidently say that there’s a reason Butler’s Pantry has been named best breakfast in Vermont. The line was long, not to mention confusing (beware: the line is just to put your name it), but worth it, especially if it’s patio weather.

We had coffee + treats + cute views of dogs at Black Cap (twice).

Stowe Bee Bakery is in what looks like a strip mall so I wouldn’t normally think much of it, but their pressed sandwiches were incredible. Just be prepared to wait for them, even though it appears to be a quick counter service bakery.

Free People Yellow Cardigan | Similar Vigoss Skinny Jeans | LOVESHACKFANCY x Superga Rosetta Floral Sneakers | LOVESHACKFANCY Oriana Tote Bag

LMK if you’ve done Stowe during other seasons—would love recs for when else to visit and what else to do!

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The Daytrip Diaries: Sconset, Nantucket

July 17, 2019 by Emily Leave a Comment

{Edit: Bebe is here! Now enjoy this post I wrote and started to schedule from a hospital bed during my two-day induction process.}

A few Julys ago, we started a little tradition of⁠—I know, I hate myself for this too⁠—Scooter to ‘Sconset. I was capital b Burnt Out from working on Nantucket (don’t @ me) and starting to fall out of love with that happy little island.

During a particularly hormonal week, MJF, my ginger in shining armor donated quite a few hours of precious sleep to the cause and drove down to Hyannis early one morning to hop the Hyline and meet me on island for one of my days off. We gtfo’d crowded downtown Nantucket and rented a scooter (I recommend Nantucket Bike Shop!) to drive out to the sweet little village of Siasconet on the east side of the island. And I will now put an irresponsible amount of money on the line to tell you there are few places in this world more beautiful than ‘Sconset in bloom. And I’ve been to Greece.

Since baby’s due date falls smack in the middle of what would be our annual day trip week (mid-July is PRIME for hydrangea hunting out there) and I have been advised to not find myself on an island within possible hours of going into labor, I’m taking this time to finally share—you called it—last year’s snapshots of Sconset Bluff Walk and the rest of this cottage-filled village.

Breakfast // I have had very few true cravings during this pregnancy, but the thought of Sconset Market’s blueberry muffins has been t-o-r-t-u-r-i-n-g me. Actually let’s be honest, that craving has nothing to do with pregnancy.

Lunch // The most dee-lish made-to-order sandwiches at Claudette’s

Dinner // I’m very serious about my al fresco dining, so The Summer House‘s beachside bistro being one of my all time favorites should really tell you something. It’s pricey, but, it’s Nantucket. A piece of toast on that island is going to cost you $12.

Beach // ‘Sconset Beach

Shop // CJ Laing might as well just take all my money. This straw tote and this basket bag hail from there!

Stroll // ‘Sconset Bluff Walk. Do not make your way to Nantucket and skip this. The public footpath leads you through the back flower-filled yards of some of the bougiest houses I have ever seen and is one of the best kept secrets on the island. Or, was before Instagram came along and exposed it.

Enter ‘Sconset Bluff Walk on Front Street off of Broadway (look for the “Public Way” sign at the end of the street). At the end of your stroll, keep walking down Baxter Road to reach Sankaty Light, maybeeee (just maybe) one of my favorite lighthouses in all the land.

And believe it or not, with a bit of caffeine, you can do Boston–>Nantucket–>Sconset in one day.

(I may retract that statement a year from now when we attempt such with a one-year-old).

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shell chic’d Abroad: London

July 1, 2019 by Emily 1 Comment

We went to London in February. Today is July 1st. I started writing this post three months ago, just as I started writing about our California road trip a year ago and our ~~new~~ now dated bathroom two years ago. It is no longer 20 degrees outside in Boston, however I am still currently eating a burrito.

—–

Oh oh OH. We had the dreamiest trip to London last month. I’m half smiling just thinking about it. Half crying thinking of the terrible things I would do to trade my current status of sweatpants, a burrito, and 20-degree temperatures outside for another high tea on a 55-degree day in South Kensington.

I had spent but two days in London before, just shy of a decade ago, on the heels of my study abroad program. It was the first (and only) place in Europe I traveled alone…assuming you disregard the fact that my entire family showed up 6 hours later to meet me for the remainder. Still high on my semester of art history and photography, I spent my solo portion at The National Portrait Gallery and small studio galleries (finding my pre-iPhone way around only by ducking into souvenir shops every few blocks to steal a look at their maps instead of investing 3 pounds into one of my own). This was followed by a whirlwind checklist of tourist ~~traps~~ sites: London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Harrods, a show in the theater district…I regret nothing, especially because ~~my parents paid for everything~~ that whirlwind of a weekend gave us the opportunity to plan just about zip on this trip, and explore at our own pace with no itinerary. Only requirements were, obviously, Warner Brothers Making of Harry Potter studio tour (I booked these tickets long before finding a hotel), some door hunting, and a lot of cuc & cream cheese sandwiches.

If you want a guide to the traditional sites, this isn’t it. But if you trust my slightly quirkier taste AND are headed over the pond mid-winter, bookmark this now. Here’s how to do London in February::

[ stay ]

We tend to go the Airbnb route when traveling to Europe, but being pregnant, I was down for a slight splurge if it meant ~~chocolates on my pillow~~ extra comfort and peace of mind knowing we’d have lots of help around should anything go wrong. I received SO many great suggestions for boutique hotels, finally settling on The Kensington Hotel, and we couldn’t have loved it more. The hospitality was second to none, from accommodating us early after a grueling red eye, to helping my sweet baby daddy with some Valentine’s Day / birthday treats. Should we be lucky enough to find ourselves in Londontown again, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else.

Just for kicks, other South Kensington recommendations we received were The Bailey’s, Ampersand Hotel, and Nadler. I trust my sources wholeheartedly.

[ play ]

I do not exaggerate when I say 80% of our time was spent either walking around or eating. The other 20% was split between shopping at Liberty London {If you’re going to buy yourself a London souvenir, do it here} and the Harry Potter studio tour, of which I wept tears of joy and nostalgia through a large portion.

Hot tip: If tickets are sold out through the Warner Brothers website, you can almost always find them through an outside tour group with a minimal upcharge. Since the lot is outside of London and requires ~~planes, trains, and automobiles~~ a train and shuttle ride, I’m relieved that we opted for this choice anyway; Evan Evans Tours provided coach service right from London to the front doors.

As for the other three days, what else besides colorful door and wall hunting??? MJF gave me the best birthday present in mapping out the most colorful streets in London ahead of time. Because ~~I stole his phone~~ he’s feeling generous, here you go:

Atherstone Mews, South Kensington
Bywater Street, Chelsea
Calcott Street, Notting Hill
Chalcot Crescent & Chalcot Square, Primrose Hill
Elizabeth Street, Belgravia
Farm Place, Notting Hill
Hillgate Place, Notting Hill
Holland Park Mews, Kensingon
Kynance Mews, Kensington
Stanhope Mews, South Kensington
Uxbridge Street, London

[ eat ]
I wouldn’t dare attempt to offer you any sort of foodie guide to London, but I can tell you we did not have one bad meal in town. Unless you could the pub dinner in which I was a raging hormonal ~~b*tch~~ pregnant woman because I couldn’t find anything on the menu I wanted or was allowed to eat. Still sorry about that, hubs.

breakfast //
The Cambridge St. Kitchen | We just couldn’t pull the trigger on staying at the gorgeous Artist Residence hotel, so compromised by fitting in the yummiest, most colorful breakfast at its on-site restaurant.

Muriel’s Kitchen | Smoothies, fresh juice, creative egg dishes, and traditional English breakfast. I’d do terrible things for another morning here.

lunch & dinner //
Apero | Located in the Ampersand Hotel, this Mediterranean restaurant is really a don’t-miss because of its cocktail bar. If I had to ring in my 30th birthday with a mocktail, I’m so glad it was here, with its seriously talented bartenders and creative cocktail menu.

Khan’s of Kensington & ZeeZain | Because one Indian meal in London just wasn’t enough. I was part of the clean plate club at both of these neighborhood gems.

tea //
Fait Maison Salon de Thé | Did I select this café solely based on its grammable exterior? Absolutely. But to be fair, I was still dreaming about its scones days later. It also offers classic and Middle Eastern breakfast dishes. Yes. Middle Eastern breakfast at a Parisian-themed café in London. No further questions please.

The Lanesborough | I think it’s fair to say this was a pretty traditional high-tea-in-a-hotel experience. Extra props to their staff for not treating me like a crazy person for requesting a swap out of the un-preggo-friendly smoked salmon sandwiches, even if they did roll their eyes at my obsessive American ways from the kitchen. Or so I assume.

Peggy Porschen Cakes | If you’ve never seen the flower-frosted exterior of this bakery, have you ever even been on Instagram? I can now confirm that the cakes are even more worth the trip than the photo opp. Note that this isn’t a destination for full afternoon tea; rather, just, a pot of tea.

Town House | Our jet-lagged selves were very grateful for the Kensington Hotel’s on-site restaurant on night 1, but what’s really not to be missed is their afternoon tea, with a constantly rotating theme. We missed Beauty & the Beast by less than two weeks. I don’t want to talk about it.

And while my procrastinating self did not get to enjoy it on account of failing to make a reservation in time, I happen to know that high tea at Fortnum & Mason is also not to be missed. Oh the irony.

Welp now my stomach is grumbling and my heart aching. Sure hope this baby is as good of a traveler as my 18-month-old self was because we certainly won’t be able to wait to long to go back!

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WHAT I WORE::

42 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s Cinderella

May 24, 2019 by Emily Leave a Comment

Fam I have just realized that I haven’t been to a Boston Ballet production since The Nutcracker which means 1) that’s five months too long and 2) I guess it’s about time I get the dress I spilled my mocktail on that night dry cleaned.

Anywho, last week I finally found myself back at the Opera House for Boston Ballet’s Cinderella, a production I haven’t seen since I played it on VHS during my dance ~~bathroom duty~~ student teaching days! If you’re new around here, welcome to my quarterly 2.5-hour stream of consciousness I so graciously offer through all Boston Ballet performances.

1. Wait is the one stepsister a man?
2. PROGRESSIVE!
3. I’ll never understand why the original illustrator/costume designer/Disney animator (don’t @ me) chose to give Cinderella such cute raggedy clothes if she was supposed to look bad like you aren’t fooling anyone I would 100p buy that dress from Free People.
4. Ok so Dad is alive in this variation got it.
5. Gosh the stepsisters really wear the pants here huh
6. And where is stepmother?
7. Wait she’s not listed in the cast you’re telling me she doesn’t exist and Daddio still lets these bratz dolls push him around?
8. Think I’ve seen that broom prop before. Major Nimbus 2000 vibes.
9. Is a Harry Potter ballet on anyone’s radar?
10. The beggar woman! Is this Beauty & the Beast?
11. Holy CALVES sweet delivery boys.
12. Lol someone flung a string of pearls and all I can think about is my college dance professor’s disgust at dropped props left on the stage and how the life lesson she instilled in me was “if it’s raised get it off.”
13. Honestly all I want in life is a healthy family, a home with ample natural light and a hydrangea bush, a vintage Nantucket basket, and my leg to go as high as Seo Hye Han’s.
14. Fairy godmother enters stage Aww baby is kicking I assume that’s a sign for something cute or maybe just means time for a snack.
15. Pageboys!!!
16. There are no cuter children on this earth than those of the Boston Ballet School.
17. Seasonal fairies…..Sleeping Beauty?
18. Is that the twist? Are all Disney stories actually just ripped off from Cinderella the ballet?
19. Fall is honestly just showing off now.
20. Ok ladies yes let’s get in formation.
21. Spice Girls vibez rn.
22. These fairies + fairy godmother remind me of sophomore year Halloween when all of my girlfriends wanted to go as woodsy fairies and I insisted on dressing as Tinkerbell.
23. The pumpkin! So some Disney magic in this after all!
24. Intermission Wait I’m sorry stepsisters what they were BOTH men?

Photo by Gene Schiavone, courtesy of Boston Ballet

25. I thought it was just a good makeup job!
26. Lawrence Rines comin’ in hot.
27. He can jump higher than I am tall.
28. Oh no wig down wig down.
29. WHEW good recovery.
30. Oh wow here come all the king’s bros letsgo.
31. These fairies may or may not have the prettiest costumes I have ever seen.
32. Cindy is walking down the stairs en pointe I REPEAT walking down the stairs en pointe.
33. She is not giving him a second look.
34. Like literally, is not looking at him.
35. I still don’t understand why people have such a problem with schmucks falling in love in 8 weeks on The Bachelorette when these shenanigans are going down approximately 8 minutes after their first meeting.
36. Poor little cute baby pageboy is looking so nervous!!
37. Mini pumpkins…foreshadowing?
38. Oh. They’re oranges.
39. She’s not going to….yep yes she is going to waltz around with the broom.
40. Oh honey baby sweetie no you’re embarrassing yourself.
41. In what world, 1600’s France, Brother’s Grim, Disney, or the wide world of ballet does anyone actually think the glass slipper is going to fit on a stepsister?
42. Like ok children’s story but honestly you aren’t fooling them either.

Photo by Gene Schiavone, courtesy of Boston Ballet

Fin! As usual, I have nothing truly intelligent to say that will do this production justice, so you’ll just have to take my word that it is playful, entertaining, and beautifully costumed, designed, and danced as ever.

If you’re not convinced yet, why don’t you go ahead and take 40% off your ticket? Use code EMILY40 for 40% off all performances between now and show close on June 8. But hurry! Code expires at midnight.

Kidding, obv.

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Eliot Hotel Boston

March 7, 2019 by Emily 1 Comment

True life: I have recommended The Eliot Hotel Boston to many an innocent tourist looking for Boston hotel recommendations, without having ever stayed there myself. I was just that confident, k? Pleased as punch to say that after a little staycation there late last month, I stand by my endorsement fully.

Sitting on Comm and Mass Ave in Back Bay (with views overlooking Comm Ave Mall – can you imagine this place at Christmas?!), The Eliot is one of those classic hotels oozing with Boston charm and history. Though unlike some others you’ll find in this city, it balances such with modern amenities and a sleek, luxe interior design. Visions of Paris deffffinitely slipped into my mind.

Contrary to popular belief, I do not judge lodging based on its ‘grammability, but its service. I’m old school like that. The Eliot’s could not have been better, I’m so happy to say.

My photos don’t do nearly enough justice for this intimate Boston gem, you can thank no-daylight-after-4-pm and my lack of a wide angle lens for that. But I hope you can get even just a bit of feel for the hotel that is perfect for out-of-town visitors or a sexy little staycation* if you’re local.

*We spent ours watching a Harry Potter movie marathon and the Oscars before falling asleep at 9 in the comfiest bed ever. No complaints.

I am not exaggerating when I tell you my office sits a full 300 feet from the entrance of the hotel. But with a 12pm checkout, there was no way I was leaving that room to hurry across the street that sweet Monday morning. Breakfast and emails in bed it was.

Speaking of my stomach, The Eliot Hotel is also home to UNI, an award-winning sushi and Japanese small plates restaurant and cocktail bar. On top of being one of Tripadvisor’s top 3 sushi spots in Boston and having a still-dreaming-about-it Cheeseburger Roll makimono on the menu, there is 100p no better feeling than being able to ~~stumble~~ walk back up to your room without ever having to go outside. If you’re staying at this hotel without a trip to UNI, you’re doing it wrong.

If you don’t believe me, at least lend an ear to Yankee Magazine, who just named The Eliot Hotel as one of the best boutique hotels in New England (and best in Boston!).

Told you so.

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Marie Kondo-ing 2019

January 16, 2019 by Emily 2 Comments

It’s been a slow start to 2019. I wouldn’t say I’m in a slump, no, I’m really in quite a good place. I’m just, tired.

Everyone’s been all rah-rah-rah about Marie Kondo and the KonMari method (exCELLent marketing to have that launch on January 1, Netflix). I wasn’t paying much attention, as ~humble brag~ I’ve already been practicing her methods and oh-so-satisfying way of folding for a couple years now. You should see my scarf drawer.

So when I finally wrapped up watching an episode last weekend, it wasn’t so much another closet purge I was motivated by. It was the idea of purging all those little bits of my day that have been wearing me down, that don’t bring me joy.

I want to Marie Kondo my LIFE.

No more feeling pressure to make plans, to accept plans. No more mindless shopping because it’s on sale and I can maybe one day get around to blogging about it. No more opening social apps on autopilot and rolling my eyes through an endless slideshow of what’s-in-my-makeup-bag, how-to-get-my-curls, what-do-you-want-to-see-me-post, and 48 daily unboxing videos. No more one-sided friendships. No more accepting partnerships out of guilt. No more envy over your beautiful house and beautiful baby and booming ~~paycheck~~ career. No mo’ FOMO. Because after 8 years of this I can finally admit going to an event to post a fuzzy boomerang of some champagne with 18 hashtags is never actually going to bring me joy.

There are limitations to this grand plan. Can I fully ignore the news? No. I am a responsible adult dammit. But I can choose to turn it off when necessary. Can I stop exercising? No. But I don’t deny I have the luxury to choose how and when I do it. Can I stop creating content?

Yes, actually, I could.

I’m burned out. But I don’t want to stop; I want to get back to the place where I looked forward to it. When I would itch to take my camera out and spend lunch breaks writing and content planning. Henceforth, I’m posting what and when I want to. K betches?

Oh dear, this is probably come off as so negative when really I’m over here like.

Burberry Black Quilted Jacket | Similar Cable Knit Sweater Sweater | Denim | Similar Pink Velvet Hair Bow | Madewell Medium Transport Tote {on sale!} | Cole Haan Tali Bow Flats

That’s it. That’s my hopefully one bordering raw diary entry of 2019. You’re so welcome! See you tomorrow maybe. Or next week or maybe next month. Whenever I darn well please.

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A New England Fall in Marblehead, MA

November 28, 2018 by Emily Leave a Comment

The world knows no Sunday scaries as scary as the Sunday after Thanksgiving scaries. Sooo I’m currently ignoring the pile of leftover dishes in my sink and trying to chase away the end of vacation blues with a little reminiscing on our trip up to Marblehead, MA earlier this month!

We’ve fallen into an accidental tradition of sneaking a little getaway into our November schedules—last year was Portland, Maine—before the craziness of the holidays hits. This year we headed up to the North Shore for a little Marblehead weekend getaway. Now at less than an hour away from Boston, we more or less frequent this historic town, though never in the fall. Talk about a pretty place to curl up and enjoy a New England autumn weekend.

[ stay ]

We were hosted by The Hotel Marblehead, just a stone’s throw from historic downtown Marblehead. This 14-room boutique inn was recently renovated and upgraded with allllll the modern amenities. The design, though, is what really had us drooling. Half nautical, half mid-century, so basically, my Pinterest board. And what I’ve been trying to figure out how to pull off in my own home for the last four years.

While our November stay was so relaxing, I’m dying to get back in the summer to take advantage of their free bike rentals and badminton court out back. Can’t you just see me in this?

[ play ]

Marblehead on its worst day is still the heavenliest of all door heavens. I often have no plans beyond strolling the streets and secret passageways of the Marblehead historic district, but if you must:

Put your history hats on and visit Abbott Hall to see the Spirit of ’76. It is 100p worth the four minutes it will take you to do so.

Get a thigh workout climbing up to Fort Sewall and Crocker Park. Sandwiching Front Street, these two parks offer some of the prettiest views of Marblehead Harbor. Then drive (or find a handsome man with a yacht) across the harbor to Chandler Hovey Park, where Marblehead Lighthouse sits. One of the weirder lighthouses I’ve ever encountered, but don’t tell it I said that.

If you’re there for bikini season, it’s all about Devereux Beach. But if you’re there in the fall, hop in the car for a 10-minute ride into Salem. I wrote that post in 2013, you’re welcome.

[ eat ]

5 Corners Kitchen | We swear by 5 Corners Kitchen’s Sunday brunch, and especially the eggs bennie. This bistro is upscale and yet so comfortable and inviting, and we’re dying to get there for dinner one night soon.

The Landing | For a couple years, this was the only Marblehead restaurant we visited. A lobster roll on their back deck overlooking the harbor is what summers are made of. ~~My mother~~ locals also swear by the divey, but charming, Barnacle a couple blocks down.

Shubie’s | This gourmet grocery store has sneaky some of the yummiest sandwiches I have ever encountered. Pick up a bottle of vino on your way out to accompany you back to the hotel.

Counter | Down the road in Salem, this Lark Hotels-owned restaurant is everything you would expect out of a Lark Hotels-owned restaurant. Unique decor, creative dishes, colorful cocktails. For sure worth that $12 Uber.

Summer, fall, winter…Marblehead is the perfect town for a New England experience anytime of year and we can’t waiiiiit to get back!

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Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary hotel stay from The Hotel Marblehead for the purpose of this review and Marblehead travel guide. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Daytrip Diaries: Watch Hill, Rhode Island

September 10, 2018 by Emily 3 Comments

It’s been a minute since I’ve added a chapter to the Daytrip Diaries! We’ve been spoiled the past couple summers, sneaking away for a night or two on most occasions. But we were feeling nostalgic for our Zipcar days. So with no plans and no more money in the travel budget, we forwent our gift of an actual day spent at home—God forbid—and took to the road for a Watch Hill, RI day trip over Labor Day weekend.

While I would have loved to ~~blow $700~~ spend a night at the Ocean House hotel and make a weekend out of this place, one day was plenty to soak in the sweet little Ocean State town. We, like peasants, ended up spending a few hours on the Ocean House property anyway, ~~stalking weddings~~ indulging in the restaurants open to the public and ~~creeping on first looks~~ wandering the pretty grounds.

Here’s my Watch Hill RI day trip guide, with some eats, sweets, and other to-do’s if you’re planning on spending a few hours in this Rhode Island gem:

Breakfast & Caffeine // Sift Bake Shop
Crazy creative lattes, baked breakfast treats, macarons, and cookies the size of your face. If we’re day tripping, we know we have a lot of ~~drinking~~ eating to squeeze in, so we try to start conservatively with a café breakfast, but if you’re in need of some two-eggs-any-style-with-extra-crispy-bason, get yourself to The Cooked Goose instead.

Lunch // The Verandah
A raw bar with other summery fare overlooking Ocean House’s croquet court. I would cry right now if someone offered me another bite of their braised short rib sandwich, and that day’s oyster offerings might have been my favorite of the entire summer.

Happy Hour // Secret Garden
A Veuve Clicquot-sponsored champagne bar located on a sneaky little terrace and accessible only through the Ocean House. Slightly ashamed to say this, but it is well worth the $32 glass of champagne for the view AND complimentary truffle popcorn.

Dinner // Olympia Tea Room
T-b-perfectly-h we didn’t stay for dinner. Some homemade goodness was waiting for us back on the other side of the border. But based on some trustworthy anecdotal evidence, I feel confident as ever recommending this Italian-meets-the-sea bistro in town.

Sweets // St. Clair Annex
If you’re going to spend calories on ice cream, it better be here. Hop on the Flying Horse Carousel post-cone to remind you that your body doesn’t process sugar & cream like it used to!

Beach //
East Hill beach is public, with the exception of a section reserved for ~~the upper class~~ hotel guests. Watch Hill Beach is right behind town, but requires a $9 day pass. First world problems.

Stroll //
The walk from town to the Watch Hill Lighthouse was ~~sweaty~~ stunning, with views of ~~Taylor Swift’s house~~ both East and Watch Hill Beaches on either side.

Lilly Pulitzer Stuffed Shells Mila Dress | Similar J. McLaughlin Wicker Purse {more straw bag options here} | Bow Sunhat | Jack Rogers Lauren Slides

And you gotta gotta gotta visit the Lilly Pulitzer Watch Hill store! Maybe the cutest of all, and that’s coming from a girl who has worked in seven of them around New England.

WHICH brings me to the most fantastic opportunity to remind you that today is the start of the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale 2018. Here’s last year’s prep post for all you newbs. LMK how it goes for ya.

Its one downfall? Watch Hill parking is a royal b*tch. Even if you find a street spot, it’s not worth the ~~wrath of the parking attendant~~ pricey ticket risk unless you’re positive you won’t overstay your 2-hour welcome. Your best bet is a $5/half hour lot on Larkin Road between the Ocean House and town.

Other than that, and Taylor Swift’s underutilized mansion, Watch Hill is bliss!

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Love You a Yacht: A Night at the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club Kennebunkport

August 23, 2018 by Emily 3 Comments

We’ve been traveling an awful lot for other people this summer. I know, I know, those gosh darn first world problems again. Best friends getting married and comfy hotel beds and UGH just the worst amiright?

But you’ve gotta give me this. It was pretty nice to have a night away to ourselves. We snuck in a mini holiday to Kennebunkport right before the latest nuptials, and spent a night at the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club. You guys. This may or may not be the most unique place I have stayed yet. For sure the most colorful, no question there. New this summer, it couldn’t have been more different from the Kennebunkport Inn—another Kennebunkport Resort Collection property and where we spent our second wedding anniversary—yet boasted the same level of great hospitality and luxury touches.

Did it feel like Maine? Meh, not until we spotted George Bush’s yacht docked on the marina outside our window. Then yeah, it felt like a whole lot like Maine.

Say shelloooo to my private garden overlooking the ~~Secret Service yacht~~ Kennebunkport River. Special treatment this ain’t—every room has one! Ours was closest to the bar, obviously.

I couldn’t capture the fleekness of the Yachtsman’s outdoor watering hole. Rosé ~~Capri Sun~~ pouches, floating flamingo drink holders, even more shades of sherbert. We parked ourselves here for happy hour, plus baked breakfast treats in the morning.

Most exciting IMO though? The brand new floating salt water pool on the SS Sundaze. I’ll be back just for the chance to take a dip at sunset.

We fit in meals at two other KRC restaurants: The Tides Beach Club and The Boathouse. That’s their bomb a** Tuna Poke Bowl pictured above. If you’ve been to KPT before, you may remember David’s; The Boathouse is now in its place and somehow even better? The colorful cocktails, the harbor view. Can’t beat it kids. I shoot you not we spent a full 28 minutes trying to decide what to order. Crab Tacos and Lobster Spring Rolls and Buffalo Fried Shrimp and Clam & Corn Chowder I mean come ON.

The Yachtsman is located on Ocean Avenue, just steps from downtown, where you’ll find The Boathouse, plus The Burleigh at the KPT Inn—another favorite of ours. While this stay was complimentary, we’ve spent a penny or two at other KRC hotels and restaurants as well, so stand behind this brand one hunnnnnndred p.

‘Til next time Kenny B!

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{ Click here for my full Kennebunkport Travel Guide! }

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Full disclosure: I received a complimentary stay at The Yachtsman Hotel; all opinions expressed are my own.

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