The second installment of my Charleston Black Book series is coming atcha from my newly upgraded office.

By popular demand, I finally sat down and compiled a list of my local favorite restaurants down here in Charleston. I’m confident this will forever be a work in progress- the options here are endless and I have struggled to find a bad meal in our new city.

Yesterday my mama forwarded an article with links to a few virtual tours of some well-loved rides at the Happiest Place on Earth. Like so many people, we had to cancel a trip to Mickey’s House this season; leaving our girls longing for that Disney magic. Being that we’re self-proclaimed Disney Geeks- you can find more in my guides here and here- I thought I’d share some links to our favorite rides and shows.

A few weeks ago, we packed up the family, headed west, and spent Memorial Day Weekend in beautiful Santa Barbara.

My parents moved back to California when I was a junior in college- so I spent holidays, summers and a few random weekends there before I graduated. But it wasn’t until I lived there post-college that I fell in love with the American Riviera.

There really is something so special about Santa Barbara- its beautiful and elegant, while staying charming and beachy. The food can’t be beat, the shopping is downright dangerous, and the lifestyle is enviable- farmers markets every day, dining al fresco year round, dog friendly beaches. I could go on and on.

Last weekend we packed up the truck and headed to Rhode Island- to the sweet little Quonset Hut run by the Moore family.

Happy Monday, kids.

I fully intended to have a fresh post up for you this morning, but our weekend away got the best of me. If you follow along on Instagram, you likely saw some snaps of our two nights in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Its just about three hours away from home in Connecticut- making it a pretty doable trip with the family- including Georgia. And we had the most beautiful couple days a few some close friends and our little family.

This past weekend we packed up the truck and went straight from MM’s first ever soccer practice to Newport for a quick mini vacation. We were there only 24 hours- but it was the perfect respite away as a family.

The town brought all the fall feelings- from the crisp sea air to the season’s first burnt leaves on the ground.

This week I spent more time in nearby NYC than I have in quite a while.

It felt so refreshing to get out and feel the energy of the city again- even if it was in the brutal August heat and humidity. Tuesday I travelled in with my girl, but the next day I took a train solo into Manhattan to attend a few events and catch up with my sisters.

This post has been a long time coming!

If you follow along on Instagram, you may have noticed we spent a week as a family in Nevis, located in the heart of the Caribbean. We fell instantly in love- the people, the vistas, the food and the energy all made for one of the most amazing family vacations. It was the perfect combination of action and tranquility- perfect for traveling with the littles. Sure, it can take a trek to get there- plane, and car and boat, oh my- but once you're there, it is so worth it. 

Hi, Friends! It’s been a while. MM finished her first official year of school, and the end of the year got a bit crazier than I had anticipated.

I found Moore House boutique stays where I find most of my favorite things these days- via Instagram. I instantly fell in love with their dreamy aesthetic; the tiny squares of their feed filled with bright, coastal living spaces punctuated with the most perfect blend of neutrals, vibrant greenery and classic, vintage finds. 

This past weekend we packed up and headed west to a little ski town called Aspen. Growing up, my family spent our winter vacations skiing in Utah; so this was my first time exploring the Colorado mountains. It was a quick trip- spending only two full days in town. But I was able to get a quick lay of the land and find some precious little gems that I would highly recommend. 

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I've been a Disney kid from the beginning.  Growing up in Connecticut we would gladly seek refuge from the cold at Mickey's House. Much like we did this past week. Over the years our trips have looked slightly different- our vacations changing as we grow; and then of course with the addition of Madeline. But the fun stays the same. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Disney World:

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If you live anywhere near us here in Connecticut, you know the temperatures have dropped below frigid. I can't remember the last time its been this cold this early. As a native New Englander, I rarely complain about the cold. I'm not quite the wear-flip-flops-ti-there's-snow kind of New Englander that my husband is. But I can take a freezing cold day in January. 

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A few weeks ago Philip and I packed up the truck, with MM and Georgia in tow, and headed to what we thought would be a Berkshire's vacation. If you follow along on Instagram, you know we had a slight change in plans last minute, and ended up making a game day decision to head to Vermont. Good thing both our human and fur baby are excellent travelers, and quite resilient when it comes to these things. And Philip was more than happy to visit one of his very favorite towns in VT.

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