If you follow along on Instagram, then you know we just wrapped up a sunny five-day trip to beautiful Jamaica.

Full disclosure: we were total vacation-crashers. My younger sister, P,  had planned on this trip for some time- a tropical getaway to watch one of her dearest childhood friends tie the knot. 

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It's officially May; and yet the weather here in New England has remained somewhat gloomy and just a touch chilly. I've been in full wanderlust mode over here- daydreaming of an island vacation in the tropics So the chance at a quick beach getaway with the family couldn't have come at a better time.

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Admittedly, there have been more than a few times over the last few years that I've fantasized about a night to ourselves in a hotel- complete with comfy robes and room service, all kid-free. But seeing as I also have some sincere separation anxiety when it comes to my little, the times I've left her for more than a few hours at a time have been few and far between.

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If you follow along on Instagram, you know we just wrapped up a quick trip to beautiful San Francisco. It was one of those sweet weekends that made my heart hurt a little when it came to an end. Three days filled with so many of my favorite people from both coasts, the most perfect SF weather you could ask for, and lots of delicious eats and drinks.

A few short months ago we ventured out west to visit family in California's wine country. It was beautiful as always, and as I mentioned before, it was a pleasant surprise to find the trip to Napa just as enjoyable as ever with the addition of our Madeline. The week was spent at the beautiful Carneros Inn- lounging, eating, visiting, and of course drinking lots of wine.

If you follow along on Instagram, you may have noticed we've spent the last few days exploring East Hampton with family and friends- cozied up in the most spectacular cottage, indulging in amazing food and drink, and excitedly awaiting the nuptials of a very dear friend.

Most of our family has never ventured out this way- including our MM; so we've taken this joyous occasion as an excuse to enjoy all things Hamptons.

I was born in California- just like my mother and father, and my maternal grandfather and great-grandparents before them. Being the oldest of four, I was the only one of us to be born there- the rest of us calling Connecticut home since the day they were born. But while my parents moved east before my second birthday, the rest of our extended family remained in California- grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles cousins and friends that have always felt that family. So my parents would take us back every summer- to explore the mountains, vineyards, beaches and cities with our family.

This past week my husband and I took our Maddie to meet her great-great grandmother in Napa. We made a vacation out of it- celebrating summer with family and close friends in one of my favorite places. My memories of summers out west are some of my very dearest- the smell giving me all the feels still thirty years later. And after just one week, it warms my heart to know our girl will grow up with the same feeling...

Sometimes, summer days call for an impromptu family road trip. And if you're lucky enough to have a mini traveler that enjoys car rides, those road trips can take you to some pretty spectacular places. This past Sunday my husband loaded up the car and surprised us with the most beautiful family day in Newport, RI. Having spent our honeymoon here a few years back, this New England haven will always have a place in my heart.

This particular day we spent perusing Bowen's Wharf- doing a little shopping and stopping at our favorite establishments for the freshest seafood bites around. The weather was perfect; the company perfection, the view pristine, and the food superb. It was the perfect quick getaway- and now that I know our MM is up for the trek, I look forward to more family fun days on the wharf- if even for just an afternoon.

Oh, Santa Barbara- let me count the ways.

It’s been nearly three years since I’ve visited the paradise I once called home- a place I lived and played for five years before returning to the east coast, to build a life in Connecticut.

While I love our life in the New England haven where my husband and I both grew up, I will always have a soft spot for sunny California; and, in my opinion, Santa Barbara is its shining star.

Here's a list of what we've seen this week- a few of my very favorite stops to eat, see, and shop: