Sunrise with the Cherry Blossoms // Tidal Basin

Just breathtaking...

A New England Thanksgiving

I think it's safe to say that New England, or Massachusetts more specifically, is my home away from home. Ever since I was young, I've had a special place in my heart for that majestic rocky coastline, those cranberry bogs, and the Boston Red Sox. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend my Thanksgiving up there this year. As a special treat, my extended family, who all live in the greater Boston area, decided to head south to Newport, Rhode Island for the holiday. With it's cozy wharfs, winding colonial cobblestone streets, and that typical sleepy New England town feel, it was the perfect setting for a Thanksgiving reunion. 

On Thanksgiving's sunny afternoon (pre-feast), we ventured over to Fort Adams State Park for some fresh ocean air, breathtaking views of the coastline, and a brisk walk. 

We spent Thanksgiving evening at the Canfield House Restaurant. The atmosphere of this restaurant was almost too perfect of a setting for a holiday meal. Cozy fireplaces crackled in every room, deep red & green wallpaper covered the old Victorian's walls, and Christmas decor was already on display. And for the record, they have the most heavenly pumpkin cheesecake a gal can ask for.

To walk off our Canfield Thanksgiving feast, we spent Friday morning on the Cliff Walk, which is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and dozens of the grandest 19th Century mansions you'll ever see.

After the Cliff Walk, we headed to one of Newport's most popular mansions, The Elms, which we heard had decked their giant halls. As I strolled through the mansion like the tourist I was - guided by audio tour - I couldn't help but feel like I was in an episode of Downton Abbey. (Mr. Carson, my tea, please.)

To top off our Newport visit, we spent some time at the Newport Historical Society chatting with a local historian about our Wickham heritage. My aunt has been researching our lineage and has found some AMAZING information about our ancestors. We recently discovered that many Wickhams once graced the streets of Newport - as prominent townspeople! 

And finally, to appropriately end my time in New England, I spent Sunday morning in Boston. We did some Christmas shopping at Quincy Market, ate some clam chowdah, and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas decorations and twinkling lights that adorned the creaky old trees. 

Thanks for the wicked good time, New England! 

Oh My Sweet Carolina

I've been meaning to post these for SO. LONG. And here they finally are. 

My family and I traveled to Southport, North Carolina for 4th of July week. I'd never been to North Carolina beaches prior to this, and I just loved it. It's a solid mix of New England and the South. It's perfect! 

We had a full moon, beautiful sunsets, charming scenery & fireworks- a photographer's (or pretty much anyone's) dream!    A trip back is already in the works! 

Aye Aye Captain

Ahoy matey! Are you sick of my sea-faring vocabulary yet? Sorry. I can't help it. My day in Annapolis has left me missing the ocean, craving seafood, and longing for a sailor to call my own. What a charming little town! 

Last Sunday, my Aunt and I ventured to this quaint seaside village and were blown away. My awe and excitement at the discovery of Annapolis was a bit over-the-top, but it was such a pleasant surprise! What can I say - I'm easy to please.

We spent the afternoon perusing the little shops and enjoying the perfect day. We took a boat ride into Annapolis Harbor and around along the shores of the US Naval Academy. We also walked around the USNA campus and snuck into the Chapel. What an unbelievable site. You know that sailor I mentioned above that I will someday call my own?...yeah, we'll get married there. 

Later, we munched on seafood and pretended to be beer connoisseurs. I even tried a beer called 'Raging Bitch'. Not gonna lie - it was pretty great, despite it's heavy IPA taste.

A few thoughts...

• At a shop called Lou Lou on Annapolis' Main Street, I discovered the cutest new designer: Curly Girl Designs.  I fell in love with her work and may have spent a little too much on her greeting cards. This officially solidified the fact that I am my mother's daughter when it comes to stationary, cards, and "cute things" in general. Hi Mom!
• YOU GUYS. I did NOT realize that soft-shell crab was LITERALLY a WHOLE crab with a soft shell, instead of a rock-hard one. Like...what? I ordered a soft-shell crab sandwich, and it was delicious, don't get me wrong - but it was literally a whole crab on a bun! It just blew my mind, so I had to let you know. I'm more of a lobster gal to be honest.
• Annapolis is home to an Irish pub called Galway Bay. Anytime I see anything involving Galway, I have to 1) have a minor freak out 2) take a picture and 3) let Bridget know because we traveled there together and had the time of our lives. Is anyone else out there a fan of the song "Galway Girl"? It's my favorite! 

It was such a great, relaxing afternoon. We agreed that we would come back in the fall, and the winter, and again in the spring, just to experience the new adventures that come with the change in temperature. 

Come fall, I'll be there with bells on! 

The "Soul-Soothing" Great Falls

Yesterday, we ventured to Great Falls. Talk about scenic, huh? 

We did a bit of hiking, a lot of "overlooking" and believe it or not, some haikuing.

You would never know it, but nature brings out your inner poet! 

Ok ok, I'm done with the bad jokes.

It was a perfect summer day, and the waters were raging. 

We even saw some daredevil kayakers attempting to resist the current via paddle & probably some serious core strength. It was pretty cool, and I decided that someday I'd like to attempt that.

Do you want to hear our haiku?

Hiking the hot trails

Great Falls soothing our three souls

Having fun - so there.

(one thing you should know - we wrote this in response to a haiku my mom had sent us about her having fun down in Palm Beach, FL with my Dad, and yes, we were jealous)

And then my mom comes up with one in response that blows ours out of the water:

Oh falling water 

laced with white, why oh why do

you delight - breathless!

...so she may have better natural poetic ability than us. Whatever.

Things I'm Excited About

I can't lie. I'm a bit bored today. But I know there are so many fun things on the horizon! I've decided to make a list of those fun things. That'll keep the boredom at bay.....right?! 

1. Seeing my favorite people in the whole wide world in just a few days. 

It's only been about a month, but I miss them dearly! 

2. The SJN wedding of the century this weekend. . .Congrats Ash & Alt! 

3. Getting to see this crazy indiekid next week!

4. Spending July 4th in Southport, NC! 

Never been, but I don't think you can go wrong with sand, sun and the sea :)

5. COLDPLAY in 20 days! 

If you've never been to a Coldplay concert, GO. Talk about an amazing experience.

6. My next project! Chalkboard pots + summer herbs.

7. Just bought my ticket for a Sound of Music sing-a-long concert! 

It even has a costume contest. Nun or Von Trapp child? Decisions, decisions...

7. My currently non-existent, but future bedroom. 

I've decided that white & mustard yellow will be the main colors! 

It's never to early to start planning, right?

8. Hanging with these two hooligans! 

9. Summer thunderstorms!

I'm not sure if my love of storms stems from my years as a lifeguard (hello pool closings and not working!) or if I they just remind me of my childhood. Either way, they're the best.

10. Summer in the city. 

Hello farmers markets, museums, rooftop bars, jazz in the garden, and lots o' cousins!