The Chanler's Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-up

I was fortunate enough to have a Wednesday off last week and my mom and sister came up to Rhode Island to visit. It was probably the best 3 days I have had in a long time. It was full of fun and laughing until we cried (or at least I was hysterical haha). Knowing that they would be making the trip, I had my mind set on going to the The Chanler’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop-up.

Quick background… I LOVE peanut butter and jelly. I have had PB+J burgers, fried PB+J, PB+J ice cream. I can’t say no to one. They are nostalgic, delicious, and I can’t burn them.

Convincing my sister, who does NOT like jelly, was the hardest part but once we got passed that, it was smooth sailing. Most New Englander’s know that we have been plagued with rain for weeks. Luckily, it was beautiful outside the entire time they were here so we headed into Newport.

I took them to see the daffodils since they were still out in full force and then we headed to Loren Hope’s beautiful new shop (I’ll share pictures of that later!). We shopped and worked up an appetite. It was time for my favorite!

The second I read the menu online, I knew I was going to get The Heavyweight and that my mom would get Sweet Tooth. Thankfully we decided to give each other a bite so I could have a taste. My sister also got The Heavyweight and let me tell you, both were absolutely incredible. We could not believe how absolutely delicious they were. The flavors were all there and it was definitely not a simple PB+J sandwich. I won’t lie to you though, we ended up not doing a wine pairing because my mom and I wanted Bloody Mary’s and my sister chose a margarita.

We sat outside and enjoyed our sandwiches while watching the waves crash onto the shore. I could not have been happier than I was in that moment.

You all must go check out The Chanler’s peanut butter and jelly pop-up before it closes on May 20th. You might even see me there testing out the other flavors. haha Who wants to go?!

Sweet Tooth - peanut butter, nutella, banana, strawberry, rolled in a fried flatbread

The Heavyweight - pretzel roll, crunchy peanut butter, bacon, cherry jam, and sliced apples

Newport, Rhode Island's Daffodil Days

Newport, Rhode Island’s Daffodil Days are the best kick off to spring.  I know its no Nantucket but it is as close as I’ll get this time of year. Discover Newport holds monthly marketing meetings for local businesses and the Daffy Days committee brought a map to show us the best spots to see all the blooms.  Naturally, I grabbed one so I could share with all of you where to find the best spot to take photos.

When you cross the bridge onto the island, you will immediately be greeted by blooming daffodils.  If you head towards downtown, they will be on your right when you come to the stop sign and if that kind of welcome doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.  Every day when they are blooming, I am reminded how lucky I am to work on such a pretty little piece of land. Everyone in town has planted their own but the committee has clumped bulbs in specific locations for your viewing as well.  More than twenty-five thousand bulbs in each spot to be exact and 1,000,000 total. Holy smokes.

If you head to the daffy days' website, here, you will find the lay of the land as well as an entire calendar of events for the next two weeks (starting Friday, April 12, 2019).  I will highlight a few of my favorites here for you though.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Daffodil Days Opening Ceremonies - Bannister’s and Bowen’s Wharf from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Daffy Doggie Paw-rade (probably the best idea ever) - Queen Anne’s Square from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Daffy Doggie Post Parade “Pawty” (again, amazing) - Hotel Viking from 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Go Daffy at Green Animals Topiary Garden - Green Animals from 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Beach Cleanup at the Cliff Walk (since you all know I’m pretty passionate about our oceans) - Cliff Walk from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

There are also parades, strolls, and races for you all to enjoy.  Seriously, check out their website. Don’t forget to show me your pictures if you take any!

The Best Place to Find Sea Glass in Rhode Island

Without fail, every time T and I walk Little Lady Dakota at a park near the house, I hunt (and usually find) sea glass.  I live for collecting little treasures along the coast. I thought it would be a good idea to round up some of the best places to find sea glass in Rhode Island.  A few I have not yet been to but I have been informed by a few trusted sources ;). Here it goes, in no particular order..

The Best Place to Find Sea Glass in Rhode Island

Colt State Park, Bristol

I read some articles of people spending just an hour here and finding over 20 pieces of stunning sea glass. One hunter said, “it has the most sea glass they have ever seen anywhere.” I’m guessing this person needs to get out more but for Rhode Island sea glass hunters, it must be good.

Goddard Park, East Greenwich

This was the park I was talking about!  There is a little trail we take Dakota on and it leads to a tiny back beach.  I am always able to find a piece or two when we go.

Compass Rose Beach, North Kingstown

This shoreline is often used to launch small boats but it is exposed from the south so often times the surf will wash up some great glass.

Easton’s Beach, Newport, Rhode Island

Conimicut Point Park, Warwick

At low tide, walk out along the sand bar.  Just make sure you make it back before the tide starts to rise.

Rocky Point, Warwick

Rocky Point used to be an amusement park but is now a great place to find sea glass in Rhode Island.  I would not consider it a beach, but if you walk along the small stretch of sand below the paved path, you will be sure to find something.

Block Island, Rhode Island - North Light

Block Island

Although you have to take a ferry to get there, Block Island is one of my favorite spots in the state.  I hear Crescent Beach is one of the island’s best places to find sea glass. I plan on going next time we head out to sea.  I was also told by a follower, Brooke, that North Light is a good place to look as well. The only time we ventured there, we had to quickly snap a few pictures and then jump on our mopeds to be back in time to return them but next time, I will for sure hop off and search for some glass.

Rose Island

My friend, Kayla, suggested I add this lovely little island to this list and I cannot believe I didn’t think of it.  I have still yet to go, but I am dying to spend the night in Rose Island Lighthouse. This island is in the middle of Newport Harbor/Narragansett Bay so I can only imagine the treasure that washes up here.

*Shell Hunting Bonus* Easton’s Beach, Newport

I have never gone sea glass hunting here but I am always able to find huge shells during the off season along this beach.  My work has a venue that sits right on the edge of Easton’s and there are always little treasures to take home at the end of the day.

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That's a Wrap - February 2019

While January seemed to drag on forever, February flew past in the blink of an eye. I tend to love the month of February since that is when it all began for T and I. Our relationship started back in February 2013 and I am so thankful for that.

This February we decided to head to Colorado with some of our absolute best friends. My bridesmaid Nicole and her boyfriend, Joe, and my sister met us out there with a few other friends and we had the best time. We explored Denver (or should I say ate our way through Denver?) and skied some of the most beautiful trails in the US in Breckenridge. We got to see the Rockies and the Red Rocks Amphitheater and even though there was no show, it was beautiful there.

We laid low for the rest of the month so I figured I would only focus on Colorado for my February collage. What do we think? I am dying to go skiing again this winter so I hope this inspires one of you to come with!

Things To Do in NYC During the Holidays

The holidays in New York City are magical. Although I don’t live there anymore, I think I have enough insight to compile a list of the best things to do in NYC during the holidays. Twinkling lights, festive activities, and happiness surround you. Although it can be bitterly cold, you won’t be disappointed if you enjoy it while it lasts.

Rolf’s

Rolf’s is an old German restaurant that goes all out. It has an old world vibe and is probably one of the most festive places to eat and drink in the city during the holidays. I haven’t had the pleasure of going so I cannot vouch for the menu but I know for a fact that it is grammable. haha I hear the lines can get a bit long so you should get there early.

The Rockettes

The Rockettes are an absolute favorite of mine. We went a few times when I was younger and I loved it so so much. I still look forward to seeing them on the Thanksgiving Day parade and the tree lighting special on tv every year. I have not been able to get into the city to see The Rockettes perform live in the last few years but I would love to go back with T.

Rockefeller Center

I mean come on. You cannot go to New York during the holidays and skip out on seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center. And for those that cannot make it into the city, although the tree is up until January 7, 2019, they show the lighting on tv. I also highly suggest ice skating at Rockefeller Center’s rink. My sister and I did this when we were younger and it is such a fun activity for the whole family (or a romantic date if you prefer that route).

Ice Skating

If Rockefeller Center is too busy for your ice skating liking, there are rinks in Central Park and Bryant Park also. I have heard The Standard Hotel has a great rink too.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Serendity 3 has some of the most delicious frozen hot chocolate (what an oxymoron). If you want to sneak inside for a bit, I highly suggest it.

Window Shopping

Fifth Avenue has some top notch windows year round but during the holiday season, WOW. They are works of art during the holidays.

Dyker Heights

This is the only other activity I haven’t done yet. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn brings their A-game during the holidays. You can get a guided tour to see their Christmas light diplays or just drive around yourself. I have heard they could challenge the best of the best Christmas light fanatics.

Autumn in New England

Beautiful but fleeting is the best way to describe Autumn in New England. We get just a short amount of time to enjoy the firework leaf display before the temperature starts to drop and we are in hibernation (or skiing, either one really). I took advantage of the 70 degree day on Saturday and went to one of my favorite local Rhode Island farms, The Farmer’s Daughter.

I wasn’t alone in thinking that it was a great idea today, the entire place was buzzing with families and couples shopping for their homes. I loved seeing all the grandparents with their grandkids. It was absolutely adorable. They also had a ton of activities even if you weren’t planning on taking home any pumpkins. You could walk through the dahlia field, take a free wagon or train ride, head into the corn maze, or try out the pumpkin slingshot. There was also a ton of small activities and pumpkin painting. So. much. happening.

The Farmer’s Daughter also has these adorably styled greenhouses which I had only even seen in the winter. Their autumn display is just as good. They put so much thought into every bit of decor. It is amazing.

I shot entirely too many pictures of the flowers and the bees (#savethebees yah know?) so I’ll include a handful below. I also managed to find the only living hydrangea in all of Rhode Island, naturally.

You will have to tell me if you visit The Farmer’s Daughter this season or if there are any other farms I should visit!

North Moat Mountain

T and I went up to New Hampshire with friends to celebrate two (they're twins) birthdays.  We had the best time and came home sore as ever after climbing North Moat Mountain.  When I made it to the top, all I could think of was how that was the hardest thing I have done physically in years.  I totally regretted not having my inhaler but I am so thankful I didn't give up.  I didn't take many pictures that weekend other than climbing the mountain so here are some of those shots!

NANTUCKET IN 12 HOURS

A few weeks ago I was asked to shoot on Nantucket and I could not say no.  A ferry ticket to Nantucket and being able to explore the island taking photos for a brand's social pages and e-commerce site?  I would have been crazy to say no!  I hopped on that 8am ferry with butterflies and made my way to the top deck.  Three camera batteries and a cup of coffee in hand, I was ready to conquer the island.

I don't have a place to stay on the island so I knew I would have to make the most out of the 12 hours I was going to be there.  If you are in the same boat (or ferry 😉) as I was, I have put together the top spots you must see while on the island

1. SANKATY LIGHTHOUSE

one of my new favorite lighthouses.. the list is getting a bit long.

2. THE JUICE BAR

the most delicious smoothie ever so i went back for an ice cream cone before the ferry (special of the day, banana's foster was out of this world).

3. 'SCONSET BLUFF WALK

charming cottages and beautiful views that will clear your mind.

4. PROVISIONS

i had the most delicious BLT i have ever had here.  the bread, the ingredients, so fresh!

5. BRANT POINT LIGHTHOUSE

picturesque nantucket (it doesn't hurt that T proposed in front of the replica either).

6. SKINNY DIP NANTUCKET

an adorable collection of brands.  good luck leaving empty handed.

7.  NATIV MADE

i stopped here for breakfast to grab an acai bowl and it was incredible.  they use food made with organic and local ingredients so it even makes you feel good.

8.  JETTIES BEACH

what is a trip to nantucket without a little beach action?

9.  CISCO BREWERS

unforunately, i didn't have enough time but i've heard only good things. be sure to check out their wines, beers, and spirits made on island.

10.  THE CHICKEN BOX

again, i didn't have the time but it sounds like the best time when you're looking for a night out!

Think I missed something?  Let me know in the comments below and I will head on over there the next time I am on island time!