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

Post the Picture, Wear the Sweatshirt

I never would have thought that the picture I posted the other day on Instagram would garner so many comments and messages. There was no intention behind it other than I I want to be completely myself so that everyone here will feel safe to be completely themselves too. I wanted to share it here as well (in case Instagram ups and disappears one day because I think it is an important message).

Image via Emily Homonoff of Little Lion Communications

I was wicked hesitant to post this photo for all the wrong reasons. I always had in my head that if I bought a sweatshirt or shirt with a food quote or icon on it that people would see it and be like, “Yeah obviously, she loves that. Look at her.” I have battled with myself for years over what my weight is and how I think of myself. I am constantly over analyzing my reflection in the mirror and today I decided to say screw it. Not that I know those thoughts will suddenly stop but I wanted to post this picture. I think it’s fun and I love this sweatshirt.

We all know I’m obsessed with cheese fries but that doesn’t mean I eat them all the time or that I don’t eat healthy. I can post a picture of some cheesy goodness that I shared with a girlfriend while wearing an adorable sweatshirt and if people want to judge, so be it. I was the one with the fries and they weren’t.

Holy Cow, I'm a Homeowner.

Holy cow, I’m a homeowner! What?! Just when I got into a blogging groove, we went and bought a house. Casual, right? T and I closed on our first home on October 22nd and moved in on the 27th (again with the number 7, guys!). We are still getting settled and figuring out how to do this whole homeowner thing but fake it ‘til you make it, right?

I thought it would be fun to take you all on this crazy journey with us. If you know me at all, moving is not my strong suit. I panic, freeze, sit and stare, and don’t pack a damn thing. It is horrible but if you saw my story time on Instagram about it, I have a funny story to tell you all. It doesn’t have to do with this move but moving in general.

My sophomore year in college I had a single hour left to move out of my dorm and didn’t have a single thing packed. My sheets were still on my bed and my electronics still plugged in. I was in the midst of trying to break off a relationship and I called my besties. Kate and April arrived and had zero clue what to say. They were shocked but took on the task and packed my entire dorm for me. Talk about good friends. I am so thankful that they were there for me then and that T was there for me this time around because not much has changed. Hahaha I am working on it though!

For funsies, here are a few pictures of our home as it appeared online and for staging. Our furniture is obviously going to be different and I honestly am not sure who took these photos but I am assuming credit goes to the realtor?

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!

Bucket List Item

Similar to Mackenzie's 101 in 1001 list, I have started keeping a New England bucket list.  While yes, these activities and adventures can take place anywhere, I am looking to do them up here.  Some of the travel is out of the country so those do not exactly apply to the New England theme but I promise, for the most part, they all will!

My first list item that I want to share with all of you is... spend the night in a lighthouse. 

There is a surprisingly high number of lighthouses to can rent for the night within New England but I narrowed it down to seven that I would totally go for!

1. Rose Island Lighthouse - Newport, RI: this one is right in our backyard practically. The price is seriously affordable and it is on the national register of historical places. You have to take a boat out to the island but I can think of worse places to be stuck for the night.

2. Race Point Lighthouse - North Truro, MA: Depending on the time of year, you can see whales and seals right from the beach. Talk about a dream to me.

3. Goose Rocks Light - North Haven, ME: Goose Rocks Light has enough to room for up to six guests! Lighthouse party anyone?

4. Borden Flats Lighthouse - Fall River, MA: Other than a few modern day conveniences (i.e. solar electricity and a modern kitchen), Borden Flats Lighthouse remains true to the late 1800s. This lighthouse stands alone and has been around for over a century.

5. Wings Neck Lighthouse - Pocasset, ME: Wings Neck Lighthouse is a former Coast Guard property that can accommodate up to 8 guests. Talk about fun!

6. Little River Lighthouse - Cutler, ME: Little River Lighthouse is situated on a 15-acre island with stunning views of Cutler Harbor. Only accessible by boat, this little slice of heaven is a place for relaxation and adventure.

7. Cuckholds Lighthouse - W. Southport, ME: Cuckholds Lighthouse actually a luxury Inn. You can rent a suite or even the whole island and it is the perfect for a romantic getaway or a vacation with family. A lighthouse you can be pampered at? Sign. me. up.

October Mood Board

Things have been a bit slow around here lately (not that they are ever really that consistent), but I am looking to change that.  I started my new job at the end of September and love is an understatement.  I feel like I was meant for this job and I cannot wait to continue to grow there.  

Since fall has arrived, the temperatures only dropped to sweater weather for a few days while a hurricane was in town. I am in no rush for the weather to cool down but getting dressed in the morning has proven to be difficult.  I have found that short sleeve sweaters are my go to right now.  They are they perfect in between.  And while I cannot sport my bean boots too often just yet, they will be in heavy rotation soon.

picnic image via sarah vickers | sweater | bean boot painting via meredith hanson

EAST COAST PADDLE SPORTS

In my last post here, I showed you my favorite things to do and places to eat while in my little coastal town of East Greenwich.  After posting, I’ve gotten a few emails and questions about East Coast Paddle Sports.  I cannot rave enough about this little company.  Although I have only been to their EG location, I bet their Wakefield location is just as incredible. 

It is so easy to book a ticket online and show up that I’m surprised I am not there every weekend.  The first time I went was to go paddle boarding with T.  It was so much fun and so much easier than we thought it would be!  The girls working there helped us get onto the boards and instructed us where it was safe to paddle and gave us a route that would take up the time we had.  We came back exhausted, freckled filled, and unable to wiggle our toes (seriously!).  You do not realize how many muscles you use in your quads, calves, and feet combined to stay steady on that darn board.

I loved the experience so much that I signed up for paddle board Yoga.  Adventurous, I know.  Needled to say it was just as fun.  I was feeling so confident doing my Warrior II pose and by the end of the class I was the only one that hadn’t fallen in.  Let’s just say that I got a bit too confident (read: cocky) and decided to give a headstand a try.  Next thing I knew, my back was slapping against the water.   I suggest wearing regular yoga gear that you don’t mind if it gets a bit ocean drenched.  If you have a one piece, try that also.  I didn’t have a yoga appropriate one piece at the time so I went with some cropped leggings and a tank.  I have linked a few suites/workout gear that I think would work great instead of sporting something less waterproof!

Sports ‘ kayaking does not disappoint either.  T, my friend Jo, and I went one day when we were a bit nervous to fall in because the water was frigid still. Trust me when I say to check the wind speed that day.  We were cruising all the way into the inlet when we suddenly realized to get back, our arms would be dying because the wind shifted directions.

Overall though, I cannot recommend East Coast Paddle Sports enough.  Their employees are the sweetest and most helpful and you cannot beat the prices!