Guest post: Summer dresses down under

Hi, I am Megan from Time after Tea and I am honoured to be here guest posting for Erin while she is away on holidays. I am very jealous of all the sunshine Erin will be enjoying as it is the middle of winter here and I am already counting down to Spring. One of my favourite things about Summer is getting to wear pretty light dresses  - the thought of just throwing something on and not having to put on layer upon layer is so appealing. I especially love wearing floral so here are some of my favourite summer floral dresses....

Modcloth

Shopruche

Vintage floral dress: betaboutique

Modcloth

Have a wonderful holiday Erin and family and I hope everyone in the northern hemisphere is having a wonderful summer, I wish I was there too.

* * * * *

Thanks, Megan! Nothing says summer like a sundress! I think I might need to go shopping for a few more now...

Guest post: Relaxing on a summer day

Today's guest post is written by bride-to-be Alli. Her lovely little blog is a source of many happy things, and I'm always inspired by Alli's positive attitude and many "reasons to smile."

* * * * *

I'm Alli from Reasons to Smile and I'll be talking to you about my favorite ways to relax on a summer day! 

{WeHeartIt}

First, everyone needs to find a good summer read. I'd suggest some of these:

The Hunger Games (gov't/conflict)

Harry Potter (wizards)

BossyPants (Tina Fey autobiography)

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (biography, full of life)

City of Bones (fantasy)

Mao's Last Dancer (biography, history)

{WeHeartIt}

Grab some coffee or tea with a friend. There's nothing like having a chat with a friend about life, love, and dreams.... or hardships. Take some extra time for yourself and plan date with someone you haven't seen in a while to catch up. As a grad student, a lot of my friends are gone for summer so it takes some extra work to see them but it's always worth it!

{Pinterest}

Go on a picnic for two with a best friend or a significant other. Getting outside on a nice day is like a cure all for the blues. Get your fill of that Vitamin D while lounging about. If a meal is your thing try some classic pb&j with chips, watermelon, lemonade, and brownies. If you're looking for a little romance perhaps a bottle of wine, some different types of cheese and crackers, a baguette, or some dark chocolate? 

{Pinterest}

Go out and get some exercise. It took a long time to sell me on this. I think there's a two week hump that everyone needs to cross over. At first it just feels like a struggle and it's hard to get up and go to the gym but once you do it for a little bit it starts feeling really good. In fact, after two or three weeks if I don't go it begins to feel like something is missing from my routine. Make it fun: play tennis, racquetball, go swimming, walk through a local park.

{Pinterest}

Cook, bake, or try something new! Is there a recipe you've always wanted to attempt? Or have you always wanted to try your hand at baking? On my list is this peach cake. I'm no baker but I think it'd be fun to try. Wouldn't you like to take that beauty to a party? 

What are your favorite activities to do during the summer to relax?

Guest post: Summer bummer

Today's guest post is written by Bethany, whose blog Rinse Repeat is one of the first I ever followed {and she was the first follower I ever had who didn't know me in real life! I will always have a special place in my heart for Bethany...} Her writing is eloquent, her photos are gorgeous, and you just can't help but adore her. Read on and see for yourself!

* * * * *

Know what's the hardest about summer vacations? Returning to reality. Talk about summer bummer...

For example...in June, my boyfriend took me on a trip to Paris. He's currently in Iraq, so we met at the airport in Paris. Just like in the movies. We kissed while walking through the streets of Paris. Just like in the movies. And he proposed on a terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Just. Like. In. The. Movies. I came home with a fiance...but kissed him goodbye when he boarded a plane back to Iraq. Not exactly like the movies.



How does one come down from a month like that? I'm unsure and I've not excelled at resuming normal life. If looks could kill, my pile of dishes would have fallen into the ground days ago. And please don't ask why I'm wearing red shorts and a purple tank top. Yes. Laundry Mountain has yet to be conquered.

So, in an effort to rebound from the post-vacation blahs, I've made a plan and here it is: Make over my porch...into a place that feels like a daily vacation. A place where I read a book into the afternoon and chat on the phone with my fiance, Gabriel, late at night.



I just moved in a little over a month ago, and have never had an outdoor living space before...so this porch stayed pretty bare bones over the past few weeks. Upon moving in, my mother came over and we christened the porch with a pie picnic + a box which served as a table. Classy, eh?

Aaaaand I've gotten this far. Which is great! And especially for the price: just about $100 for the table, chairs, chair pads and candle (all from IKEA). It's functional, simplistically sweet, looks crisp and leaves lots of room for moving about the porch.

But, before Gabe left for Iraq, we had one ultra sweet night out here, attempting to play Scrabble by candlelight (not a fantastic plan), drinking a little too much wine and talking about the future. He told me how much my creativity, writing and photos boost his spirits, even from thousands of miles away...and how his dream is for me to pursue creativity in any way I desire. Sigh. If I hadn't already agreed to marry him, I certainly would have after that conversation.

That night was so, so beautiful...perhaps my favorite date we've ever had. So, I owe it to the space in which that emotional magic occurred to do just what my fiance said: Pursue my creativity.

While the table and chairs are cute, I've got plenty of space for a few more pieces. Ultimately, I'm going for this:

1. Garden House Decor. 2. Urban Outfitters, via pinterest. 3. Anthropologie. 4. VivaTerra. 5. Urban Outfitters, via pinterest. 6. Alisa Burke. 7. Pearl River. 8. Pink Friday blog, via pinterest. 

A little mod, a little Moroccan and a little Shabby Chic. Sure, it's slightly eclectic. But eclectic lends well to thrift sale finds + a coat of spray paint + a little DIY elbow grease (like this DIY Chevron rug!).

And as a supplement to this plan, I'm picking up my dusty copy of The Happiness Project and diving in again. If this doesn't bust me out of the post vacay-slump...nothing will! :)

P.S. Are you having a summer bummer? Drop me a line with your address at wwrinserepeat@gmail.com. I would love to send you a little care package to bring some sunshine to your summer!

Guest Post: Em's dilemma

Today's guest post comes to you from my favourite friend in the whole wide world {yep, the one who lives a whole world away}... Emily in France! You've met her before, in many a post, including our weekly E & me photo project. And now here she is in person, to tell you a little bit about summer in France {oh la la!} and summer in Canada, eh?

* * * * *

I live in France, right?

That's fabulous.

But I miss Canada too.

That's less fun.

Summer is great in both places.

But until somebody finally invents a teleporter 

{hurry up & do that already!}

I guess I can't be both here & there.

But you know what I can do?

Make a list of my Top 10 Summer Hits & Misses to share with you.

What I love about summer in France:

le lac d'Annecy, Summer 2011

10. going for a dip in Annecy's gorgeous {& crystal-clear!} lake

9. drinking an ice-cold demi-pêche
{draft beer + peach syrup = beyond delicious!}

8. the amazing local fruit & vegetables at the markets

7. Bastille Day celebrations:
fireworks & the traditional fireman's bal {public dance}
6. picnics {sandwiches on fresh baguettes are never boring}

5. eating dinner on our balcony with a view of the mountains

4. La Fête de la Musique

3. sitting on the shady terrace of a café people-watching

2. swimming in my parents-in-law's pool

1. music festivals like this one

moi in my favourite café in Annecy's old town, July 2011

What I miss about summer in Canada:

Erin & I at Vancouver's English Bay, Summer 2010 {the leis? it's a long story...}

10. iced chai tea lattes at Starbucks

9. dipping my feet in the Pacific Ocean

8. salmon on the BBQ at my parents' house

7. Bard on the Beach in Vancouver

6. corn on the cob

5. the fact that it's almost never muggy
{or above 30 degrees!} in Vancouver

4. lazy summer days with family & friends

3. Canada Day celebrations

2. baseball games at Nat Bailey Stadium

1. Slurpees


me being corny during dinner at my parents' house, Summer 2010



So... voilà !

Last summer I was on the West Coast for a nice long visit.

This summer I'm making the most of Annecy 

& heading to France's Atlantic Coast in a few weeks for vacation.

Best of both worlds?  

Certainly.

Although I'm still waiting for that teleporter...

 

* * * * *

I wish you had that teleporter too, Em! Think how handy it would be for those times when we just really want to get together for a tea date...

Guest post: Summer cooking with Micaela

Micaela of Dolce Vita doesn't really need an introduction. Everyone in blogland knows her and loves her, am I right? M and I have been friends since her first Christmas ornament swap in 2009. We were paired up and I'm so glad! We have a wonderful friendship and have written each other stacks of long letters over the past few years. I'll be writing her one while I sit beside the lake this week, I'm sure...

* * * * *

happy summer darling readers of my sweet friend's blog! it's micaela of dolce vita  keeping you company while erin is enjoying the sunshine at the lake (nothing says 'summer' like the word lake, no?)

today i wanted to share one my favorite summer eats. i haven't stopped making it since i first came across the recipe and what i love most about it-- it's such an easy dish to put together. 

lovies, grab your aprons, hit play on some summery music (as i type this i'm listening to a jack johnson cd my twin sister gave me) and let's make israeli couscous salad. 

this is all you'll need (makes 8 servings)

2 cups of Israeli Couscous

2-6 oz containers of Cherry Tomatoes sliced in half 

1 bunch of Basil roughly chopped

8 oz Feta Crumbled

Juice from 2 lemons

1/4 or more Olive Oil

S+P to taste

Cook Israeli Couscous according to package directions. Let it cool to room temperature. While it's cooling, cut up tomatoes and basil. Toss with cherry tomatoes, feta, basil, lemon juice, olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

ingredient notes: according to couscous directions, adding salt and butter is optional but what is life without butter? so i added "i can't believe it's not butter" to keep it a little healthier. 

i used yellow & red tomatoes the first time i made this and will grab them when they're in stock. i also use whole wheat couscous and never measure the feta or tomatoes cos we love a lot of both in our household. instead of two lemons, i used one because husband likes things a little less 'lemony' so if you're the same way, it'll still taste just as good with the juice of one lemon. 

terribly easy to make right? and so good. 

for dessert, i suggest a whole bag of unwrapped miniature reeses buttercups. yes, i just said the whole bag.


enjoy lovies!!! and thank-you for letting me be your host today. please do say hi and let me know if you make my favorite summer dish or if you want to tell me about one of yours xo

Guest post: Summer in Australia

Today's guest post is written by beautiful Gracie, of the Aussie blog Graciebellabutterfly. Gracie is the sweetest girl who sends the loveliest things in the post. She's a fellow children's book lover, and host of the Happy Mail Project. I'm so happy she agreed to write a post for me whilst I'm away...

* * * * *

Hi everyone this is Gracie from Graciebellabutterfly. Erin has kindly asked if I could do a guest post for her while she's off on a summer holiday.

I thought I would write about my favourite way to spend a summer day. Summer time in Australia means beautiful weather. So being outdoors is a must.

Via Apartment Therapy

♥ A picnic on the beach is perfect for a romantic date night. 

Via Apartment Therapy

♥ Or even a picnic date in a park with a sweet little tent. 

Via Ohhellofriend

♥ Watching movies at the drive in with a basket of food ( fairy lights and blankets add a nice touch)

Via Samantha Lamb Flickr

♥ Reading books on a rug

Via Jaz Marsh Flickr

♥ Taking lots of photos and wearing pretty summer dresses

Via Bordons Flickr

♥ Going on a picnic for one and riding a cute bike to get to the destination

Via Paper Pastries Flickr

♥ Writing plenty of letters and postcards

♥ Going for sunset strolls on the beach

A perfect summer day to me means spending time doing the things I love in the outdoors. It means wearing pretty dresses or skirts and relaxing in the shade. It means ice cold drinks and reading beside a pool. It means longer days and pretty sunrises and sunsets.

Summer is my favourite season and I look forward to the next Australian summer.

Thank you Erin for letting me share my thoughts on your blog. I hope you are having a wonderful time on your holiday :)

* * * * *

Thank you, Gracie, for writing such a lovely post for my readers to enjoy while I'm away! Now everyone... go visit Gracie's beautiful blog! It's full of such pretty things.

Guest post: Summer lovin'

Today's guest post comes from my adorable and totally awesome blogging friend, Kim, in sunny Los Angeles {seriously jealous up here right now, Kim!} Her sweet, funny, always interesting blog is one of my first reads every morning. Go visit her and you'll see why!

*  *  *  *  *

hello everyone! this is kim from fill your well.  i am so excited to be helping erin with her fabulous blog while she's off on her adventure.  erin has been one of my best bloggy friends ever since we were both wee bloggers in this big blogging world {alliteration!}, and her blog is still one of my absolute favorites.

****

i'm not sure about you, but i have been LOVING summer!  to fully get where i'm coming from you have to understand that i have not experienced summer in years, years i tell you!  i was living in san francisco for a good long time where summers are cold, foggy, and windy.  there, summers meant scarves and sweaters and boots.  the poor tourists always stuck out like a soar thumb with their shorts and "I <3 San Francisco" sweatshirts, which they purchased upon realizing their mistake in not fully researching their vacation destination.  i'm sure those sweatshirt stands made a killing every summer!  

{clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

but now i live in los angeles where the air is hot, the sun shines brightly, and the beach is hopping.  while i love cold weather, i'm definitely soaking up my summer experience here in the desert.  yes! finally summer!  so if you wouldn't mind, i'd like to share my ode to summertime...

...for lounging in the hammock and living in cute summer dresses, 

for passion tea lemonades and gelato shops,

for picnics in the park and reading on the beach,

for bare feet and the smell of sunblock,

for evening strolls in search of food trucks and outdoor concerts in the park,

for watching classic movies while floating in a pool with friends,

for helping all of life slow down just a little more,

THANK YOU summer.

i love you so!

and i hope all of you, dear readers, are having a lovely summer as well!

***
Thank you, darling Kim for this lovely guest post. Summer, I feel the same way, too...

Me, down under

I'm in Australia today {not for real! I wish...}, visiting my sweet friend Megan on her lovely blog, Time After Tea. See how cute she is?

Come visit and hear all about my blog friends and how much I love them?

I'm guest posting @ Dolce Vita...

***

You'll find me over on Micaela's lovely blog today, looking after it for her while she travels to Texas with her new hubby... Come visit?

Happy New Year, by the way! 2011 is looking good so far!

E xo

Guest Post: Pizzelles Bakery

Good morning! You can find me in San Diego today {alas, not in reality, but online}, on Brandi's lovely food blog, Pizzelles. I'm sharing my recipe for Kiss Cookies, a Christmas favourite. Here's hoping at some point over the holidays, I actually have time to bake some...


And now, can someone please tell me why I thought it would be a good idea to organize a hot chocolate sale fundraiser for 350+ kids this morning? Because for the life of me, I can't figure out why! Like I'm not stretched thin enough already...

Fill your well

I'm guest-posting today on one of my favourite blogs in the whole wide world, Fill Your Well! Lovely Kim is off to Thailand on her honeymoon, so I've written a little something about love while she's away {and did I mention that my post will involve balloons and dancing and riding chair lifts up a mountain?!}

Want to see some photos of me on my honeymoon, circa 2002? Come take a look!

image via e-tells-tales

Guest Post: Lauryn and "The Climb"

Today's guest poster is none other than the lovely Lauryn, who I first met during the great Christmas ornament swap of 2009!

***

It is my firm belief that every place we travel to can and should hold a special place in our hearts. Whether you’re visiting ancient ruins in a faraway land or simply stopping by to see your grandmother in Ohio, going to a place that is out of the ordinary can do wonders for the mind, body and spirit.

Since Erin and her boys are off gallivanting across England, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a little story about my first (and hopefully not last) trip to Europe.

The year after I graduated high school I had the opportunity to travel to France and Italy, two countries that meant a lot to me thanks to my Italian heritage and three years of studying le Francais. Our first stop was Paris, and after an overnight flight that involved very little sleep I was intoxicated by exhaustion but ready to soak up whatever that magnificent city had to offer.

Although I was traveling with a large tour group, we spent most of our days off on our own. A friend of mine was on the trip with me so we took it upon ourselves to explore Montmartre, a district in Paris that I’m still a bit in love with to this day. The district is named after a hill with the same name, which means that the entire area has wonderful views of the city. The only down side was the hundreds of stairs that were required to see those amazing views. Exhaustion and steps don’t go very well together.

Our first stop was la Basilique du Sacre Coeur, or Sacred Heart Basilica.

We saw signs pointing towards a crypt, which we thought would be an interesting thing to see. However, as we followed the arrows we noticed that we were constantly moving upward, not down into the basement where we assumed a crypt would be. Stairs, stairs, and more stairs.

With each step the view became more breathtaking, until we finally reached the top and could see what seemed to be the entire city. It wasn’t a crowded tourist attraction. We were the only ones up there, and it felt like our own private postcard.

By the end of that day I was more ready for sleep than I’d ever been in my entire life. My whole body ached, but I was so happy to be in that amazing place that it didn’t matter.

***

Thanks, Lauryn! I hope to visit the Eiffel Tower one day soon myself!

Be sure to pop over to Laureality to say hello to Lauryn and read all about her life in Michigan...

Guest Post: Micaela in Memphis!

Today's guest post was written by my dear blogging friend Micaela. She always wears her heart on her sleeve, this girl, and is just the sweetest person you could hope to meet (and one day, I really do hope to meet her!) Be sure to visit her blog and get to know her. You'll love her, I promise! Thanks, M, for writing this...

***

Hello sweet readers of Pughs' News! It’s Micaela here of Dolce Vita happily keeping you company while our Erin is enjoying a much-awaited trip to England with her darling boys (which includes Alan!). I am SO HAPPY for them to get to spend time with their family and jealous she gets to meet Cassie! I can’t wait to hear about that beautiful blog meet up!

I was very honored to be asked to guest post while she’s away.

She asked us to share with you lovies a favorite summer vacation memory. I instantly thought of one place: GRACELAND.

Sure it isn’t London or even Italy (my heaven on earth) but it was a HUGE life list of mine checked off last summer when my darling fiancé surprised me on our road trip home from meeting his parents in Virginia.

It was very well the surprise of a lifetime.

I am the girl who wrote my high school thesis on Elvis Presley. When I hear “Return to Sender” I HAVE to sing along and think of my Momma because it’s our song. If you haven’t read “Elvis and Me” by Priscilla you must. This love for the King was given to me by my Mom who grew up pretty poor in the Philippines but would always save her lunch money when a new Elvis film was out. It’s a love she passed on to me, something we share. When I moved to Virginia in January to be with my fiancé, my Momma gave me her VHS Elvis collection. I realize VCRS are hardly around these days, but to me this perfect Elvis video collection is an heirloom I want to one day pass on to my daughter.

When I hear “Return to Sender,” I think of my Momma and the teenage girl she was, long before I was even in her life, adoring the one and only Elvis in his glory. It is why when I stood in front of Graceland last summer I had felt like I had made it! Like a dream of ours was coming true… I only wish my Momma was with me to experience it.

It is why when I stood in front of Graceland last summer I had felt like I had made it! Like a dream of ours was coming true… I only wish my Momma was with me to experience it.

Guest Post: Gracie in the Philippines

Today's guest poster is adorable Gracie from Queensland, Australia!

***

Hi this is Gracie from Gracie Bella Butterfly. The lovely Erin asked if I could write about my favourite vacation spot while she is off enjoying herself in England.

As a child we didn't really go away for holidays much. We did go down to Sydney occasionally but we didn't do away much besides that. I think it's because my parents wanted to take us to the Philippines every few years. It's one of my favourite places to go visit. I have a lot of family still living there so it's wonderful to be able to see all my cousins, aunts and uncles.

Me (in pinky top), my mum next to me and a few cousins, aunties and my grandpa.

I went on my first trip just before I turned one, but I had my first birthday there too. Since then I have been back five times and have loved each trip.

Me and my brothers on my first trip.

One of the volcanoes.

I get to be immersed in the culture and I get to know the history of the Philippines. My last trip was even more special because Jason (my hubby) was able to come with me and my parents (though he wasn't my hubby yet). I loved that I was able to share this part of my life and heritage with him. Plus the shopping and food are great!!

Jason and me at a floating restaurant

I'm so thankful that my parents gave us the opportunity to visit the Philippines several times. I'm looking forward to the day when Jason and I can bring our future children there.

Thanks for letting me guest post Erin. I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip!

***

Gracie is gorgeous. She writes a lovely blog about her life as a newlywed in Australia, and includes lots of wonderful posts about books and stationery and lots of other things I love. Go visit her. You'll be smiling for sure!

Guest Post: Krysten's Honeymoon cruise

Today's guest post comes to us from the lovely Krysten at After I Do...

***

When Erin approached me about doing a guest blog while she’s on vacation I was really excited and knew exactly what I wanted to write about.

Back in January of 2009 my husband and I went on our honeymoon. We were married in September 2008 but opted to put our honeymoon off which ended up being GREAT because it gave us something to look forward to.

Our honeymoon was a Carnival Cruise and the ports that we went to were Montego Bay in Jamaica, Grand Cayman in the Caymen Islands and Cozumel in Mexico. The exciting thing about this is that it was our first big vacation together since being a couple and we were both excited to be going somewhere where we had no internet access (the internet on cruise ships is EXPENSIVE) and no phone access. We could truly get away from it all.

Our Cruise ship, the Carnival Conquest

For those that have never been on a cruise, they truly are a great way to vacation because there is SO MUCH to do on the boat and you also get to visit multiple ports, giving you a way to get a feel for different places.

For the days that we were at sea, the hubby and I spent our time out at the pool. We lounged in the sun reading books and listening to music and eating some of the amazing food that our ship at to offer. In the evening, we dined in the BEAUTIFUL dining room and ate till we couldn’t eat anymore. One of the best things about cruising is how ridiculously good the food is - and it’s all free. Free dessert? Oh yes, give me more than one! At night there are a huge variety of shows from magic shoes, comedians, dance shoes, karaoke, etc. There are so many gorgeous rooms on a cruise ship that no matter where you go you feel like you’re this incredibly ritzy person living an incredibly ritzy life. For newlyweds, it was a dream. I loved being able to spend my time holding hands with my husband while watching the shows and just enjoying our time being totally together.

In our room with one of our towel animals

As for the ports, oh man. I will say that Montego Bay, Jamaica was our favorite. Dustin has been to Jamaica multiple times and it was the first time for me so we were both very excited. We road in a bus with the craziest bus driver I have ever met (which I didn’t think was possible after some of the buses I took when on vacation in Cancun, Mexico), we did some shopping and met some awesome locals, Dustin was offered weed on more than one occasion (yet I was not, hmm, curious if I have a certain look about me?) and we finally ended up at Margaritaville.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Now, if you’ve never been to Margaritaville it’s an interesting sort of place and each Margaritaville has its own personality. The one in Montego Bay is definitely my favorite. We had this cute little band play a love song for us, I had the strongest dacqaurie EVER, we swam in the ocean and jumped on a water trampoline (yes, at the restaurant) and then we danced when the DJ came on.

I will say that Montego Bay was my very favorite port and that one day makes me want to go back to Jamaica so badly!

At Fat Tuesday’s in Cozumel, Mexico overlooking the ocean and cruise ships

The reason that this vacation is the favorite that I’ve ever been on definitely had to do with my company. I think that Dustin and I could have been holed up in an old motel and we still would have had fun. However, being able to be on this trip with my wonderful, amazing husband while experiencing the wonderful warm sun, the amazing ports and the even more amazing food is definitely something I can’t wait to do again. Definitely my favorite vacation thus far.

***

Thanks, Krysten! I've never been on a cruise, but I think you've convinced me to give it a try one day. If only I didn't get so motion-sick...

Guest Post: Kelly's trip to NYC

Today's post comes to you from Kelly, an old high-school friend of mine. Be sure to visit her at her blog, My Joy Project. She writes with honesty, humour and spunk!

***

Hello all you lovely readers of Pughs' News - and thank you to Erin for asking me to guest post while she is away enjoying England with her lovely family :)


Making a decision on which vacation spot to share with you was a tricky one. I have been blessed in the last few years to have traveled quite a bit and they have all been my favorites! My most recent adventure was to New York to see a friend. I did two long weekend getaways over the course of a couple of months this past Spring, and have posted some pictures to share with you. I had to restrain myself from posting more pictures, these are the precious few that made the cut. I hope you enjoy :)

Does this look familiar? That's right, Times Square! I was blown away at how many people there are on the streets of Manhattan, there were thousands! Everywhere you looked in Times Square (and the surrounding area) was advertisements and billboard and signs for everything! A lot of the ads were for Broadway shows, or movies, or tv shows and the signs were massive! I think the billboard for Target was almost the size of my house!

"Rethink Your Daily Routine" - ya, jet off to New York for the weekend!!

You absolutely MUST have a street pretzel!
I chose the classic salted pretzel, my friend
(a local New Yorker) got mustard with his.

My favorite shot of the day, Easter Long Weekend and look at that blue sky! This was taken when we stopped for a latte at Bryant Park, which is a few blocks away from Times Square. You know in the movies when you see a bunch of people at parks playing chess and drinking coffee? Ya, they do that at Bryant Park too, very cool to see in person.

I bet you all know where the Staten Island Ferry goes, right?

Of course! The Statue of Liberty! This was taken at Battery Park, which is where you'd go if you were going to take either the Staten Island Ferry, or one of the Statue tour boats. It's in downtown Manhattan, as opposed to mid-town Manhattan which is where Times Square, and Broadway, and 5th Aventue etc is. Downtown is where you'd find Wall Street, and of course, Battery Park. We were running out of time that day, so we didn't make it up close to the Statue. This was good enough for me anyway, the line up was horrendous!


My second trip to New York was at the end of May just in time for Memorial Day long weekend. My friend lives in Long Island, and one of his favorite holiday spots is Montauk. Montauk is in the Hamptons at the very Eastern end of Long Island. Yep, that's right, where all the rich people have their summer homes. Above is an example of one of the places we drove by. Kind of looks like something Erin might post on her Saturday Morning Daydream, no? I guarantee there a comfy deck chairs and pitchers of iced tea, and a pool (equipped with pool boy) in the back there....

Montauk is very much a beach resort kind of town. Kind of like an Eastern version of Tofino (for you Vancouver Island dwellers), without the hippy vibe to it. More like with the metrosexual "where the pretty people go" vibe lol.

Cyril's Fish House (located on the main road to Montauk, just past Lobster World and the Crab Shack) looks pretty empty in the photo, but that's only because this was taken very early in the morning. Show up here at around 4pm or so and it is totally the place to be! It's completely 'come as you are' casual atmosphere made for an interesting combination of people. There had to be easily 200+ people there the afternoon we went. They were either still in their bathing suits and beach clothes, or ready for a night on the town. We lost count of how many people were wearing Aviator sunglasses, but came away knowing that clearly they were the hippest accessory going lol.

The Montauk Lighthouse marks "The End" of Long Island.
A must see for all tourists. Check that off the list :)
Let's go back to Cyril's haha

Like I said, Montauk is a beach town and I was lovin' me some beach that weekend.!! I really had no idea what to expect from a weekend getaway to the Hamptons, and maybe someday I'll get the opportunity to go again and do some more exploring. Maybe you will too!!

I hope you all got a little joy out of this virtual escape to New York, and thanks again to Erin for inviting me to share my adventure with all of you!

Happy travels!!
Kelly

***

Thanks, Kelly! I've always wanted to go to New York City. I enjoyed this little escape very much!