cape cod

Outdoor Exploring In Sailor Wear

Vintage Cap Sleeve Blouse || Similar Sailor Shorts || Sunglasses || Old, Kate Spade Keds (Similar) || Necklace || Pink & Blue Co. Bracelet c/o || Wicker Bag || Similar Jean Jacket ||

What a fun filled day this was on the Cape! It was actually a day that was a bit spontaneous and ended up being one with some cherished memories. We started the day at the Mass Audubon Society in Barnstable. What a treat for fans of the outdoors! Ava was particularly in love with the turtles they had inside. We walked the grounds of the forested area listening to all of the birds chirping their happy songs. The air was fragranced with the sweet smell of honeysuckle while rhododendrons were blossoming all around us. After that, we walked down to the beach area where kayakers were just finishing up. Across the way we could make out a lighthouse and also stumbled upon a plethora of beach roses, my absolute favorite! They are my favorite rose and dare I say, even my favorite flower.

Afterwards, we were famished and stumbled upon the Dolphin restaurant not to far down the road. What an absolute gem this place was. I got the tuna sandwich with a cup of chowder and a slice of peanut butter pie. The entire meal was drool worthy and affordable. The decor inside was full of beach and patriotic themes, all of course adding to the charm. Next door, we went to the Nirvana Coffee Company, which had a steady stream of customers the entire time we were there. Ava and I relaxed on the Adirondack chairs outside while enjoying the sunshine and passers going by. I got my usual vanilla latte and loved it. It was a nice moment of calm before our next stop.

After re-energizing, we wanted to end the day at the beach, opting to try a new one called Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth. I think for Ava, this beach was one of the highlights of her trip. Though the beach itself is smaller, you can walk out into the tide pools and across the way to the little islands. While wading in the shallower water, you can find all types of small sea creatures, which all of the kids were thrilled about. The beach is famous for its long boardwalk, extending out into the grass and water, where it ends for a beautiful sunset view. Looking across the way, you can see the tip of Sandy Neck beach. All around us was nature at its very finest.

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xo, Amanda

Pink Dramatic Sleeves

Good morning and happy Friday! Just a quick post today of an outfit I wore out to dinner while on vacation. The tiered ruffled sleeves add some dramatic flair to an otherwise casual look. The top is super comfortable too! You know I cannot resist a beautiful shade of pink either. This would be a great summer date night look for those evenings that are on the cooler side. Speaking of, cheers to the first official weekend of summer!

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xo, Amanda

Pink And Green // Go To Dress

Good morning, friends! I hope everyone had a fabulous first day of summer yesterday. We had some amazingly beautiful weather and spent almost the whole day outside, especially with it being the longest day of the year. The sunset was breathtaking! I'm hoping that's a good sign for the summer months ahead, haha.

One of my favorite looks in the summer, and one of the easiest, is to throw on a dress with some flats and head out the door. I've been a bit enamored with pink and green color combos lately too. I used this dress as a swimsuit coverup while we were in Cape Cod and have thrown it on multiple times since then for running around doing errands. For me, this dress fit true to size. I did see where some people thought it was short, but on my 5'2 frame, it fit just fine. I was very comfortable with the length. This dress also comes in a navy and cobalt print too!

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xo, Amanda

Nautical Suit

Nautical Swimsuit c/o || Sunglasses || Similar Straw Hat || Jack Rogers Sandals || Pink Straw Bag || Christian Paul Watch c/o || Rose Gold Love Bangle || Jackie Kennedy Cascade Ring || JFK 100 Pearl Bracelet || Jackie Kennedy Emerald Drop Earrings ||

With summer officially starting today (yay!!), there's no better time to start thinking about bathing suits. Whether its for a sunny vacation, laying in the backyard, or swimming in the pool, a new suit is a must! This nautical styled swim suit is only $18! Speaking of, I ADORE the nautical colors and stripes, not to mention the lace up front. I'm shaking my head right now, but I didn't get a shot of the back! It's a criss cross pattern that adds a unique flare to the suit. I love how this suit has a modern flare with a classic twist. It fits true to size and is well made. Sometimes when I see a cheaper swim suit I hesitate to get it, but this one is definitely quality.

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xo, Amanda

The Sunflower Dress

Each year when I go to Cape Cod I like to take one special dress that stands out from all of the rest. Last year it was my rose print dress from Chicwish. It was such a dream to wear and still stands out in my mind as one of my favorite dresses. This year is no different with my sunflower waterfall dress, also from Chicwish. I always turn to them when I need a knockout piece! This was probably my favorite day on the cape. We started our at the Truro Winery where we relaxed on their front lawn and had some lunch. The weather was AMAZING. I could sit there all day long. Next, we headed to Eastham to see the famous Nauset lighthouse that is featured on the Cape Cod chips bag. It is my favorite lighthouse and one that we always get a family photo in front of. Later in the day I took Ava down to Veteran's Beach where the JFK Memorial is. It's my favorite spot in Hyannis. The sunset there is the prettiest. The Yacht Club is there also, which is why Ava and I are pointing in the one photo. She loves to see the sail boats!

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xo, Amanda

Pink Cashmere

Good morning everyone! When we first arrived to Cape Cod there was a storm that was just about to clear out leaving it a bit cool outside. The fog was starting to roll in off of the bay as we were walking to dinner. I changed into this pink cashmere sweater from Two Bees Cashmere. It it sooooo incredibly soft and comfy. It felt like I was wearing a snuggly blanket, which felt amazing right after the storm. It was the perfect thing to wear. We usually don't think about sweaters in the summer, but sometimes the nights can still be refreshingly cool calling for a light knit sweater to keep you comfortable. I adore the soft pink color too! Matching perfectly are these fun pom pom earrings from KEP Designs. The ombre pink is so fun and eye catching. Expect to see me wearing these all summer long. I also really like how big they are yet very light weight.

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xo, Amanda

Martha's Vineyard

Similar Striped Top || Similar Striped Skirt || Lace Up Flats || Sunnies || Kate Spade Bag || Daniel Wellington Watch c/o || Boater Hat || Similar Nautical Wheel Ring || Jackie Kennedy Unity Band ||

Happy Friday, friends! We've finally made it to another weekend and I am sooo happy we have since the humidity is supposed to break. We've had some extremely hot and humid days that simply take your breath away. Does anyone have any plans for the weekend?

My dad and I have traveled all over the Cape including Nantucket, but never made it over to Martha's Vineyard until this trip. We stayed in the little town of Oak Bluffs. I was pretty excited to see the ginger bread houses and they did not disappoint. Each one had its own unique qualities and charm to it. My favorite, and the most famous, is the pink house. Oh my, I would live there if I could! I love wearing anything nautical inspired and wanted something red, white, and blue for the journey over. With the 4th of July having been close on the horizon, I seem to have gravitated towards anything with patriotic colors. We first stopped at The Big Dipper to have some fresh coffee and donuts. They were so yummy and I would recommend stopping there as soon as you get off the ferry. We only had about three hours on the island so we explored all of the different houses and little shops. Vineyard Vines also has their flagship store on the island. It was a beautiful day and the ferry ride was spectacular!

 

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xo, Amanda

Summer Fab Fit Fun Box

Fab Fit Fun Box c/o || Lemon Dress || Yellow Flats || Similar Yellow Bag || Boater Hat || Daniel Wellington Watch c/o || Jackie Kennedy Unity Band || Similar Nautical Wheel Ring || Karen Walker Sunnies ||

Happy Friday! I'm so excited to talk about the summer edition of one of my favorite subscription boxes, FabFitFun. You get full sized premium products delivered four times a year for only $50 per box and shipping is free! See my Spring box here. I've been astounded with the excellent quality of each product and just how useful each one is. None of the items ever go to waste! The summer box celebrates the salty, sun-kissed splendor that summer is all about. The products included are:

  • FabFitFun Everyday Beach Waves Spray (love it!)
  • Betchsicles Pop Molds (used these when I saw a bit sick and they are fantastic!)
  • Summer and Rose Yoga Towel (cutest saying)
  • Stemulation Daily Micro Derm Scrub
  • Passport to Beauty Gypset Luminous Lips
  • Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream (new favorite!)
  • Trina Turk Canvas Tote (great for the beach)
  • Bonus Item: either Burt's Bees Essential OilorBB Cream. I got the BB Cream and have to say it covered amazingly good for not being a full foundation.

Yet again, I'm completely in love with all of these items! I'm a sucker for beauty products so I always get excited when I get to try some new ones. My everyday style is wavy and this beach waves spray gives my hair the prettiest wave without the crunch. The Osea Protection Cream feels lightweight and has a beautiful silky finish. I also love how I can combine it with my foundation for a little DIY CC Cream! The Luminous Lipsgave my lips a major boost of moisture with a subtle color that isn't overpowering. The Daily Micro Derm Scrub can actually be used on your face and body, which is pretty cool. It gently exfoliates to brighten and energize skin by reveling a youthful glow. I can't get enough of it, especially in the summer! . Now, I was actually a bit under the weather recently and used the Ice Mold Pops (shaped like champagne bottles!) to make some ice pops, which were a lifesaver. I can't wait to fill them something a bit more festive. The Yoga Towel has the cutest sayings on them, mine says good vibes, and are great for wicking away moisture. Lastly, the Canvas Tote is fabulous for packing all of your essentials when you're on-the-go. I used mineto pack some beach items, but this would also be great for running around town or by the pool side! 

Use the code ENCHANTING to get $10 off of your subscription at FabFitFun

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xo, Amanda

Rose Dreams

If I had to describe Cape Cod it would be charming and quaint. Every turn has beautiful bright blooms, picturesque homes, and a 40 mile stretch of gorgeous protected beaches. It's hard not to fall in love with the old world allure. That's not even to mention the scrumptious food too. I haven't had one bad meal there yet. My dad and I were graciously invited to Pain D' Avignon to indulge in one of their meals, we chose breakfast, and were absolutely blown away by their hospitality and incredibly appetizing food. The place was packed with a constant stream of customers coming through the doors. I decided on the Croquet Madame, while my dad had the Oeufs Poches. We both partook in a yummy blueberry tart for a little treat before heading out to enjoy some more antiquing and driving through various communities to explore what they have to offer.

This white dress with pretty pink roses adoring it has a retro inspiration that looks just as beautiful as it feels to have on. The fit and flare style, an absolute favorite of mine, compliments any body figure. I'm wearing a size small and found the length to be a bit longer than a midi style on my shorter frame (5'2.) I have to say, of all the outfits I wore on our trip, this dress got the most compliments. It's a head turner for sure! We ended up in Chatham where the main street is filled with shops and restaurants to fill everyone's interests and delights. At the end of the main street is the beach and lighthouse where the movie The Finest Hours was based out of. It's a destination we never miss! 

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xo, Amanda

Lovely Lemons

Lemon Dress || Yellow Flats || Similar Yellow Bag || Boater Hat || Daniel Wellington Watch c/o || Jackie Kennedy Unity Band || Similar Nautical Wheel Ring || Karen Walker Sunnies ||

One of the many things I love about Cape Cod, besides all of the charm, is being able to explore new nooks and crannies each time we visit. We've been going up four years now and have only scratched the surface! After breakfast, we drove to Brewster to see the famous General Store. There were so many vintage inspired goodies inside. I had a field day! Afterwards, we enjoyed some coffee and cake on the front porch while watching all of the cars pass by. We then traveled on to visit Easthom where the Nausset Lighthouse is. It's the same lighthouse that is on the Cape Cod chip bag. It's our favorite and we always try to get our photo in front. Usually the beach there is open, but the winter storms had knocked out the stairs, leaving the beach closed down. In that case, we decided to head up the cape to visit Province Town for the first time. Plus, the National Seashore stretches up to the top so we would be able to partake in some sandy beach time too. Let me tell you, the food in P-Town is amazingggg! I've never had better fish in my life. Definitely worth the trip up.

 

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xo, Amanda

Summer Bliss

Blue Striped Dress || Sunshine Flats || Similar Yellow Cross Body || Karen Walker Sunnies || Similar Hat || Daniel Wellington Watch c/o || Similar Nautical Wheel Ring || Jackie Kennedy Unity Band ||

Happy Monday, friends! For the past couple of years, my dad and I have been traveling to the seaside escape of Cape Cod to relax, enjoy, and most importantly explore all the island has to offer! We had some breakfast as soon as we arrived and then jaunted off to the Kennedy Museum and around town before heading back to the hotel to check in and change into some fresh clothes. This striped flare dress is absolute perfection for summer! I'm wearing an XS for reference. The sash can be tied in the front or back. I chose the back to match the hat I was wearing, though most do tie it in the front. I adore the hi-lo hem and subtle blue and white stripes for a fresh take on a nautical classic. I knew I wanted some sun shine yellow to brighten up the ensemble, but red accessories would also look quite smashing. How adorable are these flats too?! They say 'Hello Sunshine' on them and feel rather comfy to wear for an all-day adventure. Once dinner time rolled around, we got ready to head off to Barnstable for a sunset dinner at Mattakeese Wharf, which I highly recommend. They sat us at the sunset table with spectacular views of the bay as the sun was slowly making its way down upon the horizon. Afterwards, we walked down to the beach and watched the rest of the sunset with other members from town. It was magical to watch and quite a memorable first day! 

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xo, Amanda

Travel Log

My Family Trip to Cape Cod 2014

There are few places I love more to be in than Cape Cod. Specifically the charming town of Hyannis. Now if the name sounds familiar to you, most likely you know it because the Kennedy family lived in Hyannis Port, which is about two miles down the road from where our hotel was. Each town has their own appeal with little main streets, fantastic places to eat, and incredible sites to see including light houses, beaches, vineyards, museums, and so much more! I feel the most at peace and relaxed while I'm there. Last year my dad and I traveled to Hyannis so we could experience all things JFK. Being a big fan and admirer, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and hoped to get back to indulge in all of the wonderful sites we had yet to see. Luckily, we decided to once again travel to Cape Cod this year and finish off some items from the bucket list created in preparation for last years trip. My brother Michael joined us on the 2014 voyage to Hyannis and I was so happy he could experience this with us. Everyone should go to Cape Cod at least once in their life time. Some highlights from the trip include:

  • The JFK Museum
  • Nantucket
  • Being out on the open waters to travel to Nantucket
  • Celebrating my birthday, which also happens to be the same day as JFK's birthday!, in and around his hometown
  • Nauset beach and the lighthouse (this lighthouse is on the Cape Cod potato chip bag)
  • Seeing the Kennedy Compound up close in person
  • Seeing JFK and Jackie's house from street level
  • Climbing to the top of the Highland Lighthouse
  • The Truro Vineyard
  • The Chatham Lighthouse
  • Eating at Columbo's, The Chatham Squire, Moby Dick's, The Black Cat, and The Dockside
  • Finally, the hotel itself will always hold a special place in my heart. Having tea in the library, the amazing view from out deck of the harbor, having breakfast in the library and gazing across the harbor, and most of all, sitting by the fire pit in adirondack chairs, sipping on some beer while reminiscing about life and looking upon the ships entering and leaving the harbor.
I always go to Hyannisport to be revived, to know again the power of the sea and the Master who rules over it and all of us.”
— John F. Kennedy