#onalark: field guide (with a family in tow!)

After a crazy week on the home front, our little family had the chance to spend the most relaxing weekend at Field Guide in Stowe, Vermont. Lark Hotels invited us to get away and experience another of their amazing properties in a new-to-me corner of New England. We took a half day off from work on Friday and made the scenic drive up to Stowe. Let's put it this way: it was love at first sight.

Much like my experience at The Break, the staff at Field Guide was on their game from the minute we walked in the door. They had everything prepared to the last detail, something I have come to appreciate from smaller, more intimate hotels. We were handed a pre-loaded iPad, chock full of ideas on where to eat and visit, which made our stay that much more enjoyable. (My sweet friend and seasoned Stowe visitor, Abby, also sent over a few of her favorite pit stops that she shared with The Everygirl.) I wanted to toss our bags and get going on our Stowe adventure, but the minute we walked in our room, I almost said we didn't need to leave...

Traveling with little ones in tow can make things a bit more complicated, but the master minds behind Field Guide definitely had this in mind. Our space (known as the Trail Suite) was well-designed to give the younger set their own space, while allowing parents the luxury of not having to tiptoe around a hotel room. This particular suite had a seriously cool lofted space (appropriate for older children -- as it does have a spiral staircase leading up to it), along with two other spacious bedrooms. These twin beds are up in the loft... you can't beat the rustic yet modern feel!

When we first arrived, this pregnant lady was a tad bit hangry. Thankfully, we didn't have to go far: we ate dinner across the street from Field Guide at The Bench. The atmosphere matches their food: cozy and comforting. (We loved it so much that we tried to do take-out the next night, but they only take seated parties -- not parties to go ;) I would definitely classify The Bench as family-friendly, with high chairs readily available and quick service for hungry and somewhat unruly toddlers.

Field Guide's on-site restaurant, Picnic Social, should be open any day, but until it is, they offer a complimentary picnic basket full of delectable breakfast treats -- like overnight oats and fresh fruit. It was such a treat to find this basket at our door! They also have a small coffee maker and refrigerator in the room, though I wouldn't classify it as a complete kitchenette. It worked beautifully for our needs -- a place to store milk, yogurt, and fruit that our little man demands on a daily basis.

We devoured this delightful basket of goodies and then ventured out to see more of the little town of Stowe. {cv}'s 'coffee beacon' landed us at the charming Black Cap Coffee in the heart of downtown. Even after all those treats at Field Guide, I made room for a cider donut and a hot chocolate -- because even early April in Stowe required a heavy fleece. Downtown Stowe was full of New England charm, though its old buildings are not always stroller friendly. You'll have to pack your muscles a bit to get in and out of some shops, but this is par for the course when traveling with little ones.

After walking the Stowe Recreation Path back in the direction of Field Guide, we ended up at Doc Ponds for lunch. It is also a hop, skip and jump from the hotel and offers a relaxed dining experience with delicious (and inventive) dishes. Much like The Bench, they were also extremely family-friendly. It isn't a quiet restaurant, so noisy peeps from little ones go unnoticed. Their menu was also one-year-old (and thirty-year-old) approved.

With naptime looming, we hopped in the car to explore a bit and hopefully let our little guy catch a few zzz's on the way. We eventually stopped at the Von Trapp Family DeliBakery to take in the views; {cv} also enjoyed one of their house-made brews. If you hadn't already noticed the gluttonous theme to our weekends away, we also made a beeline for the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop. It's a serious tourist attraction, so you'll want to pack your patience. To no one's surprise, we all thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream. We didn't end up taking the factory tour with our one-year-old, but we saw plenty of other families attempting that feat. (More power to them!)

Running around for a good portion of the day (combined with the extra accessory {jv} was sporting) meant that, by dinner time, it was time to light a fire and enjoy our suite. {cv} grabbed take-out from Piecasso, a short drive from Field Guide. Ordering the pizza was quick and easy, so we settled right in for the evening. On Sunday morning, we indulged in another picnic basket of goodies before hitting the road.

Traveling as a family isn't always glamorous, but staying in a place like Field Guide made it feel like a serious vacation. I snuck away to grab a few photos of their gorgeous lobby. The best way I can explain it? Ski chalet chic to the very last detail!

If you go with children: Bring along your pack 'n play, as they are not provided (we love our Breeze from 4moms!). To be honest, I never find this to be an inconvenience because I'd rather {jv} sleep in a familiar space away from home. I bet I'm not alone ;) Be sure to check the hotel policies, depending on which room you choose, as additional fees may apply per person -- which includes infants and children. A few other positive points of note for parents: many of the rooms have beautiful tubs, perfect for your little ones (and you!). You can also park right outside your room or suite, which is fabulous for the influx of stuff you bring when traveling with children.

This trip only touched the tip of the iceberg on places to explore in Stowe, so I'm already itching to get back with our (even crazier) crew once baby #2 arrives. We seriously cannot thank the staff at Field Guide or the Lark Hotels team enough for their incredible hospitality. If you're looking for a stylish getaway -- with kids or not, there's no question that Field Guide should be your home away from home. Thanks for taking this little getaway with us -- and for not judging our caloric intake ;) xoxo {av}

NOTE: This post was written in conjunction with our stay at Field Guide in April 2016. I did not receive compensation, other than my complimentary accommodations. I was not required to write this post in exchange for my stay; I chose to write this post after an extremely positive experience.

#onalark: the break.

At the end of January, I had the pleasure of spending a night at one of Rhode Island's newest getaway spots: The Break in Narragansett. Lark Hotels invited Kate (my Boston Bloggers partner-in-crime) and I to sneak away to this stylish new outpost, which opened during the summer of 2015. From the minute we walked in the door, it felt like we had escaped into a beachside oasis -- even in the depths of winter.

Upon check-in, they provide an iPad for you to explore the property and surrounding areas. While you can't keep the iPad (no surprises there!), it felt like you had the hotel (and Narragansett) at your fingertips. With only 16 rooms, the property feels incredibly intimate without feeling like you're on top of other guests. I always judge hotel rooms on whether you can hear other patrons... and let's just put it this way: I didn't hear a single peep from anyone else during my stay. Each room has a totally different feel, so I loved getting a peek in Kate's room too. No detail is spared throughout the entire hotel, which shows just how much thought went into the design.

At The Break, they have a convenient on-site restaurant, Chair 5, which is charmingly decorated and (more importantly) positively delicious. The staff at Chair 5 treated us to an incredible dinner with more courses than I could count. The grilled oysters with housemade sriracha and miniature s'mores ice cream sandwiches were some of my most memorable bites. Another important stop at The Break? Their bustling rooftop bar with the cutest buoy lamps. Kate sipped a cocktail and I enjoyed my mocktail there after dinner.

Beyond our delightful dinner, we also had two other amazing dining experiences: a private cooking class with the talented executive chef at Chair 5, Basil Yu, and a brunch buffet fit for a king or queen. He made even this novice of a cook (me) feel comfortable making a more intensive dish -- that beautiful lobster pasta dish you see above. Kate shared the recipe on her blog here. (Since I left, I have been plotting ways for my husband and I to get back for another private class.) Kate and I also went back for multiple rounds at the breakfast buffet, which is included in your stay. Perfectly instagrammable ;)

As an aside: A few years back, I ran a race on Ocean Road, which is right where The Break sits. I was able to slip out early that morning and run the beautiful route, up to the Point Judith Lighthouse. When beach season is in full swing, the proximity of The Break to all of the area beaches is a serious plus -- though they do make their heated pool available to guests all year long ;) Beyond the beach, their in-house iPad offers a number of other ideas on things to do and places to eat. You can also take advantage of the spa, located on the bottom level of the hotel. It is private, clean, and relaxing... just what the doctor ordered for a getaway!

If you go for a getaway: Book in advance and use The Break's website to pick your ideal room. I had the pleasure of staying in the Ocean Deluxe King with Balcony. While you're booking, be sure to reserve your table at Chair 5. The Break truly thinks of everything -- from "nightcap" cookies (as I deemed them) to the heated bathroom floors.

If you go for dinner: While they welcome spontaneous visitors, I would highly suggest booking your table in advance -- especially in the winter. As it is one of the few winter dining options, it does book up fast! If you stay for after dinner drinks, you'll likely be treated to some wonderful tunes being played up on the rooftop bar.

If you go with children: This is not an adults' only hotel, though we didn't see many children during our stay. Infants and children do count as guests, so there is an additional charge of $50/person. The king rooms only accommodate two guests, so you are required to book a king suite. They do not provide cribs or pack 'n plays, so be sure to pack yours. 

I truly cannot thank the wonderful staff of The Break, Chair 5, or Lark Hotels enough for the much-needed 24-hour escape. If you're looking for a place to take a break on the Rhode Island coast, make the trip to The Break -- and I promise you will not regret it. xoxo {av}

NOTE: This post was written in conjunction with my stay at The Break in January 2016. I did not receive compensation, other than my complimentary accommodations. I was not required to write this post in exchange for my stay; I chose to write this post after an extremely positive experience.

a big update.

our little family on the beach in Hilton Head

Happy 2016! I can't believe we've turned the calendar to another new year. Everyone says that the years tick by the older you get, but I don't think I believed them until now. I feel like I'm in a constant whirlwind these days, which is likely why you haven't heard as much from me in recent months. There's also another reason... 

In case you missed it on Instagram last week, we shared some big news: we are expecting baby {v} #2 in early June! We cannot thank you enough for all the sweet comments and thoughts you've sent our way since we broke the news. I am almost halfway through this pregnancy -- and time doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Since I know you're doing the math in your head, I'll do it for you: there will be 18 months between the {v} crew. We know we're in for a challenge, but we are more than up for it. {cv} and I are so grateful to be given this chance to expand our family, especially after the loss we experienced prior to {jv}. We have our anatomy scan this week, so time is ticking along. Some people may think we're crazy, but we are waiting to find out the gender until I deliver -- just like we did with {jv}. It's the best surprise {cv} and I have ever experienced, so we definitely want to experience it that way again. For those who are interested, I'll give a bit more color on this second pregnancy in an upcoming post (one thing I've committed to doing more of in 2016).

a little bedhead after nap time

Mr. Blue Eyes is 13 months old this week. I'll never be able to tell you where those months have gone. It feels like a blink. He is growing like a weed, babbling up a storm, and keeping us busy from 6:30am (if he's nice) until 7:45pm (if he can even make it that late). {jv} doesn't walk anywhere: he runs! This makes his long distance running mama very happy, although having a baby on board can make some days feel like a marathon ;)

FYI: I have a slew of posts in my drafts about {jv}, but I don't want to turn into a full blown mommy blog. If you have specific questions, please email me or comment below -- and I'd love to tailor what you're seeing here to what you need!

back in the South -- and no, we're not moving back with the volume of bags

I can't claim to be a seasoned traveler with a child in tow just yet, but we are making strides toward getting our old wings back. This photo may look like nothing special, but it is: my husband is a serious rock star -- and I don't tell him that nearly enough. Here is {cv}... wearing a car seat and dragging two enormous suitcases, without complaining once. I always get nostalgic for our long distance days when we fly through Charlotte (since that was the hub of our three years apart), but seeing him in this new role in that old soft spot brought all the feels. I may have to frame this one.

taken in my best friend's gorgeous home in Charlotte

I know this has been a pretty random update, but my head is spinning with everything I want to share in this new year. I don't know how some bloggers manage to post daily when they have little ones in their arms or at their feet, but I will learn to juggle it all one day. Today is not yet that day ;) If you want more timely updates, Instagram and Snapchat are the best ways to find me -- I'm @ali_vinciguerra on both platforms. Thank you again for sticking with me -- through thick and thin. xoxo {av}

seven tips for your first flight with your baby.

Before {jv} arrived, you could find me in an airport at least once a month. While it doesn't make me a black belt traveler, it does mean I have a few frequent flier miles behind my name. I haven't flown since I was 32 weeks pregnant, so I must say I was excited to take to the skies again. {jv} took his first flight at 6.5 months. While it didn't go perfectly, his first two flights were much better than I expected. I owe it all to the village helping us raise {jv}. In preparation for our trip, I crowd-sourced a few tips from my most trustworthy (and well-traveled) mom friends. Some of these tips come from those conversations; others come from our first-hand experience. Here are a few of my takeaways...

1) Invest in gate check bags for your stroller and car seat. Germs are prevalent on airplanes, so this extra layer of protection can't hurt. It also means you lower your risk (ever so slightly) of banged-up baby gear. (One thing to note: some baby gear requires the "branded" bag if you want to cover any damage. We have the UPPAbaby G-LUXE; if carried in this bag (and registered with UPPAbaby), all issues will be remedied in the first two years.) Gate checking bags is free -- and your items are way more likely to reach your final destination if you walk them down the jetway yourself.

2) Speaking baby gear, do your stroller and car seat research. I had too much faith in Uber Family and blindly thought they would have infant car seats available. Unfortunately, they only have forward-facing car seats (which do not work for our current situation). I didn't discover this until the week we were to leave. I had to scramble big time to figure out a solution. (We ended up bringing our Maxi Cosi Mico AP Car Seat, which we buckled directly into any cabs or ubers. As for the stroller, we found a floor model of the Maxi Cosi Kaia Stroller. It had a removable car seat connection, which made it easy to snap in quickly. It also made {jv} more comfortable on longer walks when we could leave the car seat at home. The Maxi Taxi was another compatible solution -- essentially a Snap N Go made especially for our brand of car seat.

3) Carry on back-up outfits for your little one and for you. It should come as no surprise that you might need an extra outfit for mishaps with your babe, but don't forget about yourself. A lap-held infant could easily transmit their outfit malfunction to you, if you catch my drift ;) It's better to be safe than sorry, even if it takes up a little room in your carry-on. Speaking of said "mishaps", bring a diaper bag dispenser. It takes up virtually zero space in your bag, but what it lacks in girth, it makes up for in smell prevention. One other expert tip from a sweet friend: ask for an airline-provided blanket to be sacrificed for the dirty job and act as a changing pad liner. Most flight attendants would be happy to help -- and point out the changing "table" in the lavatory. (These disposable changing pads are also great in a pinch.)

4) Pack a sense of humor. Traveling with a baby isn't a walk in the park, but it isn't impossible. {cv} and I shared a few laughs throughout the process -- thanks to some of {jv}'s loud bodily noises and awkwardly timed bathroom visits. We took it all with a grain of salt: he won't always be this small and portable. (One day, he will cry and actually be able to vocalize his frustration.) We decided to accept the little embarrassments and move on... because we will likely never see our flight mates ever again. Once they walk off the plane, our baby will be a distant memory.

5) If at all possible, take the necessary steps to get TSA Pre. At roughly 38 weeks pregnant, I waddled into our local enrollment center for my interview. It was an incredibly simple process. I hadn't reaped the benefits of that afternoon until this past weekend. We were able to skip the lines and bypass much of the hassle of going through security. I'd call this a serious win when you have a baby in tow.

6) Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, be ready for time away from much of your gear. Feeding (however you do it!) on the ascent and descent can help prevent some ear irritation. Pack a lightweight nursing scarf or a few extra bottles (with ample formula) to ensure you're covered for extra time on the tarmac or in the air. When {jv} turned six months, I transitioned from exclusively breastfeeding to formula feeding (which requires a whole post in itself). I wanted to make sure I wasn't without necessary fuel for our little man, so I used a formula dispenser and filled for three feedings beyond what I anticipated. I'm sure it was overkill, but I've been stuck in an airport enough times to bring an insurance policy or two. (This will help keep your nerves at bay, which relates closely to my last tip!)

7) Leave your nerves at home. Babies play off of the environment around them. I notice it on crazy work days, but when I'm stressed, {jv} is too. The morning of his first flight, I was pretty exhausted after some last-minute packing, so I was too sleepy to be anxious. On {jv}'s first flight, he fell asleep ten minutes before we boarded our flight while I was wearing him in our Ergo. He stayed asleep for half of the flight, only waking up because of the beverage service cart noise right by his head. He required a bit of entertainment from the two of us for the duration of the flight, but we made it without any crying episodes. We had a more stressful boarding process on our flight home -- and {jv}'s behavior reflected it. Our flight was slightly delayed and he was overtired. The first twenty minutes of the flight involved some serious fussiness, but he finally gave in to his heavy eyelids. (We tried a combination of a bottle and a pacifier to satisfy him.) I can't help but think that he fed off my anxious energy on the way home. I'm going to try even harder to keep my nerves in check on future flights.

As an aside, these are a few posts from fellow bloggers which helped me maintain my sanity: Beth (from Ocean State Styled) is fresh off of a transcontinental vacation to Greece and has plenty of fantastic tips for the plane and beyond. Jane (from In The Pink and Green) had her son the same day I had {jv}; she has already traveled extensively with her little guy, so I was all over her travel post. Last but certainly not least, Lauren (from Aspiring Kennedy) has been my traveling-with-kids role model for 2+ years. I positively love this post she shared about adapting to travel with kids in tow.

Whether you have a brand new baby or might in the future, you can pin this post for future reference -- or to pass along to new mom friends. Please feel free to add your own anecdotal advice in the comments below as well! I know some of these tips may change depending on when what age you first travel with your baby, but these tips are a good start in preparing you for baby's first flight! xoxo {av}

P.S. Make sure you ask your flight attendant for a memento from the flight for your little one's baby book!

big sur babymoon.

Though it feels like yesterday, {cv} and I have been back from our Big Sur babymoon for over a month! I finally had the chance to sit down and go through some photos to capture the highlights of our trip. {cv} planned the whole thing as a surprise, so I knew nothing about the destination other than the predicted weather. When we boarded our flight to the west coast in Boston, I was still in the dark about our final destination. {I knew we were flying to San Francisco, but that was it!}

When we landed in San Francisco, we made our way to the rental car facility and scored a convertible. {cv} hopped in the driver's seat and pointed the GPS southbound. This wasn't our first rodeo on US Highway 1: we took a quick trek down the California coast in 2011. While I was still in the dark about where we would eventually land, I had a hunch it might be Big Sur. {We spent a fantastic afternoon there in 2011; it had also come up numerous times as a place we would like to return one day.} After a quick spin down 17-Mile Drive, {cv} kept heading southbound. When he pulled in Ventana Inn in Big Sur, I was positively giddy. I had dreamed of staying there for ages! From start to finish, {cv} continuously knocked it out of the park with this surprise babymoon. This photo-heavy post will illustrate his handiwork...

When we finally got settled in our room, it was much past this pregnant lady's bedtime. {The time difference was no joke!} We ended up making the short walk to the restaurant on property for a taste of Californian cuisine, which was both tasty and beautifully plated. Though the picture below was taken during one of our breakfasts, you can see that the view from Ventana was one for the record books. The entire resort exceeded our expectations by ten thousand percent. Though it was certainly a splurge for us, we soaked up every minute -- be it in the hammock off our room or watching the stars on a crystal clear night. 

{TOP VIA TJMAXX | NECKLACE | SUNGLASSES | MATERNITY JEANS}

During our days in Big Sur, we spent a good deal of our time driving up and down the coast. Whether grabbing dinner or hiking the coast, {cv} and I had the chance to see the beauty of Big Sur up close and personal. A few of our favorite stops included:

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: {cv} arranged a photo safari through our hotel, which was essentially a three-hour session with a talented local photographer. {We were not the subjects -- the coastline was!} This was, hands down, one of the highlights of our trip. We caught golden hour at McWay Falls, which was truly a sight to behold. During this little excursion, we learned about the fantastic hiking trails around the park. {cv} and I came back bright and early the next day and took a nearly two-hour hike. The cell phone photos from the vista don't do it justice, but the views will be forever emblazoned in my memory. One point of note: the trail wasn't particularly well marked, so take a bit more precaution than we did before we started our trek ;)
• Pfeiffer Beach: Though the name may be the same, this is not to be confused with the previously mentioned state park. We caught another sunset here and would highly recommend you do the same. The rock formations and the gorgeous sandy beaches made for a stunning sunset from nearly every angle. {Scroll down just a bit to see those photos -- I'm sporting a sweater and jeans in the middle of our Pfeiffer photos.} Though we didn't picnic here, we did bring a pair of ice cream bars for dessert. {cv} knows the way to my heart.

{SWEATER | NECKLACE | MATERNITY JEANS}

Beyond our favorite sunset spots and hiking trails, {cv} and I scored some tasty meals along the coast. asdfas

• Nepenthe: As repeat visitors, {cv} and I knew to hit Nepenthe off "peak" dining hours. We made our way for an early dinner the night of our photo safari and were immediately seated with an incredible view of the coastline. {Reservations not accepted}
• Big Sur Taphouse: Far from fancy, this roadside find was the perfect choice for a relaxed dinner in Big Sur. The portions were hearty and {cv} enjoyed a few brews. The patio out back was ideal for a short, quick meal or a long, lingering feast. We opted for a short meal before catching the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach, but we almost returned after the sun went down. {Reservations not necessary}
• Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant: Though we only grabbed pastries from the bakery, we would certainly consider a sit-down meal on a future visit to Big Sur. With killer ambiance, it is worth the hype. Their homemade graham crackers took our in-room s'mores at Ventana to an entirely new level. Our room had a cozy fireplace for the colder coastal nights. {Reservations highly recommended for the restaurant; not necessary for the bakery}
• We did not make it to Deetjen's, so I can't speak with authority on their food...but their parking lot told the story. It was always packed! From our frequent drive-bys, the entire property looked fantastic. Beyond the restaurant, they also have an inn, which looked equally as charming. {Reservations highly recommended}

Doing a solid visit of Big Sur in 48 hours is absolutely doable. With two nights to catch beautiful sunsets, the days are ideal for hiking and exploring the beauty of this slice of America. You'll also be able to get your fill of fabulous food. Big Sur has it all. Here are a few other pointers before you go:

• Prepare for terrible cell service. Regardless of your carrier, reception is not ideal. While wonderful for a social media hiatus, you'll actually need to look at a map and plan ahead. The flashing blue dot on Google Maps will not be there to guide you ;)
• Pack an extra sweater. On both of our visits {in May 2011 and again in July 2014}, the temperatures were lovely in the daytime. The evenings definitely cooled down. Even with my internal heater {aka baby bump}, I was chilly at night. 
• If you are renting a car and can swing a convertible, it is worth every single penny. You can truly immerse yourself in the beauty {and smells} of the California coast. 
• Regardless of where you stay, Big Sur is an incredible landing point for spots all along the coast. Be aware though: their days do not start as early as you might expect. We couldn't find any coffee shops before 8:00am on the day of our longer hike.
• Should you choose to do Big Sur for your babymoon, you will love it. I would recommend going when you're still comfortable and mobile. We chatted a few other couples who went later in pregnancy and were more hotel-bound. I was 20 weeks at the time of our trip and it was truly the sweet spot. I was finally showing, but I was still able to squeeze in tougher hike. 

If you're debating a trip to Big Sur, I hope this post tipped you over the edge. I'll be forever grateful for the days we shared here before baby {v}'s arrival. Hats off to my amazing and thoughtful husband for making it all possible! If you're a veteran of Big Sur and have other spots to add to this list, please share them! It may be a few years before {cv} and I return, but we are already plotting our trip. xoxo {av}

where to eat: providence, rhode island.

After living in Providence for five years, {cv} and I love many things about our little city. However, the first thing we always say when asked about Providence is that it has phenomenal food. I know Providence isn't the destination at the top of everyone's list this summer, but if only for the food, it should be. From fast fare to fine dining, you're sure to find something to meet your tastes below. I could play favorites, but for the sake of fairness, our list is in alphabetical order. 

Al Forno {577 South Main Street}: If you want Italian fare and have an evening to spare, Al Forno cannot be missed. I'm not lying when I say I dream of their spicy pizza at least once a week. It is also the place which made me a serious fan of apple crisp. Since they don't take reservations, be prepared to wait for a table. Trust us though, it is worth every minute you spend waiting. 

Bacaro {262 South Water Street}: Bacaro will knock your socks off with their Italian small plates. Their salumeria is no joke: the chef's selection of meats is worth every penny. Their riverfront location isn't shabby either.

Bob & Timmy's {32 Spruce Street}: When we lived on the West Side, this pizzeria was on speed dial.  It may not look like much on the inside, but GQ clued us into their killer grilled pizza. I enjoy the vodka sauce on their four cheese pizza...a lot.

Broadway Bistro {205 Broadway}: We spent many a Sunday night at Broadway Bistro during our West Side days. Cozy and quaint, this little eatery used to be half its current size when we first moved to the city. As they have grown, their offerings have grown with them. I love their ribs + grits appetizer so much I often get it doubled for an entrée. 

East Side Pockets {278 Thayer Street}: College-caliber fare, this Mediterranean eatery always has a line out the door. With crazy large portions, one chicken kabob pocket can constitute two meals for me.

The Eddy {95 Eddy Street}: We go for the drinks, but we always {and I mean always} get the pretzels. It may be the maple butter that accompanies them, but whatever it is, they are the best. 

Flan y Ajo Tapas Bar {225A Westminster Street}: {cv} and I had a favorite tapas place in Charlotte, so when we moved to Providence, we were disappointed when tapas was not on the menu anywhere. Flan y Ajo opened a few years back and filled that void in a fantastic way. Word of advice: arrive early or be prepared to wait. Rumor has it that they're expanding near their sister wine bar, Bodega Malasana, so things could be looking up in the wait department.

G Pub {61 Orange Street}: The G Pub is like the cool kid who moved to town in sixth grade and immediately had an "in" with the popular crowd. They opened this year and it is already in the rotation. They take pub fare to an entirely new level. It may sound funny, but I love their "You Must Be Nuts" {aka spicy pistachios}.

Gracie's {194 Washington Street}: I don't even know where to begin with a short review of Gracie's. Every visit is better than the one before. The service. The food. The ambiance. It's all incredible. If I had to choose my last meal {you know that ice breaker question}, I wouldn't hesitate to say it would be the Rigatoni Campanaro at Gracie's. We also did the dessert tasting on our last visit--and plan to do it again very soon. {You can also load up on macarons and other goodies at their sister bakery just down the street: Ellie's.}

Harry's Bar & Burger {121 North Main Street}: Recently recognized by CNN and Zagat, Harry's has been a favorite of ours since 2010. I positively love their pig pile sliders--and no visit is complete without their chocolate crack. Trust me.

Nick's on Broadway {500 Broadway}: This West Side mainstay has doubled in size since we moved to the city, but it didn't improve the wait times for their enviable brunch. If you're willing to be patient {or get up early}, it is worth the wait. I especially love their vanilla-battered, house-baked brioche French toast. YUM.

Red Fez {49 Peck Street}: Funky and fun, this hidden gem took us a few trips around the block to find the first time we visited. Vegetarians {of which I am not one} will be especially happy here, but this picky eater can still find something tasty on the menu. Their menu changes constantly, but one check of their Facebook page should give you a window into their specials of the day.

Red Stripe {465 Angell Street}: Even before Red Stripe was around the corner from our apartment, we made frequent pilgrimages to this eatery. Fantastic for brunch and dinner, it is always buzzing with happy customers. The Red Stripe grilled cheese {complete with prosciutto, pesto, and pear} is always a winner, especially when paired with truffled fries. You also can't fail with any of their mussels.

Three Sisters {1074 Hope Street}: If I could eat a Mint Oreo micro-scoop from Three Sisters every day, I would be a happy camper. All of their ice cream is made in house and you can definitely taste the difference.

Trattoria Zooma {245 Atwells Avenue}: Zooma ranks as our favorite Italian eatery on Federal Hill, which is quite the distinction in a crowded pasta marketplace. Their pastas are all handmade in the front window--and I am an absolute sucker for their Tortellini Vino Rosso {goat cheese-filled red wine tortellini, in a brown butter and orange reduction}.

This is, by no means, a comprehensive list. I would bore you to death if I included everything. If you are making a swing through New England this summer, consider saving a night to get a taste of Providence--and email me to say you'll be stopping through ;) xoxo {av}

memorial day memories.

After a wonderful long weekend, I'm happy to have a short work week on the horizon. I'm still living in the glory of a holiday spent with a few of our best friends via my iPhone camera roll. The photos above are just a few of my favorite snaps from our Memorial Day weekend on Cape Cod. I shared a few via Instagram, but I tried to be selective ;) I didn't want to overwhelm everyone with too many photos from our little escape. My life isn't always this picturesque, but when it is, I love sharing the beauty of New England with all of you. Thanks for taking a little trip with me! xoxo {av}

happy weekend.

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but Memorial Day weekend has always been one of my favorite weekends of the year. It feels like the start of summer, though this year may not be the warmest showing in the Northeast. {cv} and I are heading out to Cape Cod today for a nice long weekend with a few of our best friends. I am literally beaming with excitement. If you don't follow along with me on Instagram, I promise plenty of happy little snippets from our weekend.

I'll begrudgingly be back in action on Tuesday, when real life hits again ;) Many thanks to the men and women who are the reason we celebrate this holiday in the first place. Whether you're in the States or not, I hope you have a relaxing weekend on tap! Until next week... xoxo {av}

Procrastinating before the work day ends? Here are a few posts to keep you entertained:

-This post from the {ldl} archives has all the tasty drink ideas you need to make your weekend bit more festive. 

-Don't forget to thank your host or hostess this weekend: use this list for inspiration!

-Is your forecast looking sunny and bright? Stay safe with this post on my favorite sunscreens. 

-If the forecast is a little cooler {like it is here}, you'll be relying on this post for inspiration on how to style your trusty jean jacket.

-Find plenty of other Memorial Day weekend fashion inspiration with last year's Friday's Fancies round-up.

48 hours in paris.

This December, we made it back to my all-time favorite city: Paris. We managed to pack in a LOT of the sights in the 48 hours we spent in the city of lights. In the last four years, we have visited Paris three times, so this post will be home to the places which we loved the most. If you have only two days in Paris, you can maximize them using our learnings from the past few years. {I'm not the slightest bit sorry for the picture and information overload below. Paris is the best.}

VISIT:

-Paris is chock full of museums, so we generally choose one to visit when on a shorter trip. The Louvre is a must-see for a first-time visitor to Paris, but then again, I would say the same thing about the Musée d'Orsay. We also loved our visit to the Rodin Museum, which is slightly off the beaten track but in a lovely corner of Paris. Wherever you choose, you can't really go wrong.

-Strolling through Montmartre and seeing the city from Sacré Coeur make for an excellent afternoon. You can take the Metro there and get in a little exercise while climbing up to visit ;)

-Notre Dame is near the top of the list of "cliché" tourist stops in Paris. The crowds are bananas, but the amazing rose windows and the overall beauty of the cathedral are incredibly powerful.

-If you have two mornings in Paris, save one to stroll the market on rue Cler. {It's close to the Eiffel Tower.} My best friend who studied in Paris clued us into this gem. If you want a real taste of Parisian daily life, this is it. 

-I will always and forever love the Eiffel Tower. Whenever I see it for the first time, it literally makes me stop in my tracks. Be sure to pre-book your tickets for this one! If you can only swing tickets to the second level, you CAN get tickets to the top when you get off the elevator. {We were able to swing that on our last visit; it felt a little like the Amazing Race.} If you don't love heights, don't worry. Whether you go up the tower or not, I would recommend taking a picnic at sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower start to sparkle. We grabbed a few things from a market nearby and made a little evening of it. {It also makes for a cost-effective dinner option!}

EAT + DRINK:
-If you're down for a good drink, Harry's New York Bar is the birthplace of so many drinks {the Bloody Mary, the French 75, just to name a few}. It's an experience for sure--and is a real "American" outpost in Paris. {Here is a little video I snapped on our trip this December of the 15-second Bloody Mary production...unreal!}
-You must have the hot chocolate at Angelina on rue Rivoli. Though by sharing that I may be forever cursing our future visits, we found that the best time to go is first thing in the morning around 8am. If the line is too long for a seat, you can still get the hot chocolate in a take-away cup in the macaron line. {While you're in the take-away line, grab a few macarons while you're at it. We did a direct taste test with the same flavor from Angelina, Ladurée, and Pierre Hermé--and we liked Angelina the best.} One other tip: If you're planning on a visit to the Louvre, Angelina would be an ideal stop before you go.

-Buvette is a one of my favorite stops in NYC and they just opened an outpost in Paris. In addition to being perfectly quaint and cozy, the food is super tasty.
-We found Willi's Wine Bar on our honeymoon, thanks to a sweet little guidebook my mom gave us. It was closed on our visit in 2012, but we were happy to find it open again this winter. With a killer wine list and wonderful atmosphere, {cv} and I definitely plan to go back on future trips to Paris.
-Another great friend is lucky enough to call Paris home for the next few years. She recommended we stop at Candelaria for a few tacos {yes, you read that right}. They were AMAZING. The seating is tiny, but worth the wait. Though we didn't time it right for their hidden bar {literally through a nondescript door in the back of the restaurant}, she tells us phenomenal tales of their drink selection.

EXTRA TIPS:

-Always book tickets ahead. Always. For the Eiffel Tower, I would hop on to book your ticket the same day you book your flights. When time is at a premium, 30 minutes here and there spent in line add up. You'll be glad you took a few minutes on the front end to pre-book. 

-Leave your giant purse, tote, or backpack at home. I carried a small Longchamp and never had to check a bag at a museum. It helped me look slightly less touristy, as many French women also carry these bags. You can also keep a better handle on access to your bag when in crowds. I may sound like a crazy person, but I always keep the zipper in my hands on whatever side I carry it. Knock on wood: I've never been pickpocketed.

-I know Paris is a fashionable city and you want to look chic, but you must bring a comfortable pair of shoes. One day, we tallied up our walking to discover that we walked more than 13 miles {equivalent to a half marathon!}. Doing that kind of distance in heels or strappy sandals just isn't a good plan if you want to be mobile for your entire visit.

-While we're on the topic of fashion, I maybe one of the few women who would prefer sightseeing over shopping. If I only have two days, I don't need to be doing it inside a boutique. It is my preference, though it may not be yours. We can agree to disagree ;) 

-Plan some unplanned time. Some of our best memories from Paris are from strolling through different corners of the city and just taking it all in...

Do you have one city which will always rank as your favorite? Paris is, without a doubt, mine. The city holds so many incredible memories for us--and I'm already dreaming of our next visit. If you're planning a visit soon, bookmark this post for later consumption and report back on your favorites. xoxo {av}