day trip diaries: ROCKPORT MA

It almost never works to just take a week off when I need a break, but no matter how busy life gets or how low funds may be, day trips always seem so doable. Am I right? We have several coming up and I wanted a space dedicated to sharing them so it seemed right to start a new series…the day trip diaries. Be prepared for a total photo overload because first up is 

CAPE ANN 

When it comes to Massachusetts, everyone knows about the South Shore of Cape Cod, but Cape Ann along the North Shore is less known and I'm not sure why. It's beyond picturesque.

We've spent the past few weekends hiking, sightseeing, and beaching it along Cape Ann. And right along the tip of the cape, sits the favorite town of Rockport. Three guaranteed ways to have a good day in Rockport...

1.) stroll through Bearskin Neck 

this is the main area to see with the peninsula connecting right into the harbor

2.) feel the ocean spray along the breakwater…

the breakwater is a granite stone bridge that's meant to anchor boats and protect against storms, but it also happens to be the best spot for eating lobstah rolls and drinking ice cold lemonade with a view!

3.) visit Dock Square Wharf

Lobster traps and buoys right up close…it's classic New England 

travel tip #278: the best way to make friends in a new place is to take along an adorable pup. We had 17 people {before I lost count} stop us to talk about PJ, and another 4 wanted photos with him. I can't blame them, since he's certainly stolen our hearts. 

every nook and cranny of this coastal town offered a different view and more seafood...

I seriously could not handle this scene. We visited early in the season, so I can't imagine how gorgeous this seascape town will be surrounded by blooming flowers and green trees.

loved that this boat was named the "the bucket list" since Cape Ann was on our bucket list 

Whenever I picture coastal new england, I will forever think of Cape Ann, especially Rockport. Thankfully, it's less than an hour away from Boston by car or via the commuter rail. If you're ever in the Boston area, this place is a must visit. I for one can't wait to return again. 

linking up with blovedboston//

april clothing budget

This was a very good shopping month for me OR a bad one, depending on how you want to look at it. I spent quite a bit, but also found so many great things I wanted needed for this warmer weather. Most notably, the swimsuit search is over. I think my pick is a pretty sexy swimsuit for a one-piece and is more revealing than what I normally go for, but I figured why not. Plus, I picked up a second ultra conservative suit to help balance things out. Oh, and I may have grabbed my third embroidered front tee from J Crew, but they are just too perfect and I can't seem to resist them.

 My favorite purchase this month is definitely the Madewell Zip Transport Tote. I was looking for a carry-all bag for our summer travels and this fits the bill. And this version is much better than the original. After stalking this bag for months, I finally scooped it up during a major sale. See my full review here. 

Zip Transport Tote: original $188 + 25% + $25 credit = $116

Lattice SwimSuit: original $78 on sale for $57 + $10 promo = $47

Paisley SwimSuit: original $40 on sale $32

Embroidered Front Tee: original $60 on sale for $17

Tortoise Sunnies: original $30 on sale for $11

Linen Shift Dress: original $35 on sale for $25

Total: $248

April was quite an expensive month for me since I didn't buy this much during January, February, and March combined. Something about the warmer weather makes me willing to spend more. And while I didn't buy any adventure gear this month, we have a ton of hiking and camping trips coming up. Pretty sure, I will be investing in a pair of hiking boots next month, so May is going to be a high spend month too. This is always the point in the year where I start to question if I'm going to be able to stay within my yearly budget parameters. Guess we will see. 

Budget for the Year: $1750 

January/February Spending:$139

March Spending: $64

April Spending:$248

remaining for the year: $1299

And just to end things on a happy note, here are some favorite outfits featuring this month's buys. And yes there was snow and blooming flowers all in one month. That's just your typical New England Spring. 

                   {one}                                 {two}                            {three}

Be sure to check out all the other budgeting bloggers

you know you live in boston when...

Wanderlust Wednesday-Week 8

Lately, I've been thinking about how lucky Tom and I are to have this time right now. Our entire marriage has been long distance so this time together is precious. And I couldn't think of a better city to spend it in than Boston. This city is so unique with all it's history and while it's small, it is jam-packed with culture and so much to do. But there are some quirks about living here that you would never find anywhere else in the world. On that note…you know you live in boston when...

St. Patty’s Day is a MAJOR holiday

you know you live in boston when they are just called Boston cream pies

Every bar in the city has Sam Adams on Tap, but then again you’ve never checked the Cheers bar because that’s only for the tourists

You love to hate the-T {our public transit system} but couldn’t function without it. Plus you know all the alternate routes because the green line will inevitably breakdown again.

Your version of a light dusting of snow is anything less than 3 feet. Speaking of snow, winter is October-April…bring on the full length puffy coats and bean boots!

You spend the summers in the stands of Fenway Park {even if you don’t like baseball…that's me}

you know you live in boston when…you eat fresh seafood like other people eat chicken

You’re used to walking down cobblestone streets lined with gaslight lamps

You are completely unphased by having to navigate round-a-bouts, one-ways, and trolleys when you drive. Plus you can parallel park like a pro

There’s a different university on every block. That's the only way we have managed to jam 100 colleges in this small city.

you know you live in boston when walking past historal re-enactments is the norm. And you roll your eyes because they're blocking the way, BUT secretly you love it.

You refer to Cape Cod simply as the Cape…speaking of which, you readily spend your summers ferrying between Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Cape.

you know you live in boston when…there's not a Starbucks on every corner, but there is a Dunkin Donuts

You know how to skip the lines to get front row concert sees and you know all the free days at the major museum

you know you live in boston when…you've inadvertently memorize all the stops along the freedom trail because you walk by them all the time

Seriously, try doing this exercise with your city. It will highlight the best parts! I promise, you will appreciate it so much more. 

Spring Shift

After seeing this dress on adorable Liz, I had to pick up this inexpensive linen shift. Depending on the accessories, this dress is perfect for just about everything…it's one of those comfy toss on dresses that you constantly reach for. Liz and I are shorties, so we both went with petite sizing. Other than that, our body types are completely different. It's always nice to see how the same piece works for different bodies, see how Liz wore it here. 

 old navy linen blend shift dress//j crew factory always cardigan//

j crew pearls [save vs. splurge]//lucky brand emmie flats

Between how much I love this linen dress and the fact that Old Navy is currently hosting a 30% sale, I will also be picking up this version of of dress in navy this weekend. Please tell me, I'm not the only person who buys variations of the exact same thing in multiple colors? 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This weekend gave us a chance to cross another item off our Boston Bucket List. We spent Sunday at the most unique art museum...the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It has a checkered past with being the victim of one of the biggest unsolved art heists in the world. And while this place has such an interesting history and some amazing pieces, at times it felt more like we were wandering through a secret garden than an art museum.

Normally art museums are cold and dark in order to better preserve the art. But this museum is so well done with managing to add in lots of natural light. There are two buildings connected by an open walk way. The newer modern building has a restaurant, a concert hall, and plenty of bright open areas. Meanwhile, the original building houses most of the art. It's centered around an open courtyard that can be accessed from every floor. So each gallery offers a different perspective of the courtyard. 

Isabella modeled the courtyard after an Italian Palace, so those pink marble walls and romantic balconies are always surrounded by sprawling palms and sculptures. But the flowers are changed out multiple times a year. During our visit, the courtyard was filled with bright orange nasturtiums, flowering maples, and the cutest orange trees. Perfect for the start of spring + ideal for this girl who was just getting over a cold and in need of some good vitamin C. 

I assure you that there is actual art in this ART museum. Isabella was a very wealthy woman and she used her personal fortune to purchase and display art for the "education and enjoyment of the public forever". While the frames from the $500M art heist remain empty, there are still thousands of pieces of art including some favorites like Rembrandt and Degas.

One thing I know for certain, we will definitely be back to visit this secret garden art museum again and again. 

linking up with weekending//travel tuesday//

a little vitamin C

I've been so under the weather this past week and it's been depressing because it made me miss out on so many great things. We had to cancel a date that we had planned on Thursday. Plus, I didn't get to link up for Wanderlust Wednesday or Friday Five. Seriously, is there anything good about being sick?  But this weekend I've started feeling much better. While I should probably be taking it easy, I desperately wanted to get out of the house. Thankfully, we found this perfect hidden spot with orange trees growing right in the city and they are providing just the right dose of vitamin C. 

Can't wait to share more details tomorrow. 

Review: Madewell Zip Transport Tote

Have you ever had the perfect bag? It's the one you reach for more than anything else you own. It doesn't matter if you've had it for 3 days or 3 years, the texture and color are just as vibrant as the day you brought it home. And you feel invincible with it. That's the Madewell Zip Transport Tote. 

After years of constant use, my J Crew tote was beginning to show its wear and needed a replacement. The obvious choice was to purchase the Madewell Transport Tote because it's similar in style and design to my J Crew Downing Tote. It was kind of a no brainer really. But when I saw the Madewell Transport Tote in store, my heart sank. I had seen tons of photos of the original transport tote, but in person, I wasn't as impressed. It felt like I would always be comparing the two bags and feeling dissatisfied. I was on my way out of the store when I spotted the Madewell ZIP Transport Tote. Now, that's a handbag! 

How does it Compare? The Zip Transport vs. The Original Transport

I'm sure you're wondering how the zip version differs from the original transport tote. Well obviously, there's a zipper and the added privacy is a major perk. Also, the interior of the zip version is lined whereas the original has exposed leather. And while the Madewell website has the same color listings for both bags, I swear that the leather on the Zip Transport is richer and thicker in texture. In fact, that's what made me gravitate to the zip tote over the original.    

There is also a $20 price difference with the zip version being a little more expensive. But then again, I scooped mine up during a major sale, so the price difference is relative. 

Best Features? 
The best part about this tote is definitely the quality of the leather. It's soft and natural texture is the kind of material that just gets better with age. And it's beyond durable. I've already spilled on it, but you can't even tell because it's Jasmine Proof. Love this bag! I'm also a fan of the fact that the bag is fully lined, with interior pockets on both sides for storage. 

Another favorite feature is the straps. It has the traditional double straps {though shorter than the original}, but there's also a long adjustable strap, allowing the bag to be used as a crossbody. Being a shortie{5'2'}, I really appreciate having the ability to adjust things to suit my height. And as an added bonus…the shoulder band has a widened portion that gives extra comfort. They really thought of everything. 

[iPhone Case//Lipstick//Sunnies]

Where to Take It? 
This tote has quickly become my everyday bag. It's large enough to hold a laptop and tablet=perfect for school or work. And the hands-free crossbody strap is essential for running errands. But I'm most excited to use this for traveling. It will be the perfect carry-on tote and function well as a day bag for exploring new cities. Basically it will go everywhere. 

[OOTD details-Mama's got a brand new Bag] 

What's not to Love? 
In order to give a fully impartial review, I had every intention of being completely honest about the bag's flaws. But I'm having trouble finding any. In fact, I'm considering purchasing the bag in black as well. I will say that the leather on the handles isn't treated on both sides. This can be a little annoying with making sure you have the handles facing outwards, but then again the untreated leather on the inside helps the bag to stay in place on your shoulder. So is that a flaw or an ingenious method of making the bag more wearable? 
PIN IT

All in all, the genuine leather and gold hardware make this bag a classic beauty. Add in the perfect design, and the zip transport tote is definitely taking things up a notch.

linking up with thepleatedpoppy//