LDW Plans: Chequessett Cafe and Food Truck!

I know for certain this will be our last weekend weekend at the cottage in Truro. We have had no shortage of sun for us this summer. So while the forecast has some cooler temps and clouds, we will be enjoying the yard, food truck, and chasing waves. I pulled out all of the navy and orange I could find to dress Roswelle, Maddie, and Teddy for the big Auburn game on Saturday. War Eagle!

Speaking of food truck, I plan to eat numerous meals at our new favorite spot just a short walk away from the cottage, Chequessett Chocolate Cafe and Joey's Food truck. If you follow on me on Instagram, you know how much I love it there. I've been gluten and dairy free for some time now, and this shop provides a healthy take on all things I crave. The corn tortilla tacos are super satisfying and the coldbrew shakes with cocoa and almond milk from Chequessett feel absolutely indulgent. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of either - I always inhale everything too quickly to get a good picture. However - I do have a cute snap video of Paul and Roswelle about to do 'work, work, work' on the tacos at the end of this post (fingers crossed it actually plays).

As you can see in the pictures below, it's a family favorite! Hope you have a wonderful 3 day weekend.

<3
Lauren









A Night in Seaside

We were shoveling snow 2 weeks ago in Boston but now my little family is finally enjoy some hot (an important factor) sun and sand in Destin, FL.  This is our second year taking a break from the New England "spring" and I believe it will be a necessary tradition to warm up my southern bones (you can see last year's trip here)!! I do love Boston though, and I'll be happy to be back come May. ;)

We went to Seaside for dinner and let Roswelle run around as much as she pleased in the little village.  It was a perfect night of easy sunlight, no waiting in lines, and lots of really good food!!
{I don't know why or how we can get her to keep her sunglasses on, but she does, and it's amazing.}
{that belly}
{I want this in my master bath one day}
{the best part of Seaside is the pavilion full of toddlers!}


Out & About: Revelator Coffee Company (in Atlanta!)


Y'all!! Yesterday, Roswelle, Mom, and I visited the Westside Provisions District in Atlanta and oh.my.gosh. it is just the coolest! We had lunch at Star Provisions and at our table sat the owner's wife of Revelator, the new coffee shop across the street. I walked into the sleek yet unassuming, industrial building and was greeted with bright whites, clean lines and well thought out details. My heart went giddy and my camera came out.

Last night, I visited their website and learned a little more about the 5 city shop (Nashville, coming soon!). 

"With an emphasis on quality, we provide the South with an enjoyable, approachable coffee experience. From seed to cup, our focus remains on the details. Guided by integrity and pride, we are happy to share our passion with you." 

I'd say they hit the mark. I'm already trying to plan a trip back to the area - so many shops and places to eat - and of course my new favorite coffee shop. I think I could run the entire blog of feature posts from the renovated industrial area. I hope you enjoyed this Southern edition of Out & About as much as I did.
{I mean everything, everything about this seating area is perfection

{I love the personal, all Louisville stoneware by the Kentucky-based pottery studio}
{the prettiest espresso machine I ever did see, "the Slayer"}
{I'm having serious regrets I didn't buy some coffee to bring home, I was too busy trying to capture it all}
{OK, can I move in?}


Wequassett Resort & Golf Club

{Don't you want to be sitting here this Tuesday morning, having your morning coffee? I do!}

This past weekend I experienced a part of the Cape that I did not know existed - Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, MA.  Impeccably manicured landscape, plush pillowy chairs everywhere you turn (in shade or direct sun, your choice), Ice-cream socials at the pool, Lobster claw hors d'oeuvres, iced coffee by the pool, and brunch overlooking the bay - this is just some of the fabulousness that I experienced while visiting, and I didn't even stay there!! Paul's beautiful cousin, Cristina, and her new husband Patrick were married there this past weekend and we were so happy to attend!

A few pictures of the beautiful couple... <3




{LOVED her anemones bouquet!!}

So, like so many things that I experience, I thought I would share with you! I downloaded a few pictures from the resort's website...if you are in the area, you should take a peak, or even stay for a celebratory weekend (birthday/anniversary/stay-cation), you won't be disappointed!

{not into the crowded pool full of kiddos? enjoy sun bathing in private outside of your room}
{The Resort offers many areas to enjoy your friends' and family's company}
{I would love to snuggle up on this with a turkish throw and glass of something refreshing}

My Mom is visiting next week (thank the Heavens above!!!) and I'm hoping we can find time to visit Chatham for the day with Roswelle and possibly have lunch on the grounds of Wequassett.  She must see their landscaping and all the hydrangeas!  I literally saw every color of the rainbow in hydrangea form while there this past weekend.

I'm still dreaming about those extra large lounge chairs.  At one point, Paul+Roswelle+myself were all happily sitting on one chair eating lunch together.  They were extra large, extra puffy, and just extra perfect.  
{plenty to go around}

{look at that puffiness in that cushion!!!}

And one final thought....Roswelle, can you please ask your dad to be married there? ;) 



Sunbird Kitchen // Orleans, MA


On my drive back on to the Cape yesterday (long wknd for us!), I stopped in Orleans at Sunbird Kitchen. It's in the corner of an unassuming parking lot, but once you walk in you are taken to a very chill, retro cafe full of fun energy. Sunbird serves a new menu each day with fresh, creative "bird bites" (I'm devastated I didn't order the grilled cantaloupe salad and then they ran out), Counter Culture coffee, and a variety of beer + wine (including a new local cape brew Farmer Willie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer!!).  My friends recommended this place to me, knowing I would love it, and I'm so glad they know me so well. I hope you stop in this summer and have as good of a time as I did! They also have a food truck in Wellfleet, MA if you are in the area.

**Important to note there are no highchairs but Roswelle did pretty well on the bench bird perch
{how I get half of my photos!! #humancamel }

Weekend Re-cap via iPhone

{His: Bonobos Pants/Shirt/Blazer, Allen Edmonds Shoes; Hers: Lavender Boutique Dress, White Aldo Shoes (2 seasons ago)}

Roswelle and I are having a slow Monday morning (reason for super late post) at the cottage after another busy and exciting weekend.  Paul and I attended our friends' wedding at Ocean Edge in Brewster on Cape Cod.  It was a beautiful weekend with friends while Roswelle and her cousin, Madelyn, stayed with Gigi & Pops at the cottage.  Yesterday we were all reunited and had a late day on the beach.  

Most of these photos are from my iPhone and are repeats on Instagram.  Enjoy your Monday, folks!

{Jenny and I heading to the sweet little chapel!}
{I wore my mom's gold serpentine necklace - it is my favorite piece of jewelry at the moment!}

{my talented friend, Mikhail Glabets, was the wedding photographer! This is a preview he posted of Tara & Todd}
{stunning!}

{meanwhile, Maddie and Roswelle were having story-time with Pops!!}
{Sunday on the Bay with friends!}
{Paul and I on Mikhail's inflatable paddle board}
{Mikhail can't help but capture moments - including this one!}
{photo cred: Mikhail Glabets; skill cred: Paul!}

Breakfast for Two at McKenna's Cafe

This morning we woke up late, with no food in the house. This happens after a weekend away on vacation. Paul headed off to work, planning to get breakfast in the city, so I stuck a bow on Roswelle and we walked across the street to McKenna's Cafe. It's a local restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch to friends in the neighborhood or traveling tourists. And also its claim to fame is that the small corner spot is a favorite of Mark Wahlberg's, a native of Dorchester!  I snapped a few pics of our breakfast to share!

Live from Happy Camper!


Good Morning! Roswelle, Paul, and I made it to the Cape late last night for the Holiday weekend. We woke up early this morning and headed straight to Provincetown to our new favorite coffee/donut/ice cream shop, Happy Camper, which opened up just a few weeks ago.  When we first walked in I knew it was something special and worth sharing.  The owners, Loic and Rob also own our favorite dinner spot, The Canteen (which happens to be right next door).  

Happy Camper prides itself in serving Stumptown brewed coffee, fresh, daily made donuts, and home-made ice cream and popsicles.  Some of their donut flavors:  Boozy Boston Cream, Raspberry Hibiscus, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Maple Bacon, and Blueberry Crumble to name a few.  I love their retro, happy, hipster vibe.  It is our favorite!! 

I took pictures this very morning to share with you. This blog is coming live from Happy Camper! Have a great Thursday. 



Strawberry Pickin'


Yesterday, Roswelle and I traveled out to Tougas Family Farm in Northboro, MA.   Our day included strawberry picking, a picnic, lots of swing-set swinging, feeding the pet goats, and iced coffee's + farm-made donuts for the moms! The Farm is great for families and has everything: picnic tables, wide open spaces, 6 or 7 playground sets and even large bathrooms with space for strollers and little hands.  

This was our first time strawberry picking.  It's such a fun experience and I'm glad my friend Erin invited us to join her and her two daughters, Neive (3yr) and Jane (6mo).

I'm planning to freeze the strawberries for smoothies and make a sugar-free jam, stay tuned!






















 


{Roswelle holding court}





{proof Jane WAS there!}

honest moment: before we left for the farm (which I had timed perfectly with her nap schedule) she kicked my full cup of coffee ALL OVER the rug in her nursery (totally my fault for placing it near her).  Then, she stayed awake the entire hour drive and fell asleep 6 minutes before we arrived.  And when we got home, while sitting in the living room, she brought me a handful of poop that I'm assuming she pulled out of her diaper.  

A Much Needed Stay-cation


When I was young, I always wondered why my Mom and Dad made it a point to get away every couple months. I never understood the need (and challenge) until we had Roswelle.  Routine is so important as a parent, and that can leave little room for spontaneity. We are *trying* to make it a point to get away every 3 months (at a minimum). No baby, just us, and plenty of time to remember what it was like...to date each other...eeek! I would highly suggest it! 

Paul and I spent Saturday night in Boston, and we really enjoyed it. There was little pressure or planning required. Below are the details. 

(All pictures are from the websites as I decided to not lug my camera around town. Hopefully I'll be writing a similar post in a couple months!)


//stay//



We used hoteltonight.com to book our hotel.  The site offers highly discounted hotel rooms at some of the best hotels in the city.  The idea is to wait until the last minute to get the best price. On Saturday afternoon, we booked a suite at the Eliot Hotel, a boutique hotel on the corner of Commonwealth Ave and Mass Ave (great location!).  


{the entire staff was professional, polite, and extremely helpful}

{our suite was very similar to this one, I loved the french doors}



//eats//



We went to the Seaport District for dinner.  The area is packed on a Saturday night in the summer with some of the best restaurants and rooftops in the city, including Legal Harborside.  

One of our favorite things to do is eat dinner at the bar of a really nice restaurant.  The wait is short, you can sit close, and the people watching is always entertaining.  We had a 9:30 reservation but opted for the bar this time instead.


After dinner, we popped up to the Legal Harborside Rooftop.  It's so much fun and full of energy! 

Next, we went to Clio which is attached to Eliot Hotel for a late night cappuccinos and some amazing desserts (well, three desserts to be exact).  We ordered the dark chocolate pudding,  a molten-filled peanut butter biscuit with "jelly" flavored ice cream, and a side of hazelnut sorbet.  Sooooo delicious.

After all that food, you'd think we'd be done.  But as we left Clio to head to our room, we were told by the hostess that the attached sushi bar, Uni Sashimi Bar, transforms into a late-night Ramen noodle spot around midnight.  We put our name on the list, came back 30 minutes later to a packed house, and we devoured a large bowl of pork ramen noodles and a plate of scallion pancakes.  This may have been the highlight of the night.  YUM!


//our pics//




{this is my fav pic from the weekend - so wild ;) }

{sittin' close at dinner}

{I love getting ready in a hotel - especially with a coffee in hand!}

{sunday morning coffee + grapefruit juice on ice}

{calm, well rested, and reconnected}

Kohi Coffee


The weather in Boston this week has been cold and wet.  A pretty miserable way to kick off June 2015. BUT we are headed to the Cape this weekend and the weather is supposed to improve, so there is hope! I'm looking forward to wearing flip-flops with sweaters and white jeans.  I'm looking forward to going to bed early and waking up early.  I'm looking forward to watching my niece, Madelyn, and Roswelle play ("battle it out" over toys) in the living room.  And finally, I'm looking forward to getting a latte at Kohi Coffee Co. in Provincetown!  It's a fairly new coffee shop and it's just wonderful.  A small, stylish shop with the beach in the background, and serious coffee beans (Blue Bottle Coffee).  

Two weekends ago, I snapped a few pictures.  I will use any excuse to work on my photography skills, including the simple experience of ordering a Kohi coffee.  I even included a picture of artsy foam on my latte (this annoys so many people...but I love it!). 

If you are lucky enough to visit Provincetown this summer, I hope you visit Kohi Coffee Company as well!











Sorelle Bakery + Cafe


I'm really lovin' it.  Roswelle's exploratory, interactive, giggly age. Boston in the Spring. Plan free weekends in the city.  It's just good y'all.  

On Saturday, we ventured out and about and into the city for lunch. We avoided the Marathon mayhem in Back Bay and went to a well lit little cafe in the financial distract near the water, Sorelle Cafe + Bakery.   If you are out in the city for the Boston Marathon today and looking for a not so packed place to take a break this is where I would recommend - super close to South Station as well.

Speaking of the Boston Marathon, praying for the runners today in the not so ideal weather conditions - especially Erin G and Jess S! Such an amazing achievement to complete and even more amazing in the harsh wind and rain.  Good luck!


Jenny and Maddie met up with us for lunch.  Below are some personal pictures of cutie-pa-tooties!



BPL // Children's Library


Yesterday, my friend Tara and her son Jett joined Roswelle and I to the Boston Public Library to visit the newly renovated Children's Library.  It is beautiful!!!  It is spacious, bright, and interactive.  There a few sections designed specifically for different age groups.  There are organized group classes, computers, and as many books as one could dream up.  And there are family friendly bathrooms with extra low toilets - very important stuff! I am thrilled that this is an option for Roswelle as she grows and learns in the city.

as my friend said, it's a must for Boston mamma's (no joke! :) ....4/1)





{the infamous hungry caterpillar}

{loves books and books and more books}




{the best we could get this time, but we'll be back to try again!}





Some Self-Care @ Tamper Cafe


Last week I met with my friend Mikhail to go over the basics of photography including focus/apertures/shutterspeed/ISO.  You would think after having a nice camera for 4+ years that I would know the basics but I have honestly been pointing and praying the picture would work.  After the mentoring session, I ordered a new lens for my nikon (just arrived over the weekend!) - he emphasized I need the right tools for successful pictures and this included a new lens, so I made the commitment and ordered the pricey item.  For those of you curious, I ordered a AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens. ALL of these pictures are PRE-new fancy lens.  

As Roswelle just turned one, I am making my love of fun photography and blogging more of a priority.  Paul has his hobbies/passions: a crossfit membership + a garage gym full of kettle bells, rings, and a squat rack.  And I have mine: a new camera lens, flower arrangements, and half-marathons. ;)  It makes us healthier individuals, partners, & parents to feed our passions and I'm thankful we make it a priority.  

I met Mikhail last week at a cool coffee/wine/beer bar right near his house in Medford.  Tamper Cafe (#tampercafe or tampercafe.com) has it all including a delicious menu, a full drink menu and an inspiring atmosphere.  I highly recommend for anytime of day!

I can't wait to share pictures with you with my new lens!! It makes me REALLY happy.



















Sweet Life Bakery + Cafe

{almond citrus bread}

One of my favorite things about living in Boston (sometimes hard to remember in this Winter) is the possibility of discovering an amazing cafe, restaurant, coffee shop in your neighborhood.  Recently I found all three in one great spot - Sweet Life Bakery + Cafe! It has everything I could ever want in a cafe...endless coffee, sweet baked items, plenty of space, good lighting, a fire place and free wifi!  I have started going here to blog and have a quiet cup of coffee while Roswelle is at a playdate/sitter on Wednesdays for 3 hours.  It's something new she and I are trying out...this whole separation thing, and it's proving to be quite wonderful for both of us. :)  3 miles from our house deep in Dorchester, this is my new spot to take my friends and family.  The freshly baked sourdough is a must try!!




{the breakfast bar}






{details I appreciate}

{the bakery - where I will be ordering Roswelle's birthday cupcakes}




Valentine's Day Wknd: The Inn at English Meadows




This year for Valentine's Day, Paul and I did something we hadn't done in over a year.  We went away for the weekend - just the two of us!  With Roswelle just shy of 11 months old, we were all ready.  My mom flew up and Roswelle was her Valentine this year :)  I made sure Roswelle had enough milk in the freezer, plenty of snacks for both of them, plenty of salt for MORE snow, and Paul and I headed north (there were tears on my part!)

We finally made it to The Inn at English Meadows which is the Bed & Breakfast we were headed to when my water broke almost a year ago!  The sweet, sweet owners David and Kate Parisi, remembered hearing our story and were so happy to finally have us stay! I can't speak highly enough of the Inn and our time in Kennebunkport, Maine.  It was just lovely, even in another snow storm, which says A LOT. 

This winter has been a tough one for me, I'll share more on that with you in another post.  It was nice to finally have some slow time with my valentine! Below are pictures from our weekend <3



{The FIRST bathroom in our suite.  I couldn't get enough of the space and cleanliness (and the beautiful floors!)}
{Heading into the second half of the Serenity Suite}



{our sitting area}


{having our own nespresso machine in our room made me quite happy}


{the second bathroom with a soaking tub and heated floors}

The rest of the Inn is impeccably decorated:









Kate, the inn keeper, is a wonderful cook/baker/host and it was fun to see what she came up with both mornings.

{a special treat for Valentine's day}

{one of the best things about being baby-free is the clean spaces all the time, including my placemat}






{cranberry scones}


{salmon scramble and potato hash}


{tea and treats were always readily available}






























My favorite dish of Kate's was the baked pear with ricotta cheese and seeds.  

As I said above, it was a great weekend with my handsome hubs pictured below, him in a scarf really makes me swoon ;) 
{I love some snapchat pizazz}

Oh and we also went to a farm!:







The Canteen - our Friday nights


If you want to see Paul, me and Roswelle on a Friday night, I can tell you where we will be, The Canteen (thecanteenptown.com)!  In the past few weeks Canteen has become our Friday night spot - I love having a go-to for Friday nights.  On Friday, Roswelle and I drive to Truro during the day and Paul takes the 5:30pm fast ferry from downtown Boston to Provincetown, landing at the pier around 7:05.  We meet him at the pier and walk over to Canteen for dinner.  I usually order the special - this week it was a fried shrimp sandwich on grilled ciabatta bread.  We always order a hot lobster roll (such a classic) and Paul ordered the Cod Bahn-Mi sandwich.  

Below are some iphone pictures I snapped quickly last Friday night.  I'm already looking forward to it this Friday night.  It's a simple no-muss no-fuss spot with tasty, clean, and mostly healthy food.

{this picture is so summer-y to me - lobster roll, boat shoes and stripes}


{community style fixin's - including water with reusable plastic cups}

{a cute little spot on the walk to the back}


The backyard has additional community style seating...


...with a peaceful view.


Roswelle has started going to sleep around 8pm every night..so this is right during her bedtime - luckily I can swaddle her and stick a paci in her mouth anywhere we are.


{turned into low key family night ever Friday night}



{my fried shrimp sandwich - so simple but soooo good - toasted bread makes anything delish}

After....we walk to Ptown Scoop for ice-cream!



I should mention...Roswelle woke up in the ice-cream shop and officially lost it by the time we got to the car. We stayed out too late and she was letting us know. She cried the entire way home - even tho Paul sat in the back seat trying to console her.  We changed her, re-swaddled her, and she fell fast asleep.  It looks like our nights of her sleeping anywhere at any time are coming to an end - she really likes her night-time routine and likes to be put to bed for the night no later than 8:30 - I guess we will adjust ;) 

btw - I'll be posting a 4month update soon!