Summer is in full swing and we’ve been having so much fun using a bunch of new products. Some of them were okay, but not something my family would actually use. I’ve promised to only show you things we’re using, so here are a few of our favorites from July. Enjoy!
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When I think of vacationing in Maine, I picture us with wind-blown hair searching for shells on a beach after an afternoon of playing in the waves. The coast of Maine has many great accommodations and the Higgins Beach Inn is one of my new finds. Located in Scarborough, the inn is just 20 minutes from one of my favorite Maine towns…Portland. I had never visited Scarborough before, and I couldn’t wait to explore this gorgeous coastal town.
This three-storied colonial dates back to 1897, but is filled with modern amenities for travelers. The hotel has done a fabulous job maintaining the inn’s historic charm while giving travelers everything they need for a comfortable stay. It is the quintessential Maine hotel that’s a short walk from the unspoiled sands of Higgins Beach.
BE COMFY: Buttons can be your worst enemy on an overnight flight. My girls love to dress in yoga pants, a cozy t-shirt, and a big sweatshirt. They also wear fluffy socks and a pair of sneakers they can take off during the flight. Layers are perfect when flying because the temperature of planes can be unpredictable.
At the start of summer, we got to spend a perfect morning aboard the Pamela B, with Peter and Laura from Seacoast Tours of Freeport. We were hoping to go out on the afternoon lobster boat tour, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating the tour had to be canceled. Luckily, Captain Pete invited us to join him and his deckhand, Laura, on their boat as they went out to check their lobster traps. We couldn’t say yes quick enough!
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Ask me what my favorite treat during summer months is and I’ll tell you, hands down, raw oysters with an ice-cold beer. One thing I never thought about was where oysters come from. On our recent trip to Scarborough, Maine, we had the pleasure of hopping aboard a work boat at Nonesuch Oyster Farm to get a private tour. We started our tour in front of the Harbor Master’s house at Pine Point. It is a gorgeous working pier and we watched lobstermen loading traps onto their boats as we all admitted we didn’t know what to expect. We were pleased to meet Sadie who would be sharing her boat and her experience with us. I love when my girls get the opportunity to see strong females that are passionate about their jobs.
We hopped aboard a 17’ Carolina Skiff work boat and settled in to the wooden benches, allowing us a close view of the water.
You’ll love watching the gorgeous scenery as you boat through stunning marsh in the river. Like fine wine, oysters will taste different depending on their environment.
What was going to be a mother/daughter overnight trip to Rockport turned out to be a solo trip because of sports and field trips. As much as I would have loved their company, it’s also nice to have some alone time to relax and recharge before the end of the school year. I can’t think of a better place to spend some quality “Me Time,” than the historic oceanfront Emerson Inn, in Rockport, Massachusetts.
Product: Nowa Watch
WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM: My husband travels a lot for work and doesn’t like wearing his Apple watch since it is not dressy enough to wear with suits. As soon as he saw this watch, he claimed it for his own and has been wearing it ever since. There is so much you can do with it. The watch connects wirelessly to your smartphone and get this…it doesn’t need to be charged! It runs for 8 months on a standard watch battery. Since each day the watch records your steps, distance, and calories burned, it’s a convenient way to see how active you’re being while traveling. It also records how well you sleep at night.
WHAT ELSE I LOVE ABOUT THEM: I take forever to get a good selfie shot and I refuse to use a selfie stick, so with the Nowa watch, you can open the camera controls using the app and push down on the crown to shoot! The watch also can help you find your phone as long as it is within Bluetooth range. Another feature I like is that you are notified when you’re receiving a call and can reject it…because who needs to talk on the phone when you’re on vacation!
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We continued our long West Coast weekend away from the kids by heading to the Archer Hotel in Napa. Besides the gorgeous décor, it has a restaurant, rooftop bar, fitness center, and spa. It is also in the perfect location. It is on First Street, right in the center of a walkable downtown full of restaurants and live music venues. It is also within walking distance to over 20 tasting rooms!
HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!!! We are so excited to relax by the lake until Labor Day…except there will be a tent involved this year…but more of that to come.
For our family, summer means…
After-dinner boat rides wearing PJ’s
Tomato salad and fresh grilled corn on the cob
Reading books on the hammock
Stepping into the cave of Jarvis Estate is like walking into another world, where all your senses are fixated on one thing…wine. Once a grape goes in, it never sees the light of day again until someone opens their bottle. One of the secrets to their amazing wine happens outside of the cave…in their 37-acres of estate vineyards. Their vineyards are located high above Napa, in beautiful rugged mountains that are one thousand feet above the valley floor. The cooler temperature and high elevation allow a longer “hang time” for the grapes ensuring a slow maturation.
When you arrive at the cave, your curiosity will be killing you as you try to imagine what’s behind this door.
You’ll never forget your first peek inside the 45,000 square-foot cave. How amazing is this? The domed walls lined with barrels welcomes you and even if you are not interested in wine, you will be in awe of the unique architecture.
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