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Category: Travel
Lately it seems we have been constantly flying back to Boston. There is something about once it warms up back home. It is the only place we want to be.
As we travel more, I am learning to pack lighter. Makes everything SO MUCH EASIER. I also notice that my skin tends to get really dry, so I want to stay as hydrated as possible. Wear the least amount of makeup that I can & feel I still look presentable :))
I love supporting handmade businesses. Especially when a designer creates an item that is so unique & cute. Alaina Marie products are created in Portland, ME. She hand creates the cutest totes, clutches, wine bags and more. I use my clutch as a makeup bag to travel with, but is also doubles as a clutch once I arrive to my destination.
The HOlY GRAIL of moisturizers. This may sound dramatic, but I can feel my skin begging for it in the morning. The scientist who created this “Miracle Broth”, developed it after he was burned in a chem lab. It really WORKS & is amazing on the occasional sunburn.
This Jet Lag Mask has quickly become a cult favorite. So naturally, I had to order it. It is soooo good. I actually put this on before I board the plane and my skin stays hydrated the entire flight. It also works great as a makeup primer!
We all want those baby soft lips. This is a game changer and the smell is heavenly. A little pricier than most lip conditioners, but a little goes a long way and I haven’t tried anything that beats it.
There are NO WORDS. I own every shade pictured above but the last two:) purple isn’t my color. These Huda Beauty Lip Strobes are the prettiest glosses. They are magical and only $18, which makes them even prettier.
Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne
There is something so special about Jo Malone Fragrances. This Red Roses is my favorite and surprisingly enough, smells better the longer you wear it. They are also designed to layer on top of their other fragrance options. Next time you are in Nordstrom, Bloomies, or Sephora. Check them out there is something for every lady!
Thank you as always for stopping by! As I try more products, I try a lot 🙂 I will keep you all posted!
Xx, Erin
Hope you all had a wonderful and peaceful Christmas. We stayed in Florida and had Our 1st Christmas just the two of us. It was relaxing and cozy! Andrew has a work event in Kansas City, MO soon and I am tagging along. I am excited because I love traveling to new places that I haven’t been before and exploring the shopping scene and small boutiques! I am bringing these items with me as the weather will be cold.
Clockwise:
Antonello Tedde Tote….has the cutest totes! I have had my eye on one for years and yes, they are an investment. I waited till this one went down to 40% Off! It goes with everything! Its different and I just love it.
Sequin Hat… It will be cold but that doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice my sparkle! This also comes in Black and Navy!
Luxe Velour Joggers….these are like butter! I also own them in the Midnight color! Best pair of joggers I own.
Splendid 1×1 White L/S Tee….. Hands down MY FAV WHITE TEE!!! I also have it in black.
Jack Rogers Rain Cold Weather Boots… well aren’t these adorable! I needed a pair of boots that aren’t bulky to travel with but also serve a purpose. They also come in a ton of other colors!
iCrave Jewels Bachelorette Sequin Necklace… I got soooooo many compliments on this necklace when I wear this. It is just sooooo fun! BEAT THE CLOCK SALE TONIGHT!!!!
Aqua Packable Down Puffer Coat…I was looking for a coat that will keep me toasty but also isn’t bulky for the days ill be in and out of stores! This is super cute and lightweight. I will report back to let you know how warm it is!
Thanks for stopping by my friends! Have an awesome week 🙂
Xx Erin
I grew up in Boston. After living in five states over the last 6 years. I always enjoy getting the chance to go home and visit my favorite restaurants and places! We were home for a few days last week and we had a ball!
Where to stay?
Langham Hotel (Financial District) it’s a gorgeous newly renovated hotel. I worked here for years and it holds a special place in my heart! It’s two blocks from Fanuiel hall and 6 blocks from the North End.. It’s quiet on the weekends and has the best brunch!
Westin Copley (Back Bay) Great location close to the South End & Newbury Street. We stayed here a few weeks ago and this was the view from our hotel room!
Brunch
Cafe Fleuri @ The Langham Hotel. It’s decadent and you will probably indulge enough for the rest the weekend!
Lunch
Stephanies on Newbury (Back Bay) a great stop while shopping all day! The perfect place to people watch and enjoy a glass of wine!
Neptune Oyster (North End) BEST lobster roll in Boston. You can order it warm with butter or cold with light mayo! We usually get BOTH!
Oath Pizza (Chestnut Hill) My friend April and I stopped in for lunch the last time I was home and it’s delicious! I think I’ve been back 10x since we went. Thin crust pizza with fresh ingredients! Delicious salads as well!
Monicas Mercato (North End) has HANDS DOWN the best Italian sub! It’s worth the wait in the line!
Pizza
My favorite: Pleasant Cafe (Roslindale) My family has been going here for 40 years! The pies are delicious and the Shirley Temples are still the best!
A’s favorite: Pinos (Brookline) We always stop by after a night out. It’s opened till 2am and filled with local college students! Very Good!
Cup of Chowdahhhh
Legal Seafoods (all over the city) it’s a chain restaurant but it’s still the BEST. Also their Tuna Sashimi is a favorite as well. PS. There is also a location in the JetBlue Terminal at Logan Airport we always stop in before flying back to Florida!
Dinner
Panza (North End) A and I met at this restaurant so it’s special to us! I always get the Free Form Lasagna and he orders the Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Marsala! Start with the Grilled Italian Greens! Delicious! ?
Prezza (North End) Upscale Italian. Absolutely delicious.
Drinks?
Assagios (North End) best espresso martinis!
Envoy (Seaport) great rooftop deck!
Taj Hotel (Boston Common) formerly the Ritz Carlton, I love to sit in the window seats, sip a glass of rose and people watch!
Dessert??
Mikes Pastry (North End) a classic Italian bakery
Georgetown Cupcakes (Newbury Street) My favorite is the Key Lime
Gingerbettys Bakery (Quincy) I stock up on their gingerbread cookies every time I’m home! They are great all year-long!
Hair, Nails & Tanning
Aria Salon (Marina Bay) I have been a client for over 14 years! Toni is the best and so talented. They have the nicest girls that work in the salon!
Glow Beauty Boutique (Braintree) Need a spray tan? This is your place! Facial?! These girls know what they are doing! Tell them Erin sent you!
MiniLux (locations throughout the city) my choice for a manicure/pedicure. It’s a chain of shops, they are super clean and have a choice of all the popular Essie & OPI colors as well as “designer” polishes such as Christian Louboutin & Chanel!
PS. While shopping on Newbury St. If you feel the need for a highlight or blowout.. Stop into Avanti Salon on Newbury and go see Rob (pictured) He is an artist and one of the funniest, kindest people I have the honor of calling a friend! ❤️
Shopping?
Shake The Tree (North End) cutest shop that carries everything from home goods to the best jewelry line in the world iCrave Jewels?
Holiday (Beacon Hill) adorable boutique that has their own clothing line! Reasonable and really cute pieces!
Newbury Street I would consider this the Mecca of shopping in Boston. There are adorable small boutiques that line the street and you can also find favorites like Kate Spade & Anthropologie!
Other Options to keep you busy:
Red Sox Game visit the oldest ballpark in the country⚾️
Take a duck tour.. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and you get a really good briefing of the history of Boston. This way if you wanted to learn more you can spend some extra time visiting that spot later on in the day.
Boston Public Gardens.. A gorgeous park in the middle of city.. Take a ride on the swan boats! I like to walk around and walk over to Beacon Hill and shop on Charles Street.
Boston is a wonderful walking city so it’s easy to get around. The best thing is you can get to the other side of the city with a quick Uber trip! There is also a convenient subway system as well!
Have an amazing time in my hometown. I am always here to answer any additional questions?
P.S. Our Etsy Shop is having a 20% off the entire shop sale! Use code “SPARKLE20”
xx, Erin ?
Since I was a young girl. I have always wanted to visit Graceland. Growing up Elvis music was always playing in the background. My father was the worlds biggest Elvis fan! He would go to flea markets and if it was anything related to Elvis, he would buy it!
My nephew was recently looking at Ole Miss, so it was the perfect opportunity to visit Memphis. We drove 13 hours from Orlando, Florida to Ole Miss.
Graceland is about an hour from the school.
Upon arriving to Graceland, you are given an iPad. John Stamos narrates the tour as you walk through the mansion. I like this feature because it’s your own personal tour. You can replay something if you missed anything.
This is the music room where Elvis would entertain guests
The formal dining room
His parents bedroom on the first floor. The second floor of the mansion was closed off to visitors.
The kitchen! This is where he enjoyed his peanut butter and banana sandwiches! Growing up my mother had an Elvis Favorites Cookbook titled “Are You Hungry Tonight” lol
The famous “Jungle Room” he would entertain guests here as well. Love a good leopard print
Billiard room aka my favorite. The entire room is draped in pleated fabric. Famous interior designer William Eubanks purchased 350 yards of fabric. It took 3 men 10 days to complete it. Pretty impressive!
His trophy room was breathtaking. It is amazing how many awards he won and what he accomplished in his lifetime. The next room was a room filled with all his famous jumpsuits. On a large screen they played a video from his famous concert in Hawaii. They played my favorite song An American Trilogy!
