Kansas City Coffee

Author: Ruthie Pollard

Last month I had the best time in Kansas City, otherwise known as the “Paris of the Plains.” It was my first time in Missouri, the destination was a Christian conference by IHOP (International House of Prayer…not pancakes). I stayed with my friend Michelle and her hospitable family in Kansas.

What does one do in the midwest? Surprisingly, the coffee scene is pretty big here. I complied a list of recommendations from people who have lived in the area and we set off on a coffee crawl hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop. If you find yourself in Kansas City for some reason check these out! Although, I might just be writing this post for myself haha.

Quay Coffee:

The baristas’ at Quay are some of the friendliest I’ve met. When going to a new place I try to keep an eye out something unique on the menu. The guy before me ordered an amazing looking coffee, the “Gibraltar”. I went with that, it was a a double-shot of expresso and a bit of milk. Also, an aesthetic dream.

Second Best:

I ironically put this in second…hah. I ordered a delicious honey lavender latte which was the best I’ve ever had! Outside the window it started snowing huge chunks of snow, the perfect cafe backdrop.

Oddly Correct:

This was the ultimate hipster location. There is funky art on the brick walls and beanies worn by all who enter. Even a dog came into chill while his owner flipped through a novel. I can never resist a good slowly prepared pour over and it seemed like the perfect place for it. The pour over came in a science beaker, as one would expect from a coffee shop so odd and yet so…correct.

Messenger Coffee Co:

At this point in the coffee crawl we had our fair share of caffeine. I was tempted to get a tea but alas, coffee was what I set out for. The shop has two floors and plenty of light. Upstairs is a roastery where you can watch the team prepare the beans. I asked what they had on drip and was given a long and passionate description of the origin of the beans and the subtle blueberry notes. The notes did not disappoint.

If you’re in a city for a short amount of time this might be the best way to experience all the coffee.

xoxo,

Ruthie

Big Sky Country

Author: Ruthie Pollard

“The Last Best Place” this is how author William Kittredge described Montana. And I could see why after experiencing it’s natural beauty and wide open sky. 

My college crew Justine, Jess, and Cheryl or “The Four” as a we call ourselves decided to have our annual reunion in Helena, Montana. It was an adventure of a lifetime! My friend Justine and her husband Josh had recently moved to Montana, welcoming a baby boy last year. We were excited to meet the newest little member of the family. 

Living in Montana, Justine knew all the best places to eat, explore and hike. Jess and I started off the adventure by fulfilling the dream of horse back riding through the mountains! We had a delightful time at Summer Star Ranch.

We had originally intended to go to Glacier National Park for the weekend. However, wildfires that started a few weeks prior were threatening the trip and thick smoke blanketed much of Montana. I noticed on the map that we were just as close to Yellowstone National Park if we went south. So we switched gears and headed to Wyoming! 

On our way to Yellowstone we stopped at Helena’s finest boutique, Poppyseed to get some cute apparel. Naturally, we got matching bison shirts. 

Some must see spots in Yellowstone: 

The Midway Geyser Basin: This stop is home to stunning pools such as the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring and mesmerizing Excelsior Geyser. 

Old Faithful Geyser:  You can’t go to Yellowstone without seeing this natural wonder go off.

Hayden Valley: This is where the wild buffalo roam the open plain but beware, may get caught in an ammusing wildlife traffic jam. 

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: The view over this canyon is so magnificent it doesn’t even look real. There are also hiking spots off the main view (just watch out for the bears).  

We had a short visit to Yellowstone but it’s easy to get around the park so we got to see everything we wanted to! 

Back in Montana Justine’s Dad took us out on a boat ride through the Gates of the Mountain. They call it the Gates of the Mountain because when Lewis and Clark set off on their expedition down the Missouri River they thought the river had come to an end. But as they got closer to the mountain it appeared to be opening like a gate. This illusion is quite a sight to behold. 

I can honestly say that as I sat in the front of that speed boat, I have never felt so at peace. Feeling the sun, and taking in the view with my closest friends made my heart so full.

For our last night out we channeled our inner Ron Swanson and had a delicious steak dinner at the Silver Star.

We ended our trip with a hike up Mount Helena, a moderate 5,000 footer with sweeping views of the city. We were especially proud of Cheryl who climbed one of her first mountains! After the hike we went off to the airport, and said goodbye until next time… taking with us the priceless memories of a lifelong friendship.

Next time I look forward to exploring Glacier National Park and the Grand Tetons! What are your favorite spots in the Northwest?

xox

Ruthie

Summer Day Trips

It’s summer time in New England! You know, those three months when you can go outside without a jacket. We’re all about the day trips here on Thrive Where Planted. A vacation doesn’t have to be a far off destination. It can be a day well spent exploring new places in your own neck of the woods. We wanted to share our favorite summer spots in New England all very doable in a day.

Worcester Day Trip

The art scene is coming alive in this old mill city, hip eateries and antique shops are popping up left and right. One of my favorite day trips is to head to the mural covered building that houses the Crompton Collective, Seed to Stem, and Birch Tree Bread Company. Crompton Collective is the anthropologie of antique shops - the selection is massive and the display beautiful. Seed to Stem is for sure the coolest plant shop in the state, just walking in makes me happy. It has amazing plants, vintage oriental rugs, and unique gifts. After a day of browsing the shops you can grab lunch at the Birch Tree Bread Company. Another food choice is Lock 50 which is close by. - Ruthie

Boston Day Trips

This is plural because well, there is so much to do in Boston you could break it into 100 day trips. I’ll try to narrow it down to some of my favorites. - Ruthie

Beacon Hill -
The brownstones along these streets are stunning and photogenic. On your stroll, pick up a coffee at the neighborhood Tatte, make sure to stop for a picture on Acorn Street (the most photographed street in the country), pop into Rouvalis Flowers for a fresh bouquet, and then head down the street the the Public Gardens for a picnic and watch the swan boats go by.

South End -
On Sundays in the summer this part of town comes alive with SOWA (aka South End Market). They have food trucks, small business displays, and local art. The South End also has my favorite brunch places, GasLight and Frenchie Bistro. It's enjoyable just to walk around and visit shops such as Niche plant shop, Olives and Grace boutique, and Follain beauty products.

Other Boston ideas: Shopping Newbury Street, Touring the Boston Public Library, The Elizabeth Stuart Gardener Museum, Mikes Pastry in the North End, George Howell coffee at the Geoffrey Hotel, Duck Boats rides (why not), The Aquarium and The Museum of Science.

Hingham Day Trip

I recently went here for the first time. There is a beautiful state park called Worlds End off an island in Hingham. It is a lovely walk with a stunning view of Boston at the top of the hill. The center of this quaint seaside town is a good place to stop on the way home. It has cute shops and Nona’s Ice Cream. I also want to check out a popular beach close by called Nantasket. - Ruthie

Rockport Day Trip

I did a blog post about Rockport and my September tradition of a day spent by the sea. This town has it all…great shops, delicious seafood, the ocean, and the quintessential fishing town feel! - Ruthie

Little Compton Day Trip

When I think of quintessential New England charm, I think of Little Compton, RI. Filled with rolling hills overlooking pristine waters, this is one spot that you do not want to miss. You'll want to stop by one of their many farm stands to get breakfast and stock up on all their goodies and then stop by Dundery Brook Trail for a short hike. If you have more time, I suggest checking out Sakonnet Garden for a funky little walk amongst the flowers. After working up an appetite, head on over to Carolyn's Sakonett Vineyard for some lunch or dinner and do a tour/tasting - their wines are delicious! - Becky

Hiking Day Trips

If you’re looking for more of an adventurous day trip, hiking in New Hampshire is where it’s at.

Mount Willard -
The Crawford Notch area has many trails and mountains to conquer. Standing at over 2,000 feet Mount Willard is one of the easiest climbs. It has also has one of the most satisfying views (according to me). Even the parking area is fun with an old train depot and gifts shops full of over priced mountain gear. - Ruthie

Mount Major -
Ahh the clean air of the mountains. This is a crowd pleaser with an easy climb that rewards you with stunning view of Lake Winnipesaukee. - Ruthie

Mount Monadnock -
This is the mountain I always take people when it's their first hike. Challenging enough to make it feel like a real intense hike, but easy enough not to scare noobies off! The views are also such a reward. Stop by Sunflowers restaurant for some comfort food and maybe some live music afterwards. - Becky

Marthas Vineyard Day Trip

We did a blog post about our trip to Marthas Vineyard last summer. Read the post and then go to Maratha’s Vineyard where all your New England dreams will come true. Be sure not to miss the Gingerbread Houses and Gayhead Lighthouse! Once you get off the ferry you will have to think about transportation, you can walk, take the bus or dare to be different by renting a moped.

Providence (PVD) Day Trip

Yes, I live in (north) PVD so of course I can't really call this a day trip for myself. However, I know our readers are from all over so I would be remiss if I left out a guide of PVD. 

Whether you're starting your day early or not, I suggest you get a coffee at either The SHOP, Seven Stars Bakery, Bolt Coffee Shop or The Nitro Bar and then head on over to Olga's Cup and Saucer for the most delectable breakfast. Still hungry? Get a doughnut from either PVD Donuts or KNEAD. You can thank me later. If you enjoy shopping, I suggest checking out NAVA and all the little shops on Hope Street. You can then go over to India Point Park for a nice lunch picnic and enjoy the ocean views. Tour around the RISD museum and then end with dinner either on Federal Hill or any of the yummy restaurants on Wickenden (I seriously love The East End right now). - Becky

Beach Day Trips

Crane Beach -
My favorite New England Beach, I really can’t go on enough about this beach. There is plenty of parking, sweeping views of sand dunes, beach walks for miles, and well kept amenities. On the way home stop at Russel Orchard for an ice cream and some berry picking. - Ruthie

Other Favorite Beaches: Good Harbor, Singing Beach, East Matunick.

Maine Day Trips

There is truly something special about Maine. I always feel like my soul is healing when I walk along the beaches and look out at the light houses. There are many beautiful places in Maine but we always had a special place for Kennebunkport. This seaside town has fun shops to browse, delicious seafood, and a beautiful walking path on the cliffs called The Marginal Way. Other great spots in Maine: Ogunquit (seaside town), Nubble Light House (off the coast of York), and Portland (hipster haven). Check out Becky's Maine post here.

Cape Cod Day Trip

The traffic to Cape Cod is not for the faint of heart, but once you endure the drive a nautical land of joy and wonder awaits. Cape Cod is the heart of New England beach towns and has a classic element other beach towns just can’t compete with (sorry, not sorry). Hot Spots: Common Ground (a fairy tale looking sandwich shop that will have you saying, “what is happening?”), Mayflower Beach (the warm water is almost tropical), Nauset Light House on Chatham Beach, The Dunes of Cape Cod National Seashore (watch out for sharks…but really), and Hot Chocolate Sparrow (mmm beverages), Eden (home of the authentic Cape Cod bracelet). - Ruthie

Newport Day Trip

Newport is a fun spot to explore. Deciding to venture out there? I suggest taking a stroll on the Cliff Walk, visiting the shops at Thames Street or driving around to explore the "island" - it's beautiful no matter where you go!

We hope you've enjoyed our day trip suggestions. Let us know what you think if you try any of them.

Happy soaking-up-the-last-days-of-summer!

Summer Accessories

Author: Becky Sizelove

Ruthie and I have been besties since birth and it's always refreshing to spend some time together. We recently ventured out to some local Providence favorites - the SHOP and PVDonuts - with baby Sawyer in toe. It was fabulous to catch up and Sawyer loved seeing his auntie. 

We also got some cute shots of our new jewelry from Civion and we're excited to share our 25% off code with our followers! Use code THRIVE25 at https://www.civion.store/ for your discount!

A Week in Paris

Author: Ruthie Pollard 

If I could think of a motto for this vacation it would be, “Did my dreams just come true?!” In Paris every day brought a new surprise, and around every corner was beautiful place to discover. We happened to go during a heat wave in April so it was sunny skys and warm weather the whole week through. I did my dream trip and it was worth it. I was given a lot opinions about Paris but I looked forward to forming my own.  I went with my friend Moria who has been to Paris twice before and knows her way around the city.

In this post I will lay out the itinerary of my week. We did some planning in advance but while traveling you always need to leave a little room for adventure. 

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Day 1: Arrival

The hour ride from airport Charles de Galulle to the hotel was not far off from a typical traffic commute on the Mass Pike. It certainly did not feel like Paris until we reached the old streets in the city. The taxi ride was our first glimpse at the Eiffel tower as we crossed the Siene River. Our small hotel Val Girard was located in the 15th Arrondismont a residential part of Paris. Staying in a non-touristy area was a great decision, throughout the week we enjoyed visiting our local creprie and restaurants away from the buzz of the city center.

Day 2: Musee d' Orsay and the Arch of Triumph

 Our first full day in Paris we hit the ground running. It was highly recommended by friends that we get the Paris Pass, a card that offers fast track access to museums, sites, and unlimited metro rides. We bought a three day pass which meant we really had to pack the days in order to make it worth our while. Our first stop was the Musee d' Orsay,  which some would argue is best museum in Paris. This former railway station is home to the works of great French artists Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. After a morning of exploring the museum we walked to the ferris wheel and started our journey down the Champs-Elysees (aka a long street lined with shopping and food). After a full day of walking I could not resist stepping into Laduree for some coffee and macaroons. We ended the day with a walk up the Arch of Triumph for the best views of Paris.

Day 3:  Louve, Musee de Orangerie, Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company

One must always visit the Louve when coming to Paris. Although, after experiencing it once you might be all set. The biggest museum in the world also happens to draw the biggest crowds in the world. I was looking forward to seeing the Mona Lisa (along with everyone else and their mother). I couldn't believe how packed the room was just to snap a shot of the beloved painting. Things got slightly intense after some pushy tourists tried to make their way to the front. After getting my fill of the worlds most famous artwork and sculptures we headed to Musee Orangerie. This peaceful and small museum felt like a welcome retreat from the crowds. It was lovely to see the impressionist works of Picasso, Matisse, and most importantly Monet’s Panoranic Water Lilies Painting. 

For dinner we headed over the the Notre Dame area. When people ask me my favorite part of the trip I think of Square Jean -XXIII a garden to the right of Notre Dame. When we rounded the corner I saw a sea of cherry blossoms beside the cathedral. It was the most magical moment thus far as golden hour had just touched the city. I walked over the bridge and and headed to Shakespeare and Company one of the oldest and most iconic bookshops. For dinner I tried escargot for the first time at Le Parvis, it was surprisingly delicious! 

Day 4: Palace of Versailles, River Cruise on the Seine

When we arrived at Versailles the ticket desk informed us that the palace was closed due to strike. Which can apparently happen at any time. Despite this disappointment the palace gardens were open, and it ended up taking a full day to walk around. Next time I visit I will definitely rent a bicycle for the day as the grounds are extensive. Marie Antionette’s estate in the garden “The Petit Trianon” was open for exploring and free with the Paris Pass. Walking in sunlight for hours during a heat wave can bring on quite the appetite and we were overjoyed to discover the cutest cafe called Angelina’s.

We heading back to Paris and arrived just in time for a Siene River cruise at sunset. The river boat guide explained the history of each bridge we passed under. As we traveling up the Seine it was beautiful to see the famous landmarks in evening light.  The cruise ended perfectly under the Eiffel Tower just as it twinkled for the first time that night!

Day 5: Eiffel Tower

“Eiffel Tower Day” was spent doing all things Eiffel. It was the perfect day to go to the top of the tower as the skys were clear and the crowds were low at mid-morning. After taking in the grand view of the city we joined the masses on the green space “Champ de Mars” in front of the tower. The path along the grass was lined with happy picnickers and blooming lilacs. For the best pictures of the we walked to Jardin du Trocadero and took pictures with the Eiffel on the stairs. At this spot you get a full view with the tower from a distance. 

On our way to the tower we passed several quntiesstial parisain cafes. The kind where locals casually people watch while sipping their coffee. Cafe Gustave was the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing meal in the warm sun. After a relaxing day we decided to forgo public transportation and walked 45 minutes back to the hotel. We topped off the night with a nutella crepe from our neighborhood creperie!

Day 6: Disneyland

We started the morning bright and early for the trip to Disneyland Paris! The local florist on the street greeted us with a bonjour as he tended to the flowers. I felt like I had my own Disney moment starting off the morning greeting the neighbors like Belle.

To get to the park we had to take the Metro and connect to a train (RER) that went an hour outside of the city. To paint the picture accurately I must say that my experience on train ride and the general surrounding of Disneyland Paris was very unpleasant. We ran into some shady characters in the Metro that made our entrance into the Disney park feel like more of an escape then arriving at the happiest place on earth. The stark contrast between the safe bubble of Disney and the outside world was a bit unsettling. I felt overall “safe” in Paris but the Metro is a different story. If you are a young girl traveling always be on your guard in and around this city. The Metro system is at the beginning stages of tackling it’s wide spread problem of harassment. 

However, I was not going to let that experience ruin one of my most looked forward to moments in the trip. After we got past the morning it was delightful to discover that Paris Disney holds the same magical joys of childhood and the rides I know and love. It is much smaller then the other locations but with a sweet french charm. I was most excited to walk up into the castle which is an opportunity not experienced by park goers in Florida. One of the highlights was going on my favorite ride “Space Mountain” which  transformed into to “Hyperspace Mountain” with a Star Wars theme.

Day 7: Montmatre and the Palais Royal

We had planned from the beginning to go to Montmarte on our last full day. Out of all the places we traveled these streets felt most authentically French. The wysteria cascaded over buildings like purple waterfalls and musicians serenaded passers by with the lulling melody of a harp. The Sacre Cour church peeked out from all angles of the surround streets and walking the steps up to the church felt like a scene from the movie “Midnight in Paris”.  

In Montmartre we met up with Rachel, an American traveling Europe. We had lunch at La Maison Rose, this blush pink cafe was even more beautiful then the pictures. It was like walking into a fairytale! After lunch we strolled the streets and scouted out the best baguette in Montmartre at Le Grenier a’ Pain. Palais Royal was next on our agenda, we hopped on the Metro and headed to Buren's Columns. This highly instagramable spot was on my bucket list for pictures. Rachel happens to be a talented photographer and we did a fun artistic photo sesh by the columns. Following along with her adventures @thegirlandtheidea

Then it was on to Berthillion known for the best ice cream in Paris. On our walk to ice cream I couldn’t help but notice all old men painting and sketching along the Seine River. When I was a child this was exactly how I pictured Paris from all the picture books and movies. For dinner we had the best Ratatouille!

My trip to Paris was an unforgettable dream. Let me know if you recommend any great spots next time I visit! 

xoxo 

Ruthie 

Motherhood: A Journey

Author: Becky Sizelove

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." - Rajneesh

As I enter Target and get myself a coffee and my first substantial meal of the day, inspiration hits me. I realize I have truly entered a different realm of being as a Mom. Suddenly, I notice every fellow Mom or Dad around me and we give each other a reassuring nod. I think to myself, “wow there’s so many new babies around right now,” as though there wasn’t already a million parents in Target that I didn’t notice before I had my baby. It’s like when you get a red car and suddenly every car on the road is red. In my early twenties I was known to say that I was afraid of babies and when someone announced they were pregnant, I’d click “unfollow” so I didn’t have to see every update about what their kid had for breakfast (totally love those posts now). Once I was married I sometimes joked that I’d just get twenty dogs and travel the world, rather than have children. I then decided I wanted kids but just wasn’t ready yet. I felt too selfish still. And suddenly one day I woke up and felt like my life wouldn’t be complete without becoming a mom, and a mom I became.

While pregnant I kept trying to imagine what it would be like to give birth and have an infant - plenty of people told me what it would be like but their words never could have explained it. Being a parent can’t be described, you don’t know until you’re in it. Each woman has their own unique birth story and I think that's so beautiful - our babies enter the world in different ways and we raise them in different ways. Sure, we all have similarities but each family has their own unique dynamic. The moment Sawyer was born I burst into the most joyful sob, the emotions and love I felt instantly were so overwhelming. It was like an outer body experience and I felt forever changed by it. I was reborn. Fast forward to day six, where my hair was in the biggest messy bun at the top of my head, I looked at myself in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself - I hadn’t slept more than an hour each night. I’d been up trying to figure out how to nurse and hoping I was doing everything right for my son. I Googled every sound and activity to see if I was doing the right thing. I worried if I didn’t run fast enough to his bassinet when he started to cry for nourishment or comfort that he'd be irrevocably damaged. I tried to describe how I felt about him to my husband, “I feel like we’re tethered together.” It was as though the umbilical cord was still connecting us. We went through a bout of digestive issues for a couple weeks and Sawyer would cry and I wondered if he had colic, I wondered if I’d ever sleep again. But then he started to sleep more, I became more confident as a Mom, I started to learn the ins and outs of my baby and suddenly I went from feeling like I wasn’t good enough to feeling like I was living my life’s purpose. I felt Sawyer was making me the best possible version of myself.

With Sawyer by my side, I feel the most joy I’ve ever experienced. Suddenly that “selfishness” I had before vanished. Sawyers every need comes before mine and it brings me so much happiness. The exquisite feeling of comforting him by picking him up or making his face light up just by looking at him is all I ever need in life. From day one, I felt so much love for Sawyer but it wasn’t until around six weeks that I felt love for myself as well. Becoming a mother both breaks you and builds you up - it has to be that way because you’re no longer the same you, now you’re Mom. It's such a beautifully transformative experience. We run in survivor mode and we raise our babies on instinct, somehow we don’t know what we’re doing but we follow our hearts and intuition and it works. We tap into a space in our brains that never before existed.

It’s like I entered a different world or dimension when I became a mom, a whole new state of being with a different brain. A brain that could withstand lack of sleep, a brain that could use logic and reasoning to calm my baby, thinking of the most random solutions that magically worked. A brain that could push all my needs down and put my baby’s needs first, being completely selfless. And suddenly these kind sweet women were reaching out to me to offer support - the fellow Mom. I don’t know if I could have gotten through those first few weeks without it. Their encouragement built me up and gave me an ever important outlet and I got to thinking ... isn’t this how it’s supposed to be? When we lived in villages, women all banded together and helped each other out. I think that’s a beautiful thing, and it could be used more often in every aspect of life. Everyone just helping each other out. Because life is tough sometimes and you just need a reassuring smile or someone to hear you out and tell you it’s all going to be okay.

I have a new respect for my own mother now. She did all that I’m doing but she didn’t have the internet and she didn’t have a car. She didn’t even have friends or family nearby at the very beginning. And suddenly when I look at my mom I see a cape over her shoulders. She’s super human. Now I know why there’s a day for moms, even when you have the most supportive husband, there are often needs only moms can fulfill. I get why people post a million photos of their kids - they are the best thing ever - more beautiful to us than the most exquisite sunset or mountain scape. When I look at my son I see the best thing that’s ever existed and I can’t believe I get to be his Mom. And I’m thankful he made me a new me. I’m thankful he made me a Mom.

So cheers to you, moms, and Happy Mother's Day. Keep raising the sweetest nuggets around and share those photos, they're beautiful :)

Travel to Europe Through Books

Author: Ruthie Pollard 

“It is one of the strongest bonds, I think, that can spring up between people: sharing a passion for certain books and their authors.”

— Alice Steinbach

Looking for some book recommendations? A good book will transport you to a different time, culture, landscape, and mindset. In preparation for my travels I have been reading up on European adventures fiction and non-fiction. 

Bookstores can be overwhelming when you don't know where to look, thankfully my friend (and librarian) Dr. Katie Posey has pulled out some great reads! Browsing small book shops + coffee make a fantastic day trip! You can follow her bookish adventures on instagram @whatkatieread. 

Non-Fictions

1. A Woman's Europe by Marybeth Bond: A series of short stories from popular authors and their trips abroad. (Frances Mayes description of Tuscany was my favorite) 
2. A Year in Paris by Janice Macleod: This is an illustrated book full of beautiful pictures of Paris. The author documented each day she spent in Paris for a year. 
3. Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach: Journey through Europe with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Alice as she details her travel adventures. 
4.  Les Parisiennes by Anna Sea: A true story of the resistance, collaboration, and the woman of Paris under Nazi occupation. Many of the woman maintained their glamorous lifestyle as a form of resistance. 
5. My Love Affair with England by Susan Allen Toth: Memoir of a travelers journey through England. 
6. The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta: This American born author details her journey of moving to Paris and discovering the up and coming businesses in the city. The book is full of newer places popping up in Paris accompanied by stunning photography and personal interviews with shop owners. 

Novels: 

1. Paris for One by JoJo Moyes: A young girl is stood up on a trip to Paris. She decides to make the best of it, meeting new friends along the way. 
2. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris: Follow the story of Anna a young English girl who starts working at a renouned chocolate shop despite her lack of chocolate knowledge. 
3. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim: Four ladies who don't know each other travel to Italy together on an impromptu vacation. They each make peace with situations happening in their personal lives while surrounded by the Tuscan Countryside. 
4. A Room with a View by E. M. Forster: This classic novel will take you on a romantic adventure through Florence the set in the early 1900's. 
5. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch: This is an easy read geared towards young adult readers. It's perfect for a plane ride and will leave you wanted a taste of gelato! 

Let us know if you have any book recommendations! Happy reading! 

xox, 

Ruthie 

Baby Sizelove Nursery Reveal

Author: Becky Sizelove

Although not totally finished, I wanted to do a little reveal of Sawyer's nursery. I found that getting the baby's room nearly complete was the most therapeutic experience for me. For one, I love home decorating. It is a side passion of mine. But this task brought deeper meaning to me than decorating. I was preparing a space that reflected who I thought my son might be and how he might fit into our nature-loving family. During my pregnancy, I was extremely busy at my job and sometimes felt I didn't have enough time to prepare for the arrival of my little nugget. I got home feeling very tired every night. Also, we needed to refinish the upstairs of our old house (think walls, floors, the whole gamet) before we could even think of bringing in furniture and tiny details. 

There are still some finishing pieces to complete -- painting the doors, hanging some John Muir quote pictures I bought, adding a blanket ladder -- but for now it feels ready for the baby. I thought I'd never get to that point, but we made it! With the room not being totally complete, I think it has left room for getting creative. The spot where I was going to hang a John Muir quote is currently holding a page from the first vintage book I ever bought. Our dog Ragnar chewed up the book and I kept some of the pieces. In a moment of inspiration, I hung it up in the room. I'm not sure if I will keep it there, but I love the process of adding in little pieces of our old life into the new baby's room. The John Muir quotes are being added to reflect the 10 days we trekked through California, particularly Yosemite, where I had a feeling I might be pregnant but thought it couldn't possibly be true. I found out two days after I returned from that trip that I was in fact pregnant. I can't wait to go back with our son and tell him about how his mom and dad were there and I was growing him without really knowing it. Putting a nursery together is a reflection of the family baby is entering and it's such a fun experience. I hope you enjoy the little tour!

Summer Dreaming

Author: Ruthie Pollard 

As a New Englander I tend block out this time of year, we are after all best known for the fall. This winter has been particularly brutal with record breaking arctic temperatures, and the “bomb cyclone” snowstorm. The weather can't seem to figure out if it should be 70 or 17 degrees any given day. It makes summer feel like a distant memory. 

For many people, long durations of freezing weather and darker days can be accompanied by seasonal depression or Season Affective Disorder (SAD). It can affect some people significantly by bringing on sadness, or just feeling sluggish and unmotivated.

We all handle this time of year differently and I wanted to list some great ways to beat the cold and keep your spirits up this winter!

Essential Oils:

I don’t sell them, but I am tempted to start with all their success stories! Trusted friends swear by their health benefits and uplifting aroma. Putting a couple drops of your desired mood into a diffuser can change your day. Kristen Lavalley knows more about Young Living Oils then anyone I know and her social media accounts gives great informative tips. Here are some oil recommendations depending on what you need:

Frankincense- A grounding scent that helps to balance your mood. 

Stress Away- A blend of lime and vanilla that smells like summer! 

Lemon - Uplifting and refreshing, it wakes up the mind making you feel alert. 

Joy - Calms emotions and promotes peace.  

Lavender - Basically does everything. Calms, heals, helps you sleep.  

Exercise:

Keeping in shape will help keep you motivated. I recently started the couch to 5K app and I’m proud of myself for learning to run (which has never been my thing). Running a little more every week has helped me sleep better and feel better.  

Give Yourself Things to Look Forward Too:

Maybe it's time to splurge on a new pair of shoes...or if you’re like me, look forward to an upcoming destination. I am currently planning a trip to Paris in April. I just love knowing that on the other side of winter a flower filled Paris awaits!

Share your feelings with a friend:

On these cold nights I would rather be a hermit. Let’s be honest, staying inside all day is much more comfortable then venturing out into the frozen tundra. When we are alone for too long it can turn into loneness. Talking with close friends and making time to do fun activities can get you out of the winter rut. There is a good chance that they are feeling the same way. 

Invest in Cold Gear:

Just because it’s -14 outside do we need to let the cold win? I say no! Buy all the things. When you commit to buying quality winter gear it’s an expensive task with long term reward. Here’s a starter investment guide to keeping warm:

• North Face Arctic Parka
• Patagonia Fleece 
• Cozy Mittens
• Northface Hat
• L.L Bean Boot
• Snow Pants

Light Candles at Night:

If your not into the idea of lathering yourself in essential oils. Candles at night are a good way to bring light into the room especially if it’s a nice smelling candle. I love the clean scents from Anthropologie and new soy candles from Madewell. 

Get Vitamin D When You Can:

With all the lack of sunlight our bodies are craving Vitamin D. Stocking up on supplements and eating foods containing Vitamin D can help your body feel better. Also, get sunlight while you can!  As a teacher I have to stand outside at least 45 mins a day in rain and snow. This is a blessing in disguise as I do get a small amount of sunlight daily. If you can't get outside I have heard that it is beneficial to do light therapy using light lamps. 

Uplifting Diversions:

When you are starting to feel down find good things to focus on. Watching a funny movie, getting your nails done, and enjoying a favorite meal with a friend can help brighten a dull day. Most importantly, I find it comforting to listen to worship music, read scripture, and journal my thoughts and prayers. Listening to encouraging podcasts and reading a good book with a warm drink are small moments I look forward to. 

Please let me know if you have any advice for beating the winter blues!

xox, 

Ruthie 

Handmade Treasures

We love decorating and finding new fun pieces of decor! A recent trend that has caught our eye is fiber art wall hangings. These are a beautiful addition to any room and add boho flair to plain walls. When looking for home decor it's easy to get swept away in Target, but the most meaningful pieces are handmade. We both have artisan made fiber art in our spaces, and today we wanted to highlight one of our favorite artists! 

Melody Fulone is a fiber artist from New Hampshire and has created stunning weavings from home decor to jewelry. We feel privileged to show one of her beautiful pieces on the blog! 

To see more of her work visit https://www.melodyfulone.com

Galentine's Day Part Deux

Author: Becky Sizelove

Last year, one of our very first blog posts was for Galentine's Day (because ovaries before brovaries). It was very special to shoot another Galentine's Day post exactly one year after we launched our blog (with our favorite photographer Kearsten). In true Knope style, our brunch affair featured a little waffle station with heart-shaped waffles from Whole Foods - they were both delicious and adorable. We also refreshed our flower wall (DIY here) and added all the soft pink feminine details. To finish it off, we drank delightful tea and pink Italian soda. Target has some seriously adorable Galentine's Day swag in their $3 section this year - we love that this is becoming such a popular event! It's not often that we have a day to just celebrate the wonderful women in our lives, but Galentine's Day is the perfect occasion to get together and thank our fellow gals for always being there.

We were happy to celebrate the day in our Bee and the Fox sisterhood tees. The message of empowering women fit perfectly for our Galentine's Day party. We hope you enjoy this post and have a chance to celebrate your fellow #gals this year!

The Art of Self-Care

Author: Becky Sizelove

Put a spot of tea on, get your favorite cookies out and dive into a little discussion of self-care with me, if you will. Throughout most of my life, I've been the type to push myself to the limit and go full-steam ahead with a specific goal in mind. It wasn't until a couple years ago that I started to recognize this in myself and realized that I need balance. Everything in life requires balance. Taking on too much while not investing in what fills your soul with comfort makes one very burnt out individual. And that results in lack of creativity, passion and gumption. The opposite effect you're going for!

I've read many an article that claims millennials are obsessed with self-care, and suggest that is a bad thing. I disagree. I work for a hospice and we always stress the importance of self-care to caregivers. You can't pour from an empty cup. By investing time in yourself, you'll be better able to care for others. Being pregnant has taught me a lot about self-care. I think about self-care as a two-part practice: both investing in becoming a better person and improving oneself, and then also doing things like taking a bath to relax or spending some time in nature to clear your mind. These past eight months, I've essentially been forced to take care of my body - to stop work and eat a good meal or make sure I drink plenty of water and get enough rest. I am doing it for the sake of my growing son but I think it's important for everyone to do. I'm not perfect at practicing this balance, but I have a few suggestions to share that might help:

Find A Weekly Activity That Feeds Your Soul

Love nature walks? Or taking a bath? Carve out time every week to do an activity that relaxes you and feeds your soul (and that doesn't require technology). Unplug. Walking my dog at my favorite local path always clears my mind and refreshes me. I can breathe and just be with my thoughts. Maybe that's not your thing, but find an activity that rejuvenates you and stick with it! 

Set Boundaries

Tune into what overextends you and set boundaries to prevent yourself from doing too much. Don't feel guilty for having limits, you're entitled to have a stopping point. If you respect what you need in relationships, work, etc., you'll be able to give the better part of yourself.

Invest in You

To be human is to be subjected to continuous training and reforming; to be incited to find both individuality and a social sense of self, to be a never-accomplished project. Always take time to work on being the best you. It's part of self-care! Be the person you're proud to be. It's never too late to try that thing you've always wanted to try, change careers or work on fixing a bad habit. 

Prepare for Things That Upset You

This might not fall under self-care, but it's something that I think honors your feelings, which is part of caring for yourself. Throughout my pregnancy people have made comments that I look bigger than I should. Whatever that means! It kept making me feel awkward and also upset. I felt like I looked just as I should and always felt put on the spot with nothing to say back. So, I came up with a couple statements to reply with. It made me stop dreading someone asking me how far along I was. It made me more confident. If there's a situation you know always bothers you, get proactive and find a solution before it happens. It will smooth out the situation.

Be Kind to Yourself

Say nice things to yourself, give yourself some credit. Remember what you're grateful for. Treat yourself to your favorite food or activity. Take a day where you do all your favorite things. When you're stressed and can't see the end of the tunnel, stop. Go outside for a walk or get gelato. Give yourself permission to unwind. Refresh.

Don't be Afraid to Make a Difficult Decision That Falls to Your Favor

When choosing between a rock and a hard place, go with the option that honors what is best for your life. Stay true to what you need.

So that's my list. I hope it helps! If you have any handy self-care practices to share, comment below!

Warmly,

Becky

Donut Day!

Author: Ruthie Pollard 

Winter has officially come in all its frozen glory. With sub-zero temperatures over the last week I was thrilled to be warm and cozy indoors. What better way to spend your time then baking treats? I’m low-key obsessed with The Great British Bake Off, so naturally when photographer and fellow fan Gabby Gordon suggested a baking shoot  - I was all in! Realistically, being a fan of a baking show and being a “baker” are two very different things. Practice makes perfect, and donuts make excellent practice! My goal for this showstopper was to make fun and festive looking donuts for any occasion. 

What you Need: 

• Donut Recipe - (my suggestion would be to find one from a reliable cook book as oppose to pinterest) for example, William Sonoma has - The Doughnut Cookbook
• Homemade Icing - l did a sugar glaze from aseasyasapplepie.com, but next time I’ll look into different flavors such as maple, chocolate, or Nutella. Get creative with toppings and flavors! 
• Edible Flowers - During warmer months they can be found in the herb section of most grocery stores. As they are out of season, Gabby looked up edible flowers and cut them right off a plant she bought in the floral section. 
• Wilton’s Edible Glitter - I found edible sprinkles + gold dust at Michael’s Craft Store (because festive). 
• Fruit - Not pictured here, but fresh fruit is a lovely accent to any treat! 

Apron: Anthropologie

Last time I made donuts I cut off the bottom tip of the piping bag BEFORE putting in the batter...it didn't end so well. This was a much better experience. :)

Dipping the Donut - To add icing simply dip the donut into the icing bowl and give it a quick swirl. Make sure to add your toppings right after dipping so they will stick. You can use more powdered sugar in the icing to get the desired thickness. In my first icing batch I found the consistency was too thin and it absorbed right into the donut. Don't be afraid to double dunk!  

I was gushing over these photos and their edits, it’s such a joy to work with talented photographers. Take a peek at Gabby’s site for more of her beautiful work, https://www.gabriellagordonphoto.com.

Now with all this inspiration (in the words of the hosts)….on your marks, get set, BAKE! 

xox, 

Ruthie

New Year's Goals You Can Actually Accomplish

Every year, we hear the same resounding New Year's resolutions - go to the gym every day, lose five pounds ... "New Year, New You." We stick to them for about a month and then fall off the wagon by the time February comes. I tend to believe that while a new year can encourage us to start fresh, we can still create goals at any time of the year - but they should always be attainable. Becoming a better version of yourself is an ever-evolving project, not just something we can resolve to do in one year. But setting simple goals  for the year can help us identify what direction we want to go in. Plus, when you check an item off your list it really boosts your self-confidence! We put together some easy goals that can be accomplished any time of the year.

Travel More

Travel helps you gain perspective - experiences over things any day. The benefit of traveling when you're young is having more stamina and less physical limitations. This goal doesn't mean you need to travel to the other side of the world, it could also be a trip to that gorgeous town you've always wanted to see two states over.

Check One Item off Your Bucket List

Always wanted to go sailing? Bake home-made bread (my New Year's goal last year)? Do it! Seize the opportunity and cross one item off your bucket list. Start small and if you get the gumption, do more!

Exercise

As we've stated, this goal seems obvious to every human that thinks of the phrase, "New Year's resolution." Instead of making an impossible goal such as joining cross fit and getting a six pack, set achievable goals. This might mean going to the gym once or twice a week or just parking farther away from the grocery store and going on more nature walks.

Invest in Self-Care

People like to say that millennials are obsessed with self-care but in reality, this is not a new concept. It's important to invest time in yourself - whether that means finding better, more healthy ways to cope with stress or improving the way you communicate with others. Self-care doesn't equal getting facials every week, it just means you take the time to better yourself. Self-care can help you find balance and will help you care for others better, too.

Continue Your Education 

This can take different forms. It might be attending a conference in your field, listing to a podcast or taking the next step in education whether you are getting your BA, MA, or PHD. 

Read More

Sometimes it’s just nice not to look at a screen. I started a new tradition of buying books set in the location where I travel, and signing them with the year/date traveled. It’s like a bridge of memories that I can look on fondly in the future. I recently found out that reading out loud also can increase your vocabulary and communication skills.

Spend More Time with God

This sets the focus for the day. I really hope to make my quiet times even more of a priority this year. For me it is best to begin my day peacefully in the early hours of the morning. 

Stick to it - Don't Give Up!

Whether it’s one of these goals or your personal goal, keep with it. When we started a blog last year people said, “It’s a saturated market.” Statically most people who start a blog drop it soon after. We enjoy navigating the blogging world even with its many challenges. So cheers to the new year and making goals with your bestie!

We wish you all great joy in the New Year - and good luck with accomplishing your goals, big and small!

Peppermint Cocoa Recipe

Author: Becky Sizelove

Merry Christmas! 'Tis the most wonderful time of year. And what better way to celebrate than with a hot cup of cheer? This is the easiest recipe and can be made with your favorite hot cocoa mix and that left over candy cane you have in your sweets drawer!

Ingredients:

• Hot cocoa mix
• Water or milk (depending on how you like to make your hot cocoa)
• Mini marshmallows (or fluff if you so choose)
• Candy cane

Directions:

Turn on your kettle or heat milk in a sauce pan. While waiting for your water or milk to heat to desired temperature, grab your candy cane and keep it in its wrapper. Take the bottom of your mug and gently slam down on the candy cane (great for working any holiday stress off). Empty candy cane pieces into a bowl or container. Once your water or milk is heated, mix in your favorite hot cocoa mix and top with mini marshmallows and a sprinkling of crushed peppermint. Enjoy the most refreshing cup of cheer of the season! 

Serves: two 

Wishing you all a very merry day!

xoxo

Five Tips for Decorating Your Home for the Holidays

Decking the home for the holidays brings out so many warm feelings and fun family traditions. Growing up, my family always decorated the tree together and shared responsibilities for decorating the house. My job was placing candles in each window and my brother helped set out the snowy town scene. While festive decor is often dictated by our traditions, there are also some great tips to follow to create your own Winter Wonderland! Check out my quick five tips for decorating the home for the holidays:

1. Pick a theme.

When decorating your tree and the different spaces throughout your home, it's best to follow a general theme. Sticking to a theme helps your decor match seamlessly room to room and allows you focus when purchasing decor. You can follow themes based on color palettes, shapes or decor styles, such as classic, modern chic or Scandinavian. I've always gravitated towards simple white lights, lots of natural pine with a hint of red. This year, I've really been into simple Scandinavian decor. If you like that too, check out my Pinterest board for inspiration!

2. Forage for decor.

Your decor style may be different than mine, but I think any holiday style can benefit from adding a few spruce clippings in a jar or vase. That hint of natural pine adds simple sophistication to any space. It's so fun to forage out in your yard or local forest (or even the clippings of your tree if you get a real one) and get creative with little arrangements. Just be sure to harvest responsibly (find tips to do so here)!

3. Add simple touches to warm any space.

Placing candles in the window or a wool blanket over your couch can make any space feel warm and inviting for the holiday season. Even an arrangement of candles with foraged pine can transform a blank space into a festive nook in a matter of minutes.

4. Wrap gifts early.

Last year, I wrapped my gifts to family and friends early and used them as decor around the tree in my living room. The display looked so lovely! This tip also made the night before Christmas a lot less stressful.

5. When in doubt, craft.

Scott and I's first Christmas was a bit bare because we were just starting to collect our holiday decor. I didn't realize the millions of little decorations that my mom had took years and years to collect, and I'd have to do the same. I bought a few special ornaments from a local shop in Providence and decided that I'd get a few more each year until I had the perfect collection. To make up for what I lacked, I crafted. Even if you already have a ton of decor, I think it adds a special touch when someone crafts garland out of dried fruit or adorns their door with a homemade wreath. Ruth and I will be doing a few crafts this season, so stay tuned for some DIY posts to inspire you!

Holiday Gifts That Give Back

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season? We compiled a list of beautiful gifts that are ethically made and keep on giving:

Dressember

This stylish dress “The Blythe” is adorable and perfect for up coming holiday parties. Dressember has raised $3 million in the fight against human trafficking.

Sseko Designs: “Drawstring Satchel Bag”

If you’re looking for a new hand bag, take a peek at designs from Sseko. With bags handmade in Ethiopia, this company is driven to create ethical fashion that empowers woman.

United by Blue

Their beanies are the perfect winter accessory. Want a better reason to buy one? Each product sold = one pound of trash removed from oceans and waterways.

Nisolo Shoes  

Leather shoes that are fairly priced, ethically made, and intentionally designed. This design is called the “Minimal Mule.”

Cause Box

If you want to give the gift that keeps on giving, sign up for a membership with Cause Box. Each season they will send products that empower woman and provide job opportunities.

Wakened Apparel

This cozy throw makes us want to bundle up by the fire. The makers behind this blanket have a heart to end poverty and partner with trustworthy, charitable organizations.

Sprout

Adult coloring books continue to be a hot item for gift giving. Pair your coloring book with Sprout pencils, which can be planted and grown into herbs once you're done using them! 

Lush Charity Pot

New Englanders know the pain of dry winter air. This lotion is the perfect moisturizer and 100% of the profits are donated to environmental causes.

Grounds & Hounds Coffee

What do you get for your dog-loving friend? Grounds & Hounds coffee beans are delicious and the profits from your purchase will be donated to the organization's rescue partner closest to your home, so you can feel good about helping the pups in your community. 

Tips for Hosting a Fabulous Friendsgiving

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." - William Arthur Ward

No matter what season it is, it's important to be thankful. I've had many a yoga teacher instruct my class to breathe out disparity and breathe in gratitude. This is because gratitude can reshape your perspective into one that makes life beautiful. It's the same principle as being cheered up when we help others. With this in mind, I treasure Thanksgiving and its pertinent reminder to live in gratitude. And let's be honest, the delicious food doesn't hurt this holidays reputation. One tradition that I started the first year I lived on my own was Friendsgiving, the friend version of Thanksgiving. I won a free turkey at a work event and had no idea what to do with it. So, I invited my friends over and had a feast. My hubby, who was my boyfriend at the time, helped me cook it and we had so much fun preparing the meal together! Scott and I now love hosting Friendsgiving every year and we have certainly learned some of the "to-do's" and also the "not-to-do's." If you want to make your own tradition of Friendsgiving, follow these quick tips:

1. The host makes the turkey, gravy and stuffing.

Pro tips: Placing bacon on your turkey will make the skin delicious. Putting the finished turkey on your table without a tivet under it will ruin your table. Use a tivet. 

2. Coordinate with friends to make a deliciously balanced menu.

Friendsgiving is traditionally a potluck. This creates an opportunity for you and your friends to stretch those foodie muscles and have fun enjoying one another's creations. You're nourishing each other and that's a beautiful thing. But you want to make sure there won't be two green bean platters, so coordinate with everyone to have a diversified menu. I create a Facebook event group to keep everyone in the loop (not as invasive as the elusive group text).

3. Speaking of a balanced menu, make sure someone's bringing appetizers.

The turkey never comes out as soon as you thought it would. Appetizers make happy stomachs while waiting for the main event.

4. Some of your friends may not know each other very well. Help them mingle with games or place table topics on your coffee table.

I'm not saying your friends are socially awkward, I'm just saying it might be nice to help them break the ice with some fun games. One of our favorites is Super Fight. It's hilarious. You can also download free printable conversation starter cards here.

5. Create traditions to repeat each year.

If you want to host an annual Friendsgiving, it might be nice to incorporate some traditions, especially if the same friends join each year. My annual tradition is to ask what each person is most thankful for during dessert hour.

6. Add a festive vibe with decor.

This may not be the most necessary tip, but I think decor makes a difference. It adds a special touch. I didn't do it the first year, but have every year since. This year, I bought some greenery for $3 from Trader Joes and then placed tea lights along the middle. The year before, I simply placed some pumpkins in the center of the table. You can go as simple or as extravagant as you desire.

Hosting an event can be stressful, but doesn't have to be. Have fun and remember that it's more important to enjoy your company than to have a "perfect" event. As an unofficial tip, deep clean a little section of the house/apartment/abode each day during the week before the event so you can focus on the turkey the day of. 

Let me know if you have any tried and true suggestions. My Friendsgiving is taking place this upcoming weekend so I'd love last minute tips! :)

xoxo,

Becky

Seasons Delights - Fall

We're all different when it comes to our favorite seasons. For me, it's always been summer. I love the crispness of fall and the budding life of spring, but something about summer has always brought me to my happiest place. So how do we keep that same joy of our favorite season in every season? Especially when it's winter. Ahem, I know winter is some people's favorite season... but those people probably love math and aren't dessert people, so I don't get them (jk!). But then again, I love snowboarding and hot cocoa and finding the perfect gift for people around the holidays. There's always something beautiful about each season, even when it isn't your favorite one. That is, if you're looking for it. I could wallow in the fact that winter seems to drag on and is a bit dreary, or I could revel in all the hot cocoa and happy parts of the season as I possibly can. So that's why we're starting a new series - Seasons Delights. This series will feature Ruthie and I's most happy ways to utterly enjoy each season. Let's start with fall! 

Visit Your Local Farm(s)

Apple farms, pumpkin farms, cider doughnut farms, all the farms! You really can't just visit one farm and call it a day. Becky and I enjoyed going to Apple Field Farm for some dried flowers and unique plants, Derby Ridge Farm for pumpkins and Bolton Spring Farm for cider doughnuts. All farms were close by making it a fun day trip! - Ruthie Pollard

Take a Nature Walk 

Something about walking under a canopy of yellow, red and orange leaves while my pup runs like a mad man smelling every fallen leaf brings me such joy. If you don't have a pup, you could always bring a bestie or go solo. I always walk at Stillwater Path in Smithfield, RI because it has plenty of tree cover and a lovely pond to see the foliage reflect in. To find a local path near you, check out AllTrails.com. - Becky Sizelove

Go for a Hike

My favorite fall hikes are in New Hampshire where the air is crisp and the colorful mountains go on for miles. The Crawford Notch has a train station and cozy lodge surrounded by trails on some of the most breathtaking views of the state. My favorites being: Mt. Willard, Mt. Tom and Mt. Jackson. - Ruthie Pollard

Make Cozy Fall Fares

You can really get in the fall spirit when you bake a pumpkin pie, make some butternut squash soup or, for those less inclined for culinary arts, warm up some cider and add a cinnamon stick (or just go ahead and buy a pumpkin spiced beverage from whichever coffee place you so choose). Check out our Pinterest page for yummy fall recipes! - Becky Sizelove

Go Leaf Peeping

It's lovely to walk or hike through the trees in the fall but it's also fun to see everything from a different perspective. Mount Auburn Cemetery in Watertown, MA has a victorian style tower you can climb to see stunning views of Boston - perfect leaf peeping location. - Ruthie Pollard

Have a Movie Marathon

Fall is my favorite time to have a Harry Potter movie marathon. It's especially fun to do around Halloween week. This year, I looked up how to make butter beer and other fun Harry Potter snacks and I plan to make a whole event of it! Stranger Thing also makes for some great cold-weather binge watching. - Becky Sizelove

Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Some dare to call it fun. If you enjoy challenges or getting lost and taking cool pictures in corn fields, look no further. Becky and I adventured out to Salisbury Farm in Johnston, RI and are very proud to boast we made it through the maze in the dark. - Ruthie Pollard

Go Apple Picking (duh)

While this may seem obvious, the key to a unique apple picking experience is to find a place that has beautiful views and a good selection. Ruthie's favorite is Bolton Spring Farm in Bolton, MA because they have amazing cider doughnuts, an adorable farm store and a hay ride to the top of the hill which overlooks foliage. Becky grew up going to The Big Apple (not to be confused with New York City) in Wrentham, MA. This lovely farm has a spot where you can watch their doughnuts being made and their apples being cleaned, shined and packed up for selling. They also have a gorgeous field, which you can tour on a hay ride. Added bonus: there's an amazing vintage shop across the way. Becky  also lived across from Jaswell's Farm in Smithfield, RI for a few years and highly recommends a visit there. A few other top picks are Honey Pot, Tougas and Smolak Farm. - Becky and Ruthie

Pick Fall Wild Flowers

When you think flowers, fall is usually not the first season that comes to mind. Parlee Farms in Tyngsborough, MA has a wonderful market of autumn pick-it-yourself flowers. - Ruthie Pollard

Decorate Your Home with Cozy Decor

I go a bit pumpkin crazy when fall hits. Luckily, pumpkins make amazing home decor. I also like to dress up my table by placing a few colorful squashes and some sugar pumpkins in the middle of my setting. Pro tip: Target's dollar section always has amazing fall decorations and table runners for a super afordable price! - Becky Sizelove

Tour a Fair

If you don't mind crowds, fall fairs are a fun way to celebrate the season. I have delightful childhood memories of all the delicious food, rides and shows. Some of the best fairs in New England are Topsfield Fair and The Big E. - Ruthie Pollard

Host a Friendsgiving

Ever since I have lived on my own, I've had the joy of hosting a Friendsiving. It started out small when I won a turkey from my work and each year it gets bigger. I love having all my favorite people in one place eating foods that we all created together. It's one of my most cherished times of the year. I'll be blogging about this year's event with tips on how to host your own Friendsgiving. Stay tuned! - Becky Sizelove 

Partake in Local Fall Happenings

Rhode Island has some seriously fun fall activities. My favorite two are the Roger Williams Park Zoo Pumpkin Spectacular and the Steel Yards Iron Pour. Joining in your local fall activities can make great annual traditions and they support your local economy! - Becky Sizelove

Sand Dune Adventures

Anyone else have White Sands National Monument on their bucket list? We certainly do, so when the amazing Kearsten of Kearsten Taylor Photography suggested a creative shoot at a secret sand dune in Rhode Island, we couldn't pass up the opportunity! The evening was drenched in the most perfect light and we had so much fun exploring and playing with different smoke bombs and sparklers. At the end of the shoot, the most magical moon lit up the dusky sky and we had a little dance party. We feel very lucky to live in an area with such fun creative people to work with - Kearsten being at the top of that list! Outfit details at the bottom ;)

Ruthie's outfit:

Dress by Madewell

Becky's outfit:

Dress by Piper & Scoot