Travel Diary: Call Me Ishmael - Day 3

To round out my trip to Cape Cod, Mike and I knew we had to do something sea-worthy. Since we didn't have a day at the beach due to the weather, we took a leisurely drive toward the coastline and came across a small nook of tall grass separated by a tiny beach. Littered throughout it were these clam shells. I've seen sea shells a bunch of times, but not as many, and as pretty, as these.

Don't ask me what these are for... but they're cool, right?

On our last day in Cape Cod, we went whale watching in Hyannis. On our first outing to the cape in 2010, we did this, and it was amazing. The whales breached out of the water Free Willy style - it can only be described as awesome. Hoping to replicate the experience, we headed out at 9 a.m. on to get our Moby Dick on.

Part of any boat ride should be gorgeous views, and this one of a small coastline is it. This small island actually has NO running water or electricity, and is the last of it's kind on the cape. Talk about kicking it old school. Then again, with views like this - who cares if you can't plug your flat iron in?

After some searching, we finally came across finback and humpback whales! Out of all things you could do on vacation, I'd like to think going whale watching sounds pretty cherry.

This whale, named Nile for the distinctive Nile River outline on her tale, came up to bubble feed a couple of times.

But the best part about my vacation? Just getting to spend time with my husband. 

And the shopping...

Travel Diary: Dockside in Cape Cod - Day 2

One of Cape Cod's most notable towns is Hyannis. A beautiful coastal town that offer scenic views, Hyannis has a quaint downtown area that's great for trying out a little bit the cape has to offer - vintage shopping, fresh seafood, boats by the dock and most notable, a historical legacy by John F. Kennedy.

While walking on Main Street in Hyannis, you'll find everything from souvenirs to shrimp, and can walk the Kennedy Historical Trail. There's even a JFK Museum. We didn't go inside, but there's a great statue of JFK. Of course, my main motivation was to shop.

If I had a patio, I'd hang these nautical knots everywhere!

By day three of our trip, I had yet to eat any local seafood. However, I found my scallop fix at the Black Cat Tavern. It's located directly across from Hyannis Harbor, so you can take in waterfront views while enjoying local fare. It's about a 10 minute walk from Main Street, but the views alone are worth it.

While I do consider myself to be a city girl, I've always loved being waterside. In New Jersey, we seem to gravitate towards the beach and the ocean in the summer... I guess it's because we're locked up inside during the winter.

It's a huge tradition here in the Garden State, and while I can see boats anytime, there's just something so soothing about Cape Cod's harbors and beaches.  I never did make it to the beach on this trip because of the weather. However, that didn't stop me from having my "king of the world" ... and potentially, losing my shoes in the water while sitting on the dock.

What I Wore:

Mint Green V-Neck Tee - Gap / Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Black Tights - Target / Black & White Mod Satchel - Primark / Black Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Alex and Ani November Birthstone Charm Bracelet / NYC New York Color Ultra Last Lipwear - Blue Rose 405 

Travel Diary: Vacation in Cape Cod - Day 1

I'm back from my Cape Cod vacation! The week went by too fast, but Mike and I enjoyed having some away time from home's routines and surroundings. I'll be bringing you a recap of everything I did all week, so keep checking back! And thanks to my guest bloggers, Margo and Deanne, for helping me while I was away!

One thing I will say is that the weather during my vacation was.... disappointing. It was overcast and/or raining everyday we were in Cape Cod... except the day we left (of course). However, I'm thankful to have had some time off!

We arrived on Saturday, which was a washout. With Sunday's weather predicted to be gloomy, we decided we'd need to venture outside of South Yarmouth, where we were staying, and visit another town.

Plymouth is about a 45 minute drive from Yarmouth, and is home of the historical Plymouth Rock and all that Pilgram jazz. We started by stopping by the docks to see the Mayflower II, a replica of the original ship, but, it was out for repairs. It wasn't that warm, so I opted to wear jeans and a tank to be comfortable. However, the town itself is so pretty. 

Yes, you can actually see the Plymouth Rock here. Wait for it... It's a rock with an inscription on it. Um, yeah. 

A view of the first church built by the Pilgrims. 

Since the weather wasn't beach-worthy, we decided to visit Plimouth Plantation (and yes, it is really spelled that way). It was on our list to do last time we visited. The grounds replicate what life was like for the Wampanoag Indians and early 17th century settlers - right down to the huts made from tree bark, and the tour guides in full character!

After a day of history, we headed back to hotel for some local Cape Cod lobster! 

Next stop, Hyannis!

Guest Post: Deanne from My Fash Avenue

Dress - Club Monaco | Pumps - Town Shoes | Bracelet/Ring - Forever 21

Now that summer has begun, fashionable dresses are a must! Polka dots and bright hues are on trend for this season, so why not pair them together to make a chic statement! As much as I love  adding bold statement necklaces to my ensembles, I thought it would be best to play it down with some coloured bangles and a ring. 

FASH tip!

Amp up your look in the evening with a bright pink lippy! Less is always more... in most cases!  

For more fashion and beauty tips, check out my blog at http://myfashavenue.com

xo,

Deanne Castro

My Fash Avenue

Guest Post: Margo from Classroom Couture

Hello, and happy Monday House of Jeffers readers!  I'm Margo from Classroom Couture, where I blog about my personal style inside and outside of the classroom. I was honored and thrilled when my fellow Jersey Girl, Jen asked me to guest post for her.  She has a great sense of style that matches her great sense of humor.

Top:  J.Crew (old, LOVE this peplum version), Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Shoes:  Zara (similar here), Necklace:  Panacea, Clutch:  Etsy (old, ssimilar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Blanc"

Since school is finally out for summer, I decided to share with you my typical summer look.  For me, looking your best is all about being comfortable in what you are wearing {which can be a challenge on a 90 degree, 100% humidity, typical NJ summer day}.  I'd describe my style as classic with a hint of prep and glam.  I like to keep in simple and chic with minimal accessories and of course the occasional statement necklace.  No muss, no fuss!

I am all about patterns and brights for summer and love mixing high end with low end pieces.

Thank you so much for having me and I hope you'll visit me over at Classroom Couture!