Five on Friday: Spring in Boston

Happy Friday, friends! I think this is our first relaxing weekend in a month, and I am taking full advantage. Being so busy throughout May, it only seems fitting that I would finally get my recap together on a Friday! We spent last weekend in Boston at a wedding, and spring in New England was just magical.

Lamplighter Brewing, Cambridge: This place was on the top of our must-visit breweries.  In absolute Meg fashion, it's half beer, half coffee, and all perfectly modern.  All the spring flowers out front were so pretty, too!

Night Shift Brewing, Everett: This one was at the top of Mike's list for sure.  It was the perfect spring weather to sit outside, play cribbage, and try about 10 different beers.  I absolutely loved the Viva Habanera with agave and habaneros.

Kane's Donuts, Saugus: They had the perfect patio to sit outside with our iced coffee and donuts, and the donuts were sooo good.  I loved the jelly-filled butter crunch and creme brulee!

Willowdale Estate, Topsfield: Our friends had the most beautiful springtime outdoor wedding north of Boston.  The mansion was beautiful, and the bride put together the most amazing details to to make the wedding perfectly them!  We could not have had better weather, too!

Spring Blooms: The streets of Cambridge, Somerville, and Back Bay were just perfect perfection!  The rhododendrons were at absolute peak, roses were in bloom, and we found the brightest pink house ever in Cambridge!

Five on Friday

Happy Friday, friends!  I hope everyone is having a great first week of May.  The weather in Charleston is beautiful, and it's almost my favorite couple weeks of the year: Confederate Jasmine season!  These little white blooms are absolutely gorgeous, and you know I'll be out taking a bunch of photos of/with it this weekend, especially when we're out adventuring with Mike's dad in town!

Books - I'm starting to search for those perfect poolside reads.  I love easy books to read during the summer that I can flip open while I'm at the beach or pool and that don't take all of my concentration.  In the past, it's been a lot of comedians' books like Bossypants and The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo.  This summer, I've been thinking about Talking As Fast As I Can and Sisters First. Anyone else have any suggestions - maybe something fiction?

Overalls - Anyone else want to jump on this bandwagon?  I have been debating it for a while, and honestly they look so comfy, especially the ankle pant-length ones.  Below are a few of my favorites!

Running - It's taken me about a year or so, but I've finally caught the running bug again.  The weather has just been so beautiful at night, and I finally downloaded some great music onto my phone that it makes for the perfect wind down after work.

Streaming Favorites - Anyone found any new shows they're loving on Netflix or Hulu?  I just watched John Mulaney's stand up on Netflix, and it's hysterical.  I tried to binge The Handmaid's Tale last Sunday, only for Hulu to tell me that they're only releasing two episodes each week.  What is up with that?!?!  Also, Arrested Development is coming back again... so excited!!  For now, let's be honest, until I get any new recommendations, I'm just over here watching The Office and 30 Rock again...

Weekending - Finally, looking ahead to the weekend, we're going to a friend's house for a Cinco de Mayo party, and I really want to make sour cream chicken enchiladas like the ones we had in Dallas, except I'm only finding about a million recipes that look... fine: here, here, and here.  Anyone ever tried making these at home and/or have a recipe to share?

Five on Friday: Lilly Favorites

Happy Friday, friends!  With it totally feeling like spring these days, I've been busting out as much Lilly Pulitzer as possible.  They have so many pretty patterns out right now, and whether you're looking for comfortable workout gear or a dress for a wedding, there is something you're bound to love!  I've rounded up five of my current favorite patterns into five beautiful outfits for your weekend shopping adventures!

1 ||| working out in boho bateau ||| sports bra, leggings, tank, tote

2 ||| a stroll on a roll ||| marlowe, sandals

3 ||| bay dreamin by the shore ||| zaylee, necklace, bracelet set, pants, wedges

4 ||| his and hers salt in the air ||| her elsa, his shorts, phone case

5 ||| comfy in gumbo limbo ||| pullover, sunnies, shorts

What are you wearing this spring??

A Guide to Charleston Breweries (Part 4)

Well, that didn't take long!  Less than two months later, I'm back for another installment of Charleston breweries.  Like I've said before, they are popping up all over the place, and with this post, we've officially hit 21 breweries visited!  Right now, there are 28 total either open or in the works, so surely there will be even more beer stops soon.  Here are the previous links to part 1, part 2, and part 3.  Let's get drinkin'...

Snafu Brewing Company (Industry Drive, North Charleston): This is the place to go in Charleston for a sour or fruity beer.  Not only do they offer their flagship Snafu-Tang sour in a bunch of flavors like lime and Grape Sucka, they also take their IPA to the next level with tangerine and pineapple variations.  I absolutely love the old school way branding, too.
What to try: Snafu-Tang Sour, Shao-Lime Sour, or Pineapple IPA

Pawley's Island Brewery (Industrial Avenue, North Charleston): We first went to Pawley's on New Year's Eve, and it had the best down-to-Earth vibe.  The owners were there that night, and they are so passionate about what they do.  Don't get me wrong, I love their standard beers, but the holiday offerings they had that night, including Cranberry Sauced and Christmas House IPA were amazing!

What to try: Coquina Pineapple, The Pirate Gentleman Grapefruit Pale Ale, or Riley's Rye Ale

Lo-Fi Brewing (Meeting Street, Charleston): Bright colors, delicious beer, a brewery cat, and a unicorn in their logo.  They got me.  You can try their Mexican Lager almost anywhere in Charleston, but I love heading to their brewery location downtown to try our other favorites.  The first time you drive by, you might miss it, but yes, that's it in a warehouse, next to the towing company.  It's located in a big warehouse, so I suggest a spring or fall visit (when Charleston isn't 90+ degrees).  And did I mention there's a stray brewery cat??  Adorable.  

What to try: Glitter Pony Beligan tripel or Blueberry Wheat

Munkle Brewing Co. (Meeting Street, Charleston): The newest addition to "Charleston's neck," there are now seven breweries in the two-mile stretch between Revelry and Lo-Fi.   They have a really big space, plenty of seats, and even a pool table.  They don't have a very expansive selection of beers yet, but they have a great brand and equipment, so they're well on their way.  If you're looking to something Belgian, this is the place to go!
What to try: Bull Street Blonde or Gully Washer Wit

Commonhouse Aleworks (Park Circle, North Charleston): Last but not least, the newest Charleston brewery.  I'd been looking forward to this opening for a few months, but when it coincided with the Charleston Marathon (meaning they would only be serving out of plastic Solo cups) and our favorite food truck had to cancel, we decided to postpone.  We finally checked it out a couple weeks ago, and the space is amazing.  They did a beautiful job, and we look forward to seeing how they progress with the beers over the next few months.  We will definitely be back in the summer again.
What to try: Pierce the Night American Stout or Barony Whipper Kettle Sour

A Guide To Charleston Breweries (Part 3)

It's time for another installment of Charleston breweries for today's "Friday Five!"  Our part of the Lowcountry (greater Charleston) is now up to nearly 25 breweries - crazy!  With so many popping up, it's taking me less and less time to write these installments.  If you want to see where I've been previously, here are the links to part 1 and part 2.

Charles Towne Fermentory (Savannah Highway, West Ashley): We first went to the Fermentory in June when our friends were in town.  They are huge beer people and do their own home brewing.  They said this place had awesome reviews, and we are eternally grateful for them introducing us.  Since then, it's become our favorite neighborhood spot.  Everyone is so friendly, the beer is our favorite in town, and they only just had their first anniversary party!  If you're looking for a New England-style IPA, they are the place to go in Charleston.  Plus, they have a rotating kitchen with so many awesome chefs.  Lobster rolls, paella, the best burgers in town - you name it, they've got it.
What to try: Sungazer IPA or the current La Vida Gose offering!

Freehouse Brewery (Pringle Street, North Charleston): Another place we tried for the first time with our beer-loving friends.  This brewery has some of the best views in the city.  Right on the Ashley River, you can sit outside and watch the boats go by.  I love this low key spot, and their fruity beers are some of the best around.
What to try: Pink Squirt saison or Kiwi Peche ale

Tradesman Brewing Co. (King Street Extension, Charleston): Of all the breweries in the city, this place has the absolute best branding.  Everything is tool and handyman-related.  We first went to their location on James Island, which we loved.  It was an old house with lots of different rooms for parties.  Now, they moved downtown and their taproom is under construction but open with pop-ups on some weekends.  We've visited once but can't wait to see the final product.  My favorite thing about their brewery is their beer board, where you can buy a beer in advance for anyone, and they'll leave the person's name on the board until they pick it up.
What to try: Transmission Fluid American wheat or Coconuts and Bolts stout

Twisted Cypress Brewing Company (Sam Rittenberg, West Ashley): Another neighborhood brewery for us, this location used to be a moose lodge.  They did a fantastic job renovating the entire interior and opened up a few walls so you can watch them brew and relax at the same time.
What to try: Blueberry Blonde or Carolina Common

Rusty Bull Brewing Co. (West Montague Avenue, North Charleston): This was the most recent brewery we went to last month.  They have a really big, industrial space in North Charleston (just by the outlets), and I have to admit, we went for their collaboration with Glazed Gourmet.  Boozy Maple Bacon Doughnut?! Yes, please!
What to try: Cardigan ale or Over Boar'd stout

I already have a few more breweries on tap for my next post, so hopefully I'll get to five or six by the spring to post another installment!