jekyll island.

Last summer, I wanted to take a big trip somewhere exotic. I was researching Mexican resorts, pricing flights to Italy and Argentina. But ultimately we decided to save our money and go somewhere within driving distance. I was disappointed, but it ended up being one of our best vacations ever.

We decided to drive down to Georgia's Sea Islands and booked a couple of nice hotels, but otherwise made a conscious effort not to overplan anything. This trip was about relaxing.

We started out on Jekyll Island, a small, largely undeveloped island with an old-school beach town vibe. Our hotel was weirdly empty, and we were glad to have the beach and the pool, with a canopy of live oak branches overhead, mostly to ourselves. The island is filled with bike paths, so when the temperatures dropped in the evenings and early in the morning, we took to two wheels to explore the island.

Although most of Jekyll is rustic and some parts are even a little run-down, the best area of the island is the Jekyll Island Club, a historic resort that once served as a playground for American royalty like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. We drove up to the grounds just in time to witness the most stunning pink sunset over the sound, then walked around and investigated the "cottages" (read: opulent mansions) of the former residents.

Next Up: St. Simon's Island.

portlandia.

Back in December, we flew to Boston to visit family and decided to make a stop in Portland, Maine. It's just a little over two hours from the city, an easy drive up 95 (complete with "Moose Crossing" signs), and we arrived just in time to celebrate my 28th birthday.

We checked into a historic hotel in the old part of downtown, then headed to Eventide for lobster rolls and champagne. The next morning, we did a bit of shopping and then drove across the bridge to see the lighthouse and putter around the grounds.

We were able to see most of the sights in the short time we were there, but I wish we could have stayed longer and soaked up the charm of the small town. We stopped in Kennebunkport on the way home for clam chowder, fish 'n' chips, and local cider.

back to the past.

 

I've started up my vintage Etsy shop again, which in turn has me fantasizing about spending my days traveling around scouring estate sales and junk shops for treasure and opening a brick-and-mortar shop. There's nothing more satisfying than finding something priceless that's been unceremoniously slapped with a $1 price tag.

Some of my favorite recent scores: A set of six 1960s salad bowls for $2.50, a $5 Brownie camera, and some amazing children's books from the early 1900s for $3 a pop. These are things I could never resell, even though I know I could make a lot of money from them.

Things I'm currently on the lookout for? Vintage highball glasses, old circus posters, hotel dishes, and silver serving wear. What do you look for when you're out scavenging?

I love how this house recently featured on Design Sponge has so many bright vintage details throughout (and I just ordered that poster for $7 — we'll see if it's a scam or not).

2013

 

via.

Happy New Year to you. Here's to a 2013 full of sweets, champagne, and surprises.