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Put-In-Bay


Two weekends ago, Tom and I ventured along the coast of Ohio to spend an evening on the island of Put-In-Bay. Once we arrived, we took a short ferry ride across the bay which was filled with little sailboats. 
The streets of downtown Put-In-Bay are filled with restaurants, bars, and even little candy shops. Put-In-Bay is undoubtedly known for its bar scene, and we stopped at two bars while we were there. The first was called Mojito Bay, which was set up like a tiki bar with swings for bar stools and sand covering the ground. Their name serves them right, they did have the most amazing mojitos. 
We also stopped at a bar called The Keys, a large bar filled with colorful umbrellas that sits right in front of a popular docking spot for boats. We sipped pina coladas and swapped stories with the couple next to us.
It also happened to be Pirate Weekend while we were there, and people dressed in elaborate costumes filled the island. There were even demonstrations of real cannons in the park, which made everyone on the island jump every time they would go off.

After a few drinks we headed near the water to take in the views of the lake and enjoy the sunshine. We walked along the shore admiring the lake-front houses and all of the boats that filled the marinas.


We were sure to grab an ice cream cone (with sprinkles) from the Put-In-Bay Candy Bar before catching the ferry back to the mainland. As we crossed the lake we were able to catch the most beautiful view of the sun setting over the water.

I can't wait to go back again and hopefully get to spend more time exploring the island.

Ireland

One month from from today I will be leaving for Ireland. My brother is there for the summer so I'm going to visit him for a week. I couldn't be more excited, my family is from Ireland so I feel a special connection to the land itself.

DEC '15 Style Guide: J.Crew women’s Regent topcoat in Black Watch flannel, Collection Italian cashmere ribbed turtleneck in stripe, Point Sur Stevie X-rocker jean in Mill Creek wash and Collins patent loafers.:

I've been trying to plan our trip, and after much research it seems like a road trip is the best way to go. I think I want to do a route from Galway, to Dingle, to Portmagee, to Killarney, to Dublin. I want to spend one day in each city, with an exception of two days in Galway. 

Oh my, I didn't realize how much work it is to plan a week long road trip. Trying to find places to stay, what to wear, where to eat, and all the things we NEED to see has been a little overwhelming!

Here are some highlights I'm looking forward to:

Galway
Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Salthill Promenade (beach, swans, ferris wheel... I'm in)

Dingle
Blasket Island - can't wait to see the seals, Murphy's Icecream 

Portmagee
Skellig Michael, Kerry Cliffs

Killarney
National Park, Gap of Dunloe 

Dublin
Guinness Factory, Trinity College Library, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and shopping, naturally 

I'm eager to pick up fisherman sweaters, a claddagh ring, and Irish made scarfs and throws.

I have such a love/hate relationship with packing. Planning outfits is fun but I also feel stressed out about it because the weather is so unreliable in Ireland. It could be 75 and sunny or 60 and raining. I'm trying to pack lots of different options for jackets and layers: some sweaters, some dresses, and lots of jackets. 

Some essentials I'm definitely bringing along:
sweater (old - similar) / gingham shirt / tshirt
rain boots / shorts / scarf (old - similar)

I absolutely can't wait to get to the Emerald Isle.