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We are home!!!

After a long Summer of travel, I couldn't be happier to say those words.

We had planned on staying put after our California trip, but when we got a last minute invitation to visit our best friends at the Cape, you know we had to drop our bags off at home and go. We made it back home just in time for the LM to turn 8 (!!!) and even snuck in some time in our beloved Boston, the highlight being the LM's first Red Sox game on Friday. Now, for us, it's crunch time. The kids still have two more weeks until school starts (longest. summer. ever.) so getting our life back in order after being gone for so long is priority number one. Slowly, we've been unpacking, decluttering, and making the rounds at Target and Whole Foods (always fun with the kids in tow.) At some point we will stop eating ice cream for lunch every day, and honestly after all we've been devouring, a trip to the gym has never seemed more appealing. This Summer was absolutely one for the record books. From Costa Rica to my Sister's wedding. Camp to New York, and then Cali to the Cape, we really had the time of our lives. Even though we all are are pretty sick of each other at this point, there is not one thing I would change about the last few months. I'm so happy the boys are at an age where they will remember all the great times we had, because this Summer was most definitely one I will never forget.

Here is a little glimpse of the last few weeks. Our new motto for Summer fun,  just add water.

{checking out the seals in La Jolla}

{nightly marshmallow roasting with Grandpa}

 {legoland, all day, every day}

{escaping the heat at the aquarium}

 {the LM, perfectly captured}

 {a very familiar scene this summer}

 {from Costa to Cali, more time with Grandpa...}

{...which made Gray very happy}

 {forget Disneyland, this is the real happiest place on earth}

{after a night at the legoland hotel, I think our mecca has been found}

{the boys playing at the park on the beach where I grew up (pictured above)}

{look at Gray's little hands... I melt}

{ice cream BOAT... and all my favorite little people (minus my goddaughter who was a little under the weather}

{childhood, in picture form}

 {best friends for their entire life... it doesn't get better than this}

{the Cape... absolutely magical}

{oh Boston, we missed you}

 {really missed you}

 {now we are 8! clearly, we also love New England sports!}

So many great memories, but like they say, there is no place like home! I hope you all have been having a wonderful Summer as well! I'll be back to posting regularly, and be sure to pop in tomorrow because I have some excited blog news to announce!

The Best Of Robin M. Anderson

 

Right now the boys and I are some 10,000 miles in the air, heading to California for our annual trip. Thursday, my husband had another surgery to help with his ongoing pain situation and while he's healing we figured it would be the perfect time to leave a quiet house. He is now happily at home, being doted on by his parents, while the boys and I are gearing up for a marathon two weeks at LegoLand California. I have to wonder if we can beat our 14 day streak from last year? It's good to have goals, right???

Given that I'm going to be flying solo for the next few weeks, I knew there was no way that I could devote the time needed to keep the blog running, so unfortunately I'm going to be on hiatus until August 20th. Rather than leave you all empty-handed I pulled together what I like it think of as my "best of."

These a few of my favorite posts from over the years.  I hope you enjoy reading through some of the archives!!!  If you'd like to follow our Cali trip, you can follow me on Instagram where I will still be posting.  See you all in a two weeks!!! xoxo

Our Home, Before & Afters

The boys' room
The Kitchen
The Master Bedroom
The Living Room
The Guest Room
The Bathrooms

Home & Design

Favorite wood consoles: a roundup

Affordable brass lighting: a roundup

Best marble accessories: a Roundup

Favorite gallery walls: a roundup

A hint of mint
Home lust: black exterior
Forever obsessed: palm leaf print
Barn light inspired pendants
Green with envy
A painted door
Bohemian inspired home decor
Surf inspired home decor
Banquette seating
On patterned tile
Flower Power

Wardrobe Essentials 

The trench
The fisherman sweater
The denim shirt
Striped tee
The blazer
The boyfriend jean
Army jacket
The silk blouse

Fashion & Style

The capsule wardrobe
Giving them the shoulder 
8 easy summer looks
Look I'mlLoving: monochromatic sunglasses and hair
Red + White+ Blue
The denim skirt
Jumpsuits for the win
Rainy day chic
Summer swimwear picks
Black, white and neutral all over
The turtleneck
Stacked
Summer whites

Hair & Beauty

Pink hair: really don't care
4 short hair style tips
Summer hair care
The easy trick for platinum blonde hair
Do or dont? Nail art
On mascara
Winter Beauty
Skin part I
Skin part II
Genius trick for thin eyebrows
My favorite beauty products 
What's in my makeup bag


My Sister's Wedding

The cake
The linens
The bridesmaid dress
The invitations
The venue
The flowers
My little sister got married
Save the date cards

Weddings

An elopement to remember
Do or don't non-traditional wedding dresses

Food & Drink

The perfect drink for summer

6 favorite side dishes

8 favorite kale recipes

6 favorite fish recipes

6 favorite vegetarian pasta recipes

7 asian inspired dinners

8 favorite one pot meals

9 favorite breakfast (for dinner, or lunch, or desert) recipe

7 favorite summer recipes

7 popsicle Recipes 

Vegetarian Bolognese 

The weekly dinner drag

Motherhood & Family

In the picture
The end of and era
It was bound to happen
Free
Lucky
Toned Down Christmases 
Pretty in pink
Little Man, not so little
The time my kid went to overnight camp

Fertility

Here's the thing
It's going to happen
A faker
2 week wait
Back to the drawing board
The little embryo that could
Taking a month off
Back to the drawing board
It's going to happen
Chicken
Cautiously optimistic 
Pregnancy update
Maternity portraits part 2

Travel

New Orleans; the time of my life
Costa Rica travel advice
Costa Rica Summer 2015 here, here, and here
Costa Rica Summer 2014
A week in NYC
My favorite Boston and NYC restaurants
The paris itinerary 
Northern California coast
Big Sur
Fiji here, here, here, here, here
Maui

What I'm Reading

July 2015
March 2015
April 2014

My Week In NYC

I'd love to share with you all my amazing week in NYC! I know I had HUGE plans going into the week, but once I finally arrived late on Monday night (damn you Lincoln tunnel) all I really wanted to do was relax, eat, and drink.

Easy goals, right?

Honestly, for the next four days I did just that. Other than a Soul Cycle class each morning, I had no real agenda, and I pretty much let my stomach decide where the day would take me. I walked pretty much everywhere, and then promptly rewarded myself with a glass of rosé to celebrate making it to each destination. This is the opposite of my every day life, and halfway through the week I texted my husband that I certainly could get used to a life of leisure. His response was to basically to enjoy it, because I probably wouldn't be getting the chance again anytime soon. Or at least until next year...

Well, enjoy it I did!

Here are a few shots of my week in the city. The problem with spending the day by yourself is when you look back all your photographs are either selfies, or of food and I'll try not to bore you with too many of those. Below is also a list of what I did each day. Not the most adventurous week I admit, but I did bike though the city and over the Brooklyn Bridge and anyone who's ever ridden a bike in New York knows that's about all the adventure you need. ;)

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... And just like that, the last three weeks have flown by and we are nearing the end of our time in paradise. We have only 4 days left in our home away from home, and believe me, we plan on soaking up every last second. On Friday, we went fishing and not only did we catch some fish but we caught ALL the fish. Seriously, it was insane. We lured over a school of some yellow fin tuna, with some bait  fish we caught earlier in the morning, and we couldn't drop a line in without hooking one giant tuna after another. "Sushi for days"became an understatement, and ever since we've been passing out fish like water to all our friends in town. Definitely a day to remember.

After a few cloudy days, we are happily heading back to our camp on the beach. I have to admit I've gotten used to the slow pace of life down here, and true to form we've begun spending our nights dreaming about what it would be like to sell off everything and move here full time. Of course, that's just a dream, but man it would be nice.  For those of you who'd like to see, here are a few pictures from the last week or two. If this isn't what summer was made for, I'm not sure what is. xx

Gone Fishing.

I'm off today for a fishing trip with my dad, the LM, our friend and his girlfriend who just arrived yesterday. Hope to catch some big ones! I'll be back Monday. xx

(photo from March 2014)

Costa Rica Travel Advice: Updated

 

The #1 question that I get from readers is looking for advice about traveling to Costa Rica. You all know that we absolutely love it, and having been traveling there for more than 15 years. It really is the perfect place to go with or without kids, and after trying out other places we always seem to find our way back there. As it stands now, we spend a month here in the Summer, and a few weeks in March, but as the boys get bigger I can absolutely see us extending our stay for the entire summer. It's that good. 

Here is how we do Costa Rica. If anyone has anything to add, feel free to leave some suggestions in the comments section. 

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Well, we've officially reached the point in our trip where we all love/ hate each other in equal measure. It's probably no coincidence that today also marks the halfway point in our little adventure. I'm pretty sure that the point of our annual Swiss Family Robinson Anderson vacation is to get as much family time in as we can, but what we always seem to forget is that we as a family we really can get on each others nerves... a lot. Luckily, the tide is about to turn because in a few short hours my dad is arriving, and there is nothing better than new blood to change the dynamic around here. We always have such a wonderful time once he arrives, and the boys couldn't be more excited if Santa Claus himself were to walk through the door. Considering the amount of goodies my dad always has in tow, I can see why!

A Week In New York

 

I can't believe this is actually happening, but somehow I have managed to get an entire week, ALONE, in New York City. Alone as in NO kids. Alone as in NO husband. Just me, and after work me + one of my best friends.

Here is the back story about how this dream actually became a reality.

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We made it! I know I shouldn't always be so surprised, but with two kids, a thousand bags and skateboards/ surfboards/ scooters it's always such a relief to walk in the door and know that we actually survived the journey. Before we left there was some chatter about another possible baby, but all it takes is one long travel day to remind us how lucky we are that we've reached the point of iPad + push pop equaling all day sedation. I'm convinced that the perfect birth control will always be an airplane ride with anyone under the age of 8. Seriously, the airlines should offer this as a service. 

The Moorings Hotel & Spa: I Want To Stay There

Have you all watched the Netflix series Bloodline? It took us a little while to get into it, but now we are completely hooked! Actually, it took my husband a while to get into it, most likely because throughout the first few episodes I would yell out "that house!" every 5 minutes in regards to the fictional inn that is central to every episode. It has always been a secret dream of mine to run away and open a bed and breakfast and I can think of no place better than the Florida Keys to make that dream come true. With lazy days, white sand beaches and ample supplies of margaritas, I keep telling my husband I would die to stay in a place like the one featured in the show. Oh, and don't even get me started on the hammock that hangs at the end of the pier... let's just put a "reserved for Robin sign on that one."

Well, it turns out that the fictional inn is actually a real inn and you can bet I want to stay there! With multiple cabanas and an insane main house I can't think of a better place to escape winter than the Moorings Hotel and Spa. I did a little digging into the hotel and I am absolutely in love with every inch of the property. Throw in a Kyle Chandler sighting and I really can't think of a more perfect vacation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the setting, here is a little taste of the Rayburn House err Moorings Hotel.

Hasta Luego

It is with a very heavy heart that we are heading to the airport today, back to the cold (snow?!?!) and the so called real world. I'm telling you, every time we have to say goodbye to our little slice of heaven it gets harder and harder. My husband sure doesn't make things easier with his constant "let's just move here talk" but I must say I am very much looking forward to my bed, my sofa, and finally watching the last eight episodes of House of Cards.

We will be traveling well in to the night, and tomorrow is definitely going to be crazy trying to get back in to the swing of things, but I will be here Wednesday with a roundup of my favorite bathing suits of the season. Summer is just around the corner... If only I could keep this tan until then! Xx

Aerial Yoga... I'm Hooked!

 

Have any of you ever tried aerial yoga?

Yesterday, I snuck away to The Harmony for a little lunch and my first aerial yoga class and I have to say it was so much fun!  I'm dying to find a class in Boston now!

I had no idea what to expect when I walked in, and after seeing these tortuous looking devices hanging from the ceiling I was definitely feeling a little nervous.  In fact Fifty Shades of Grey was the first thing that came to mind, but once the teacher started telling us a little about the practice I was really excited to give it a go.

For the class you use the hammock, which is secured tightly the ceiling which allows you to easily get in and out of inversions. About halfway though I swear I thought we were in Cirque du Soleil!  Unlike a traditional yoga class, this was not a quiet event.  There were lots of giggles and high fives, and even though there was an Oscar winner in our group, we all just basically cracked up given how we looked after hanging upside down for 5 minutes.

The 90 minutes flew by, and at the end I was wishing we had a little more time.  I wasn't sore, per se, but I was definitely sweaty and tired.  For shavasana we wrapped ourselves up in a little cocoon while we swayed back and forth and it was so deliciously wonderful!  Now I know why babies are so hesitant to leave the womb!

I love trying new things and I will definitely be going back to this class in the summer.  The whole time all I could think is how much the LM would love the experience and next time I will make sure he joins me!

If you ever come across a class, you have to give it a try!

Date Night

About a mile down the beach from our house, up and over a hill, and accessible only by a secret trail lies what I think is the most beautiful place on earth; La Luna Restaurant.  This eatery has been an institution around here for more than a decade, but only in the past few years has been given new life with a small renovation that turned a crumbling building into a jaw dropping place to dine that truly defines the term "al fresco."  Each week my husband and I sneak over for a date night together, and then we come back a few days later with the whole family, and aside from the killer margaritas and incredible food (think flatbreads, Mediterranean platters, fish carpaccio) it's always the decor that keeps me coming back.  Clearly the VIEW can't be beat, and is the main reason reservations are absolutely required for sunset dining, but for me I'm equally impressed by how the simple decor makes such a lasting impact.  As I mentioned, the building itself used to be falling apart and the new owners completely transformed the look and feel of the building simply by adding a fresh coat of paint, some mixed seating, and some cushions with varying patterns.  Small things that make a big difference, which can easily be copied in any backyard or beachfront home. 

What I'm Reading

If there is a theme for my reading list on this trip it would probably be titled "books that everyone has read and talked about, so I can guarantee they are good."  Otherwise know as literary FOMO (fear of missing out.)  I'm sure quite a few of you have already burned through most of these, but for those of you who are as late to the game as I usually am, here is what I'm reading on this trip and my thoughts on each.  Don't worry, there are no spoilers allowed!

Big Little Lies- Liane Moriarty

I have to say up front that I'm a big fan of Liane Moriarty's work.  My sister-in-law and I have  debated more than once how I could have liked The Husband's Secret and what I can I say?  I just can't help myself.  This new genre of "chick lit" combined with a traditional murder mystery ropes me in every time, and this story set in a wealthy primary school had me hooked from the first page.  While somewhat predictable, I enjoyed most of the characters and found this to be a perfect and light beach read. 

Sharp Objects- Gillian Flynn

I am probably one of the biggest Gone Girl fan there is, and I also really enjoyed Dark Places so I was really excited to start this book on our trip.  I'm not going to say I didn't like it, as I found myself not being able to put it down, but as soon as I finished it I pretty much wanted to take a shower, and read something that involved kittens, babies, and rainbows.  Set in a small town which is reeling from the murder of two of it's young residents, this book defines dark, and I think it might have been just a little to much for me.  For the next few days I found myself waking up at night, reliving some of the most gruesome parts.  I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing.  If you like a good thriller, and aren't too squeamish, you will definitely enjoy this book.  The jury's still out for me on this one. 

The Girl on The Train- Paula Hawkins

 I don't think I've ever read a book faster than I read The Girl on the Train.  I knew little about the plot, other than people saying it's the new Gone Girl, and from beginning to end I was hooked.  The twists and turns of this novel, coupled with the sometimes cringe worthy behavior of the main characters had me ripping through the pages and I found myself feeling devastated when I finished the last page, wishing that there was more.  This is what I would deem a must read!

Before I Go To Sleep- S.J. Watson

 I'm about 3/4 though this mystery right now, and I am really enjoying it.  It's about a woman with long term amnesia who wakes up every day not only forgetting what happened the day before, but also the 20 years prior.  She found a note that she wrote to herself, telling her not to trust her husband, and the story pretty much develops from there.  Definitely a page turner, I can't put this one down and can't wait to see how it will end!

Wild- Cheryl Strayed

 I have the same feelings about Wild that I do about Eat, Pray, Love.  I loved the first half, and found myself a little bored an disinterested during the second.  I think in general I have a hard time relating to these women who need to go to extremes to "find themselves" and it doesn't help that the movie (which I enjoyed) was shown during our flight down and I may have watched the ending before finishing the book.  Blasphemy I know!  I will say this book made me want to push myself physically a little more, and the first chapters brought me to tears... repeatedly.  Overall I would probably recommended it, but it doesn't top my list. 

Still Alice- Lisa Genova

Woah.  That's about all I can say about this book.  Devastating and beautiful, while reading this this book I seriously felt like my heart was being ripped out the entire way though.  By now most of you know the premise, Alice at only 50 years old was diagnosed with early and aggressive Alzheimer's Disease.  The novel then follows her mental deterioration and is written from her perspective.  It's heavy, sad, and completely eye opening for the reader.  I can think of few things that would be worse than receiving this diagnosis and I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 

The last book on my list is one that has been on there for almost two years, The Goldfinch.  I know EVERYONE loves this book, but for some reason I just can't get into it.  I have nothing left on my Kindle so I will definitely be giving it another shot and I'm hoping that it's just the length that is turning me off and not the subject matter.  I want so badly to check this one off my list, so I'm sure that alone will get me though to the end!

I'd love to know what you all are reading.  What else am I missing?  I know some of these are pretty old so please tell me what I'm going to be dying to read next... even if it will take me a year or two to finally pick it up ;)

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We successfully made it to our home away from home and despite the 4am wake up, the trip was a breeze.  For the first time EVER we were on a direct flight from Logan to Liberia, and after a quick stop at the market and a two hour drive we were in our jungle paradise.  This trip keeps getting easier and easier, and I'd like to say that most of that is due to traveling with older kids (which is like a differnent world compared to what we are used to) but I think the travel gods have also been in our favor and I am definitely not complaining.

The LM had one, and only one, request when we got here.  He had to skate at the local park, and then surf the moment we arrived.  We skied last weekend and ever since we told him that he could possibly do all three sports "IN THE SAME WEEK " the gauntlet was thrown and he was a man on a mission.  A mere 16 hours after we left our front door, his challenge was completed, and the kid was equal parts wiped out and happy.  Gray, being Gray, was just happy to jump in the pool and see his grandparents (and the little lego sets they had in tow) that no extreme sports were necessary.

Now we all are just reveling in the slow pace of life down here.  Early mornings, with a blessed warm walk down the beach.  I read this book in the span of a day (so addicting!!!) and am trying to mentally gear up for another.  Lots of dips in the ocean and the pool, followed by long naps and sunset on the beach with a football in tow.  Life isn't opulent down here by any means, but it is the exact opposite of how we live our lives at home and if that isn't luxury I'm not sure what is.

Here are a few pictures from our first few days here.  Our little slice of heaven, in tangible form.

Early mornings at the airport can't get these guys down... especially when there are cartoons streaming. 

The most incredible skate park in the middle of the jungle, a block from the beach. 

Three generations heading to the surf. 

My boys, doing what they do best. 

We will call these the "before" pictures.  As in before the sun darkens our skin, and bleaches our hair. See also: mosquito free skin. 

 ^^^ This guy, so tough ^^^

I promise to bottle up as much of this sun as I can for my fellow East Coasters!