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The school bell rang for us this week, and was filled with excitement, nerves and the smell of fresh crayons. Whether you’re experiencing the excitement of a new beginning with old traditions, or beginning somewhere completely new, those first day jitter bugs almost always find their way to show themselves on the first day of school. Keeping calm the morning of the first day can help your littles feel prepped for a new year to come and can easily be accomplished when you’re over prepared. And trust me, we love being over prepared. To help you find your rhythm, traditions, and styles for a new beginning, we’ve put together a list of our favorite back to school items. From book bags to lunch box notes, we’ve got you covered with all of the essentials as well as a little extra to be prepared with.

Nothing signals the start of a new school year like a new backpack. This Trvl Backpacker might be our favorite. We like to go for the large size because this one fits the TRVL Lunch Box, folders and multiple books inside. The side pockets for water bottles help save room for more school items inside the bag, and the front pocket helps keep your child’s small items from getting lost in the mix. Every kid loves the excitement of choosing a back pack for the new school year. I like to think the bag a child chooses to carry all year reflects on his or her personality (with a little influence from mom of course).

Lunchboxes are the next most important back to school item on your list. Especially if you have a child who boycotts the school lunch. This TRVL Lunch Box works with Bentgo boxes and has a mesh pocket for an ice pack. The upright handle has a buckle for clipping to the back pack if necessary. We’ve linked some cute lunchbox notes here to help your child feel a little extra special at lunch during the first few weeks. We’ve linked our favorite Bentgo Box as well.

If you have a preschool aged child, these TRVL Totes are the perfect size for a lunchbox, snack, water bottle and a change of clothes. These TRVL Roadie pouches are also nice for putting diapers and wipes into a school bag if needed. I like to use a zip tie to attach a binder clip to the handle of the bag for transporting art and important papers to and from home if your school doesn’t send home a folder.

TRVL Backpacker | TRVL Roadie | TRVL Tote | TRVL Lunch Box

We’ve gotten to known and love the TRVL brand bags. Not only are the products beautiful and coordinate well together, they’re water-resistant from the inside out. Another reason to love this brand is that each item is made from antimicrobial, environmental friendly, wipeable material which can help with little children. And, each item can be personalized with a name or monogram.

Since when has a water bottle been required for school? Flashing back to our primary years of schooling, we survived off of milk cartons in the cafeteria and water fountains in the hallway. These days, when it comes to choosing the proper water bottle for your child to carry to school, there are some things to consider. For example, I like the way the spouts on these Owala water bottles are completely covered when the lid is closed, and it has an easy open top. You don’t have to worry about your child’s water getting hot throughout the day because they are made of insulated metal. They come in difference sizes which is a plus for families with multiple aged children.

There’s nothing like the feeling of a new pencil writing across a crisp piece of paper. We live for a Ticonderoga pencil. They have the softest eraser out there. And, they come in pretty colors which is always a plus. If you prefer the more traditional #2 pencil, they offer them in yellow as well. You can shop them here.

Kids love to show off a new pair of kicks at the beginning of a school year. If your school requires closed toe shoes, we love On Cloud tennis shoes for boys and girls. The no tie laces are nice for the smaller kids which is a plus for mom. On Cloud offers many styles and color ways which is a good way for teens to show off their personality in style. If you like a sneaker style shoe, these Kenzie Double Velcro Sneakers are perfect for you. The Velcro straps are key for toddlers and look classic with a traditional uniform for the older kids. Ok, and we have to admit, also love a classic red Mary Jane.

Mary Janes | Kenzie Double Velcro Sneakers

Meeting your teacher for the first time at open house can bring a child a mix of emotions. Some excitement, some anxiety, and maybe a little fear of the unknown. Feeling confident at open house can be easy with a cute outfit from our back to school collection.

Back to School Collection

You know we love a first day of school photo. Our pendant tees are the perfect touch to a first day of school photoshoot on the front porch. They’re almost entirely sold our for girls, but we have a few boy ones left! Pair them with these shorts and skorts for a picture perfect look!

Boys Pendant Tee | Liam Shorts | Girls Pendant Tee | Scalloped Performance Skort

We can’t forget our lovely teachers and something for mom. Teachers are the ones we trust our children’s lives with every day for at least 190 days a year. As a little thank you, along with a small gift card, we like to send in a questionnaire for each teacher to complete and return including their favorite treats and information about themselves. This is a good way to give us quick ideas on what to gift each teacher throughout the school year. Here’s a link to a free printable.

The proper planner is a must for a busy mom with a busy schedule. There seems to be a day that requires a “special something” multiple times a month at school. I’ve found that writing them ALL down is key. These Lilly Pulitzer Planners have everything you’ll need for organizing your busy school year. From morning meetings, to after school activities and dinner dates, this planner can keep you organized to the fullest extent.

Nothing feels like an end to a long summer like the tradition of shopping for your back to school favorites and necessities. We hope this back to school guide can help make your back to school decisions just a tad bit easier during this busy season of life.

We had the pleasure of celebrating sweet Henry turning two with an airplane birthday party- “It’s Time to Fly.” It was so adorable that I asked Henry’s mom and party-planning extraordinaire, my dear friend Laine, to spill all the details.

The kids had a blast bouncing on the bounce house, flying planes, creating personal passports and we ended the afternoon with a swim. Each detail of this party was DIY, planned, and executed at home. So if you’re looking for an adorable toddler party, look no further.

The creative cardboard plane was painted and made from a UPS box for the kids to fly. Aeronautical charts are the perfect replacement for wrapping paper for an airplane party. You can even add a personalized touch to the wrapping by choosing the chart based on your favorite location. Ordering sectional charts is easy and can be done here. These specific charts are showing the Georgia and South Carolina region. Little touches like these are what make birthdays a bit more special for our family.

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Did you know anniversary gifts date back to Roman times and Medieval Europe? Neither did I, but the more you know, the more you want to know.

The tradition has always carried so much meaning: early anniversaries marked tender, formative years. Later years celebrate bonds that have only grown stronger with time. It turns out there’s a reason we still reach for something meaningful on that day each year, proving that some traditions never fade—they just become more worth keeping.

Whether you’re celebrating your 60th anniversary with diamonds or your 1st with the delicate gift of paper, finding the perfect gift for your loved one is not always easy. And let’s face it, we’ve all woken up in the middle of the night and thought wow, time flies, I need to hop on ordering an anniversary gift (and have it shipped express). To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a traditional gift guide to help you find a classic gift worth giving.

Which gifts represent which years and milestones? We’ve got your cheat-sheet right here…

Here are a few suggestions to help you find those classic gifts.

Looking into year three- Leather is a historical representation of shelter and security. Everyone needs an everyday, go-to leather belt. These leather belts are one of our favorite gifts because they’re durable, timeless, and the classic buckle can be personalized with an engraved monogram.

Wool represents the warmth love brings to a happy marriage. With wool being the traditional gift for year seven, it’s probably time for a new suit. Celebrating an anniversary is the perfect excuse to escape everyday life and create everlasting memories with your partner. Visit somewhere charming like Charleston, SC, to visit Berlin’s or State's and Liberty on King Street, and have a wool suit custom-fitted to your liking.

The traditional anniversary gift for year twelve is silk or linen. A classic necktie that can be worn all year is the perfect silk gift. Embroidered linen pocket squares are a nice linen option. Have your anniversary date and monogram added to make the gift more sentimental.

Silver may seem like an easy option for gift giving, but by the time you reach year twenty-five, it may seem like you've collected a bit of everything. Something unique and useful is required at this stage of life. These sea urchin shirt studs and a set of mint julep cups are both on our list. The black onyx-style shirt studs pair perfectly with a tuxedo, and the silver mint julep cups can be personalized to elevate your entertaining skills.

Celebrating year fifty is a celebration in itself. Gold is a very fitting gift for this golden anniversary. It shows the prosperity, wisdom, strength, and importance of a long-standing unification. These 14k gold armadillo shell cufflinks are not only unique but also something your partner will reach for again and again.

1. Leather Belt 2. Wool Suit 3. Silk Neck Tie 4. Linen Pocket Squares 5. Silver Sea Urchin Studs 6. Silver Mint Julep Cups 7. Gold Armadillo Cufflinks

It’s never too late to begin gifting timeless, traditional anniversary gifts. Choosing something with meaning and classic charm doesn’t have to be difficult. Especially when gifting your partner something timeless that they’ll cherish for decades. Cheers to many years.

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The Ritz Carlton Naples, Florida

Summer here unfolds in long, sun-soaked stretches—beach mornings that turn into afternoons without much notice, punctuated by swims, simple lunches, and the kind of service that makes everything feel effortless. With Ritz Kids keeping little ones happily occupied, it strikes that rare balance: polished enough for adults, easy enough for families.

Why Summer Here: For classic beach days, done properly. Visit their sister property, The Reservoir at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, for a fun day at the water park. The park includes 3 water slides, a lazy river and children’s splash and play area for toddlers.

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Here’s the thing about Mother’s Day… the gifts don’t need to be elaborate, the plans don’t need to be over the top, and you can keep it simple. Moms spend every day, all year long planning. Planning what’s for supper, planning the weekend activities, planning what everyone needs for school.

So the real magic in Mother’s Day is simply a day where she can relax and enjoy and all of that is taken care of for her.

Dressing the Part

Whether she’s hosting brunch or being taken to one, there’s something about wearing something a little special that makes the whole day feel different. Think soft florals, crisp cottons, silhouettes that work from morning tea straight through to the afternoon without a wardrobe crisis. Something that moves, something that flatters, something that doesn’t feel like effort even when it very much is.

Mothers and daughters, coordinating without trying too hard. That’s the dream.

SHOP

Gifts That Actually Land

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There’s something about Easter that calls for a little more intention. A return to dressing up, setting the table, and marking the moment beautifully. It’s about creating your own family traditions and carrying on the ones you choose to keep from your own past. The kind children remember, and grow up wanting to recreate. Here’s a little check-list to make sure every bunny is ready…

Dressing the Part

Easter has always been an occasion for putting one’s best foot forward—crisp cottons, soft pastels, and those heirloom details that feel both nostalgic and new. This year’s pieces lean into that tradition: hand-smocking, scalloped edges, bows tied just so.

For little ones, it’s about ease as much as elegance—pieces they can run, play, and hunt eggs in, without losing their charm by midday.

SHOP

Let Your Table Do The Talking

An Easter table doesn’t need to be elaborate to feel special, it just needs a point of view. A palette of soft spring color, a mix of textures, and a few thoughtful details go a long way.

Think woven placemats, delicate glassware, and something unexpected—a ribbon tied at each place setting, hand-painted eggs, or a scattering of flowers that feel just-picked rather than overly arranged.

It’s the kind of table that invites people to linger.

SHOP

A New Tradition (or Two)

Beyond the dresses and the table, it’s the little traditions that make the day. The morning egg hunt, the brunch with all the cousins, something made by hand that becomes part of the story year after year.

As a mother, my unexpected favorite part of the holiday is coming home from Church with all the Easter basket mess still strewn about. Candy wrappers and paper grass litter the floor and while on any other day, that would drive me crazy, it’s the best reminder that we only get so many of these days, so making them special is so incredibly worth it.

Whether it’s decorating eggs, baking something together or creating keepsakes to tuck away, these are the moments that quietly shape the holiday and their memories of it for years to come.

Dye Easter Eggs Naturally | Bake Hot Cross Buns | Bunny Spoon Crafts

Having had the pleasure of attending the Masters every year from the age of eight also means I’ve watched the tournament evolve through the decades. I remember the Masters with smaller crowds, filled with the familiar faces of other local families and friends. Socializing on the large grassy hill on the 16th hole and returning lost turtles to the pond will forever be some of my fondest memories.

But what makes the tournament so special are the traditions and lore that have grown along with it. As a preteen, I’d be dropped off with a handwritten phone number on a piece of scrap paper and instructions to call to be picked up. Flash forward to 2026, and if you want to make a phone call, you will still be using a landline. Cell phones are a strict no go, as are cameras. There is a unique Masters etiquette, and it makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

What to do…

Visit the concession stands… ALL the concessions stands

The pimento cheese sandwich is a must, but don’t sleep on the BBQ. Chips and fruit sides are best and get your peach ice cream sandwich when you see them because they will run out. Keep your cups as souvenirs or gifts for friends; they’re perfect for using as to go cups back home. Visit the concessions as many times as possible throughout the day. In the morning coffee and breakfast items are available and later follow with lunch items and adult beverages. It’s truly one of the best parts of the tournament - the food is cheap and so good.

Take in the scenery

Seeing the azaleas begin to bloom is a sure sign that spring has arrived in the South and the Masters is coming soon. If you find yourself at the tournament, make sure to take in the scenery around the property; it’s unlike any other golf course in the world. Keep an eye out for The Hogan Bridge leading to the green on the 12^th hole, the pond and grassy hill on #16, the Big Oak Tree by the Clubhouse and so many other special corners. The tall pine trees and unique florals planted carefully around each hole are something to be seen all on their own.

Shop the Pro Shop

There are two golf shops at The Augusta National and both feature a full collection of Masters merchandise. North Golf Shop is in the Patron Corridor adjacent to No. 1 fairway. The South Village Golf Shop is conveniently located for patrons entering South Gate.

Shopping can be overwhelming. I recommend preparing a list in advance, including sizes for items you’d like to purchase for friends and family. The tournament offers shipping services to ship items home and there are lockers located onsite for storing things. If you’re looking for sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and other essentials, keep an eye out for on-course golf shops around the grounds to avoid the crowds.

What to wear…

You’ll most definitely want to dress “on par” for the occasion. You can’t go wrong with the classic green and white look, and if you’re bringing the kids, you know we never miss a matching moment.

If you have the pleasure of attending the tournament more than once, the Kate dress in South Charles Stripe is the dress to wear. Flowy, cool and comfortable, pair it with tennis shoes and you’ll be able to walk the course for hours without a care in the world. Drape a light sweater over your shoulders for cooler mornings and if the kids join you in attendance (and they can for free!), dress them in these coordinating pieces.

A few final tips…

You can bring the kids for free! The Junior Pass Program allows each patron of record (name on the badge) the opportunity to experience the tournament with one junior child (ages 8-16) for each day. There are very important rules and registrations set in place to sign up for the program. For more information on the rules and regulations of the Junior Pass program click here: 2026 Masters Tournament Tickets

Bring the Master’s to you! Wanting to elevate your Masters watch Party? If you’re unable to attend the tournament, enjoy the Taste of Masters at home. These hosting kits include the Masters famous pimento cheese, egg salad, classic concessions, cups with logos and other hosting items. Find them here!

Downsize your bag. Patrons may bring backpacks, bags or purses no larger than 10”x10”x12.” This would be perfect!

When I bought my first home in Bermuda, I wanted it done—fast. I raced to furnish every room, hang every mirror, and complete every corner before the paint had even dried. Looking back, I think that rush is a deeply familiar instinct. You don’t want to live in a half-finished home, and you assume the faster it's complete, the sooner you'll feel settled.

But what I’ve learned since is that a house is not a checklist. And feeling at home has nothing to do with how fast you can furnish it.

This time around, I’m trying something different. After we bought our current home, a newly renovated house, we were hit with an unexpected twist: a flood. It happened just a month after the purchase and before we had officially moved in. The damage was so severe that we had to gut the entire thing. Floors, walls, cabinetry—everything had to go.

What started out as a nightmare turned into an unexpected opportunity. I found myself rebuilding from the studs, choosing every surface, finish, and fixture with a fresh eye and a newfound sense of creative joy. It was, it turns out, exactly what I needed to turn this house into a home that felt like us.

But perhaps the biggest shift isn’t in the materials I’ve chosen, but in the pace at which I’m moving. This time, I’m being slow. Intentionally so. I’m living in each room before I decide what it needs. I’m letting my days and routines—school mornings, quiet evenings, weekends with friends—inform the shape of each space, and I couldn’t be happier that I am.

My mother, who could have been an interior designer in another life, has always told me: “You have to live in a house before you really know how to design it.” For years, I politely ignored that advice. But now, I finally get it. And I’m following it to the letter.

We didn’t have a sofa in our formal living room for one full year. And you know what? I’m so glad I waited for the perfect thing. I wanted to find something I loved—not just something that fills the space. I want this home to be thoughtful and honest and personal, even if it takes me a while to get there.

There’s something incredibly liberating about releasing the pressure to “finish” and instead letting a home evolve the way we do. This house has already seen so many unexpected turns—a renovation we didn’t plan, a design process I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I have—and somehow, it feels more ours because of it.

I’ll be sharing more of this journey as it unfolds, from the choices I’m most proud of to the rooms that are still finding their rhythm. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s this: Good design takes time. And it’s worth every second.

Boston is a city built on stories—brick-lined ones, gilded ones, family-spun ones. Walk this historic city’s cobblestone streets and you can feel the weight of generations that have gathered here, from students in their caps and gowns along the Charles and families toasting milestones in Back Bay brownstones to children tracing the red Freedom Trail bricks like breadcrumbs. There’s a sense that history is never far, yet Boston is anything but stuck in time—it’s a living, breathing invitation to convene.

For Meghan, Boston is deeply personal. It’s the place she has returned to time and again, where fond memories mingle with new traditions. It’s also where the latest Henry Duvall Fall/Winter campaign was photographed, with The Newbury Hotel serving as the elegant backdrop. The city offered a familiar rhythm for Meghan’s vision, moments of gathering, pauses in the park, and the comforting sense of nostalgia that feels magical in that crisp autumn air.

For families, Boston is a rare breed of destination proving to be both intimate enough to explore on foot yet layered enough to return to again and again—still with a sense of discovery. You come for the universities, the culture, the duck boats, or simply the chance to gather with your favorite people under one skyline.

Below, our is family-first guide to Boston, sharing where to sleep, see, play, and do when this city is your backdrop.

Sleep

The Newbury Boston
Set on the corner of Arlington and Newbury Streets with the Boston Public Garden unfurling at its feet, this storied address has been a fixture of the city since 1927. Today, after a thoughtful reimagining, it feels less like a hotel and more like Boston’s most elegant living room, one that welcomes families as naturally as it does design devotees. Guest rooms are gracious without being precious, outfitted with handsome details and, in certain suites, working fireplaces that seem made for board games and cocoa after an afternoon outdoors. Dining feels equally effortless: Contessa, the glass-wrapped rooftop restaurant, offers Italian classics with sweeping views, while The Street Bar downstairs remains an icon for a reason. What truly distinguishes The Newbury, though, is its mood. There’s an ease to gathering here—whether in the lobby’s book-lined nooks, over breakfast before a day of museums, or in the glow of a family celebration upstairs. It’s Boston at its most polished, yes, but also at its most personal.

See

• Boston Public Garden: Directly across from The Newbury, this 24-acre park is as close to a family living room as the city gets. Pack a picnic, rent a swan boat, or simply wander the willow-lined paths.

• Museum of Fine Arts: One of the world’s great museums, with Egyptian mummies to captivate children and Impressionist galleries to enthrall adults. It’s a place where art becomes a multigenerational conversation.

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: A Venetian-style palazzo brimming with treasures and intrigue. Families will love the courtyard garden—an evergreen space where little ones can play “spot the detail” while adults revel in the romance.

Play

• Fenway Park: Baseball is religion in Boston, and Fenway is its cathedral. Even if you don’t catch a game, a tour of the stadium is a family memory in the making.

• Duck Boat Tour: Kitschy? Yes. Unforgettable? Absolutely. These amphibious vehicles roll you through the city before splashing into the Charles, eliciting squeals from kids and adults alike.

• Charles River Esplanade: Ideal for cycling, scootering, or simply strolling. The playgrounds are a hit with children, while the skyline views make parents grateful for the pause.

Do

• Walk the Freedom Trail: A red brick line guides you through 16 historic sites, from Paul Revere’s house to Faneuil Hall. It’s history made tangible—and walking it together becomes a rite of passage.

• Shop on Newbury Street: From bookshops to boutiques, the mile-long stretch offers something for every generation. Pause for ice cream at J.P. Licks, or slip into Trident Booksellers for an impromptu story hour.

• Take a Day Trip: Concord and Lexington are just a short drive away, offering leafy landscapes and Revolutionary War history. For seaside charm, hop north to Rockport or Gloucester for clam shacks and salty breezes.

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Some destinations feel curated for calm. Sea Island is certainly one of them. A pocket of the Georgia coast where etiquette still matters, monograms outnumber logos, and the pace is as smooth as the drawl. Think: Spanish moss in the breeze, oysters by candlelight, and children dressed in head to toe smocking catching fiddler crabs at golden hour.

Just over the causeway, St. Simons brings a looser rhythm—fishermen at the pier, bikes along oak-lined lanes, and locals who know the tides better than the time. Together, they make the kind of escape that that you’ll be dreaming of for months to come.

This is the kind of place people return to. Year after year. Generation after generation. Here’s why…

STAY

Classic comforts, ocean air, and plenty of front porches.

The Cloister at Sea Island / Unmatched Elegance
This is the crown jewel—grand, gracious, and completely transportive. Spanish Revival architecture, a unmatched beach club, and activities galore (bowling, an old fashioned candy store, a kids club or falconry, anyone?). It’s as buttoned-up or as barefoot as you make it.

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Here’s an unpopular opinion… traveling to Europe with tiny toddlers is the parenting luxury you never knew existed. Ok, hear me out—family travel with tiny ones often means resigning yourself to early dinners, 7pm bedtimes and hushed hotel-room Netflix negotiations as you sip wine in the dark. But add a European time shift into the mix, and suddenly, you're parenting on easy mode.

When my son was two-and-a-half, we ventured to Italy with no intention of resetting his little internal clock. The result? Glorious mornings that stretched lazily into brunch territory, leisurely late afternoon naps, and evenings spent lingering over late dinners in cobblestone squares while our toddler happily munched pasta alongside us. It felt indulgent and civilized—like we’d cracked some magical code of relaxed family travel.

Ireland, in particular, has emerged as a treasured family gem. Imagine telling your toddlers they're not just going on vacation, they're staying in a real-life castle. From the storybook charm of Dromoland Castle to the majestic grandeur of Ashford Castle, Ireland feels purpose-built for wide-eyed children and their equally enchanted parents. Castles, friendly faces, cozy pubs where kids are genuinely welcomed—what more could you ask?

Traveling to Europe with toddlers isn’t just doable—it might even feel decadent. Swap your parenting routine for lazy mornings, late dinners, and stories your kids will retell for years. Trust me: Europe with tiny humans in tow isn’t chaos. It’s blissfully, unexpectedly, luxurious.

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Whenever I have a trip coming up, particularly a long one like this, I stock up on things we’ll need or items I’ve been wanting to purchase, and then hoard them away for months, waiting to break them out when that suitcase opens. There is something so satisfying about arriving at your destination and finally getting to use those fresh, new items. Plus it makes the lead up to the trip more exciting, as you picture yourself on vacation, finally wearing that dress you love and have been saving for months. Just me?

Here are some of the things I’ve been storing away for our island summer:

The Cutest Lobster PJs:

Petite Plume is always a favorite and these little lobsters were a must have the moment I saw them.

This Dress for 4th of July:

Add some navy espadrilles and you’re all set!

This Amazing Beach Bag:

Classic Boat & Tote style but coated like all TRVL Design products so it wipes clean, making it perfect for the beach, boat and everything in between. And of course, add a monogram!

ALL the swimsuits:

Matching swimsuits for my kids make me so happy and I will be bringing every one we own along with me.

The Best Children’s Coverup:

I buy this every year and I love that it’s short sleeved because it’s way too hot in Bermuda for long sleeves, even after a swim.

A Favorite Dress in a New Colorway:

Ok, I did break this one out early for our Boston photoshoot this week, but I just love the crisp white and classic navy for summer.

This RL Beauty:

I stumbled across this dress and instantly fell in love with it. It’s such a ladylike classic for lunch with friends or a casual dinner out.

These Jellies I Buy Every Year for Grace:

Cheap and cheerful, they’re indestructible and will last all summer long.

Matching Summer Outfits:

I plan on my kids wearing these sailboats on repeat.

My father is a wanderer at heart—a pilot, sailor and perpetual adventurer whose passport pages read like a novel. Growing up in my family meant a lot of plane rides and a deep sense of adventure. I learned to scuba dive in the Galapagos, went tobogganing in the Alps and rang in the new millennium to fireworks in New Zealand. Bermuda was home, but we learned to ski not long after we learned to walk. We spent school trips (and a lot of time skipping school as well) traveling—sometimes on a sailboat, sometimes out West, sometimes in far flung corners of the world.

When I had children, I discovered an unexpected and truly magical joy— getting to relive so many of these experiences through their eyes. I knew I would want to travel with them, but I didn’t anticipate how watching them discover the same places and experiences that I did at their age would bring me right back to my own childhood in the most special way. And the same goes for my parents, who now join us on multi-generational trips to watch their grandchildren create the memories they once gifted us. While it’s anything but easy, it is so incredibly worth it.

A Few Modern How-To’s

My natural instinct is to choose style over practicality when packing our bags, so I might not be the best source, but I do have a few tips for keeping the chaos just manageable enough to enjoy every glamorous yet slightly frazzled moment.

Packing Tips:

• Pack by occasion or day and then bundle each day together in packing cubes. Fold the bottoms inside of the tops to make neat little packages - my favourite folding method - if you know you know.

  The cutest packing cubes for you

  And your littles

  Pink & White Striped Cosmetic Case

  Terrycloth Makeup Case

• This one is going to be an unpopular opinion, especially amongst the husbands in the room, but overpack. You heard me. I would rather have exactly what I want and everything I need for my kids and have to haul a few extra bags. It makes me happy and isn’t that the whole point?

• But rent where you can! There are so many companies today who rent children’s gear— high chairs, cribs, baby baths, even toys to keep them occupied. They will often deliver right to your hotel or house and pick up again at the end. When we go skiing, we even rent the kids ski gear every year from a wonderful company called KitLender so we don’t have to haul it back and forth. Added bonus: we don’t have to buy new snowsuits every year as they grow when we’re only using them for one week.

• Choose fabrics that travel well. No one wants to iron on vacation and they’ll end up just looking messy as you’re rushing out the door to the fun. Our Field Club line is so perfect for this and is what I reach for over and over when choosing travel outfits for them. My kids are comfortable, nothing will wrinkle, and they will look put together for every photo moment.

Create Traditions They’ll Look Forward to Year After Year

One annual highlight exemplifying our family's travel ethos is skiing in Stowe, Vermont. It's a tradition steeped in family lore—my grandfather’s tenure at AIG helped anchor my father's childhood memories there, and now it's the backdrop to ours. Meals are rituals, passed down from one generation to the next. When my father and his family would drive up from Westchester (a very long drive back then), they would always have fondue the first evening to kick off the trip. Now it’s something my children eagerly anticipate every year. My recent surprise 40th birthday bash at our favorite fondue spot perfectly encapsulated how food can anchor memories across generations, and I love that.

Paying Attention to Varied Needs Will Go a Long Way

Finding sleep solutions for our ever-growing extended family posed new challenges on our ski trip this year. The solution? Renting two adjoining townhomes—one family-friendly and filled with chaos, the other for the civilized adults sans children. The proximity kept us connected yet comfortable, with children gleefully darting between homes, and everyone having the space they needed.

Make Sure to Have Fun Yourself!

On this trip every year, watching my father teach my children how to ski brings back memories of my own snowy education and makes it so meaningful for me. This year, my boys proudly tackled their first black diamond run and I was in heaven. Sometimes, though, with moments like this, I try so hard to be a “good” mom that I realize later on that I missed out on the fun. In Stowe, I really wanted to imprint the quiet majesty of nature on them by pointing out every little beauty, but they were miles ahead of me, noticing each snowy pine and glittering icicle long before I pointed them out. So instead I decided to just sit back and enjoy watching them. And it was magical.

The true essence of this yearly trip, though, is gathered around fireplaces apres-ski, bundled up, laughter echoing through snowy evenings. Each year our group expands—siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles—gathering memories to add to the family history books.

There’s an art to dressing a family. One that’s less about Pinterest-perfect matchy-matchy looks and more about orchestrating a subtle, stylish symphony of color, personality, and practicality. And it all starts with one surprising rule: dress yourself first.

This gem of wisdom came from our HD photographer, Tracy Jones, and it changed everything. “If you start with what you love,” she told me, “you’ll feel good—and the rest will follow.” And she’s right. The moment I start with a dress or blouse that feels like me, coordinating everyone else becomes not only easier, but actually enjoyable. The result is a family that looks harmonious, never uniform. Cohesive, but never costume-y.

I love playing with texture and pattern—pulling a thread of a soft blue across all our outfits, or letting one floral hint appear in different ways across cottons, linens, and stripes. Sometimes I’ll match all three kids, sometimes just two, and often they simply coordinate, each with a nod to the palette but with their personalities leading the way. It keeps things feeling intentional and elevated. And honestly? It makes for better pictures and better memories.

But every once in a while, a color means more than just an aesthetic choice.

Growing up, I was a pink-and-purple kind of girl (as many of us were). But what made it extra magical was sharing that love with my grandmother, who we called Nonie. She was fearless with color—bold pink dining rooms, punchy prints, unapologetic style. She lived in pink, decorated in pink, and made pink feel less like a girlish whim and more like a power move.

Later, when I lived in New York after college, I had the unique joy of getting to know her as an adult. Long dinners, deep laughs, style advice passed down like heirlooms. When she passed, I held tight to those memories—but I didn’t realize just how often I’d be reminded of her on a daily basis.

Now my daughter Grace—named after Nonie, of course—has a nearly identical love for all things pink. And when she gravitates toward sparkly magenta tutus or stubbornly refuses to wear anything but a rosy hue, I can’t help but smile. There’s a flicker of memory, a moment of connection, and suddenly it’s like Nonie’s in the room again. Pink, it turns out, is more than a color. It’s a through-line. An anchor to memory.

As for my go-to palette? Soft pastels win for me, always. They’re the colors of my childhood in Bermuda—where the ocean is painted in every shade of blue imaginable, and the sand is blush-tinged and storybook soft. I gravitate toward blues and whites year-round, but especially in spring. A little navy-and-white stripe in the summer, a crisp white jean, a pop of red or light blue for the kids. (Side note: red and light blue? One of my favorite color combos.)

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“You can go to heaven if you want, I’d rather stay in Bermuda.”
— Mark Twain

There are places that feel like secrets, and then there’s Bermuda—a place many people think they know, until they actually go. People are initially surprised to learn that it’s not in the Caribbean (closer to Nova Scotia than Nassau), and that yes, the sand really is pink! A curious mix of English rose gardens and rum swizzles, cricket pitches and coral reefs, Bermuda is an island of contrasts that somehow make perfect sense. It's only 90 minutes from the East Coast (making it ideal for families with small children), but it might as well be a world away.

It’s not just a beach vacation—it’s Bermuda. Polished, proper, but never stiff. Like a G&T served in a monogrammed tumbler. Every corner tells a story, and if you ask the locals, they’ll gladly tell you a few (probably while handing you a fish sandwich the size of your head.)

Below is my little black book of island tips and family favourites—because when people find out I am from the island, it’s what everyone always asks. Well, that and whether the triangle is real— I’ll save that for another day.

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Hello and Welcome!

I’m so delighted you've joined us here at The Grace Guide, your new favorite spot for stylish family living, thoughtful traditions, and effortlessly chic moments. As a designer and a mom, I’ve always believed that family life deserves both beauty and practicality—never sacrificing one for the other. Here, we celebrate the harmony of everyday elegance and effortless charm in a space that’s warm, witty, and always just a little unexpected.

Here's a peek at what you'll find in our thoughtfully curated newsletter:

Field Notes

Travel guides to my favorite places with tips and tricks to make your adventures stylishly effortless, from quick weekend escapes to big family journeys.

Made with Love

A peek behind the curtain into my creative world—fabric selections, inspirations, and the joy-filled journey behind Henry Duvall.

Colorstory

How-to guides for dressing your family with intention— perfectly coordinated and perfectly polished, exploring the beauty of seasonal palettes, the psychology behind color, and easy-to-shop moodboards.

Memory Bank

Cherished stories behind heirloom-worthy pieces—a favorite sweater handed down, a treasured toy, or furniture steeped in family history.

Full of Grace

A space to honor the charm, curiosity, and quiet strength of little girls— with tips for capturing sweet milestones, finding tiny treasures, and heirloom dressing with heartfelt storytelling.

The Fun Fix

A curated selection of exciting new finds and my must-haves for everyday living and travel—practical, polished, and perfectly playful.

Traditions & Treasures

Elevating small moments into cherished routines—from setting the table beautifully to winding down gently at night, we’ll inspire thoughtful, lasting family traditions.

Wild At Heart

Celebrating adventurous, spirited little boys—muddy knees, imaginative minds, and everyday rituals that embrace all the joys of raising kind, curious souls.

A Little Birdie Said…

Your stylish insider dispatch—what’s buzzing, what families are loving, chic new discoveries, travel hacks, and candid chats with fellow parents-in-the-know. Think of it as the mom at the playground whispering the best secrets.

Thank you for joining us—I can’t wait to share this adventure with you. Here’s to creating beautiful, intentional, and memorable family moments together.

Warmly,

Meghan