I made this on a rainy Saturday, and it tasted like a marriage between nachos and chili. The flavors were delicious, but not too heavy. I can’t wait to make again.

My new-to-me favorite antique store on Cape Cod is Gatherings at Home in Dennis. The store has a small, but wonderfully curated selection and very fair prices. It feels like walking into a chic coastal grandmother’s home.

This was my haul. The french lace table cloth is stunning.

It has been 9 years since my first trip to Cape Cod, and my packing has become better but somehow much more involved (I blame the toddler). The weather on this trip was all over the place, so I packed shorts and pants, long sleeves and short sleeves, and a sweater. I ended wearing just about everything.

Pictured left to right, top to bottom: Brown pants, green skirt, navy top, “travel” case with socks and underwear, 3 tees (all different sleeve lengths for versatility), sweater, athletic shorts and tees, brown flats, bathing suit and coverup, and white slides. I wore leggings, a tee, an hoodie, and sneakers on the drive, and carried a navy tote.

I used the Amy Smilovic “flat packing method” which was very easy and did a good job of minimizing wrinkles. I also threw in my mini straw bag at the last minute, and was so glad I did.

This was a veryyyyy good batch of books. Leaving: very sad, very beautiful story of a rekindled love. Sandwich: love any story that centers the Cape. I wanted to spend even more time with this family. James: Gorgeous, thoughtful retelling of Jim’s story from Huckleberry Finn. Husband & Lovers: Just what I wanted for a fun, but still really good, summer read. Teddy: Same. Great writing, good story, not too serious.

In my quest to focus my shopping on small stores, I found this gorgeous little Japanese knot style bag at a boutique in California called A’marees. The leather is supple, and the off white really sets off so many colors. I also love the handwritten note that often comes when you buy from a small store.

The Women: No one does historical fiction better than Kristin Hannah. It is a moving story about the women who served in Vietnam. Annie Bot: Interesting premise about the role of AI in our lives, but all the robot sex just isn’t for me. Beach Read: Fun, saucy summer book that is a great “beach read.” All Fours: While I appreciate what it is trying to do, both the writing and the main character were way too unhinged for me. The Wren: Probably the most “literary” books I have read this year, and it was really beautiful. It is the story of two women who are related to a great poet, and how his work and choices impacted their lives.

Supergoop Glow Sunscreen – got this as a sample, wouldn’t purchase. I don’t love the tint on my face. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – my favorite sunscreen under makeup. Goes on clear and provides a great base for foundation. Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser – got the travel size in a sample kit and I love it. Lasted a long time and provided light exfoliation when I felt like my skin needed a little more cleaning. Naturium Body Wash – didn’t love the scent, so won’t repurchase. Boy Smells Hinoki Fantome – one of my favorite candles. Smells like incense in a Japanese garden. Often goes on sale at Sephora and Shopbop. Marvis toothpaste – do I need fancy Italian toothpaste? Obviously not. But have fully turned myself and my husband onto these and can’t go back now.

I went to the Cottage in Greenwich with my best friend, and it was a beautiful space with delicious food. Since I didn’t take any interior pictures, I guess I will have to go back. 🙂