Central Park

December 23, 2018Leave a comment

After a crazy month of final exams, present prep and saying goodbye to friends at college, I’m finally home for the holidays! I’m beyond excited to spend quality time with my family over the next couple of weeks…I’ve missed them so much! A few days ago, my boyfriend Mike and I headed into the Big Apple to explore all things Christmas! Growing up, I’ve always had this dream of exploring Central Park with someone I love. Going there with Mike was seriously a dream come true for me!

We started our day by boarding the crowded train in New Jersey. After only an hour’s time, we made it to New York City! Our first stop was Times Square which was flooded with tourists from all over the world basking in the holiday spirit. We stopped at Starbucks for a little “pick me up” to prep us for a day full of lots of walking.

As we made our way uptown, we finally reached Central Park. I was giddy with joy to have Mike by my side in one of my favorite places in the whole world! Hand in hand, we made our way around the Park, laughing, joking and taking lots of photos!

The Christmas Vendor’s were set up in the Park and we decided to stop and take a look. Mike bought me my perfect white pom hat that I’ve been on the hunt for…I’m seriously obsessed with it and put it on right away! As far as my outfit goes, I went for a more casual look and decided to make a statement in my new cherry red puffer jacket! I wore my favorite black Quay aviators which are my go-to sunglasses no matter the occasion. I find that they always help to polish any look I’m going for. Like I mentioned before, I popped on my white pom hat to add the perfect winter touch to the look! Whenever I’m in the city, I also find that carrying a cross-body purse is the best idea; this way, I can keep a close eye on my belongings. I wore my favorite black Michael Kors bag with gold detailing that is seriously the perfect size!

The whole day was so magical and truly unforgettable. There’s something about the Christmas spirit in the air in New York City. I’m so happy that I got to experience the joy of the holidays with him!

This holiday season, I feel so lucky to have this guy by my side! He’s the best gift I could ever ask for! Wishing y’all a happy and safe holiday season!

XO, Lexie

Oh My Gourd…Fall is Here!

October 16, 20181 Comment

Happy fall y’all! A week ago it seemed like the cool weather would never come, but by the grace of God, the temperature dropped and autumn is finally here! To kickoff the season, my sister Cammie, best friend Courtney and I decided to take a trip to the pumpkin patch to get into the spirit. We started our day with Starbucks and worship at church and then drove to Lloyd Family Farms for a fun filled day!

Upon arriving, we waited in line to get our hayride tickets. After purchasing, we began loading onto the wagon. We were surrounded by giggling children pointing out the farm animals and soft smiles from all passengers as they gazed at the gorgeous open-land. The crisp air was magical making me wish this day could last forever!

As the pumpkin patch came into view, the hayride came to a stop. We made our way off of the wagon and into the sea of orange. Court, Cam and I immediately pulled out our cameras and began snapping away!

Like every blogger, fall fashion is my absolute favorite. I couldn’t wait to showcase my staples at the patch! I wore my holy-grail Urban Outfitters black turtleneck top (seriously can style this in a ton of different ways) paired with an A-line camel colored suede skirt from Old Navy that I know I’m going to wear on repeat this season! For shoes, I went with my black, suede, block heeled, thigh high boots from Zara that I adore. To finish the look, I popped on Mac Cosmetics Cream in your Coffee lipstick (favorite fall shade) and threw on my Quay Australia black aviator sunglasses for polish.

I hope you guys are enjoying the cool weather as much as I am! What are your fall fashion staples? Comment below!

XO, Lexie

The Little Lemon Dress

August 22, 201814 Comments

In the beginning of summer, I remember scrolling through Instagram seeing all of my favorite bloggers/fashion influencers sporting lemon print and I was immediately obsessed! I bookmarked their posts for inspiration and was on my very own hunt for the perfect lemon sundress for summer. While shopping in Marshalls looking for swimsuits, I stumbled across this sky blue, fit and flare, 50’s style lemon printed dress. It was love at first sight and the dress was completely darling; I darted toward the rack, scooped it up and headed for the dressing room! As soon as I zipped it up, I knew that I had to purchase it! It fit like a glove and I immediately started to style the dress in my head. I envisioned my blush Kendra Scott necklace, my gold holographic Michael Kors bag and some white vintage sunnies and that’s exactly how I wore it! I took the dress out for a spin at my favorite coffee shop in Long Beach Island with my sisters for some iced soy lattes and acai bowls!

What print have you been loving this summer? Comment Below!

XO, Lexie

Memories from Maryland

August 3, 20182 Comments

On my freshman year move-in day, I remember one of the last things my Dad saying to me before he pulled away was,”Lex, you’re going to meet ‘your people’ here”. As someone who struggled through high school in the friendship department, that was everything I was hoping for. It excited and terrified me all at the same time because the possibility of making lifelong friends seemed so incredible, but I was also scared about whether or not I would connect with people in the ways I wished for. As they say, parents are always right and I was blessed with forming some amazing friendships this past year. One of the most special relationships I created in school was with my friend Carmen. We had met at an admissions event the Spring before our freshman year started. In the Fall we both happened to be in the same Spanish class, we sat together, and the rest is history! Every single Friday we met at our school’s coffee shop and gave each other life updates, laughed until we cried, vented, gave each other advice and inspired each other! Carmen and her family invited me to spend the week in her hometown and I was incredibly excited to spend time with her and make memories that would last forever!

One of my favorite places we visited was this small town called Berlin. This quaint spot is filled with awesome shops, boutiques and restaurants. I spent way more money than I should have and bought some awesome jewelry and a new pair of sunnies that I absolutely adore! Below are some photos of the food I ate and snapshots from this sweet place!

Whenever I travel I always look for a cute and comfortable outfit to walk around in. I went for an off the shoulder, smocked gingham top that was super comfy and summery. I paired it with a high waisted, white, frayed jean skirt that I seriously have not stopped wearing this season. I finished the look off with some blush colored, suede slides that I cannot get enough of! Most of my wardrobe is black and white so these add a subtle pop of color that I am totally obsessed with!

I’m so thankful for my vacation with Carmen and can’t wait to show her my hometown next summer!

Special shoutout to this sweetheart for being the best friend!

XO, Lexie

Sweet Summertime // Terhune Orchards

June 10, 2018Leave a comment

There’s nothing quite like fresh fruit in the summertime! Because strawberries are in the height of their season, my sister and I decided to seize the moment and take a trip to our local orchard to go picking. We chose a beautiful, breezy afternoon; the sun was shining bright and we practically had the fields to ourselves. Upon arriving, we went into the little farm store and both picked out teal cartons to fill with the sweet berries. After getting them, we walked towards the fields and got right to it! I had so much fun searching for the perfect berries and before I knew it, my carton was overflowing! I couldn’t wait to bring them home to my family and cut them up for dessert!

I’m so excited to keep picking organic fruits and veggies all summer long! It’s certainly the most fun way to grocery shop! Lots of posts coming soon…

Gingham Top: Old Navy

Mom Jeans: American Eagle

Sandals: Jack Rogers

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Lipstick: Mac in Russian Red

Bracelet: Tiffany & Co

Necklace: Mud Pie

Nail Polish: Sally Hansen in Let’s Jam

XO, Lexie

But First, Brunch!

February 11, 2018Leave a comment

Brunch has and always will be my favorite meal! You simply cannot go wrong with a mix of sweet and savory delicacies, coffee, mimosas and most importantly, great company. My family and I love trying out new places to eat and recently, we were recommended by a friend to try out Wildflour Bakery Cafe. This darling little restaurant is in a gorgeous, historical Victorian style home making for a cozy and warm atmosphere. This menu puts a special spin on classic brunch foods. They’re dishing out unique crepes, omelettes, flatbreads and offer a wide variety of vegan and gluten free options, making this restaurant a pleaser for all lifestyles. I started off the meal by sipping on a delicious almond milk cappuccino that I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of! I followed my cup of joe by ordering a vegan roasted kale and sweet potato crepe served with a vegan chipotle aioli…it was seriously amazing! There is nothing I love more than sitting down to a meal with great people, sharing stories, laughing and enjoying life together.

I can’t wait for many more delicious brunches at Wildflour! What is your favorite brunch place? Make sure to comment your recommendations below!

xo, Lexie

Best of Beauty 2017

January 13, 20184 Comments

Hi readers! 2017 was a huge year for me filled with so many life changes! I graduated high school, started at my dream college, made the most amazing friends, joined a sorority (shout out to Alpha Gamma Delta) and grew so much as a person. As I reflected on myself this past year, I thought that I would also reflect on some of my favorite beauty products that I used throughout 2017! Below I am rounding up my holy grail products that you definitely have to add to your beauty routine in the new year! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

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Best Foundation: Urban Decay Naked Skin // lightweight, airy, medium-buildable coverage, flawless finish. the perfect foundation.

Best Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser // smooth, easy to blend, airbrushed look. perfect coverage on under eye circles and blemishes.

Best Powder: Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Pressed Powder // added coverage, perfect to dust overtop of foundation, doesn’t crease.

Best Setting Spray: NYX Matte Setting Spray // affordable, keeps makeup in place ALL DAY, can’t leave without spritzing some on.

Best Blush: Milani Rose Powder Blush // pigmented, natural, flushed look. the perfect rosy cheek.

Best Bronzer: Benefit Hoola Bronzer // guaranteed chiseled cheekbones. great for contouring. awesome shade for all skin tones, warms up the face.

Best Lipgloss: NYX butter gloss in Eclair // creamy, moisturizing, the perfect pink pout.

Best Lipstick: Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Sphynx // my everyday pink/nude lipstick, inexpensive, long wearing, my go-to.

Best Eyeshadow Palette: Tarte “Tartelette in Bloom” // amazing color payoff, highly pigmented, blendable, mix of fun and neutral colors, potential day and nighttime eye looks.

Best Mascara: Maybelline Colossal in Glam Black // have tried high end mascaras of all brands and always come back to this Maybelline one. affordable, lengthens, curls, makes the lash line look dark and full.

Best Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal // glowy, soft, photographs well, not outrageously metallic like some others, good for an everyday shimmer.

Best Makeup Brushes: Ecotools // soft, cruelty free, inexpensive, wash nicely, made with recycled and synthetic materials, feel good about applying your makeup with these brushes.

Best Face Wash: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel // use this face wash once and you’ll never want to use another cleanser again. leaves your face soft and very clean after a long day of oil and makeup exposure.

Best Facial Spray: Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray // spritz this rosewater spray for a refreshing, hydrating lift after washing your face!

Best Face Mask: Aztec Secret Bentonite Indian Healing Clay // hands down the best face mask I have ever used! it seriously feels like you have new skin after just one use.

If you try out any of these products please comment below! I would love to know what you think about them! Wishing all of you nothing but health, happiness and success in 2018!

xo, Lexie

August Favorites | Beauty + Fashion

August 23, 2017August 23, 20172 Comments

With August coming to a close and September right around the corner I thought that it would be the perfect time to share what I’ve been loving this month! Below I am rounding up my ultimate beauty and fashion favorites. I’ve also been doing some fashion trend forecasting lately and am going to be including must-have pieces that will spice up your wardrobe for the upcoming season! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

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Beauty Favorites

Obliphica Seaberry Hair Serum: Have you guys ever tried out a new product that you ended up loving/using everyday and wonder what the heck you did before without it? For me, that is this hair serum! It’s my new holy grail product. I was introduced to this stuff thanks to the sample size in my Birchbox! It just so happened that I was in desperate need of something to tame my hair from the humidity. Naturally, I was super eager to test this product out and couldn’t have been more happy with the results. After showering or styling my hair, I use about a pea sized droplet of the serum, rub the product between my fingertips and comb out my hair with my hands. It leaves my hair looking super healthy and shiny, without looking greasy…this is key when dealing with serums. This product contains Sea Buckthorn Berry which is super rich in antioxidants and completely restores dry, damaged hair and additionally, combats frizz. I have noticed a huge difference in the overall heath of my hair of my hair and have people asking me all the time what product I use in my hair to make it so soft and shiny! Because you only use a small amount of the product, it will last you months which compensates for the price. You will not regret purchasing this!

Garnier Micellar Water: For years, I dreaded when nighttime would roll around because that meant having to take off my makeup. For most people, that is their favorite time of the day, but for me, all I could think about were my eyes stinging and my face burning. The cause? Makeup wipes. Trust me, I tried to give them a fair shot by testing out a multitude of different brands and I just couldn’t seem to find something that got the job done without causing me discomfort. In dire need to find something to take my makeup off comfortably, I began to research alternate makeup removing products and that’s when I discovered micellar water. This stuff is seriously life changing. I soak my cotton round with the micellar water and in circular motions make my way around my entire face, taking off all of my foundation first. I then use a new cotton round to remove my eye makeup. There is absolutely no stinging, it removes 100% off my makeup, and is much better for the environment than using the wipes. And, if you can even imagine, the micellar water gets better than it already sounds. This product not only acts as a makeup remover, but a facial cleanser all in one, so you are tackling two parts of your nighttime routine in one step! How great is that!?

Maybelline Colossal Mascara: When it comes to mascara, I’ve pretty much tried every recommended brand in the book…drugstore, high-end, indie brands…you name it! Mascara is definitely a product that I go through pretty quickly. As a student, saving money is essential and considering the amount I go through, I was able to easily rule out the high-end products. To be honest, the high-end mascara brands I tried were very comparable to drug store brands and to me, it wasn’t worth the price tag. I stuck to looking in my local drugstore, that way spending between $5-10 was no harm, no foul. After trying a few different brands I decided to venture into the Maybelline section and the bright yellow tube of the Colossal Mascara stood out right away. I grabbed the mascara and I’ve been using it every single day for years now. This mascara isn’t clumpy in the slightest, applies evenly, lengthens, and adds a bunch of volume giving me a full glam look which is what I love. I often get asked what lashes I’m wearing and when I tell people that they’re my lashes you wouldn’t believe their faces! At only around $6 a tube, this stuff is unmatched. Great quality, great price, great lashes.

Gourmand Hair + Body Mist: Anyone else think that the best compliment ever is when someone tells you how good you smell!? I know that for me, it makes my confidence sky rocket! Ever since I have been using this hair and body mist, this compliment has been on repeat…and I couldn’t be happier about it! Special thanks to my sister Cammie for making me try out this spray! This mist comes in three scents, Fluer Monoï, Sel Ocean, and Pistachio Brûlée…all very different but all equally as amazing. Spritz this mist all over your body and in your hair for a scent that lasts all day! Reasonably priced at only $24 for 3.4 oz, this spray will be your new go-to scent!

TonyMoly I’m Real Sheet Mask: Recently, I’ve been trying to step up my skincare game. I wanted to start out doing a sheet mask at least once a week to ease into this new routine and I’m so glad I did! These TonyMoly masks have improved my skin more than I could imagine! Sunday night is dedicated to “me time” so while I’m unwinding on the couch watching Bravo, I put this sheet mask for about 15-20 min and relax. It is such a good way to refresh your skin for the upcoming week. It leaves your skin looking dewy, hydrated, and most importantly healthy. When removing the mask when the time is up, pat the excess serum left on your face into your skin so none of the good product goes to waste!

Fashion Favorites

Motorcycle Jacket: The fact that motorcycle jackets are one of Fall 2017’s biggest trends makes me the happiest! I got my first moto jacket back in the 8th grade and it has lasted me up until last year! In honor of them coming back into style, I decided that I needed a refresh on the jacket so I picked up a new one at Old Navy for a super reasonable price. I honestly can’t wait to sport it this upcoming season. The ways to style this jacket are endless. Throw it over a pair of skinny jeans and graphic tee for an effortlessly chic, cool look, or make it appear fancier by throwing it over a dress to give your look a bit of an edge. Personally, I can’t wait to wear it with a lace up tee, jean skirt and thigh high boots. It is the perfect transition piece from warmer weather into cooler weather with just enough weight to keep you warm, but not as heavy as an actual coat. I can’t wait to throw this jacket on for college football games!

Pops of Plaid: It’s time to channel your inner Alicia Silverstone…plaid is here to stay! Think total Clueless vibes, with plaid minis, blazers, and jackets! I’ve always loved the school girl prep look so I couldn’t be more excited to rock this trend this fall. I’m pumped to incorporate two trends into one look with a plaid mini skirt, black tee, and leather jacket thrown over my shoulders. Not only does this look make a trendy statement, but it screams fall! Make sure to check out your local thrift store for unique plaid finds at a price point that you simply cannot pass up.

Cherry Red: Get ready because Fall 2017 is going to be RED HOT! For the past few years, we have seen various shades of red, the most popular being burgundy. It’s time to let go of this subtle shade, and trade it in for something sexy and bold! Incorporate this color into your beauty routine by painting on a pair of rich red lips, step up your shoe game by making a serious statement with a pair of cherry heels or OTK boots, or go for a romantic look with a feminine, red, off the shoulder top! You certainly will stand out in the crowd in the best, most fashionable way! Red lipstick has always been a favorite of mine, so I can’t wait to wear this more than ever. I love Mac’s Russian Red lipstick the best! I’m also pining after a red coat…how gorgeous would that be!?

Dark Florals: I’ve always loved floral because I’m such a sucker for anything and everything girly! If it has flowers on it, I most definitely want it! Floral print is usually something we see during the warmer seasons, so the fact that this print is getting a fall makeover has me so thrilled! This trend is super wearable, so if you’re someone that likes to play it safe with fashion, but still wants to be a bit trendy, this is definitely the look for you. I can’t wait to style this trend by wearing a cold shoulder, dark floral print top with a pair of dark wash denim, leather booties, and bouncy waves!

The Bold Type: Ever since Jane by Design (shoutout to everyone who knows and misses this amazing show!) got canceled, I have been wishing and not so patiently waiting for a new fashion based fiction TV show to air! Until recently, I had no idea any fashion based fiction TV shows existed until I got a text message from my awesome friend Shelby that informed me that there was a new series that I absolutely had to see! The Bold Type follows the journey of three best friends in their 20’s living in NYC who work together at Scarlet Fashion Magazine (based off of Cosmo). The show highlights important issues happening in today’s society, romance, friendship, how to chase your dreams and tips on how to be a total #bosslady. You can catch this show on Freeform, airing Tuesday’s at 9pm. Just saying, Kat, the social media director at Scarlet has my TOTAL dream job!

I had so much fun writing this post! Let me know in the comments below if you would like to see more favorites posts in the future and/or if you tried/bought anything mentioned in the post! I would love to hear your thoughts!

xo, lexie

Hydrangea Heaven

August 14, 20177 Comments

I’m a total sucker for every and all types of flowers but hydrangeas….they hold a super special place in my heart! I remember falling for this flower the first time I saw them. I was vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard when I noticed that all of the houses were lined with these lush bushes filled with the most gorgeous flowers I have ever seen. I immediately asked my mom what they were called and when she told me, that very moment, hydrangeas became my all time favorite flower! When my parents broke the news that we were going to be vacationing in Long Beach Island I got insanely excited. Hydrangeas grow best in sandy soil and what better place to find sandy soil than the beach!? I knew that I was going to see loads of gorgeous hydrangeas and boy was I right! Bold blues, hot pinks, bright whites, soft blushes and light purple petals were scattered everywhere adding a bright pop of color against the dark green leaves. I was in heaven snapping away, trying to capture all of the beauty! I mean just look at them!

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One day I hope to line my future house with hydrangea bushes! What is your favorite flower? Let me know in the comments below!

xo, lexie

Long Beach Island Travel Guide

August 7, 2017August 7, 20172 Comments

Whenever I travel, I always get questions asking where I stayed, the best places to grab a bite to eat, and fun activities to do! I’ve been vacationing in Long Beach Island for my entire life so I feel like I am pretty equipped to write-up a travel guide for everyone! Long Beach Island undoubtedly has sentimental value to my family. When my dad was growing up, he would spend his entire summer there. His family would rent a beach house year after year in Harvey Cedars. Because of all of the amazing memories my dad created there as a kid, he wanted us to experience the same type of vacation, so we always make sure to take a trip down every summer! After coming back to the island year after year I have definitely found my tried and true places to stay, places to eat, places to shop and activities to try out. I’m so excited to share them with you!

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Where to Stay

Rent a House: Renting a beach house is a great idea if you plan on spending a week or longer on the island or plan on vacationing with friends/additional family. There’s nothing like making meals together as a group and sitting around the kitchen table or out on the front porch relaxing and laughing together! So many amazing and funny memories will be made with a bunch of people staying in a house! I’ve found that renting in Beach Haven has been the best spot if you’re someone who likes who likes to be surrounded by things to do and places to go. Beach Haven is your hub for the best shopping, best restaurants, and most activities to do! If you’re someone who looks to lay low on vacation and prefers the quiet, I would suggest going to the opposite side of the island and staying in Surf City, North Beach, Harvey Cedars or Loveladies. This does come with quite a hefty price tag; however, you will be guaranteed peace and quiet away from the action and most importantly you can expect a less crowded beach.

Stay in a Motel: LBI does not have any hotels, so the closest you’ll get to that type of experience is a motel. You’ll be able to find a multitude of motels across the island. A few summers ago instead of renting a house we decided to book a motel and absolutely loved our stay. We roomed in The SeaHorse Motel located in Brant Beach and it was super clean, had wi-fi, cable, super comfortable beds, a pool, deck, and a great sized bathroom. I recommend it to everyone who asks me where to stay and the rates are very affordable! Staying in a motel will definitely give you a different type of experience but having rented and stayed, I can confirm that both options guarantee a great vacation!

What to Pack

One of the things I love most about LBI is how casual it is. It is known as a family vacation destination where people truly go to unwind and relax. This is definitely apparent in the way that people dress. For most of the vacation you will be living in your bathing suit and coverup! When you want to hit the town at night to grab dinner or go shopping you’ll find women wearing casual sundresses, white jeans and a tee or shorts and a cute top all paired with sandals or flip-flops. Men wear khaki shorts and a tee or a button down with a pair of sperry’s/sneakers or flip flops. Nights on the island do get a bit chilly so make sure to pack a sweater or a sweatshirt to throw on!

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Where to Drink: Coffee

Artifacts & Company “Coffee Nest”: Inside of Artifact’s and Company (more on this place later in the post) lies a little hidden gem called The Coffee Nest. This is seriously one of the most adorable coffee places I’ve ever been to. Shabby chic vibes mixed with modern white marble created an incredibly cool and artsy atmosphere. Their iced coffee is to die for, specifically their iced soy lattes…the things I would do for one of those right about now!

Coastal Coffee Company: Get your camera’s ready…this place is so Instagram worthy! Coastal Coffee features a huge menu ranging from lattes, cold brews, teas, espresso, mochas and more! Spend your morning sipping on your favorite drink and chatting away with family and friends. The homey feel will have you wanting to stay all day!

How you Brewin?: The name of this shop you guys…I mean how freaking cute! This cozy and warm environment is perfect for a rainy/cloudy day on the island. Enjoy a multitude of different drinks, sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries!

Where to Eat: Breakfast

The Chicken or the Egg: This restaurant is an LBI classic! It has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives as well as Man vs. Food and is seriously worth all of the hype it gets. The menu is massive, ranging from everything breakfast which is available all day, to sandwiches, wings, milkshakes and other diner classics. This place gets crowded, especially on weekends so do expect a bit of a wait. I would definitely recommend getting there as early as possible if you go for breakfast, as it’s their busiest time of the day. The earlier you go, the less crowded it will be. Like I said, vacationers on the island like to relax and sleep in so waking up a bit earlier than the others will do you a service in this case! Popularly known as “Chegg” on the island, this place is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you’ll always have a place to eat no matter the hour.

Uncle Will’s: Yet another LBI breakfast classic! Famously known for their wide variety buttermilk pancakes, these are something you simply cannot pass up! Don’t fret if you’re not a pancake person, this menu is huge filled with loads of egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, waffles and more! Again, this is a local and tourist favorite so do expect a wait, and again, the early bird gets the worm (in this case the table)! Try to get there as early as possible to prevent too long of a wait.

Shore Good Donuts: Calling all donut lovers…this place is going to be absolute heaven for you! Eat in at their small tables or take out a box of your favorite sweet treats! With a great variety of donuts, you will have lots of options to choose from. My little sister swears by their inside-out Boston cream donut. It’s a warm plain donut, covered in hot chocolate ganache, filled with cold cream. What’s not to love!?

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Bagels and Beyond: Most days my family stays in for breakfast and my dad gets up early in the morning to get a bunch of fresh bagels for us! This place has awesome bagels and the employees are so friendly! Not only does this place obviously have bagels but you can also pick up awesome muffins and other sweet treats. Now I’m going to let you guys in on a secret. This place has THE BEST crumb cake in the entire universe. It would honestly be a sin if you didn’t pick some up! You will undoubtedly be coming back every morning for more!

Where to Eat: Lunch

Pearl Street Market: This place is seriously adorable! Besides the curb appeal, the food here is awesome. The menu is filled with gourmet sandwiches, paninis, burgers, wraps, and salads to fuel you up after a few hours of that intense morning sun on the beach. Eat your delicious meal outside under the umbrellas and enjoy the afternoon!

Living on the Veg: The name of this little restaurant was enough to grab my attention! This place is home to all vegetarian and vegan food options that are super healthy and delicious! Pick from a multitude of sandwiches, burritos, wraps, salads, smoothies, pressed juices, and fresh-baked vegan treats!

The Juice House: This place just opened up on the island this year and I’m sure glad it did! If you’re looking for healthy options and a lighter meal, this place is going to be your go-to. The menu consists of fresh pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, elixir/energy shots and vegan treats! So yummy!

Where to Eat: Dinner

Buckalew’s Restaurant and Tavern: This fun atmosphere guarantees a great time! You really can’t beat a restaurant that has a great vibe that also happens to have (most importantly) great food! This menu consists of seafood, American-fare, as well as sushi and also has gluten free and vegan options! I ordered the GF/V Cauliflower Steak and it was seriously to die for! I’m still dreaming about it…

Black-eyed Susans: Expect fine dining from this cute place! Excellent service combined with excellent food is the perfect dining experience in my opinion, and you will certainly find this here! Beautiful plate presentations are sure to impress. Great spot for a fancy night out or a date night. This place is an absolute gem. Also this is a cash only, BYOB place so prepare for that!

La Spiaggia Restaurant: This Italian cuisine will blow you away with its presentation and taste. A must-go for a nice place to eat. A cozy and fancy atmosphere will have you wanting to stay the whole night sipping on some wine (BYOB) and enjoy being on island time.

Where to Eat: Ice Cream

The Woohoo: This little ice cream shack is too cute for words! I made a stop after dinner almost everynight on the vacation and don’t regret a thing…it was that delicious! They have a wide variety of flavors, but the best part about this place is that they have vegan softserve…yup, you read that right! It was beyond amazing and is such a great option for someone who is lactose-intolerant, dairy free, or vegan!

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Skipper Dipper: This place is legendary on the island. They recently just celebrated their 40th season in LBI! They have a variety of hard and soft ice creams and have amazing sundae’s…you don’t want to skip out on one of those! They also have a dairy free, vegan options feautuing Dole Pineapple Whip as well as Italian Water Ice which is awesome if you’re traveling with someone who has dietary restrictions.

Where to Shop

Island Gypsy: Add this store to the top of your list on places to shop and come prepared to spend a good chunk of change…you’re going to want to buy everything in this boutique! The clothing style is very feminine with a hint of a slightly bohemian vibe. Find anything from embroidered jeans and cutoffs, to dresses, rompers, dressy-casual tops, hats and jewelry. This is definitely one of my favorite shops on the island.

Sur La Plage: If you love preppy style clothing, look no further than Sur La Plage. Located in Bay Village, this place is super easy to stop into, as it’s close to lots of activities LBI has to offer. You will find a slew of Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers and Vineyard Vines. Every year I stop in to pickup my new Lilly agenda! Make sure to ask to get it monogrammed!

How to Live: This shop has everything I love in one place…clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home decor! I could spend an insane amount of money in here. Everything this store carries is gorgeous, super high-quality, and unique. A great place to buy a gift. I couldn’t help but snapping a few pictures because the store was merchandised so beautifully.

Artifacts & Company: A store that has a coffee shop inside (mentioned previously)….ummm yes please! Grab a latte and take a stroll browsing around this beautiful store. This shop features local artists work, as well as a place that you can purchase home furniture and lighting fixtures. In addition, they sell awesome chalk paint and have a little selection of clothing, jewelry, and handbags which are all gorgeous!

Coconuts: Here you will find your typical beach souvenir store! I always love to pop in and pick up an LBI spirit jersey! If you’re someone who loves to sport anything and everything “LBI”, this is totally the store for you!

What to do

The Beaches: This one is totally obvious and most likely the reason you are coming to vacation here, but I just wanted to give you some insider tips! Get there early as possible to claim your spot on the sand. As the morning progresses, the beach can get pretty crowded so getting there early is definitely a smart move. You can eat on the beach so pack food accordingly. If you like swimming in the ocean, make sure to choose a spot in between the flags. If not, you may have to walk a bit until you reach a spot where you are permitted to swim. Make sure that you are financially equipped to buy a beach badge! Yes, you do have to pay to get onto the beaches in NJ, but they are so beautiful you won’t even mind the small fee. Pack a good book, plop down in your beach chair, and relax the day away!

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Visit Barnegat Lighthouse: Boy do I love this lighthouse! Not only is it beautiful, but it just has so much sentimental value to me. Make sure to bring your camera because you will be snapping away from all different angles! You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse to experience the view incredible view…this is a must when visiting Old Barney!

Fantasy Island and Bay Village: Fantasy Island is LBI’s mini amusement park. Great for a night of fun! The ferris wheel is always a favorite of mine. Right across the street from Fantasy Island is Bay Village which is a hub for shopping and grabbing a quick bite to eat!

Mini-Golf: Just like other beach vacation destinations, LBI is home to tons of mini-golf places! This is always something fun to do after grabbing dinner! Play a round or two and then head over to get some ice cream to end the night on a sweet note!

Go on a Sunset Cruise: Head over to Barnegat Light and be there for 7pm to take a ride on the sunset cruise! Super picturesque and very affordable. A fun time for family and friends with lots of memories to be made!

Rent a Bike: Riding around on bikes is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Getting up early and riding around in the morning while it’s still cool outside is one of my favorite things to do! I adore looking at all of the beautiful homes on my rides! Surf Buggy Bike Shop is a great place to rent!

Take Surf Lessons: For all of you adventurous/sporty vacationers this is something super fun to do! Surf with Nicole is a great place to get lessons!

Go on a Sunrise or Sunset Photoshoot: I recently just uploaded a post (see here) all about my sunrise photoshoot! It is so nice to have such beautiful pictures that you will reminisce about forever…and it is seriously the most beautiful gorgeous sight!

When to go

Although busy during every month in the summer, the height of LBI tourist season is in August. The rent goes up, and there are more people than ever trying to get onto the island. Personally, I think July is the best month to plan your vacation. You are smack dab in the middle of the summer, can look forward to less crowded beaches and the hydrangeas are in full bloom!

Ready to book your trip yet!? This post has got me dreaming of going back. Thank you all for sticking with me through this one! I hope you enjoyed! For any further questions about LBI, please let me know in the comments below!

xo, lexie

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