Mackinaw Road

Travel-Inspired Design, One Trip at a Time

  • Travel
    • A 2-to-4-day Vancouver Itinerary
    • 6 Kid-Friendly Christmas Activities in Chicago
    • 6 Kid-Friendly, Rainy Day Activities in Boston
    • Banff: Something for Everyone
    • Chicago with Kids: Can’t Miss Places and Restaurants
    • Islands
      • 007 in the Bahamas
      • Island Travel Interveiws- Australia, Take 1 (Sydney)
      • Island Travel Interviews, Australia (Gold Cost)
      • Island Travel Interviews- Caribbean Islands, Take 10 (St. Barts)
      • MUST SEE Grand Cayman
      • Top 5 Hilton Head Activities with Kids
      • What to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
      • A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • The Cloisters on Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • Where to Eat When Visiting Paradise Island
    • Michigan
      • 24 Hours in West Michigan
      • An Afternoon in Grand Rapids
      • A Long Weekend in Northern Michigan
      • A Few Hours in Saugatuck
      • Global Christmas and Holiday Traditions in 2 hours or Less
      • Leland Gal
      • Places You MUST SEE in Northern Michigan
      • Traverse City Wineries
      • What to Do in Charlevoix, Michigan
      • What to do in Leland, Michigan
      • What to do in Petoskey, Michigan
      • Where to Eat in Traverse City, Michigan
      • Where to Stay in Saugatuck: Judson Heath Colonial Inn
    • Midwest Christmas Tour
    • NOLA in 2 days
    • Philipsburg, Montana, Philipsburg Blue, and How They are Related
    • Top 6 activities in D.C. with Small Children
    • Top 5 Delhi Attractions
    • Top 4 Best Spring Break Beaches
    • To Plan or Not to Plan
    • A Weekend in New York City
    • Wandering in NYC
    • NYC in 48 Hours
    • What to do in Asheville, North Carolina (in 24 hours)
    • What to do in Monterey, California
    • What to do in New Orleans
    • What to do in San Antonio, Texas
    • What to do in Savannah, Georgia (in 3 hours)
    • What to do in Washington D.C.
    • What to do in Winter Park, Florida
    • Where to Eat in Chicago: Restaurants for Every Kind of Getaway
    • Where to Eat in Denver
    • Where to Stay in Denver: Hotel Teatro
  • Beach Cabin & Home
    • A Hotel-Inspired Guest Room Makeover
    • An Airbnb-Inspired Fridge Obsession
    • Christmas House Tour 2016
    • Cottage Kitchen Nook | ORC Week 8
    • Cozy Autumn Living Room
    • Decorating with Travel Trinkets
    • DIY Design: Cane Console Makeover Look for Less
    • DIY Ottoman for the Beach Cabin
    • Easy, Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient Flooring
    • Entryway Wallpaper : Serena and Lily Wallpaper
    • How to “Tile” A Fireplace with Wall Stencils and a GIVEAWAY!
    • Inexpensive Backyard Patio Ideas
    • Inexpensive Flooring: How to Stencil Concrete Floors
    • Kitchen Styling: Spring Shelves 3 Ways
    • Kitchen Shelf Styling- Autumn Decor
    • Living Room Plans: A Sectional and Accent Chair Options
    • Modern Traditional Laundry Room Makeover
    • Thanksgiving: At Home and Abroad
    • Travel-Inspired Shared Bedroom
  • SHOP OUR HOME & BEACH CABIN
  • SHOP MY CLOSET
  • About Me
    • Let’s Chat
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, and Privacy
  • Travel
    • A 2-to-4-day Vancouver Itinerary
    • 6 Kid-Friendly Christmas Activities in Chicago
    • 6 Kid-Friendly, Rainy Day Activities in Boston
    • Banff: Something for Everyone
    • Chicago with Kids: Can’t Miss Places and Restaurants
    • Islands
      • 007 in the Bahamas
      • Island Travel Interveiws- Australia, Take 1 (Sydney)
      • Island Travel Interviews, Australia (Gold Cost)
      • Island Travel Interviews- Caribbean Islands, Take 10 (St. Barts)
      • MUST SEE Grand Cayman
      • Top 5 Hilton Head Activities with Kids
      • What to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
      • A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • The Cloisters on Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • Where to Eat When Visiting Paradise Island
    • Michigan
      • 24 Hours in West Michigan
      • An Afternoon in Grand Rapids
      • A Long Weekend in Northern Michigan
      • A Few Hours in Saugatuck
      • Global Christmas and Holiday Traditions in 2 hours or Less
      • Leland Gal
      • Places You MUST SEE in Northern Michigan
      • Traverse City Wineries
      • What to Do in Charlevoix, Michigan
      • What to do in Leland, Michigan
      • What to do in Petoskey, Michigan
      • Where to Eat in Traverse City, Michigan
      • Where to Stay in Saugatuck: Judson Heath Colonial Inn
    • Midwest Christmas Tour
    • NOLA in 2 days
    • Philipsburg, Montana, Philipsburg Blue, and How They are Related
    • Top 6 activities in D.C. with Small Children
    • Top 5 Delhi Attractions
    • Top 4 Best Spring Break Beaches
    • To Plan or Not to Plan
    • A Weekend in New York City
    • Wandering in NYC
    • NYC in 48 Hours
    • What to do in Asheville, North Carolina (in 24 hours)
    • What to do in Monterey, California
    • What to do in New Orleans
    • What to do in San Antonio, Texas
    • What to do in Savannah, Georgia (in 3 hours)
    • What to do in Washington D.C.
    • What to do in Winter Park, Florida
    • Where to Eat in Chicago: Restaurants for Every Kind of Getaway
    • Where to Eat in Denver
    • Where to Stay in Denver: Hotel Teatro
  • Beach Cabin & Home
    • A Hotel-Inspired Guest Room Makeover
    • An Airbnb-Inspired Fridge Obsession
    • Christmas House Tour 2016
    • Cottage Kitchen Nook | ORC Week 8
    • Cozy Autumn Living Room
    • Decorating with Travel Trinkets
    • DIY Design: Cane Console Makeover Look for Less
    • DIY Ottoman for the Beach Cabin
    • Easy, Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient Flooring
    • Entryway Wallpaper : Serena and Lily Wallpaper
    • How to “Tile” A Fireplace with Wall Stencils and a GIVEAWAY!
    • Inexpensive Backyard Patio Ideas
    • Inexpensive Flooring: How to Stencil Concrete Floors
    • Kitchen Styling: Spring Shelves 3 Ways
    • Kitchen Shelf Styling- Autumn Decor
    • Living Room Plans: A Sectional and Accent Chair Options
    • Modern Traditional Laundry Room Makeover
    • Thanksgiving: At Home and Abroad
    • Travel-Inspired Shared Bedroom
  • SHOP OUR HOME & BEACH CABIN
  • SHOP MY CLOSET
  • About Me
    • Let’s Chat
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, and Privacy

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Uncategorized

February Updates on Mackinaw Road

Hi there! We are getting closer and closer to spring. Yay!!! I switched out our mantel and took away the plaid (and then R added a little bit back ;-).…

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March 2, 2023
International Travel

Italy in a Week

Italy in a Week What a whirlwind! One week I was express renewing my passport in Chicago and heading to Montreal with our family of four, and the next our…

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July 13, 2025
International Travel, Island Travel

Island Travel Interviews, Australia (Gold Cost)

**This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click and purchase, I may receive some compensation. Thank you! Let’s learn about the Gold Coast in Australia with Megan from…

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May 7, 2018
  • Parc Guell
    International Travel

    Barcelona: 4 Day Intinerary

    July 13, 2026 /

    We just returned from 8 Days in Spain and it was wonderful! Our daughter and I traveled to Italy last summer and were excited to bring the boys back for a European summer this year. Just as we did when the four of us visited Portugal (Lisbon & The Algarve), we broke the trip up into a city visit and coastal exploration. And just like before, we sort of wished for one day less in the city and one more beachside. Per usual, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with our action packed 4 days in Barcelona.

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    Best View of Florence

    Italy in a Week

    July 13, 2025
    Cami de Ronda Hiking

    3 Days in Tossa de Mar

    July 1, 2026
    Bahamas Turquoise Water

    A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas

    May 9, 2022
  • Cami de Ronda Hiking
    International Travel

    3 Days in Tossa de Mar

    July 1, 2026 /

    What a literal breath of fresh air! Tossa de Mar has my heart. I absolutely loved our time in this village complete with stunning water and beaches, hiking, kayaking, a million adorable restaurants and cafes… oh, and a fortified medieval town (Vila Vella) . And the people were so nice! Highly recommend. Tossa de Mar is about a 1.5 hour car or bus ride from Barcelona and is part of Costa Brava. I had originally planned on our family taking a day trip to check out some other towns in Costa Brava. However, upon setting foot in Tossa de Mar we were in immediate agreement that we would just stay…

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    You May Also Like

    Parc Guell

    Barcelona: 4 Day Intinerary

    July 13, 2026
    Bahamas Turquoise Water

    A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas

    May 9, 2022
    Best View of Florence

    Italy in a Week

    July 13, 2025
  • Modern Coastal Powder Room Serena & Lily
    Styling

    Modern Coastal Home: Staging Project

    June 9, 2026 /

    Art is of the essence in this lovely newer build home. Tying the family’s beautiful collected pieces in while incorporating some subtle styling was all this house needed to get ready for open houses and walk throughs. You may recognize some of the items from my modern colonial, small shops around town, and bigger box stores. The family has lived in Germany, has ties to Italy, and gives coastal vibes too. All of this tied in with a love of midcentury and modern, and we had a  fun project on our hands!

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Airbnb: Martin House Traverse City Main Bedroom

    Where to Stay in Traverse City: An Michigan Airbnb Farm

    November 29, 2020
    Fall Porch Decor

    Cozy Throw Blankets, Velvet Pillows, & More

    September 28, 2022
    Cozy Autumn Living Boucle Swivel Chairs

    Cozy Autumn Living Room

    October 15, 2025
  • The Perfect Wallpaper
    DIY

    Stairway Wallpaper: A Tutorial & Wallpaper Options

    May 30, 2026 /

    Okay- that was click bait. Sort of. This was my first attempt at wallpapering so I really am not qualified to be writing a tutorial. However, I am happy to share what I learned. This project was so satisfying, as the kids would say, but my favorite part was (and likely always will be) sifting through and choosing the perfect paper for the space.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Cottage Bedroom Mood Board

    Mackinaw Road Monday: Mood Boards & Headboards

    April 13, 2020
    DIY Concrete Overlay Table

    Concrete Overlay: A DIY Concrete Table Top Refresh

    November 18, 2022
    Stay at Home Watercolor

    Mackinaw Road Mondays: 5 At Home Art Projects

    April 20, 2020
  • Spring Birthday Party
    Uncategorized

    The Quarterly 08

    April 20, 2026 /

    Well we are back from Spring Break and officially have a driver. Time is a thief. Not to waste it… Here is what I have to share- a spring birthday tablescape and menu, what we did in the Bahamas with our teens and parents, a book, a show I loved then hated, a show I hated then loved, Spring Things that Caught My Eye, and a Design Board.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Guest Room Design Board

    The Quarterly 07

    January 15, 2026
    Small Bathroom Details

    A Timeless (very) Small Bathroom Refresh

    July 17, 2024
    Dinner Plates Set

    May Updates on Mackinaw Road

    June 1, 2022
  • Where to Eat in Tampa
    US Travel

    Where to Eat in Tampa, Florida

    March 12, 2026 /

    I didn’t think I would have much to write about our 3 days in Tampa, Florida. I was wrong. It turns out that we ate pretty well, despite our teenagers’ very specific requests (e.g., Diet Coke not Coke Zero, must have a pizza option). I actually think that I could write paragraphs alone about the last restaurant on this list- design inspiration was everywhere! Spoiler- there was a disco ball. Obsessed.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Acadia National Park- Beehive Trail

    5 Day Boston-Maine Road Trip

    August 8, 2024
    Innes Farmhouse

    Where to Stay in Hudson Valley

    August 23, 2025
    What to do by Roanoke: Appalachian Trail

    What to do In and Around Roanoke, Virginia

    November 13, 2023
  • Spring Break Beach Vacation
    Uncategorized

    Spring Break Beach Vacation

    March 5, 2026 /

    When you live north, going south almost becomes essential when March and April come around. I can’t wait! So, without further ado, here is what I am packing for our Spring Break Beach Vacation.

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    Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

    Caught My Eye: Valentine’s Day Edition

    February 4, 2026
    Acadia National Park- Beehive Trail

    5 Day Boston-Maine Road Trip

    August 8, 2024
    Gift Ideas for Grandparents

    Gift Ideas for Grandparents

    November 24, 2025
  • Caught My Eye
    Uncategorized

    February: Things I Wore, Things I Read & Everything Else

    February 25, 2026 /

    I’ve been doing a lot of trying to get through February. The 60 degree days definitely helped and gave some hope as we head toward Moody March. It’s been a fairly random month of planning possible summer trips and presenting to them to our family of four, some clothing purchases, creating design boards, kitchen dreaming (not mine this time, thank goodness!), reading, and perusing things that have Caught My Eye. There isn’t time to touch on all of the randomness, but keep reading for what I’ve got.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Dinner Plates Set

    May Updates on Mackinaw Road

    June 1, 2022
    Acadia National Park- Beehive Trail

    5 Day Boston-Maine Road Trip

    August 8, 2024
    Design Board Bedroom

    Mackinaw Road: The Quarterly 04

    February 21, 2025
  • Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
    Uncategorized

    Caught My Eye: Valentine’s Day Edition

    February 4, 2026 /

    February is upon us. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t feel as long as the 5002 days of January. This is a big month in our house. My birthday, our son’s birthday, Valentine’s Day. Admittedly, Valentine’s Day is often pushed to the wayside, but if you celebrate, here are some ideas.

    read more

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    The Best Tabletop Flowers Ranunculus

    Mackinaw Road: The Quarterly 01

    May 13, 2024
    The final touch/the perfect bathroom rug

    Mackinaw Road: The Quarterly 02

    August 22, 2024
    Cottage Bedroom Mood Board

    Mackinaw Road Monday: Mood Boards & Headboards

    April 13, 2020
  • Interior Design

    1920’s Bathroom Refresh

    February 2, 2026 /

    As I’ve mentioned before, in lieu of a fully updated primary bathroom, my daughter and I went to Italy. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made. This fall, though, we were able to do a minor refresh, and it has made such a big difference for our 1920’s Bathroom.

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    Calm and Modern Teen Girl Bedroom

    Comfortable and Stylish Home: The Kid Spaces

    April 26, 2024
    8 Design Books I Own and Love (and one I pre-ordered)

    8 Design Books I Own & Love

    September 22, 2023
    Powder Room Wallpaper

    Powder Room Wallpaper

    November 4, 2021
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