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

No Widgets found in the Sidebar Alt!

Gifts

Gift Guide: 8 Year Old Gifts

We currently have an 8 (almost 9) year old in the house. He has opinions. I’m hoping these gifts are not only approved by him but also by other 7-9…

read more
November 6, 2021
Styling

Beach Cabin: Serena and Lily Bedding

The Serena and Lily Bedding arrived for the Beach Cabin and I couldn’t be more excited! Even the 8-year old said “Wow this is so nice!” which made me very…

read more
July 30, 2021
Food and Drink, Uncategorized

3 Easy Indian Dishes

True story. I used to be cautious with Indian food. Now, I love it. As in, I can’t get enough of it. As in, I went to India for 11…

read more
November 9, 2016
  • The Best Tabletop Flowers Ranunculus
    Uncategorized

    Mackinaw Road: The Quarterly 01

    May 13, 2024 /

    Because life ebbs and flows, the monthly updates were a bit much. (Remember when I used to do them weekly- What was I thinking?) As such, every quarter or so, I am hoping to give a little update on travel, projects, plants, good reads & watches, things that caught my eye, etc. etc. **This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click and purchase, I may receive some compensation at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Travel I had a fun day getting away to Chicago last month. It was the most beautiful day and it felt good to be back! Lincoln Park was particularly gorgeous. Armitage is…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Vintage Basement Nintendo

    A Vintage Basement

    January 21, 2026
    Dining Room Rug

    June Updates on Mackinaw Road

    June 30, 2022
    Formal and Fun Dining Room Decor

    April Updates on Mackinaw Road

    May 2, 2022
  • Basement Makeover
    Interior Design

    Comfortable and Stylish Home: The Basement Makeover

    May 3, 2024 /

    The Basement Makeover This is the last post about the lovely Comfortable and Stylish Home. We covered the Living Room, Home Office, and Kids Spaces previously and will end where I actually began the projects in this home- the basement. The Basement: Purpose The basement serves as a hang out space and also as an extra place for guests to stay. Movies and sports are watched down here, card games are played, and general chatting occurs. We wanted the space to be like the rest of the house- comfortable and stylish. The Basement: Paint With some restraint (you know I love a good paint sample session), we threw several options…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Modern Colonial Outdoor Sofa

    Home Upgrades Past and Future

    January 21, 2025
    8 Design Books I Own and Love (and one I pre-ordered)

    8 Design Books I Own & Love

    September 22, 2023
    Coastal Boy Bedroom

    Coastal Boy Bedroom

    March 6, 2020
  • Calm and Modern Teen Girl Bedroom
    Interior Design

    Comfortable and Stylish Home: The Kid Spaces

    April 26, 2024 /

    Comfortable & Stylish Home: The Kid Spaces The kid spaces were incredibly fun to complete! Although I probably should not be calling them kids anymore, I am now of the age where anyone under 25 years old is a “kid.” To be more specific, these kids are all in their tween and teen years. Older kid spaces are interesting (in the best way) because the kids have generally refined their style and interests. Furniture selections can be made with longevity in mind at this point. But, the details are still (always) personal and fun! For these spaces, the kids provided great insight and have such definitive styles that at once…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Cozy Coastal Primary Bedroom

    Colonial Home Primary Bedroom

    November 15, 2022
    Powder Room Wallpaper

    Powder Room Wallpaper

    November 4, 2021
    Spring Styled Open Shelving

    Mackinaw Road Mondays: Attempting A Clean and Cozy Home

    March 29, 2020
  • The Cloisters Bahamas
    Island Travel

    Back in the Bahamas

    April 12, 2024 /

    Just when I thought I could not possibly write another article about The Bahamas, here I am 😉 Our family of 4 has the amazing opportunity to go to Paradise Island with my parents every other year. Our children have been going since before they could walk. My brother and I first visited the island in 1991. And, R has to be nearing double digits on his Bahamas passport stamp status. It was C’s first visit, and it was so much fun to have her there with us!

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Bahamas Turquoise Water

    A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas

    May 9, 2022
    St. Thomas: What To Do

    St. Thomas: What to Do and Where to Stay

    April 22, 2025
  • Comfortable and Stylish Home Office/Sitting Room | Sherwin Williams Software
    Interior Design

    Comfortable and Stylish Home: Office & Living Room

    April 8, 2024 /

    Introductions When I think about this project, I cannot help but marvel at how seamlessly it all came together. But I shouldn’t be surprised. This friend/client has a beautifully understated sophistication about her and this easily carried into her selections and our collaboration together. It is no wonder that the project possesses a quiet luxury factor with clean lines, timeless choices, and a neutral color palette (yes, I am counting the color drenching blue-gray as a neutral ;). The result is a stylish, inviting, and comfortable space. Comfortable and Stylish Home: The Office/Sitting Room The office/sitting room ended up being a favorite. We kept what the family had, borrowed from…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Small Bathroom Details

    A Timeless (very) Small Bathroom Refresh

    July 17, 2024
    Beach Cabin Interior | Dining Room & Living Room

    MIDCENTURY IN A NON MIDCENTURY HOUSE

    October 25, 2022
    Basement Makeover

    Comfortable and Stylish Home: The Basement Makeover

    May 3, 2024
  • Christmas Living Room Decor Ideas
    Styling

    A Red and Green Christmas… Again

    December 18, 2023 /

    Welp- it is official. I have been saying it for years and I guess I’m going to continue saying it for years to come. I cannot get away from a red and green (and plaid) Christmas. And, I’m not mad about it.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Minimalist Holiday Table

    Holiday Dining Room on Mackinaw Road

    November 29, 2021
    8 Design Books I Own and Love (and one I pre-ordered)

    8 Design Books I Own & Love

    September 22, 2023
    Modern Coastal Powder Room Serena & Lily

    Modern Coastal Home: Staging Project

    June 9, 2026
  • Thanksgiving Tablescape
    Styling

    November Updates: Thanksgiving, Gift Wrap & Spare Time

    December 4, 2023 /

    It has been awhile since I have given a monthly update. Below is a recap of Thanksgiving and look ahead to Christmas preparations.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Living Room Spring Decor

    Early Spring Decor: Living Room Mantel

    February 23, 2021
    Christmas Living Room Decor Ideas

    A Red and Green Christmas… Again

    December 18, 2023
    Airbnb: Martin House Traverse City Main Bedroom

    Where to Stay in Traverse City: An Michigan Airbnb Farm

    November 29, 2020
  • Gift Guide for 4 Year Olds
    Gifts

    Gifts for the 4 & Under Crowd

    December 1, 2023 /

    The last gift guide for the season is one of my absolute favorites: Gifts for the 4 & Under Crowd. As the saying goes, this group would be happy with a cardboard box and wrapping paper. However, the options out there are just too cute to go that route.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    The Best Gifts for Him

    The Best Gifts for Him

    October 19, 2026
    Gifts for Him

    2025 Gifts for Him

    November 20, 2025
    Gift Guide- Travel Design

    Extra Gift Guides 2024

    November 25, 2024
  • Gift Guide for 10 Year Old Boys
    Gifts

    Gift Guide: Gifts for 10 Year Old Boys

    November 27, 2023 /

    Okay, I lied. The Gifts for Him gift guide was, in fact, not the most difficult guide to create. Even with the help of our 10 year old, this Gift Guide was more challenging for me. Naturally, there were several gaming and gaming gift card requests. But you don’t really need me, or a guide, for a lot of that stuff. So, here is a list, including some gaming things.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Teen Boy Gift Ideas

    Gifts for Teen Boys

    November 16, 2025
    Gift Guide- Travel Design

    Extra Gift Guides 2024

    November 25, 2024
    11-12 Year Old Boy Gift Ideas

    Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for 11 Year Old Boys

    November 8, 2024
  • Gift Guide: Gifts for Her
    Gifts

    Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

    November 21, 2023 /

    I’m back with another Gift Guide as I attempt to get as many out to you before Thanksgiving weekend shopping begins! This time, I have rounded up 9 gift ideas for her. **This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click and purchase, I may receive some compensation. Thank you! I recommended these boots for a friend, have seen them in person, and love them. Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, right? Sorel boots are my all time favorite winter boots, and this pair might just be too good to pass up. This bubble vase is beautiful and would add a touch of interest to any room. Vases…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Tween Girl Gift Ideas

    Gift Guide: Tween Girl Gifts

    November 7, 2021
    Gifts for Her

    2025 Gifts for Her

    November 7, 2025
    The Best Gifts for 3 Year Old Boys

    The Best Gifts for 3 Year Old Boys

    October 1, 2026
 Older Posts
Newer Posts 
Ashe Theme by WP Royal.