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March Favorites: Newport Mansions, Recession Pop & The Only Salmon Recipe You'll Ever Need

From off-season escapes to viral recipes + the love story we all needed — my top picks, served warm.

on the cliff walks in newport

Hi Millies!

This month was all about change — the kind that sneaks up on you and suddenly shifts everything.

I started a new job. Bought a new car. Dyed my hair a tiny bit darker - and quite literally not one person noticed 😜 

But underneath all of that, I’ve been adjusting. I’m absolutely loving my new job but it’s very different than having your own business and creating your own hours. Right now, I’m giving myself permission to move slowly.

💌 I’d genuinely love to hear from you — hit reply and tell me about a time of change in your life. What helped you adjust? Any tips for finding your rhythm again? I’m all ears. 💖

One thing that brought me back to life this month? Our trip to Newport. Off-season magic, incredible food, and so many charming moments. I did a ton of research and pulled together a list of must-hit spots so you don’t have to. Save this for your next coastal escape — especially if you're craving quiet luxury and clam chowder.

Let’s get into it. 🫶

Your Guide to Newport, Rhode Island

Save This for Your Next Trip 🌊
If Newport isn’t already on your travel list, this is your sign. From historic mansions to clam chowder with a side of seaside charm, here’s exactly what I’d do again — and what I’d skip. Trust me, save this for your next girls' weekend, solo recharge, or romantic getaway.

Where to Stay
📍 The Serenity Inn
Just 10 minutes from town, this place is a Pinterest board come to life. Think: chic wallpaper, warm lighting, and interiors that feel…serene. The rooms are cozy, as is typical for the Newport townhouses, but so well-designed. The breakfast made freshly in the kitchen every morning was a major highlight. Save this spot if you’re into quiet mornings, homemade breakfasts, and feeling like you’re in a Nancy Meyers film.

🥂 Where to Wine & Dine
📍 The Black Pearl
A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc + a creamy bowl of clam chowder right by the marina? Heaven. It’s classic Newport and the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon reset.

📍 The Mooring
They brought me a congratulations card signed by the staff when they heard about my new job (iconic). Beyond the thoughtful service, the seafood is fresh, flavorful, and totally worth the reservation.

📍 White Horse Tavern
The oldest operating tavern in the country and a total hidden gem. This is your spot for a celebratory dinner — candlelit, cozy, and culinary perfection.

📍 Clarke Cook House
My personal favorite. We went for brunch and sat in a sun-drenched bar area with big windows overlooking the water. The vibe? Think authentic New England charm. Save this one — it’s a must.

☕️ Where to Caffeinate
📍 Nitro Bar
Okay, I have thoughts. I’ve followed Nitro Bar on TikTok for years and finally went in person. It made me realize how strange parasocial relationships can be. The drinks were amazing, but the food? Meh. I would definitely skip the food and only go for coffee next time. It was mostly Gen Z on laptops, not the cozy coffee moment I hoped for.

🏛️ What to See
📍 The Breakers, The Marble House & The Cliff Walk
This trio is non-negotiable. The mansions are next-level — ornate, historical, and perfectly preserved. Walk the cliffs after and pretend you're starring in your own period drama.

manifesting “house shopping” like this one day 😉 

📍 Lycette
A must-visit for any needlepoint lover. This Newport location is smaller than the Palm Beach shop but packed with charm. The canvases? Gorgeous. The vibe? Cozy and creative. Pop in after the mansions to browse, get inspired, or pick up a chic new project to stitch by the sea.

🍕 Bonus Stop: Modern Apizza (New Haven)
On the way home, we made a quick detour — and it was worth every bite. Modern Apizza is that no-frills, old-school spot where the pizza actually slaps. Add it to your route.

📌 SAVE THIS POST
Whether it’s your first trip to Newport or your tenth, this guide hits all the right notes. Screenshot it, star it, forward it to your group chat to spread the love.

Recession Pop is Back, Baby 🎶

You know the economy’s in trouble when the pop music gets too good.

It’s a (semi-serious) economic theory: when times get tough, the girls turn it up. Fast beats, euphoric hooks, serotonin on loop. This month? We were spoiled. Banger after banger — the kind of pop that makes you want to dance through your existential dread.

If this is what a recession sounds like… at least the playlist slaps.

Benny Blanco x Selena Gomez 💕

My entire FYP this month? Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez interviews — and I ate up every second.

The contrast between Selena thriving with her emotionally mature king while Justin Bieber seems to be spiraling yet again is… not lost on me. This isn’t just celebrity gossip — it’s a masterclass in healing, patience, and calling in the right partner.

Selena did the work. She took the time. And now? She’s soft-launching her healthiest love story yet — and the internet is (rightfully) obsessed with Benny Blanco. Honestly? Same.

The whole internet is falling in love with Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez together and I’m here for it.

Indulgent Recipes That Will Elevate Your Month 👩🏼‍🍳

Because sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can do is romanticize your own kitchen. These two recipes felt like love letters to my taste buds — simple, satisfying, and just elevated enough to feel like a main character moment.

Save them for when you want a little indulgence with your nourishment.

the only way I’m making salmon from now on

NYT Sticky Miso Salmon Bowl

2 cups sushi rice

3 tablespoons white miso

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 teaspoons fresh grapefruit zest plus 1 tablespoon juice

4 (6-to 8-ounce) skinless salmon fillets, patted dry

Salt and pepper

4 scallions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed

Any combination of kimchi, chile crisp, toasted nori sheets, and sliced cucumber, avocado or radish, for serving

Preparation

Step 1

Put the rice in a medium bowl and fill with cool tap water. Run your fingers through the rice, gently swooshing the grains around to loosen the starch. Dump out as much water as you can and repeat until the water runs slightly more clear, another two to three rinses.

Step 2

Drain the rice and transfer to a small or medium saucepan that has a tight-fitting lid. Pour in 2¼ cups cool water and bring to a boil over medium-high. Give the rice a stir to help keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot, then cover and decrease heat to low. Cook without lifting the lid for 18 minutes. (Set your timer!)

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, place a rack about 5 inches from the broiler heat source and set the broiler to high. Whisk the miso, honey, oil, ginger and grapefruit zest and juice in a large bowl.

Season the salmon lightly with salt and add to the bowl. Gently toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature until the timer for the rice goes off.

Step 4

Remove the pot of rice from the heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes, while you cook the salmon.

Step 5

Using tongs, arrange the salmon on a foil-lined rimmed sheet tray. Make sure to leave the marinade on and spread any excess on top of the fillets. (This step will make for better browning.)

Broil the salmon until glossy and charred in most spots, about 5 minutes for medium-rare or 7 minutes for medium. Your timing will also depend on whether or not you'd like a little char on top.

Step 6

Uncover the rice and add the scallions and butter.

Season with salt and several grinds of pepper.

Fluff the rice with a rubber spatula until each grain is coated. Serve the salmon over the rice and add any of the toppings you desire.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

These bagels are going super viral on TikTok and for good reason. They’re absolutely delicious with only a few clean ingredients. Each batch makes about 4 bagels so I doubled the recipe so both Jared and I could enjoy them throughout the week.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • egg and everything but the bagel seasoning for the top

Find the full recipe in Bethany’s video below:

@bethennyfrankel

Made these last night and the extra cottage cheese is INSANE!! You’re welcome. #bagel #proteinbagel #cottagecheese #baking #homemadefood #... See more

We just announced our FREE Pointina Sip & Stitch for April - we’d love to see you there! 🧵💖

I’m off to Philly tomorrow to see my brother speak at Georgetown’s John Carroll Weekend, then heading to Canyon Ranch Tucson (for the first time!) for Enchant (a dreamy beauty + wellness festival), and stopping by the Canyon Ranch offices in Fort Worth. A little whirlwind, a lot of inspiration.

xoxo,
Elizabeth

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