Hello Friends!
Wow…I blinked and March was over. I can’t believe we are already two weeks into April. Attention “Time” please slow down! In the Fun news section, I recently celebrated the big 3-1. It was filled with my lovely friends, tons of laughs, too much yummy food, and way too many birthday drinks, and the most delicious cake from the South End Buttery. A Boston birthday must have is a cake from South End Buttery. In the Sad news section, after my birthday dinner at Bistro du Midi, we made our way to the Oak Room for more drinks. When we got home, we realized we left my birthday cake at the bar. Boo. It was long gone the next day. Whomp Whomp.
So I need to say, truthfully, it surprises me that I love living and settling in Boston SO much. Obviously, every day is not the best day ever, but as a whole I feel happy and at home. It’s a really good feeling. Furthermore, I love love love the South End. After a short few months, I feel that it is a part of me and I am a part of it. I know I have many more Boston adventures in the near future.
In order to document my busy and fabulous life, I am going to write a monthly (hopefully) recap to basically keep track of all the stuff going on in my life so I am calling the series “In a Nutshell”
“In a Nutshell, Part 1”…March/April 2016
Events/Travel:
My nephew’s baptism took place about a month ago. My brother-in-law’s family is Greek Orthodox, therefore, my nephew’s baptism was held at a beautiful Greek Orthodox church in New Hampshire. It was so nice to celebrate his special day with family and friends. I was a proud Auntie! The Eastern Orthodox traditions are so beautiful and of course I love learning more about the Greek culture and traditions.
Newport, Rhode Island, Cliff Walk. On a glorious Sunday afternoon, we took a drive down to Newport, RI. It was the perfect day to spend walking around the non-crowded streets and picturesque Cliff Walk.
Cape Cod/Woods Hole with Jenn. On yet another beautiful and sunny weekend, we decided to check out Falmouth/Woods Hole! When in Woods Hole, one must get together with my best friend. My friend from before we were even born, Jenn, lives on Martha’s Vineyard. I told her I was going to be down the Cape so she took the ferry over to meet me (and Ari). It was such a fun and unexpected afternoon. I love the spontaneity!
Celtics game then Pizzeria Regina in the North End. Meeting up with my cousin Justine and her boyfriend, Joe at Tavern on the Square after a Celtics game. Family fun!
Loon Mountain. For work, I took a few trips up to Lincoln, New Hampshire. Growing up, my parents often took us skiing there. I enjoyed looking around the small town and seeing what was even there. I had to check out the local hot spot, Common Man. I feel very fortunate to explore all these New England destinations!
Health/Fitness:
Velo-city/Turnstyle
Thanks to my fabulous friends, Brittany and Tara, I am now hooked on spin class. Correction. I am addicted. Britt and Tara convinced me to give spin a second try after my underwhelming experience in the past. I always thought I was just a runner. It took a few classes for me to really enjoy it, but I am so glad I stuck it out. During the winter months, running outside was sometimes not an option, mostly due to safety concerns. Spinning is so convenient and a really great workout. Currently, I go to Turnstyle Back Bay (formerly Velo-City). Recently, Turnstyle announced it will be opening a new space in the Ink Block of the South End which happens to be my hood. It is located next to the Whole Foods on Harrison. Double win! The Turnstyle owners run deals and specials all the time. If you are in the Boston area, you really should check it out!
Restaurants:
My Favorite Eats in Boston Metro Area…
Rapscallion, Acton, MA
State Street Provisions–Click for review!
MC Spiedo–Review coming soon!
Nebo
Clink, The Liberty Hotel
Tip Tap
Cafe Fleuri, Langham Hotel, Boston
Sonsie
Lolita Boston
Bistro du Midi
The Cottage, Chestnut Hill, MA
What I’m watching:
Outlander, New Season! Can’t wait!
House of Cards #FU
Breathless
Mozart in the Jungle
Books I Read:
Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin
Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Two Years Eight Months and Twenty Eight Nights, Salmon Rushdie
Movies I Watched:
Spotlight
Vanity Fair
The Promise
Black Mass
Before Sunrise
Future Travel:
Canada, Montreal and Quebec City: In a couple days, Ari and I are taking a little road trip up to Canada. This will be my first time traveling to Montreal and Quebec City. Shocking, I know. My excitement is heightened because this will be the FIRST TIME I will use my passport since my Ireland/Paris trip. As Passport Planner Princess, I am planning away figuring out how to optimize our time. We are spending one night in Quebec City and two nights in Montreal. I’m definitely going full on Passport Planner exploring adventure.
Highlights:
Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, Seeing my bestie, Jenn, in Woods Hole, #AriKate Date Night at Sonsie followed by Margaritas at Lolita.
Challenges:
Running outside (I’m addicted to spin), travel safety issues (worried about International travel), reading novels, blogging more and taking pictures throughout the day.
What are the must-see and must-do things in Montreal and Quebec City?