May 2013
16 posts
Oh What A Friday
It was a beautiful 70 degree Friday .. sunny, super blue sky with lots of gorgeous clouds. I mean .. what could go wrong? I was getting a chance to drive my dream car again and I was hitting the highway. Perfect Friday.
About 30 minutes into my mini road trip, she broke. Not like car died broke, but a huge piece from underneath of her came loose and was dragging on the ground broke. It was a...
Flashback Friday: Out In The Wilds Of West...
Many, many years ago .. way back when I was living in Miami, I flew up to Virginia to take a road trip to visit my grandmother in West Virginia. This state is really one that is underrated, I think. So much beautiful wilderness. One of my aunts actually has a creek in her backyard. To say I’m jealous is an understatement. But one of the regrets I have is not visiting my grandmother enough...
1 tag
Loving The A Beautiful Mess App
I’m kind of obsessed with the ladies over at A Beautiful Mess and am so thrilled with the app they just put out. I think you’ll be seeing a lot of the app’s work on the blog.
xoxo
Sisters
I’ve been thinking a lot about family lately and how lucky I am to have such a large one. When I tell people that I’m one of five girls, most just sort of gape at me in amazement. Five kids is a lot by today’s standards and all girls with that many children isn’t something you come across very often. I feel really lucky to have so many sisters. We are all very different...
A Weekend Morning Hike
Dexter and I decided it would be fun to go hiking in the Middlesex Fells Saturday morning.
There are a few different trails to pick from and I chose one based on estimated time, about an hour.
We ended up venturing off a bit to some other trails just because the one I picked ended up not taking even close to an hour.
We came across two waterfalls, more than few uprooted trees and a...
Momma Shout Outs
There are a lot of moms in my life that I want to shout out a very happy mother’s day to. But today in particular, I want to recognize a handful that play such an important role in my life.
The first, of course, is my momma .. who I’ve been calling Marmee since I read Little Women in middle school.
She’s someone who I couldn’t imagine my life without and we had a big...
A Few Of My Favorite Things
I Fell In Love ...
… with a 1974 Ford Bronco.
I never thought I’d say that about any car, but my mind has been changed. I got to drive this car yesterday and had so much fun while doing it.
Pros: I felt like I could either be on my way to an African safari or to an afternoon of surfing.
Cons: There was no rearview mirror and only a lap belt. Not exactly the safest car in the world.
Weird...
Cinco Derby
Last Saturday had the distinct honor of hosting both the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo. Did you know that I’ve never actually watched the Kentucky Derby?
I was invited to a Cinco de Mayo party and wore a dress more appropriate for the Kentucky Derby. Does anyone else like sitting in front of a floor length mirror to apply makeup?
I had margaritas and sangria. Maybe that was why I...
Met Gala or Goth Prom?
I’ll let you be the judge.
So, I know that the Met Gala is kind of the fashion event of the season where celebs and designers show off more avant garde designs. But I just wasn’t so into what I saw this year. I mean, just about everyone looked like they’d taken a page from the goth handbook. Not for me.
Tom and Giselle, on the other hand, looked...
A Happy Medium
On Sunday I did end up getting outside for a bit .. but I also took a glorious nap. The great thing about having a dog .. especially Dexter .. is that he’s the best nap buddy. And once we get outside .. because you can’t avoid going outside everyday when you have a dog .. is that once you’re out in that fresh air, you decide to stay out for just a little bit longer .. because the...
Weekly Web Favorites
Do you ever struggle on beautiful days to get outside? Part of you is saying Get outside! Enjoy the sun and play! And then another part is you is just wanting to curl up on the couch, watch movies, and take a nap. I don’t know which is going to win out today. But I always feel kind of guilty if I don’t spend a significant amount of time outside when it’s a really beautiful...
Howcasts
It all starting innocently enough. I clicked on the An Old Person’s Guide To Twerking link that Chad had posted on Facebook. I guess I knew what twerking was but never knew that was what it was called.
Then I clicked on a YouTube link within that article and .. well .. you know how YouTube is .. one video leads to another and the next thing I know I’ve found myself in the world of...
1 tag
Classical Music Recharged
So, I’m driving yesterday listening to my absolute fave NPR radio host Tom Ashbrook on the my absolute fave NPR show, On Point, when I hear this music that makes me feel something .. not just emotionally, but physically. And it’s pretty rare that something like that happens after hearing only seconds of something.
Tom was interviewing the string quartet, Brooklyn Rider. And man, was...
The Best Part Of Chad's Birthday ...
… besides our awesome meal .. was this drawing by Leah, the daughter of friends of ours. They posted it on Facebook and I just loved it and the comments that came because of it.
Seriously Wanting: Tie-Dye Maxi
Maybe it’s the 18-year-old, I just started college, and am a wannabe hippie-in me .. but I’m kinda, really, seriously wanting a tie-dye maxi dress for the summer.
I mean, like Rachel Zoe (because we would so be besties .. um .. yeah), I love a good maxi dress. They’re great to wear when it’s that - so hot you’re still sweating when you get out of the shower - hot...
April 2013
26 posts
Cousin Love And Turkish Coffee
Nadia and her boyfriend, Omar, had me and Chad over for dinner last night and oh boy did they serve a feast. Three courses of delicious food!
After dinner, they made us some Turkish coffee .. my first time trying it. It’s fair to say I’m a fan and will be purchasing some of my own in the near future.
I don’t see Nadia often enough. Isn’t that always how it is with...
Let Today Be Joyful
I just heard some exciting news from a friend of mine and have decided that today should be a day dedicated to joy. Whether you’re spring cleaning, eating brunch with friends and family, or taking time to spoil yourself - be sure to enjoy it. My to-do list today includes a bit of an office cleanup, grocery shopping and a family dinner. I hope you can find some joy in this day too.
xoxoxo
My Life Lately According To Instagram
You can follow me on Instagram @winksandwhistles
Flashback Friday: Moving To Boston - The First...
Right after the Boston Marathon bombings, there were numerous articles as to why Boston is such an incredible city. Many of them point to landmarks, the spirit of its people and how the United States got its start right here.
While I don’t disagree with any of these reasons, I’m sure that each and every one of us that lives and works and goes to school in Boston, have very personal...
A Peak At Yesterday's Birthday Festivities
Like I’ve said before, Chad just isn’t that into his birthday anymore. But he humors me by allowing me to make a presentation out of gifts and take him out to dinner. We ate at Sandrine’s Bistro in Harvard Square and OMG was the food amazingly delicious! Overall, it was a pretty great night. Love you, Chad.
Happy Birthday To My Husband
Happy Birthday to Chad! This is going to be our first year with birthdays as a married couple. Chad hasn’t really been into celebrating birthdays recently, but he surprisingly agreed to go out to dinner tonight with me. So, cheers to my husband .. who always knows how to make when laugh when I’m “grumpified.” Love you, sweetie!
Mmmmm .. Shorts Have Left My 'Hate' List
So, for as long as I can remember .. well, ever since I hit puberty .. I’ve kind of hated shorts. Not a general all out hatred. I think plenty of people look cute in shorts. I’ve just never really liked them on me. I remember for one of my birthdays .. maybe I was 14 or 15, one of my friends gifted me a few pair of shorts because I never wore them and she thought it was about time I...
Book Club Baby Shower
A couple weekends ago, book club threw a little baby shower for Kate. We went out for brunch; I brought way too many balloons (big surprise there); and we showered Kate and her soon-to-be baby with books. Because .. duh .. we’re a book club. It was loads of fun. We can’t wait to meet our newest and youngest book club member in June!
Fun fact: Emily (far left) brought The...
Weekly Web Favorites
Wow. What a week this has been. I’ve never been so glad for a Monday to get here ever. Again, thank you to everyone for all of your support, kind words and well wishes this week. You guys are just the best.
Here are some of my favorite things from around the web this week:
This Spouted Kitchen blog post made me miss Paris SO MUCH.
I want this to be my summer work uniform.
Ever since...
Time For Champagne
Yesterday was LONG DAY. Chad and I didn’t get much sleep, having been awake since late Thursday night/early Friday morning watching coverage of the manhunt for both suspects. We were glued to the television and Twitter.
I can’t even explain to you the sense of relief that we felt when it was confirmed that Suspect #2 was captured and taken in alive. I know people that live in areas...
Staying Put
I’m sure you’ve all heard the news about the activity overnight in respect to the Boston Marathon bombers. Please know that Chad and I are staying put at home today. This is a very scary time and we just hope that authorities are able to find the second suspect soon.
Taking Time To Celebrate
You know how tragedy makes you think about everything and everyone that’s important in your life? How you should tell people more often that you love them. That you should take that half hour a day to do something just for yourself. And that you should never, ever refuse to help a person in need if you are able.
Today, I’d like us all to take a moment and think about something we...
2 tags
Doing What We Can
In the day after the Boston Marathon bombings, it was pretty obvious that we are a city in mourning. Any place I went, people (myself included) just had these sad, dazed looks on their faces. Did that really just happen to us?
It’s hard to know what to do to help during a time like this. Thankfully, there are some pretty kick-ass and resourceful people throughout this area who put...
It Was Supposed To Be A Day Of Celebration
Patriots’ Day, or Marathon Monday, as so many of us in Boston call this state holiday, is a day that we all look forward to every year.
It’s a day when everyone comes out of their homes, scatters themselves along the Boston Marathon route, and cheers on friends, family and strangers alike in this race that draws people from all over the world.
That day I thought to myself, How...
Partying Like Its 1959
Saturday night, Chad and I went to a late 1950s themed surprise 50th birthday party for our friend, Randy. We know Randy because he also works in the film industry. His amazing wife, Tracy, orchestrated the whole event.
Aren’t they just the greatest looking couple?! And such wonderful people to be around too. Randy was really instrumental in helping Chad out when we first moved here...
Out With The Fur
One of the things I’ve always loved best about Dexter is his super fluffy, soft and cuddly fur. This winter we let it get a little wild .. to say the least.
This time of year we always take him in for the big haircut .. the shave. It’s such a drastic difference in looks for him, but one that’s completely necessary for the warm weather.
This way he stays cool, doesn’t...
Getting Ready For The Weekend
Does anyone have fun plans for the weekend? It’s going to be a busy one for me.
I’m staying in Friday night to finish my book club book because this Sunday is our book club baby shower!!!! OhMyGod I’m so excited for this!
Chad and I have two parties to go to Saturday night because we are such rock stars … yeah right. The first is a late 1950’s themed (Mad...
Currently Crushing On: Mara Hoffman
I first came across Mara Hoffman’s line through Madewell. It was this swimsuit that first made me swoon. Ooo la la.
Then I took a quick trip over to her website and oh my .. so many things to love. While not everything she designs is my sort of thing .. I love the breezy, laid back, ethereal feeling of her creations. There may just be a Mara Hoffman...
Popsicle Weather
My wish finally came true! The warm weather has come to New England. And for me, that means popsicles. Lots and lots of popsicles. It’s kind of a daily thing for me when the weather gets warm.
Yesterday, I had my first of the season .. a throw back to my elementary school days .. the good ol’ orange creamsicle push pop. And man was it tasty.
You know what I would love to find this...
What Girls Really Want ...
A few weeks ago, Kayleigh and I went to an event called Schecky’s Girls Night Out … kind of a convention-like event with tons of shopping and a couple of bars thrown in too. I actually ended up getting a pretty awesome wallet while I was there .. and getting roped into an exam by a chiropractor.
I was really excited about the goody bag we were going to get that was included in the...
A Revolutionary Bike Ride
The weather was finally nice enough yesterday to take a long, afternoon bike ride. Chad and I decided to ride an old favorite .. the Minuteman Trail.
We rode all the way to Lexington and from our place it’s about a 25-mile ride round trip. I would say I haven’t ridden my bike since last fall. I’ve ridden our stationary bike, but it’s just not the same. My thighs were...
Weekly Web Favorites
It’s been a good day so far and I’ve only been up for a couple of hours .. almost. I saw five .. YES FIVE .. swans at the pond this morning. That’s really rare and I’m taking it as a sign that spring weather is FINALLY here to stay.
Here are some of my favorite things from around the web this week:
My favorite April Fools joke from the blogosphere.
An incredible...
My Life Lately According To Instagram
You can follow me on Instagram @winksandwhistles
Cultivating A Green Thumb
I’ve always loved flowers, plants, shrubs .. things that you can grow. But because of what is probably a serious lack of effort, my green thumb just never grew. The best I can do is cut flowers as far as keeping these sorts of things alive for what their lifespan should be.
I remember that when I was quite young .. maybe first or second grade .. one of my books came with a packet of...
1 tag
Come Yoga With Me
If you’ve been following along with me for a while, then you know my all-time favorite yoga person is Tara Stiles. She’s spoiled me when it comes to instructors and now anytime I do a practice that’s not led by her, it just doesn’t feel as awesome. And no, she’s not here in Boston. Although she’s based in NYC, I have a handful of her DVDs and have gone through...
Eager For Spring
I don’t think I’ve ever been so antsy for warmer weather to arrive. I woke up this morning, saw what I thought was a warmer forecast, and immediately thought Finally!
Then I went outside for mine and Dexter’s morning playtime and instantly realized how silly my thinking was. It was chilly, wet and really windy. Disappointment once again sets in.
Maybe one of these days...
March 2013
29 posts
An Egg For You .. An Egg For Me
During mine and Dexter’s walk around Fresh Pond this morning, we discovered all of these Easter eggs. Some were hanging from branches, others nestled on tree stumps, and even a few hanging out in water fountains. I wasn’t going to take an egg, but then my mom convinced me to.
You’re a big kid at heart, she said to me on the phone. She’s right .. I really am.
So, I...
Looking Forward To Leftovers
It seems like people either love leftovers or hate them. I’m most definitely in the LOVE LEFTOVERS category. They’re great for lazy weekends and weekday work lunches when you’re just not in the mood for yet another sandwich. Last night I made meatloaf, cornbread and brussels sprouts. I’m really looking forward to those leftovers. Yum.
A Night Out With Madewell & Birchbox
Last week, I received an email invite from Birchbox about an event they were having with Madewell on Newbury Street. I knew immediately that I wanted to go .. and lucky for me, Nora was in too.
The last time I went to an event at Madewell was during Fashion’s Night Out Boston. I had a blast.
There was a DJ, delicous Pimm’s cocktails, cupcakes, Pinkberry and a braid/ponytail...
My Guys
Some of my favorite nights are the ones when we just stay home and take it easy. You know .. cuddle under a few blankets, catch up on some t.v. and just relax. One of Dexter’s favorite things to do is lay in between me and Chad on the couch. Chad, although I’m sure he will deny it, is a real sucker when it comes to Dexter .. pretty much letting him lay on him whenever he wants, no...
About That Receipt ...
Notice anything strange about my receipt? Oh, you normally pay $56 for a small tub of mozzarella balls?
A while back I was shopping at Whole Foods and had just a small carry basket worth of groceries. When the total of $119 came up, I was a little stunned. I mean, I didn’t get that much stuff.
My first thought was .. Well, this is Whole Foods. Maybe...
Book Club Selfie
It was a small book club meeting this month. But that made it all the more possible to take a book club selfie with my cell phone when my camera died 2 seconds after turning it on.
This month Kate (center) hosted and we read Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. The novel is loosely based on actual events .. but not from the author’s own personal experiences.
...
Weekly Web Favorites
Well, it’s almost April and there is still snow on the ground. Ugh. Despite my stupid optimism a week ago about spring-like weather on its way, I’m still hopeful for no more snow storms until next winter. *fingers crossed*
Here are some of my favorite (and very food focused) things from around the web this week:
After reading this Travel Lust post, I’m completely obsessed...
My Life Lately According To Instagram
You can follow me on Instagram @winksandwhistles
