Winks And Whistles

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 together benefits so we could all gather, raise money and celebrate this incredible town of ours. Last night, Chad and I went to a benefit at t.t. the bears place.

During a time when we all feel kind of helpless, it’s nice to feel like there is something we can do. Even if that just means throwing money in a box, having a few drinks and listening to live local music.

It was great to see how many people showed up, especially on a Tuesday night. Seeing a community come together in a time of crisis is a really amazing thing.

Chad and I have been in Boston 7, maybe 8 years now. And we definitely feel a sense of pride for where we live and how special of a city this really is.

Thanks again to everyone for all of your love and support during this hard time. Your texts, emails, various messages and videos of your too-cute-for-words children laughing really help get me through the day.

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 lucky am I to work in an office literally steps away from the marathon route? All I had to do was look out a window or walk out of the door and there I was, amidst the celebration.

People are so happy and joyous on Marathon Monday. They really, really are. People are singing and cheering and chanting and laughing. It’s one of the greatest days for the city of Boston every year.

I even knew someone in the race this year. Julie and I once worked together and I was tracking her online. I made it out in time to see her pass by. Thankfully, she is okay.

But it was just seconds later, I got a text from a friend with an office right next to the finish line. Whatever you do, don’t walk down here. There’s been an explosion. It took a second to register that explosion actually meant bomb. It actually meant multiple bombs going off in Boston.

I came home as soon as I could, walking part of the way, taking the T for the last half. I’m not going to lie and say that I’m okay. I don’t think that anyone living in this area right now is okay. I’m pretty shaken up and scared and so incredibly sad.

Thank you to all of my friends and family who reached out to me yesterday through whatever means you could .. whether it was text, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or email .. to make sure that Chad and I weren’t hurt. Please keep sending your thoughts and prayers this way. We all have a long road ahead of us and need your support.

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 .. pointing him in the right direction for film industry contacts.

I was so excited to dress up for this party. And Chad, who usually isn’t into costume parties, was able to get into this one. Doesn’t he look great?

Tracy really went all out with this party. They served cocktails that were popular in the 1950s. I drank Tom Collins all night and Chad had Manhattans.

There was tons of 1950s themed food. Fish dip in the shape of a fish - I died. Jello with whipped cream. I was in heaven!

There were SO MANY people there. Randy’s parents even flew out from Portland, Oregon for the party. That’s his mom on the far left above. You can’t really see her dress but it was AMAZING. The two women on the right above met through a summer tennis group at Harvard. They talked me into checking it out. I love playing tennis, but I’m just not very good at it.

We met and talked to a lot of really interesting people. I also loved seeing everyone else’s outfits. I also loved that most people dressed up for this party.

This was hands down one of the best parties I’ve been to since we moved to Boston.

Happy Birthday to Randy! And cheers to Tracy for showing us such a good time!

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 get a million burs stuck in his fur, and it’s much easier to find ticks. We definitely miss his fluffy fur, but he’s always so much happier with a short haircut in the spring and summer seasons.

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 Men-esque) surprise 50th birthday party. I had so much fun shopping for this. Then we’re heading over to a friend’s housewarming party .. and yes, we’ll still be donning our 50’s garb.

Have a great weekend!

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 one-piece swimsuit in my future. fingers crossed.

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 summer in Boston? A gourmet popsicle truck or cart or stand. They have one in Miami and probably more than just this one in NYC. So far I’ve found Ocean Ave Pops and I’m really hoping a few more pop up around town.