Winks And Whistles

Oh What A Friday

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:25:07 -0400

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 little scary.

For a highway breakdown, it wasn’t so bad. I got off the road pretty quickly, had help on the phone immediately, and within five minutes had Steve (pictured above upper left) - a mechanic - who pulled over to help. See .. there are really good people out there.

I also ended up having a pretty awesome tow truck driver, David, who grew up on a horse farm. You meet all kinds of interesting people when you least expect it.

Hopefully I’ll get a chance next week to take this baby out again. My fingers are crossed for breakdown and tow-free trip this time.

Flashback Friday: Out In The Wilds Of West Virginia

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:39 -0400

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 before she died. I think it’s easy to say .. Oh, I’ll visit next month or even next year. Before you know it, it’s been a handful years and that’s time you never get back.

Loving The A Beautiful Mess App

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:24:00 -0400

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

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:25 -0400

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 which just makes being together that much more fun. Sisters are the best. They really, truly are.

A Weekend Morning Hike

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:00:00 -0400

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 number of watering holes .. one of which Dexter couldn’t resist splashing around in.

It proved to be a really beautiful morning hike.

Dexter ended up rolling around in some pretty unsavory smelling things. But that’s par for the course when you take him hiking.

It had just finished raining about an hour before our hike began, so everything had that great, just-rained scent.

Dexter spotted a pair of ducks at one point and did a really good job of listening when I told him not to go after them. Honestly, I was pretty amazed he didn’t jump in after them.

I think I’m going to make a habit out of weekend morning hikes. It’s just really nice getting out to someplace different and being able to explore, especially early in the morning when you’re likely to not see anyone else.

After our hike, we stopped by a great coffee shop for breakfast and then explored Downtown Melrose for a bit.

All said, a pretty great start to my weekend.

Momma Shout Outs

Sun, 12 May 2013 07:00:00 -0400

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 year with her walking me down the aisle last summer.

It takes a pretty exceptional woman to raise five daughters. Mom, I love you so much and wouldn’t be half the person I am today without your love and support.

Next up is my sister, Alex.

She’s the mother to three exceptional children who are fun, smart, full of surprises and some of the best little people I know.

I aspire to be like her when the day comes for me to have my own family. She is patient with them, above all else .. something I imagine isn’t the easiest thing to maintain when raising three rambunctious kids.

I also have to acknowledge my Aunt Trish, mother to my cousin Nadia. She’s great company and the woman can cook. Two reasons I’m especially excited she’s making Boston her permanent (for now) home.

And I have to acknowledge the Ervin mommas .. Kathy (Chad’s mom) and Julia (my sister-in-law).

Kathy has just been such a blessing in my life. She brought up two terrific sons (one that I’m particularly fond of) and is one of the most thoughtful people I know.

And Julia .. oh my how I wish we were next door neighbors and could chat and catch up and drink sangria on the front porch every day. I really did marry into the best family. Julia feels like my fifth sister and I’m so lucky to have her around.

One of the things I love about Julia is how fun she is. She and Erik have raised a great kid and his curiosity and sense of adventure comes straight from them.

Happy Mother’s Day!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:00:17 -0400

I Fell In Love ...

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:00:27 -0400

… 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 Thing: Besides reverse, there were only three gears.

Now this car is all I can think about. And all of the awesome adventures I could take with it.

Cinco Derby

Wed, 08 May 2013 07:00:29 -0400

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 ended up spilling sangria all over one of my favorite dresses. But not to fear. Laura (the host) dashed for her Tide Pen and all was saved. Seriously, the entire stain ended up coming out. I’m a Tide Pen convert.

And I played Cards Against Humanity for the first time. LOVE IT. It’s like Apples To Apples but a thousand times better. And Chad actually enjoyed playing it. And Chad is not a party games kind of person.

Met Gala or Goth Prom?

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:49:00 -0400

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 fabulous .. as always.

See a full roundup of Met Gala fashions on People.com.

A Happy Medium

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:08:00 -0400

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 sun and that long walk makes you feel pretty good.

Weekly Web Favorites

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:46:23 -0400

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 day.

Here are some of my favorite things from around the web lately:

I love Jane’s post on Sexy Bedhead .. definitely some products listed I love and use and others I’m interested in testing out.
I’ve always wanted to make a bloomin’ onion at home. I think I might make one tonight.
I like the idea of faking a super long ponytail, but I tried this tutorial and it didn’t quite work out for me. Maybe I’ll give it another go.
I sorta loved this list of 10 Simple Things To Make You Happier At Home. Number 5 really spoke to me .. especially when they mentioned dishes. ugh … doing the dishes is the worst.

Here’s to a Sunday spent doing whatever it is that makes you happy .. and not feeling guilty about what doesn’t get done.

xoxo

Howcasts

Sat, 04 May 2013 06:49:00 -0400

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 Howcasts .. specifically How To Kiss Like A fill in the blank. I mean .. how could I not click on that video link .. right?

I think if I were a preteen I would have loved these videos and not gotten at all how ridiculous they are. But I think this one .. the How to Kiss like in Twilight video is the most entertaining.

Chad was sitting right next to me, rolling his eyes, as I’m watching these on my iPad. In one of the how to kiss videos, the blonde host above is telling you “how to frustrate” a guy because that’s what they like. I jokingly say to Chad, Is that what you really want? To be frustrated? He looks at me and says, Kristin, guys are really simple. And one thing they don’t want is to be frustrated.

Classical Music Recharged

Fri, 03 May 2013 07:00:29 -0400

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 I just floored by how incredible the music is. I just wanted to pull over and only have to listen to the music.

While listening to the interview, I purchased their album A Walking Fire. I’ve been listening to it ALL DAY LONG.

Even if you’re not into classical music (OMG who are you?!), you’ll want to check these guys out. My classical music world has been rocked.

The Best Part Of Chad's Birthday ...

Thu, 02 May 2013 07:00:27 -0400

… 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

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:00:23 -0400

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 kind of weather. As for the tie-dye aspect .. I dunno .. it just feels right.

And I know this Mara Hoffman maxi isn’t tie-dye, but OMG do I love it, want it, will dream about it. But .. le sigh .. it’s $400. So, maybe if it ever goes on sale or when the dress fairy leaves an envelope full of cash underneath my pillow.

Cousin Love And Turkish Coffee

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:00:43 -0400

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 family and friends? I just found out that her mom is moving to Boston full-time soon, which I’m very excited about. Aunt Trish is the best cook. And good company too, of course!

Let Today Be Joyful

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:35:53 -0400

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

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:34:23 -0400

You can follow me on Instagram @winksandwhistles

Flashback Friday: Moving To Boston - The First Time

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:27:31 -0400

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 reasons as to why we love this place. For me, Boston is where my own kinda, sorta coming-of-age story took place.

The first time I moved here .. so many years ago .. was when I was 20, taking time off from college, and figuring out what it was I wanted out of my life. When I first arrived, I had no place to live. I stayed with a friend of a friend of a friend .. this French Canadian bohemian family living in East Boston who’s bathroom had one of those showers that also functioned as a toilet .. I was mortified.

I remember crying every day my first week here. I was alone, missed my family and friends, and was soon-to-be homeless because my invitation to live this with eclectic family only lasted a week. But through the generosity of someone I met through City Year - the Americorps program I had come to Boston to participate in - a complete stranger, and native Bostonian, who I had only known for 10 minutes, handed me her house keys telling me I had another place to stay indefinitely until I found my permanent home … which luckily happened soon after that.

When I moved to Boston, I was so shy .. such an introvert. But there’s something about not knowing anyone that forces you to meet everyone you can just so you can survive. Living and working in this city helped shape me into the person I am today. Someone who can’t meet enough people and hear the stories they have to tell. Someone who loves to explore and learn as much about a place as she can.

Thank you, Boston, for helping make me who I am. It’s not that I wasn’t a totally awesome person at 20 (I mean, look at that face I’m making in the photo below), but I’m really proud of who I became during my first time living here.