This vacation was the opposite of last vacation. Last April I completed the 5 fun city adventures in 5 days challenge and loved every day of spring in the city. This vacation it was rainy and cold for most of the week. This put me in quite a funk but luckily one Meat Fest and beautiful 70 degree day later I'm back in a better mood.
Today was absolutely gorgeous! It was so gorgeous that JO and I zoomed into the Square as quickly as we could to soak up as much as we could. Our first stop of course was the roof deck of Daedalus Restaurant. If you can't tell by now I absolutely love this place. We were lucky and were able to get a table on the deck right away. It was absolutely the perfect weather for lunch on the deck.
After lunch we wondered around the Square and did a little bit of shopping. We stopped in at the Harvard Coop to take a look at the books. I came across a book about Cambridge's best spots. While browsing I stumbled upon a picture of this place. Yes, that's right. A roof top garden in the heart of Kendall Square. I am so excited to check this place out and have a picnic lunch or dinner. I can't believe I didn't know about it.
We also spent some time today mapping out our engagement picture photo shoot. We're sticking with the Cambridge theme so I think it will be a lot of fun. When I emailed our photographer she already had some neat city themed ideas plus she knew when the sun was setting on the day of our pictures.
I'm a bit disappointed in Mother Nature. Just when it's time to get back to work the warm weather rolls in. There are so many fun things to look forward to in May so I'm hoping Mother Nature cooperates.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Spring has Sprung
Spring arrived in resounding fashion this weekend with 3 straight days of 60+ degree weather. The sun was shining, you didn't need a jacket, and life was good! We made a point to enjoy every part of the weekend.
Friday night I was exhausted so the most we could muster was dinner at our neighborhood favorite Casa de Portugal where we watched a boy at the next table eat 12 pieces of bread! Upon returning home, I promptly fell asleep at the late hour of 8:30. March Madness had finally caught up to me.
I spent Saturday morning "teacher venting" with my two fake mentors. It's always nice to hear that other teachers are experiencing exactly what you are experiencing. I had to run a million errands and I was starting to get frustrated at the fact that I wasn't able to enjoy the beautiful weather. We fixed that right away by heading into Harvard Square as soon as I returned home. Since it was a bit on the early side we were able to get a roof deck table at Daedalus! Our first roof deck experience wasn't until April vacation last year...and there was the missed opportunity back in February so if felt really awesome to be sitting up there. It was a bit cold for the roof deck but I think it was well worth it. Daedalus has put some new items on their menu and the ones I had were delicious.
After Daedalus we walked over to John Harvard's Brew House to check something off the wedding list. We booked their private room for our rehearsal dinner because this is where we had our first date. I love this idea and am looking forward to a fun evening.
I didn't want to leave the Square so we headed over to Grafton Street Pub for dessert. Once again luck was on our side because it was super crowded yet we managed to get two seats at the bar.
Today we walked into the Square for lunch and had a delightful meal at Tory Row. Every time I eat here I am surprised at just how good the food is. We walked all around the Square, tried to get frozen yogurt at the new it-spot Pinkberry, and did a little shopping. Along the way we solidified our plans for a restaurant style bracket challenge.
We're still hashing out the details but basically we are going to create an Elite Eight bracket of our favorite restaurants. Prior to this there will be a 4 restaurant play-in round of places we haven't tried yet. The winners of this will face our favorite restaurants in a dining showdown to figure out our favorite Boston/Cambridge restaurant. We'll be judging on food and overall dining experience. This should be a fun little spring and summer game for us. Check back for the official brackets :-)
Friday night I was exhausted so the most we could muster was dinner at our neighborhood favorite Casa de Portugal where we watched a boy at the next table eat 12 pieces of bread! Upon returning home, I promptly fell asleep at the late hour of 8:30. March Madness had finally caught up to me.
I spent Saturday morning "teacher venting" with my two fake mentors. It's always nice to hear that other teachers are experiencing exactly what you are experiencing. I had to run a million errands and I was starting to get frustrated at the fact that I wasn't able to enjoy the beautiful weather. We fixed that right away by heading into Harvard Square as soon as I returned home. Since it was a bit on the early side we were able to get a roof deck table at Daedalus! Our first roof deck experience wasn't until April vacation last year...and there was the missed opportunity back in February so if felt really awesome to be sitting up there. It was a bit cold for the roof deck but I think it was well worth it. Daedalus has put some new items on their menu and the ones I had were delicious.
After Daedalus we walked over to John Harvard's Brew House to check something off the wedding list. We booked their private room for our rehearsal dinner because this is where we had our first date. I love this idea and am looking forward to a fun evening.
I didn't want to leave the Square so we headed over to Grafton Street Pub for dessert. Once again luck was on our side because it was super crowded yet we managed to get two seats at the bar.
Today we walked into the Square for lunch and had a delightful meal at Tory Row. Every time I eat here I am surprised at just how good the food is. We walked all around the Square, tried to get frozen yogurt at the new it-spot Pinkberry, and did a little shopping. Along the way we solidified our plans for a restaurant style bracket challenge.
We're still hashing out the details but basically we are going to create an Elite Eight bracket of our favorite restaurants. Prior to this there will be a 4 restaurant play-in round of places we haven't tried yet. The winners of this will face our favorite restaurants in a dining showdown to figure out our favorite Boston/Cambridge restaurant. We'll be judging on food and overall dining experience. This should be a fun little spring and summer game for us. Check back for the official brackets :-)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Another March Madness Ends, Another April Reign Begins
Taking a break from city life to remember another Husky title run!
When I look back on this past month I probably won't remember too much other than the magical run of both Husky teams!
Although the women fell just shy of another title, this season has to go down in history as one of the most special. Back in December there was the whole 90 straight wins thing, then as the season progressed there were so many great games. I was fortunate to have gone to 5 women's games this year, including the last home game for Maya Moore. I loved every minute of this season, with the exception of the last two minutes of the Final Four. My mom would have loved watching the games and I was reminded of some of the great memories of her and I watching the UConn games together.
The men did the impossible...winning 11 straight tournament games (5 in the Big East in 5 days and the 6 March Madness games.) The ride was magical. The Big East tournament was unlike anything I have ever seen before. Then game the march through the tournament. The games were close but it always seemed like my Huskies were having fun! I loved seeing the players soak up the experience instead of getting bogged down in the pressure. Monday night's game may not have been pretty but in the end we scored 12 more points and we are National Champs...again!!!
This year was also a lot of fun because I got to share my Huskymania with my class. I loved all the signs they made me, the way they would greet me in the morning, "Hey...the Huskies won," and most of all I loved that they had a team to look up to and model themselves after.
This is the first Wednesday in a while that I haven't been frantically catching up on housework, school work, or wedding stuff. I love having an open schedule but I already miss the excitement of March Madness. The countdown to the Super Show is on...91 (or 98 depending on when they hold it) days until I see UConn raise their trophy!
What to do now? I'm thinking warm, spring mornings in the Square, a little urban hiking in Boston, riding the Swan Boats, and trying out all the places that have been on my "I Want to Try That" list for too long.
When I look back on this past month I probably won't remember too much other than the magical run of both Husky teams!
Although the women fell just shy of another title, this season has to go down in history as one of the most special. Back in December there was the whole 90 straight wins thing, then as the season progressed there were so many great games. I was fortunate to have gone to 5 women's games this year, including the last home game for Maya Moore. I loved every minute of this season, with the exception of the last two minutes of the Final Four. My mom would have loved watching the games and I was reminded of some of the great memories of her and I watching the UConn games together.
The men did the impossible...winning 11 straight tournament games (5 in the Big East in 5 days and the 6 March Madness games.) The ride was magical. The Big East tournament was unlike anything I have ever seen before. Then game the march through the tournament. The games were close but it always seemed like my Huskies were having fun! I loved seeing the players soak up the experience instead of getting bogged down in the pressure. Monday night's game may not have been pretty but in the end we scored 12 more points and we are National Champs...again!!!
This year was also a lot of fun because I got to share my Huskymania with my class. I loved all the signs they made me, the way they would greet me in the morning, "Hey...the Huskies won," and most of all I loved that they had a team to look up to and model themselves after.
This is the first Wednesday in a while that I haven't been frantically catching up on housework, school work, or wedding stuff. I love having an open schedule but I already miss the excitement of March Madness. The countdown to the Super Show is on...91 (or 98 depending on when they hold it) days until I see UConn raise their trophy!
What to do now? I'm thinking warm, spring mornings in the Square, a little urban hiking in Boston, riding the Swan Boats, and trying out all the places that have been on my "I Want to Try That" list for too long.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Husky Pride!
I'm loving March Madness right now! My brackets are busted but it doesn't matter. My UConn Huskies are in the men's Final Four and the women are in the Elite Eight.
This weekend was all about the tournament! We watched basketball all day and all night! Saturday morning we headed over to Long's Jewelers for a wedding band event so JO could shop for his ring. There was no way I wasn't going to wear my game day outfit. I was quite the sight in my UConn warm-up pants and player jersey. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of jealous fiances in that place. My favorite moment was when the security guard started talking to me about the big game that night!
Last night when the men won a come from behind thriller to make it to the Final Four we went out to celebrate. Before leaving we put this sign in our window. It was left over from a women's tournament game I went to back in the Diana Taurasi days!
Unfortunately our first choice, Bukowski's Tavern, was filled to capacity. Not a problem for us since we live in the best neighborhood ever. We took a short walk over to Trina's Starlite Lounge where we celebrated all things Husky! It was so much fun to walk around the neighborhood decked out in my Husky gear.
Today I got up early to go the grocery store before the women's game. I was, of course, decked out in head to toe Husky wear and got several "Way to go!" and "Great game last night!" comments from my fellow shoppers. So much fun!!!
This weekend was all about the tournament! We watched basketball all day and all night! Saturday morning we headed over to Long's Jewelers for a wedding band event so JO could shop for his ring. There was no way I wasn't going to wear my game day outfit. I was quite the sight in my UConn warm-up pants and player jersey. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of jealous fiances in that place. My favorite moment was when the security guard started talking to me about the big game that night!
Last night when the men won a come from behind thriller to make it to the Final Four we went out to celebrate. Before leaving we put this sign in our window. It was left over from a women's tournament game I went to back in the Diana Taurasi days!
Unfortunately our first choice, Bukowski's Tavern, was filled to capacity. Not a problem for us since we live in the best neighborhood ever. We took a short walk over to Trina's Starlite Lounge where we celebrated all things Husky! It was so much fun to walk around the neighborhood decked out in my Husky gear.
Today I got up early to go the grocery store before the women's game. I was, of course, decked out in head to toe Husky wear and got several "Way to go!" and "Great game last night!" comments from my fellow shoppers. So much fun!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Taking it to the Next Level
Friday night was a night to have fun with good friends and live the high life for a little while.
We headed out around 7:00 and splurged with what proved to be the longest cab ride to Copley Square ever. Anytime a transfer to the Green Line is in store the sticky subject of walking arises. The last time I ended up with ice packs on my legs.
Our first stop of the evening was the Oak Room at the Copley Fairmont. Although this place is a bit pricey it's totally worth it if you're looking for an injection of Boston sophistication. Another huge plus is the big comfy chairs and couches. It was such a nice way to start the weekend after such a crazy week.
Our second stop on the tour was dinner at Smith and Wollensky's in the Castle. Normally this would be a restaurant reserved strictly for only the most special of occasions but it's Restaurant Week here in Boston so we were able to take advantage. I'm not a huge steakhouse fan but this place was super! The atmosphere is so relaxed but it still feels so special. We were seated in a large room with a fireplace and the chairs were big arm chairs (once again over sized, comfy chairs are awesome!) There were four choices for dinner and they all looked so good so it ended up being really hard to pick.
I started with a mozzarella, tomato, and portabello mushroom Neapolitan drizzled with Balsamic oil. That mushroom was the best mushroom I had ever eaten...until I tried some of the mushrooms that were served with dinner :-) My main meal consisted of three huge short ribs, which looked more like dinosaur bones, served over deliciously smooth mashed potatoes. Delicious is not an acceptable word for this meal.
I spent all day in a food hangover lounging on the couch, watching March Madness! Anyone who knows me knows that I live for March Madness! Bracket Sunday is like Christmas Day when I was a kid! I'm loving the new tv format...I can literally watch three or four games at once...throw in the women's games and it could be as many as six!
Saturday night we went out with friends to the Thirsty Scholar. Back in November we went to see Social Network and unknowingly had gone to two of the places featured in the movie the day before, one of which was the Thirsty Scholar. The opening scene of the movie was shot at the Thirsty Scholar. Saturday night we ended up sitting at the table the scene was filmed at which was kind of neat. Thirsty Scholar was also a great place to go on Saturday because they simultaneously showed all of the basketball games on their 8 different tvs, which for me was March Madness awesomeness! It was also great to hang out with such great friends. We made it home in time to watch the UConn men's team fight their way into the Sweet Sixteen...I'm not really sure I should watch UConn games in public :-)
Sunday we got up early in order to be at Gampel by 11:15 to watch my UConn Huskies in the first round of the women's tournament. It was a pretty strong start for the Huskies and I'm looking forward to going down Tuesday for the second round game!
We headed out around 7:00 and splurged with what proved to be the longest cab ride to Copley Square ever. Anytime a transfer to the Green Line is in store the sticky subject of walking arises. The last time I ended up with ice packs on my legs.
Our first stop of the evening was the Oak Room at the Copley Fairmont. Although this place is a bit pricey it's totally worth it if you're looking for an injection of Boston sophistication. Another huge plus is the big comfy chairs and couches. It was such a nice way to start the weekend after such a crazy week.
Our second stop on the tour was dinner at Smith and Wollensky's in the Castle. Normally this would be a restaurant reserved strictly for only the most special of occasions but it's Restaurant Week here in Boston so we were able to take advantage. I'm not a huge steakhouse fan but this place was super! The atmosphere is so relaxed but it still feels so special. We were seated in a large room with a fireplace and the chairs were big arm chairs (once again over sized, comfy chairs are awesome!) There were four choices for dinner and they all looked so good so it ended up being really hard to pick.
I started with a mozzarella, tomato, and portabello mushroom Neapolitan drizzled with Balsamic oil. That mushroom was the best mushroom I had ever eaten...until I tried some of the mushrooms that were served with dinner :-) My main meal consisted of three huge short ribs, which looked more like dinosaur bones, served over deliciously smooth mashed potatoes. Delicious is not an acceptable word for this meal.
I spent all day in a food hangover lounging on the couch, watching March Madness! Anyone who knows me knows that I live for March Madness! Bracket Sunday is like Christmas Day when I was a kid! I'm loving the new tv format...I can literally watch three or four games at once...throw in the women's games and it could be as many as six!
Saturday night we went out with friends to the Thirsty Scholar. Back in November we went to see Social Network and unknowingly had gone to two of the places featured in the movie the day before, one of which was the Thirsty Scholar. The opening scene of the movie was shot at the Thirsty Scholar. Saturday night we ended up sitting at the table the scene was filmed at which was kind of neat. Thirsty Scholar was also a great place to go on Saturday because they simultaneously showed all of the basketball games on their 8 different tvs, which for me was March Madness awesomeness! It was also great to hang out with such great friends. We made it home in time to watch the UConn men's team fight their way into the Sweet Sixteen...I'm not really sure I should watch UConn games in public :-)
Sunday we got up early in order to be at Gampel by 11:15 to watch my UConn Huskies in the first round of the women's tournament. It was a pretty strong start for the Huskies and I'm looking forward to going down Tuesday for the second round game!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I'm a Union Worker...I am not the Problem
I'm taking a break from living the city life to vent for a moment. I just watched the most disgusting commercial ever and I'm livid!!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Birthday Fun and Bridal Brunch
This has been the week that wouldn't end. I planned on writing a post last Sunday but that didn't happen. I was sure I would have time during the week but I was definitely wrong! It was a long week at school and a long week at home. Trying to get my dad organized for his taxes his more stressful than preparing my 4th graders for our state writing test!
Last weekend JO and I celebrated my birthday with a night out. Our first stop took us to Alibi at the Liberty Hotel. Yes, I was there just a week before but I couldn't resist. After drinks we walked over to The Grotto. I absolutely cannot say enough about this restaurant. Everything from the atmosphere, to the service, to the food is impeccable. It's one of those restaurants where going to the restaurant is as much of an experience as the food is. It was great to spend my birthday in a place that represents the best things the city has to offer. On our cab ride home we talked about how lucky we are to live where we do. If we lived somewhere else it might be a production to come into the city for a birthday dinner but for us it's just another night out.
On Sunday I got up a lot earlier than I normally do to go the Brides of Distinction Bridal Brunch at the Omni Parker Hotel. I had seen this event advertised the last time we were at the Omni Parker. Since I will probably never have another chance to eat in the rooftop ballroom I jumped at the chance. The event was so much fun and featured table decorations for all four seasons. It was really fun to see all of the different centerpieces even though some of them were a bit much. There was also a Priscilla's of Boston fashion show and 20 different cakes to taste.
I loved these colors together
I didn't get a great picture of this one but it was really pretty
JO would love this one
That fruit cup was way better than it had any right to be
This was the centerpiece at our table. It was very pretty but a bit too much
My favorite cake!
Last weekend JO and I celebrated my birthday with a night out. Our first stop took us to Alibi at the Liberty Hotel. Yes, I was there just a week before but I couldn't resist. After drinks we walked over to The Grotto. I absolutely cannot say enough about this restaurant. Everything from the atmosphere, to the service, to the food is impeccable. It's one of those restaurants where going to the restaurant is as much of an experience as the food is. It was great to spend my birthday in a place that represents the best things the city has to offer. On our cab ride home we talked about how lucky we are to live where we do. If we lived somewhere else it might be a production to come into the city for a birthday dinner but for us it's just another night out.
On Sunday I got up a lot earlier than I normally do to go the Brides of Distinction Bridal Brunch at the Omni Parker Hotel. I had seen this event advertised the last time we were at the Omni Parker. Since I will probably never have another chance to eat in the rooftop ballroom I jumped at the chance. The event was so much fun and featured table decorations for all four seasons. It was really fun to see all of the different centerpieces even though some of them were a bit much. There was also a Priscilla's of Boston fashion show and 20 different cakes to taste.
I loved these colors together
I didn't get a great picture of this one but it was really pretty
JO would love this one
That fruit cup was way better than it had any right to be
This was the centerpiece at our table. It was very pretty but a bit too much
My favorite cake!
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