The Christmas Tree Challenge

For the last few years, JO and I have made "The Christmas Tree Challenge" part of our holiday traditions.  We started the challenge in 2015, as a way to make sure we had fun during the busy holiday season. 

This year we met up with some friends who wanted to join us for the challenge! 




We started at the Marriott Custom House

Then headed over to Faneuil Hall to see the "Blink Light Show"

We made our way up to Omni Parker (always one of our favorites)

And stopped in at The Last Hurrah for drinks (it has been way too long since we enjoyed drinks in this special spot)

We tried to go to NineZero but they didn't have a tree (bah humbug)

So we crossed the street to see the tree in the Common

We stopped in at the Four Seasons (they went real low key this year, it wasn't even worth a picture retake)

So we trekked over to the Taj but they were closed for renovations (what????)

At this point we were freezing, so we took quickly headed over to the Fairmont (where did their giant tree go???)

We ended the night by stopping in at the Lennox (they always have a cozy, New England set up)

And ended the evening at the lounge at the Charles Mark Hotel (I've never been here and I have to say, this is a fun spot)

The first day of the Challenge was quite successful!

9Zaab Thai Street Food

JO and I found ourselves in East Cambridge this past weekend.  We had just gone for a 5k run and had some time to kill before an open house.  We needed a place to warm up and have lunch so we decided to try out 9Zaab.  I had recently heard about this place in Scout Cambridge.  Yummy Thai food is actually really hard to find in the city.  Ever since Spice and Rice left the neighborhood several years ago, we've definitely been on a hunt for a replacement.  (Side note- Sugar and Spice, the sister restaurant to Spice and Rice, in Porter, is delicious and has a lovely patio in the summer but we have to get in the car and it's not that convenient.)

9Zaab really impressed us.  The space is really cute and the menu has tons of options.  We tried the gyoza, wonton soup, and Pad Thai because those are make it or break it dishes for us.  All three were delicious, especially the Pad Thai.  It was seasoned perfectly and we couldn't stop eating it.  We'll definitely be back soon!

Watching the Snow Fall

I love snow days!  I know some teachers hate them because it means an extra day in June.  I get that, but the way I look at it, June days are easier than snowy commutes and nine year olds all hopped up on snow madness. 

I made a resolution a few years ago that I won't do any school work on snow days.  I've spent the day catching up on my blog, watching Christmas classics (thanks to JO for Priming a whole bunch of Christmas movies since you can't get them on any streaming services) and drinking delicious hot chocolate with a Christmas romance set in London at 1369 Coffee. 

The Snow Dance Worked

Newsflash!

SnoWin in Inman

I hate the snow but I do love snow days!  We've been dealing with a three day snow event, these past few days.  The first snow is always kind of exciting and there was definitely a buzz around the neighborhood.  JO and I decided to take advantage of the winter wonderland.

We started with a soak at Inman Oasis! (yes, our neighborhood has a hot tub spa)

As we headed out, the snow started falling and it was just perfect as we walked home through the neighborhood we love so much!  (We've been going to some open houses in other neighborhoods but on this walk home we concluded that we really don't want to leave this special place.)

After dinner, decorating the tree, and redecorating the tree after I tipped it (yikes, it was awful) and with the snow falling, we decided to go out and enjoy a drink in the Square.  We grabbed our Santa hats first (seemed only appropriate) and headed out. 

We ended up at Puritan, fully decked out in Santa hats (I felt a little bad about this, but it was snowing, and casual Sunday so it seemed fine and they didn't care at all.)  I really do love Puritan and we don't stop in nearly enough, especially with the reasonably priced bar menu they feature.  We sampled some sparkling roses and a pot of chocolate cream that was delicious. 

The couple next to us were given a complimentary slice of what I can only describe as "gigantic" cake.  I think they liked our hats because they ended up giving us a slice and it was so good! 

I was really hoping for a snow day on Monday but settled for a delayed opening.  I have to admit, it was quite fun to watch my students who have never seen snow just stare out the window with pure happiness in their eyes.

Walking Home with the Christmas Tree

City living brings with it a lot of convenience.  For example, we can run across the street during a commercial break and come home with ice cream or even walk home with a Christmas tree from Ricky's Flower Mart.  No need to worry about putting a tree on the top of your car.

I love Ricky's.  It's a family owned, year round flower mart and it's been the place we've gotten our tree ever since we've lived in Inman Square.  Growing up, I really didn't have any holiday traditions so these traditions that JO and I have created are extra special to me. 






Ricky's didn't disappoint this year.  We found an awesome tree, walked home with it, and decorated it while the first snow fell in the neighborhood. 

These are my most treasured childhood Christmas memories.  

A little while later, I knocked over the tree~ but JO saved the day, and cleaned up the mega mess!

I love this!  It was JO's idea.

Charles Hotel Tree Lightning

For me, the holiday season officially kicks off with the tree lighting at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.  I love the "Santa" band singing Christmas songs and the hot chocolate. 

After the tree lighting, we always head out for dinner somewhere in the Square, and this year we chose Park Restaurant.  Park is always a great time, and it's cozy, subterranean interior make it the perfect holiday spot. 

After dinner, we headed over to Alden and Harlow to enjoy some cocktails at the bar.  This gin fizz was perfection!  It really was a lovely night in the Square.