brit speak

As I've mentioned previously, my boyfriend, J, is from England. Even though we speak the same language, sometimes - we don't. I thought it would be fun to jot down some of our daily translations:

higgledy-piggledy = chaos/confusion
baltic = realllly cold
good shout = nice call/good idea
crackin' = really good
minging = disgusting
football = soccer
chuck a wobbler = throw a tantrum (J says I chuck wobblers a lot ...)
bosh = cool
moreish = to describe something you can't get enough of
one off = an unusual or one-time event
chuffed = really pleased
gutted = really displeased
luvvly jubbly = lovely

Have a great weekend, or should I say, turrah!

vegetarian three-bean chili

I'm not a huge carnivore, but unlike popular myth, that does not mean that I subsist on lettuce alone.  Unfortunately, it does seem that most vegetarian meals are not exactly considered 'hearty.'  This recipe certainly satisfies that decription, without sacrificing anything in terms of flavor or texture.  It's also a cinch to whip up, which seems to be turning into a bit of a theme here.  But the best part - chili is even better the next day, so the copius amount of leftovers can take care of the "What's for dinner?" question for more than just one night.

the town


Most of labor day weekend was spent strolling around the streets of Boston, which was a great city to explore.  We stayed close to Quincy Market (most definitely one of the best food courts in the world), which was very central to all the main attractions, and were able to see all of the sites I was hoping to get to.  Boston Common was gorgeous with plenty of green space, ponds, flower gardens, and the famous swan boats.  Beacon Hill is what I pictured of Boston - old brick buildings, cobblestone streets, castiron streetlamps, and beautiful window boxes overflowing with flowers. Newbury Street was great for people watching and accent eavesdropping, and the Waterfront allowed us to put up our feet for awhile and just take in the New England view.

city shimmer

boston common

new england lantern

window boxes

quincy market whoopies

beacon hill cobble

my loves

copley alleys

back bay arches

front door adornment

vines

weekend notes




Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club


This weekend was filled with discovering new places.  It started with beginning a new novel, The Hunger Games, which has a premise that is a little new-age/spacey, and is not normally my style, but has been recommended enough times that I'm willing to give it a try, and so far, so good!  A friend's birthday celebration took us to a fabulous undiscovered (to me) sandy beach bar in the South Street Seaport that was on the water and had killer views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges (not to mention foosball and ping pong tables!).  And finally, a road trip up to Boston ticked one more city off the list (with more to come on that later ...).  After such a great holiday weekend, trudging through the rain to work today was unusually cruel.


blue brick



MMMac n' cheese

new reads

 

red door

happy labor day!

We made it!  Pics to come this week.  Hope you're enjoying the holiday too :)

short story

Maybe it's the fact that it is now September, and the reality that summer is quickly fading away is slowly settling in, but I'm loving shorts more than ever. In my opinion, summer is the best time of the year (sorry, Christmas), but unfortunately, it always seems to go by the fastest.  Lace shorts have been everywhere this year, and seems to be a summer trend that could be incorporated into my fall, and potentially winter, wardrobe.  I love that dressed up, they can make your look polished and professional, and dressed down with the right accessories, can emanate a feminine, boho vibe. 

new york neighbors - part two

Continuing with thoughts on anticipating a vacation from yesterday - which is sorely needed after a night spent taking care of a very sick puppy - here is a look at some of the things I'm hoping to achieve once we venture up to Boston (which, fingers crossed, will be this weekend!) ...

Do:

Boston Common and Public Garden - America's oldest public park filled with Swan Boats and lovely greenery.

Fenway Park - if J is lucky, we'll head over to the famed (and nations's oldest) baseball stadium. Although I'm sure he'll only want to go if the Yankees are playing ...

Eat:

Boston Cream Pie - clearly, a trip to the Parker House Hotel where it originated is in order.

Quincy Market - located behind Fanueil Hall, this brick marketplace is touted as one of the best food courts in the world, with stalls selling everything from clam chower to cannolis.

The "Cheers" bar - aka the "Bull & Finch Pub." Yes, I realize this is extremely touristy, but a pint here is a must do.

Splurge:

Fanueil Hall - one of Boston's oldest marketplaces should prove to be a great place to check out local vendors.

Newbury Street - filled with shops and restaurants, I'm told this brownstone packed street is great for window-shopping and people-watching.