Girasol

Wednesday, May 1

Mother's Day is around the corner, and one of my favorite blogs A Cup of Jo asked readers to reflect on what they have learned from their mothers. I have been lucky to have one of the best mommas on the planet, and I think anyone who knows her can agree that her sunshine personality and love for life is contagious. It's hard to write a snippet of all the many things she has taught me over the past 25 years, but here are some of my favorites:

1. Always take the high road. It's easier to kill someone with kindness than argue.
2. Everyone is fighting a battle of some sort. Lend a helping hand whenever you can. Someday it may be you who is on the receiving line.
3. Spend your money on experiences. It will be the experiences that you remember down the road, not material things like clothes or cars. Travel, explore, and seek new adventures with those you love.
4. Be kind to everyone. It doesn't matter if its the CEO of your company, or the individual who vacuums your office. Everyone deserves respect and and kindness.
5. Boys are like buses, another one comes along every 15 minutes. (unless you find a really good one!)
6. Life is a celebration, so throw good parties! Especially with LOTS of party games
7. Creative clutter is better than idle neatness
8. Bloom where you are planted.
9. Ice cream and pasta can make any bad day better
10. When the going gets tough, keep on going.
And my favorite: Always make sure to tell the people you love that you love them

What has your mom taught you?

Sunday, April 14

same love

I have a habit of listening to a song on repeat until I get sick of it. I may have already listened to this one 300 times. If you haven't heard it or seen the video, you need to. Such a beautiful and important message. As someone with gay family members, I believe that everyone deserves the right to marry the person they love. Love is what makes life worthwhile, and love is the same no matter who it's between.

Thursday, March 7

off to LA

I'm off to LA and Palm Springs to visit my friend Court for the week. I'm so excited for the adventures that await. I'm looking forward to sunshine, fruity cocktails, long chats, and lots of laughs. Above is a few things I have stuffed in my suitcase.

Chambray shirt: Gap

Clarisonic: Sephora (life-changing!)

Heels- Sam Edelmen (Shopbop)

Purple pants- JCrew

Necklace- Baublebar

Essie nail polish- Target

Black maxi dress- Old Navy

Sandals- Tory Burch

Sneakers- Nike

Wednesday, March 6

happiness

stumbled on this picture today of my parents. i just love it. it's filled with so much genuine happiness.

hope you are having a happy and wonderful day!

Saturday, January 26

one of my favorite holidays is right around the corner. i'm looking forward to a month full of love, sweets, and fun. i'm also going to put more love into this blog! stay tuned for more frequent posting.

Friday, January 18

winter date ideas in boston

You can't ever go wrong with fondue and mulled cider on a snowy afternoon, especially when you're nestled in a cozy pub called Grendel's Den. It's a gem in Harvard Square, and if you dine before 7pm all meals are half off. Can't beat that! And after dinner, saunter over to the Brattle Theater to watch a classic or independent film to top off the evening.

This is at the top of my winter to-do list. My brother and his wife rave about their date nights here at this local spot in Davis Square. Start with a few games of candlepin bowling, followed by delicious gourmet pizzas at the Flatbread Pizza Company. And the nice part about the whole thing? The restaurant and the bowling are under the same roof!

When the thermometer drops below freezing, there's nothing better than a warm massage and a soak in a private tub at Inman Oasis in Inman Square. You can even hook up your iPod to listen to your favorite music while you and your date relax and unwind. After pampering yourselves, head over to the East Coast Grill for some spicy, fire grilled fare or Hungry Mother for Southern comfort food.

I love snowshoeing. Almost anyone can do it, and it's a great way to stay active outside when everything is covered in snow. There are plenty of places to snowshoe around the city after a big storm--along the Charles, through Boston Commons, Blue Hills, and at Arnold Arboretum they offer a snowshoe conifer tour. And after a day spent in the cold, there's no better excuse to snuggle up next to your sweetie. Or head to a great place with a fireplace like Charlestown's Warren Tavern, the Bristol Lounge for burgers, or the Fireplace in Brookline.

photo credit: one, two, three, four