Boston

It's only been several days since the horrific explosions during the Boston Marathon happened and I am still in disbelief how something so tragic could happen during one of the most celebrated days in the city.  It's been a long time since I lived there, but it still holds a special place in my heart.  My thoughts and prayers goes out to those affected by the event and to the city and residents of Boston.

My friend Haley of The Zen of Making made this special badge to support Boston.

If you'd like to show you love you can get the badge here.

BPL

When I lived in Boston a looooong time ago, I passed by the Boston Public Library hundreds of times. Sadly, not one of those times where I stopped to really look at it or even go inside.  The beauty of the architecture, the statues, the writings and names etched on the bricks of the actual building.  When I was in Boston in July I saw this magnificent structure a several times going to and from my hotel.  Although I wished I had some time to just wander inside and roam through the building, I was still appreciative of the outside.  

Ever rediscover something that you've already seen before but see it in a different way?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Happy Friday!

Trinity

A few weeks ago I was in Boston for a conference.  Besides the conference part, it was nice to spend some time in my favorite city.  My hotel happened to be close to Copley Square.  I saw the Trinity Church almost a few times each day and each time I had a great appreciation to the structure. Trinity Church stands alone amidst other modern towering buildings reminding everyone how old the city dates back in history.  Just amazing and lovely.  Definitely one of my favorite spots in Boston.  Have you ever been to Boston?  Do you live in Boston?  What is your favorite place to go?

Cupcakery

Seriously who doesn't like cupcakes?  The small deliscous goodness packaged conveniently, dressed up in colorful nom-ness.  You're probably like..what the heck is this lady talking about?  Ok I love cupcakes especially pretty yummy ones.  I became a fan of the TLC show featuring the two sisters who started Georgetown Cupcake in where else...Georgetown (Washington, DC) and was excited to have found one of their cupcake shops.  I must say that I have become quite a connoisseur of red velvet cupcakes which is what I tried at Georgetown Cupcake while I was in Boston.  Located on the fashionable Newbery Street, the little shop definitely fit in with it's bright lights and delish cupcakes dressed up in sprinkles (jimmies?), colorful fondant, and sugary frosting.  There's something for everyone.  What's your favorite cupcake flavor?

The cute cupcakery from outside.

Lovely cupcakes on display on display..each and everyday everyday....

Pretty cupcake painting / menu

A strong iced coffee after walking all the way from Chinatown.

The lovely red velvet.  So yummy.

Walking Through as an Alum

It was a lovely day to visit my old college.  I haven't been there for several years and seems like it has been much longer.  Even with new buildings and structures on campus and a much younger generation of faces passing by; it smelled the same, looked the same, but it definitely felt different.  Ten years different.  Ever been somewhere you haven't been to in a long time?  Do you reminisce? Do you say, "oh man I'm old"?  Or do you just take in the experience once again as if it were new?

I saw the inside of that building a few times.

The courtyard looks the same with the exception of the chairs.

Alumni Center - I earned to be in here. 

This sight never gets old.  Never.

Worth the Parking Ticket

Smita of Hogger & Co. and I have been talking about meeting up next time I was in Boston for a while.  I had an informal retirement reception at the college that I attended earlier in the day, then headed to Beacon Hill for my dinner date with Smita.  I headed toward downtown Boston with the fear of bumper to bumper traffic, but I was relieved that everyone was leaving while I was headed into the heart of Boston.  Yes!  I remember the traffic, but I definitely do not miss it.  To add to my excitement, I found the perfect parking spot right by the restaurant even though my parallel parking skills were tested.  I had enough change for the meter - 2 hours.  Nice!  Smita and I chatted it up at The Paramount over some Sam Adams and salmon burger (for her) and crab cake burger (for me) with fries of course.  We laughed, talked about blogging, our work, and living in Boston.  I think we covered a lot on our first meet-up!  Honestly, it seemed as if we had met already - it was awesome!  After paying for our dinner, we walked back toward my car and found that dreaded bright orange envelope on my window.  A ticket!  But you know what? What's $25 bucks paid to the City of Boston?!  I had so much fun meeting the wonderful and super nice Smita that the ticket was just another photo op for me.  Haha.  You're not going to get me down parking meter guy!  Smita said "boo"... I say Boo-Ya!.  

It was a great day in Beantown. 

Nothing like a Sam Adams in Boston.

Me with my Sam! Cheers!

The lovely and talented Smita of Hogger & Co

Me with a present from the City of Boston.

Beantown

Even though it's been a long time since I lived in Boston for college, I still call it my other home.  I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to live there and experience life as a young adult.  I try to go up as much as I can, although not as much in the city but in the outskirts where my friends live.  I can pretty much drive there with my eyes closed (which I do not do and do not recommend).  Who knows, I'm probably headed up there this weekend?!  Do you have a home away from home?

Don't worry folks, my husband was driving when I took this picture!