Boston: The Magical City

Okay, okay.

Boston, magical? 

Yes, Boston is a historically enriched city. It is also a beautiful beautiful city and the surrounding suburbs lead you to enchanted woods and hidden railroad tracks. 

I've had the best time with my friend Ashley. 

I landed back in the United States on Wed., September 11. Ash sent me on a wild goose chase with all my luggage taking the bus and walking blocks with a huge suitcase and backpacker's backpack. The chase left me at the Thinking Cup for hours. But it was great to finally be able to sit and kind of just turn my brain off. I had kind of an overwhelming emotional almost meltdown  once I landed and the first thing I saw was the American flag and the questioning,  What the hell am I doing here? 

But once I saw Ashley I knew we were going to have a great time. But had no idea how amazing of a time we could have in just 2 days. We've had no agenda that's taken us to the most amazing places. 

I remember on Thursday at the end of the day, I was laying on the floor saying this was the best day ever. This was the most perfect 24 hours. But in return, it became the best 48 hours. 

Day 1: Amazing Omelets, Walden Pond, Swimming, Traintracks, Flower fields, Peach Berry Ice-cream

Day 2: Cambridge, SOFRA Bakery, Sesame  Latte, Harvard Bookstore, The Garment District, Beautiful Vintage Skirts, Flour Bakery and Cafe, Rain,  Indian Food 

Now, I'm going to overwhelm you with photos. Enjoy.

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My date with the Queen.

Okay, not really.

This should really be titled, My date with Rebekah Robeck. Either way, we had a great day. Starting with breakfast and a drive to the Newport Beach Library. We spent hours rummaging through books and movies. Rebekah loves the library and I love the library. All in all, it made for a fantastic combination. Plus, I finally got my hands on Mindy Kaling's book, Is everyone hanging out without me? She's brilliant and I'm more than excited. I will probably put down my Dinner with Mugabe for this one. Plus, with thanksgiving weekend right around the corner. I am sure to finish it in a jiffy. I'm going to say it again, beyond excited.

After the library, RRR took part in my guilty pleasure of cupcakes and we went to cutest little cafe called The Queen's Bakery. The decor is adorable with bright colors of big tufted chairs and lots of funky chandeliers. It was perfect and I've wanted to go there for ages. The atmosphere was was worth it.  We shared a lemon and red velvet cupcake with a strawberry vanilla italian soda and a chipotle mocha. . I did say share, my love of cake and cupcakes did not get the best of me. Plus, when you have an 8 year old with you, sharing is important. Life lessons.

Then we came home and spent the rest of the day watching icarly.

You're all jealous. It was a great day.

Oh, Aslan.

coffee, owls and hunger games

A hodgepodge amount of subjects not directly correlating in any way except for the fact that this is my life.

First, let us start with coffee. 

I'm sure you've seen me write about it before and if you know me, you know. I have a love for coffee. Recently, I have started this obnoxious trend and I find that it is becoming worse. I haven't finished a cup of coffee without reheating it for the last 3 months. Now, that I think about it. I am pretty sure it has been longer than 3 months. Sorry, It's part of my "just the other day" syndrome where I think everything was yesterday, including things 2 years ago.  I don't know what's wrong with me. Since, I have started my new job the reheating has gone up. On average, I probably reheat my coffee about 10 times a day and still only make it about half through. I even started questioning if I still like coffee. My roommate Mallory has assured me that work coffee is just not enjoyable and that my love of coffee is still there. I also thing that's her subliminally saying "If you stop liking coffee I disown you as roommate." I like coffee. 

Owls.

I like owls. I don't have an obsession with them or anything but I do like them. I also have an association with owls that probably make me enjoy them more. I always associate owls with my friend Ashley (who by the way is getting married NEXT WEEK!) Mainly because of the old folklore that owls are to be considered wise. Thus, owls and ashley go hand and hand. 

Another thing you should know about Ashley, she pays an incredible amount to detail and makes EVERYTHING look cute. When I get a package from Ashley, I should know to take a picture of the process by now. But I just get so excited that she sends me things that I skip ahead to the end result. And this end result was well worth it. 

 

Once upon a time, I had these really adorably anthropologie salt and pepper shakers. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Samantha on Pinterest

Ash managed to break them, not one, but two in a matter of a couple of weeks. I've since then forgiven her. She always told me she would replace them and at this point and time had just brushed it off my shoulder. But these are way too cute and I am almost glad that she did it, because now I have these and I call them "Ash and Sam." So, it's almost like we are together. 

Alas, the Hunger Games 

Source: google.com via Samantha on Pinterest

You've heard the trend.  You've heard it said. Probably a million times by this point in time but that's okay. A couple of weeks ago , I began a journey known as The Hunger Games and I found myself completely consumed. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't think and all I wanted was to place myself in that world. Now that I have finished the book I began thinking "my life is over." This sounds rather sad I am sure but I loved this book. I think is brilliant, truly. I thought I was crazy for feeling a lot of these feelings but after many discussions, I am finding that a lot of people are feeling the same way. Thank you Suzanne Collins for helping me get my reading for this year underway, you have put me right on track now with my goal of reading at least one book a month.