phase two

Good morning!

Hope the weekend went well for everyone. Mine was spectacular, but went by far too quick! I do have some news though. Over the weekend I started another blog. It's titled Neverending Novels and it covers my thoughts on books past, present and future.
I have an interest in entering the publishing field and thought a blog was a good way to get started. I hope you enjoy!

aquagrille

What's the best restaurant you have been to lately? A few weeks ago I went to Aquagrille in NYC with AJ and it was super yummy! It was our anniversary so it was a bit of a splurge, but here's the rundown.

They started us off with a selection of bread and salmon tar tar. Then AJ ordered crabcakes, then oysters (which he raved about and even texted his brother about how delicious they were) and as his main dish he chose sea bass. I ordered Manhattan chowder and a shrimp dish that also had gnocchi, zucchini and tomatoes. It was delicious. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and everything was smooth and savory.

Then for dessert we split an apple tart and chocolate souffle, both delicious, and topped it off with a spot of tea. My mouth is watering just thinking back on the night, it was perfect!

before dinner (we both look squinty!)

woo it's the weekend

This week flew by for me, maybe because I am looking forward to this weekend so much. Here is why...
AJ is coming to visit! We are going dancing with friends Friday night. Then Saturday is our roommate Thanksgiving, we are making lots of yummy dishes. And to top it off, Saturday night we are going to see The Blind Side (I have a love of sports movies). With so much going on, I hope I have some time to just relax!

p.s. I wish I had her fancy shoes to go dancing in!

photo credit: yyellowbird

put a smile on your face

Have you seen this?
It's the video of the Black Eyed Peas performing on Oprah. I have watched it a few times, and each time it puts a huge smile on my face. Enjoy!

time to get fit

I have a problem.

I like being fit and active, but I hate going to the gym. Growing up I played sports and was always in tip top shape, and now I'm what they call skinny-fat. Looking in the mirror I look like I'm in shape, but I know I would probably get winded after running 10 minutes, which is pretty pathetic. My roommates are on the same get fit plan-only they actually do things like go to the gym and eat healthy. But everyone could use a little more motivation. Right?

Which is why, in a collaborative effort, we have decided to reach out for help. And who are we calling on? None other than the woman who makes men cry...Jillian Michaels.

We ordered her 30 Day Shred video. I am not expecting to do it every day, but I am going to give a full-hearted attempt to not give up. The video that I'm sure I will soon despise should be arriving tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes!

Has anyone done it? How sore am I going to be?

photos via timtak & jillianmichaels.com

cute and easy Thanksgiving idea

Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, is just about a week away- I am so excited! Try carving out a pumpkin and put your stuffing in it. It becomes such a festive bowl! I did this a few years ago and everyone loved it.

photo via epicurious

gift tags

I was browsing through Etsy and came across these bird tags are made by twohanddesign. They are made from vintage wallpaper. So cute to add to a holiday gift.

have any old bikes?

I pass by these bikes on my way to class every day. I love them!

crazy for cupcakes

It was my best friend Emily's 21st birthday on Tuesday, and we have been celebrating all week...and the party will continue into the weekend! She is obsessed with cupcakes, so I got her a fabulous stand to display her creations. Look how pretty and yummy they look!

Also, aren't these cupcake liners amazing? They are from cupcake social. Pictures via NaturallyNina.

Winter Wonderland

It's so chilly out in Boston today. Now that my stressful week is over I can relax with a cup of hot chocolate and browse the internet for cozy winter accessories! Take a peak :)

Click on the pictures to take you to the store...bet you'll get caught up in all the coziness and end up spending way too much time browsing!

I'm such a happy girl

Happy Monday! I'm so sleepy, I was up before 6am to get back to Boston, but the day must go on.

I had such a nice weekend with my sweetness. He was so thoughtful and creative, I just love him so much.

Anyway, I am writing an article for class about homemade gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Although the angle of my story is that handmade gifts end up being more expensive than anticipated, I adore making and receiving homemade gifts.

I wish I had a lot of free time to spare so I could make all my loved ones gifts. In the past I have made scrapbooks, quilts and cards. I will agree with my story though, I usually end up paying way more than I originally wanted to.

Stay tuned for a homemade gift AJ made me...it's a good one!

Happy Anniversary AJ

One year ago today AJ and I went on our first date.

Here's to a year of being completely happy and in love.

sayonara Boston, hello NYC

I'm off to New York City today to visit AJ for the weekend. Hopefully we will be doing fun things and eating yummy food. I'm really bad at taking pictures, but I am going to try and document my trip!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend :)

tis the season...already

It's November, which is mind boggling to me. But even more unbelievable is that the holidays are just around the corner. Here are 5 signs of evidence I have encountered.

1. This week Starbucks released their red holiday cup. In fact, I am enjoying a hot chocolate with shot of espresso in the red cup right now, mmm.

2. If you walk into CVS, you are bombarded by shiny wrapping paper and holiday lights.

3. Boston has already had its first snow fall.

4. I have an assignment to write a holiday story...a rough draft is due Monday.

5. Websites and stores are already advertising "the perfect holiday gift."

I am certainly already overwhelmed!
Are you nonstop happy and jolly during the holidays, or do they stress you out too?

photo credit: Sarah Parrott

My Weekend

Good morning, I hope everyone had a great weekend. Here is what I did.

-Threw a Halloween party, and lots of people showed up...including the cops :( But we looked great- check out the pictures below
- Spent the majority of Saturday cuddling with AJ, my bed is so comfortable
- Went for dinner at Shabu Zen, where you cook all your own food in a hot pot right in front of you
- Caught up on homework
- Made chicken and shrimp mozambique, it was yummy

It's only Monday morning, but I am feeling overwhelmed with papers and homework to do since I will be out of town next weekend. I need to get so much done! I find the best way to keep me motivated is to keep lists, it feels so good to cross something off.

Halloween PicsMe, Ian & Rachel in character


Me and AJ


Ian, Emily & Kyle

How was your weekend? What did you do?

p.s. Can you believe it is November??