Adventure: Getting Air

Teeny Tiny Plane.

That's what I took a ride in. Do you see the smallness of that precious, tiny airplane?? Oliver, who is a dear friend and classmate of Stevie's, offered to take us (and our other good friend, the beautiful Andrea) up in the sky for a leisurely flight over the city. Because apparently some people fly planes as a hobby. I watch movies, bake treats and lick the cookie batter off the beater. Those are my hobbies. But Oliver, well, he flies planes. He spent his youthful years in Germany studying and training in order to get his pilots license, and now he's the guy that says, "Well, on Saturday I'm planning on flying over Boston. Wanna come?" I literally laugh everyday at the amazing people that I've met over the past year and a half. Oliver is one of those amazing, talented people. Coincidentally, so is the beautiful Andrea. (I like Andrea so much that I wrote

an article

about her. It's a real girl crush.)

Map.

Oliver chose to fly Sky Hawk on this particularly gorgeous day. Does that sound like a James Bond movie to anyone else? Apparently Sky Hawk is his favorite plane in the plane park (I clearly have no idea what you call a place that holds tiny planes for people like us to ride around in. 'Airport' seems too ordinary a word for this experience.) We flew over the downtown area of Boston and then headed over Cambridge, where we checked out their school (see below for the stadium photo!) and we even saw our apartment! All from the sky. Who are we. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Oh my gosh.

Mmm.

I mean, is it just me or do I look like I'm in an episode of "The Bachelor" right now? That's certainly what I felt like as I was climbing into this tiny (have I mentioned just how tiny this plane was? I mean, the size of a Fiat. Or smart car. Bitty baby plane.) Except that in "The Bachelor" those girls are never appropriately dressed for the elements, and I actually stayed quite toasty in my layers.

Moment.

I know that flying in a plane is no big deal. People do it everyday and its not any kind of magical experience. But on this day, our experience felt special because: A) Our friend was the pilot (duh, so cool) and B) I had this moment.

It sort of hit me as we were elevated 3000 feet above our city. There I was, seeing the Earth in a way I've never seen it. Having a bird's eye perspective gave me a little metaphysical perspective, too. Life can be strange and unexpected and sometimes, a friggin' bummer, but wow, when you see the whole picture... it's honestly breathtaking. And I wasn't realizing all of this just because my center of gravity was off and I was a little nauseous from sitting in the back. Seeing Cambridge, my town, from up above was a little overwhelming. This is a place that my husband and I used to talk about, used to dream of living in, and here we are 5 years later seeing it sprawl for miles and miles all around. It was captivating and complex and sort of intimidating. Because it was in that moment that I realized that I am living in the dream. This adventure was our dream for so many years, and now I am able to be a part of my beautiful man living in his dream and thriving in it. And, quite literally, flying over it. Is there anything better? I am so grateful. It hasn't been the easiest adventure, but I bet Frodo would have agreed that not all adventures go the way you plan. Yeah, I went all LOTR on you there (it had to happen.) But honestly, seeing the hugeness of our world from the window of a tiny prop plane got me excited for the future.

Here's to adventures, those dreamed and even those unplanned, coming together before your eyes and sprawling like a masterpiece. I hope you are able to take a moment and realize that some part of your current situation is due a dream you had a while ago. Maybe everything isn't perfect in your world, and maybe the sky is falling. But I bet there is something that was worth fighting for, and you won it, and now you are living in the middle of that dream. What a beautiful moment for gratitude.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

It's time to think about that man in your life. Buying a Christmas gift for a man-dude-friend is so hard. What in the world do you give? More importantly, what does your gift say to him? If you're married like me, any gift you give just says love. Whether it's a set of golf clubs or the brand of underwear he likes, it all falls in the category of "I love you and I'm taking care of you." I like to refer to this as love slash care. But if you're shopping for a man-dude-friend and you aren't so sure that you're at the "love slash care" point in your relationship, what do you buy? Plus, what about your Dad, grandfather, brother, cousin, BFF...? They deserve something awesomely thoughtful, too! So stop eying that boring plaid button down (that he probably already has in 12 colors from HIS MOM) and check out the following guide for some truly unique (and memorable) gifts for him.

1. Williams Sonoma Beer Making Kit, $39.95

For the creative man who like to craft his own beverages, this is the perfect gift. It allows you to mix up the included hops, barley, yeast and spices to create a one-of-a-kind brewsky. Created by the Brooklyn Brew Shop and offered via Williams Sonoma, this kit is truly unique and fun. Both of my brothers-in-law would love this, and yours will too!

2. J. Crew Leather Flask, $42.50

This flask will warm your heart as well as your spirit! For those cold days when a shot of bourbon won't hurt, this is a fun and lighthearted gift for the man who likes to have a good time. Leather-bound and made of stainless steel, this J. Crew item seems like the perfect gift for Dad or grandpa (if your dad is anything like mine!) The only way to amplify this gift? Include a bottle of his choice beverage, as well.

3. Vintage World Maps Calendar, $21.50

Does he like to travel? Probably so. Let him dream of future excursions by the month with this gorgeous vintage-style 2013 calendar offered by Anthropologie. DIY Alert: After the month has passed, you could always cut out the map and frame it for a friend with an interest in that country! It's the gift that keeps on giving!

4. The Art of Shaving Kit, $25

This is a gift gone right, and I know from personal experience. I got this for my man a few years ago and he, surprisingly, loved it. It may look a little fancy and the store is definitely upscale, but this Starter Kit is modestly priced and, apparently, gave him the best shave of his life. It comes with a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm and a badger-hair brush in a few different scents, but the unscented is the one I went with and it still smelled great. Pamper him a bit, why don't ya?

5. Moleskin "The Hobbit" Notebook (Special Edition), $16.95

With the movie dropping Dec. 14, this is a timely and thoughtful gift for the man who loves his Tolkien (not that I would know anything about an obsessive love for this man and his life's work...) Moleskin is offering an exclusive edition of the classic notebook with this etched-leather pocket ruled notebook. There may or may not be a map of Wilderland included in the back... this is an awesome gift! I'm silent screaming right now!!!

6. The North Face eTip Gloves, $45

Practical. Efficient. Weatherproof. Where I live, these gloves are a necessity. It's bitter to bare your hands while dialing on your iPhone. These allow full user mobility on any device, and you don't have to brave the harsh cold while texting. Invest in your man's hands and surprise him with these bad boys, black North Face eTip Gloves, first seen on here.

Happy Shopping!

New England: Apple Picking

Apple Season Is Upon Us.

I like to reminisce about past adventures. I mean, that's kind of the point, right? To remember the good times? So when it's cold and bitter outside (I live in Cambridge - it gets BITTER), you can remember the warm sunny-ness of Spring. Or the cool ripe crispy Autumn air. And the laughter. And the good outfits you wore. Cmon, you know that in all your best memories you are dressed to the nines. 

This is a not-so-distant flashback. A few weeks ago (prior to the Thanksgiving baking and unearthing of my grandmotherly crochet needles), we went apple picking at Tougas Farm. I know that apple picking is what all the cool kids are doing these days, but that's not why I pick. In my opinion, apple picking is the most charming and memorable fall activity. And I happen to be very, very good at it. Well, I mean, I'm very good at being enthusiastic about it.

It's An Event.

I love the whole process: wearing fall clothes, taking an excessive amount of photos and devouring cider donuts whilst assessing the ripeness, firmness, and color of each apple. I shop the aisles, really. And there are so many varietals (yes, I said varietals) so the recipe options are endless – some apples are best for baking, some are best for eating in the raw. You like that? Eating in the raw. Like the sugar.



Apple picking with friends only ups the anty. You can have the shared experience of making apple-ish shenanigans (as in, getting yelled at by the apple farm police. Yes, this really happened. To me.) In my case, having friends along for the ride also lends the supportive camaraderie needed when you beg your husband to let you buy a second 20-lb. bag for more apples (because 1 is clearly never enough.) Also in my case, my husband never relents and I spend about 10 minutes pouting before moving on to the next shiny object I can find. Or I eat a second cider donut.

And Again.

Also, there are often pumpkins and petting zoos and hayrides. Why don’t we apple pick more than once a year??

I loved apple picking so much that I wrote an article about it for my husband’s school paper, The Harbus.  Like I said - I had WAY too much fun.

Now that we are all easing into true wintery crispness (the hefty puffer coat has come out of the closet), I wanted to share this lovely adventure with you so that we can all reminisce about our favorite fall activities. What was your favorite autumn expedition? And if you say apple picking, I want to see links/pics the pies you baked!

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

Thanksgiving is over, but the holidays are in full swing! That means we are legally allowed to listen to Christmas music and shop for our favorite people (as if I needed the excuse.) The big holiday question: What makes a really great gift? I think it’s something you would never buy for yourself. Something just a touch extravagant. Something unnecessary; a “just because” item. Well, here is the opportunity to celebrate the most wonderful chickadee in your life, whether it be your sister, mother or best friend. These fun treats are sparkling with holiday cheer, thoughtfulness and straight up fun. If you’re stumped on what to give, look no further! Presents are just… the best.

1. Sephora Perfume Sampler - $50

I know that Sephora never fails, but I am ridiculously impressed with this gift idea, a 12-piece perfume sampler with a voucher for a full-size of your choice. Not only does this lovely little kit contain mini perfumes from a range of big-name designers, but once your dear friend your dear friend can bring in a voucher (included) to any Sephora store for a full-size version of her favorite! I have the smaller version of this kit and I absolutely love it. The perfume lasts a long time and I love having so many choices to switch between. Does Sephora get women or what?

2. Vonny Casserole Carrier - $48

This adorable carrier is for the true bearer of warm holiday treats. This is a necessary accessory for the lady who likes to cook and likes to share her cooking even more. This case is made to fit a standard 9X13 dish (or smaller) and is available in a variety of colors. What a delight. I want one!

3. Birchbox Gift Subscription - $30

Looking for the perfect gift for that lady who is always on the cutting edge of trends? That’s always hard for me. How can you surprise the ultimate fashionista in your life? Well, Birchbox has made it a lot easier. This 3-month gift subscription contains a variety of full-size and sample-size beauty products and arrives in a perfectly packaged present each month. However, there is a waitlist for this subscription, so hurry and sign up!

4. Baublebar + Essie Snap Happy Set - $50

For the lady who loves to showcase her hands Baublebar has teamed up with Essie to create custom nail polish-jewelry Snap Happy Gift Set. Choose a shade from Essie’s winter collection and two complimentary bracelets for decked-out hands and a surefire gift.

5. One Canoe Two Letterpress Calendar - $26

This 2013 calendar by One Canoe Two adds a special twist to a holiday gift staple. A letterpress calendar is the perfect way to add some whimsy to the year, plus, whomever you give this to will think of you with each passing month! Bonus: This calendar comes complete with a wooden stand, so at the end of the year you can use it to prop up a picture or personal photos. Or a brand new calendar. Love it.

6. Anthropologie Marguerite Headband - $32

This headband is the ultimate girly indulgence. A glitzy headband is the perfect ingredient to amp up any outfit (plus, it decorates your head!) My little sis is a sucker for girly headgear, so maybe yours will be too. Plus, it’s an Anthropologie gift, so how could you go wrong?

Happy Shopping!

Eat. Drink. Thank.

Thanksgiving came in extraordinary fashion this year. This was a year of many firsts: NOT being in Atlanta, not being with family, and not sitting back and chit chatting while someone else does all the cooking. Instead, my husband and I stayed in Cambridge, celebrated this holiday with dear friends and I cooked my tail off. And you know what? We kind of loved it.

Tangent: My husband’s name is Steven – he wanted me to mention him by name… I think he was getting paranoid that I kept referring to him as “my husband” as if I were trying to protect his anonymity on purpose. We are in the age of Facebook and drones; none of us are anonymous anymore. Anywho, he answers to Steven. Or Stevie. Or Shmoopsy-poo. Just kidding. He won’t let me call him weird names. It’s a real bummer.

Well I digress. I started Thanksgiving Day off right, with a cup of Starbuck’s Christmas Blend while watching the Macy’s Day Parade. That part of the morning did not last long. Once Stevie turned on football there was little else in the world that mattered to him. The crazy part is that I loved the cooking storm I created, mostly because it was storm-free! It was such a peaceful, fun and creative process for me. I (proudly) cooked the following:

Stuffing

Sweet Potato Soufflé (the first batch was chronicled here)

Roasted Vegetables

Cranberry Sauce

Pretzel Jell-O Salad

Pumpkin Pie

I was a regular Betty Crocker (I would like to think of myself as Giada, but I don’t look that hot while I cook.) We packed up the food and drove 3 minutes down the road to dear Troy and Carrie’s place (they are officially our Cambridge family.) They hosted a crowd of 10, and the 4 of us were the only Americans. AND we were the only ones who have ever celebrated Thanksgiving. The rest of the crowd was from Malaysia, Germany and Brazil. It was so interesting being with amazing people from all over the world and coming together to celebrate this holiday of gratitude. Troy and Carrie set a gorgeous table of fanciness AND they cooked the turkey (it was ridiculously impressive.) The four of us ended the night curling up on our couch enjoying mugs of rum apple cider (my own little concoction!)

Photo Credit: The Gorgeous Stevie Hale

Weekend Takeaway

Though it was truly bittersweet missing out on family traditions, it was a merry time indeed. As I think forward to next year, I know that we will be living in a different state (location unknown), potentially celebrating with different people in a new way, so this was a nice way to commemorate our time here in Cambridge. This Thanksgiving was cozy, warm and marked by lots of sleep. Much to be thankful for.