The Ladies of Bean Town

To state the seemingly apparent, I collect cities.  Depending on my work location, I'll settle down in the nearest metropolis, make friends, start a life, and move on when the next job post comes.  Last year, my adopted city was New York City, and it's becoming more apparent that this year, it's Boston.

I've been to Boston probably as many times as I've been to New York in the last year... and sadly enough collectively, I've probably been to both places more than I have been in my own home.  Aside from that point, it's been a delicious change of scenery, and yet a major cultural shift.  As my friend Kalie described it, it's like Boston has a collective heart and its people operate on a similar wavelength of city pride that you don't often see in many cities.  In Atlanta, you'll see baseball caps representing the Braves, Yankees or Dodgers, but in Boston, it's a consistent trend of Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, Celtics and the occasional Pawtucket PawSox.

A few of my good girl friends and I took Labor Day weekend to explore the city mostly by foot and subway.  There's a beat and beauty to this city that I love.  Walking around, Boston has all of the bustle of a major city from its skyscrapers to its hecklers, but it has a historic reverence to it, what with its ivy covered townhomes, gilded town halls, and brick-laden behemoth that is Fenway.  I had the supreme pleasure of getting a tour of the city from Dana, my best friend Anita's friend from college (yes, world, this is adulthood, where friend-of-friend-of-friends prevail), in which we walked post-White Sox game from Fenway over to North End and finally to Cambridge and were practically agog at every corner.  I think my propensity for photo-taking can speak for itself in this case. 

Put simply and in conversational Vivian terms, "GAHHH I WANT TO MOVE HERE."

(In case you were wondering, the Red Sox deftly beat the White Sox to day, 7 to 6).

Snapshots from Boston

Ever taken a personality test?  Over the last week, I've noticed a good amount of Facebook posts about the myths to being an introvert.  For example, introverts don't like public speaking or being in crowded rooms.  It comes at a surprise to most people that I am an introvert, and if you've ever met me in person, you'd think differently.  However, I couldn't agree with my Myers-Briggs type more.  I think my favorite definition of an introvert is someone who draws energy from being alone.  There's something thrilling to me about being able to wander and explore by yourself.

Working full time has given me an appreciation for those stolen moments alone, as rare as they can be in my profession.  Last Friday, I had the opportunity of going to our company's office in Boston to have my computer fixed.  No computer meant no way of working, and with no way of working, that meant more time for exploration.  Our office is conveniently located in Back Bay, one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city and home to Copley Square (excellent shopping) and the Boston Public Library.  If you didn't know any better, you'd think I purposely brought my camera out for this.

Aside from the tourists, which for a Friday morning weren't too large in amount, the day proved to be a perfect source of creativity.  I'm one of those weird people (I think it comes from way one too many creative writing classes) who likes to write novels in their head when their alone.  I never actually write down anything, but it's fun to muse on for a bit.  With the Italian architecture and the coffered ceilings, it's really hard not to find inspiration there.

Friday Notables & Quotables

Following the marathon that was experienced the last two weeks at work, I finally have a break.  I'm in Boston this morning before I fly out, waiting for my computer to be fixed.  No computer means no way I can get do work (understandably so), and hence, a forced break and some much needed bakery-blogging time!  It's really a perfect day to do so.

WATCHABLE:  "J. Crew and the Man Who Dressed America", CNBC Special

Last week, I went on an absolute J. Crew binge, which still has yet to manifest itself again into the deep-delving blog post that I promised.  CNBC did a fascinating profile on J. Crew CEO Micky Drexler a couple years ago showcasing his management style and J. Crew's rise from fashion meh to cult brand.  It's viewable for free on Hulu if you want a little education.  

COVETABLE:  3.1 by Phillip Lim for Target

I'm a skeptic of high-fashion collaborations with more affordable retailers, but when pictures came out from Philip Lim's collaboration with Target... words couldn't even describe them.  Until the clothes actually come out and demonstrate how the quality actually is, I'm still superbly jazzed about the peplum tops, sparkle-dappled dresses, and BAM! scarves that are on display on Refinery29.

READABLE:  Jennifer Lawrence in Vogue's September Issue

From an news writing perspective, the Vogue's September issue article on cover girl Jennifer Lawrence is definitely more than a bit biased.  Then again, Jennifer Lawrence is brilliant so I'm not going to argue against that very much so.  I love how this article does give a different picture of Jennifer Lawrence, who a year later is going through much less spotlight pre-Hunger Games/Oscars madness.  Also, there are pictures of her with puppies, and who doesn't love puppies?

ADORABLE:  Kanna's Imagination

Internet-aggregator-and-sometimes-news-source, Buzzfeed posted a collection of adorable pictures from Japanese photographer Nagano Toyokazu.  Toyokazu photographs his daughter Kanna in a variety of adorable circumstances like screaming at radishes, getting proposed to a Ken doll, and playing with stuffed pandas.

AUDIBLE:  Lake Bell on NPR's Fresh Air

Lake Bell did a great interview with actor Fred Melamud and Terry Gross on NPR last week.  Bell and Melamud play a father and daughter in a comedy about movie trailer voice actors.  Funnily enough, both of them are voice actors (just in different capacities).  It's an interesting interview, I promise.

If you have anything to distract me with, comment below.  I'm much obliged, or else I'm going to the mall at Copley Square because I can't do anything from my personal computer.  Comment away!

Travelogue: Beacon Hill Wanderlust

One of my good friends Liz invited me out to Beacon Hill for brunch while I was in Boston last weekend.  Located right below Boston Common, Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most historic neighborhoods dating back to the 1600's and home to Louisa May Alcott, Robert Frost, and the more recent Tom Brady/Gisele Bundchen.  Now lined with boutiques and restaurants, the neighborhood today has an old English charm to it, making it probably one of the most picture perfect destinations for Christmas shopping.

The bad news to Beacon Hill:  finding a place to park is awful, especially with the Christmas season. The great news:  even though I parked far away from the restaurant, this meant blocks worth of exploring along the way.  

Top:  Beacon Hill on Charles St.; Left:  North River Outfitters (NRO); Right:  Cards at Black Ink.

After brunch, Liz and I managed to browse through a couple shops before I rushed off to the airport.  I think my two favorite picks (although the choice was hard given that everything was beautiful, adorable or both simultaneously) were North River Outfitters (NRO at 112 Revere St., Boston, MA) and Black Ink (at 101 Charles St., Boston, MA).  

NRO showcased mens and womens fashions, with a classic New England vibe with brands like Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer and Patagonia.  The decor was impeccable, resembling a 1950's smoke room.  My absolute favorite had to be Black Ink. I'm a sucker for a lot of things, but if I had to pinpoint one completely useless thing that I love it's got to be stationary.  Black Ink had an array of random knick knacks like board games and kimono thermoses.  Its greatest ware are its collection of one-of-a-kind cards, with everything from beautiful calligraphy to the odd ones like a James Franco card I managed to snag.

What do you think lovelies?  Does Beacon Hill sound awesome? I particularly have been hung up Googling engagement sessions at Beacon Hill... ignore that.  Holler at your girl down below!

Travelogue: City Shopping in Historic Boston

Once, not too long ago, I posted a blog about Boston somewhere on the aging crevices on the Internet under the misappropriated title "I Think I'll Go to Boston."  Unfortunately, I was a dirty liar and went to a nearby suburb instead.  This time around, JZ challenged me to see the real Boston, as dear man of mine is a Boston native.  Of course, our expedition was not with out it's fair share of exploring the local shops and scenes around town.  After an obligatory visit to Newberry St. and Copley Square (the city's go-to shopping corridor), we stopped by Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market for the holiday and historical sights.

View of Quincy Market from the base of Fanueil Hall

I'm in love with colonial American history.  So to walk through a 21st century mall in a 18th century setting was quite the treat, as the sides were lined with gift shops and clothiers like Banana Republic, Orvis, and Gap.  If you manage to get out there, make sure you take a walk through Quincy Market, which is Boston's equivalent to Seattle's Pike's Place or New York's Chelsea Markets.  The long building is an extended hallway filled with Asian food, chowder stalls, and Italian cannoli stands left and right.  Not to mention, if you're in the center rotunda, there's a beautiful staircase that leads to some amazing little nooks where you can eat.

Flanking the marketplace and in Faneuil Hall next door, there are some great little souvenir shops and carts with everything ranging from colonial themed snacks to kitty cat socks.  I think my favorite had to be the original Cheers gift shop down in the basement of Quincy Market... because I'm clearly a sucker for old pop culture.  Although the kitty cat socks were quite tempting, we didn't come away with anything in particular other than a nice Banana Republic scarf for JZ.

All in all, it was a great way to spend a winter afternoon.  What do you think lovelies?  Think it's worth a shot to visit?  Think I need to take better pictures?  Got any other Boston recommendations?  Sound off below!