Boston’s restaurant and hotel scene never sits still, and neither do I. I’m back with a fresh round of additions to my Boston Guide, including two hotels I’ve now reviewed in depth (hello, Back Bay chic and Seaport efficiency), plus a few meals that were so good I’m still thinking about them on the flight home.
If you’re planning a Boston trip and want a mix of treat-yourself spots and practical, well-located stays, this update is for you.
I didn’t expect 2025 to begin surrounded by half-dressed people on the London Underground, yet there I was, unintentionally swept into the famous No Pants Tube Ride. Equal parts hilarious and mortifying, it turned out to be the perfect metaphor for the year ahead: unexpected, joyful, and a reminder not to take life quite so seriously.
Looking back now, 2025 wasn’t about ticking boxes or chasing milestones. It was about saying yes to moments, to people, to celebration, and to the kind of experiences that make a year feel full rather than fast.
Birthday Reflections on Growth, Joy, and Becoming More Myself
Birthdays have a funny way of inviting reflection. This past year stretched me, challenged me, and quietly changed me in ways I didn’t fully understand while I was in it. Some lessons arrived through big decisions, others through small, ordinary moments that only made sense in hindsight. Looking back now, here are the ten birthday reflections on what I’ve learned this year, shared with the goal of inspiring you to look back on your year, your wins, losses and opportunities for growth.
Some trips leave an imprint on your memory long after the suitcase has been unpacked, the passport tucked away, and life returns to its usual rhythm. Visiting the Taj Mahal was one of those moments — luminous, sweeping, unforgettable. Even now, years later, I can close my eyes and summon that first breathtaking glimpse: the perfect white marble, the quiet hum of visitors from around the world, and the feeling — unmistakable — that I was standing before one of the greatest expressions of devotion ever created.
I travelled to Agra in October while on a work trip to India, turning one free day into an opportunity to finally see this wonder of the world. What follows is my complete, stylish-but-practical guide — the way I would describe it to a friend over coffee, with the kind of details I wish I had known before going.
Whether you’re dreaming of India, planning a future itinerary, or traveling from your sofa with a cup of tea, I hope this brings a bit of beauty to your day.
Every year, I bake a new treat for my friend’s annual Christmas cookie swap, and this year I knew I wanted to bring something a little different. Because I love pistachios, I decided to try a recipe for pistachio and white chocolate cookies, a unique cookie that immediately stood out as a festive and flavorful choice for the holiday table. When I came across a version from food creator Ryan Nordheimer, it felt like the perfect match, and after baking several batches, I knew they were the right pick for this year’s swap.
Ryan deserves full credit for the original recipe, so you can find it here: https://ryannordheimer.com/pistachio-cookies/.
What follows are my personal notes, tips, and suggestions after making several batches. Let’s dive in!
