Interior of Peter’s Yard
Those who know me well understand that part of my traveling experience is snapping food and drink photos. I didn’t travel to Edinburgh expecting a big foodie city, but left impressed with its charming cafe culture. From artful lattes, to marvelous tea, nutty whole wheat scones and warm, spiced breakfast quinoa, I was a happy girl!
Up until recently, I hadn’t worn a watch in years. Though there are thousands of watches readily available for purchase in the city of Boston (and beyond), I wasn’t inspired to purchase one until I saw this unique gem of a watch from Urban Outfitters. Featuring dual watch faces, it allows me to keep track of two time zones (U.S. and UK, obviously). It’s also chic, perfect for my tiny wrist and inexpensive at $34.00.
But, what’s intrigued me the most about this watch is that my adorable little timepiece has become quite the conversation piece. I can’t tell you how many times a friend or random person has struck up a conversation because of my watch. As I travel a good amount, several TSA agents going through the motions have even paused to compliment my watch, or say, “Oh, that’s a unique watch.” It’s safe to say that in the few months I’ve had this watch, it’s become somewhat of a signature piece. And, because I’m so smitten with my fashionable little find, I bought two! Now, if only Urban Outfitters would sell it in different color combos. I’d love a brown and white, or navy and white one…hint hint…
The Double Case Leather Watch, $34.00, is available online only at UrbanOutfitters.com.
Though I’m often out of town for major holidays, Easter is the one special time of year when my family descends upon Boston for a fun-filled weekend. My parents are probably savvier than some locals, given the amount of time they’ve spent in the city over the past 11 years. This is both a pro and a con, as it’s great that they know the city so well, but challenging in the sense that I’m tasked with planning the perfect mix of fun activities, both new and cherished favorites, for them to enjoy. If you were to ask them, they’d probably tell you that I think about these things too much, but I can’t help myself. I have a reputation to live up to (in my mind at least hehe)!
Inspired by our fun weekend, here are a few highlights from our favorite meals and activities. Feel free to take these ideas for when your family is visiting Boston, or when you’re trying to cater to a larger group of five to seven friends!
Tablet Website Screen Grab
As a passionate leisure traveler with professional experience in the travel industry, I couldn’t resist giving a little love to Tablet. Specifically, the person who puts together the content for their weekly newsletter and TabletTalk blog. My personal inbox is forever clogged with newsletters (which is clearly my fault, I find it hard to pare down), but I always look forward to seeing the unique hotels Tablet selects for their readers. While most are above my budget (it is a luxury travel site after all), I find myself completely sucked in by the clever copy and beautiful photos. Plus, the hotels are unique and full of personality, like No. 5 Maddox St., an all-studio apartment hotel in London’s Mayfair district. Luckily, I can “favorite” them and hope the stars will align and one of the posh places will end up on a private sale site, just in time for my next trip. Crazier things have happened, right?
And, I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to any of my lovely blog readers that so far all of my “favorited” hotels are in London….
Blake's Hotel, London. Have wanted to stay here ever since it appeared on an episode of Anthropologie's Man Shops Globe!
In case you were wondering about Boston, Tablet ranks our beloved city’s top five hotels, in order from one to five, as: Mandarin Oriental Boston, XV Beacon, Ames Boston, Hotel Veritas and Taj Boston.
Ann Taylor Factory Store Bracelet, $20.99
The President’s Day weekend sales were good to me. I took a chance and braved the crowds at the Wrentham Premium Village Outlets, and it paid off. From classic LBDs, to a $14 skirt, my favorite go-to cardigan’s from J.Crew and a few shiny baubles, I was happy with my haul.
It’s funny, because when I got home, I laughed a little at myself for bringing home three black LBDs. However, the older I grow, the more I gravitate toward simple, yet chic pieces that fit exceptionally well. I’ve also realized that I’m dressing up more when at work, or out on the town, so easy, yet inexpensive pieces that look anything but, are essential. Plus, there’s also something to be said for knowing that you scored an incredible steal! So, guess three LBDs, providing that my next bargains are a little more colorful, isn’t all that crazy….What do you think?