Friday's Fancies with Long Distance Loving

Brights and Whites by kaitmills

MiniLuxe Manicure

So truth be told, I'm not really a manicure girl.  Pedicures are one of the top-ten-best-feelings-in-the-world, but in the past, manicures have done me more harm than good.  Do not weep for me ladies, I've found a solution...

In the endless swag bag from the Blog Better Boston Summit last month, there was a gift card for one manicure at MiniLuxe.  The salon has seven locations in the greater Boston area, so I made an appointment at the Newbury Street spot this week.  (I definitely recommend booking an appointment.  I was told it was a 'slow night', after I commented on how busy it was for a Tuesday.)  Although the digs were not as snazzy as I expected for the price tag and stigma, the staff was very friendly and the place was spotless.  Other clients seemed to have wonderful relationships with their manicurist or esthetician, which I really appreciate.  

MiniLuxe has its own line of nail polish (as well as Essie, OPI, and the usuals in the salon).  The line is a 'healthier' option, free from the harmful chemicals and formaldehyde in other products.  The color I chose is called Luxe Lolita, it's a cheery bright purple.  I couldn't seem to get an iPhone picture to capture the true color, no matter what light I tried, so just imagine it darker and more purple than the photo below.  I recommend Lolita for a bold statement; I also loved Shamrock and Gilded from the MiniLuxe line! 

A manicure at MiniLuxe is more than just a polish change. My lovely manicurist, Marsha, took her time and cared that I was relaxed and happy with the perfect end result.  Thanks Marsha!

P.S.- Spot my new Kate Spade bag in the background of the last picture?! Hot pink plus stripes, on a huge tote. I'm so in love...

Craving a Getaway

Growing up, I was lucky enough to have parents that liked to vacation.  We went on annual spring break trips, and summer ones too, visiting places like Disney World (5 times), Brant Lake, Woodlock Pines, Bahamas, Mexico, Myrtle Beach, San Fransisco, Lake Tahoe, and Fort Lauderdale.  They may not have been glamorous European getaways, but they were all special and I'm grateful for every trip we've taken.   On top of that, when I was 14 my parents sent me to France to stay with a family friend; I saw Paris and Le Havre (in Normandy) for a week each. As a college student, I studied abroad in London, and spent time traveling to Dublin, Florence, and Lyon. 

It may sound like I'm bragging, but mostly I'm writing all these down to make myself realize that I have been places.  Lately, I'm feeling stagnant.  The last time I boarded an airplane, we were headed to Milwaukee (whomp).  I am certainly grateful for everywhere I've been, but I caught the travel bug early in life and still have a long list of places I still want to see.  Long gone are the days of Mom and Dad paying for my travel expenses.  (I'm ecstatic now when they offer to pay for my Amtrak ticket to visit them in NY.)  Now, the only way to travel on someone else's dime is to have a job that sends you places... putting that on my to-do list.

For now, I'll simply have to dream about places I would like to go 'someday', and possibly make a Pinterest board for my ideas.  Here are some places I'm fantasizing about ...

Vail, CO

Picture via Honestly, WTF

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Picture via Honestly, WTF

 Shelter Co, California  

Chica Surf Adventures, Costa Rica 

Where do you want to explore?

 

Bonobos + Bow & Drape Event

Last night, I stopped by the Bonobos Guide Shop on Dartmouth Street for an event co-hosted by Bow & Drape!  The two companies are a match made in heaven (if they were people, they'd totally date).  Both make specially tailored clothing, and have a classic American style that everyone needs in their closet.  A couple decked out in these duds, walking down Newbury Street, would be a perfect picture of Boston living.  

Bonobos and Bow & Drape are revolutionizing the way we can shop.  Both are set up online with guides to getting the perfect fit and creating a custom look.  The Guide Shop for Bonobos is a sanctuary for guys who have no clue what they're doing, or prefer to leave the opinionated gf at home (eh hem, not me).  No purchases are made in store, rather it's like an oversized fitting room filled with cool clothes and expert stylists.  My roomie and I were impressed by the Guide Shop, and are attempting a plan to get our bfs there asap.

Here's a peek at the event!

And one of my favorite quirky details... 

Follow them on Twitter for updates and events (or just to chat, they're pretty cool peoples)! 

@Bonobos

@Bow & Drape

Biking Accomplishment

I carried my mountain bike over a river.

Okay, maybe it was a 3 foot wide stream...but still!  As you can (hardly) see in these camera phone photos, I took on the roaring brook with two hops over mossy rocks.  The rushing water was surprisingly loud for the size of the stream, I wish I had thought ahead and asked the bf to take a video of this action!

My bike is pretty light, thanks to the handy work of our bike build.  Even so, it felt like another little accomplishment for my mountain biking skills.  (Going down my first big rocky hill at full speed last year was a much scarier experience.)  Like most activities, the more we go out, the more confident I get.  On this trip on Saturday, we passed a lot of hardcore looking bikers.  People are generally very friendly on the trails, unless they're blowing by me in full body armor (happened once).  It's both motivating and intimidating to see other riders on the same trails where I'm still walking over roots half the time.

Another awesome motivator was seeing Pedal Driven last night.  The 'bikeumentary' follows the struggle between freeriders and the US Forest Service out west.  My love for both biking and trees gave me a little emotional conflict throughout the movie, debating between supporting pristine forests and allowing riders to build trails.  Even if you're not a biker, I recommend watching the film to gain an appreciation for this niche culture (it's on Netflix).   Plus, the shots of the mountains are gorgeous and the soundtrack (like most 'extreme' sports movies) is killer.

I need to keep practicing so I have an excuse to take a trip out to a place like Leavenworth, WA for some bad ass trailblazing.

MHM: Brandy Melville

Brandy Melville opened its Newbury Street store recently, and I am thrilled.  On my first trip to the store, I picked up a floral tank and light denim chambray, which I left the store wearing.  I've been practically living in the chambray since.

 My latest trip could have put a gigantic hole in my bank account had I not exercised a little restraint. (Very difficult to do, people.)  I'm a t-shirt queen desperately in need of summer bottoms, so I was 'good' and purchased this maxi (in stripes) and these tie-dye leggings.

I swear to you no softer, more wonderful thing has ever touched my legs.  They are literally heaven sent and I think they're made of angel hair and baby lotion, (okay, just cotton and viscose).  I'm currently wearing them with an over-sized black button-up top, but they are thick enough to wear with a regular length shirt if that floats your boat too.  The print is just loud enough that I feel like a sassy rock star, but subtle enough to wear to my very casual office.  I literally might wear them to work, yoga, and to sleep.  They're so affordable, $25, that I need to go back asap for the black, green, and striped pairs.   My potty mouth really really wants this silly top too...

Do you think Brandy Melville will send me a 'thank you' pair after that rant? Seriously though, go buy them.  These leggings are a must have.

Brandy Melville

344 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 

Product pictures via BrandyMelvilleUSA.com

Cooking 101: Fresh Veggies

There's lots of wonderful perks about working where I do, but my favorite is the free food. On top of being spoiled with breakfast and lunch, about once a month we have a special nutritionist or guest with awesome extras.  This week, our produce supplier came to the cafe with a gorgeous display of veggies.  I grabbed a brown baggy and went home with tomatoes, baby potatoes, pea shoots, and fiddleheads.

I decided to cook with all the fresh ingredients that same night, Chopped style.  (Although not nearly as difficult or weird.)  On my walk home I stopped to get mozzarella cheese, a baguette, basil, and red leaf lettuce.  The bf had steaks defrosting at home; my taste buds were watering with excitement. 

Back at home, I cleaned all the veggies and got to work.  I boiled the potatoes until a fork could just poke through into a smooth middle.  We broiled the steak after seasoning it with salt and pepper.  I made two salads- red leaf and pea shoots, plus caprese (tomato, basil, mozzarella, evoo, salt).  This was my first time ever cooking and/or eating fiddleheads, luckily my friend Claire just posted about making fiddleheads last week!  How serendipitous!

Following Claire's advice, I boiled the fiddleheads for a minute, and then added them to a pan with butter, salt, and pepper.  They're a pretty grassy tasting vegetable, I can't say they're my new fav, but definitely a fun looking addition to a plate!

I have to say this meal was absolutely delicious.  No really fancy ingredients, hassle, or seasonings.  Just fresh, quality produce... and yummy well cooked steak. (The bf is getting really good at cooking steak, almost too good.  Therefore, not listening to my qualms about so much red meat.)

My point is, cooking doesn't have to be complicated or a big production.  I hate standing over a stove for 2 hours and then shoveling food in my mouth for 15 minutes.  It's just so lopsided.  Fresh veggies are always a great way to feel really accomplished in your meal (for me at least), and trying new things, aka fiddleheads, is exciting!

Cheers!

Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Dream Outfit

Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Dream outfit by kaitmills

If I wasn't on a shoe string budget, here's a complete outfit I would purchase from the 1 day only sale from Kate Spade!  I have yearned for a book clutch since their debut, and have even DIYed two for myself out of real vintage books.  There is so much to love on sale, so check it out- fast!! 

P.S.- How cute is the bag my Mom ordered?

Stumbling

When I was having a frustrating five minutes last week, I happened upon this quote from Sri Aurobindo. It made me take a deep breath and realize that everything would be okay. Everyone has bad days, bad times, bad mistakes.  I typed the quote over this picture I took awhile back of the Zakim bridge from the Charlestown harbor walk and added it to Pinterest.  Usually I'm not one to do that sort of thing, but I'm glad I have this to look back on now when I need a reminder that it is okay to stumble.

MHM: Crocs

Yep, that's right, I said you must have Crocs.  They are not just for toddlers and doctors.  Have you seen the entire product line??  I currently own 4 pairs of Crocs, and am constantly convincing people it is a necessary purchase.  (I was in the store two weeks ago and literally sold a pair of flats to a lady who thought I worked there.  "I don't work here lady," I said "I just love me some Crocs.")

This is the Adrina Flat.  I've had this pair for about 2 years and wear them almost everyday in the summer.  Since they're plastic, getting caught in a rain storm is no problem.  Last weekend, someone split a beer all over my feet.  I just smiled, went to the bathroom, and threw my shoes in the sink. Presto, squeaky clean! 

I also own these slip-ons and these flip flops.  I love them.  #HatersGunnaHate. Crocs are a must have.

Crocs

200 State St 

(Faneuil Hall Marketplace)

Boston, MA

617.478.4953

Thank You Mom

Happy Mother's Day to my one and only Mom 

Thank you for your undying love and support

Thank you for teaching me to power walk through the mall

Thank you for asking the tough questions

Thank you for letting me take vintage things from your closet, and advise you what to get rid of

Thank you for letting me quit that tap class. Even though you hate quitters (and the word 'hate')

Thank you for supporting your family and keeping everyone together

Thank you for mani/pedi outings

Thank you for family dinners every night

Thank you for making us that B52 shot that one time

Thank you for the cases of water, rolls of toilet paper, and endless Wheat Thins

Thank you for being a Cheer Mom

Thank you for praying to God for blue eyed blonde haired babies

Thank you for learning to say "goodbye" when you hang up the phone

Thank you for accepting my gift of a stray cat on Mother's Day like 9 years ago

Thank you for always telling us how wonderful New England is ;)

(But thank you more for being from New York)

Thank you for taking us to Disney World, even when I cried and cried and 'couldn't walk another step'

Thank you for being such a great parent, because I really don't know how you did it.

(^with Daddy's help of course. Hi Dad!)

Thanks for dancing...

...and being the best at air guitar to Bruce Springsteen...

...and for being a beautiful woman.

I love you, Mom

Happy Mother's Day

(Top two photos, credit to Meg)

I won the Blog Better Boston LuLu's $250 prize giveway! Here's what I purchased so far...

Lulus purchase! by kaitmills

The Empty Nest

This weekend, my parents came to visit from New York.  We spent a wonderul day in Maine on Saturday, and came back to Boston in the evening. By the time I woke up on Sunday morning, my mother had done 2 loads of my laundry and gone to church, and my dad had fixed our clogged sink.  Not to mention they fed and entertained my roommate's 1 year old kitten, while she's away on business.  (My parents have a very fat, mean, old cat at home.)  On top of all that, my parential unit (as I like to call them) bought me presents on Saturday and took my man and I out to a nice dinner.  And I thought I was really roughing it living on my own up here...

This whole visiting parents phenom got me thinking about a racdical new business model for a bed and breakfast.  I call it "The Empty Nest". 

 At The Empty Nest B&B, couples who have no more childeren at home to take care of can spend a weekend tending to pretend offspring.  I'll design little apartments with leaky faucets, overdue laundry, dirty dishes, and pets the kids have left behind.  Parents will be overjoyed to come to my little retreat and take care of something, since it is missing in the own home.  They can stock the kitchen with groceries and the bathroom with toilet paper.  They can bring 5 cases of water and claim there was a super sale at Costco.  Upon booking their vacation, couples could express interest in their favorite chores, so that I may set up their room accordingly.  Maybe they'd even try to go out on a Saturday night date, but get a phone call from a frantic nanny that cuts it short.  The possiblites are endless!  The Empty Nest B&B would be a haven for all those mom and dads whose children 'no longer need them'.

I think my Mom would pay top dollar to stay at The Empty Nest for a weekend.  When my parents claim to love their empty nest in New York, I laugh.  There's nothing they love more than having my sister and brother-in-law over for dinner, babysitting nieces and nephews, and visiting me in Boston (obviously).  Why not just create a resort they could go visit to experience all this without the hassle of actually dealing with their biological children!? 

~~~~~~~~

I'm kidding of course, I would never create this place.  While I firmly believe it would be quite the profitable niche, I don't want anything stealing business away from my own lucrative parential visits!

Hello Summer!

Hooray, it is officially summer!  I don't care to wait for 80 degree weather or Memorial Day, the first trip to Maine marks the start to summer.  Look, just look how excited I am (despite the hat, scarf, and coat...)

Last summer was my first time ever stepping foot in the gorgeous state of Maine.  I fell in love. The rocky coast, the small shops, the friendly people, the delicious salt water taffy!  The freezing cold water isn't the most welcoming, but I still took a stab at surfing and can't wait to get back in this year. 

My parents are big day-trippers and decided to make the long haul from southern New York to Maine this weekend.  On Saturday, the bf and I met them in Wells and we took a walk along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit.  It's gorgeous out there. Everywhere you look it's blue ocean, or crazy rock formations, or million dollar mansions. And of course lots of lobster lobstah boats!

I couldn't believe we saw a pack of surfers out catching waves.  The sets rolling in were actually pretty perfect, and I was jealous of their cajones. (Please excuse my Spanglish.)  I was so inspired that we stopped at Wheels N Waves surf shop on the way home and found me a wetsuit. Check that off my spring wish list!

I am beyond excited to get on a board and paddle out.  Surfing is no joke, so I better start doing some push-ups, pronto.  As an Aquarius, I like to think I have some sort of additional, supernatural connection to the water.  There's a sense of peace out there, away from so many distractions, that I find to be a necessity.  It's something you've probably heard surfer bros, or the girls on Blue Crush, say, but it is true.   During yoga classes, I'm horrible at meditating, calming the mind.  On the water, it tends to come easy.   Maybe by next summer I'll master both surfing and yoga, combine them, and add SUP yoga to my never ending list of hobbies...

MHM: Pret A Manger

Pret A Manger was my go-to lunch destination when I was interning at a fancy luxury brand office in central London in 2008. (Yes, as in London, UK.)  Last week, strolling down Boylston Street, I abruptly stopped my friend and shouted with glee "OMG, there's a PRET!?!!".  I think I scared (or excited) the people around us.  We bopped in for a delicious iced green tea and I promised the friendly store manager I'd be back for more.

Turkey pesto baguette and cheddar broccoli soup

I kept my promise and recently went back for a light dinner before yoga class.  Pret uses fresh ingredients and everything is made on site that day.  You can taste the quality in their sandwiches, soups, and snacks.  The employees were beyond friendly and the cafe is so well lit, plus there is ample outside seating.  It's all very inviting and energetic.

It's a must have!

Check it out!

Pret A Manger

507 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02116