Jason Nazar told it like it is in the recent Forbes article, "20 Things 20 Year-Olds Don't Get".
As the prime target audience member for Nazar's piece, I found it to be a pretty accurate and comprehensive read. Sort of like a Career-101 for those of us who have recently graduated in the past few years and are stepping into our first "adult" jobs.
As Nazar references in his article, young professionals may sometimes feel as if they're having The Devil Wears Prada moments. Your navigating new territory, learning as you go, and making tons of mistakes on the way. But its all a part of the process.
On a totally different (yet still related) topic - how awesome is Meryl Streep? I mean, really.
xo Belle
Wednesday 31 July 2013
Sunday 28 July 2013
Tea-ing at the Taj
I have a new weekend "hobby." And although I say "hobby" now, I think it might just have to turn into a weekly monthly ritual. What is this new found love, you might ask...
Afternoon Tea.
Now, I'm a tea fanatic to begin with. Not so much a fruit/spice tea fan as I am a black tea one (with cream and sugar of course), but suffice it to say that I LOVE the stuff. Good thing it's "good" for me! Keepin' hydrated, people!
And although I drink cups of tea daily, up until recently, I've only been to formal afternoon tea a handful of times. That is all about to change however. From now on, it is my mission to "tea" as much as possible. The only difficulty being that it is often only a weekend occurrence at many of the places that serve it. No worries though - come Saturday or Sunday - at least once a month (hopefully), I will get my fill of it.
Afternoon Tea.
Now, I'm a tea fanatic to begin with. Not so much a fruit/spice tea fan as I am a black tea one (with cream and sugar of course), but suffice it to say that I LOVE the stuff. Good thing it's "good" for me! Keepin' hydrated, people!
And although I drink cups of tea daily, up until recently, I've only been to formal afternoon tea a handful of times. That is all about to change however. From now on, it is my mission to "tea" as much as possible. The only difficulty being that it is often only a weekend occurrence at many of the places that serve it. No worries though - come Saturday or Sunday - at least once a month (hopefully), I will get my fill of it.
I recently "tea-ed" at the Boston Harbor Hotel. We sat in a lovely sunlit room overlooking the harbor in Rowe's Wharf. After waiting for quite some time, our waiter came for our tea selection. I chose "English Breakfast" - boring, I know. After a couple minutes, another waiter served us our tea and told us our pastry and sandwich assortments would be out soon. We sipped on our tea and gabbed on as we waited for our food.
As the time tic-toc-ed by however, we began to get impatient...and hungry! Neither waiters were to be seen. We called over a waitress, who apologized and brought out our tray. Scones with clotted cream and jam, pound cake, various finger sandwiches, and delicious bite-sized pastries sat on the tiered stand before us. Naturally, we dug in - enjoying the savory, the sweet, and the tea... as well as the setting and each other's company. The food was great.
The service, not so much. And because of our poor service (the restaurant was hardly busy too I may add), I don't think I'll be jumping to go back any time soon.
Fast forward to this afternoon.
For this weekend's tea, I went to the Taj. A beautiful hotel at the end of Newbury Street, just across from the Public Garden, the Taj Boston came highly recommended.
I booked us a 3 o'clock tea seating and at just a few minutes before 3, we walked into the lobby, up the wooden stairs, and into the warm, golden-lit French Room. We were seated at a table by the window, looking down onto Newbury Street, and given our menus. A violinist was playing nearby, setting the mood for a calm and relaxing experience.
A waiter came for our order - Taj Tea for two. This included scones, sandwiches, and pastries.
This time I mixed it up and sprung for a vanilla earl gray.
Our tea arrived in no time...
and was delicious. Good call on the vanilla.
Our waiter was very prompt, polite, and helpful - pouring tea before our cups were empty and fetching more water when needed.
Our sandwiches were served not long after. Egg salad, chicken salad, salmon and cream cheese, cucumber, and ham and cheese were among the pickings. All delicious. The ham and cheese by far my favorite.
Once finished with our savory, it was on to round 2 of yumminess... sweets!
The waiter presented the beauteous tray, describing in mouth watering detail what everything before us was.
On tier one, we had lemon poppy-seed madeline cookies dipped in white chocolate, and juicy chocolate covered strawberries .
On tier two sat currant, and strawberries & cream scones, with lemon curd and clotted cream.
The currant scones... SO. AMAZING.
And then on tier three lay grapefruit french macaroons, lavender shortbread cookies, a raspberry mousse tart, chocolate layer cake, and a passionfruit cheesecake/tart hybrid.
OINK.
Having stuffed ourselves full with beverage and bite, we sat for a few and relaxed a bit more. And then spent the rest of the afternoon walking and shopping around Boston, wishing that the notion of "weekend calories don't count" was actually a thing.
Taj Tea gets a thumbs up in my book.
xo Belle
Saturday 27 July 2013
Book Hunt
I'm on a hunt. I'm in need of a good book. Since I was little, I always had my face buried in a book - getting wrapped up in stories, fantasies, and lives that were not my own. Unlike many kids, I got excited about the summer reading lists from school, and never minded the countless book reports.
Not much has changed since. To me, an afternoon spent at Barnes and Nobles is always enticing. As is a long read at the beach, or under a blanket on a cold, rainy day.
If I'm in the middle of a really good book, hours could pass and you'd probably find me in the same place you saw me hours before.
But recently, I just haven't been able to find a good book. I feel like I've read a lot of the ones that are always being recommended, or I'm just not drawn in by the stories of the ones I haven't yet read.
I did come across this great website though - GoodReads - so maybe my search will end soon. As far as I can tell (as I've just started using the site), you can enter in books you've read, rate them, and then get recommendations based on your input. You can also see what other people are reading; search by genre, author, etc.; read reviews; and get descriptions/ a synopsis of any novel you wish to.
Based on the information I've entered, one of my top recommendations that currently is catching my eye, is J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy.
Has anyone read this?
I've heard mostly positive things about it so I may give it a shot!
Do you have a favorite book? Or suggestions for any?
xo Belle
Update: I bought The Casual Vacancy and have just started on it. Currently on Chapter 9 and enjoying it. It's not one of those books I "can't put down," but it has been reading quickly and is definitely keeping my interest.
Not much has changed since. To me, an afternoon spent at Barnes and Nobles is always enticing. As is a long read at the beach, or under a blanket on a cold, rainy day.
If I'm in the middle of a really good book, hours could pass and you'd probably find me in the same place you saw me hours before.
But recently, I just haven't been able to find a good book. I feel like I've read a lot of the ones that are always being recommended, or I'm just not drawn in by the stories of the ones I haven't yet read.
I did come across this great website though - GoodReads - so maybe my search will end soon. As far as I can tell (as I've just started using the site), you can enter in books you've read, rate them, and then get recommendations based on your input. You can also see what other people are reading; search by genre, author, etc.; read reviews; and get descriptions/ a synopsis of any novel you wish to.
Based on the information I've entered, one of my top recommendations that currently is catching my eye, is J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy.
Has anyone read this?
I've heard mostly positive things about it so I may give it a shot!
Do you have a favorite book? Or suggestions for any?
xo Belle
Update: I bought The Casual Vacancy and have just started on it. Currently on Chapter 9 and enjoying it. It's not one of those books I "can't put down," but it has been reading quickly and is definitely keeping my interest.
Friday 26 July 2013
My Weekday Brunch
I LOVE brunch. There's nothing better than sleeping in, having a full spread of yumminess as you sip on a mimosa, and catching up with friends as you enjoy the lazy morning. Brunch, typically a weekend thing, unfortunately doesn't happen as often as I'd like.
But this morning, I was really craving my favorite brunch meal - a bagel and lox.
No it wasn't the weekend, no I didn't sleep in, and no I didn't have a mimosa to accompany it.
But it was delicious all the same!
All washed down with a hot cup of tea. It might as well have been Sunday!
To make, you'll need:
xo Belle
But this morning, I was really craving my favorite brunch meal - a bagel and lox.
No it wasn't the weekend, no I didn't sleep in, and no I didn't have a mimosa to accompany it.
But it was delicious all the same!
All washed down with a hot cup of tea. It might as well have been Sunday!
To make, you'll need:
- A bagel (I personally like it with an Everything Bagel)
- Cream cheese
- Salmon (Lox)
- Tomato
- Red Onion
- Capers
- Lemon
- Salt and Pepper
xo Belle
Wednesday 24 July 2013
A Fairytale "I Do"
So after blogging of bridal showers, bachelorette shenanigans, and a rehearsal dinner leading up to Cait and Grant's big day, I think it's only right to complete the wedding-related postings.
Shhhh...
*Note: All pictures that night (& in this post) were taken by George Street photography. With over 2,000 photos, it's hard to narrow it down to "the good ones," as every photo came out beautifully.
It was July 4th - THE BIG DAY. Mom and I woke up early to grab Starbucks and breakfast for all the girls back at the suite. We were staying at the lovely InterContinental Hotel (Boston) and luckily were within walking distance from the green awnings of coffee paradise.
Back at the bridal suite, we changed into our robes and got down to beauty business. With five hair and make-up artists at the ready, we were made-up and updo-ed.
It was, overall, a pretty relaxing morning. And a lot of fun. I've decided that when I win the lottery I will have a personal hair and make-up artist for everyday primping. Who's with me?
After putting on our dresses, shoes, and accessories, we were brought our bouquets.
And made our way to the gardens for the reveal and family photos.
Shhhh...
Both Groom and Bride lit up when they saw each other. Many, many pictures followed...
Here's the Bride's side of the family:
Dad, me, Grant, Cait, Chris, Mom
And the Groom's:
Gary, Tammy, Grant, Cait, Samantha, and Ari
Once family photos were snapped, it was time to rally up the bridal party.
We boarded the wedding trolley...
Keeping it classy
July 4th at its best
After a dozen trolley stops and hundreds of camera clicks, we made our way to The State Room.
The State Room, where the ceremony and reception was held, is a magnificent venue some 30+ stories above the streets of Boston, overlooking the harbor and city below. With panoramic, floor to ceiling glass walls, the view is breathtaking and makes this modern space a perfect urban wedding location.
While the girls did some touch-ups, the guys got comfy and kept cool.
As guests began to arrive, the wedding party lounged and sipped on champagne - prepping for the ceremony and excitement to come.
And then it was time.
A gorgeous bride. A sentimental and personal ceremony with a bit of humor thrown in. Old traditions and new ones. Two "I Dos." One kiss. A very happy couple. A lifetime of love.
Cocktails followed. And then the reception.
Speeches, dinner, cake-cutting, bouquet tossing, and lots and lots of dancing followed.
And once midnight struck - the carriage didn't turn into a pumpkin. The fairytale night continued on.
It was truly a magical day and night.
xo Belle
If you're in need of photography / videography - check 'em out!
Monday 22 July 2013
Royal Baby
I am a huge anglophile. No, really.
I studied abroad in London my junior year of University and have ever since day-dreamt of living there. There's something about the UK that just makes me feel at home but very much alive and in a new place at the same time. London, specifically. It's such a magical place.
My anglophilia of course went into overdrive today after hearing that The Royal Baby has finally arrived! Or should I say the future King!
A huge congratulations to William and Kate, as well as the rest of Great Britain.
I can't wait to see what they name him!
Update: And so he now has a name... Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.
I studied abroad in London my junior year of University and have ever since day-dreamt of living there. There's something about the UK that just makes me feel at home but very much alive and in a new place at the same time. London, specifically. It's such a magical place.
My anglophilia of course went into overdrive today after hearing that The Royal Baby has finally arrived! Or should I say the future King!
A huge congratulations to William and Kate, as well as the rest of Great Britain.
I can't wait to see what they name him!
Update: And so he now has a name... Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.
Sunday 21 July 2013
Beach Bums
Living in New England means that summer is a very precious time. As soon as the last of the snow melts, I put on my flip-flops and eagerly welcome the warm, sunshine-filled days of summer.
Come mid-summertime (right about now), its hard to imagine that in just a few months we'll be back to the crisp fall and then freezing winter weather.
And so, in order to take advantage while we can - it's to the beach on the weekends!
Sand. Ocean. Sunshine. Cool Drinks. Deli Sandwiches. A Good Book. A Game of Scrabble. Sun Glasses. A Nice Nap. Italian Ice. Flip Flops.
... you can never go wrong with a day at the beach.
xo Belle
Friday 19 July 2013
Wednesday 17 July 2013
An "A" for Asics
I got a new pair of running shoes today and cannot wait to try them out.
Having taken up running about 2 years ago, I quickly learned how important it is to have a good set of shoes to preform well and prevent injury. Having to replace my shoes every 4 months or so, I've "run through" (see what I did there :P ) my fair share and know what personally works best for me.
Asics are my go-to brand. They're nice and light-weight, have gel cushioning, good arch support, and fit my feet well. Not to mention they often come in pretty colors.
Here's the one I just got. It's part of their Gel-Nimbus15 line.
I'll let you know how they feel after a break a few miles into them.
It's my goal to run a half marathon soon so maybe these will be the kick start to that!
xo Belle
**Update: So far so good. I've probably logged a good 50+ miles in these babies so far and have only good things to say!
Sunday 14 July 2013
Newport Mansions
We decided to take a drive down to Newport, RI for the weekend for some coastal views, Black Pearl chowder, Thames Street shopping, and Mansion viewing.
Having arrived just in time for lunch - The Black Pearl restaurant was our first stop. Known for their amazingly good "chow-dah," we each ordered a cup for starters. Followed by our main meal - for which I got a lobster roll. The chowder was perfection and the lobster roll was pretty good--nice and light (not drenched in mayo), it was chunky and fresh.
We strolled around town after lunch, window shopping and people watching, before heading over to tour the Newport mansions.
Kept by the Preservation Society of Newport, there are a number of homes that are open for viewing - those being:
The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff, Kingscote, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House and Chepstow.
*NOTE: you do have to purchase a ticket to tour the homes.
Check out the Society's website for the mansions here:
http://www.newportmansions.org/
Each mansion is unique, offering views of interesting and ornate architecture and design, groomed grounds, detailed furnishings, and a whole lot of history.
I personally think it is impossible to visit all of the estates in one trip, so we decided on our top 3 and paced our way through them. Our list included: The Breakers, Rosecliff, and The Marble House.
First stop: The Breakers. This "cottage" is the grandest of all the mansions and was home to the Vanderbilt family. An industrialist, Cornelius Vanderbilt, had this summer home built for him and his family. With Italian Renaissance touches, this 70 room home also includes a stable and carriage house on the property, as well as a life-size doll house (for Vanderbilt's youngest daughter). Not to mention it's stunning view of the water.
Rosecliff is still privately owned to this day.
Having arrived just in time for lunch - The Black Pearl restaurant was our first stop. Known for their amazingly good "chow-dah," we each ordered a cup for starters. Followed by our main meal - for which I got a lobster roll. The chowder was perfection and the lobster roll was pretty good--nice and light (not drenched in mayo), it was chunky and fresh.
We strolled around town after lunch, window shopping and people watching, before heading over to tour the Newport mansions.
Kept by the Preservation Society of Newport, there are a number of homes that are open for viewing - those being:
The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff, Kingscote, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House and Chepstow.
*NOTE: you do have to purchase a ticket to tour the homes.
Check out the Society's website for the mansions here:
http://www.newportmansions.org/
Each mansion is unique, offering views of interesting and ornate architecture and design, groomed grounds, detailed furnishings, and a whole lot of history.
I personally think it is impossible to visit all of the estates in one trip, so we decided on our top 3 and paced our way through them. Our list included: The Breakers, Rosecliff, and The Marble House.
The back of The Breakers
The backyard view
Our next stop was Rosecliff.
Built by the Nevada heiress of a silver fortune, Rosecliff was known for its grand parties. It was modeled after Versailles and supposedly cost only $2.5 million to build. During the "season," Tessie (the heiress) would throw elaborate gatherings and invite the likes of Harry Houdini to entertain guests.
Fun fact: Scenes from The Great Gatsby and 27 Dresses were filmed here.
Rosecliff is still privately owned to this day.
Our last visit was to The Marble House.
Built for the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, The Marble House called for 500,000 cubic feet of marble to be brought in, giving it its name. Mr. Vanderbilt gifted the house to his wife for her 39th birthday (pretty sweet present if I do say so). Sadly, the couple divorced shortly after and she kept it.
She had a Chinese Tea House built in the back, overlooking the water below.
The Tea House is my favorite - and yes, the do serve tea and snacks in there to visitors!
Pretty cool, huh?
If you find yourself in Newport with a free afternoon, you should check the mansions out. Make sure to wear comfy shoes/sandals though as you'll be doing a lot of walking!
We worked up quite an appetite after a long day of tourist-ing the mansions. For dinner we headed to El Perrito Taqueria, a small Mexican restaurant in downtown Newport.
Check it out here: http://www.elperritonewport.com/
Get yourself some of their fish tacos and thank me later.
I love living so close to Newport; it's nice to mix it up and take a day trip down for a change of scenery.
Now excuse me while I go buy some lottery tickets so I can get myself one of those mansions ;)
xo Belle
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