Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Alex and Ani Boston Themed Jewelry

I follow the Boston Red Sox on Facebook. Today they posted a link to Alex and Ani who sells Red Sox themed jewelry. I was intrigued and followed the link. When I got there, I searched "Boston" and found more than just our beloved Sox.  They have the Sox, Celtics, Boston University, Boston College, Harvard, and of course, my favorite, Boston itself. :)

The pictures below are the my favorites that are now added to my gift wish list. :) At the price of $28-$32, they are really affordable. You can choose either color sold for each bracelet- gold or silver. :) And for my fellow patriots, you will be happy to hear that all the jewelry is made in America. :)

 
 
 
I was not paid or compensated to make this post. I just was excited to find Boston themed jewelry and wanted to pass it along to anyone else who may love Boston as I do. :)

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Boston in the Spring

I've been to Boston twice and would give just about anything to live there!
 
The first time I went to Boston was early April 2010, and the second time was mid May 2013.
 
Boston in early April it is still a little chilly- usually in the 50's. Just checked the weather and it is 57 degrees right now. When I went I packed for winter (I'm from Texas, y'all!), but we had one random day of it being 80 degrees. The Bostonians were complaining about the heat. ;)
 





 
 
Later the next day, the cold came back and I had to buy a sweatshirt, (not that I complained- who doesn't love an excuse to buy a new Boston sweatshirt?!). ;)
 Besides the cold, the flowers are in their infancy in early April. Notice all the tulips to-be behind me? The green is returning to the trees, but other trees are blooming beautifully. :)




 
 


In mid May, it was gorgeous! Just warm enough, flowers and green galore. Although, some of the tulips were beginning to wilt. I am assuming that the week prior, (early May), would be the BEST time to see Boston in the Spring. Of course, the longer the winter would mean a later bloom in spring. :)
 















 
I am hoping to go to Boston this year in mid October- which I have heard is the best time to see the foliage. :) I sure hope so!
 
From my experience, early May will probably be the best time to visit Boston in the spring. Although, when we went in mid May, it was pretty fantastic! :)

Friday, January 3, 2014

Visiting Boston

Fenway:
You MUST catch a game at Fenway!! OH SO worth the money!!  Get to game early early and enjoy an empty park! Also, on non-game days you can take a Fenway Tour. DO IT! Fenway is so neat: for the Red Sox fan, baseball fan or history fan. :)
 
Hotels:
I have been there twice and have stayed at two different sides of the city.
 
 I first stayed at Omni Parker House in the financial district. It is super pricey and the reason we stayed there was because we got a really good deal. :) (It is pretty much a landmark itself).  This hotel is the birthplace of the Boston Crème Pie and the Parker House Roll. It is located near the financial district, the Common/Public Garden, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
 
For my second trip, I stayed at the Hotel Buckminster. It is over a hundred years old and is located pretty much next door to Fenway park.  I highly recommend this side of town- especially if you do a girl's trip like we did (hence, wanting to feel extra safe). While all of Boston is safe and wonderful, I loved this area because at night it was lively. You could leave the hotel and be around people- a lot safer feeling than if there was nobody! (besides Fenway, Boston College is also located around the corner which is why you get the lively atmosphere.) However, it is on the other side of the city that the other hotel is. Basically, you can walk to the sites I listed from the Omni, but you will have to take the T to get to all of that from the Buckminster.  (BUT, Boston is nice and small, so taking the T is no trouble at all!)
 
 
Historic:
 
Boston has this really cool thing called the Freedom Trail. It is a trail marked by red bricks, (and sometimes paint), on the pavement. :
 
You can walk the Freedom trail on foot: 2mile+ line to see major historical landmarks.
 
OR
 
You can book a tour- I have done two.
 
I have taken the Trolley Tour and the Duck Tour.
 
The Trolley Tour is pretty cool. It allows you to get on and off at each historic site and spend as much time as you want at each. Also, when we booked it, we got a free Boston Harbor cruise. :)
 
The Duck Tour will show you pretty much the same things, but you can't get off. And since it is a Duck, it will take you into the water as well, but into a different part of the harbor. So, I would recommend the Trolley Tour, but if you can do both, I'd recommend doing both. :)  (The Trolley Tour can be purchased for 2 days, so I'd do that at the beginning of the trip and save the Duck Tour for the last day). :)

Skywalk:
At the Prudential you can go on the skywalk. It is a little pricey at $25/person, but worth it!


 

Travel:
 
Always, always, always, take the T!  NO CABS!
 
We took the T and walked everywhere, (it is a walking city and so worth the walk. The T just saves time when that is needed.). :) We took a cab once and it was a total rip off! You can even take the T to and from the airport- just find an airport employee and they will send the in the right direction. :)
 
Food:
 
Sadly, I am the pickiest eater on the planet, so I cannot give good food advice. Pretty much we ate everyday at Quincy Market and at the Shops at Prudential Center, (the mall). Both locations had a large assortment of choices, so I could eat what I liked and my friend could have different choices! lol I ate Regina Pizzeria for most meals. Totally worth it though since it too is a "landmark," and really good. :)
 
Other:
 
I have not done this, but it seems fun. Check my post, The Paint Bar for more information.
 
The Common and the Public Garden are must sees! Be sure to see the Make Way for Ducklings statue and ride the Swan Boats in the Public Garden. :)

Friday, November 22, 2013

Thanksgiving in Boston

I know it is clear considering this blog, but I am in love with Boston.
 
Being from the south, it would take a lot for my husband to be on board with moving there, (though, I'd move there in a heartbeat!).
 
Since I can't live there, I will settle for spending holidays in Boston on my bucket list. :)
 
Years ago, we looked into going to Boston for thanksgiving.
 
 
Plimoth Plantaion looks fun enough year round, but we WILL be going there for Thanksgiving. SO AWESOME!
 
Besides all of the historical exhibits, they have Harvest Dinner and Thanksgiving Dinner. Looks like so much fun!
 
Plimoth Plantation for Thanksgiving is on our Bucket List for sure! I'm thinking in about 5-10 years when our daughter is learning about it in school. :)

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

A Note from The Belle

I am certain I have few readers, but I wanted to drop in and say "hi" and let y'all know why I haven't posted in awhile. I do plan on posting often- every weekday is my plan.
 
The past week my daughter has been fighting a fever and we're not sure what is really wrong. Also, next week I have a busy week, so I most likely will not be posting then.
 
I just wanted to give y'all a heads up so y'all don't think I am neglecting my blog. :) I have been dreaming about starting this blog for quite awhile now. :)
 
A few pics of my daughter and me in May.




Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Boston Proud

I follow the Red Sox on Facebook. I love whenever they post pics- especially of the world series and the celebratory parade. My favorite pic was when they took back the Boston Marathon finish line.
 If that is not heartwarming, I don't know what is. Boston Strong. Boston Proud.
 
Today I saw an article on Sport's Illustrated, and it once again warmed my heart and spoke of Boston Strong. Boston Proud.
 
They had the 3 brave police officers from the marathon bombing cover come back and pose with David Ortiz in Fenway:
 
This is what is so amazing about Boston. They earned the right to celebrate the Red Sox awesome victory. But, no. They chose to honor the victims and heroes of the bombing.
 
Boston is more than a city, it's a family. Do I really need to explain further? I think these photos speak volumes!
 
BOSTON STRONG. BOSTON PROUD.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Paint Bar

I have not been to The Paint Bar, but after finding it on Pinterest, I know I want to go!
 
I am a crafter and novice painter, and these painting places usually are not my thing. If you are going to paint, do it on your own, not when someone gives you the idea/walks you through it. (Obviously that is just my opinion, these places are all over the country and are well loved!). 
 
With all that said, I really would love to go to The Paint Bar. I would love to paint any of these Boston themed paintings, (and they do have other things to paint if you live in Boston and don't feel like painting Back Bay. BUT, if you are visiting, I think you must stop by The Paint Bar and make your own, one of a kind, souvenir.). :) I think I would spend all day there painting multiple paintings! :)
 
I found all of these images on The Paint Bar's Pinterest- they own all of these copyrights.
 
I had to start off this post with the paintings that were done to show support for our beloved world champions, the Red Sox!
 
 
 
 

 I love this "funky" Beacon Hill painting. :)
  I love this "funky" Boston Skyline painting. :)
 I'd have a hard time choosing which one to paint- I think I'd have to paint a few in one sitting! :) I love this "Starry Night Over Boston."
 Quincy Market in the winter- I love QM, and I plan on spending a Christmas in Boston one day! :) BUCKET LIST! ;)
 Who doesn't love the Swan Boats? :)
I can't think of a better way of celebrating finishing the Boston Marathon than to go to The Paint Bar and paint this! I will be running the half in October 2014, (it will be my first), and if I find I love to run races, I may train to qualify for the Boston Marathon. :)
 
These next three are of the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue- Summer, Fall, and Winter! I'm sure they have a spring one too- I think making all four seasons would make for gorgeous art work in the home. :)