6.30.14

Weekend Recap

Does anyone else feel like summer weekends are that much shorter than winter ones? I swear they are gone in a blink of an eye. This weekend was no different. Friday included a big hair chop cut and Zach Brown Band at Fenway. On Saturday, my best friend came to town, Brazil and Columbia won,  and I finally made it to Toro. Sunday was all about basking in the sun. And just like that we're back to Monday!

Of course, weekends are for proper breakfasts.

Swan Boats.

I would never post this normally, 

but I was over the moon with a reason to wear my red cowboy boots!

Toro.

(post to come)

Relaxing after a little bocce in the Commons. 

With Love, Kris

6.23.14

Weekend Recap

Happy official first week of summer! I can't believe that in less than 2 weeks we'll be celebrating the 4th of July. I'm looking forward to long beach days filled with sun and sand games followed by night time dance parties. That truly is the dream. Or at least my dream. We got a little taste this weekend when we hit up Winthrop Beach. Along the way we stumbled upon Millie's Kitchen, where we picked up some Italian subs. Oh my goodness. I'm going back that beach just so I have an excuse to get these bad boys. Last night we met up with friends to catch the USA v. Portugal game. It was awesome to hear everyone chanting U-S-A, U-S-A! Nothing like a little world cup fever to bring people together.

I should also mention that my little blog turned the big 1 year yesterday. I cannot believe I've kept it up this long and more than anything am grateful for the new experiences and people it has brought into my life. I can't wait to see what it becomes!

With Love, Kris

6.18.14

Around Town ... La Brasa

In case you hadn't noticed, I love food. Most of my outings usually revolve around food. It should be embarrassing but eh, I'm okay with it. My most recent food outing was to La Brasa. New to Somerville, I made it here by way of le boyfriend. Walking in, I instantly knew I would like it. It's a little industrial but yet super homey. Let's just say, it made me feel "cool" but not so cool that I wasn't approachable (that makes sense, right?). The menu is tapas style, which really works here because although we ordered 6 items off the menu (yes, there were only 2 of us), we left satisfied and not stuffed. The menu brings together influences from Mexico, Peru (!), the Middle East, and so on. My favorites of the night were the Tiradito and the Benton's ham with ginger-rhubarb chutney. Oh, and you should probably check out their great cocktail list too ... if you're into that sort of thing.

Benton's ham.

Tiradito.

4.7.14

Weekend Recap

Have I mentioned how much I love family time? Because I. LOVE. IT. and THEM. Living across the country has been a challenge but it makes the time we do spend together that much more special. Of course, Patty came in being her most fabulous self and left me with multiple words of wisdom ("You should really take up piano and French this summer to round out your cultural education"). Dad thought I was freezing him to death for fun even though I explained to him that 50 degrees means spring in Boston (he lives below the equator). Nick, the musician, fell in love with the Beehive in the South End because who wouldn't? We all are so different and yet, kinda exactly the same. There was a lot of hugging, talking about childhood memories, and of course jokes ( or "yokes" as my accented parents say). It was the best.

Stay: The Copley Square Hotel (family loved it)

Visit: Boston Duck Tours // JFK Library and Museum // Newbury Street

Eat: Island Creek Oyster Bar (my favorite place in all of Boston) // The Beehive // Papa Razzi // The Merchant // The Met Back Bay (Build Your Own Bloody Mary)

Mom and me (I?)

Dad trying to keep it together in the "cold."

Samuel Enrrique and Samuel Nickolas. 

Yes, that's two R's. We love our double letters in this family.

Not even a little embarrassed about this one. 

Who say's you can't be a tourist in your home?

Hope you all had just as good of a weekend and happy Monday!!

3.31.14

The Final Countdown

Wow wow wow. Do you ever think "Oh, my life is so boring" and then life answers by sending you a personal Tasmanian-devil that whirlwinds through your life and leaves you with whiplash? That's kinda how I feel right now. March has been a filled with friends and family, midterms, trips, and a little snapshot of what life will be like after school ends. It's hard to believe that in just one month, I will be done with school for (hopefully) ever. Time is flying by and while I love it, at the same time I feel like it makes it harder to savor the little moments. Moments where my cousin is next to me and I feel like I'm 10 again or when my girlfriends make me laugh so hard I feel like my abs could burst or when sitting in the library for hours feels like minutes (just kidding, it still feels like hours but I can't believe it will soon be over). Here's a few snapshots of those little moments:

Samantha and I enjoying live music at the Bell in Hand Tavern.

Had to check out Harpoon Beer Hall.

St. Patrick's day in Boston is a sight to see. 

Green beers at the Yard House.

Fenway Tour.

My cousin, Dominic, enjoying the array of small plates at State Park.

New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.

Peruvians love soccer fútbol.

Dominic brought me the best cider ever all the way from Sacramento.

A moment of quiet (and a dash of Spring?).

2.21.14

This Weekend, Why Don't You ... 

Celebrate National Margarita Day!

I just found out about this (thank you, Vmac + Cheese) and I strongly support it. Mexican cuisine ranks high on my list, so naturally margaritas are right up there too. Lately, I have been experimenting with blood orange flavored everything. So far my favorite (and very easy concoction) has been tequila with San Pelligrino Aranciata Rossa. Oh, my yum. Since National Margarita Day should probably be shared with friends, here is a recipe that will make a pitcher of Blood Orange Margaritas. Now who wants to come over and share said pitcher with me?

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PS. If you are in the Boston area, I highly suggest you make your way to the 

Painted Burro in Somerville and order their cucumber margarita. It is the bomb. 

2.10.14

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday! This weekend Colin and I checked out a couple of local breweries. I've never been a huge beer fan (Bud Lights in college don't count) but both Colin and his brother have introduced me to a whole new world of craft beer. I have to admit, if given the choice I'll still choose a glass of champs or cider, but stepping out of my comfort zone is good for the soul, right? I think that's written on a poster board somewhere... Either way it was awesome, plus we go to meet the people behind these small breweries and hear all about how the beers were developed. Added bonus, they are located right next to each other!

Night Shift pretties. 

Labeling.

The list at Idle Hands.

Took me a second to figure out their logo, but I got it!

Happy Campers.

 Did you do try anything new this weekend? 

Let me know!

1.29.13

Around Town ... Olives and Grace

This past weekend, I was on a MISSION. The mission was to get myself to the South End and into Olives and Grace. Seriously. From the moment I saw what Olives and Grace was, I knew I had to see it for myself. This cute boutique is tucked away right off off Tremont St. Inside are the most carefully curated products from around the country, ranging from peanut butter to aprons to wood work. Not only did I walk away with great gifts but I also got the chance to meet store owner, Sophie. Hearing her talk about her vision for the store was inspiring. As an added treat, the very talented Sarah Sturges brought homemade good-for-you pesto and wine to try. All in all, it was absolutely lovely!

Run, don't walk. 

1.6.14

Weekend Recap

Hello, 2014! Less than a week into the new year and already I feel like I am off and running. After touching down from the Dominican Republic (post to come later), I had two days to unpack and repack. We drove up to Montreal where we were greeted by below zero temperatures. Even though I was wrapped up like an eskimo, it was still a great time. Back in Boston, the snow felt like it was never ending. Regardless, seeing friends, having a date night, and enjoying a 49ers win was the best kick off to 2014 I could have asked for.

Our fourth New Years Eve together.

Le Bier Markt. 

Great beer based cocktails and a very LONG list of imported beers.

If you ask people in Montreal, this is what I looked like. 

Our drive home took longer with the snow storm, but it made for a beautiful view.

Friday night we braved the cold to check out State Park with our friends. 

It has only been open for a few weeks but it feels like it has been around forever. The food was excellent (Kentucky Hot Brown, pictured above), they had pitchers of mixed drinks, and games! If you're in the mood for shuffle board, pool, or pin ball machines, this is your place!

My 49ers went up against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. In an attempt to make healthier snack choices, I made this roasted brussels sprout dish. Although the wrong color, it was a a hit (I'll make sure to put the recipe up soon!).

Tonight I'm off again, this time to California! 

I'm already loving 2014 so much.

12.16.13

Weekend Recap ... 

The last few weekends have been filled with holiday cheer. First we got our tree and dressed up our home. And then ... just when I think I'm ready to head back to the golden state, New England pulls me back in with it's snow-covered beauty! We got our first snow storm of the season on Saturday and it was completely magical. It was also pretty cold but it was worth it to watch the city become a real-life snow globe. I realize that I have described myself as a summer baby, but there is something about snow that makes me feel like my insides are glowing. When we moved here last year, Colin would laugh at me as I sat by the window to watch the snowflakes come down. You'd think I'd never seen snow before! Regardless, if you have the chance to play in the snow this year, take a second to yourself to appreciate the beauty.

Colin likes to call this our Kris-size tree.

Mulled Wine. This recipe was excellent!

Tree decorating spread.

Before we hit the ice and my inner Michelle Kwan came out.

Warming up inside this cute Beacon Hill cafe.

One more because it's Christmas time and I like this guy!