Chistmas in Canada 2012!

Sometimes plans go through the window, and its times where you are left alone that you really appreciate the meaning of family. Unfortunately due to an unforeseen family issue for my roommate, colleague and best friend, our Christmas plans were diminished within a few hours.  Being alone in Boston was now a prospect I was going to have to endure during my time off work from December- January for 2 weeks.

Having looked at flights back to Scotland it was a tad ludicrous pricing due to the very last minute booking and so close to Santas arrival, I really wanted to just stay on this side of the pond- so why not visit distant family in Canada.

My Mums Aunt and Uncle live in Canada and have started their own Canadian life and family in the Capital of Canada- Toronto. I had once met this part of my family many years ago, at my Grans house in Ardrossan, Scotland.  Having them being a lot closer to me in Boston, than they ever have been whilst I stayed in Scotland it made perfect sense to get in contact with them in my situation and see if they would take in a humble lodger for the festive period!

Within a few days of contact since many years, I had been welcomed up to Canada to stay for a whole week during Christmas.  I could not have been more happier at the time I booked my flights (eventually to the correct Provence, as my Canadian geography wasn't upto scratch..) to know I was going to be with family, to be able to re-connect and enkoy the merry season with them.

I flew on December 29 via Porter Airlines which was fun, it was my first time in a smaller jet plane! We flew slightly delayed due to technical problems, and landed in Billy Bishop Island Airport- which I must add is a terribly small run way, I really thought I was going to have to swim over to Toronto. Taking the 2 minute ferry after I collected my luggage I was now walking on Canadian soil, and meeting my distant family!
Holly my mums cousin, my second cousin kindly, waited for me and picked me up at the airport- and took me to their lovely family home where I met her husband and re-met her daughter, my third cousin (thankfully we both looked a tad older from our younger days). . .

My time in Canada FLEW in. I was so lucky to have explored some of Torontos sights, met the most amazing people, be hosted on Christmas day with family and gifted lots of love and presents on Christmas.  I hopped between my Aunt Mays house, and Hollys' house, which was great as it allowed me to steal lots of family stories and past from their Canadian lifes. Being able to re-connect with this part of family was just great, and I am so thankful for them welcoming up to share their love and warmth during December!

Whilst in Canada I:
-Wined and dined at more distant families house and won a few games of pool (I honestly am normally really bad..) Enjoyed a great palette of food and tonnes of cheer!
-Explored the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) for an interest few hours, learning about the mighty dreadful DinoSAAAAAURS from the past and historical seeings.
- Walked around Queens Park, trying to capture some snaps of the brown and black squirells which are in their teams scurrying around the trees and bushes! I found them hilariously intriguing as I am only used to little grey furry squirells. (easily amused, I guess)
- CHRISTMAS DAY. - Spoiled by the Coopers and Co on the Merry little day, indulged in heaps of scrumptious food and welcomed as a Canadian. It was as if I had known them for a lot longer, I could not have been welcomed any more- it was lovely!
- Enjoyed Boxing Day shopping in Yorkdale Mall. I enjoyed wandering around the many sales, unlike other manic shoppers who go ALL out and get a tad insane with crunching prices which are offered... followed by a tasty lunch in Jack Astors, which let you draw on the table with crayons and create a 'work of art' whilst awaiting the fine foods. I created a stunning castle, accompanied with Highland Cows and sheep. (spot the scot) I really think my drawing will be cherished..
-Enjoyed a chinese buffet whilst meeting more third cousins which again was lovely to extend the family love! We watched Brave the Scottish film, which was great- I really didn't realise my accent was that strong.. ohmy!
-TORONTO TOURS. - Given a priceless tour around Downtown Toronto by my lovely cousin Holly. We explored the CN Tower which gave you breathtaking views of the city, it was a tad misty a few miles out in the view due to the snow but I still got fabulous shots of the Lake, and city surrounding the 346m high tower http://www.cntower.ca/en-CA/Plan-Your-Visit/Attractions/LookOut.html
-Being able to take in some of the many districts in Toronto, my favourite being the Distillery District where we enjoyed lunch and the many quirky shops. Ending the night with MINCE and TATTIES at my Aunts house, it was a grand meal- cheers!

My flight home on the 29th felt slightly like a rollercoaster simulator at points.  With the heavy snow that Boston was experiencing, we hit a snow storm in the clouds which gave us all a good shake and bump in the jet plane.

When I finally got into my apartment, a tired little scot I rested my head looking to unpack tomorrow, delighted with my past week in Canada.

It was better than I had imagined, and I could not have asked to be welcomed with any more kindess and love than what I received.  It was an amazing Christmas 2012, in Canada- and I will cherish the memory for years to come!

Thank you for a great week, christmas and time in Canada Coopers and Co! Love and Hugs, Nicole X

Festive fun.. .

.. all around!

I have had an interestingly FUN FRIDAY (as if not every friday is a fun fabulous friday). Awakening to a rather warm flat, sarcasim intended, I hurried around shuffling my lunch into my bag and onwards to work.

Today I recieved a prize to go for lunch with the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions to the Faculty Club in January, with other 'Taste-off' Winners.  Yesterday we enjoyed many plates of marvelous munchsized treats, scrambled and baked by the Admissions and Processing staff.  I baked my mighty dish that is- Cranachan, accompanied with sugary buttery shortbread! It was a lovely evening in work, I tasted lots of dishes from superbly rolled oreo truffles to spicy chicken Empanadas. Before the 'Taste-Off' (which was the offering of the many dishes, followed by a vote for the best of 3 dishes) began, we all were tested on some Northeastern related questions, winners were given a prize from the festive hamper! Certificates were also given to those who had been nominated for various categories, for their corraegous efforts throughout Fall 2012!  It was a really great way to socialise with my other colleagues, enjoying time away from our professional responsibilities.

Courtesy of Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University.

Back to to the Friday, I went to the Annual Holiday Party at Northeastern University for Faculty and Staff hosted by President Aoun.  I enjoyed being able to network with a great deal of colleagues which I rarely see, wishing them all a Happy Holiday' whilst tasting the many delights which were offered by the International Village buffet selection.  The nor'easters sang some tuneful festive songs boosting the merry atmosphere amongst faculty and staff.  I even had the amazing opportunity to meet with the President, he was wearing his Husky Hat which he had been given from the Visitor Centre staff from his filming task.  He is an aspiring charachter, with great goals and expectations for Northeastern University.  He even joked on my accent, giving his best Scottish impression, which I must say was very good!

On my return to the office after the Holiday Party I was even given a Husky Hat which I proudly wore on my hour walk back to the apartment.  I will most definitely sport the Husky on my return to Scotland! #diehardhusky

... ... .. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

My night ended with our weekly Friday popping and locking at Zumba.  It really is a great way to shake everything out and refresh.

Courtesy of Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University.

Courtesy of Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University.

AUF WIEDERSEHEN UND GUTES GLÜCK

Goodbye Katharina!

We have got to know a lovely German girl, who worked along side Katie in International Co-op, for the duration of ten weeks.
Tonight was her last weekend in Boston, and we thought we would give her a propper send off with friends!

We all gathered in our apartment, with tonnes of snacks and banquets of laughter and conversation. 

It has been great to meet our German friend, and experience a few months in Boston with her.  I hope that keep in touch in the future, and she enjoys her time with her host family down in Florida before returning the Germany in the new year.

Soon to be Stars..

.....Hopefully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-z2_ljtrKU&feature=youtu.be

Maybe one day.

This is the trailer from the event we helped out at a few months ago, during my first free visit to the century-old FENWAY Park.
Perhaps when the video is released our talents will be revealed worldwide, and we will be, of course, head hunted to star in the next BLOCKBUSTER film. 

Stay tuned.......... ..

Ice Skating on Frog Pond!

This was going to be the caption, which I had planned a few days ago...

After work, friends and I all gathered and headed downtown to Fajitas & 'Ritas, for some “unabashedly fun” food and atmosphere. http://www.fajitasandritas.com/  Recommended by our friend, we slevered over sizzling fajitas and marveled at the creative wall art work and paintings. This was a nice toasty warmer and prep for our next acitivity iceskating!
.. .

Sadly to our disappointment, when we eventually arrived on the Frog Pond- of course the night we had planned to go ice skating- it was only the night they close the rink to refresh the ice.  So alas, we walked to Max Brenners and had a tastebud worthy smooth warm hotchocolate.

Until next time ice rink!!..... ..

Treats for All.

Warm hands, Warm Hearts.

 http://www.northeastern.edu/coopconnections/events/warm-hands-warm-hearts/

This Sunday we helped out with some of NEU volunteers spread some cheer and enjoy treats whilst helping treat others.  We joined Phi Delta Theta, NRHH, the NU Black Student Association, the NEURONS,
and Co-op Connections for holiday fun, stuffing fluffy teddy bears to give to others, making cards for soldiers and decorating cookies (for our own pleasure.. yummmm)

The event also gave us the most amazing Turkey, cranberry and stuffing sandwiches along with holiday giveaways and music! It was the perfect start so the festive season.

There was a gingerbread competition, which required early regisration- which we had missed.  But to our surprise and good fortune, one of the teams had dropped out to other commitments and we were luckily given a gingerbread kit to tackle and compete with.
This of course happened 30 minutes into the hour you were allowed to build the house, so with amazing team work and cordination around sticky icy fingers and sugary delights we built the most impressive (bias) gingerbread house I have ever seen!!

Due to other plans, we sadly had to leave the event before the end and grand announcement of winners.  An email shotly revealed that our house came joint second place, which we could not be more happier about considering our hurried efforts.

Go team Scotland Huskies!

Its beginning to look a LOT like Xmas

Arriving back from a long day at work, we had a surprise awaiting us.

Except this wasn't your usual little white envelope nor was it a brown wrapped box.  It was a large, white net covering a 6ft Christmas Tree-  A REAL ONE!

My flatmate had, bless her, dragged the tree round from the front of the apartment to our door by herself once she noticed it had been delivered. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our Kinross Apt!!

The following night we all trooped down to the local $store, which with a massive $7 each spent we were able to get a healthy bunch of decorations to storm our tree with.  We sat with cookies and candy canes, singing christmas songs and put our tree up, allowing it to shine in all its decorated glory.


Can't wait for Christmas 2012 in Boston with my roommate, now that we have a tree to dance 'around'!!

Fortune COOKIES

Today, 12/5 I attended the Northeastern University Beyond Borders Event exploring specifically China today.  I got to listen to two student speakers explaining their experiences within the United States, and within China.  Showing their personal comparisons on cultural differences, and the way of life habits.

I really enjoyed their presentations learning about the comparisons, and tips on what to know if I was to travel across to that part of the world.  I even got a Fortune Cookie, which I learned from a student at my table, that these are not actually traditionally chinese.  They were, from what they claimed, boosted by the Americans on a false interpretation on Chinese fortune tellers... interesting.. 

And so within my cookie- authentic or not- my fortune inside read:

"Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." 

Which of course guides me to atleast face some troubles with some courage, than to avoid them all together making it harder to cure.  Or along those lines.. .

 

My chinese word was, Pumpkin- which related heavily to my past few weeks in New Jersey enjoying, pumpkin: soup, cookies, beer, pie and even pumpkin air freshener!

Twenty years of happiness

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE

I aged into a new decade this week. November 27- My twentieth birthday in Boston!

It was a lovely week, everyone spoiled me with many fabulous treats from cakes to lunches! I was greeted to balloons and two chirpy roommates when I woke up in the apartment which was lovely.  And entering work, my office had a massive Happy Birthday Banner covering the door! 

I was treated to going out to the ballet for the evening with friends. We went to see the Boston Ballets, The Nutcracker.  Which.was.amazing.  I teared up towards the end when the 'nutcracker' music played, it was a beautiful art watching the dancers sway and float across the stage with such elegance.  I thoroughly enjoyed my night there, and the full week of becoming a year older!

Thank you to everyone who gifted me with cards, presents, cakes, friendship and love!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Well now, how do I start to explain the best week so far of my time here in America?

This week I ventured down to stay with a good friend and her family in New Jersey. Because, apparently, thanksgiving is somewhat a BIGdeal out here. … .. no it really is! It’s almost as big, or maybe even bigger than Christmas cerebrations! Especially for my American family, who are Jewish.  I started the first few days of my week, in New Jersey, we celebrated Thanksgiving over two days with both sides of the family. Eating, eating and more excellent extravagant eating. Pumpkin party.. I had pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, pumpkin beer, pumpkin candy and we even had a pumpkin car smelly in the car. I wasn’t complaining as its yum-EEEE. Meeting all of Michelle’s family was a true delight, everyone was very welcoming and I felt completely at home amongst there company, it was a true refresher from my Boston working days.  We watched the Macys parade (feeling American) whilst whipping up fresh cream, working for our foody pleasures, and I finished my cranachan dish in which I took to surprise the Americans with some Scottish desserts; tablet, shortbread and cranachan. (im such a domestic goddess, thank you)

Enjoying an evening as a family we reminisced over Michelle’s dazzling past, being such an involved valedictorian in high school I took delight in watching her acting skills shine like the brightest star on her high school stage. Lights, Camera, ACTION! Tired and hitting food comma statuses, we headed out at 11pm like bloated turkeys we just ate.. to a new jersey mall for me to experience the real deal of Thanksgiving Day shopping: it was great to be pondering around a true UsA mall, how local have I become! I never bought much but a precious little solver ring which will always remind me of my great week spent with my DuBow family in New Jersey at Thanksgiving.  This led us onto another day, in another state. NYC was the destination, shopping, exploring and the rockettes was the plan for the day and I loved experiencing my first day in the BIG APPLE with my American sister, Michelle. NEW YORK truly is a great city, I can see why people feel lonely yet feel like they can reach any opportunity and limelight if they so search for it and try to make themselves as famous as possible. Ellens stardust diner, thank you the DuBows for introducing me into this wonderful Broadway to be diner. As I sat eating delicious diner delights, I received a personal song for my 20^th birthday which was in two days, I cannot thank mummy DuBow enough for organizing my serenade! We put our names on confetti at the times square museum, for them to be blown out to the crowds during the ball drop of New years 2013, how exciting! Leaving my name in NYC!! Exhausted from how wonderful wondering around the big city we headed home (a twenty minute drive!) how amazing to be able to just pop into NYC for the day, as for me back home it’s a massive thing to plan and afford your long-haul flight across the Atlantic to explore the delights of NYC. .. . forever reminded how fortunate I am to be able to experience this grand year in the United States of America.

My last day ended with a true American diner with my American family and their family friends, pancakes pancakes, more pancakes and some syrup was served up and our bellies soon were bellowing- ready for the commute back to Boston. After a long delay in the Newark station, and meeting an inspiring (and slightly too chatty) staff member in the station, we bussed it back to Boston catching up on work to-dos and getting our productive modes back on. No rest for the wicked, want it- get it.

If you are reading, DuBows- thank you, thank you, thank YOU all for the wonderful past days in the states, I had a GOBBLE good time!

Please follow this link to see my lovely birthday song: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152306933500179&l=8375556036123534060

What is this white stuff?

snowowowowWOW
It was snowing today in Boston, MA for the first time this Fall 2012.  From my enthusiastic approach to the coldness and unstable ground, I was so excited for the snow to have fallen.

As can be seen in the picture.
This is me on my way to work, waiting on the famous B, Green line T.

Today is also a two week countdown until I leave for New Jersey to stay with my good friend for Thanksgiving!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

We were lucky enough to be able to go to Salem straight after work Wednesday 31- HALLOWEEN!
Katies Mum+Dad are still staying with us up until the end of this week, I have LOVED having some family love around the apartment, its so nice having their company.

Dress CODE- FANCY. off course. I dressed as a kittykat, Molly went as a dead person, and Katie an Owl.  Her mum and dad obviously didn't want to be the odd ones out (not dressed up) and so went as a ghostly ghoul and a nosey parker.

I was very pleased we decided to dress up, because believe you and me- if we hadn't we would have stuck out from the crowd MAJORLY.

Salem which is famous for its history with Witch Craft comes alive around the week of Halloween.  Costumes dragg and slither the streets, oozing and aahing for spectators to quiver in their presence.  I surely was freaked and creeped by some of the costumes on show.

It was a great night, one that i probably will never get to experience.  Being in Salem, MA on the night of Halloween!!

Frankenstorm Frights

Monday morning, rise at 630am get set- get ready and head into work for 830.  Today I didnt follow this routine.  Hurricane Sandy has caused Northeastern University to close for the day due to health and safety concerns, the MBTA shut down at 2pm this afternoon and we have grown close to cabin fever sitting in our apartment all day watching the wind blow and howl past on its ferocious path.

Luckily, or maybe perhaps unluckily our friend Saf had locked herself out of her flat and we have grown an extra roommate for the day.  We have made pancakes smothered in sugar, stawberrys, grapes and blackberrys.  Layered with numerous New Girl episodes, sprinkled with music and dancing- our day has flewww in.  Right now we're are chewing on carameled apples, with our eyes glued to the 90210 episode.

On this website they show MA missing the eye of the storm.  Luckily I think we will be back to work tomorrow, but I just hope any one within the storms path is ok and stays safe:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+shtml/211343.shtml?5-daynl

Living through Frankenstorm is definitely something I won't forget.  Just how lucky we are to have missed the full brunt of the storm, watching the news all day and seeing what people are having to deal with is something I will always remember.  It could of been a lot worse where I stay but thankfully we have missed the worse: http://science.time.com/2012/10/29/frankenstorm-why-hurricane-sandy-will-be-historic/


Lots of social media fake pictures were buzzing around the internet like a terrible plague.  No we were not living in a movie set, this was real life and these pictures just create hype that should be focused on real problems and worries and not silly little 'fish in the sea'.. .. .
http://theweek.com/article/index/235578/10-fake-photos-of-hurricane-sandy

Extra Events at work

I got to work two extra Saturdays at work, which at first sounds terrible as I'm loosing an extra days weekend to the normal person- but to me I thought this was a geat opportunity to try something new and experience areas of co-op that I hadnt yet had the chance to do so.

Northeasterns Open House- 22nd October.

I had been required to work this day within my co-op position with the International Admissions team in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  I was proud to arrive at 7am sharp and help the flock of families and prospective students around the campus and answer their eager questions.  Being privileged to work alongside all of the other knowledgeable admissions counselors and student recruitment team, I learned that team work is a must, and customer service goes a LONG way when introducing new clients to a business... .Everyone was so pleasant, and I have given my time to work at the next Open House coming up in November to continue to welcome all those interested futures to our prestigious campus.

On this day I even learned things about Northeastern that were new to me, how things worked- a lot of new staff members and their roles on the campus, and how everything rolled together behind scenes, to then reveal a marvelous red carpet of events throughout the day. 

http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/visitcampus/open_house.html

Northeasterns Parents Weekend - 29th October.

Today I was lucky enough to be asked from a different department to work during the Saturday of Parents Weekend.  Even though this day was not required for me to work, I certainly took the opportunity to again learn something new.  I was working with a whole new department, and met some inspirational characters and understood that so much hard work and preparation had taken part prior to this day.  I fortunately just got to reap working the final day where everything was again coming together like the cherry on top of the cake presentation.  Luckily I had to take part in a duck boat tour guide as the parents needed a 'guide' I obliged obviously, clearing my throat to bark out the most impressive QUACKS in the group. Families enjoyed many many NU events, from comedians, pumpkin dressups, BBQs, presentations and advice, guided tours around Boston and all its offerings in the compact wonderful city. I again met a bunch of lovely families who certainly enjoyed my 'exotic' accent from Scotland- funnily I was introduced to a Fathers family, whom had come from The University of Glasgow, grew up close to where I lived and is now a Director in the NY Bank of America.   The world is certainly full of many opportunities and paths, and today I learned that I have many choices to make- so far I made the best choice co-oping with Northeastern and I am so thankful and lucky to be here right now experiencing everything daily.

http://www.northeastern.edu/news/multimedia-items/parents-weekend/ 

GO HUSKIES!

HUSKY pride

Wow- this weekend I have well and truly became a dieHARDhusky.  Well perhaps I haven’t become one yet, or completed enough dedication or love for the hairy crowd though I definitely have felt a part of the amazing Northeastern University spirit!

This week has been Homecoming week on campus, with lots of advertising on campus for voters to pick their favorites for Homecoming King and Queen, Community events, team activities bringing all the students together to one finale night of a Basketball showdown and cheerleading cheers and crowds supporting all that does NU PROUD.  This was my first experience seeing basketball taking place in front of me physically, it was a fun sport which I enjoyed watching slamDUNKS after slumDUNNNKS. Seeing the dance group and cheerleaders was the best as well, i secretly wish I could have joined in on the punching and kicking smiling and singing riling up the crowds!!  Seeing the King and Queen being crowned was pretty special as well, another first experience.  I wore full red and black attire to work on the Thursday to show our NU Husky Pride! 

LETS GO HUSKIES *clap clap clap*  the many many cheers and chants which I learned tonight was phenomenal.  Seeing the DOGhouse in all its bouncing buzzing glory, across from the GODhouse, Northeastern University students teamed up to show our rivals Boston College what we really had to give.  It was my first time at an ice-hockey game and BOY did I enjoy it.  The atmosphere in Mathews Arena was intense, and everyone viewing the chilly choppy game was truly intimidating.  I became warped in the game, screaming chants, waving arms and bouncing at the slightest hint of glory.  During a break from one of the periods we got on the ‘dance cam’ which is the big screens in the middle of the rink which is screened during the break showing the crowds shaking their best.  It was so much fun.  To top my first night watching the ice-hockey NU won the match.  We bet BC 3-1 and now I have read that we are now in the rankings at No. 14, which is grand since NU hasn’t made it into the top 20 rankings in three years. http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2012/10/mens-hockey-skates-into-national-rankings/

http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2012/10/mens-hockey-upsets-top-ranked-bc/

I’m positive I’m the good luck charm in the crowds, so I MUST attend future matches to help the scores rocket higher.  I ended the night by baking a beastly Apple Pie with Michelles freshly picked apples she got the day before on an apple farm outside of Boston.  It was truly scrumptious.

LETS GO HUSKIES!

On the Sunday I walked with Northeastern University’s, The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) around the 5 mile walk for Making Strides against Breast Cancer!  We walked with many donors and volunteers who helped raise a total $1, 860, 436.21 for the massive cause, on the drizzly Sunday morning. We warmed our treaded trainers in the famous Cheers Boston Bar, dining with a pub Burger and some friendly chitterchatter.

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: Celebrate Halloween at The Liberty Hotel

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: Celebrate Halloween at The Liberty Hotel: The Liberty Hotel presents " The Birds"  the hotel's annual Halloween costume party on Saturday October 27th at 8pm.  This year's theme is "prepare to be terrified...evil comes in all forms."     There will be three levels of entertainment with sounds from DJ Michael Savant, DJ7L, and DJ Hectic along with specialty cocktails, live aerial performers, and much more.    

General admission tickets are $30.

Table reservations and Halloween room packages are also available.

What better place to celebrate Halloween than in a hotel that used to be a jail?

Fashion&+&Fluff

 

Today, waking up with the most hurrendously annoying headache I stretched and moaned to my loving roomates that I just could not face the upcoming events of today.  With a lot of sympathy, tea and painkillers I manged to venture outside to the delightful crispy afternoon jumping on the bus to travel to Sommerville.  The weather wasn't terribly bad, it never rained (thunkfully), and I enjoy walking down the sidewalks crunching and ruffiling the little shirveld orange, brown and purple leaves below me.

The FLUFF festival was our first stop at Union Square within Somerville.  'What the Fluff' celebrates the creation of Fluff with this annual festival, offering games, singers, food and FLUFF. all in the name of the smooth,sticky,pasty, sweet yumminess that is FLUFF.

 

Enjoying a quick pick me up of a mint hot chocolate and coconut donut, we headed down towards Boylston to The Estate.  Presented by HerCampus.com and U by Kotex, College Fashion Week offered multiple on trend fashion suggestions for all those fashionista collegiiettes!  Students strutted down the catwalk with glee and confidence, whilst we the audience enjoyed the free goodies (college SURVIVAL kits), chips+dips and eye candy from the a cepella group The Dear Abbeys.



http://www.hercampus.com/school/northeastern/college-fashion-week-hits-boston



MovieStars

I will be offering my autograph to those who ask for it in the near future.

Last night we were lucky enough to be an involved in an exciting music video, my first ever visit into Fenway Park. An experience I won't forget, we shuffled up at 11pm to start and crowded with the many REDsoxx and Brian Evan fans to be apart for this opportunity.
"Brian Evans, the Boston singer-songwriter behind the Frank Sinatra-esque tune “At Fenway,” is shooting a video at the historic ballpark Tuesday, September 25, and the public is invited to attend and possibly be part of the project."
Yes I was there until the early hours of the morning, but yes I did get to experience something I would probably not get the chance to in the future.  Truly an amazing night/morning, plenty of chips and coffee kept us going along with the highlights of seeing William Shatner and Brian Evans hit some balls in the large 'grassy' holding.    I am hoping that they have an amazing shot of myself cheering or booing at the scenes, but as long as I know Im there, and got to experience that night- I'm quite content with the 'bragging cred'.

BellyFLOP

Splish, Splash SPLOSH.

Wow.

Myself and Molly took the Harbour Island Whale Watching cruise with BHC -BostonHarborCruises- during a lovely long summery day.

Luckily our tour ended up being 12noon until 5pm. I was delighted at this fact, as the mighty $35 ticket to go on the cruise was stretched out another two hours than what they estimate it will take.  I'm sure some families did not plan on being on the boat for this long, but for me I was in my total element.  

We viewed 7 humb back whales in their natural environment just off the coast, deep diving for their lunch, which consisted of a few tonne of fishes. It took some exploring to find them, as ofcourse you cant just easily throw a bone and watch them come skipping to you.  We were lucky enough to see a whale jump out of the water and do a whirl flip to deep dive back down to the sea.  Everyone was in awe, complete astonishment. Even the tour guide had mentioned how lucky our group had been to witness this, as it does not happen on every guide. (even if this wasnt true, and it happens every day- we or atleast I felt extremely lucky and special just to be out here in the open breeze watching these lovely creatures)

On the way home offcourse, all sane human beings were inside deck, with coffee and cosiness.We got to lie out on the front deck of the boat, alone myself and Molly- and the sea.(and the wonderfully wicked whistling wind) It was such a nice breether from our work routines and enjoying the weekend sun!

I enjoyed my day out with Molly crusing the big waves finding these massive natural animals having a whale of a time (excuse the pun) getting on with there lifes. I would recommend it to any one!  But please remember, a jumper (it does get cold when you are going very fast on the boat), sun screen (your outside ALL day), camera AND batteries, and a very POSITIVE outlook at these are natural animals, so if you dont see them on your first guide- you are allowed another chance to go at another date for free.

HAPPY WHALING!

Weekly Wonders

A long weekend and some events after work.. My week looked like this:
Monday 3rd- Labour Day visit down toQuincy, learning about John Adams.
Thursday 6th- FNO Newbury St. Fashion Night Our on Newbury street.
Friday 7th- Harlan Cohen Getting Naked, Chocolate Restaurant - Max Brenners delights!

Sat 8th Hatchshell; Summer MIXfest+ Modern Pastries
Sunday 9th Cambridge Carnival
Monday 10th-Friday 14th - Activites WOOF, NUpic, Artcolaborative, GOLF with katie, fruitee yogurt, HAYMARKET on friday-VEGETABLESSS!!!

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: Fashion's Night Out hits Boston Thursday

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: Fashion's Night Out hits Boston Thursday: "Fashion's Night Out (FNO) will take place in Boston this Thursday September 6th from 6pm-11pm. Thousands of retailers across the city will stay open later and many will host special events to encourage people to come out and shop.

All of Newbury Street will be closed to traffic and there will be a stage with live music in front of Stepanie's on Newbury. Bands playing include Sweet Tooth & the Sugarbabies, Good Will & Them Apples, and Cosmodrome.      Newbury Street will also be lined with luxury cars from Herb Chambers.

The Shops at Prudential Center will screen Breakfast at Tiffany's in the center's South Garden at sundown.  From 6pm-8pm there will also be freeze modeling from Free People and 10-minute makeovers by Sephora in the South Garden.   There will also be discounts offered at Free People, Lacoste, Levenger,  Optical Shop of Aspen, Papyrus and White House Black Market.

Copley Place is teaming up with Boston Common Magazine for a series of fashion shows from 6pm-9pm.  A show featuring fall fashion from Neiman Marcus will start the event with a mixed retailer show with Jimmy Choo, Wolford, Vince and Elie Tahari to follow.   There will also be a student fashion presentation from MassArt.      Intimacy at Copley Place will also host a "Cupcakes and Cleavage" event featuring free bra fittings along with cupcakes.  

In the South End there will be Pop Man pop up shop selling independent men's fashion  from 3pm-11pm at the Gold Gallery at 655 Tremont Street. 

The FNO Wrap Party will be from 8pm-11pm at The Estate and will feature Stoli Drink specials from 8-9 and Luna Bar giveaways along with music from DJ Brent Covington and  Glowkids & Fuse.   "

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: Uburger opens at Northeastern

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: Uburger opens at Northeastern: "Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Uburger is now open at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center.       Uburger now has four locations in Boston."

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: MixFest coming to Hatch Shell Saturday

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog: MixFest coming to Hatch Shell Saturday: "MixFest takes place Saturday September 9th at 4pm at the DCR Hatch Shell on The Esplanade.   Performers will include Train, Gavin DeGaw and Andy Grammer.    Sponsored by Mix 104.1, the free outdoor music festival has been occurring annually in Boston since 1993.  "

foodGLORIOUSFOOD

My trousers for work might be slightly stretched as I’ve been feasting out for food this whole last week!... ..

Boston offers an amazing two weeks (Mondays-Fridays) in August of discounts from specific restaurants.  ‘Restaurant week’ is upon us- so we definitely took advantage of it as you can go places which your pennies would not normally indulge on allowing you to experience wonderful new places!

Monday- ‘Dicks Last Resort’ http://www.dickslastresort.com/

We have had two Scots camping over during their final few days in Boston.  We served them our couch and they served us some Scottish company, to say farewell to the scots we thought of a final dinner in a ‘comical surrounding’ would be a good ending.  We all received cleverly phrased dunce hats which please us all as they were horrendously humorous.  The four of them were worded as;

“the reason men drink”

“I’m their ‘shopping friend’”

“Single 4 Life”

“I’m thinking about the waiters woody”

It’s an absolute unique dining experience, I’d recommend it if you want funky fun along with food, flying forks and unfriendly yet funny service and just an absolute giggle during dining!

Tuesday- Brasserie JO http://brasseriejo.com/

A fabulous French restaurant located by the Prudential area, we headed here with work friends whom also wanted to make the most of Boston restaurant week. This is what I chose to munch on through the small but great glorious selection on the weeks menus.   Sautéed Chicken Livers, Caramelized Onion, Watercress

Pan Seared Chicken Escalope - Lemon Caper Beurre Noisette, Wild Red Rice

And for dessert, Warm Chocolate Donuts - Blueberry Sauce, Pistachio however due to my allergies to peanuts they accommodated this and gave me warm dark luxurious chocolate dipping sauce instead. The girls got to also enjoy a chilled glass of rose along with our ravenousness food, I however never as the drinking law is 21 here, which is fine- as my chilled water was just as chilling and cheaper!

 Wednesday – RSA Summer Luau. To celebrate the end of summer classes Northeasterns RSA (Resident Students Association) held a BBQ summer luau on the Centennial commons on Northeastern Universitys campus.  We were luckily allowed to help out so we grilled burgers, prepared buns and generally joined in on the brilliant BBQ’ness!  Rachael my new visitor from Scotland also helped us as she was still visiting Boston which was nice as the RSA allowed us all to join in on the fun.  Students enjoyed lively music pounding, alcohol free fruit smoothies at the so-cool-summer tikki bar and burgers and HOTdogs available to all passing handed out from the summery smoky smoldering lot. 

Thursday-  I’m so not proud of this one, but its obviously going to HAVE to be Dunking Donuts. http://www.dunkindonuts.com/dunkindonuts/en.html

AMERICA RUNS ON DUNKIN.  The only reason I ended up dining here for a quick fix my hunger meal was due to our travels.  Thursday after work we headed to the ICA (Institute for Contemporary Art) positioned alongside the harbor.  Summer Thursdays here are very pleasant (from what I’ve read online) as they provide live music from the Berkley school of music at their HarbourWalk sounds and enjoyed R+B soul from a new phenomenal band called Cosmodrome.  http://www.icaboston.org/   We were also lucky enough to see the Cliff Divers practicing and impressively warming up whilst the music was drumming along in the background.  I AM going to plan a return trip to the ICA again to visti more of thei exhibitions in the future as we didn’t have the chance to this current visit.

Friday – Ristorante Villa Francesca  http://ristorantevillafrancesca.com/home1/

HAPPY Friday, we started off our weekend leaving work and heading to Bostons ‘little Italy’ the north-end to dine at Ristorante Villa Francesca.  Another restaurant offering a mouth watering three course meal for $33.95 during restaurant week!

For my ‘antipasti’ I chose the Lobster Ravioli - Lobster filled ravioli in a light cream sauce with minced shrimp and fresh dill.  For our ‘Piatto principale’,Pollo Abruzzese- A full boneless breast of chicken prepared with  aromatics and fresh hot peppers. Served with roasted potatoes, escarole and beans

And for ‘Dolce’ I chose the home made Cannoli which was the perfect ending to our meal.

From there we joined the marching band on perfect timing as they musically marched through the streets and onwards to the center of festivities for the kick off celebrations organised for Saint Anthonys Feast!  http://stanthonysfeast.com/