24 Til 30 - Toesies of the Month

This week at bootcamp kicked my ass.  My shoulders were so sore.  It's been a long time since my shoulders have been that sore.

It only made sense to sit in one of those pedicure spa chairs that massage your shoulders.

Man, those things really helped to work out some of the soreness!  I made sure it focused on my upper back and shoulders, and I pushed back up against the chair a bit more just to get at the knots.

Phew!  It was so absolutely needed.

Designed by Kim at City Nails & Spa, South End, Boston
Color:  Essie - Go Incognito
Occasion:  Birthday Month Prep
March/April 2012

There was a moment when I realized that the leg massages were going on way too long.  It was like she knew that my calves also needed some TLC.

But that long massage ended up making me a bit late for work.  So, after sitting under the dryer for a bit, I put on those little plastic toe coverings and tried to walk to work.  Of course, my legs were tired from trying to prevent any damage to my new design.  And of course, one of them managed to get messed up.

I ended up just repainting my right toe with the color, so it looks a little uneven this month.  But I'll probably end up going back in the next couple of weeks anyway as another special birthday treat.

Toesies of the Month - October and November 2011

Well, with October and November being what it is, I've slacked on posting my pedi's.  Luckily, I didn't slack on actually getting them done.

In the past 2 months, I've gotten pedicures as a mental preparation for some trips I was planning to take.

Designed by Kim at City Nails & Spa, South End, MA
Color:  OPI - Miso Happy With This Color & Essie - As Gold As It Gets
Occasion:  Las Vegas Trip
October 2011

close up of the detail

I really liked this pedicure.  I don't think I've ever gotten such a light pinky color on my toes before.  I have to admit, they looked pretty awesome amidst the palm trees in Vegas (I'll be writing about Vegas soon).

poolside at the Luxor

October's pedicure lasted a really good long while.  In fact, I probably didn't need to get another pedicure for November.  But, I needed to trade in my summer colors for a more fall color scheme.

Designed by Chan at City Nails & Spa, South End, MA
Color: China Glaze - Westside Warrior
Occasion: Thanksgiving
November 2011

These colors felt more appropriate for a trip to New York City for Thanksgiving (I will write about this soon as well!). It was actually kind of funny to watch this nail technician try to imitate her own nail design.  It seemed that she kept confusing herself because she tried to mirror what she had, but on my toes.

This is also one of the few times when I chose a nail color that was more matte.  I know I'm behind on this trend, but I've always liked the more sparkley colors.  But I love this shade of green, so naturally this made sense to me.

I actually realized as she was putting the color on that I will have to change my pedicure color to a French Tip for a show I'm going to be in.  I'm a little bummed that I didn't think about it early enough, but I'm not too bummed about another pedicure in a couple of weeks.

Toesies of the Month - August 2011

In the height of summer, it was time to revisit one of my favorite nail colors.  Sonic Bloom by OPI is the perfect bluish-greenish color. It's good for playing up your summer tan.

I was feeling the need for some pampering, and really felt that going after my physical therapy (where I get a bit of a shoulder massage at the end) would be the best time.  The physical therapy office happens to be in the South End section of Boston, which meant that any nail place might be slightly more pricey.  But I was pretty impressed with Town's Nails & Skin Salon.

But I was pleasantly surprised by the pricing for how nice the salon is.  I believe the salon is fairly new, since the Google Maps Street View shows that it's still "Coming Soon."  But everything was very sleek and quite clean.

Also, I was expecting that the nail technician would bring me a bunch of sample designs.  But then, she just asked if I wanted flowers or lines.  I said lines, but that I didn't really care.  I was really also pleasantly surprised by the awesome design, though I'm more of a fan of mirror image designs.

Designed by Kimmy at City Nails & Spa
Color: OPI - Sonic Bloom
Occasion: Time up play up the tan
August 2011

Here's a better image of the design

So, high marks for City Nails & Spa.

I'm also just loving my nails right now.  They're making me feel relaxed and calm amidst a lot of turmoil.

Yes, I'm still uncertain about what my next employment venture will be, though I am still a part of the summer/after school program.  Yes, I'm still busy with different projects and social engagements, though I'm trying to be kinder to myself and my immune system. 

But, things have felt rather unstable, to say the least.  So, I guess my toes are reminding me that I'm still here, feet on the ground.

Day 17: Tosies of the Month - June 2011

It was time.  Desperately so.

I needed to remove myself from completing the necessary hours to make my way to the nail salon.  Since I was around the downtown area, I quickly ran to get my first mani/pedi before heading to another appointment.

Designed by Dan at Jade Nail Salon, Boston, MA
Color: OPI - Mermaid Tears
Occasion: Self-care and wedding
June 2011

I've been wanting to get me some of that color on my toes for a while! The color is part of the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides series.  I was very happy to see it in this nail salon.

Though it's not a color I would chose if it hadn't had that particular name.  However, it is a great summer color.

The design...well..it was designed by a another male nail technician.   They tend to get quite creative, huh?

Here are some samples he had on his desk.

Exotic, no?

Still, I was feeling so relaxed, and extremely happy knowing that all I have to worry about tomorrow is a social event.  So relaxed that I barely even used the massager on the chair.

Yay for happier (and better) toes!

Toesies of the Month - May 2011

I have to admit.  My toes for the month are pretty ghetto.

Don't get me wrong.  They're pretty.  But they're also kind of ghetto.

Of course, with the funds dwindling still, I decided it was high time that I did my own toes.  It isn't too bad, but of course I wanted to have something fun like the awesome designs that previous nail technicians have done.

But I don't have any of those skills.  So I had to get creative.

I remembered that I had a bunch of star stickers that I had bought randomly at Staples.  I thought, why the heck not?

Ready to see them?

Designed by yours truly, Brighton, MA
Color: Orly - Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Occasion: Toes needed some lovin'
May 2011

*supah stah*

Well, the stars, being stickers, are relatively flat and my toe nails are not.  So, I had to to a little bit of pushing the little corners down.  Hopefully, they will survive my moving around throughout the day.

The color is a really pretty dark green with sparklies that I stumbled upon at CVS.  The bottle is tiny, and seemed to be the last of its kind.  It was like it was meant for me.

I have another job interview tomorrow (I know that I was super overwhelmed in my last post about jobs, but I figure it wouldn't hurt to continue interviewing), so I won't paint my fingers til Friday perhaps.  But I'm really liking this color.

Though, perhaps next time I will invest in little nail stickies.

Toesies of the Month - April 2011

I am once again left with very little options.  I just found out that the one job that seemed like a complete shoe-in, considering that we had even mentioned salary, materialized into nothingness.

I found this out just as I was feeling extremely happy to hang out with a dear friend and get a pedicure.  I tried to hold it together at least until I was in her vicinity, but a couple of tears escaped as I sat on the bus.

But my friend helped me to feel a little bit better, though sometimes it's just so hard to get out of the depression spiral.

I needed a pedicure more than anything at that point. 

Designed by Nina, Dana's Nail Salon, Brighton, MA
Color: OPI - Not Like the Movies
Occasion: Self-care and Birthday
April 2011

The nail polish itself looks kind of like an oil slick, with pretty greens and purples and silvers.  But in the picture, it looks more silver-purplish.  I was also a bit disappointed to realize as I was Googling the nail polish that it's part of some Katy Perry collection.  Meh, is how I feel about Katy Perry.  But at least the color is nice.

OPI - Not Like the Movies

It was nice to get that bit of pampering in the massage chair. It's the little bit of self care that I allow myself.

But my friend challenged me to think of work in a different way.  I'm trying to look for something that feels like a good fit, but I should probably look for something that will help me save up instead.

She, who is also the one who challenged me to this pescatarian/vegan diet, is now challenging me to apply to 15 jobs every week.  That means 60 jobs in 4 weeks.  Because at the end of the day, it's an numbers game.

So, like the oil slick color on my toes, I'm going to try to let the disappointments slide off me and keep moving on until I have a job that will help me pay the bills...for now.

Toesies of the Month - March 2011

Though you all know how much I try to stay true to my monthly self-care pedicure, I just couldn't swing it financially and time wise.

I did, however, make an appointment for a well-deserved and much-needed massage at Mind Your Body.  Waking up sore from my second session of boot camp, my body was just aching for some pampering and releasing of tension.

So, this month, instead of going to get a pedicure, I attempted to do my own pedicure.

I'm somewhat flexible, so I can reach my toes.  But for some reason, I have issues trying to reach my right foot.  I guess I'm more flexible on my left side than my right side, even though I'm right handed.

What I'm trying to say is that this month's pedicure was really just a polish change, and it's definitely not salon quality.  Definitely no fancy designs.

Naturally, this month being the month of St. Patrick's Day and the Spring Equinox, my toes HAVE to be green.

Luckily, I got a present from my *sparkly* friend in the form of a deliciously green and sparkly nail polish.

Nails by Me!
Color: Zoya - Ivanka (Thanks Samantha!)
Occasion: St. Paddy's and Spring!
March 2011

I had several things on my plate today.  So, I had the pleasure of planning 2 Greenie outfits!

My day outfit was casual, with a cute top I got in Greece, jeans, and flats.  I brought my coat thinking it might still be a bit chilly, but today was gorgeous!  So warm (high 50's...I know.......I know.....)!

My night outfit needed to be a bit more dressy, as I was volunteering at a nonprofit event.  The dress had a dark green trim and I wore a green tank underneath.  I also donned some green glitter on my eyes and a BIG white rose with green feathers.  Naturally, I had to show off my toes, not caring if it might get colder by the time I go home.  I had to show off my toesies today.

As I rode home on the T (Green Line naturally) from the event, surrounded by other folks wearing my color, I had to say that I was proud that I wasn't some poser.  Most of my outfits are green, and it's been that way since I was able to choose my clothes.

I worried a little bit about being associated with some of the drunken idiots that were riding alongside me.  But I was dressed relatively normally, whereas the others were sporting green wigs, green bead necklaces, green clover hair clips, and a specific-shade-of-green shirt.

The rest of them used the color and the holiday as a reason to drink a little more than usual.  I had the commitment to my color, and had an amazing day without a drop of alcohol.

But now it's time to rest these toesies under my green blanket.

Simple Pleasures Sundays - Open-Toed

It was warm enough to be outside with open-toed shoes!  Open-toed shoes!

I mean, it's still pretty gross outside and dirty.  It's also supposed to be quite rainy.

But there's no way I'm going to miss a chance to take advantage of open-toed temperature.

So, I did wear some open toes shoes earlier today.

I also managed to put together a pretty funky Sunday outfit based on wanting to wear open-toed shoes.

In related news, I'm really liking this retro filter on my phone. 

Tosies of the Month - January 2011

Woot! First pedicure of the year!

I had my day all planned out today.  In the morning, I had a 2nd interview at one job I'm really interested in, and then I had another interview at 5pm.  Instead of going back home, I decided to just stay in the downtown area.

After my interview in the morning and grabbing some lunch, I ended up going to see Disney's Tangled, FINALLY!  Loved it!  Totally teared up, but tried not to mess up my interview makeup.

By the time the movie was over, I still had some time to kill before my interview.  As I walked around, I felt some wetness on my coat.  My water bottle had leaked!  My resume's and note paper were a bit damp in the corners!  How completely unprofessional!

Luckily, I was on my way to the nail salon, and I figured that being in a warm place would help to dry it out a bit.

As I was getting my nails done, I get a phone call from the person I would meet with at 5.  She wanted to reschedule!  Wow!  While I was eager to talk with her, I was happy to know that I wouldn't have to face embarrassment by showing up with a damp bag.

It's always a gamble to get a pedicure in the winter time.  Whenever I've gone to get a pedicure, it seems like I'm usually the only one, while the rest of the patrons come in for a manicure - and that was the case again today.  But, we all know how much I rely on them for my self-care.

So, the last time I was in the downtown area, I went to a new nail place.  But this time, I went to one that I had been to before.  And I wasn't disappointed.

Designed by Vi at Galaxy Nail & Spa, Boston, MA
Color:  OPI - Bikini Envy
Occasion: Feeling Positive and Wearing My Power Color!
January 2011

Here's a closeup of the design.

I told the lady to do whatever she wanted.
It's like a wallpaper design!

I wasn't sure how the color would look on me.  But I like how bright it is.  And it actually kind of matches my new coat!

I'm definitely liking the colorful outlook.  I'm hoping my toes will remind me of it when I'm not feeling so colorful.

Tosies of the Month - December 2010

There was definitely a moment where I wasn't sure if this was going to happen.  At some point, I just realized that I would be fairly busy, and might not have time to sneak in a pedicure.

But, I managed to sneak one in between a job interview and getting my best friend from South Station.

I was in the Government Center and Downtown Crossing area of Boston, so I had Googled nail salons before leaving the house.  I didn't check up on the reviews at all, and figured that I would just take the chance on the first one I came to.

Well, I'd have to say that when you get a good nail person or salon, it's really hard to find another that lives up to it.  The place I went to definitely left a lot to be desired.

I love my nail color, though!  I ended up painting my fingers on my own prior to official holiday festivities.

Now, I didn't get a picture of the pedicure until earlier today, though I actually went on last Wednesday, the 22nd.

Okay, so I personally feel that if a nail technician brings me a bunch of design samples and asks me to choose one, I get a bit disheartened.  I've talked about how I prefer to have the nail technician do whatever design on their own.

So, since I was getting this for the holidays, I picked a design that looked kind of like fireworks.  But here's what they actually look like.

Designed by Katie at Nail Time, Boston, MA
Color: Sephora by OPI - 212 Sephora
Occasion: Holidays
December 2010

I will explain more about this picture in a second.

The nail technicians were so lucky that I LOVE this color!  Here's a better view of it via the Sephora website.

212 Sephora

It's described as "opaque smoky black with iridescent, gold and copper chunky glitter."  Absolutely a fabulous color for the holidays, in my personal opinion.  To me, it's all about that glitter.  To me, it's my light within the dark - something I'm still holding onto in the midst of the unemployment.

Alright, now for the picture explanation.

The boyfriend and I are currently in Maine, and his dad has built a sauna on their property.  I'm generally not much of a sauna person, because I get a bit claustrophobic and unsure whether I'm actually breathing.  But I wanted to be adventurous.

Now, considering that we were in the midst of a blizzard, it felt somewhat appropriate to go down to the sauna.  I believe we were in there for almost an hour, but I kept wussing out and needing to take a break in the changing area.  The boyfriend's dad and brother-in-law were more brave than I could ever be and would dive into the fluffy snow.  But I would just step out onto the steps for a bit.

Considering how hot it was in the sauna, the freezing snow was almost more refreshing than anything else.  Then heading back into the hot steaminess was also great after the freezing cold.

So, this was proof of my slight braveness in this crazy winter weather.  Perhaps a sign of things to come in the upcoming year?  Perhaps more light among the darkness and more bravery?

Tosies of the Month - November 2010

I declared today my self care day.

Since I last got a pedicure, I decided I deserved it because of the interviews I had done.  It's been about a month since my first interview at the Boston Center for Adult Education, and I'm still here waiting.

Why, Job Gods, must it take so long?

After a second interview and after checking in with the Human Resources woman, I still have yet to hear a yea or nay.  It's been somewhat torturous, and kind of irritating that it's taking so long.  But I still really want that job.

With all the anxiety and stress and shoulder pain, I decided to get myself a well-deserved massage.  One of the people I used to work with is luckily dating a massage therapist, and I had been meaning to see her.

Mitzie, of Mind Your Body Wellness, is awesome!  She really talked me through a lot of what might be causing me pain, and after the intense but relaxing massage, she showed me some stretching techniques to help prevent further pains.  This is really the first time I sought out a massage to help me with pain I'm having, so it was great to leave feeling relaxed and prepared.

On my way to the massage, I decided that I should continue taking care of myself and head on over to get my monthly pedicure.  While I was originally planning to wait until the week of Thanksgiving, I figured I should just use the majority of my money to pay for the rental car.

I had decided that November would be a purple month.  My toes needed to see some purple action.  The last time I got purple toes was for a belly dance show in August and before that it was in May for another belly dance show.

But who would've guessed that I inadvertently chose the same purple that I got back in May?  This time around, I'm much happier with the design.

Designed by Wendy at Dana's Nail Salon, Brighton, MA
Color: OPI Merry Midnight
Occasion: Self-care day and Thanksgiving
November 2010

Last month's pedicure design was so strange, and the last time I got this color the design was too girly.  But I got to say, I love the abstract stuff.  In the picture, you can kind of see the large flecks of sparkle, which I'm a huge fan of.

I was a bit inspired to start planning Thanksgiving outfits with this nail color, and I finally gave myself time to play around with Polyvore.com.  So, here's some outfits I would wear with this color featuring clothes that I own/clothes similar to ones I own.

Purple Passion by GreenestMermaid

That website is unnecessarily fun.  But it was a nice way to cap off my day of self-care.

Toesies of the Month - October 2010

So, I folded.  I decided, you know what, I've had 2 job interviews this week, and I've been really good about not spending extra amounts of money outside of paying back my bills.  I deserve a freakin' pedicure.

I decided to go to Dana's Nail Salon in Brighton, a place I'm familiar with and like because of their nail design skills.

Today, unfortunately, must have been kind of an off day or something.

It's always funny to me that when I walk into the place, they all start speaking Vietnamese to each other, possibly about how I always get green or blue or other funky colors and about how I always get a design.  I know this not because I actually understand Vietnamese, but because they say "green" and "design" in English.  Today, they said "design."

The massage function of the chair I was sitting in wasn't turned on, and I was too lazy to ask for it to be turned on.

The nail technician was a man, which isn't so uncommon in Dana's, but the whole thing felt a bit rushed, though I was the only person in the shop for most of it.  I almost wonder if you could turn it into a sexual analogy, but I'll stop myself before I get there.

Basically, the only great thing is that the nail color is absolutely beautiful!  Thank you to my friend, Samantha, for the bottle!

Designed by Andy, Dana's Nail Salon, Brighton, MA
Color: Sephora by OPI: Mermaid to Order
Occasion: Long overdue self-care session
October 2010

So, I have absolutely no idea what the guy was going for when he designed my nails.  Absolutely no idea.  Maybe he was going for a leaf sort of motif?  Maybe he was feeling a bit abstract?  Maybe he was using the blank slate of my nails to let out some of his frustration?

What do you all think it's supposed to be?

I mean, I would have been happy with polka dots or wavy lines or whatever.  But, nonetheless, the colors are really pretty together.

It felt great to be able to give myself some leeway and decide that I was going to celebrate 2 days of job interviews by getting myself a pedicure.  And not just any job interviews, but really well done job interviews.

I know that I was energetic, friendly, and absolutely qualified for the 2 jobs I applied to.  I'm definitely still thinking about taking advantage of both of them just to help make my bank account feel less empty and to help pay off bills.

For the front desk job at the gym, I'm really hoping I can use my Saturday and Sunday mornings to work that job.  For the Program Manager position at the Center for Adult Education, I know that my weekdays will once again feel full and profitable.

At this point, I'm just crossing my fingers and my newly painted toes.

Toesies of the Month - September 2010

I was very eager to get my nails done again after messing them up last month.  I was also willing to try a new nail salon, but as luck would have it, I was near a familiar spot.

When I entered Dana's Nail Salon, I was prepared with my own nail polish that I brought in, thinking that I would do a dark green.  But I always like seeing if there are new colors that I would like to try on in the next couple of months.  I spotted a sparkly teal color, picked it up, and completely fell in love with it.

Later on, as I was looking through some design samples, I surprised myself by settling on none other than a flower design.  At this point, I'm pretty sick of flower designs, though they seem to be the most common probably because they're the easiest.  Nonetheless, I knew that the folks at Dana's would do a good job at making the flower design anything but common.

Designed by Ken and Nina, Dana's Nail Salon, Brighton, MA
Color:  OPI - Catch Me In Your Net
Occasion:  Friend's Wedding Celebration
September 2010

I liked the color so much that I also got a mani with them.

I already have an idea that the nail technicians at Dana's think I'm a little crazy because I always choose crazy colors.  But I just couldn't help myself with this color.

I definitely feel like I need to add this color to my growing arsenal of pretty colors, though I'm sure I have one that's exactly the same shade minus the sparkles.

Luckily, this color matched my outfit perfectly for my friend's wedding celebration.

Matching outfit and nails

Though a lot of people assumed that I was trying to be really mermaid-y with this outfit, I was actually trying to wear peacock colors (note the peacock feather headband) in honor of my married friend.  I was excited to dress up for her party, and I was honored to do some belly dance for her and her husband.

I wanted to talk a little bit about how much I enjoyed their wedding celebration.

Firstly, they were already married on July 4th.  Secondly, this party seemed to be a group effort.  There was a BBQ potluck the night before, the desserts were all from various guests, the entertainment was provided by the guests, and the music was planned out by the couple.  The food was a variety of tacos, Ethiopian food, and Moroccan food.  It was delicious!  Everything was delicious!

During the ring exchange, people were invited to say a couple of words to the couple, and everyone was so heartfelt and genuinely happy.  The celebration just seemed so relaxed and fun.  While there was a schedule of events, it didn't feel as though the evening was stuffed or that the event was stuffy.  It was really just chill, and that made the guests feel more chill.

There's usually so much hoopla involved with wedding celebrations, that I always feel exhausted by the end of the evening.  But I felt completely energized by this party and just so happy for the two of them.

Here's hoping more wedding parties are like this!

Toesies of the Month - August 2010

My goodness, this pedicure was so overdue.  It's been an extremely broke month, and I've tried to be very good about ridiculous purchases.

But this pedicure was overdue.  The previous polish was getting really dull, my nails were getting so long they were chipping, and I had a show to prepare for.

Since I've come back from Greece, I've been doing a lot of dancing in preparation for a benefit show.  I've done a lot on my feet, and I could feel the exhaustion.  But the show was my priority.

After a while, I took off my dancing shoes and foot undies, and practiced barefoot as that's how we would be performing.  I built up quite a bit of callouses from all that barefoot dancing.

The day before the show arrived and it was time for me to get a pedicure and a manicure.  I decided to get them done before our tech practice at the Cambridgeside Galleria, a mall near the theater.  The salon is called Coco Nail and Spa.  Unfortunately, the decorations were really bare, so there was very few exciting things to look at.  The spa chair were fairly comfortable, but for some reason the massaging rollers got a little to rough in the lower back area.

So, for those of you familiar with the pedicure process, part of it involves a pumice stone (or some other rough bar) exfoliation of the bottom of your foot.  Depending on where the nail technician will scrub, it can tickle a little bit or it can tickle a lot.  I also think being ticklish depends on how wound up you are.

This time, however, the nail technician noticed my calloused feet and brought out the big guns.

A grater.  I needed to get my feet grated.  Hard core, eh?

Now, I unfortunately didn't have enough time to ensure that my manicure and pedicure were sufficiently dry before needing to run to the theater for the tech rehearsal.  So, my nails were not completely perfect for the show, and I didn't get a chance to take a picture of them pre-practice.  But only I really knew that.

Designed by Kha at Coco Nail and Spa, Cambridge, MA
Color:  OPI - Purple with a Purpose
Occasion:  Belly Dance Benefit
August 2010

Color:  OPI - I'm a Princess, You're Not!

I struggled a bit with the name of the nail color for my fingers.  But the color has a really like pinkish-purplish shimmer to it, so I went with it.

I'm not going to be too picky about the scratches as I plan on getting another pedicure before Labor Day Weekend.  I really like the colors, however, and I'm enjoying looking at them.

Toesies of the Month - July 2010

In 24 hours, my friend and I will officially be in the beautiful country of Greece!

Now, considering that we're planning to be mainly beach-side, and I've been convinced to get on a donkey (though I don't know if the donkey will let me get on it!) to check out Santorini's volcano, us girls had to do some prep for the vacation.

Aside from packing, there was waxing, calling banks and credit cards, photocopying important documents, and of course getting our nails did.

It's even more fitting that I wait to get my nails done with my friend, as she was the one who introduced me to the magical world of pedicures.

We used to go to this tiny little nail salon near Washington and Venice in Los Angeles (any of you who know your L.A. geography would note that this is in the area fondly remembered as "South Central").  There seemed to be more male nail technicians at this one location.  But the pedicures were a mere $12.  No spa chairs, but they did airbrushing for nail designs.

Though I've upgraded and have discovered the amazingness that is the spa chair, I still miss those cheap prices.

I didn't mention this in my post about my final days at work, but part of the memory book included a gift certificate to Brookline Natural Nails!  I had to laugh when I saw it, considering that I remember several people asking me about where I got my toes did.

Ready for Greece!
Top Color: Sephora by OPI - Mermaid to Order

Designed by Cathy at Brookline Natural Nails, Brookline, MA
Color:  OPI - Sonic Bloom
Occasion:  Greece, baby!
July 2010

This was definitely not a bad way to start our 4th of July celebrations in Boston.

We followed up our pedicures by going to another amazing place that my friend actually introduced me to while she was visiting me here.

I love the North End in the Summer!

Oh, Giacamo's Ristorante.  There's always a line here, so if you plan on eating here you should go when you're not hungry.  By the time you've gone through the line, you'll be hungry.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with diced asparagus
in a prosciutto mascarpone cheese cream sauce

Oh, pillows of heaven.  I know this is going to sound gross, but I'm just going to put this out there.  These delicious little pillows are just amazing to put on your mouth whole, then just let the flavor explosion take over your senses.  I have discovered that I really enjoy putting whole things in my mouth just for the explosion.  ("Shut yo mouth!"  "What?  I'm just talking about pillows of heaven!")

After we food-drunkenly exited the restaurant, we talked about how we were going through the different stages of grief.  But then, we ended our 4th of July evening on a roof deck in the Beacon Hill neighborhood area of Boston (across from the State House).

Gorgeous!

The couple that lives in this complex are fellow Californians, so it was nice to be among people we could relate to.

Sun setting.

After some more drinks, and making sure that I don't nick the pretty nails, I was able to enjoy the fireworks over the Charles River.

Can you just hear the patriotic music?

Purty!

Favorites!

So, Happy Independence Day Everyone!

I'll try to keep updating about our travels in Greece!!  Otherwise, I'll see you all on the other side!