Monday, October 12, 2020

TWTW - the long one

Friday sunrise trip to the beach with the best friend dogs, then a quick nail painting (OPI Berlin there done that), and I made hard boiled eggs, salmon, and potatoes in the air fryer before spending the day watching my niece and nephew while Aubrey worked. We had fun even though we did basically nothing. We did see some sights on our walks, tired out the dogs, hit the beach when Aubrey was done, and ordered dinner from Angelo's so Ben could have his birthday cheeseburger. My brother arrived around 8.
Saturday we did a bike ride, I got OPC from Local's Coffee (the best), they got Drip N' Scoop donuts, and then we hit the beach. The monarch butterflies have started their yearly fall visits to the dunes. I took a nap in the afternoon, Aubrey made a great dinner, and we did another bike ride to get pumpkin ice cream. Aubrey and I stopped in The Islander and SURF Mall on the way home. SURF Mall visits are always like time warps. 

Sunday I took an early walk to see the progress on the house being taken down a block over. It was probably as old and almost as tall as mine. We took another bike ride with a stop at the playground and a walk on the beach, Aubrey made breakfast, and my brother has a skullet now, FYI. They headed home around 1. I love spending time with them all. When they left I went to the grocery store and picked up Gus’s CBD oil in town, did some cleaning up in my apartment, moved some stuff up into the house, read, and napped. Two naps this weekend. Who am I? I am a person who had a really packed week last week and one who is learning to rest, that’s who. I took the best friends down to the beach just as the rain was moving in, then finished a book, started another, and made lots of list for the week.


How was your weekend? 



Saturday, October 10, 2020

Top 10 Sights to See in Boston

pexels


Boston city is the capital of Massachusetts, found in the northeast of America. It’s a historically rich place that was founded by English Puritans in 1630. There are so many things to enjoy in Boston, whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a traveler. To help you plan your next trip let’s take a look at the top ten sights to see in Boston.


1 . The Museum Of Fine Arts Boston


The Museum of Fine Arts Boston was founded back in 1870. It’s now one of the largest art museums in the whole world, home to almost 500,000 pieces of art. Each year the museum welcomes over a million visitors, here; you’ll find a wide variety of exhibitions including Contemporary, Egyptian Art, Murals, Black History, and more. There’s been much expansion of the museum in recent years, and new collections are often added. As well as the collections and exhibitions, there are various programs in performance art, film, and music. Events are subject to change throughout the year, and more details of the current programs are available on the museum website.


2. The Freedom Trail 


The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that leads to 16 different historical sites. The trail was dedicated by the Boston people back in 1951; it’s a collection of meeting houses, burying grounds, historical markers, parks, and museums. Together these authentic sites tell enthralling stories about American history. The Walk Into History tour is one of the most popular experiences on the trail; the tour is mostly themed on revolutionary history. You’ll walk through Boston Common, just opposite the famous Suffolk University. Along the tour you’ll also see Massachusetts State House, King’s Chapel, and more! 


3. Faneuil Hall 


Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace, here there are 70 + retailers, with a wide range of unique and beautiful shops. You can also sample delicious food at the pubs, restaurants, or the renowned Quincy Market Colonnade. Faneuil Hall has a unique and delightful atmosphere, with street performers and music that fills that promenade. The marketplace comprises four areas: the South Market, the North Market, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall. The hall was constructed in 1742 by Peter Faneuil, the wealthiest merchant in Boston. To get yourself some beautiful souvenirs from Boston, Faneuil Hall is the perfect place!


4. The Museum Of Science Boston 


At The Museum Of Science Boston, you can explore exhibits in astronomy, ecology, biology, chemistry, and more. One of the most famous exhibits includes a fossil from the Dakota Badlands (that’s over 65 million years old)! There’s also a planetarium with daily star and laser shows. The museum offers a huge range of exhibitions that are suitable for all ages. Recent exhibitions include ‘Wicked Smart,’ a showcase of local inventions that changed life as we know it. The ‘Hall Of Human Life’ exhibition is a fantastic one to gain a deeper understanding of biology. At The Museum of Science Boston, you’ll learn plenty of new things and have yourself a leisurely day out.


5. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum


The Museum was built in memory of JFK, the thirty-fifth president of America. The site includes historical exhibits, three theatres, photographs, and memorabilia, all documenting John.F Kennedy's life, including his time in the presidency. These exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including the Kennedy family, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, the Oval Office, and the presidential campaign trail. The museum and library was designed and built by I.M.Pei & Partners. It took over 225 laborers to construct I.M. Pei’s architectural vision. Pei was a fairly new architect who was yet to attempt monumental projects. Nevertheless, the building turned out a real architectural gem.


6. Boston Greenway 


The Boston Greenway is a mile of lush green parks and outdoor hang out spots. Take a leisurely stroll from Chinatown Gate down to the iconic Zakim Bridge. It’s the perfect place for walking, taking in the atmosphere, or having a bite to eat at the street food stalls. The Greenway links the Italian North End district, to Chinatown, with Faneuil Marketplace along the way. Tourists will likely enjoy the Boston Greenway walking tour, it starts at the North End Parks, just opposite the Boston Public Market. There’s a large steel pergola that runs across both parks, framing the skyline of the city. For a relaxing day soaking up the Boston atmosphere, a walk down the Boston Greenway is just what you need.


7. Crane Beach 


Perhaps you fancy a break from all that sightseeing? If so, head on down to Crane Beach. The beach stretches along either side of Castle Neck; it’s one of the most beautiful beaches for swimming in the whole of New England. The beach has been voted the best beach in Boston several times; locals and tourists come from all over to enjoy the gentle surf and the gorgeous white sands. Wildlife fans will love Crane Beach; the salt marshes attract everything from otters to myriad birds and deer. Experiencing beautiful beaches and relaxing away from work is exactly why we travel!


8. Fenway Park 


Baseball fans won’t want to miss catching a glimpse of Fenway Park; it’s the oldest park in Major League Baseball. Here you can check out a Red Sox game or grab a drink at one of the pubs along Lansdowne Street. The ballpark has been the home of the Boston Red Sox since back in 1912. In 1934 the stadium was rebuilt, and the park has undergone many small renovations throughout the years. The facility has been host to the World Series several times, and the Red Sox have won a total of six WW games. The site has also hosted other sporting events, including hockey games, football games, and political campaigns.


9. New England Aquarium 


The New England Aquarium is one of the global leaders in marine conservation and ocean exploration, welcoming over 1.3 million people each year. Animal lovers and families will have an amazing time exploring here; there’s a huge circular tank where you can view marine life as you stroll. The aquarium has penguins, green turtles, the giant Pacific octopus, seals, balloon fish, and so much more! You can also take part in whale-watching excursions at the aquarium or check out the IMAX theatre. There are plenty of exhibitions too, depending on what time of year you visit.


10. Food Tours 


Boston has plenty of delicious food tours to offer, including the famous ‘Boston Foodie Tours.’ The tour takes visitors through Back Bay and Beacon Hill, two of Boston's most charming areas. You’ll get to sample foods from highly regarded restaurants, tasting delicious pastas, gourmet desserts, street foods, and more. The tour company is owned locally by a culinary school grad and Boston native. The tour has a focus on culinary education, award-winning food spots, and the foodie history of the city. 

The tour begins with a light lunch, courtesy of award winner Lydia Shire. More often than not, Lydia serves her legendary lobster pizza. At your next foodie stop, you’ll get to sample some of the most delicious cheese and wine, followed by a taste of the famous ‘Beat Bobby Flay’ sandwich. Doesn’t sound like your sort of thing? There are plenty of other food tours in Boston, so you’re bound to find something that takes your fancy.

When you’re planning your trip, try creating an itinerary so that you can get organized and make the most of your time in Boston. It’s best to check opening times and policies beforehand. Many leisure facilities have had to adapt their trade due to the coronavirus.


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This post was written with the Life According to Steph audience in mind


Friday, October 9, 2020

Friday Five 10-9-20


1. Happy third birthday John Bender. Sorry about the crap life you had before you got to us. You are amazing except when you spite pee. Let's work on that.
2. New slippers, can you even. I love TOMs slippers. They are not $15 slippers but they are durable AF and can walk outside etc. 
3. Accidentally double Ruthed myself this morning.
4. I voted yesterday! Anyone considering going to an early absentee location in Philly who has questions, please comment below or email me at lifeaccordingtosteph@gmail.com. I voted for this guy for state rep. I happened to be wearing that shirt, but intentionally wore my dissent pin as I have for every election since 2016, and my Fuck trump lipstick by Lip Slut. 50% of all earnings from F*ck trump go towards helping a civil rights organization targeted by the trump administration. This organization is chosen by the people.
5. This morning on the beach. It's weird when there's a sandbar and the water near the shore is so dead. I hope you find some pockets of peace today!

I'm off today and spending the day with my niece and nephew. Hope you have a good one! 

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Thursday Thoughts - The less I say the more my work gets done

Starting the week off right. Mark and Sarah came down Sunday night and Monday at break time we hit Dog Beach so they could all run. Look at my dog nephew Harry enjoying his first trip there. 

Checking out the glorious skies Monday night after work, and eating a freaking delicious meal Mark & Sarah treated us to from the Crab Trap

Having my hair done by the fabulous Kristi. I went a little redder. Sensational Scissors out there killing it in the post-Covid safety department.

Getting my monthly acupuncture for wellness

Scheduling my tattoo appointment for the same day as acupuncture, my neck took a freaking beating. This is fresh fresh, not healed at all. Stacey at JayBird's is awesome! That's where I got my first tattoo when I was 19, when it was still owned by Jay. Now it's women-owned and run. Also extremely safe to Covid-world standards.
Missing the art in the city. 

Feeling it in Philly.

Asking if I could have a t-shirt and hearing "I didn't know if you liked Mike" in reply from MFD. LOL forever. He's having an in-person and virtual event Sunday if you are local or not local but interested in supporting: click here. Masks required and time set up for distancing - in other words not a super spreader event like the White House held. 

Doing a bunch of other things like you know, work, and laundry and flower bed clean up and not having spare time to read this week. I have been going going going and exhausted. 

Heading back to the shore today. In 2018 I lost October down there, one of my favorite months, for campaign season. Things are different now. 

Sharing this from thesquashedstories on Instagram about the top three things they learned this year. Great realizations for all of us.

Pointing out the disconnect, always
Sharing dog pics because it's a requirement
Listening to Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John (it's the lyric after the hyphen in the title)

Watching the VP debate and again asserting you cannot debate these people. Pence did not adhere to the agreed upon rules, talked over two women a million times, was a question behind the entire time, and fucking lied. Yeah, you've been following the science my fucking ass. Meanwhile your president tweeted "Mike Pence is doing great! She is a gaffe machine" at one point. Not even using her fucking name let alone her title. So empowering to women, much presidential. Kamala Harris was as good as one can be when "debating" soulless, unscrupulous, rule breaking, lying fucks. Everyone needs to stop expecting women in politics to set the world on fire effortlessly with no mistakes while tacitly accepting the mediocrity of men in politics. Be better. 

Reading the newest Lisa Jewell coming out this month. Well, I started it Sunday and haven't really read it since. I'll finish it soon. Show Us Your Books is Tuesday - sixth anniversary. There will be prizes and bonus used book giveaways. 

Taking off tomorrow for real. Hallelujah!

Reminding you - and reminding you that sometimes when other people do or do not do things they are minding their well being. Don't push on them. Or yourself to do things that don't jive with that. 

Ecarding

What's new with you?




Linking up with Kristen

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Fall Intentions


Look, I am a confident person, but I am not throwing the words To Do or Goals or whatever into the either in Q4 of 2020. I'm a realist. Here are my Fall Intentions. 
  • Refrain from waiting until the last minute to do my Show Us Your Books posts in November and December. 
  • Resurrect some of my old recipes in hopes they inspire me to cook again.
  • Five new dip recipes (fall and winter) to close out Year of the Dip.
  • Finish out a few big replacement projects at the shore that were supposed to get done in the spring: some windows, some exterior doors, and baseboard heaters. These are all in the works. 
  • Paint some trim.
  • Spray paint stools.
  • Start Christmas shopping and shop small because this year more than ever small businesses need us to.
  • Make it out shelling twice a week. 
  • Keep up with my Netgalley advanced reader copies so I'm reading them at least by the time the books come out
  • Make the Friday Five a thing again
  • VOTE. I'm voting early absentee. 

Do you have any fall intentions?



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