Last Day in Boston Spent at Salem

We decided to venture out of Boston for our last day of our visit and the closest place we picked is Salem.  I really am not into witch craft or anything close to that realm but I figured there will be lots of old homes or historical buildings to see and that would be enough for me.

We spent most of our time looking at the quaint houses that is part of the Peabody Essex Museum.  The cute little old structures surrounding was so inspiring to me. 

I felt as though that everything is Salem was made for it to look scary and creepy.  Can you imagine all the festivities they must have during Halloween?  I kind of wondered if the residents embraces the "witchy - kitchy" attraction that is everywhere.

Overall, this Boston visit has been satisfying and fun!  Till next time xoxo...

Meeting up with Dada

 After Mark's meeting we decided to eat at an Irish Pub to satisfy his fish and chips cravings.  We didn't realize that it might not be "appropriate" to bring the baby until they gave us a hidden table away to be seen by the general public :).  But we figured that it was okay since it was only 5pm.

The food was actually good and most importantly Mark's cravings were satisfied.  I kind of liked the rustic look of the restaurant although Mark said most Irish pubs probably looks somewhat the same.

Mark wanted to check out the comic book shop few blocks away so we decided to burn off some of the calories and to enjoy the warm weather of Boston.  So we walked a few blocks.  We saw a Mr. Softie truck (Mark's favorite!) and got some dessert.  We were gonna share a scoop of ice cream but he forgot to share it with me.

You see Mark has very few things that he gets excited about especially when it comes to treats so seeing this was super awesome for him.  It is one of the many things he complains about not having in CA.   I was happy for him to have some time that is all about him because he works hard and spends most of his time making sure that we are provided for in a best possible way.

The fishies and the revolutionaries

It was really surprising for me that the weather in Boston was so windy, sunny, and very humid but gave myself props for packing light and summery clothes.  It was kind of cool to be able to wear summer clothes again especially I've spent last summer either pregnant or post pregnant.   Now that we have Lukas kid friendly places is a must so we walked over a mile and met up with our friends and their daughter at the New England Aquarium.

Lukas was a lot younger when we first took him to an aquarium so it was fun to see him so interactive with his surrounding this time. After the aquarium we went to Quincy Market for lunch.

Then on our way back to the hotel we stumbled upon a cemetery where Paul Revere was buried including Samuel Adam and The Franklins (Benjamin Franklins parents who died during the Boston Massacre).  

It was an awesome place to find because I've been obsessed with American history for some time now so this was a real treat. 

I don't particularly like doing touristy stuff when I'm in a new place and East Coast and its rich history is the best place to find little pockets of historical treasures.  AND most importantly Lukas was able to take a nap in this little area because it was so quiet and kind of tucked away.

Since it was so hot and humid we decided to walk along Boston Common Park (which was conveniently located a block away from our hotel) for some shade I can't help but to imagine all the soldiers from the 1600's who camped there during the American Revolutionary war or the people who gathered around to witness public hangings.  Its completely amazing to me that a place with this much history can survive modern days seemingly untouched.  It makes me wonder if Lukas will be interested in this subject, I don't know yet but I will certainly introduce this stuff to him.  It was a fun filled day and sensory overload for Lukas so we were happy to crash after our little adventure. 

My main squeeze

While Mark went to work Lukas and I decided to walk to the trendy Newbury Street. I was at first kind of disappointed because all I saw was high end shops that I have no interest in going.

But then as I walked along and saw some really beautiful old churches, cafes and people lunching I got more intrigued and looked for a place I can park the stroller in and have a light lunch and get some shade.

I found a chic french restaurant who unlike the rest of the restaurants is only a few steps down so it's easy for me to take the stroller down.  Lukas was so amazingly well behaved and just watched all the people that passed by.  He loved all the attention he got from our lovely french waitress.  It was kind of nice to have an intimate day with him in a different environment I feel like I've been cooped up in CA for awhile so this trip was a nice change for both of us. 

Blog Fave

I've been following Rhiannon's blog  for a couple of years now and she continues to give me lots of inspiration and has kept me dreaming of old southern places, it's torn yet innocent buildings and landscapes and its sweet homey lifestyle.  Her obsession of silent films, delicate vintage dresses, and civil war era captured by her fiance in a single shot is so infectious and addicting.  So to see her progress into a new venture and have lots of success really makes me proud of her.  This week she finally opened up her own online shop and the making off her "look book" video is so endearing and sweet. I cannot wait to see what she puts up on the store.  I love women who follow their own style and pave their own path by doing what they love and dream off especially in this main stream celebrity crazed generation.  As a mom, I hope that Lukas sees me as someone who found success by being authentic and original person.  

Welcome to Boston

Target 1:

 For me the best part of the east coast is the old brick buildings and the eerie ivies that crawls up to it.

We didn't buy Lukas his own seat this time around so we were so happy to finally land to Boston and stretch our legs. Lukas was good the entire flight so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be BUT it would probably be the first and the last time we will do this for long flights. It was just much easier for him to have his own space and also would relieve me from my worries when there's turbulence (which we had a lot of during this trip) having him not strapped in an actual seat belt just made me so uncomfortable.   Once we got to the hotel, we dropped off our luggage and walked to a restaurant to get some food.

 This restaurant served organic and sustainable food that is equally beautiful and yummy!

 The calamari has some sweetness to it which I'm guessing is honey

 Scallops and pork belly served on top of english pea puree. The color of this dish is vibrant and fresh you almost don't want to eat it

Bouillabaisse 

(clam, cod, mussles, fennel onion and fried bread)

We had a table located by an open window and Lukas slept in his stroller the entire dinner. It was indeed a perfect start to a miraculous perfect weather in Boston.  It's a great way to welcome ourselves back in this city...

It's not how well you do it, it's how well you do it everyday...

Roasted Chicken with rosemary potatoes and sauteed asparagus

Last week my hubby suggested that I take it easy for the night and he'll help with the cooking (i.e. buy something made from the store)  so I took his offer and decided to just make the sides instead.  The chicken roast was 5 bucks cheap at our local grocery store so he picked some up.  For the side, I made roasted rosemary potatoes and sauteed some asparagus.  I placed it all in one platter for rustic look and to also save more dishes to wash.  

Weekend project

We have a horrible entry way to our house and alas I couldn't take it anymore so I tried my best to dress it up without doing anything major or breaking my bank.  

 I had the vase that I bought from Home Goods 2 years ago and it has been collecting dust until now.  I added the green bamboo thing that I got from World Market and it only cost me 5 bucks.  The owl and bike is from Ross for probably 20 dollars.  The rug is also from Home Goods (can you tell that I love that place?) 

I have a perennial ability of killing plants however, succulents seems to be thriving on nothing so it's a good choice for me

 and Home Depot had awesome prices so I planted a few of different kinds!

The entry way isn't as perfect I would want it to be but it is now very welcoming and kind of sweet.  I couldn't paint the rails because it's so windy and cloudy this weekend so I'm saving that project for the next sunny weather.  

Play Land

We had an awesome day at Talbots today.  Lukas didn't get fazed by all the bigger kids who ran around him.  He was so curious and played the whole time.

He especially loved the little playhouses

 and even got to play in the slides!!!

Gloria's Sweet Corn Soup

I called this soup Gloria's Sweet Corn soup because it is inspired by my grandma's corn soup she made for us when we were little kids when it's storming outside and the school is cancelled.  The smell of it brings me back those days.  I want to start making the same memories for Lukas so I am making my own version of soup for him.  It's a little bit more time consuming but it's so worth it.  Here's how I did it.

You will need: 2 Leeks (chopped)  4 sweet corn (grated) 2-3 sweet potatoes (peeled and cut lengthwise) and 3-4 cups of boiling water

Grate all corn and set aside

Put corn cobs to a big pot then pour boiling water into the pot completely submerging the cobs.  Add chopped leeks and sweet potatoes and bring to a boil.  Once boiling, turn the heat into medium level and let it simmer for 10 minutes or so.

After the soup has been simmering for 10 minutes, take the cobs out and discard. 

Then add the grated corn into the soup and stir.  Let it reduce for another 10-15 minutes or until the soup thickens - stir occasionally.  Take out few scoops of sweet potatoes and leeks and finely chop for texture, you may skip this part and continue on pureeing the soup with an immersion blender if your baby is younger or if you prefer a smoother version.  

For Lukas who is over 10 months old I plan to mix in cooked brown rice to this soup to add more texture for his palette.  Happy eating to you all!!

*Fun Fact about Leeks and the reason why I used this instead of an onion- 

A good source of dietary fiber, leeks also contain goodly amounts of folic acid, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Easier to digest than standard onions

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach"

Home made simple marinara sauce for pasta night

Since going out takes us a whole process we have been dining at home 90% of the time.  But I try my best to make each meal special and cook with lots of love even if its the simplest pasta sauce!  

Frozen in time....

I have been working on my wall for a while now and its been coming along pretty nicely.  I hope to add Germany and Rome to this wall of memories.

It's been whisked into submission

My friend and I went for breakfast at this cute little restaurant in Palo Alto that serves probably the best Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict served with hollandaise sauce that was whisked to perfection. .

Then to burn off all that butter we so happily consumed, we walked around the area and looked over the old historical homes that's respectably restored by its current owners.  

Home built in 1895

Close Up!

I was at first very hesitant to taking Lukas do a professional photo session because I didn't want him to feel the pressure of "performing" just for the sake of a photo but I did receive a gift card for Classic Kids Photography and thought I should use it for Lukas' first birthday. This place does old school black and white photos by hand so it makes everything extra special.  I have to say the photo session went smoothly and was completely stress free.  The staff was so friendly and professional and gave Lukas lots of room and space to breathe so he eased up towards them on his own time.  Can't wait for the results!

My very first mother's day..

I think it's just appropriate to spend mother's day to the person who gave you the honor to become one - your child and today we spent it doing just that.  I didn't want to do anything big cause 1. I really feel special enough to just be with Lukas and Mark doing some of my favorite mundane things and 2. For a mother's day gift Mark surprised me with a trip to Vegas to see my long time music hero Paul McCartney, I mean how cool is that!.

 Being silly around Lukas 

 Walked around an outdoor mall to people watch

  From my husband who always surprises me

Reading to Lukas about Star Wars

This holiday made me think of the years when life before Lukas seems silly, adventurous yet meaningless and how much I have evolved.  Motherhood is full of surprises but what amazes me the most is our ability to find strength and patience we never thought we have and that no matter how big love is it still continues to grow even bigger.  Although life now has transitioned to its simplest honest form I am thankful for it only has become grander.  Thank you son!