hiking

One of the things we have missed about Alaska by moving here is the access to great hiking trails. This weekend we decided to drive to White Mountain National Forest, about a 2 hour drive from where we live. While not a 10 minute (or less) drive, it was fairly easy to get to and I'm sure we will be returning in the months to come. The trail we chose was Falling Waters. It is not a boardwalk trail; it is basically the forest floor - dirt, tree roots and rocks. At some points I didn't know if I would make it or if I would slip, but overall I did pretty well. Ryan is a natural and climbed right into the streams to take photos of waterfalls along the way.

a day in cambridge

First we drove to East Cambridge to check out Calumet for photography supplies. Although small, it held everything that Ryan wanted. Next, we went to Harvard Square to look around. I found a silicone watch for $10 and Ryan found a few things at a tobacconist. At 1 we found ourselves hungry and wandered around until we decided on Charlie's Kitchen. They had a few vegetarian options and I ordered a vegetarian black bean burger and fries. It was delicious! Soon rain came and we quickly paid our bill and sought shelter. On the way home, we stopped at Peace O' Pie, a vegan pizza place in Allston, MA. I ordered the Buffalo Chik'n Pizza and a 1/2 pound of Daiya shredded mozzarella. The pizza was amazing!! It was so hot and spicy, but still had a great flavor.

more saved furniture

This beauty was in the hallway. It needs new knobs and a coat of paint, but otherwise is great. I ended up breaking off the white parts of the pulls in the middle and that will do for now.

a fabulous day in Boston

On Saturday, Ryan was working his fabulous photography skills in the Back Bay area of Boston. It is a nice area and great for shopping. Plus, we could park for free behind the store. Needless to say, we drove in together. I wandered down the street, going in and out of shops as I pleased. I bought a few things for the kitchen as well as a few tops. Then it was Aquarium time! If you are ever in the Boston area, I highly recommend the Aquarium; it is so unbelievable to look at all the species they have in there. I met Ryan's/my friend Lindsey there. Below are just a few of the photos:




The jellyfish were my favorite! If you want to see more photos, you can go to my Flickr site here. After three hours of pleasurable viewing, we walked over to Faneuil Hall to have dinner at Wagamama. There was so much food that we both took home leftovers. Lindsey joined me for a walk back to Back Bay and then we bid farewell.

hair cut

It had been four months and I decided I could finally afford a haircut since a week or two after arriving here.



I like to go to Salon City, since it is a local Aveda place which promotes a healthy earth, no animal products and no animal testing. If you are in the area, ask for Nimol to cut your hair. She is an excellent stylist and easy to talk to.

new-to-me car

I bought my new-to-me car this week! I have liked the Prius for a long time and so looked at it more closely once I knew I was in the market for a car. This one seemed like a pretty good deal and after writing with some friends who own Prii, I decided to go for it.

bar soap, continued

I do like the chamomile orange blossom bar soap on my hair as well as my body. I think I will continue to use it for the time being. I only bought a sample size bar, so I may have to buy more once I have used the other soaps purchased from my Groupon and Heartsy splurges.