Everyone Loves a Boston Girl

So, I have a new blog. Kind of. It’s a start anyway. The big news is that it’s been transferred over to WordPress. Yay! Chels and I are also in the process of transferring We are not Martha over to WordPress (and are getting ready to unveil a bit of a new look!). Since I have so much experience with WP from several of my writing jobs, I’m pretty used to it. And blogger is driving me beyond crazy lately! I hate change like whoa, but I think this is one I can deal with.

But I know much of my lack in blogging here has been due to the ugliness of my blog! I still need to fix this up, personalize it more, get rid of my 38293982 tags, etc. but then I think I’ll be feeling good!

Speaking of, what is up with all my tags? There are SO many random ones!! And it’s making me feel like I need to go back and read every single one of my old blog entries because what on Earth am I talking about?? Some of the most confusing ones are below:

• You can try but I still won’t shut up
• Want to become an alcoholic?
• Toys that make me feel dumb
• I suck at arts and crafts
• Should guys wear eyeliner?
• How do you have a party without drinking games?
• My mom sings inappropriate song lyrics at work
• Destroying ex’s property
• Looking into someone’s shower
• Can you tell that a woman is single and unlaid just from her apartment
• Imaginary boyfriend
• I was almost killed by elderly and I almost killed them

This makes me question what my is even about. But then again, I kind of love it. I am a pretty random person after all. And so, in case you were concerned, my story continues. With hopefully fewer tags.

The other day I had my first realization that I don’t want a “real” job. Maybe ever. This both excites and scares me. Ever since I quit my office job to try freelancing for a bit, I always continued to look for “real” full-time jobs that I would love and thrive in. The other day, I saw one and was about to apply when I realized how much I love my life right now and how much I don’t want it to change.

“Right now I am watching Punky Brewster, the dog is lost. And after Punky is Small Wonder and then Family Ties is on then Alf then Cheers.”

This is “Ni” in Hiragana. Because it looks like someone on their “KNees.” “NI” Right? Right?? I told you this wasn’t easy. Anyway, I actually got a majority of the way through, save for a few characters that constantly tripped me up and had no fun memorization tricks. Like this one:Which is “Wa.” Really? How on Earth do I remember that’s “Wa”?? Any advice is appreciated. Maybe you see something I don’t.

OK, I’m back. I know, I know. I kept delaying writing a post because it had been so long. And my first post back really needed to be super good, right? Well, I kept starting it and then stopping it. And then I decided I was just going to jump in and start blogging here again. So I am.

I missed it here! Here are some quick life updates so we can get this show on the road:

We are not Martha:

Still going fabulously! I’m sooo happy Chels and I decided to start this venture a little over a year ago. It’s already brought us SO many awesome things, like being able to attend a Martha Stewart Show taping; getting to meet tons of awesome food bloggers; and having the opportunity to try a whole lot of fun products. Also, we were recently featured in the Boston Globe. And we just did a taping for How2Heroes, which should be up on their website soon. The other day, Chels and I said, “I wonder where we’ll be a year from now…” I’m excited to find out! In the meantime, you should follow us on twitter (@wearenotmartha) and join our Facebook page.

My jobs:

Still have a bunch of them and still always looking for more (Boston rent+grad school loans+sister’s wedding+having fun=not cheap)! Since I know you all lurvee hearing about my jobs I’m going to tell you about a couple. Really, I’m telling you because this blog is titled “Everyone Loves a Boston Girl” and therefore I have a duty to tell you all things important in Boston.

Important in Boston like going out to eat, shopping, and having spa days? Well, kind of. I know the economy sucks right now, but you can still do these things! How? Well, with the new company I just became Community Manager for. It’s called Groupon and it basically offers a deal-a-day on something cool to do in the city. Yes I work for them, but I’m also partaking in tons of the deals. Like the deal the other day for the Savant Project in Brigham Circle. You only have to pay $20 and you get a $40 gift card. I’m also psyched to use my 2 mani-pedis (for $39!!) at CQI salon. There’s also a Groupon for Chicago!

Hope you all had fabulous holidays! The Christmas spirit eventually came to me and I had a really great time with my family. Also, I finally got the Kitchen Aid I’ve long dreamed about. Obviously, if you know me, you know how happyyy this makes me. And now the year is basically over.

2008 has been pretty damn good to me. My best year yet. Which I guess is something I hope to be saying for every year in the future. But in any event, 2008 was particularly amazing.

• I made it through an entire year of working for myself, doing what I love, and not being in an office. I still actually really miss the office part, but since the economy basically sucks right now, I’m just ridiculously thankful that I can make a living doing something I’ve always wanted to do. Not to mention, I can wake up whenever I want, I don’t have to deal with annoying co-workers (over phone and e-mail is soo much easier), and I can sit in Starbucks all day if I feel like it. And I feel like it a lot. I really cannot complain.
  
• I started We are not Martha with my fabulous friend, Chels, and can’t even remember what life was like without it. Things happened like us getting invited to the Martha Stewart Show (dreams can come true!) and people asking us for advice and us actually starting to make some money on the blog. We used to be psyched for 100 unique visitors a day, but now we expect 700+ and one day even saw 10,000. Basically, it’s amazing to do something you love and actually have people care. Even more amazing is to be doing it with one of your best friends and to feel like you’re part of a team that has some serious goals.

• I cooked and baked A LOT (see above). I learned tons. And I cooked a ton with Sara who I never thought would cook.

• I was single for all of 2008. And it was all fabulous. I actually dated a whole bunch, which I think was really amazingly good for me. I learned that I don’t like a lot of people and it’s OK not to go on a second date. And sometimes it’s OK to just not call someone back if they’re really not getting the point. I used to be too nice. I’m not anymore. I think that was like a 2007 resolution or something.

• I finally saw Ryan Adams in concert. I also saw Bryan Adams. And The Hold Steady and Drive-By Truckers. And Coldplay twice. And Jason Mraz. I hope 2009 involves just as much good music.

• My sister got engaged. And in 2009, I will have a brother-in-law who pretty much fits the mold of exactly what I always imagined a brother to be. That means that we get along really well and that he teases me mercilessly, but that he also teams up with me. And that was a pretty fabulous thing to happen in 2008. Yay!

• I started to get in shape. I’m one of those people who will work out for a couple weeks and then forget about it for a few months, then start over. But since I joined the gym this year, I’ve been super consistent about going. I’ve seriously fallen in love with my pilates class and also remembered how much I love running (even if I hate treadmills). Plus, I can go during the day when pretty much nobody is there and the staff all know me. Even though I’ve gained 10 pounds since joining the gym, I’m chalking it up to muscle. Right.

• I spent my first full year NOT in school since I was like 4 years old. This was scary to me, but probably a year off was good for me. I did not think I was going to be able to handle it. I’m weird I guess, but school was just a way of life for me and I thrived on it. I think because I freelance and always have “home work,” I don’t miss it quite as much as I thought I would.

And now I can’t wait to see what 2009 brings. I at least know it’s going to involve a wedding and all kinds of crazy celebrations before then. Like a cruise. Yay. And I think 2009 will bring all other sorts of fabulousness too.

Did you love 2008 as much as I did??

If you can’t afford a tropical vacation, take one to CoCoKey. Please?

Here are some of the fabulous things I’ve been up to lately:

Michelle of Gooseberried came to Boston! With 6-6! She was only in town with enough time for a quick lunch, but it was so awesome to meet her. Her blog is one of the first I started reading long ago, so I already pretty much felt like I knew her. How did we even find each others blogs? I don’t remember at all, but I’m so glad we did. And now I need to plan a trip to Arizona to visit her!

Oh, hi. This is only one of my very favorite people IN THE WORLD. And doesn’t he look absolutely thrilled to be with me?! Well, that was my mom’s fault. See, the first picture she “took,” she didn’t actually “take.” You know how moms are. So as we’re walking out, I decide to double check and oh, what do you know? No picture on the camera. So I made her do it again. I don’t think he was really annoyed; just his expression. AND he remembered me from when I interviewed him for a paper a couple years ago. Most magazine editors wouldn’t give me the time of day for grad school paper interviews, but he took time out of his busy schedule to chat with me. And he’s not just a magazine editor, but a television celebrity, book publisher, etc. etc. Anyway, now I’d love for him to interview me for a job at his test kitchen. Ahem. Anyway, in case you don’t know, this is Christopher Kimball of America’s Test Kitchen/Cook’s Illustrated. I went to his cooking demo/discussion and obviously enjoyed myself immensely.

Another thing I’m really excited about is the fact that I’m now writing a music review column for College Candy!! You can read my first column here if you want. If you read my blog, you obviously know how into music I am (and and all kinds), so I’m super psyched to have the opportunity to write about it. This week is pretty mainstream (because hi, Brit’s CD came out!), but I’m hoping to get into some more indie music, less known stuff soon!

Uhh I know I talk about tumblr ALL THE TIME. But that’s how fabulous it is. Seriously. Yes, I spend a little too much time on there when I should be doing other things. Yes, I love blogger. But tumblr is different. So I wrote up a guide on why I love tumblr for people who don’t have tumblr. The bottom line? I honestly think tumblr is the future of blogging and social media as a whole. Annd you don’t want to miss out on that. So join it. And follow me.

In other cooking fun, Chels took me to Stir for my birthday present. We obviously wrote all about it on We are not Martha. But I had to share this picture of ravioli with an egg yolk in it. In a sauce that was made of pretty much just butter. HEAVEN. As were the truffles we had. This was one of the best experiences of my life and makes me thrilled to be a Boston girl. Can’t wait to go back.

And the rest of the week I’m devoting to catching up on my reader. Also, I had much more to say that has escaped my tired head, so will be back for more ASAP!

Because I basically just like talking about the stuff I love. And the stuff that makes me happy. It doesn’t take much, but it’s the little things in life, right?

My new Saucony sneakers:

I’ve been having serious issues. I’m not usually what I call an “issue person,” but my foot really started bothering me a couple weeks ago. I knew I desperately needed new sneakers and when my foot developed what I’m pretty positive is a stress fracture, I thought, “Well, now’s as good a time as any.” I went over to Marathon Sports in Brookline and they helped me pick out some new kicks (and made me run up and down Beacon St. a few times). The second the girl brought these out for me to try on, I knew I was going to love them because they’re so not me (bright green? ick). But they are seriously growing on me now and I actually don’t mind how they look. Not to mention, my last sneakers were an adorable pair of pink Nikes. Super cute, but not made for my feet at all. Hence my issues. And why I had to go comfort over cuteness. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever buy a pair of sneakers that isn’t Saucony again. They are the only brand that has ever felt good to me.

Maybe my future Saucony sneakers:

I can’t really run until my foot is better, but I’ve been working out on the cross trainer and bike a lot. Once I’m able to run and I am fully convinced these are the sneakers of my dreams, I might have to snag a pair of these. Because yes, they are so much more me.

Mitzi and Cissy:

Yup, I’m with the girlies again. And they always make me happy. Except when they’re driving me crazy by following my everywhere, barking their heads off, and licking my face non-stop. But they’re adorable so I can’t really complain.

Marthsa Stewart and Snoop Dog:

Just because this is absolutely the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Again, reason #8439 why I love Martha Stewart

Rembrandt Mouthwash:

I don’t know. But I’m a huge fan of Rembandt’s new image. It’s so clean and sleek and definitely sucked me in. I’m an Act girl myself, but I couldn’t resist the packaging on this Rembrandt mouthwash.

My new t-shirt. And yours too?

Remember my new and awesome t-shirt? Well, now you can have one too!! Tres Ladies is giving away a t-shirt to a reader of We are not Martha. All you have to do is go over to the We are not Martha blog and leave a comment about the tees. I got my tee and it’s seriously awesome, completely comfortable, and pretty much perfect. Yay.