I fell off the face of the Earth. Well, not really, but at least the Northern Produced, Southern Seduced Earth.
Let’s see how quickly I can bring you up to speed…
It typically takes a really good pep talk from myself in order for me to convince myself that I am going to go for a run. However, anytime I have the right scenery in place, I’m much more likely to stick with it. Falls River Park will always be my favorite place in Greenville, SC.
How can you not love this?!
…but, seriously?
Towards the end of August, Randall and I went up to Rhode Island and Massachusetts to see family, friends and go to one of my best friends from High School’s wedding
The first day we were there, we ran some errands and then headed to my Aunt and Uncle’s house… My mom’s side of the family came over for Papa Gino’s (I’m never going to fall out of love).
You know you’re home when you walk by this display in Target:
Coffee milk, anyone?
The next morning, we went by my cousins’ house to visit with her and baby Faith. Not before picking up Beef Barn. (note: They finally accept credit cards – never thought I would see the day!)
After that, we headed into Boston.
We had a little bit of time before I needed to start getting ready, so I headed to the Lawn on D. My friend, Christina, had posted pictures a while back and my inner 5 year old has been dying to go ever since. I can’t wait to go back at night for photo opp #2. 😉
Then, it was time to get myself together for the rehearsal dinner.
Dress for Night #1.
I was way too excited when I walked in to see the table set up for henna.
I wish it never came off.
Apparently, I spent too much time socializing and not enough time eating… and found myself eating four, yes four, pieces of pizza at midnight. Yikes!
Well, I made up for it (kind of) the next day when I went on a self guided tour of Boston. Made my way to Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, hung out with George Washington, stared in disgust at the Frog Pond (c’mon, there’s no way you guys are cool with that).
Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden.
All that walking surely worked up an appetite. I remember my friend Christina raving about the avocado toast at PRESSED and knew I had to try it. I went for the Pepita Avocado Smash Toast which was smashed ripe avocado, roasted pepitas, pumpkinseed oil and maldon salt. And yes, it was AMAZING.
Eventually, I made my way back towards the hotel and managed to somehow get “lost”. Once I got back on track, I spotted this sign in the most random spot. 
This is so true.
Time to clean up.
Dress Night #2. Yes, more mirror pics.
The wedding was outside of the Boston Aquarium. The weather could not have been more perfect.
Boston is just too perfect in the summer time.
Picture Perfect.
The newly weds ❤
Taking pics before my hair gets out of control.
Some of the girls.
Lauren’s nephew was Ring Security… Loved this idea… Carl is such a little character.
Dancing the night away.
We spent the following day in Boston. Randall and I went to have brunch at 75 on Wharf. It was really good and was located right on the water. After brunch, we decided to start walking towards where Red Bull Flugtag was being held. Much to our disappointment, when we arrived the cop let us know that by the time we got in, it wouldn’t be worth our while…and you couldn’t bring in bags (and Randall had a backpack). After all the walking, we opted to take an uber to go meet up with some friends at Faneuil Hall. Some of Lauren and Rakesh’s friends were at the Ice Bar so we found ourselves there.
Actually frozen.
Randall and I had went there a couple years back in the winter. Everyone thought we were weird for going in the winter, BUT it’s actually worse going in the summer. At least in the winter, I had on a winter jacket and boots… This time, it was uncomfortably cold and we couldn’t have been more excited to get back outside.
On Sunday, we had plans to go meet Ashley, Keith and baby Chase at Pineapples on The Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.
As you can see, the weather was not ideal for outdoor eating, so we decided to head down the street to Diego’s instead.
He’s just too cute.
I came into the office one day to find all of this on my desk. My coworkers are trying to sabotage me… don’t you agree?!
Don’t worry I shared the donuts, cupcakes, Oreo’s, gummy bears and candy.
Since we’re on the topic of sweets, might as well just keep going. When I was in Denver for work we went to Snooze Eatery. I should’ve opted for an omelette or something with a nutritional balance, but HAD to get the flight. They have pancake and French toast flights…
Lunch is served.
I was at my parent’s house browsing Yelp and stumbled across Jolly Rolls Ice Cream. I literally shrieked. I had seen lots of different places in larger cities that had ice cream shops like this, but had no idea there was one in Charlotte. I demanded that we go immediately.
Definitely met my expectations.
I was leading training in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. When I got there, my friend / coworker, Susie, showed up with a box of donuts. Helen and Lauren, two of my friends / coworkers in Greenville, had requested that she surprise me with them. YES! These people are great… and again, trying to sabotage me.
Sublime Doughnuts in Atlanta, GA.
After the second day of training, I had dinner at Ra Sushi. I had been there for drinks before, but never for food. These were seriously two of my favorite sushi rolls that I have ever had…
Left: “Ra” Lollipop – Tuna, salmon, yellowtail and spicy tuna mix with lettuce, asparagus and cucumber wrapped in lobok; served skewered with garlic ponzu sauce. Right: Ultimate Shrimp Tempura Roll – Shrimp tempura with spicy crab mix and cucumber, rolled and topped with seared tuna and avocado
After dinner, I may or may not have walked over a mile to get a dozen doughnuts…
Maybe I just borrowed this picture from someone else.
I just got back from Chicago last night. I was there for the annual Pure Barre Owner’s Conference. More about that trip next time.
Northern Produced, Southern Seduced. 