This past weekend I went back, to Connecticut, to celebrate the turning of age of my two best friends. And, last week my parents were in Boston to celebrate my father's big day...which was magical, to say the least.

We were scooped up in a black limo & ate dinner at the Meritage Restaurant located in the Boston Harbor Hotel.  The hotel is right next to the water & has amazing decor consisting of “at sea” accessories, robin's egg blue furniture & decadent marble floors.

The Meritage is also known for their amazing wine selection, so we gladly sampled a few delicious bottles of whites and reds. The menu is set up so you can order any item as a small or large plate, which provides an amazing option to try lots of different foods.

(Additional information about the restaurant is located at Meritage, The Restaurant)

Wish a Happy Birthday to all of those celebrating their special day, today!

xo - Kristen T.

This week was a busy one. I had numerous deadlines, due dates, appointments…and a never-ending To-Do list. The things that inspired me this week were the “little things;” taking those 5 minutes to sit back, re-charge, and gain the inspiration to keep trucking!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead!

xo Kristen T.

This morning I woke up restless. The sun was gleaming through the window, the kitten was frolicking with the loudest toy she could find & a looming to-do list stood in between me & my pillow.

As I got up, to make a pot of coffee, I swiftly changed into some sweats & a light jacket, grabbed a mug & headed out to Commonwealth Avenue where the trees, & leaf trodden grass, are gently touched with Fall's golden hues.

I sat on a bench, sipped my morning joe & was really, truly present.  The city was quiet, the birds were chirping & Boston was at its all time beautiful.

It's mornings like these, & a place like that park bench, that can help immediately calm the mind & center you for your day ahead.

Where do you go, in the Bean, to find your daily cup of peace?

xo Kristin K.

Typically Friday entries are dedicated to things that have inspired us throughout the week. So, it is without question that I can't help but feel incredibly motivated & touched by my brother, Dave's, safe arrival home from Afghanistan this past Monday (see incredible article on the Marine homecoming here). My parents, who drove through treacherous road conditions, from CT, & blinding snow, made a
surprise appearance at the Marine homecoming in North Carolina at Camp Lejeune. As the bus rolled up, filled with the last 27 Marines from their mission, my brother walked off not knowing that both parents were behind the “Welcome Home" sign.

As he reached for a friend’s cell phone to call home & say that he has made it safely back, the banner lowered & my brother (the tough Marine with an unbreakable smile) turned bright red & fell into my parent’s arms. Moments like these have a way of putting life, & family, into perspective.

I wish everyone a blessed & happy Friday.

Thank you to all of those who serve,

xo Kristin K.