The 10th annual SoWA Holiday Market is this weekend (December 14th and 15th) from 12pm-6pm at the Ben Franklin Institute (41 Berkeley Street) in the South End; although strangely not in SOWA.
Come down to do some holiday shopping or just to check things out. There is a $5 admission to get in and peruse all the independent designers, artists and crafters displaying their wares.
Not even sure what to make of this.
Paraty, Brazil is a tiny coastal Brazilian town, approximately 4 hours south of Rio de Janeiro. Sergio and I decided to make a road trip for a few days to this historic town known for its Portuguese colonial architecture.
The streets of Paraty date back to the mid to late 1600’s and provide a romantic backdrop to the green, lush mountains and blue/green waters of the South Atlantic. In addition to walking the stone paved streets of Paraty, one should hire a boat to see some of the many beautiful islands and beaches that are just a quick boat ride away.
Our slow moving but comfortable boat that provided ample shade to keep my pale skin from blistering from the unyielding sun, while we cruised around the harbor for more than 5 hours one day. Below are a few photos of Paraty and our boat ride.
Graybar Electric Co. at 345 Harrison Avenue
Boston’s South End continues to boom with so many construction projects it makes my head spin. Perhaps Curbed Boston said it best late last month in their post, South End’s Constuctionpalooza Rocks on at 345 Harrison.
Nordblom rendering of proposed new residential complex for 345 Harrison Avenue
Just blocks from my home there are currently two large construction projects underway; the Ink Block will add approximately 500 condos / apartments and 275 Albany Street is being prepped to add another 400 condos / apartments. Last month developer Nordblom proposed replacing the Graybar Electric Co. building located across the street from the Ink Block with a new apartment complex that would include 13-story and 14-story buildings and add another 600 residential units.
Aerial view of proposed residential complex at 345 Harrison Avenue
Should Nordblom get approval to build, that would mean 1,500 new residential units may be added within just blocks of each other over the next few years, transforming what has been mostly vacant and under utilized space into a vibrant section of the South End with more residents, restaurants and retail space.
Have you heard of Instacart? I hadn’t until today’s article in the Boston Globe, Instacart introduces neighbor-to-neighbor grocery delivery to Boston. Similar to new transportation companies like Lyft, Instacart works with personal shoppers to help fill orders since the service is not owned by any grocer the way Peapod.com is owned by Stop & Shop.
According to the article, Instacart currently only offers groceries from Shaw’s. However, it plans to eventually expand in Boston to offer items from Whole Foods and Costco and other stores. Instacart claims the food prices on its site can be the same or higher than the prices you’d pay in the store, but let’s face it this is all about convenience and with temperatures in Boston hovering in the low 30s, it is a premium I’m willing to contemplate. Although I’ve yet to use the service, I did sign up and the site indicates that delivery charges are waived if your order is more than $35.
I know I’m not heavy, but I have a lot of very handsome friends who are in great shape. While I don’t begrudge these friends, it does feed into my own personal insecurities and body issues.
I have a very supportive partner and a great personal trainer so I feel like I have both the emotional support I need at home and the professional support I need in the gym. However, I need to get back into a routine before all the people who make their “New Year’s Resolutions” invade and overrun my gym. I’m hoping if I can get back into a routine starting this week – I’ll be in a better position come January to deal with the gym scene.
I feel as if the board of tourism for Rio should offer me a free stay at The Copacabana Palace for all the hype I’m providing this city, but I love Rio and can’t help myself. Rio de Jaeneiro has no shortage of famous, beautiful beaches, but I tend to spend most of my time at the gay section of Ipanema Beach. I feel more comfortable here and the people watching is great. Last week at this time, my butt was firmly planted on the sand of Ipanema Beach. Here are a few photos of me relaxing with Sergio and friends at Rio’s gay beach.
If you have an upcoming trip to Rio de Janeiro or travel to Brazil planned, feel free to reach out to me.
Shoppers who come out and brave the cold will receive a 15%-20% discount from participating South End retailers. The goal is to encourage shoppers to support local businesses.
This year’s holiday stroll includes more than 30 South End retailers and if you show your receipt from a participating shop you can receive $10 off dinner from participating restaurants.
Buy / Shop Local – Support South End Businesses 4-8 PM
For a complete list of participating South End retailers and restaurants link here.
For years I’ve been quite addicted to the Graham Norton show. My favorite part of his show is at the end when select members of the studio audience are given the opportunity to sit in the red chair and tell their stories. Here is an example of what I’m talking about.
Long time friend and resident of Charlestown, Chris Remmes, announced his intention to explore a campaign for the 2nd Suffolk State Representative seat held by Eugene O’Flaherty.
I do not live in Charlestown or Chelsea (the district Chris seeks to represent), but I’ve known Chris for more than a decade. We first met at The AIDS Action Committee back in 2002 as regular volunteers. While I’m unfamiliar with the issues important to residents of Charlestown and Chelsea, I am familiar with is Chris’ excellent work ethic, his caring nature and great listening skills. He is a hard working, smart man of integrity and when he announced his intention to explore a run for State Representative I wanted to make sure I gave him a shout out on to let others know about Chris’ intentions.
If you live in Charlestown or Chelsea or if you would like to help Chris Remmes as he contemplates a run to unseat Eugene O’Flaherty, get involved / make a donation here.
Perhaps the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana. The beach offers spectacular views of one of Rio’s most famous sites, Sugar Loaf. The 4 kilometer long beach (~2.5 miles) is one of my favorites. I’ve included a few photos to give you a glimpse of this beautiful beach.
The large ‘rock’ in the background is Sugar Loaf.
The black and white swirl you see behind Sergio on the sidewalk represents two rivers from the Amazon that Copacabana Beach has adopted as its own.
Not exactly an image of Copacabana beach but representative of what you’ll see.
Giant sandcastles that span 10′ proudly display some of Rio’s most famous sites.
Normally a picture that doesn’t show a guy’s eyes means I won’t post the photo, but there is always an exception and this guy is definitely exceptional.
Have you seen this Doritos commercial staring Leslie Jordan? Suddenly I have a craving for Doritos.
Are you struggling to figure out what to buy that special guy this holiday season? Here are some suggestions from a seasoned gift giver.
FOOD: Even if you regularly dine out; picking a special restaurant and making a “date” with your friend, boyfriend or partner is always a welcome gift. Schedule the night and ask the restaurant for a nice gift card or better yet make your own. If you live in the Boston area, I might suggest Upstairs on the Square which will close at the end of the year but you might be able to make a reservation for the final week of December. Read about my recent visit here.
FITNESS: Not really a foodie? Want to help someone help themselves? Perhaps the best gift my partner, Sergio, ever gave me was buying a few sessions with a personal trainer at my gym. Working with someone who’s focused on helping you achieve your personal fitness goal(s) is a great gift; esp for anyone making a New Year’s resolution to get into shape in 2014. Kris Kranzky: Cardio vs. Strength Training.
PAMPERING: Perhaps hitting the gym isn’t your idea of a gift and pampering is more in line with your guy’s likes. Why not offer them the healing power of touch? If you live in the Boston area, check out Miro and Vlad who provide deep tissue massage at the Milton Sport & Spa. More about Miro & Vlad here.
TIME: Maybe none of these gifts are striking the right chord or maybe your budget simply can’t manage it. Nothing says you care about someone like spending time together. Cook that friend or special someone a dinner, go out to see a show / movie. Take the pressure off yourself and focus on the point of giving not the dollars you are spending. Date Night.
Happy Holidays Guys
Having just returned from spending two weeks in Brazil, I thought I’d share some thoughts about dining in Rio de Janeiro. The biggest difference I’ve noticed since my last visit is that prices have risen dramatically. Kilogram restaurants (places where you pay by the weight of food on your plate) continue to be the most affordable. Of all the kilogram restaurants my favorite remains, Frontera on Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema (approximately 2 blocks from the gay beach in Rio).
For a nicer option check out a French creperie in Copacabana called Le Ble Noir on Rua Xavier da Silveira. The over sized crepes are delicious and is worth trying.
Confeitaria Colombo in Rio is in some ways what Cafe du Monde is to New Orleans. In recent years they have opened a second location at the Fort in Copacabana Beach called “Cafe do Forte” near Posto 6 (where Copacabana ends and just before Ipanema). Making reservations and requesting an outdoor table for brunch or dinner will afford you fantastic views of Copacabana Beach and Sugar Loaf.
A popular option in Ipanema is Zaza Bistro on Rua Joana Angélica. I first ate here about 4 years ago and when I asked friends in Rio for dining suggestions for this trip, Zaza was repeatedly mentioned.
There also remain a handful of restaurants two blocks from the gay beach in Ipanema on Farme de Amoeda; starting with Si Senor, Cafeina, Rota 66 (Route 66), and To Nem Ai. Cafeina makes for a good breakfast option but for the most part the food at these places is best not discussed. To Nem Ai is the most popular for grabbing a drink after the beach, to people watch or start your evening.
For additional tips about dining in Brazil contact me directly and I’ll be happy to provide additional insight.
BosGuy 