so long, farewell...

We're back. The flight was long, our bags got lost and jet lag has set in big time but isn't that the way any good holiday comes to an end? Admittedly it was nice to trade in the New England cold for the Sydney sunshine but I do miss my family, their crazy antics, endless stories, American reality TV and of course the constant food supply. Before I wrap up, here are a few last random holiday pics: celebrating my birthday a bit early with chocolate chip brownies (my fav), toasting a trip to Italy with left over limoncello, getting to catch up with Cia, Liz, Mango, Tom, Kristin and the girls, baking in the kitchen, waking up and realising that my mom and I are wearing the same PJ's, cups of Dunkin Donuts coffee and mornings spent reading the Boston Globe. It was a true Christmas as I remember it and worth every minute of this jet lag. I miss you guys already...

new years eve

We welcomed in 2012 with a low key celebration - random games were played, martinis consumed, too much food was eaten and the traditional midnight photo shoot took place. It was just the way I wanted to say goodbye to 2011, surrounded by family and friends. I'm looking forward to 2012, I have a good feeling it's going to be an exciting year ahead...

essex & ipswich

One of the best parts of any trip home is the chance to spend time with Cia & Nick in their Ipswich apartment, possible the most cozy and adorable space you've ever seen. If only we could have spent more time lounging on their couch and catching up. Cia cooked enough Italian food to feed an army and we laughed, drank too much wine, bitched about their horrible neighbors, watched funny movies and most importantly relaxed. It was a much needed escape during the holiday madness and being near the ocean and rolling farmland makes it hard to leave. On the short drive back to Boston we stopped to take in the views of Cranes Beach and the quiet town of Essex, normally a bustling community during the summer. Sometimes its easy to forget the history that surrounds the East Coast but when you see the amount of anitque stores and graveyards from 1690 it all comes flooding back.

postcards from boston

...manicures & pedicures with mom, breakfast at the diner, watching my sister's pregnant belly grow, movie day, more family gatherings and braving the cold as we strolled around Boston.