Spring Forward

New job, new people, date spots, stories, and a casual spring look:

Funny how watching Sex and the City as a kid, all I wanted was to be like Carrie Bradshaw: write about love have a great closet. As an adult, I think Carrie is the worst.... and yet here I am writing about love and my closet is pretty decent. The grass is always greener.

I haven't been on a date since my breakup with Stephen, but I did get on a dating app. My roommate and best friend (who I met through Bumble BFF) got sick of me wallowing and going down memory lane, and downloaded Hinge for me. I hate dating apps, I go in with this inflated ego and I get mad that not everyone swipes right or likes my photos. I'm photoshopped to perfection, why don't you like me?! Then the unsettling thought sinks in that maybe my personality just sucks. But how would these guys know that yet? All they have is a few photos and quotes to go on, and obviously I'm only putting my best foot forward. However, I technically met Rachel through a dating app, so I'm not completely against the notion. I just also love the love story. 

I actually met Rachel first in person, then swiped like a fiend on Bumble BFF to find her in real life (when you know, you know), and that's how we got to know one another. When I met Stephen, it was through my volunteer program at One Brick Boston, and I loved meeting someone in real life and feeling that initial chemistry. I think what I'll do is find someone I'm attracted to on this app, stalk them, and randomly bump into them to start a genuine introduction. Nothing about that I guess is genuine, but hey.... gotta love the love story. We all can't have Nicholas Sparks introductions, some of us have more of a Caroline Kepnes plot. 

But to new beginnings! I got a new hair cut and went to ashy blonde (ask for Stephanie Schlatz at Roffi Salon on Newbury), I'm starting my new job today as you read, joined a bowling league, and I just became a Big Sister! I guess I'm starting a new chapter in my life. When I go through a breakup I tend to fill up all my free time with productive activities. 

My new job is with Scenic Travel (a luxury cruise line), doing digital and print, and so far that's all I really know. What I'm most excited about is working in the city again. I've been working in Hingham for the last 2.5 years, and I've missed the city with a passion. I miss food trucks and getting drinks after work; and just the hustle and bustle of Boston. I felt so alone and secluded on the south shore, and the commute was the worst (2 hours if I missed a bus). Now, my commute is 15 minutes, 40 if I walk! I'm already counting all the extra hours of sleep I'm going to gain! 

So cheers to new beginnings and fresh looks! Like, my Springtime outfit! Get my look below and learn about two Boston date spots!

Photography cred goes out to my friend Keir, who I actually met through Talbots! We shot this in front of Buttermilk and Bourbon. I actually went here with Stephen, but it's a great friend-date restaurant as well. Southern shared plates style and a really sexy NOLA/goth atmosphere (is that even possible?). After our photoshoot, Keir and I went to Saltie Girl right down the street, it's a great spot for shared seafood plates and oysters from all over (I'm not a huge seafood fan, but they do have burgers). Saltie Girl is a very small and intimate mermaid theme bar, and very instagram-worthy! Shared plates with cool settings are the key to a successful date!