Artifaktori Vintage

Like its collection of oddities and vintage finds, Artifaktori is a treasure. Located in Davis Square and Beacon Hill (but soon only Beacon Hill), Artifaktori is something of a vintage lover's dream. The space embraces you with its hip tunes and smartly curated offerings-it is small, but packed with tchotchkes and items that will leave you lingering. Boston is filled with thrifting spots, but this one is extra special and extra cool. 

Wilson Farm

Wilson Farm, located in nearby Lexington,  is a food lover's paradise. The moment I walked into their store I nearly gasped with delight. This is how a farm's bounties should be displayed: in simple order with thoughtful packaging, surrounded by fresh cut flowers and the glories of the nursery. A rustic barn complete with exposed wooden beams doesn't help either. I found myself connecting to the food as if it came from my own non-existent garden, as if I had only just plucked the lettuce from the backyard and took some basil from the pot by the window. I do love grocery stores, yet I always suffer from a sense of alienation towards the food I see and buy. The same questions that we've all asked ourselves over the past decade never seem to leave my mind: where did this come from, is it organic, is it safe? 

But here, there was no such barrier. I communed with the food and left delighted with all my purchases. Despite the snow that falls today, spring suddenly felt nearer. I left reminded that food ought to be respected and appreciated-not only when we eat a delicious meal out, but when we dine in, with the groceries we have brought into our homes. Leave it to a farm that has been in operation since 1884 to remind us. 

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Several weeks ago, before Nemo graced us with his presence, I jumped in the zip car and drove to Mount Auburn Cemetery in neighboring Cambridge. In my general research of the area, I stumbled upon the cemetery and was intrigued by its mention of many famous names, beautiful monuments and even a watchtower that overlooks the city. Winslow Homer, Harriet Jacobs, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Amy Lowell are among those interned here and the list carries on and on. The place is quite large: seventy-five acres. Even with a car, I felt as if I could hardly see it all. There are dozens upon dozens of paths, all with lovely titles, like the Snowdrop or the Buttercup Path. The day was absolutely frigid, so I couldn't explore as much as I would have liked-but this is a place I plan to see again in the spring, when I can wander at greater ease (and actually climb the watchtower).  Perhaps I'll find irises along the Iris Path, daffodils along the Daffodil Path.  

Never before had I seen such a diversity of monuments, that were more fascinating than cryptic. People actually come here for wedding photographs. There is even a book club, which to me seems like an absolutely wonderful way to commemorate the buried. I had never heard of such a thing. But why not? It makes complete sense. (February's book was a historical novel titled The Bone Garden-a very fitting name-that features Dr.Oliver Wendell Holmes in his youth. He is buried at the cemetery.) 

This weekend there is a Longfellow Birthday celebration and I am slightly tempted to attend... Harvard professor Stephen Burt will lead a discussion and that is a reason in itself to go. Ah, but a snowstorm is in the forecast. What a surprise! We shall see, we shall see. 

Brattle Book Shop

Brattle Book Shop needs no introduction. Founded in 1825, it is one of the country's oldest and most beloved bookstores. It carries over 250,000 books, maps and other antiquarian treasures which are spread across three floors as well as an outdoor sale lot (I cannot get over the romance of it). It's owner, Ken Gloss, often appraises books on Antiques Roadshow. Almost every day on my way to work, I pass by Brattle Book Shop and find myself comforted by its longstanding presence. Bookstores with legacies are truly special places. Here, you never know what you'll discover and bring home. I still have not acclimated myself to the Downtown Crossing area-to me it's a strange, unsettled space that is often overcrowded. Too much stimulation. 

Brattle Book Shop is a much appreciated respite from it all. Be sure to visit! 

MFA Interiors

A couple of more pictures from my recent trip to MFA. I've been a tad under the weather and what with the blizzard, I haven't been able to do as much exploring as I'd like. Hopefully this weekend will be a bit more promising. One can hope! 

Just for fun, below are pictures I took with my iphone a couple years ago when I visited MFA with my mother. Enjoy!

The colors of Nemo

For more than twenty-four hours, Nemo visited the Boston area and left us crippled with just as many inches of snow. I appreciate any good excuse to stay nestled in at home and Nemo certainly provided us with one. However, after a day of hibernation, we slowly crept out of our homes this afternoon to brave the snow covered world. And then we went right back inside again. The storm was in fact beautiful in all its varied colors and expressions-it was eerie and fantastic in its strength. I loved falling asleep to the incessant howling of the wind. 

In truth, it was all somewhat refreshing, because during a blizzard nothing else matters except the reality of the storm. Nature upends our surroundings and while she does that, there is a temporary lull in time. Or at least that's how it feels to me. So during that temporary lull, I drink tea and eat girl scout cookies and watch movies in bed. I do all the things I love to do. So cheers to Nemo. Thanks for the visit. 

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Voltage Coffee & Art

Voltage Coffee & Art in Kendall can be found tucked away on Third Street, a few minutes walk from the Kendall Square T stop. I read of its existence from a number of different sources and made my first visit in December when I went to the nearby cinema. Unlike so many of the cafes I frequent, this one is considerably roomier which is refreshing. There's space to sit and sip a latte, but also space to view the artwork sprawled across the walls. As its name suggests, Voltage is not only a coffee shop but also an art gallery. I so respect establishments that try to be more than just one thing, because then they often become community hubs as well (perhaps I just believe that all cafes should be community hubs). Kendall Square is not my own community, but whenever I am in the area I do like to stop. As I mentioned in a previous posts, I'm in love with the names they have chosen for their "exotic" lattes. 

Here's a list of some of them:

Paper Plane

-Cardamom' rose water & honey

Devil May Care

-Molasses & lemon zest

Beyond the Sea

-Homemade caramel & salt

The Thieving Magpie

-Traditional almond rapture

Atticus Finch

-vanilla with burnt sugar

How perfect, right?? 

MFA: Favorites from the Art of the Americas Wing

When the Art of the Americas Wing opened a couple years ago, my mother and I made a special trip to Boston just to see it. I loved the wing then and I love it even more now. The wing is simply glorious, filled with an assortment of paintings, furniture, textiles and period rooms. I spend my time mainly on the first and second levels of the wing, which cover 18th and 19th century American art. There I find works of art by such masters as John Singleton Copley and a personal favorite of mine, John Singer Sargent.  The space is curated so lovingly that I find myself enjoying not only the art work but the rooms in which they are exhibited. In fact, the Art of the Americas Wing could be an entire museum unto itself. Above are just a few photographs of my favorite parts:

1. The Salon Gallery 

ah, how I adore salon style! 

2. The collection of John Singer Sargent works

3. A room from the Jaffrey House in Portsmouth, NH, circa 1730

4. 18th century Philadelphia furniture 

5. Newport furniture by the Townsends and Goddards

6. The Oak Hill Rooms 

7. And a favorite of my mother's, Little Miss Hone by Samuel Finley Breese Morse  

Such beauty abounds....!