Where Everybody Knows Your Name

I'm in Boston. It's been a long time since I was here last (college, I think) and I forgot how awesome this city is. After I got my luggage, I decided to skip the cab ride to the hotel and take the T. We have public transportation in California but not like this. The T is what our transit system aspires to be.

I took the blue line to the green line and got off in Copley Square, less than a block from my hotel. Coming up out of the subway was like entering another time. The architecture makes me want to cry. There's a photo op around every corner. I could have walked around the square for at least an hour and sampled the cheeses, breads and fruits from the Farmer's Market.

After dinner at the Cottonwood Cafe a few us went for drinks at the Rattlesnake's rooftop bar. Which was filled with college kids. Rarw! Right now I'm in the hotel bar with Mindi (@MindiCherry), trying to decompress a little (meaning having a cocktail) and wondering what's in store for us tomorrow at the TJ Maxx/Marshalls corporate offices.

I'm so glad I've been able to take these trips and I owe many people HUGE thanks for making it possible. I miss Phil and Tyler, but you know who I missed even more? Me.

Bathing Suit Shopping Could Be So Much Better...

...with Mimosas and babysitting. Am I right? How lovely to be greeted at the fitting room with a champagne flute and someone to entertain your child.

The suit I bought last year is holding up OK but I knew it wouldn't make it through this summer. Our vacation has been scrapped and I'm embracing my neighborhood pool so new suits were definitely in order.

I was able to get three designer suits and I'm happy with what I found. I don't know why I'm more embarrassed to show pictures of me in a bathing suit than I was to be naked but I am. No comments from the peanut gallery!

These bottoms are mine. The top is Kenneth Cole and was only $5! Is it too maternity-ish?


I didn't think this suit was going to fit. But I couldn't leave it on the rack. Not my favorite color. I wish it helped the girls a little more but for $15 I can live with a little droopage.


I don't normally wear bikinis because of the whole muffin top, slow metabolism, mid-thirties thing* but I like this one. The fact that it's Tommy Bahama, was originally $116 and I got it for $25 made me like it even better! (I tried to soft focus my tummy and sharpen my bewbs to distract you from the stretch marks. Did it work?)

What about you? Have you had any luck with swimsuits this season? Where did you find them?

*Dear Picnik, please develop a stretch mark removal tool, thanks!

Thank you to Marshall's and TJ Maxx for helping me with my Swimsuit Spendervention!