Not So Basic Smile (and other thoughts)

Hey Babes. LONG time no see. Sorry for being MIA but I needed some me time the past couple weeks to decompress and get organized. Life got overwhelming for a while but I decided to make like Elsa and LET IT GO. But I am back and ready to go!

Despite having some hard times the past few weeks, I have had a lot to smile about. I got to take a short trip to Portsmouth, NH. It was beautiful! I also got to take a trip back home to see my family in Upstate New York. It is always good to be home, no matter how brief.

Portsmouth, NH

Home

So speaking of smiles,  a lot of you have commented on my Instagram or messaged me about my teeth. So I decided to share some of my tips. I have super sensitive teeth so I can't use traditional white strips because my teeth hurt horribly after I use them. I know, life can be rough. These are things that work for me and I hope they work for you too!

I just like to smile, smiling is my favorite!

-Buddy the Elf 

• Sensodyne Extra Whitening Tooth Paste: Babes, this stuff works wonders. This toothpaste whitens better than most that I have tried AND it doesn't cause my teeth any pain. I use it at least two times a day and I LOVE IT.

• Coconut Oil Pulling: When I asked my dentist about natural ways to whiten my teeth that wouldn't cause sensitivity he mentioned oil pulling. He said that while he never tried it himself, he had patients who claimed it worked very well for them. So I tried it and I loved it. There are a ton of videos you can look up that will show you how exactly to pull so I am not going to go into too much detail.  But basically I wake up, put a table spoon of coconut oil in my mouth, pull it through my teeth for 10-15 minutes, spit it out, rinse with salt water, brush my teeth, and get on for the day. JUST DON'T SWALLOW, the oil is full of toxins and you don't want to digest that. 

• Rite-Aid Teeth Whitening Pen: I learned about this gem from The Skinny Confidential (AKA my favorite blogger, seriously she helped me change for the better, check her out). This pen whitens your teeth immediately. It is just a little tube and when you twist the bottom the gel comes out the top and you can brush it right on to your teeth. I LOVE IT. It also doesn't cause my teeth to be sensitive at all. Super cheap, works great, go pick one up. Go!

So keeping with the smile theme- I found a great lipstick color and I'm obsessed with it- this lipstick is to me as pickles are to the old fun Snookie who drank her way into our hearts so many years ago. It is called Everlasting Wine by Maybelline. I had been searching for the perfect late fall almost winter color and this is it. It is deep red with some purple undertones. I had visited Sephora and multiple department store counters looking for a new color and then I found this at the CVS at the Cambridgeside Galleria, go figure!

Babes, life gets hard. It gets hectic and stressful.  But when you take a step back and let yourself look at the big picture, you realize it's pretty awesome. Surround yourself with people you love and appreciate how fortunate you are. You'll see that you have a lot to smile about- now with whiter teeth and a sexy red lip (sassy girl emoji here). 

Until next time Babes (and there will be more abut Boston!). 

xo Whitney

Basic Friendcation and Cold Weather Favorites

Hey Babes. So as much as I love Boston, sometimes you just need a vacation away from the noise and closer to the mountains and the wine, ya know? As a wise woman once said- I don't know what I did to you, but I'll take a Pinot Grigio. 

So myself and some friends made our way to Lincoln, New Hampshire to see some real foliage. Lincoln has become the go to getaway for my friends. One of them has a lovely family condo right next to Loon Mountain. We have spent many weekends here including Friends-giving, beautiful ski trips, and the Fourth of July. Lincoln holds a substantial amount of sentimental value for all of us. Going up to Loon gives us the same feeling that Basic Babes get when they hear the opening music to the Notebook. Super excited for whats about to happen even though you know will be so sad when it ends. THEIR LOVE TOOK THEM AWAY TOGETHER! #relationshipgoals

So we spent Saturday hiking through nature, taking pictures, and brainstorming captions for Instagram. A few of us went to The Flume at Franconia Notch Park and the others went to hike Mount Pemigewasset. It was not intended for the group split up but we ended up in different places so we went with the flow and everyone had a great day. We had better flow than Zach Morris on a GOOD hair day.

New Hampshire was as chilly as it was beautiful. It was a reminder that we are once again transitioning into colder weather which means it is time for scarves, earmuffs, puffy coats, and an infinite amount of candles to keep us Basic Babes warm. Why is it always so cold everywhere.... always?

So in honor of the colder weather approaching (except for the 70 degree day we are supposed to have this week, thanks climate change) here are a few of my must haves as November approaches:

• My Anthropologie candles and coffee table books. - I know they are a bit pricey but they smell amazing and they make me so happy. One of my favorite ways to end my night is to light one of these candles and read from this book of poetry. These are a couple of candles I bought last year and I am so excited to go back for this years winter purchase. 

Voluspa French Cade Lavendar and Crane Flower candles

• My infinity Scar from TJ Maxx. - This is my favorite scarf ever and, yes, it is from TJ Maxx. I just spent all my money on candles, what do you expect? It is black and white so it goes with everything I own (which is also mainly black and white) and it has a little pom pom tassel on the end which is super cute.
• My Surrell Tech Earmuffs. I LOVE THESE EARMUFFS. They are SO warm and I can listen to my music while I wait for the train or walk down Newbury Street. They also have a built in mic so I can make phone calls (mostly to my mother) easily when I wear them.
• My Impo Stretch Leopard Print Wedge Boots. I know, animal print can be a bit overwhelming at times but it can be done right. I love these boots because they are warm and so comfortable even though they have a decent wedge. LEGS FOR DAYS BABES. A simple outfit paired with these boots and I am walking with the confidence of a thousand Kaynes. 

That's it from me Babes. Enjoy the nice weather this week, it is going to be winter before we know it!

Xo

Whitney 

Cannolis, Biscotti, and Me

Hey Babes! So the weather this long weekend in Boston made me happier than when all of FRIENDS came to Netflix in 2015. There are literally no other six people I would rather nurse my champagne induced New Years Eve hangover with. Thanks gang. 

For real though, the weather this weekend was straight out of a Basic Babe's dream.

1. The temperature was perfect, basically a Fall version of April 25th. Not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket!
2. The sun was out the entire time. How many blondes with aviator Ray Bans can you spot?
3. The fall foliage is increasing everyday in direct correlation with UGG boot wear.

Because of the beautiful weather, I had no choice but to have a me day on Sunday. I spent the entire day outside and hit up some of my favorite spots in Bean town. 

First, I went for a walk in the North End. I LOVE it there but not only because of the carbs, sugar, and cheese but also because of the people. I come from a big Italian family and there is nothing better than being surrounded by people who hold as much passion for..well everything as I do. I also appreciate that everyone is speaking at my natural volume (which ranges from loud to yelling). 

Anyway, I spent about 30 minutes just walking through the street listening to fiery conversation and smelling the foods being prepared by the surrounding restaurants. I then needed a treat.... because when in Rome (ish). 

I love Modern Pastry. In my opinion, they have the best cannoli's in Boston. If you disagree, I am willing to sample around and report back. However, on a Sunday the line for Modern is wrapped around the block and I needed something a little more low key. A couple of my girlfriends always talk about Bova's Bakery so I stopped in there. I got an AWESOME cannoli and brought home some biscotti for the roomies.  

I then walked through the Boston Public Market. Babes, if you have't been there, put it on the top of your to do list.- Pumpkin picking and vest shopping will have to wait. They have everything from fresh fruits and veggies to cider donuts to kitchen essentials. I bought some beautiful fresh kale and carrots to mix with some quinoa for a Basic Babe salad with some citrus dressing.  

I was lucky to stumble upon these fresh veggies after consuming the cannoli in three bites, it balances out right? I figured the veggies plus the long walk made it ay-ok. 

One of my favorite qualities of Boston is how walkable it is. I live in East Cambridge and was able to walk to the North End, then to the water front, and through the financial district with no problem. On a nice day there is literally no reason to hop on the train instead of walking a few miles. 

The weather is supposed to be beautiful the next few days. Babes, go walk around and share with me what you do! Feel free to comment below or comment on the insta @thebostonbasic. 

Until next time Babes.

Xo Whitney

Basic Balance

Hey Babes. Remember that time I told you about my health kick? Well, the health kick took a day off on Saturday. I'm talking a Ferris Bueller go big or go home day off.

Originally, my friends and I were planning on attending Octoberfest at Harpoon Brewery on this particular Saturday which happened to be October 3rd (Happy Mean Girls Day Babes!). Due to the cold and the rain (there was a 30% chance it was already raining), we decided to keep our drinking indoors. After, a very long and impressive pre-game filled with pumpkin beer, mac n' cheese, and Oreo Rice Krispy treats we made our way to Coppersmith in South Boston. How many calories can this Babe consume? The limit does not exist. 

For those of you who have not been to this new Southie spot, you need to go. It is an old warehouse turned restaurant with a crazy good menu. We were there at 2:00 pm on a Saturday and it was already starting to fill up for the night. Since I was not satisfied with just the beer, the mac n cheese, and the Krispy treats I ordered the fish tacos and they were the bomb.com. I'm not cool enough to say that, am I?

I was home cuddled on the couch by 8 pm watching Iliza Shlesinger's stand-up special on Netflix. If you like stand-up comedy, please watch. This woman had me laughing harder than Will Ferrell in a pair of tights at Christmas time.

I was a little bummed out about having such an unhealthy day though. I promised myself that when I woke up the next morning I would get right back on track. So I let myself get a good night sleep and when I woke up, I did my favorite run along the Esplanade. I did this more for my mind than my body. There is nothing like a long run to clear your mind. In the words of an OG Babe:

"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't. " -Elle Woods 

After my run, I detoxed with a healthy Green Goddess Bowl from Life Alive in Central Square. It was filled with kale, broccoli, avocado, and tofu . Babes, this is MY FAVORITE place to get a healthy meal. Everything is so fresh and the place just radiates good vibes. 

I already felt better. What you put into your body makes such a difference in your life. Treat your mind, body, and soul right and it will make all the difference in your life. I figured I would prepare for a week of healthy eating so I made some spicy roasted chickpeas and my vegetable tian to have around the house. Both super easy!

I'm ending my night with some meditation. This is a practice I recently have picked up and it is definitely a skill that takes practice. It was very hard for me at first to clear my mind and let go of tension but I am getting better at it each time.

So every-night before bed I roll out the yoga mat, light my favorite anthro candle, get comfortable, put on my guided mediation and I meditate. Honestly, I don't even know if I am doing it right but it relaxes me and helps me sleep better so I'm calling it a win.

Moral of the story?  A healthy life style is all about balance. There will be days when it just doesn't happen. Don't let it discourage you. There are so many opportunities in Boston to make a healthy lifestyle fun and enjoyable. Take a lesson from RHOC Shannon -"When life gives you lemons, put nine in a bowl". If that isn't clear advice, I don't know what is.

Seriously though. Live healthy, have fun, and find the perfect balance for you. Until next time Babes.

Xo Whitney

Basic Babe Health Kick

Hey Babes! October is here and that means one thing for me. My Boston Babe Health Kick 2015-2016 has officially begun. I try to start a health kick around this time every October, despite the temptation of the delicious seasonal baked goods that appear this time of year- IS BUTTER A CARB?

SO WHY OCTOBER?

The warm weather is over (or should be) and this means weekend trips, beach days, and country concerts are on a seven-month hiatus.  Many Babes use this as an excuse to skip the gym a few times more a week and have some extra junk food during those cold nights they stay in to watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days for the millionth time - BTW Kate, thanks for setting unrealistic expectations for women in yellow dresses everywhere.

HOWEVER- this is the best time of year for me to get back into a healthy lifestyle. As the days get shorter and colder, my social calendar starts to clear up faster than Britney Spear's marriage to Jason Alexander.  This means less late nights out, less day drinking (except this Saturday at Harpoon Octoberfest- See ya there Babes!), and MORE time to take care of myself.

So what does my health kick entail?

Vegetables and whole foods all day, everyday - When I decide to go on my health kick, I don't cut things out of my daily diet. I just add more veggies, healthy grains, and protein to my diet. It keeps me satisfied and full so I don't go running to the candy bowl at work (AKA my #1 Frenemy) constantly. I treated myself to a delicious organic smoothie from Mother Juice in Kendall Square to symbolize the start off my health kick. If I could afford it everyday I would go but, alas, I cannot. So I will resort to waking up a little earlier to make my own smoothies.

Getting my basic butt back to the gym - Because the summer is so busy, I tend to run everyday because it is convenient and quick. Now that I have more time and the weather is getting less friendly, I will be going back to the gym everyday and alternating between cardio and circuit training. YES I AM A BBG girl and I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK AT IT. I belong to Beacon Hill Athletic Club and I love it, so I will be spending more evenings there than with Netflix - This isn't goodbye, it's just  see you later. 

Taking Pride in my Appearance - While it isn't the most important thing, I truly believe that taking pride in your appearance is a good quality to have. I never understood why it is considered a good thing to work hard in every other aspect of your life but when you put effort into your outward appearance it is vain or shallow. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but when I look, I feel good. So Babes, if doing your hair and putting on a damn cute outfit is going to make you feel good. DO IT.

PSA- I bought this face cream at  TJ Maxx on sale and I am obsessed! 

Positive mind, positive vibes, positive life - When I was growing up, whenever I was feeling sorry for myself for no real reason my mother would always say "Make your own happiness". I live by this now, even though it isn't always easy. I have been bad about this recently but I am going to start saying positive affirmations everyday and doing my part to put positive vibes out into the world for this year's health kick. I know it sounds corny but being actively grateful for what I have and making an effort to be kind to those around me significantly improves my life. As Clueless's Cher Horowitz once reminded us "It's like that book I read in the 9th grade said, 'Tis a far, far better thing doing stuff for other people'". First step to work towards this? Find your happy place were it is easy to be appreciative. I enjoy the view of the city from the Charles River, the Boston Public Gardens, or my walks down Newbury Street.

So Boston Babe, health kick begins now! Join me, won't you? Until next time Babes.

Xo Whitney

Basic Sober Weekend

Hey Babes! I hope your weekends were filled with apple picking, hayrides, and spiced everything. My friends and I did something drastic this weekend. We made a group decision to have a sober (ish) weekend- It's officially fall ladies, having a pumpkin beer or two is a must. 

I have to say, as fun as it is to go to West End Johnnies on a Saturday to hear some live music and dance up a storm, it was AMAZING to wake up on both Saturday and Sunday morning without a hangover. I have found that there are some definite perks to waking up hangover and regret free on the weekends:  

1. I was able to go for a morning run on BOTH Saturday and Sunday - Not that it matters now  that I will be living in cardigans and large sweaters. MUCH LOVE AUTUMN.
2. The brunch waiter's opening line wasn't "Rough night, ladies?"
3. An alcoholic beverage at brunch was merely an option and not a necessity.  
4. Sunglasses were only necessary when I was actually outside in the sunlight. No offense MK and Ashley but sunglasses in the dark just isn't my style. 
5. There wasn't a single sent imessage on my phone that made me wish I had Kris Jenner's PR skills. 

Since we weren't spending our time drinking at night and curing a hangover with a strong dose of Netflix and whining, we had time to do so much! Our Friday night consisted of going to see Black Mass at the Boston Common Movie Theater. FYI, I loved seeing a movie on a Friday night. It was so nice to come home from work and just have to touch up the makeup and leave. Normally, I am in a mad rush to do my hair, pick out an outfit, and put my basic babe face on (I'm in a never ending war with liquid eyeliner- Just once I would love for my eyes to match, ONE TIME!). 

After the movie, a couple of my friends and I went out and had a drink - just one, I promise- at Meadhall in Kendall Square for someone's birthday. BABES, this place was great for a late night drink without the typical bar/party atmosphere. It was super easy to just grab a table and relax. There were lots of food and drink options and lots of young professionals. I highly recommend it.

On Saturday, my girlfriends went apple picking at Cider Hill Farm. I could not attend because I had a family party. However, I have been there before and this orchard has everything you could ask for! If you are looking for a place for some Basic Babe fall activities (and Instagram opportunities), THIS IS THE SPOT. 

The family birthday party I attended was down at Lewis Wharf. So I went down a little early and walked along the water and laid out in the sun at Christopher Columbus Park. This is my FAVORITE park in Boston because you have the Harbor right in front of you and a beautiful view of downtown right behind you. The SnapChat opportunities are endless; I'm talking Snap Story worthy. Please, go down there, take a walk and appreciate the city you live in. It is absolutely stunning.

Sunday, one of my roomies and I had a perfect Boston day. We went to the last home game of the season at Fenway. We could not have asked for better weather and we had such good seats we actually sat and watched the entire game (I'm talking no selfies ladies).  Most importantly, we got our last hot dogs of the season - I'll see ya next year Frank! 

After we were done being sporty and cute at the game, we went to Primark downtown. Being the Boston Basic Babes you are, I am sure most of you are familiar with this new store at Downtown Crossing. If you aren't GO CHECK IT OUT NOW! - You don't even need to finish reading this post, just go.

They have great staple clothes and sweaters for SUPER cheap. I was able to get three pairs of pants, three tanks, and four sweaters for just around $100. A lot of their stuff isn't exactly my style but for the must have basics, this place is great.

The moral of the story - go out and drink your vodka sodas as much as your basic heart desires. When that rare weekend comes along that you are not feeling that scene, take advantage of your energy. Remember Babes, this city has way more to offer than booze and bars. I suggest you go out and have yourself a day (or two!). If nothing else, do it for the gram :) Until next time Babes.


Xo Whitney

Hump Day

Hey Babes- Happy Hump Day! I know, the past two days have been rough and, if you are anything like me, they went something like this: 

• You spent Monday recovering from the weekend whilst day dreaming about being Amy Schumer’s BFF. I like to think we would spend the day together walking and gossiping along the Esplanade and then she would tell me jokes as I drift into peaceful sleep.
• Then on Tuesday, you woke up and thought it was Thursday: until you got to work, found out it was Tuesday, and became overwhelmed by a feeling of disappointment that you haven’t experienced since finding out that Jen and Ben are no more (I mean, it’s the end of an era).

To be fair, I was feeling a little under the weather on Monday so day dreaming and losing all sense of time is acceptable. So I spent the night on the couch watching Real Housewives of Orange County - Tamra, you are a POET- and reading Mindy Kaling's new book Why Not Me? 

I highly recommend this book. It is hilarious and Mindy is such a BABE. She is the perfect example of a woman who is unique and successful with just the right amount of basic woven in there to make her relatable to all of us Triple B's. It is a must read. So take some advice from Nike and Just Do It!

OH! For those of you who asked, this nail polish is OPI Magala Wine (Mmm, Pinot Noir please). It is the perfect color for the beginning of fall, a nice dark burgundy to wrap around that latte. PSA: This was three coats of polish. One is way too light, two will do, but three is as perfect as well-timed Clueless reference.

ANYWHO. Yesterday I woke up and felt 100x better so I decided to take my own advice and not just come home and sit in the apartment after work. I ran some errands and stopped in Second TIme Around in Coolidge Corner to look for some fall booties. Babes- they have some great designer shoes for CHEAP. I do not have too much pride to save a buck or two on cute shoes and neither should you. After a bit more shopping, I took myself out to dinner.   

And by take myself out to dinner, I went to Clover in Kendall Square (if you want to find someone to buy me a thirty dollar dinner, by all means, do it) and got a delicious eggplant and egg sandwich and hibiscus ice tea (mostly because it matched my wine nails). Clover is amazing because all the ingredients are super fresh, it is a healthy option, and it is SO fast. Clover knows that Basic Babes love good food but we have places places to go and things to do. RESPECT. Seriously though, go there, it's delicious when you need some quick fuel. 


After dinner, I went home and filtered the above picture- what else would a Basic Babe do while digesting her healthy meal? And then, like a good Babe, I went for a nighttime run along the Charles. I know, running is hard and you can't take selfies while you do it (trust me, I have tried) but staying active is so essential for a happy body and mind. FYI- there will be many blog posts in the future about being happy and healthy. Honestly though, who could not want to run into this view?

Until next time Babes,

Xo Whitney

The Basic Babe

Hey Babes! Welcome to the Boston Basic, where you can learn how to really do Boston. This city has so much to offer, especially for the 20 something ladies who are looking to have the time of their lives.

As you may have noticed (because you are observant AF), this blog is for my Triple B's, the Basic Boston Babes. ATTENTION: WE ARE NOT BASIC BITCHES..most of the time. Yes, we do possess many of the classic "basic bitch" qualities:

• Brunch is an essential ritual for even the most uneventful of weekends: Do you really need an excuse to build your own Bloody Mary at Met Back Bay? No you don’t, I’ll take a tiny cheeseburger on top of mine. PLEASE & THANKS.
• Starbucks consumption will dramatically increase in the Fall: I don’t know why a Starbucks cup compliments my infinity scarf so well, but it does.
• Leggings are as essential to an oversized sweater as vodka is to soda (Can I get an extra lime PLEASE?).

But we are not Basic Bitches, we are Basic Babes. What's the difference? Let's distinguish:

1.     First and foremost, we are not bitches. 

Just because we enjoy the Real Housewives of.. well anywhere, taking selfies while pretending to watch the sox game at Fenway Park, and the other popular trends of our generation doesn't mean we have to accept this term. We are classy and sassy women who know what they like. Confidence, intelligence, and decisiveness are qualities of a BABE. Some may accept the Basic Bitch label, but a true Babe knows better.

2.     A Basic Bitch accepts being common; A Basic Babe embraces the qualities that make her unique.

Everyone has special qualities that set them apart from other people. Those are the qualities that will get you places in life. Whether we are talking school, work, or relationships - your uniqueness is only a GOOD thing. If you embrace it, so will others.

3.     A Basic Bitch is predictable; A Basic Babe mixes it up. DISCLAIMER: This is something I am working on myself; it is hard to snap out of the comfortable routine.

Most of us get stuck in the Monday through Friday wake up and grab a caffeinated beverage, complain about work/school for eight hours, go home, force yourself to go for that run along the Charles, go to bed routine. This generally ends with slipping on a pair wedges for a night (or two) out on the weekends (MORE LIME PLEASE) and ending up with a moral hangover on Sunday - we will talk about the Sunday Senti's at a later date. A Basic Bitch might accept this as her fate but a Basic Babe will do what she can to mix it up. There is too much to enjoy in Boston and the world to settle for the same scene week after week.

OK so I will get off my soapbox now and I promise the rest of these posts won't be preachy. We are going to enjoy Boston together and embrace our inner Triple B.  Until next time Babes.

Xo Whitney