Boston Archives - Page 2 of 7

Love You, Boston

December 15, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

’tis the season for SO.MUCH. to be going on in the Bean, so I’m excited to introduce a mini series highlighting new restaurant openings, stores and events, and other merriment gracing the city.

Want to submit something? LMK! shellchicd{at}gmail{dot}com.

Earls Prudential Center // 800 Boyston Street
Coolest new bar in Boston, no doubt about it, and the $5 drink of the month(s) is the ~~cherry~~ pinecone on top. TONIGHT {12.15} from 5pm on, they’re hosting a free Ugly Sweater Party:: DJs, drinks, bad decisions.

Avanti Pop-Up Salon // 24 Newbury Street
Truth be told, this place seems too good to be true, but I tried it out last month and found that magic does exist. Avanti Salon has opened a pop-up blow dry bar on the first floor of their Newbury Street locations. They take appointments and walk-ins, and blowouts are an easy $50. #newprofpic

Luke’s Lobster // 23-55 Northern Ave
First of all, if your man’s name is Luke, get him down to a Luke’s Lobster location ASAP for a free roll today {12.15} in honor of the newest Star Wars release!
And if it’s not, ~~get out your wallet~~ you can still enjoy the chain’s newest location on Northern Ave in Seaport. I have the same feelings toward lobster as I do toward white jeans and rosé:: there’s no stoppin’ me post-Labor Day.

Miracle Christmas Bar // 25 Edwin H Land Boulevard {Cambridge}
Cambridge’s Kimpton Marlowe Hotel has transformed their lobby bar into a winter wonderland. Until December 24th, cozy up in their pop-up Christmas Bar, complete with ugly sweaters and naughty or nice shots. Another Chrismapolitan, please!

Tea Forté // 177 Newbury Street
If we’re being honest, I wasn’t exactly counting down the minutes until I got to check out a new tea shop pop-up. Yet now that I have, I am so. darn. impressed. and haven’t stopped drinking tea since ~~says the coffee addict~~. This is more of an experience than a shop that sells tea, and watching the colorful blends steep is half of the fun. Definitely picking up a gift or two here.

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The 10 Most Underrated Characters in The Nutcracker

December 1, 2017 by Emily Leave a Comment

If you’ve come by looking for my annual stream of consciousness, I do apologize. While I continue to have many thoughts during all viewings of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, I figure there are only so many times you’re interested in hearing me question the hype over a wooden toy that cracks nuts and how lust-inducing the Russians are, despite all current political affairs.

This year I was sitting in on The Nutcracker’s dress rehearsal {such a treat!} and couldn’t help but think about all of the underrated characters that grace this stage every holiday season. Don’t get me wrong, Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy are bae, but what about the underdogs?

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

10 // Bear
Despite being the face of this show, I fear Bear isn’t reeeally taken seriously as a dancer. Hey! You’ve got it easy – no pointe shoes! Just put on this 15-pound fur costume. Breathing and unobstructed vision are overrated anyway. Oh, and you have to pose for photos with crying children before and after every show.

9 // Fritz
Let’s be real, this kid is a turd, but he is adorable and funny as hell, made cuter by the fact that he seems to be completely unaware of such. His little nervous, sour face is irresistible, so we can temporarily forgive his desperate middle-child attention-demanding behavior.

8 // Russians # 2 and 3
True, this scene receives a standing ovation more times than not, but I can’t help but ache a little for the non-soloists in the back. They’re like Lance Bass and JC Chasez. Of course frontman Justin Timberlake is going to rock your world with his quintuple turn followed by 19 fouettes into 24 of whatever those jump things are, but I dare anyone else to attempt 3 seconds of their routine without breaking an ankle or inducing an asthma attack. These are not your average backup ~~singers~~ dancers.

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

7 // The Conductor
Beatrice Affron holds it down in her pit every. darn. show. with little to no regard. There is no double casting here!! HelLO audience, the show quite literally cannot go on without her unless you’re into silent films. Sure everyone applauds for the orchestra when prompted, but is that the best you got?

6 // Pages
Not only are these tiny children delightful on their own, but they deserve a round of applause for being sub-8-year-olds who have to stand on stage in character, in period clothing, for a large duration of a very long show.

5 // Baby Black Sheep
On that note, from the urchins to the reindeer, there are a lot of freaking cute children in this show, but the Black Sheep takes the cake. Every year, no question. I want to shake this kid’s hand.

4 // Mother Ginger’s Hair
That hair is the size of aforementioned Baby Black Sheep. Everyone is looking at her 50-lb skirt, but I am beyond impressed with the perfectly secured foot-and-a-half tall wig balancing a SHIP headpiece, no less, on it.

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

3 // Pastorale Man
WC Fields once warned, “never work with children or animals,” they’re scene stealing. Yet broseph here has to work with both, AS WELL AS juggle two women. I guarantee 97% of the audience’s attention is on the gals and sheep pals, but this guy always emerges as an A+ dancer who gets so little respect! Next time, give him a second look. I mean, he’s not sore on the eyes anyway.

2 // Ballerina Doll
I could watching this chick dance for far longer than the ~60 seconds or so she is given. Every year, no fail, I pout when her cute little robotic self is carried off stage. She must have a side hustle as a break dancer, no? It takes a certain rare skill set to pop and lock like that. Holler at me if you know anything.

1 // Grandmother & Grandfather
Do yourself a favor and tune out the entire party scene {sorry, everyone else} except Granny & Gramps next time you see this show. I don’t know if this is one of Mikko’s recent insertions of humor or what, but it took me until just last year to give them a second glance, and boy have I been missing out. They have DEF had one-too-many eggnogs and are getting all frisky and flirty to one another! The casting here really puts the wind in my sails.

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is running at The Boston Opera House through December 31, and tickets start at just $35. It has become my absolute favorite holiday tradition, and I couldn’t recommend this production and cast—ALL of them—more.

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Where to Shop Black Friday in Boston

November 22, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

Snapped by Kate

Off work today? Screw you.

JK. At the office but counting the hours until ~~winesgiving~~ the best holiday and a weekend of ~~greed~~ shopping.

Thought I’d break this year’s Black FriYAY Guide up by shopping center, for those looking to venture out on this kooky day of capitalism. Despite the crowds, there really is something fun about picking up that no-whip Peppermint Mocha and shoppin’ around the Christmas tree.

So here’s where to shop Black Friday in Boston + beyond, and a list of stores that have gotten the party started a little early – I’ll be back with updates all week long!

[ UPDATED FOR CYBER MONDAY! ]

[ Derby Street Shoppes ]
A Ruby:: Spend $100, take $25 off; spend $150, take $50 off + free shipping
Ann Taylor:: 50% off everything; code BESTMONDAY
Anthropologie:: 20% off everything + free shipping
Banana Republic:: 50% off everything
Bluemercury:: Free gift cards with select spends
DAVIDsTEA:: 25% off; code CYBER-MONDAY
GAP:: 50% off everything; code CYBER
J.Crew:: 40% off everything; code SHOPFAST
Kate Spade:: 30% off full price + 40% off sale; code MOREJOY
Kohl’s:: 20% off; code BUYNOW20
LOFT:: 50% off everything; code CLICK
Madewell:: 25% off; code GOODMOOD
Nic+Zoe:: 30% off everything
The Paper Store:: 20% off everything

[ Assembly Row ]
Express Factory:: 50% off everything
J.Crew Factory:: 60% off everything + extra 50% off clearance; code CYBER
Lucky Brand:: 50-70% off everything
Saks off 5th:: 50%+ off; code HOLIDAY17
Steve Madden:: 35% off; code CYBER

[ Newbury Street ]
Anthropologie:: 20% off everything + free shipping
Banana Republic:: 50% off everything
Cole Haan: 30-50% off everything + additional 10% off; code CYBER
Jack Wills:: 30% off everything
Kate Spade:: 40% off everything; code GIVEJOY
Lilly Pulitzer:: Gifts with purchase
Madewell:: 25% off; code GOODMOOD
Tea Forte:: 30% off
Urban Outfitters:: $15 off $75; $50 off $150

[ Shameless Plug ]
Shift:: 15% off everything + free shipping; code MONDAYFUNDAY
Southern Tide Nantucket:: 15% off everything + free shipping; code MONDAYFUNDAY

[ Ecommerce ]
ASOS:: 30% off everything; EPIC30
Baggu:: 25% off everything; code OKHOLIDAY
BaubleBar:: 35% off everything; code CYBER35
Boohoo:: 50% off everything
Joss & Main:: 30% off everything; code SAVE30
Keds:: 30% off full-price + 10% off sale + free gift with purchase; code LOADUP
Lisi Lerch:: 30% off everything
Lord & Taylor:: 25% off everything; code CYBER
Persifor:: Up to 70% off everything
Revolve:: 20% off everything; code CYBER20
Sam Edelman:: 30% off sale; code CYBERSALE
Shopbop:: Extra 35% off sale; code WOW35
Target:: 15% off everything
Tuckernuck:: 20%+ off everything; code GONUTS

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The Brunch Diaries: High Tea at The Langham

November 7, 2017 by Emily 4 Comments

And in today’s episode of Emily the Anglophile.

After an amazing styling session with the gorgeous team at MM.LaFleur, we headed to The Langham Boston for a little ~~overindulging~~ partea.

I knew The Langham Boston for its gorgeous historical exterior, shmancy AF lounge BOND, and sweet pink taxi cab for guests. What I didn’t know is that they have one of the ~~most Instagrammable~~ best afternoon teas in the city.

Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood is a tradition dating back to 1865, when it was first held at The Langham London, the brand’s flagship. I would quite honestly live off of cucumber & cream cheese sandwiches and fresh scones with clotted cream should you ask me to, though what really made this tea stand out was the creative cocktails. We turned into total lushes at the sight of their G & Tea – literally, an infused gin + tea cocktail. The Truffled Egg Salad or Maple Custard Cream Puffs with Pumpkin Crystals weren’t terrible either though, I suppose.

But what I’ll be going back to The Langham Boston for is its Saturday Chocolate Bar. This may or may not be intended for children, but if you’re an adult that isn’t drooling at the thought of a make-your-own-donut bar then I’d prefer our relationship stops here.

Shop my dress & ballet flats

Bethany | Gabby | Svetlana

High tea, donut walls, and a pink taxi cab? If The Langham Boston isn’t on brand, then I don’t know what is.

Additional photos by Nadia de Lemeny

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Full Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary meal at The Langham Boston for the purpose of this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Girls’ Night Out with Sip & Script

June 30, 2017 by Emily 2 Comments

Because summer {and all of 2017 for that matter} has gotten so quickly away from me, I’m throwing it way back to the most blissful little spring night at Neatly Nested Decor, in which I invested in some continued education by way of learning calligraphy over a few sneaky-strong weekday cocktails.

I’m talkin’ bout Sip & Script! Looking for a Boston calligraphy class? Here’s one served straight up.

If Alice’s Table is the new Paint Night, Sip & Script is the new Alice’s Table.

{JK Alice still love u just as much!!!}

Sip & Script is the love child of my main woman Julie // Posh & Prep {she did a bunch of projects for my wedding!} and Meg // Bliss Lettering, two darling calligraphers who are donating their professional expertise to these crazy fun girls’-night-out meets hand lettering parties.

I’ve been trying to cheat my way through calligraphy for years, so it was so fun to finally sit down {with a bevvy courtesy of Kate’s talents} and actually learn the proper way to do calligraphy. No mo’ cheating with Sharpies for this one.

Meg & Julie host ~~workshops~~ parties all over the New England area {keep an eye on their sched here} but are also available for private events. How cute would this be for a bachelorette? Can you handle it?

I guarantee after just one of their fun intros, you’ll be addicted. #Nibs4Life

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50 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty

May 16, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

As a self-proclaimed Disney princess in training and a former dancer, it’s slightly mortifying to admit that, on the way to my recent viewing of Boston Ballet Sleeping Beauty, I googled “which came first sleeping beauty ballet or story.”

Yeah it was the story. By about 200 years. 10 points from Gryffindor.

I’m here to talk ballet though. With the exception of some VHS viewings during the toddler ballet class I used to co-teach {read: I was on bathroom duty}, I, also embarrassingly, had never seen it. That {finally!} changed this month, and here’s how it went down…

Prologue

What’s thaa–FLOWER CROWNS!
Ohh Mom can I get one? Boston Ballet gift shop is so on TREND right now.
Or maybe she brought it herself in which this 6-year-old is so on trend right now.
How is it 2017 and we have not figured out a way to make holding a handbag, program, ticket, and champagne glass while trying to find one’s seat just slightly more feasible?
Spill number one. I think that lost sip alone cost about three dollars.
God I hope there are no political undertones in The Sleeping Beauty.

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

Showtime

1. BUTTERFLIES
2. And I’m an 8-year-old me in Magic Kingdom.
3. I might cry actually?
4. Oh poms on the shoes, very in gentlemen, very in!
5. KIDS there are KIDS in this performance oh those little ballet boys are such a treat!!
6. Dancers’ effortlessly graceful hands are without question their most underrated feature.
7. No Newbury Street manicure and paraffin wrap ever gon’ make my hands looks that graceful.
8. This Cinderella looking one is stealing alllllll my attention right now and not just because I like her costume.
9. The sound of pointe shoes on a stage gives me all the feels.
10. {loud sigh next to me} Mom too.
11. This scene is 8-year-old Emily’s vision of what love is supposed to be.
12. Can I have some wine to go with that cheese?
13. Related: I am so committed to my husband but good god these male bodies.
14. Stop gaping Emily.
15. Flying monkeys?
16. Nope wrong show Wicked comes to town next month!
17. I swear I remembered my glasses this time but is that makeup or masks?!
18. Masks. Must get prescription checked.
19. I don’t know if this is Mikko’s doing or who deserves credit but Boston Ballet has been upping the sneaky additions of humor lately and it is CLUTCH.
20. I met Mikko Nissinen this month.
21. You could say we’re basically besties.
22. I have FOMO of not being in this ballet right now.
23. Ahhh. They think they defeated this behemoth but we know better.

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

24. This aesthetic is on point so ANTHRO.
25. Like I would have been very happy with this as my own wedding.
26. Minus the whole marrying a man I met once before bit.
27. I’m not going to name names ok I don’t actually know her name but I spy someone who is going to go preeetttyyy far in this company.
28. Speaking of principals! Aurora!
29. Aren’t these suitors a little old for her?
30. Oh who am I to judge.
31. Holy SHPLIT it just keeps going!!!
32. It’s going to break!!

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy Boston Ballet

33. Why, just why, would you approach a shadowy hooded woman on your own account girl?
34. Well I mean I guess the Beast refused to and got sort of screwed so ok I see your point.
35. So impressive how people dressed then.
36. But honestly there must have been some version of the yoga pant in 1890, no?
37. These nymphs are sporting some J.Crew Holiday 2013 sequins and I’m o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d.
38. This sass is playing hard so hard to get you’d think Prince was just her side boo.
39. She’s all, you think I’m just a dream well how you like me now?
40. I’ve seen a lot of chaîné turns in my life but these chaîné turns really put the wind in my sail.
41. You could say they’re turnt.
42. QUESTION how did Aurora make it to a bed when everyone else froze in place?
43. People are offended by the idea of The Bachelor but girlfriend just woke up and decided she’s ok with marrying him after one walk around the forest and a 100-year break?
44. Lilac Fairy is all yeah, you all owe me.
45. PUSS IN BOOTS who let them in here?!
46. Blue Bird is like, oh, you want me to put my leg down now?
47. But, why did Little Red Riding Hood bring the wolf as her wedding date though?
48. I know it’s the biggest faux pas to even think the word Disney in relation to the ballet but THIS. IS. SO. MAGICAL.
49. I’m not crying you’re crying.
50. Oh good Mom is actually crying.

Because of the company performing it, and the esteem of the story, my expectations were subconsciously set high for Boston Ballet Sleeping Beauty. Unsurprisingly, they were met and exceeded with a cherry on top.

The Sleeping Beauty runs through May 27 at the Boston Opera House. It’s a true gem for all ages, and I can’t wait for you to scoop up some tickets for yourselves!

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Full disclosure:: I was provided with two complimentary tickets to The Sleeping Beauty for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own

52 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s Artifact

March 13, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

Coming back from a vacation is always slightly easier to do when you have something to look forward to on the other end. For me, that was a hot date with the Boston Ballet at the dress rehearsal for William Forsythe’s Artifact.

The setting:: I’ve got a prime seat in a near-empty theater with two gems—Laura and Celina—a handful of photog/videographers, and Lillian, the darling Marketing Manager for the Boston Ballet. We’re chatting and waiting for the show to start when she casually tells me the choreographer has entered the building.

1. Forsythe is here?
2. FORSYTHE IS HERE.
3. What does he look like? Quick, I’ll Google image.
4. He’s an actor?
5. Definitely wrong Forsythe
6. Backspace backspace, “william forsythe choreographer”
7. GOT HIM ok. On the lookout.
8. Someone’s on the stage. Is it Dusty?
9. Why did I forget my glasses why did I forget my glasses
10. Better to focus on the movements than the faces anyway?
11. The lights are on.
12. There’s no music.
13. Is this because dress rehearsal or art?
14. QUIET DOWN PEOPLE IT’S PURPOSEFUL ARTISTIC SILENCE

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

15. Spooky setting reminds me of Into the Woods.
16. (In only the best of ways)
17. Spoken word?!
18. They never cease to surprise me here.
19. Trying not to forget you will hear you will see I think I’m being hypnotized? I think you’ve always been saying the same things down there
20. Their movements are so simple and clean they could almost trick you into thinking anyone could be up there performing.
21. Sorry suckers, harder than it looks.
22. Oh I LURVE the sound of bare feet on stage floors.
23. Takes me back to my younger days when I was taught that the most desirable thing in life is not a perfect dancer’s body or pristine balance or true love but rather perfectly calloused feet.
24. Wow there’s so much going on OH MY GOD I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK
25. Why you thought you think you saw you thought you think I’M GOING CRAZY AREN’T I
26. Their costumes looks so comfy!
27. I mean, relatively speaking.
28. Bodysuits can only be considered comfortable to a select part of the population.
…………
29. Oh sorry I just lost all thoughts during that section.
30. I am being hypnotized aren’t I?

boston ballet tickets; william forsythe artifact

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

31. I haven’t seen high jumps like this since the Nutcracker Russians!
32. If you don’t incorporate syncopated clapping is it really a contemporary dance?
33. This might be the biggest ensemble piece I’ve seen on this stage to date.
34. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when some of these dancers receive their costume assignments.
35. It’s a pas de deux x2!
36. Like a double date!
37. SCENE CHANGE these transitions are so seamless it’s creepy!
38. How did we get down to one couple?
39. Ok I’m picking up on some political undertones.
40. It’s Trump’s America and we’re so confused and can’t keep up and don’t know where to look.
41. Don’t quote me on that one.
42. Women versus men democrats versus republicans?
43. I guarantee this work is unlike anything else these ballerinas have ever been asked to do.
44. Must confirm after show, is “ballerina” a degrading and/or anti-feminist term?
45. I know I know you know I know this is like a high school gossip sesh.
46. This PIANO I’m feeling La La Land right now!
47. SASS is it just me or did this just take a turn for sultry?
48. It’s the three Russians from The Nutcracker!
49. Also don’t quote me on that note to self check program books to confirm.
50. Ok there is definitely a political theme going on here right?
51. I. Am. Mesmerized.
52. I just let out a deep breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.

Like a fleeting summer romance, Artifact had the quickest of runtimes and unfortunately wrapped up last week. But it’s not your last chance to see a Forsythe piece–Boston Ballet kicked off a five-year partnership with the choreographer, so there’s more of where this came from. The improv, the purposeful unfinished production, this was unlike anything I’ve ever seen from this company.

In the meantime, save the date for the premiere of Boston Ballet’s Kylián/Wings of Wax, which kicks off March 23! Assuming my ridiculous commentary hasn’t gotten me banned from The Opera House, you know I’ll be back.

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Last-Minute Local

December 23, 2016 by Emily Leave a Comment

Time to face it. It’s December 23rd and unless you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg and beg some customer service rep via support chat {#beenthere}, your days of Christmas shopping via the world wide web are over. TOO bad you’re going to have to shop local(!!!). Here’s where I’m sending ya for some local Boston gifts::

in the pink // #bias, but I’m someone who has loved gifting & getting Lilly since long before I started working here. We’ve got tons of prezzies under $50, one-size-fits-all cashmere, and our exclusive Cape & Islands Murfee Scarf is now 20% off just for the holidays! Click here for all locations, and need a friends & family coupon? Hit me up.

Follain // There’s a reason soaps and lotions are probbbably one of the more common gifts of all time. People like ’em, people use ’em. But skip the silly department store box sets in favor of some unique picks from healthy beauty store Follain. Find them in Beacon Hill and the South End {& if you’re lucky, you may even spot Alex there!}.

Living Proof // Speaking of beauty, here’s a hint to anyone who ever comes in contact with my Christmas stocking:: I. Love. Living. Proof. And that’s coming from someone who isn’t a product person. Their mini travel-size pieces are just screaming to be placed in a stocking. Dry shampoo > socks.
Living Proof IS a local company {whattup whattup Cambridge Mass}, but at this point you should head to your local chain store to shop it in time–it’s sold at Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Saks.

A Ruby // I’m pretty sure I don’t know one woman in my life who wouldn’t appreciate unwrapping something from A Ruby, whether she’s aware of the brand or not. Timeless, classic, subtly chic sweaters, tops, and leggings are no-brainers. If you’re in the city, make your way to their pop-up in Copley Place. Stickin’ to the ‘burbs? There’s a storefront at Legacy Place too. Click here for locations.

Townpool // For the guy who has everything and/or wants nothing, head to TownPool’s Boylston Street popup. No further explanation needed.

And my two go-to shopping centers for last-minuto gifts::

The Street // This is 110% where I’m planning on running to for gift cards and stocking stuffers. You can finish your shopping within an hour–a MiniLuxe manicure for your niece, some J.McLaughlin winter accessories that she’d never buy for herself for your sister, a Davio’s gift card for your in-laws. The directory goes on and on.

Cambridgeside Galleria // Even in the busiest shopping season of the year, I never feel overwhelmed by crowds or the layout at Cambridgeside Galleria. Here’s the mall to scoot to if you want lots of options and last-minute deals–J.Crew, Banana Republic, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, and at least a dozen restaurants with gift card options. Don’t want to deal with fighting other angry shoppers for a parking spot? It’s right off the Lechmere stop on the Green Line.

And that’s all cuties! May your cocoa be warm & your shopping be DONE. Wishing you all a merry everything, see ya next week!

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Christmas on the Hill

December 14, 2016 by Emily 3 Comments

Sweet lil’ Beacon Hill knows a thing or two about decking the halls. If you’ve ever visited the cobblestone streets on Halloween, you know what I’m talking about. A Beacon Hill Christmas is no different, with garland-wrapped lamp posts straight out of a Harry Potter film and elaborate evergreen wreaths on every colored door. We’ve spent more than one Sunday this month strolling up and down the Hill, and I can’t name one thing that had gotten me more in the holiday spirit than this.

Christmas Plaid Shirt {30% off with code HOLIDAY} | Similar Black Polka Dot Bow Skirt | Sadie Pom-Pom Tartan Flats [similar] {30% off with code HOLIDAY} | Similar Black Crossbody Purse {30% off with code FRIENDS}

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SHOP THE POST::

40 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, v. 2

December 7, 2016 by Emily 4 Comments

I’m about to celebrate my 28th Christmas. That means I’ve seen The Nutcracker, let’s say, give or take, 20 times.

…Not including all of the VHS tape showings I’ve sat through in years of teaching and taking dance lessons myself.

20-something times later, I still feel all the feels. It never gets old, and I never run out of ignorant and ridiculous reactions. So here you have it, forty thoughts that danced through my mind watching Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker 2016::

1. The chin-up bright-eyed the-world-is-my-oyster look of joy Delia Wada-Gill just offered the audience as she walked to center stage is the same look I get on my face when I walk into a doughnut shop and I hope she never forgets that feeling.
2. OOH chIIIIIlls at that first note GAME. ON.
3. EEEP the urchins are the cutest little munchkins e-v-e-r.
4. Just me or does Drosselmeier resemble Evan from The Bachelorette?
5. God I hope Evan and Carly are still together.
6. I am in literal tears over the fact that there is a biracial couple at this party SO BOSTON SO BEAUTIFUL.
7. The men all just took a shot together is that a new addition to the choreo or have I been missing this action all these years?
8. Grandmother is lookin’ DAMN good for her age.
9. The Ballerina Doll might be the most underrated character of this entire ballet.
10. Welp another year another failed attempt to get this audience up for the standing ovation that Bear solo deserved.
11. God a nutcracker is SUCH a weird gift I can’t get over it.
12. Must have been the Hatchimal of 1816?
13. Is the tree growing or are we shrinking? Asking for a friend.
14. I know the rats are not very likable but can we all take a moment to appreciate how hard their job is?
15. You do realize that’s the same level as playing like Captain Hook or Jafar in Disney World right?
16. You have to be an amazing performer while wearing a fake head four times the size of your own sweating buckets and maintaining composure all while being booed by the audience.
17. GINGERBREAD MAN!!!
18. You are my favorite and I feel the same sort of affection toward you as I know many feel about Li’l Sebastian.
19. Snow Queen SLAY she is f-l-a-w-l-e-s-s.
20. Not sure if I’m just more in tune to it now or if it’s a commentary on current events but this pas de deux is giving off a serious feminist vibe and I am digging IT #girlpower
21. I just want this to be my life.
22. Would I really want this life?
23. You’d, like, never be available for Christmas parties.
24. No it’d be worth it.
25. But like, spiked hot chocolate.
26. Worth it still want this life.

27. My vote for the most impressive thing in this show really should be the number of pirouettes Misa Kuranaga can do or how flexible Lia Cirio is but I really cannot stop thinking about how flawlessly that crown goes onto Clara’s head and how it’s able to stay there for the next 45 minutes.
28. If I am so lucky as to have a son he will be forced into ballet for the sole purpose of becoming one of these adorable baby guards one day.
29. The Spanish set looks like the most fun double date ever.
30. Why do we never discuss the Arabian set’s precious baby snake charmers who sit so politely and patiently on the side?
31. I’m feeling slightly uncomfortable and I’m not sure if it’s because of the eerie music or looking at her abs while acknowledging the amount of pumpkin pie I just ate.
32. This is goals.
33. Starting a Change.org petition to lengthen the Chinese set.
34. TheRussiansaremyfavoritepartofthisentireshowI’msorrynotsorryIcan’tdenyityou’reallbeautiful.
35. BLACK SHEEP BLACK SHEEP I want to snuggle you!!!
36. Waltz of the Flowers SOGOOD right now is it always this good?
37. Ashley Ellis you are Hilary Duff in A Cinderella Story.
38. Forget the rats, pretty sure the most difficult role of this entire show is that of the soldier who has to stand guard for virtually half of this act and is played by what must be an 8-year-old boy aka the most impatient age and gender combination of all time.
39. The Grand Pas de Deux is a literal dance-off and how have I never noticed that before?
40. Misa def just mic-dropped.

Where can you too indulge in The Nutcracker Boston friends? Mikko Nissinen’s adaptation will be playing at the Boston Opera House through December 31st, and tickets start at just $35 {#stockingstuffer}. Forgive me for being blunt, but you will regret not making time for this production.

Photos by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet

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Full disclosure:: I was provided with two complimentary tickets to The Nutcracker
for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have
attended Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker in many years past, unsponsored.

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