Christmas shopping galore!

So I rarely venture down toward Downtown Crossing. Something about all that commotion really overwhelms me. While the H&M there is by far better than the one on Newbury Street, it still isn't a good enough reason to draw this Back Bayer to that side of town. Well, that's all about to change with this little gem I stumbled upon.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Boston Public Market have teamed up to present the first Annual Downtown Crossing Holiday Market. The market will have a diverse selection from artists selling all sorts of goodies: handcrafted jewelry, blown glass, paintings, photography and even items for man's best friend. As if that wasn't enough the market will sell specialty food items such as homemade honey, breads, organic fruits and vegetables, cheeses (my mouth is watering) and the list goes on and on.

What's missing from this equation? Live performances, you say dear readers? Worry not, they have taken care of that. Each day there will be live performers from 12 - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Oh my oh my.

The market kicked off yesterday and will continue through December 24, so you have no excuse to not check it out. It will be open everyday. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon - 6 p.m. on Sundays. The market will be set up on Summer Street in Downtown Crossing.

Gobble gobble

(Why can't we have Thanksgiving food everyday?
photo courtesy of xybermatthew)

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. If you're anything like me you're still recovering from the overdose of tryptophans. It was all well worth it, though.

So Thanksgiving is over, and now it's full steam ahead to Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly, so stay tuned this week, dear readers. I have a lot of fun events for y'all.

Thoughts I couldn't flesh out into full entries

Hey remember that time I use to write a blog about events in Boston? Yeah, me neither. I apologize, friends. These past ten days have been unbelievably hectic^max. It brought me back to a few years ago when I was an editor at the school paper and would regularly stay up until 5 a.m. and then have to be at work at in class by 9. I don't know how I did it, honestly. I had a few nights of staying up into the wee hours of the morning writing term papers - mainly analyzing First Amendment cases - and my body hated me for it. At least I had friends to commiserate with me (Oh hey, Eric!) But it's all over now! (well, for the most part) Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and after that, there's only a week and a half of classes left! Woohoo!

So here are few things I've meant to write about, but can't justify having an blog post of their own:

- I'm here to encourage you all to go out - tous les temps. Friday night was a disaster. My body crashed after my sleepless nights. I sat on the couch, unable to move, watching the Celtics. Saturday night though, I met a friend at Boston Beer Works, the one near Fenway Park. I HIGHLY recommend their Blueberry beer. DELIC.

- If you all haven't seen this video, you need to do so immediately. I guess anything is possible, KG.

-I watched Pirate Radio tonight. I really loved it.


Ty Burr of The Boston Globe reviewed the film and only gave it 2 ½ stars. I disagree. Will Philip Seymour Hoffman win an Oscar again? Probably not. Was it an enjoyable two hours? Absolutely. *I feel the need to say that movies with great soundtracks like this one make me realize I'm alive during the wrong generation. Womp womp.

-Now, I'm no fashionista, and this is definitely not a fashion blog but seriously Rihanna? Seriously? Come on, RiRi, let's make better decisions, now.

(AP Photo/Matt Sayles))

Ok, that should be all for my random rants. I should be back to my regualarly scheduled posts mañana.

Boston is Beautiful - Part 1

As those of you who regularly read Playground know, this blog is new. It's still a baby; and like every newborn, it needs constant care, attention and affection. Every day I learn its likes and dislikes. I learn about the things it needs - and this brings me to a new installment.

I've decided to start a Boston is Beautiful segment to the blog. I'll just showcase different pictures I take around the city. I always carry my camera on me. You know, you never know when a photo op will present itself. My camera is kind of like my weapon, it keeps me safe and prepared for any situation I may encounter around the Hub. (This brings me back to high school with Dr. Math Teach calling calculators 'guns.' In full disclosure, I was never in his class, but all my close amigas were. Come on people, I'm a writer, I would never take advanced math.) So, my camera is to me, what calculators were to my friends circa 2004. Ok enough with this analogy.

So I took the following pictures Sunday night. I was sitting on my bed, writing an essay on how abstinence-only campaigns are ineffective, and pretty much hating life. I looked up and saw the sun setting. It made me realize, dear readers, that even when you're stuck indoors writing papers, life isn't all that bad.




(pretty sweet view from my window, huh? Now you all know what I see the moment I wake up, and the last thing I see before sleeping at night. Weird.)

Double double, toil and trouble

Time is flying by! How is it already this late in November? This is nuts, Thanksgiving is only a week away. *DEEP BREATHS*

Just today I came to realize how quickly the days race by. My buddy Jeremy is in a theater production of Macbeth and I've been meaning to blog about it. All is good, until I realized, there are only two days of production left! UNREAL!

So here's the deal. Shakespeare Now! Theatre Company , the leader Shakespeare-in-education provider in Massachusetts, adapted the classic 'Macbeth.' I went to the show today, and it was great! The play is extremely well done! The director, Steven Maler, has created a modern-day Macbeth. Think 'Romeo and Juliet' a la Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes. Only different Shakespeare play. And on stage, rather than the big screen. It was honestly, very, very enjoyable. Grotesquely graphic at times, but nonetheless a very entertaining 2 hours.




So hurry up, dear friends - there are only two shows left. Thursday (11/19) and Friday (11/20). The theater is located at the Mass. College of Art (Tower Auditorium) at 621 Huntington Ave. This is right across the street from the Longwood T stop on the Green Line - E. There is also a 39 bus stop right in front of the building. Tickets cost $10 for students. Here's the slight catch though: performances are at 10 a.m. The play is intended for high school students (remember how excited you use to get for field trips?!) Today's performance was jam-packed with teens giggling every time Lady Macbeth recited the word 'breast.' Oh, high school.

The rain won't stop us now!

Did you also wake up this morning and cringe when you looked out the window? What is up with the rain?! So a day like this clearly calls for an indoors event - and I wouldn't leave you hanging, dear readers.

I was at the Garden a few days ago for a Celtics game and a poster caught my eye. A T ride home, and a google search later brought me to this: Star Wars in concert.

Star Wars in concert is a unique multi-media event featuring a live orchestra, choir, film footage, pages from John Williams' hand-written sheet music, production artwork, costumes, props, and music from all six epic Stars Wars scores. It's in town for one-night only. There are definitely some tickets left at different prices. Click here to buy tickets.


May the force be with you.
(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

Make it work

[One day in fashion you're in, and the next, you're out - <3 Heidi]


Now I know Thursdays are big days to go out - and as you all already know, I'm a big fan of going out. Not tonight, though. Tonight, dear readers, is Part 1 of the Project Runway finale. I love Project Runway, and while at first I was a little uncomfortable with the move from Bravo to Lifetime, from New York to L.A., from Michael Kors to other random guest judges (you get the point), I've come to terms with it.

While this season was a little less racy and extreme, you can't deny the talent on the show. (HELLO, can we forget Carol Hannah's dress for Christina Aguilera?) Yes, I'm totally on Team-Carol-Hannah. She's cute, and modest, and makes great dresses. She's no Mean-a-Irina. I want to see Irina go down in the mere hope she learns the definition of modesty. Wishful thinking? Maybe. But whatever, this girl needs to stop thinking she's the best thing since sliced bread.

So tonight, friends, at 10 p.m. tune in to Lifetime to view Part 1 of the Bryant Park finale. This is the episode where Tim Gunn travels to the finalists hometowns to check in on their progress. Let's see what the designers have hidden up their sleeves.

A picture is worth a thousand words

So these past few days in Boston, we've been fortunate enough to enjoy beautiful weather. Well, beautiful for November, that is. Yesterday, I was walking around with just a light sweater sans scarf. It was fantastic. So, in honor of our beautiful weather, I've decided to use Playground (HAHAHA, I just realized the abbreviation for this blog would be BIMP - so instead of that, I'll just use 'Playground.' I'm glad I can crack myself up) anyway, I've decided to use Playground to showcase my good friend Roula Haddad's photography. Roula is well traveled, and an excellent photographer. These photos are always a great reminder of beautiful days (Maybe I should repost them when we're in the midst of a snow storm). Enjoy!





Pure beauty.



J'adore, Paris.



Put your hands up for Beirut ... I love this city!



Relax^max



Years ago, when I was backpacking through Western Europe, I was just outside Barcelona hiking in the foothills of Mount Tibidabo ...


Who knew Canada, home to misfortunes such as Bryan Adams, the Montreal Canadians, and terrible weather, could be so pretty!



This picture will forever make me laugh.


Special thanks to Roula for allowing me to post her photos!

Miley being Miley

I know you are all bummed out that the Miley Cyrus concert tonight at the TD Garden is all sold out. I know, it's not fair. But life isn't fair, dear readers. So while we're not going to be at The Garden tonight, click here to enjoy Miley noddin' her head like yeahhh, shaking her hips like yeahhh.

Cornerstones

Hey there Huskies, I'm looking at you.

What are you up to this afternoon? Why don't you swing by Snell Library?

The Digital Media Design Studio is putting on a Huntington News Photography Exhibit. They will showcasing the excellent work of several student photographers from the Huntington News. All the photos "demonstrate the power of the image to tell a story and highlight seminal issues in our community," according to the press release.

Today's the opening from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on the 2nd floor of Snell Library. Contact Rob at 617.373.4109 for more information.

Having worked with The News for the past 4+ years, I can guarantee there's nothing student-like in the photographers' work. They're pros.

Also, don't forget about the concert tonight!

I guess 'tis the season to be jolly

(credit: Terren from Viginia)

Raise your hand if you always promise yourself you're going to get your holiday shopping done early, but are always scrambling around December 22nd. Yeah, me too.

I am here to try to help you keep that promise. It's weird considering it's still early November (hey, we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet!) but this weekend is Boston's 23rd Annual Christmas Festival. Yup, you read correctly, a CHRISTMAS festival. Does realizing how fast time flies by freak you out too? I was utterly disturbed when I got my first holiday to-go cup at Starbucks, about two weeks ago. Ok, back on topic.

So the Christmas Festival will include a whole lot of goodies. Bargain shopping, Christmas decorations, and get this: a gingerbread house competition! The competition will be judged by a "celebrity panel" (maybe Tom Colicchio will be there!!) and the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Click here for more information on the gingerbread competition.

Here are the details:
The festival is at the Seaport World Trade Center (just hop on the silver line and get off at the 'Seaport' stop). Tickets cost $12 for adults, and kids are free.

Friday, Nov. 6: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dance, dance

Who's ready for the weekend? THIS GIRL!

Seriously, these past few weeks have in school have been pure and utter torture. I might as well have been tearing my own hair out. While last weekend was fun, I had to deal with the whole 'acting my age' debacle. That kind of behavior makes me feel like I didn't take full advantage of the weekend - especially considering I passed out at 10 p.m. on Saturday (yup, Halloween night) watching Steve Martin at his finest in 'Cheaper by the Dozen.' Go me.

Ergo, I'm REALLY looking forward to this weekend. So readers, strap on your dancing shoes, Friday's going to be a good one.

Cassavettes are playing a show at The Middle East, Downstairs. Scratch that. They're releasing their new album on Friday at The MidEast. For those of you who have been to Cassavettes concert, you know what a banging show they put on. The guys are awesome, and their music rocks. It's going to be a great night of dance dance dance.

Here are the details:
The Middle East Downstairs is located at 448 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. (617) 864-EAST ext 221. Tickets cost $12 at the door. The show begins at 8 with Movers & Shakers, You Can Be a Wesley, and Quixote also performing.

Oh, and get ready for this: the event is 18+ so all you pretty young things can dance your socks off, too.

Click here for the Facebook event page.



(photo taken by my dear friend Aram Boghosian)


See ya Friday!

Tasty Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday, readers! Boy do I have a fun event for you today!

Tuesdays are always fun days. I thoroughly enjoy Tuesdays. They're not as depressing as Mondays, and do not drag on like Wednesdays. They're a nice little breath of fresh air during the busy, busy week.

Moving on. Most of you already know, there are few things I love as much as wine. Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir. Australian. South African. All wines are my friend.

So, Best Cellars, is having a Tasty Tuesday event! Andrew from Oz Wines will be in the store pouring all different types of wine. Reds and whites. Cheap and expensive. He'll be showcasing wines that Best Cellars do not carry - so it will be your only opportunity to purchase them. The event starts at 8:30 and costs $12. Pretty good deal, if you ask me.



*Disclaimer: I work at Best Cellars - but seriously guys, it's going to be a super fun!

EPIC failure, but yay for happy hour!

So Friday night I did something I rarely do - act my age. Oh yes, devoted readers, I went out to a party and drank a wee bit too much. I must say though, I had a pretty good time - and I'm not even a fan of Halloween. People dressing up all weird, and acting different is on the long list of the things that freak me out.

Anywho, Friday's adventures led to a highly unproductive Saturday. Soooo, I did not get around to posting about all the fun Halloween events in Boston. I apologize, dear readers.

I dropped the ball on this one - nothing really I can say to make up for it. I can recommend a happy hour though.

Tomrrow, Monday, and every Monday, Sel de la Terre has some wonderful specials. From 5-7 p.m. they offer $5 cocktails, and $1 appetizers. A few weeks ago, Anne and I enjoyed some wonderful tequila ginger cocktails. I'll be there tomorrow - see ya there!

Sel de la Terre is located at 774 Boylston St., right by the Mandarin Oriental.


Mmmm, cocktails - no better way to start the week.