May 10, 2013 by katelynmurf

How to make homemade coconut water. The Lazy way.

So I use to HATE coconut unless it was shredded and covered in chocolate. Then I could tolerate it. I’ve slowly forced myself into liking coconut water because it’s just so refreshing to drink after a hike up a mountain and supposedly good for you. For some reason, I love trying new health trends even though I love my junk food too. Goji berries anyone?

I impulsively bought a coconut at Whole Foods this week. Next, I took a wine opener/cork screw and a mallet (a hammer will work too). I hammered the screw into one bottom of the coconut a few times until I got a hole that went all the way through.

Next, I put the hole side down over a cup to drain the coconut of its water. I got the big wine glass above about 3/4 the way full.

The water comes out of the coconut with a few nitty gritty bits of coconut in it, so I drained them out with a fine mesh strainer. Either refrigerate until you drink or drink right away. I’m not sure how long this keeps in the fridge for, but my guess is until it smells bad or changes color. I’m no expert.

While this was a fun kitchen experiment, I think buying organic coconut water with low sugar is cheaper than making it at home. This coconut cost me $3.99 at Whole Foods in Massachusetts. If you live somewhere where coconuts grow on trees, then obviously it’s an affordable fun option! I like the purity organic brand that I tried last time and actually enjoyed. I’ve tried other brands that I just don’t like because they’re too sugary or have an overpowering coconut flavor.

Enjoy!

May 7, 2013 by katelynmurf

Falafel, Arnold Arboretum, Pizza, and babysitting.

Last Sunday, Kraig and I started our day off with lunch at Amsterdam Falafelshop in Davis Square. Amsterdam Falafelshop has a bar of toppings and dressings that you can add to your falafel.

We ordered small falafel sandwiches. I added hummus, tzatziki, pickles, cabbage, cucumber, and tomatoes.

After getting fueled on falafel, it was time to head over to the Arnold Aboretum in Jamaica Plain. I’ve never been been to the Arnold Aboretum and couldn’t believe that I’ve lived so close to such a gorgeous place my whole life and failed to explore it until I was 28. There is such a wide variety of beautiful trees here and a great view of the Boston skyline.

I certainly felt like I was transported out of Boston into a Nature Valley granola bar commercial.

My favorite tree here had to be the Weeping Higan Cherry Tree.

We were scoping out Arnold Aboretum as a potential engagement photo location and it looks like a winner. I’m just sad that the cherry trees will probably be gone when we take our pictures. After walking around for about 2 hours we headed to Picco for dinner. We ordered the alsatian pizza

and a pepperoni garlic pizza.

Picco bakes their crust to be well done. If you want them to bake your pizza for less time, then notify your server upon ordering. There may have been some mocha chip and caramel swirl ice cream consumed for dessert. Oink.

After dinner, we spent some quality time with my nephew Hunter. He was really into watching the monsters movie. He was also super cute when I told him he was a sugar pie and his response was “yeah I am.” haha

A nice way to end the weekend! I’m all caught up on Mad Men, but still need to watch Game of Thrones (WINTER IS COMING), Wicked Single (It’s gonna be a classay pahty), and Once Upon a Time!

May 7, 2013 by katelynmurf

Dessert for Breakfast. Union Square Donuts in Somerville, MA.

Last Saturday, Kraig ventured out to grab us a sampling of donuts from the hipster donut shop Union Square Donuts. The top left is a vanilla bean donut, the bottom left is maple bacon, the top right is creamsicle, and the bottom right is chocolate chipotle. I sampled all of the donut flavors except the creamsicle flavor because someone finished that one off. Ehem Kraig. These donuts were so fresh and tasted less cake-like than a dunkin donut. Kraig went to the donut shop at 9 AM and said there were other amazing flavors cooling on racks like salted caramel bourbon and a jam one that wouldn’t be ready until 10 AM. We’ll have to try those flavors next time!

May 1, 2013 by katelynmurf

World’s End in Hingham, MA.

Last Sunday the gorgeous Spring weather continued in Massachusetts, so Kraig and I decided to take a walk in World’s End. World’s End is located on the South Shore in Hingham, MA and is my favorite place to go walking in the state. It costs $6 for nonmember adults to gain admission, so we have a trustess membership because we go so often. These pictures do not do this place justice. I would even recommend a tourist to check this place out if they want to take a day trip outside of Boston. You would probably need a car to get here and could go to Crow Point Pizzeria for a buffalo chicken calzone afterwards. You can even take a drive down Main Street which Eleanor Roosevelt quoted to be “the most beautiful Main St. in America”. Google it!

Here’s a view of the road from Hingham to Hull.

Some guy with a better camera than me taking pictures on a bench of the beautiful scenery.

You can barely make out the Boston skyline below thanks to my awesome camera skills.
I’m loving Spring this year!

April 30, 2013 by katelynmurf

Hiking Mt. Major in New Hampshire.

Last Saturday Kraig and I embarked on a small hiking adventure to Mt. Major in New Hampshire. The car ride from Somerville to the mountain was about an hour and 44 minutes. I haven’t been hiking on a mountain in months so I wanted to make sure the mountain we were going to was approachable for our fitness levels. I took the advice of Hike New England and took the Boulder Loop Trail up the mountain.

The hike to the top of the mountain allowing room for a few water breaks took us about an hour. We enjoyed some peanut butters sandwiches, goji berries, and water at the summit with some beautiful views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

There was actually a snow-capped mountain, but my iphone didn’t capture it.

We took the steeper way down via Major-Straightback Link, Brook Trail, and Mount Major Trail. The picture below is after the steepest part passed. I would definitely recommend hiking shoes for this trail to avoid injury.

After finishing the hike, we refueled with some coconut water that I scored from Cambridge Naturals on sale last week.

Then it was time to buy some tax free air conditioners and cheaper gas. Yeah NH! Now I’m asking myself where to hike next? I’m thinking maybe Bald Peak.

April 26, 2013 by katelynmurf

The Flatbread Company in Davis Square

Last night Kraig and I met up with one of my childhood friends Meg at The Flatbread Company in Davis Square. The Flatbread Company is inside Sacco Bowl. What could be better than a place with a bar, pizza, and bowling? Not much. We ordered both of the pizza specials of the day. One was a buffalo chicken pizza special and the other was a special with BEETS.

Kraig ordered the drink special of the day which was a La Paloma. It has tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda in it. I’ve heard that people in Mexico drink La Palomas more than they drink Margaritas. I prefer Margaritas because I’m not much of a grapefruit fan.

Meg and I opted for beers instead. I got a slumbrew beer and then the CBC Amber.

Some tips for going out to eat at The Flatbread Company.

1. They take reservations for parties of 8 or more.

2. If you have a party smaller than 8 people, then you can put yourself on the call ahead list. Call the restaurant 30 minutes before you want to be seated and put your name on the wait list.

3. The Pizzas here are less calories because they slice it smaller. just kidding. I wish!

4. Expect to see a lot of cute rugrats here with their parents.

5. Enjoy!

April 23, 2013 by katelynmurf

The Fells

A few weeks ago, my college roommate and friend Liz took me on a day trip to The Fells. There’s a decent skyline view of Boston from here.

We did some ~~hiking~~ walking around the area until we found the reservoir. Liz lead the way because I have an awful sense of direction especially when it involves trails and no map.

Doesn’t this semi remind you of a Poland Springs ad?

After our walk, it was time for lunch at the All Star Sandwich Bar in Cambridge. This place is awesome! I’m so glad Liz introduced me to this sandwich shop. I wasn’t in the mood for meat, so I got the falafel sandwich. There are so many yummy options on their menu and I can’t wait to go back to try more sandwiches. This isn’t a typical sandwich shop either because they provide waiter service at your table and you can even order a beerah (that’s beer with a Boston accent). It’s also walking distance from supposedly the best ice cream shop in town that I still need to try out. I’ve had this place on a list of places to try to for years. Hopefully, I’ll get to enjoy it soon. Back to the sandwich shop, I believe they do take out too. I recommend checking it out if you’re in the area.