Ovo

Last night, I was surprised with a ticket to go see Cirque du Soleil's show "Ovo".  It was my first time at a Cirque performance, and they totally exceeded my expectations.  They were flawless! 

The best performers were the Ants that did foot juggling.  They were the cutest and reminded me of little Oompa Loompas.  The major disappointment?  No pictures were allowed, whatsoever.  So here is their show trailer:

The Grand Chapiteau is down at Fan Pier in Boston until July 30th; click here for a list of other cities and dates.

Walk Across America

What do you get when you mix six guys, two weeks, one RV, and a Canon 5D camera?  A walk across America with around 2,770 still shots used to create the above viral ad for Levi's.  Check out the Google Map of their route or the behind the scenes clip.  What a fun project!

P.S. the tune is "Home" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros :)

(via LikeCool)

Summer Vacations

It seems like everyone is on summer vacation, and I am working like mad these last 3 weeks of July!  Luckily, last weekend I took a trip up to Kennebunkport, Maine.  I'll have more to share about that soon, but in the meantime, here is a snapshot of some other summer getaways from some of my favorite bloggers...

Joanna of A Cup of Jo enjoys a family getaway in the Hudson Valley

Naomi of Rockstar Diaries is off shooting storybook castles and delicious pastries in France

Ashley and Aron of Hither and Thither soak up the sun, New England style, on Cape Cod

Marcie of Lemons & Laundry visits the natural paradise that is Hawaii

Vicky of Bikinis and Passports does a whirlwind tour of the U.S.A.

 Gabby of Gypsy*Diaries relaxes (and even milks a cow) in the Italian Alps

Where are you going this summer?

The Future Mapping Co.

A background in design and a love of maps led to the creation of these beautiful pieces by The Future Mapping Company.  They have a store in London, and also ship overseas.  I noticed they make wallpaper... maybe my office needs a little redecorating? :)

(via Oh Joy!)

Swimming in Singapore

This summer has been so hot and humid, and I can't think of a better way to cool off than jumping in a swimming pool.  Check out this infinity pool - nearly 7 stories high!  It's part of the Sands Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.  According to their FAQ, the pool is accessible only to hotel guests, but the general public can purchase tickets to visit an observation deck and part of the swimming pool deck.  I'm used to seeing infinity pools overlooking a beach or an ocean, what an amazing experience overlooking the city!  Where is your favorite swimming pool?

(Photos via Boston.com, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and williamcho)

Weekend Recap

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to have my best friend and my boyfriend in town.  Yay for summertime visitors!

We had to drive my friend to the airport super early, so the boyfriend and I decided to head to the beach in Nahant to see the sunrise.  Not much was open so early for breakfast, so we headed back towards Boston.  After a stop at Twin Do-Nuts in Brighton/Allston, I had a full-on sugar rush and forgot all about my early wake up call.  

(Mapparium photo from Boston.com)

Next, we got stuck in a giant downpour, so we ducked inside the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.  Mapparium?  I know, sounds weird, but it was actually really cool.  It's like stepping inside of a giant globe made of individually painted stained glass panels.  For a $6 admission fee ($4 for students) the guided tour was about 15 minutes and included a sound and light presentation.  We weren't allowed to take pictures, so that was disappointing.  But I have to admit, it was a unique place to visit and that's what I love - discovering new places in a city where I already think I've seen everything.

U.S. Passport Fee Increase

 

(photo via swimparallel)

Just a quick announcement for my fellow American travelers!  Starting July 13th, the fee to renew your passport increases from $75 to $110.  For a new passport, the fee is increasing from $110 to $135 (yikes!).  If you don't have your passport - run and get one!  If your passport is expired, get it renewed!  Where?  At your nearest passport agency (or acceptance facility, like a local post office). The good news?  Passports are valid for 10 years.  For more information, check out the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Now the fun part - passport holders!  I love this bold, orange case by tinymeat and the whimsical airplane print with polka dot interior by GracieDesigns (and both have many more styles to choose from).  For more of a professional touch, I'd go with this leather luggage tag and passport holder from Restoration Hardware (on sale, too).  Happy travels!

Happy Independence Day!

Boston is, without question, the greatest city to celebrate the 4th of July in.  Even while I was out running errands yesterday I stumbled across all different kinds events.  First, I found a band outside City Hall, and later, some fallen soldiers re-enacting a battle on the Common.

The best way to end the day is, of course, with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular over the Charles River.  My favorite viewing location is sitting the Mass. Ave. Bridge because it's less crowded and the view is unobstructed.  It is entirely worth the wait for a cramped (but free) T ride home because they are the best fireworks I've ever seen (my tiny video below hardly does it justice!).  Happy 4th!