Very Cold, Very Dry

Hello again, Martini lovers! Do you have your glass in the freezer? Your martini mixed? Garnish prepared? Well let’s put that martini together, and get into what we’ve enjoyed out, as well as life lately as two busy people in the customer service industry.

First off, the weather has FINALLY brought a little warmth and sunshine. The first day of Springs started, so hopefully warmer temperatures are on the horizon! I’m taking advantage by walking to work, sitting outside for lunch, and putting away those heavy coats!

I can’t wait until it’s porch season. The best season.

This is the last photo we have of our late dog, Gant, out on our porch. It will never the same without him.

This is also the time when you get out of your heated blankets, flannel pajamas, and actually (maybe) want to leave the house.

The first of my ventures outside since the snow started inevitably melting was to a new speakeasy bar in downtown Boston called My Girl. An extension of Mariel’s, you go down a dimly lit staircase and enter a lounge that is filled with so many shades of pink, Barbie would lounge here with her Cosmo.

A small group of us tucked ourselves in pink velvet chairs and cozied up for some cocktails.

The menu is full of fun, creative options, giving all of plenty to choose for our specific cocktail palettes.

Of course I ordered a martini! The Olive Branch Martini called my name.

After a few sips, we noticed there were tiny, black specs appearing in the bottom of the glass. At first, we thought they were peppercorns. The waitress told us it was the pits from the olives. One of the perks of getting olive garnishes is to eat them! Thankfully we didn’t try to bite into them!

The food was also meh. We were still hungry so we went to a fun dive for karaoke and bar food.

Also tried the famous Parla in the North End. We went on an early Sunday afternoon, so it was nice and quiet, but I can imagine it’s very fun and lively on a Friday or Saturday. If you’re not familiar, they have a cool cocktail game, where you roll a die, and they will make a make cocktail based on that number you roll. They won’t tell you what it is until you try it.

You get a card where you can keep record of all the cocktails you’ve rolled! What’s also fun is you can only get that cocktail if you roll the number, so nobody else can order it! Also, every one of these are not on the regular cocktail menu.

Below is the Jackie O’Rose with real petals.

Connor Oberst (which is similar to a martini) in the short glass on the left.

There is a journal included in the menus where guests can write or draw anything they want – poems, the last time they visited, games, etc.

Highly recommend!

With our busy schedules, we’ve tried to make at least one weekday date night and go out. It’s a great way to catch up and connect.

We went to one of our favorites, Prima in Charlestown. The fun atmosphere makes it the perfect place to get martinis and modern Italian food.

Finally, here a few random favorites I’ve been loving recently:

• Brandon Woody’s 2025 Album, For the Love of it All. Loving his take on Contemporary Jazz. It’s perfect for cocktail hour.
• This Rootdown Cole Ranch Trousseau You got to have wine after your martini! We had it with salmon and veggies, it was the perfect companion to a lighter meal. I love the natural, earthy flavors this brings.
• Just bought this super cute Modern Citizen dress. Can’t wait to wear it on future date nights. It’s flattering and so versatile!
• I’ve been transported back to the circa 2011 and am watching New Girl for the first time. It’s the perfect show to watch while drinking a martini and preparing dinner. The early episodes are the best, but the recent episode where Schmidt and Cece get married made me tear up. I’m already on season 6 of 7 seasons. Highly recommend.
• I went to a friend’s house for Galentine’s, and I cannot stop thinking about her bar cart. And I want that Martini candle!

And one last beautiful view of downtown Boston!

Well, the martini’s been drunk, and now it’s time for a glass of wine! Cheers to a restful rest of your weekend! Let me know in the comments what you’re loving this week, especially TV shows! I need recommendations STAT!