Author: YINANDYOLK

  • Perfect Beach Day

    singing beach

    When beach season hits Boston, we like to hop on the commuter rail out of North Station and head out to Manchester-By-The-Sea. This is our quick and perfect getaway from the city for the day – the area is famous for its Singing Beach, lobster rolls, and ice cream. There is literally not one bad thing to say about this local oasis.

    lobster roll 7

    manchester by the sea beach

    The beach is called Singing Beach because the sand squeaks when you walk on it. Well, it’s barely audible when crowded, but it’s still charming all the same. Singing Beach is a popular destination and we’ve been coming here for the past two summers. The sand is fine and beautiful and the view is spectacular. We typically like to bring treats and splay them out on the beach blanket while we get some vitamin D. Really, no complaints. (more…)

  • Rosé Sangria

    stone fruit rose sangria

    I know that after seeing this colorful thirst quencher on a hot day like today, you probably just want to skip straight to the recipe. So I’ll make this short and sweet.

    fruity rose sangria pour

    Did you know that the fourth of July is less than two weeks away? Yeah, I didn’t either. It really creeped up on us. So if you’re American but you don’t feel like drinking beer called “America” to get your party on, I suggest that you make your own concoction. This concoction. (more…)

  • Peanut Soba Noodles

    Peanut Noodles

    You can never keep me away from noodles for too long. Our love is inevitable; no matter how people might try to tear us apart in the insufferable hot weather, I will still love my noodles. Because noodles can be served chilled. If I can’t enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen, then cold noodles are the next best thing.

    Noodle Bowls (more…)

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Ricotta Flatbread

    nutella ricotta dessert pizzaI have two words for you:

    Dessert. Pizza.

    Two of my favorite things smashed together to create a whole new level of taste-bud nirvana. If you know me, you know I’m always chasing a sweet and savory bite, and this baby delivers.

    strawberry dessert pizza (more…)

  • Roasted Chickpeas

    Roasted Chickpeas

    Is it me or are new healthy snacks popping up everywhere? It used to just be kale chips but now I see crispy snap peas and chia snacks lined in stores. Healthy snacks seem to be the new healthy.

    Chickpea Hands

    When watching my beauty YouTubers, I’ve also noticed this trend, but one snack has stuck out and I keep seeing recommendations pop up. This new sensation is roasted chickpeas, which seems to have temporarily replaced the beloved hummus. I was fascinated by it and wanted to try it myself. It is certainly healthy and seems effortless to make. (more…)

  • Banyan Bar + Refuge

    Banyan

    This has been a post long in the making – we’ve been talking about going to Banyan in the South End since it first opened last July. Banyan Bar + Refuge replaces the iconic Hamersley’s Bistro on Tremont Street and brings with it an Asian fusion and flair. Banyan’s executive chef Phil Tang definitely has a fun way of pairing classic Asian ingredients with Western foods, and we’re thrilled to tell you all about our wonderful experience.

    Banyan Dining Room

    The space is handsomely decorated with wooden chandeliers that instantly take you away from the city, with beautiful signature green leather chairs to add a bit of color and sophistication to this already stylish space. (more…)

  • May Favorites

    Boston

    May is always such an amazing month, filled with so many memorable events and warm weather. It is the month that celebrates mothers, the long weekend that announces summer’s arrival, and occasionally a graduation. May is the month when magic happens and everyone’s moods lift up and up.

    May is the month of change and possibility because the longer days invite more activity and energy into our lives. It’s hard to resist the buzz in the warm, hazy air. It’s the beginning of iced drinks and even icier cocktails. We’ve already crossed some things off our list and we’re ready for more. We’re ready for the beach and we’re ready for lobster rolls on the patio.

    Patio

    Let the fun begin. (more…)

  • Nutty Olive Oil Granola

    nutty granola with almond milk

    This week, I will be officially graduating from college. After six long years. I have to keep reminding myself that this is real life.

    School has taken me more time to finish than it does most people, partly because I took a break to work at Flour Bakery, and partly because I’m really (really) not perfect. But graduation is finally here, and I am now facing a completely unplanned future; feeling simultaneously terrified and thrilled. Real world, here I come.

    granola mise

    But before I can get to my future, I just know I’m going to trip over myself as I cross the stage. For some reason I’ve decided to wear wedge heels, when I could probably count on two hands the number of times I’ve actually worn high heels out and about. Even without heels, my coordination is no better than a donkey walking a tight rope, and it doesn’t help that I’ll have all of Harvard’s eyes on me. I’m glad my parents will be there to photograph the exact moment that I stumble on my gown, so I can share it with all of you and prove to you that I am not exaggerating – I really am that clumsy. (more…)

  • Bacon Brussels Sprout Pasta Salad

    Brussels Sprouts Salad

    Guys, I’ve been very bad lately and shopping and spending like Carrie Bradshaw in a Manolo Blahnik store. Except I don’t actually have that kind of dough, but I still find myself feeling extremely guilty whenever I check my bank account. I’m being a bad influence on Leili, too, but at least I’ll look fly while being an enabler. As my best friend Peter says, “I’m a baller on a budget.”

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Elephant Garlic

    To compensate my recent spending habits, I made a pact with myself to stop getting take out. That means no more sushi deliveries at 11PM. And I am glad to report I’ve been pretty good with this new compromise. To add to that, I’m finally in my exercise groove again and I’m making healthy meals for myself. They don’t teach you this in school, but sometimes irresponsible spending leads to healthier habits, because no money, no takeout. (more…)

  • Mint Pisco Sour

    lemon pisco sour

    This past winter in Boston has been a wily one. It was so mild and warmed us up so gradually – and erratically – that it tricked us into thinking summer was still a ways away. I only realized we were already halfway through spring the other day, when I had one of those “it’s-too-hot-for-clothes” moments.

    lemons

    But I think it’s important to celebrate the little things, because in the end, the little things are really the big things. So we should celebrate this change of season. Or celebrate today. Or better yet, just celebrate yourself, you wonderful person you. (more…)