I’ve been too long- I’m glad to be back.

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No, I’m not dead and I haven’t been taken prisoner anywhere. Following my last entry a little over a week ago where I wrapped up the month of April, I took a few days off to focus on work, office activities, and upcoming plans for “Legally Redhead” (including a potential name and domain change- shocking, I know- but I intend to keep everyone 100% informed as things proceed forward!) I’ve also been preparing for Mother’s Day this coming Sunday and my extended weekend on the West Coast next weekend. Overall, I’ve been very busy!

I did take some time over the weekend to unwind and go out to a few different bars with friends, however- starting off at Highball Lounge (where I had the most incredible apple brandy beverage imaginable- called “Apple Bottom Jeans”) before working our way over to Silvertone. We didn’t stay long- since Boston bars can get a little rowdy on the weekends- so we closed out the night in much quieter Cambridge. First, at State Park and then at Lord Hobo– which is where that dimly-lit selfie of me was taken after last call had come and gone.

I woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly pretty good (helped in part by a carb-heavy breakfast in Melrose with my much more hungover friends)– but it got me thinking- I should put together an updated version of “My Guide to Boston” from 2015. A lot has changed since then, after all! There’s definitely a lot of newer places I’ve grown fond of and a ton of updated things to do around this lovely little city I call home.

I also intend to start compiling “Top 10” lists as a helpful guide to those visiting not just Boston, but Massachusetts and New England in general- too. I know a lot of really great restaurants, bars, unusual shops, etc. etc. throughout Western Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and so on- and my blog seems like the perfect outlet to share them.

But I digress! This was just a quick update to say that I haven’t vanished entirely- I’m just working on multiple things at once! I have a recipe post planned for later on this week (courtesy of my mom- so you know it’s going to be good!) and I’m excited to share the blog news once all of my plans are finalized and confirmed. Big and long overdue changes are coming!

Once in a while it does the brain (and my knuckles since I type so much!) a little bit of good to take a break- but I think I’m finally caught up on everything that was pressing and in need of my undivided attention- and I’m ready to get back to work here at Legally Redhead!

Stay tuned for some good eats in a couple of days, and a peek inside an upcoming clothing/makeup haul pre-vacation!

Treat yourself: 2017!

xx

Good Reads: “Evolution”

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When I heard that Joe Manganiello from “True Blood” and “Magic Mike” fame was going to be in Harvard Square this past Tuesday night, I was admittedly a little giddy. Joe’s portrayal of Alcide makes him one of the only characters that’s even remotely tolerable on “True Blood” anymore, and I enjoyed whistling in the theater with the other women who attended screenings of “Magic Mike” on opening night (no shame, ladies- that was a lot of fun.)

Then when I heard that Joe’s appearance in Cambridge was to promote his new book, “Evolution,” centered around fitness, my curiosity was piqued. While I consider myself to be in decent shape (there’s always room for improvement, of course,) I’m not exactly savvy when it comes to muscle sculpting- and considering how jacked Joe looks in movies and television, I wanted to know exactly how much time and dedication it takes for him to stay that way.

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I headed down to The Coop after meeting up with my good friend Evan, who is also a fitness enthusiast, and it turns out that Joe is just as huge in person as he is on screen. He’s also very funny, charming, motivational, and sweet. Also- handsome. He’s really, really handsome. That needs to be said.

I’ve thumbed through the book since picking up a copy, and sure enough as one would guess- getting and maintaining Joe’s type of physique takes a ton of dedication and hard work. I think it’s a decent read for anyone out there looking for a no bullshit and no shortcuts approach to fitness and who is willing to put in the hours and self-discipline. I haven’t finished it yet, but it’s honest and humorous and has really good tips and exercises. There’s plenty of pictures, too- which is always a bonus.

I don’t anticipate having biceps like Joe’s anytime soon, but I could manage the abs. Definitely.

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My 2013 Christmas Card. Hi mom.