The city of Boston has essentially been in non-stop party mode since Sunday night’s Super Bowl- and I’m still in a state of bewildered bliss, myself. I cannot BELIEVE that comeback. I mean- did that really happen or was I dreaming? Am I still dreaming? Prior to Lady Gaga’s amazing performance at halftime (side note: someone please point me in the direction to where I can buy one of those glittery/studded leotard things she was wearing. I want one for myself!)– the game was just downright painful to watch as the Falcons were mercilessly pummeling the Pats. I didn’t think there was any way to come back from that beat-down…

… But I guess miracles really do happen and it’s never truly over until it’s over. I went from borderline heartbroken to nail-biting levels of nervous, to a stunned/ecstatic mix of emotions and then straight into frenzied celebration mode in a matter of minutes during overtime on Sunday night and let me tell you- it was EXHAUSTING– in a good way, of course!

Today was the Patriots’ homecoming party in the form of my city’s favorite victory tradition: the Duck Boat Parade. Work and rough weather conditions prevented me from going, but some of my friends mustered up the courage to call out sick and bundle up to brave the sleet and ice to find a spot along the parade route early this morning- and their photos/videos were giving me life in my office all day. I couldn’t stop smiling.

The celebration will continue well into this weekend for many, I’m sure- and I’m already eyeing some commemorative gear to  splurge on as a memento for what is hands-down my most favorite Super Bowl I’ve ever watched (so far, anyway!)

Prior to Sunday’s big game, I did some pre-gaming of my own with friends at a couple of new spots in Everett and Melrose. On Saturday, I finally got around to checking out the Cha Cha Cha Taqueria in Everett- a hole in the wall/blink and you’ll miss it Mexican food spot I passed by chance a few weeks ago while on my way home and had made a mental note to check it out ever since. Although the place is pretty small on the inside- it’s some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. I ordered a chicken quesadilla, which came rolled in a seasoned corn tortilla instead of pressed flat in a flour one- and what a difference it made!

I ended up eating the entire thing (and also- yay for street tacos!) with chips and homemade guacamole. Completely gluttonous and worth it. I’ll definitely be going back.

Later on that night, when I was back in Melrose and needed to walk off my gigantic quesadilla (and get a coffee to keep myself out of a food coma)– my BFF Sean and I took a brisk walk over to Main Street and, specifically- D’Amici’s Bakery. I’d only ever been in there once before for a quick cappuccino last Fall and didn’t take the time to sit down and really savor the place, so it was nice to do it this time. Their coffee/tea/hot chocolate selections are fantastic- and their baked goods are delicious. I ended up getting a chocolate cannoli to eat while I was there, but I also picked up a few of the above-pictured Patriots cupcakes to bring to my Super Bowl party the following night and they ended up being a big hit.

I think I know where I’ll be going the next time I need to pick up sweets for any functions/parties!

Overall, it’s been a very exciting weekend and week so far- and I’m very much looking forward to a day or two of downtime after a couple of big meetings I have lined up at work within the next few days so that I can pause and catch my breath for a moment- and also finish some much-needed renovations here on the blog without distraction. I’m excited to reveal the changes once they’re done.

We’re almost to the weekend everyone. Hang in there!

xx