The Happy Project

Trying to make dating a thing again. Your go to for advice at any stage in a relationship. Mostly I'll talk about food. And cool things to do in Boston. But mostly about food, and sloths. 

[theharvardhappyproject]

“something about the stillness or my state of mind reminded me of the world’s remarkable capacity to carry on in every place at once.”

 - Marina Keegan

Dear people. I apologize its been ~3 eons since I’ve last written. I am making it my summer goal to post once a day so hold on you're in for a lot of words and pictures of food and stuff.

I thought I’d start off with a book that everyone must read. Marina was one of the most talented poetic brains of our time, and I am so sad I will never get to read more about how to have enough time to be in love with everything. 

With that, I plead you to read The Opposite of Loneliness 

You will not come out of it with some profound new knowledge, or fire in you to change the world, but you will look at your day differently. And smile. I love smiling. 

ta ta for now

[theharvardhappyproject]

jam

[theharvardhappyproject]

Weekend Getaway 101: Portland, ME

Just shy of 2 hours from Boston, this coastal gem is a must visit (mostly for your stomach’s sake). Give him a spin at the aux cord (note to travelers who live in the 6-change CD era, you can buy an adapter for $20 at a gas station) OR you can fill your ride with this basic, unemotional, brief questionnaire entitled “The 36 Questions that Lead to Love” (sidebar, don't let the instructions fool you..it takes approx 30 hours to complete).. and you'll be there in no time!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/fashion/no-37-big-wedding-or-small.html?_r=0

Where to Stay:

The Inn at St. Johns

I would like to personally advocate for this little slice of comfort. Although slightly bummed to find out the name has nothing to do with the island, I was pleasantly surprised by the quaint rooms and endless supply of Poland Spring bottled water. Really not a bad deal at around $70/night, PLUS you get to relive the dorm days with a hall bath (more fun than it sounds).  Comfy beds, hospitality, great location, AND Poland Springs...no brainer.

http://www.innatstjohn.com/rooms_amenities/index.php

Where to Eat:

DUCKFAT

Portland is beautiful and all, but lets be real...if you're going to Portland, you're going for Duckfat. 

Plus its just super adorable.

http://duckfat.com

If you insist on not eating ALL of your meals here (first... I don't know if I trust you as a human, second...eh) there happens to be a bajillion other phenomenal ex-New York culinary extraordinaries who opened up brilliant eats in Portland. 

GRACE

Dine in the most stunning Gothic Revival restaurant remodel. The foods a pretty spiritual experience as well. Especially the ravioli.

http://www.restaurantgrace.com

What to Do:

Portland Museum of Art

Super neat and managable 

http://www.portlandmuseum.org

 Eastern Promenade

Best sunset viewing in all the land

ENJOY PEOPLE

[theharvardhappyproject]

BARS ON BARS

http://www.yvonnesboston.com

Yvonne’s Boston

Big fan. #1 Instagrammed bar in bean town. There will be flames

[theharvardhappyproject]

THIS SONG JUST BLEW MY EARDRUMS LISTEN RIGHT THIS MINUTE

[theharvardhappyproject]

Date Idea of the Day

Your daily dose of fun

Brooklyn Boulders, Somerville MA

Guys, what could be better than flexing in front of your new lady friend? Or, even better, falling on your face and making an idiot of yourself?? Either way endless loads of fun for first timers or pros. Super casual and easy to get to know someone without the pressure of making small talk over dinner. PLUS if it goes horribly you can just hide up in the eaves!!

http://brooklynboulders.com/somerville/

[theharvardhappyproject]

lost kings kind of sunday 

[theharvardhappyproject]

[theharvardhappyproject]

Weekend Getaway 101: Newport RI

Escaping the real world even for a night can work wonders on your relationship. It also doesn't have to cost you a lot if you know where to look. Here’s this weeks spotlight:

Just an hour and thirty from Boston, this quaint coastal town is a little oasis with plenty of things to do.

image by JoeyBLS Photography

What to do:

1. Cliffwalk

One of the most scenic routes in New England, this 3.5 mile stretch is the perfect afternoon activity for biking, walking, and whistling

2. Mansions

Tour some of the smallest homes you've ever seen and fight about who gets the bigger closet

http://www.newportmansions.org

3. Do some win(e)ing

Visit the Newport Vineyards for some grapes and stuff

http://www.newportvineyards.com

Where to eat:

The Tavern On Broadway

http://www.tavernonbroadway.com/index.html

The Red Parrot Restaurant

LOBSTER NACHOS

http://www.redparrotrestaurant.com

Where to stay:

Check out Airbnb or regular hotel/bnb sites for deals...you’d be surprised what you can get for under $90!

https://www.airbnb.com

[theharvardhappyproject]

Tired of flirting by tagging each other in @itsdougthepug posts?

Tag them in these feeds instead!! ~some of the funniest instagrams you didn't know existed~

@baddiewinkle 

just your average granny trying to get by in a social media world

@miserable_men

the daily struggles of men sitting in chairs while their wives shop

@chillwildlife

just some chill wildlife

@jermzlee 

you knew I was still gonna do a pug insta didn't you?

@mirabelle_and_bergamote

some guinea pigs with stuff on their heads occasionally

**note I don't know what happens if you click on the @accounts...so prob just look them up on your insta

[theharvardhappyproject]

Soundcloud’s being mean and only allowing a preview, but this is easily one of the most underrated songs of the year

The drop is genius

[theharvardhappyproject]

NEW CHAINSMOKERS. all is good with the world

[theharvardhappyproject]

Date Idea of the Day

Your daily dose of fun

https://getaway.house

$99. Cabin in the middle of nowhere. Endless opportunities to do the Betty White dance routine

[theharvardhappyproject]

Nifty Gifty

Nothing says “i love you” quite like a potato pal! Send your boyfriend a spud to tell him he's a stud

https://potatoparcel.com/products/potato-pal

[theharvardhappyproject]

“Sorry, she’s just not that into you”

Excuses to get out of a date that are so weird he just might believe them!

1. Jury Duty

Nothing says “I'm a loyal member of my country” like good old jury duty. Plus...you got assigned to a case that could take up to 3 years?? What a bummer!! 

2. My cat’s grandma died

Hey, you’ve gotta pay your respects to your feline. Priorities are priorities. Could be a long mourning process

3. I promised my dad I’d take out the trash that day

Not too great if he’s a persistent one (then refer to one of the above)

4. I have this thing, at this place, with these people

Ambiguity is key

[theharvardhappyproject]

I'm just a sucker for the album cover. Kidding the song is beautiful

[theharvardhappyproject]

Make him remember your smell

This stuff is addictive. I will never use another lotion again

http://www.thymes.com/Products/Body-Lotions/Kimono-Rose-Body-Lotion/

That is all