Lovin’ My New Neighborhood
I am absolutely loving my new neighborhood! 
I’m so glad that we decided to move into the city– it makes me feel alive!
House hunting was great and all, but putting an offer in on a house so far outside the city, totally freaked Mal and me out! I guess we’re just not ready to “settle down” yet.
The “Essentials”
After moving another load of our stuff into our new apartment last, we stopped at the grocery store to grab the “essentials.” Here’s what Mal and I considered must-haves:
- Oats
- Soy milk
- Bananas
- Apples
- Salad greens
- Grape tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Bread
- Coffee
- Canned tuna
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Kettle Backyard BBQ chips
We’re planning a BIG shopping this weekend, but these few groceries should hold us over for a couple of days. What do you consider your grocery “essentials”?
Lunch
For lunch, I made a simple salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumber, almond slices, and topped it with Claire’s delicious relish.
Last night, between packing and unpacking, Mal and I ordered a cheese pizza from one of the pizza places in the area. It wasn’t the best pizza I’ve ever eaten (it was super greasy!), but I also wasn’t expecting something gourmet. Mal and I were hungry and it did the trick!
We had lots of leftovers, so I paired my salad with a cold slice.
A little while later, I munched on a ProBar. I like this flavor a lot– very fruity!
After lunch, I took MP (Murphy Pug) for a 45 minute walk around our neighborhood. Between strangers stopping to say ‘hello’ to Murphy and him sniffing everything in sight, we only walked about 3 blocks and back! It tough to take this pup for a walk!
Cafe Arpeggio
Even though I’ve made the hot coffee “switch” for the season, today’s especially beautiful weather called for an iced coffee. I stopped into Café Arpeggio to grab one.
Café Arpeggio is super cute! They had a great selection of yummy foods– homemade ice cream, sandwiches, soups, freshly baked pastries, and gourmet coffee. I have a feeling that I will become a regular there!
Dollar Stores Finds
I also popped into the local dollar store to pick up some household items. Maybe I’m weird, but I LOVE dollar stores! Of course, most sell a lot of junk, but certain products are such a steal! I spent less than $10 for all of this stuff! Sweet!
The final leg of moving happens tonight! We just need to move our couches, bed, wardrobe, and some random odds and ends. We’re so close!
emily - eatventures — September 18, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
I consider essentials to be – a few fruits, a few veggies, plain yogurt, eggs, cheese. (I would be a really terrible vegan apparently!)
kelly — September 18, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
I would LOVE to live in a city. We have a nice home in a small town with a VERY small downtown. We would have to completely relocate to be in a city. Enjoy your neighborhood!
Jenny — September 18, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
I agree there’s no better place to live than IN a city. I don’t know why “settling down” is considered moving to the burbs. Stay in the city and enjoy the museums, nightlife, food, theater and all other culture the burbs can’t give you.
Julie — September 18, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
Dollar stores are great for tupperwar!! The Dollar tree rocks!
maria — September 18, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
We bought a house last summer in Salt Lake City. Luckily, SLC isn’t too big, just the right size for enough to do and not crazy traffic, etc. Plus we have the mountains so we can always get away!
Some of our essentials are: skim milk, apples, oats, yogurt-we make our own, whole wheat bread-we make our own, or sandwich thins, cereal, salad makings-lettuce, veggies, etc., seasonal fruit, cottage cheese, and turkey and cheese-for hubs sandwiches.
Food Makes Fun Fuel — September 18, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
That’s a great list. I think PB, Bread, Oats, Canned Tuna, And Sweet potatoes would be my bare-minimum list
katherine — September 18, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
Cafe Arpeggio is the BEST! My best friend used to live two doors up W. Broadway from it and we used to get ice cream and coffee from there constantly. Enjoy!!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale — September 18, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
I’ve always liked moving solely for the excuse to order pizza because you haven’t unpacked any dishes / have no food in the house! It’s almost a requirement!
Sandhiya — September 18, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
Love your new neighborhood, and good luck. My grocery essentials would be Organic Milk, yogurt, Oatmeal, atleast 3 types of fruits, wheat bread, eggs, Tomatos, onions, and frozen mixed vegetables. These are my must haves.
Sandhiya — September 18, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
Tina, I had a Question. When you go to these cafe’s do you feel awkward clicking pictures or you let them know in advance what/who you are?
Val — September 18, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Aw I miss Southie! I love Cafe Arpeggio! Is Amsterdam Cafe still there? Where West Broadway turns into East Broadway…they have delicious and HUGE wraps (two meals at least!!)
Heather — September 18, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
The pics from the places around your neighborhood look so awesome! What a fun place to discover new spots.
I also love dollar stores. Yep, tons of junk, but always great for cleaning stuff and little things (post-its, lightbulbs, etc.)
My grocery essentials are pretty similar to yours: oats, fresh produce (bananas and stuff to make salads ALWAYS), hummus, dried beans, canned tomatoes, raw nuts, and one snack food for fun munching. Lately it’s been Food Should Taste Good chips – so addictive!
Emily — September 18, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
I love dollar stores too! Random, but did you know that some dollar stores sell $1 preggo tests??!
Leianna — September 18, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Grocery store essentials are about the same as yours, you can make a lot of different meals with that list!
Have fun moving the rest of your stuff tonight!
Cait (Cait's Plate) — September 18, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Ooh. Good one. My essentials would be:
1. Whole wheat bread/pitas
2. Deli turkey
3. LETTUCE
4. Egg whites
5. Veggie Burgers
6. Hummus
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — September 18, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
I didn’t like living in a city at first, but after 2+ years in NYC I LOVE it! I enjoy being able to take long walks, sample fun restaurants/cafes, and use public transportation.
I also really enjoy grocery shopping – great question.My essentials: coffee, milk, plain yogurt, apples, bananas, ww bread, peanut butter, carrots, and COOKIES!
Deirdre — September 18, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I think my essentials would be eggs, some kind of nut butter, spinach, bananas, cans of black beans and chickpeas, cheese, and some sort of bread or wrap. I LOVE dollar stores. I thought they were cool as a kid and I love them even more as an adult.
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) — September 18, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
Dollar stores are awesome. I love looking at the assorted toiletries they have there!
Jen (Running With Cake) — September 18, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
It’s great that you have a little coffee shop right near your new place. I love having cafes within walking distance. I loved living in downtown Chicago for that very reason. My grocery store essentials would be bottled water, bread, peanut butter, fruit, milk, cereal, deli meat, cheese, and whatever I need to make a salad.
Lizzy — September 18, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
How exciting that your almost done unpacking. its gotta be such a relief! Essentials for me include veggies, fruit, cereal, yogurt, pitas, lunch meat. basically anything you can assemble for lunches!
Jessica (Sidewalk Theologian) — September 18, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Enjoy getting settled in- unpacking & moving can be so stressful! My essentials are yogurt, eggs, cheese, popcorn, whole wheat pitas & fruit & veggies, and lately coconut M&M’s!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — September 18, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
Hmmm 2 essentials…some form of chocolate, and blue corn tortilla chips. Oh, and cheese!
talesfromtwocities — September 18, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
It is so nice being able to walk everywhere living in the city – glad you like your new neighborhood! I lived in Southie in 2004 but it has changed so much since then – I feel like there are so many new places to check out in the neighborhood!
Angie — September 18, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Congratulations on your new place!
My essentials are:
coffee, whole-grain bread, almond butter, dark chocolate, berries, bananas, spinach, fiber bars, cereal, oats, sweet potatoes, tomato sauce, and pasta…I could survive for quite a while with just those essentials.
Lindsay @ bananaandchocolate — September 18, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
My essentials are oats, yogurt, cheese, eggs, bread and peanut butter.
That coffee shop look so cute! Like a place I would love to hang out.
I love dollar stores too. They are great for picking up certain things inexpensively.
Lara — September 18, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
My staples are Fage 2%, whipped cottage cheese, wild salmon, canned tuna, oats, almond butter, dried beans, raw almonds and walnuts, and whatever fruits and veggies are in season locally–typically have 5-7 different kinds of veggies on hand and 1-2 kinds of fruits. These items are always stocked in my house.
Lara — September 18, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
oh and forgot to add good quality 70%+ dark chocolate and coffee are staples/essentials.
Mellissa — September 18, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
My essentials are spinach, fruit (apples, bananas, melons, plums or kiwis), carrots, cucumbers, peppers, Greek Yogurt, Larabars, and some sort of snack item.
The Fit Foodie ~ Suzy — September 18, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
My essentials are organic brown eggs, oatmeal, bananas, apples, boneless/skinless chicken breasts, hummas and bell peppers.
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries — September 18, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Greek yogurt is my #1 essential–but I’d also be lost with PB, oats, eggs and fresh fruits and veggies.
Whitney @ Lettuce Love — September 18, 2009 @ 5:40 pm
I have been itching to move to NYC for a while now. I know what you mean about feeling so alive in a city. It is just great.
My must haves: carrots, kale, lemons, lettuce!, tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, bell peppers, raw dark chocolate
Lee — September 18, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
Greasy pizza is kind of a moving necessity. I think when we moved last year, we ate at least 2 during the entire weekend.
My food essentials are eggs, salsa, hummus, spinach, bananas, english muffins, yogurt and usually something sweet.
kay (eating machine) — September 18, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
dollar stores are great! sponges and soap especially are always a good deal there
Marisa (Trim The Fat) — September 18, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
So glad you’re liking your new digs!
Your salad looks so pretty! I love cold pizza! My family thinks that is so weird!
My essentials are eggs, cheese, bread, fruit, fruit and more fruit!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) — September 18, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
If I’m out of any of these things, I immediately make a run to the grocery store: peanut butter, bananas, almond milk, oatmeal, bread.
Jenna — September 18, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
essentials are fruits, milk, bread, peanut butter, and everyday needs!
i love how you always find cute lil places in the city
jenna
Allyson — September 18, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
Those look a lot like my essentials! For sure peanut butter! And tuna is great with anything.
… but peanut butter
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — September 18, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
so glad you like your new ‘hood! i’m actually going to be in boston over t’giving and wanted to ask your advice – we’re staying at the doubletree downtown; any places you definitely recommend near there?
Taylor — September 18, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Your not alone in your love of dollar stores; they are the only place I buy hand soap and tissues. My essentials are really similar to yours, with the addition of greek yogurt that I eat everyday. Got to get in that protein.
Nicole — September 18, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
Welcome to city living! Aren’t you glad that you trusted your instinct and continued renting and living in the city versus buying a house and living far outside it? Sometimes, you just gotta go with your gut! I know so many people that live in Southie. Everyone loves it. Don’t forget to try out Amrhein’s – they have great food!
devan — September 18, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
i love dollar stores!! you can get anything there!!!
Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com — September 18, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
Café Arpeggio looks adorable! I love discovering cool new coffee shops. So happy for you and your new big city apartment. I contemplated moving to San Francisco for a while, but never made the leap. Good for you for going with your gut and jumping into city life. Enjoy it!
Anne T. — September 18, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
I love Cafe Arpeggio too – they have tons of yummy vegetarian sandwiches, and their egg and cheese sandwiches are really good. For pizza, I would recommend Broadway’s Best or L Street Diner, that’s where I always go. They’re probably the best of the vast array of greasy pizza places in Southie
ashley — September 18, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
Tina,
I think it is sooo funny you mention that you LOVE the dollar stores… I do too! My husband laughs because he always asks if I will be heading to the dollar store when I say I am out of the following items..
Renolyds wrapped pre cut strips
Saran Wrap
Zipper Lunch Bags-which we reuse
Fake Woolite which I <3
Mechanical Pencils for class, work ect
Cellophane for gifts, wrapping paper, ribbons, 50 cent cards
Disposable paper cups for coffee if I am on the go
Happy Shopping,
Ashley
Meghan — September 18, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Isn’t city living the best?! I don’t know if I will ever want to live in the burbs. . .
Love Arpeggio! Such a fun area!
Our staples are:
spinach
bananas
Fage 0% or TJ’s Greek style yogurt
organic skim milk
vanilla or cappucino soy milk
Tostitos lime chips (my biggest weakness EVER!)
some sort of strong cheese
if at Trader Joe’s, Abrazo del Toro wine
Probably lots of other stuff but I won’t bore you all!
maria — September 18, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
Apparently Pug’s are sniffers. J’s pug back home took like twenty minutes to not even make it one block… forever!!!! But he was so cute and worth it!
-maria
Caroline — September 18, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
M.P.! I love that. I would consider our essentials to be: yogurt, bananas, cheese, crackers, eggs, spinach and almond butter. We can get by with very little if we have to.
Morgan (lifeafterbagels) — September 18, 2009 @ 10:49 pm
I’m so glad you like your new neighborhood. I love the hood I live in now, alas I may have to move since I need a car and there isn’t really proper parking here.
BroccoliHut — September 19, 2009 @ 1:16 am
Glad you’re loving the new neighborhood! I have the same camera case:)
Dawn (HealthySDLiving) — September 19, 2009 @ 1:47 am
So glad you love your new neighborhood! I miss the city so much–I swear that’s where I’m meant to be!
Mimi (Damn the Freshman 15) — September 19, 2009 @ 3:03 am
Hurrah on your new neighborhood.
I don’t know if I ever mentioned this, but your blog is such an inspiration to me. Because it really IS balanced–case in point, your pizza-salad lunch. You have such a great grasp on healthy balance. I’m currently striving for that.
Take care!
christie, honoring health — September 19, 2009 @ 6:00 am
I am so glad that you are loving your new neighborhood! I have never lived in the city but have always wanted to. Maybe one day!
Julia — September 19, 2009 @ 6:52 am
That salad looks delicious and that coffee shop: how adorable!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Shannon — September 19, 2009 @ 7:50 am
I’ve never moved in stages. It’s a good idea because it’s very overwhelming to look at the pile of boxes left by the movers. I never know where to start!
Looks like s great new neighborhood!
Carlota — September 19, 2009 @ 9:47 am
Love your new neighborhood! My essentials are:garlic, pepper, soy yogurt, soy milk, orange juice, almond müsli, cherry tomatos, kale, broccoli, rice, beans, organic eggs, a fish (tuna, sardinen or salmon), dried mushrooms and sundried tomatos. I always change the fruits that I buy..always seasonal.
Michal — September 19, 2009 @ 10:18 am
I am so glad that you are getting settled down in your new place, it looks lovely! That coffee shop looks adorable! I just discovered a new shop near my house aswell
Enjoy your weekend!
Susan — September 19, 2009 @ 10:58 am
I just wanted to let you know, I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now, and it is my favorite. Your honest and real . I relate to you more than most blogs about food and fitness. I wanted to let you know I thing your bog is great ! Thanks for sharing a glimpse with us !
Susan
Madelin @ What is for breakfast? — September 19, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Cute cafe! My stapels are similar, fruit and veg, milk, oats, rice, beans, cottage cheese, bread, tea.
Cynthia (It All Changes) — September 19, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Finding new little places to enjoy in new (or old) neighborhoods is great. We like to use our dogs to go for walks and check out the neighborhoods we are in. That’s how we found our favorite coffee shop too
Naomi — September 19, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
Hey tina!
I am in Boston too! in Newton acutally…where did you move?your apt looks amazing!!! staples are so similar too! cottage cheese, veggies, oats, fruit, yogurt etc
the city is so fun isnt it?? are you originally from Boston??
Kristen — September 19, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Kettle chips are a must in our household, too! I love BBQ and the salt and pepper!
Ellen (Peace In Motion) — September 19, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
I jsut LOVE southie, but parking is THE WORST to find. Resident sticker was a very very good call.
My grocery staples always include
lowcarb/high fiber tortillas
peanut/almond/some nut butter
kashi golean
oat bran
bananas
spinach
hummus
and tomatoes (if they are in season!)
Kiersten — September 19, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
My “must haves” are: fruit, LOTS of veggies, beans, oats, grains, nuts and nut butters, bread, soy milk, and hummus. Without these things my kitchen is incomplete!
I’m glad you’re enjoying life in your new apartment! Still unpacking?
Kelsey — September 19, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
your staple grocery list is very similar to mine except i need hummus, carrots, and of course, chocolate/ice cream ;]
the new local coffee place looks a lot like the place i frequent back home. i love that home-y feel and i can tell your new place is the same!
speaking of dollar stores, my mom and i LOVE them and we could spend quite a bit of timer browsing (there, and trader joe’s and williams sonoma!).
Lauren — September 20, 2009 @ 7:15 am
I’m glad you’re loving your new location!
My grocery essentials: soy milk, Kashi Heart to Heart oatmeal and waffles, apples, bananas, some sort of berries, broccoli, lettuce, grape tomatoes, hummus, flax wraps, veggie burgers, canned tuna or salmon, spicy mustard, Fage 0% or 2% yogurt, and dark chocolate.
Sarah — September 22, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
I love dollar stores too! We have one here called Deal’s and it is the best. They actually have good stuff for cheap prices.