Lisa Johnson

Burke’s Seafood – Quincy, MA

by

Burke's Seafood sign and seafood platterWhen I attended Seafood Expo North America (SENA) last year, I learned so much about how we Americans consume seafood. Did you know that up to 90% of the seafood consumed in this country is imported?

According to NOAA FishWatch, “a significant portion of this imported seafood is caught by American fishermen, exported overseas for processing, and then reimported to the United States.”

That is shocking to me. It made me a lot pickier about my seafood and I started focusing on higher quality. A local place called Burke’s Seafood is a great find. Not only can you find fresh seafood, they also prepare it.

Last week, I bought a full dinner for my father’s birthday that fed four people and was under $45.00. We all loved it. Plus, there were leftovers!

You can call ahead and order your food to go or stay and eat there. I highly recommend Burke’s. There are usually a few people waiting, but not for too long.

Burke’s Seafood is located in North Quincy just off Hancock Street on Billings Road. From their website, it looks like they are closed on Mondays. But they have long hours on all the other days, so it’s easy to get a chance to stop by.

Also, they have a monthly newsletter called Fish Tales that you can subscribe to and learn about other things they sell, like beer and wine. You can receive coupons and find out their specials that month. I’ve already sent a few people over there, so I figured I’d share with you too. Hopefully when you get a craving for seafood, you’ll check them out!

Kinfolk Issue Sixteen: Rwandan-born model Nadja Giramata

by 2 Comments

Kinfolk coverWhat a nice surprise to see that Kinfolk Volume 16 shines a light on the beautiful Nadja Giramata. I learned of the issue on Instagram.

I bought an earlier issue of Kinfolk a few years ago and have enjoyed their short films over the years. I love the magazine’s focus on slow living and gatherings with family and friends.

But it always bothered me that I never saw any people that look like me. After a while, if a publication never includes people of color, I assume that they don’t intend it for me and don’t want me buying it. I feel the same way about commercials that I see on television.

So it was quite nice to see a lovely model of color gracing Kinfolk‘s current cover. You can purchase Kinfolk on their website or on Amazon at a discount. Which I just just did. I also signed up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, so I get free shipping and it should arrive tomorrow. Can’t wait!

+ + + +
Screenshot: Kinfolk Issue Sixteen

#InstaWeek: Sunrise Commute Sunset

by

sunrise walkHere are some pictures from last week on Instagram. Looking for pretty sights makes the sunrise walk to the T a bit more interesting each morning.

I’ve noticed from week to week, that the flowers, trees and plants change as we move away from spring toward summer. More leaves. Different kinds of flowers. The light is different too.

trainWhen it’s nice out, there’s a certain point on my ride that is really beautiful. I always look forward to seeing the water.

sunset moonriseThe end of the day can be just as beautiful as the start. A sunrise can compete with a sunset. But there’s nothing like seeing the colors change in the sky and watching the moonrise. Happy Wednesday to you!

You Can Train Your Brain

by

petals blowing in breeze

Have you read the recent Washington Post article about how meditation changes your brain? It’s quite interesting. As someone who believes in the benefits of meditation and practices regularly, I certainly believe it. Below is an excerpt from the article.

We found differences in brain volume after eight weeks in five different regions in the brains of the two groups. In the group that learned meditation, we found thickening in four regions:

1. The primary difference, we found in the posterior cingulate, which is involved in mind wandering, and self relevance.

2. The left hippocampus, which assists in learning, cognition, memory and emotional regulation.

3.  The temporo parietal junction, or TPJ, which is associated with perspective taking, empathy and compassion.

4. An area of the brain stem called the Pons, where a lot of regulatory neurotransmitters are produced.

The amygdala, the fight or flight part of the brain which is important for anxiety, fear and stress in general. That area got smaller in the group that went through the mindfulness-based stress reduction program.

I’ve been meditating on a regular basis for about three years now and have noticed a real difference. It’s easier for me to detach from a situation and calm myself down when stressed by taking deep breaths.

It seems that there are even more benefits than I was aware of before, which is definitely a good thing.

Enjoy your Sunday! Namaste.