December 16, 2016 Holiday Shopping at the CambridgeSide Galleria
For those of you who are doing a last mad dash for presents the week before Christmas, head over to the CambridgeSide Galleria. It’s super easy to get to: you can drive there and parking is WAY cheaper than most city malls, you can take the T or you can get a shuttle bus. Oh, did I mention that you can get your picture taken with santa FOR FREE? Yup, they’re the only mall I know of that’s doing free santa photos!
The CambridgeSide Galleria has some of my favorite shops: Banana Republic, GAP, J. Crew to name just a few. If you’re like me you’ll head over to TJ MAXX and Sephora and spend all your money on yourself when you SHOULD be buying gifts for your friends and family. And when you’re all done with shopping, head over to the Cheesecake Factory or PF Changs to fuel up for round 2! Not in the mood for a sit down meal and just want something quick, I have to admit that I am a sucker for Panda Express…For a full list of stores and restaurants, check out their directory here.
I headed out to the CambridgeSide Galleria for a fun night out with some fellow bloggers. We had a great time previewing all the holiday fashions and they showed us some great gift ideas. We even had a glamour swap!! I walked away with a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory. Perfect timing with the gift card because after the swap I did a little shopping (picked up that Banana Republic necklace from my gift guide) and then headed over to the Cheesecake Factory to meet my friend for dinner!
What are those last gifts that you need to cross off your list?
Disclaimer: I was invited to attend a glamour swap at the CambridgeSide Galleria. I won a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory. All opinions are my own.
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Stores
December 15, 2016 Hi B3ar
Thai ice cream has been all the rage these days. For a while, the only place you could find it was in New York. That is, until Hi B3ar opened in Allston. The shop is tiny with only a stools in the front by the window. So what is Thai ice cream? There is an ice cream base that they add fresh fruit and toppings to. They chop it all up Coldstone style and then smooth it out into a very thin layer on this round dish. The ice cream freezes quickly and then they use a flat spatula of sorts to roll the ice cream. The ice cream only comes in one size and is $6.95 plus tax. It’s a total novelty but fun to go and watch them make it behind the glass once. Pictured above is the monkey lover made with bananas.
Pictured above is the “first kiss” made with strawberries and graham crackers. After they put the rolls in the cup, you can choose from a variety of additional toppings (fruit, candy, sauces etc). The ice cream has a strong flavor that I wasn’t expecting at all and it was creamy. Check out my Facebook page to see a video of the whole process!
Hi B3ar
147 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Restaurants
December 14, 2016 Food and Jewelry: My Two Favorite Gifts
So here is part 2 of the holiday gift guide. First up, jewelry. Its hard to pick something out because jewelry is so personal (always include a gift receipt 😉 ) Here are the things I’m loving this season:
Necklace from Banana Republic (top left) – For me, it’s go big or go home. I bought this for myself and have had so many compliments on it. Wear it dressed up with a LBD or free is down with a button down shirt. The ice cut button necklace is $98, but if you hurry you can catch it on sale for 40% off – so it would be $62 and free shipping.
Kate Spade Earrings (top right) – These drop earrings ($103.60) sold out on the Nordstrom website so quickly. I was so bummed that I missed out, but then they showed up on Amazon and I swooped them right up!
Giles and Brother Stirrup Bracelet (middle right)- $135 and you can customize it for free! I have the railroad spike bracelet and I think that this would be a great one to add to the stack!
Personalized Bangle from Jac & Hugo (bottom right) – $191 This hand stamped bangle is great for those who might want to do a special piece for their kids (and who don’t want to have something everyone else does). Made in Australia, you can have this silver bangle stamped with your kid’s names (if you have them), your favorite quote, or a special date for you and your significant other.
Kate Spade Stud Earrings (bottom middle)- $38 These studs come in a variety of different colors and add just the right amount of color to any holiday outfit.
Ani and Ani Flying Kites bracelet (bottom left)- $38. Great bracelet and a great cause. Alex and Ani will donate 20% of the purchase price of the bracelet to Flying Kites, who provides a transformative education to vulnerable and critically-poor children in Kenya, empowering them to build strong families and prosperous communities.
Here are some picks for the home. I tried to pick things at all different price points and gifts that could be used for different occasions (for example: the sprinkles for a holiday swap or a co-worker, the bowl for a great couple you know, the bin for your bestie or your mom, and the gingerbread house for a hostess gift).
Sprinkles from Fishs Eddy (top left) – $22.95 These “I Like You” sprinkles are amazing. They just add the perfect sparkle to any dessert. I made chocolate covered white pretzels and sprinkles these on top – but I think cupcakes would be amazing with these as a garnish!
Large Bowl from Crate and Barrel (top right) – $19.95 This comes in two sizes, large and individual, and in two colors, red and navy. This is a go to gift for me. I love putting together this bowl with popcorn and boxes of candy to make a perfect movie night at home gift! If you want to add more, you could add movie tickets or popcorn seasonings too.
Verdant Bread Bin from Anthropolgie (bottom right)- $158 This would look amazing in any kitchen! I just got one of these after coveting it for some time.
Gingerbread House Mug Topper from William Sonoma (bottom left)- $11.95 These are so adorable. I think these would be a great hostess gift for a holiday party, something extravagant that you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself. Plus, how instagram worthy are they, am I right?!?!
What pieces of jewelry are you hoping for this season? And what are your favorite gifts to give for the home?
Tags: gift guide, holiday
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Products
December 13, 2016 Saloniki
Saloniki had been on my list of places to try since it opened. The lines this summer were out the door and down the block! So I waited until recently to check it out. I’m kicking myself that I waited so long because just check out what I had been missing out on. The restaurant is owned by Jody Adams, Eric Papachristos and Jonathan Mendez. Born in Boston, Papachristos spent the first 9 years of his life in Thessaloniki, Greece, or as the locals call it, Saloniki. Mendez and Papachristos are old friends, and he would accompany Eric and his brother on their annual summer trips back to visit their family in Greece. And you know Jody from her restaurants Rialto and Trade.
So on a nice day you can grab a seat outside on the patio, otherwise there is ample seating inside. High top tables and long family style tables define the space here. Make sure to check out the amazing photos of Thessaloniki by Jody’s husband. Pictured above is the salad with pomegranate glazed eggplant ($8). Leafy lettuce is topped with red wine vinaigrette, onions, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese. You can add a pita for just a dollar more.
My favorite was “the Herc” ($9). Honey glazed pork shoulder with spicy whipped feta and “Greek fries”, which are basically like adding French fries to your sandwich! (Whhhhaaattt?!?!) While the fillings are delicious, and I could eat them for days, the pitas really make the whole experience over the top. You can watch them pump out pitas onto the flat top grill as your order your food.
And after any meal, I always need a little something sweet, so I tried the baklava crisps ($4) with pistachios, walnuts, honey and sesame. A nice lighter alternative to the traditional baklava! Did I mention that everyone behind the counter is super friendly? Couldn’t have asked for a better experience and can’t wait to go back for more!
Saloniki
4 Kilmarnock Street, Boston, MA
Tags: casual dining, celebrity chef, fenway, greek, kenmore, outdoor seating, patio, restaurant
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Restaurants
December 12, 2016 Holiday Gift Guide: Bags and Babies
I refuse to shop for the holidays before December 1st. Black Friday shopping just isn’t for me, there isn’t anything I want, or can think of, that I would wait in line for 5 hours to buy. Don’t even get me started on those stories you hear about people getting in fights over the last _____ (fill in the blank). I like to shop small whenever I can, although I have to admit sometimes I do shop at the mall because with young ones at home, you need to be all about the one stop shopping. This year, cyber Monday was big for me. Having everything delivered to my house is so convenient! No dealing with the mall and crowds and parking spaces!
So here are my picks for bags and babies, not a huge list, but just products I love. For the bags, starting top left and going clockwise: STATE bags, Long Wharf Supply Company, Sea Bags and Ame and Lulu.
So let’s start with STATE bags, I love what they’re company stands for. For each bag purchased, one fully-stocked backpack is hand-delivered to an American child in need. How good does that make you feel? The company was founded by Scot and Jacq Tatelman and they have partnered with some big names, ahem: Beyonce and Jessica Alba. They have a really nice variety of bags and backpacks, I love the Graham tote bag, shown above in “olive multi”. The bag goes for $70 and for an extra $20 you can personalize it. Check out their videos on their about us page, I dare you to watch and not want to go out and buy a dozen bags after watching!
Long Wharf Supply Co. is a local company, founded in 2015. They have some great looking nautical bags that I am going gaga over. This Ipswich weekender bag goes for $275 and is perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s made of waxed canvas and bridle leather – sturdy and fashionable.
I may have a (small) addiction to Sea Bags. I have half a dozen tote bags. Here’s what I love about them, they are locally made in Portland, Maine. They are made from recycled sails. You can buy bags from the collection (like the anchor tote on the bottom left) or you can have one personalized with anything you can dream up. I love the extra large totes, I have some with zippers and some without. They are great for travel, when I go away with the kids I just throw all of their stuff in their Sea Bag (those two on the right are ones I monogrammed with their initials) and go. Another thing I love about them, I don’t have to worry about them getting dirty, if they do, just wipe them off! They carry “bucket bags” which I use at the holiday time instead of stockings.
I love the cosmetic brush bag from Ame and Lulu. For $18 it is a steal and if perfect for anyone on your list. It’s canvas with a vinyl interior so you can wipe it down easily. It comes in a half a dozen cute patterns but I’m partial to the elephants!
Gifts for babies. There are so many things out there it’s hard not to buy everything I see. Here are a few of my favorites: Milkbarn swaddle blankets, Slumberkins, Haptic Lab blankets and I love all toys that are wooden.
Milkbarn makes swaddles, stroller blankets, onesies, hooded towels, loveys, and burpies in a bunch of adorable patterns. I’m partial to the hedgehogs, the elephants and the whales. They are super soft right out of the box but get even softer after you wash them a few times. I like these because they are a little different, you don’t see everyone using these at your music class or at daycare.
I’m not a huge fan of stuffed animals in general, but bought a slumberkins for my son a while back. I love the Yeti – it comes in two different weights (medium and ultra plush) and two different face colors (ice blue and snow white). They are a bit on the pricier side but my son adores his. The slumberkins are hand stitched by two moms in the Pacific Northwest. I love anything personalized, so for an additional $10 you can get your child’s name sewn on the back.
Haptic Lab is based out of Brooklyn, NY and they make these awesome quilts. They are city quilts and the stitching on it is a map of Brookline, Somerville and Cambridge. You can have up to three locations personalized (the red stars on our quilt). I had our house and where my son was born added for an additional $25. They also put his initials and his date of birth in the corner. This is a great heirloom gift that I know he will treasure when he grows up. Prices start at $219 for this design.
I really like wooden toys, they give me a sense of nostalgia – plus they encourage imaginative play which I love. You can pick up a set on Amazon for under $20.
Stay tuned for more gift guides this week! Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite bags and baby gifts are for this season.
Tags: gift guide, gifts, holiday, shop small
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Products
December 8, 2016 Juliet
With Juliet fresh of their win as Eater’s Restaurant of the Year, I figured it was time to post my review. I went back in March (GASP, I know, so behind!!) and loved it! Juliet is owned by Josh Lewin and Katrina Jazayeri. Lewin and Jazayeri founded Bread and Salt Hospitality and opened their first restaurant in 2014, Bread and Salt at Wink and Nod.
Pictured above: I love the open kitchen area, it really allows the chefs to interact with the customers. In addition to the bar seating there are a few low top tables near the window.
Josh was named a Zagat “30 Under 30” award winner in 2013. What you might not know about him, he served in the USMC, and he is a competitive runner and boxer. Jazayeri, at only 26, is also the founder of Post Oak, a custom apron company that is gaining popularity among local chefs. She also designed the interior at Juliet and baked all the goodies you see in the case. It was hard to choose just one thing, so we didn’t – we picked out a few items to share!
Juliet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. We went for lunch and started off with the roasted and pickled cauliflower ($9). I loved how the two types of cauliflower balanced each other out but especially enjoyed the flavor of the pickled cauliflower.
The lobster roll was perfection, the perfect roll (that remained un-soggy until the last bite), fresh lobster meat, and just the right amount of herbs and dressing.
I adore these plates, don’t you?
Everything was delicious, it was hard to pick a favorite. I am certainly going to head back there for dinner. Juliet offers some great specials like dollar oysters on Thursdays. They also have theme nights, so prime rib on Thursdays, whole fish on Fridays and steakhouse Saturdays.
Juliet
257 Washington Street, Somerville, MA
http://www.julietsomerville.com
Tags: breakfast, casual dining, dinner, lunch, restaurant, somerville
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Restaurants
December 7, 2016 Happy Holidays from Macy’s
This holiday season has me feeling a little nostalgic. I was asked to participate in a campaign for Macy’s this year and it got me thinking back (WAY back) to when I was a kid and what shopping was like then. First, there was no Natick Collection. The Shopper’s World isn’t the one that you know now, although the old one was an outdoor mall too. I remember the OLD Natick Mall: getting our photos taken at Sears and having them made into necklaces, buying red pistachios from large barrels, going to the buffet (I can’t recall the name) with my grandparents and looking forward to the spinning dessert case. There was a store that pressed pictures onto t-shirts, I think my dad may still have one of them, and we always bought him one for his birthday or for the holidays (thanks for wearing the green rainbow sparkle shirt that I picked out dad!).
The OLD Shopper’s World was an outdoor mall with a cinema attached. Do you remember 5,7,9? Yup that was there. There was this stationary store on the top level in the corner near the theater where I would buy those troll dolls. At the holiday time the mall had these huge wooden toy soldiers (which you can still see around Framingham) and live reindeers. But maybe the most memorable thing about that mall was Jordan Marsh. Oh those blueberry muffins! Everyone claims to have the original recipe, but every time we try and make them, they just aren’t quite right, close but not the same. The store itself looked like a big flying saucer or a dome – I can remember when those hyper color shirts were in and I just HAD to have one. By the time we got there they only had one that was pink that changed to a darker shade of pink…so not cool, but I bought it anyway, just to have one.
Let’s fast forward. Jordan Marsh was converted into Macy’s and the Natick Collection is a sight to be seen. While I love to support local shops and makers whenever I can, sometimes (especially now that I have small children) it is just easier to go to a department store and do some one stop shopping. While holiday shopping I have good intentions of buying gifts for friends and family but usually end up seeing things I love and getting myself things instead.
I headed into Macy’s this past weekend and literally knocked off half of my holiday gift list. There is literally something for everyone:
For you: pick up that cute outfit you’ve been eyeing for your company holiday party (and don’t forget the shoes and something sparkly!)
For your bestie: grab her a Coach purse (that she will totally let you borrow)
For your coworker: some Godiva chocolates are always a crowd pleaser
For the techie in your life: a fashionable smart watch or those adorable cat headphones
For your mother in law: something Kate Spade for the home
For your mom: a Kitchenaid mini mixer in a cute color to match her kitchen
For your tween niece: MAC makeup is always a hit
For your siblings: some cozy pajamas (it’s supposed to be a COLD winter!!)
What are you buying at Macy’s this holiday season?
Disclaimer: I was invited to be a part of a blogger campaign for Macy’s. I was given a gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Events, Stores
December 6, 2016 Girls Night Out with Straight No Chaser
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I was invited to attend the Straight No Chaser concert and was compensated with a complimentary ticket and dinner. All opinions are my own.
It’s that time of year – the holidays. Are you team Christmas or team grinch this year? I’ve been a little grinchy I have to admit…Thanksgiving snuck up on me and the holidays are right around the corner and I don’t feel very prepared. I’m hoping to avoid the mall this whole season, but haven’t really bought any gifts!! So I was in need of a night out with the ladies! We had a great night planned, dinner at PF Changs and then the Straight No Chaser concert. I have to admit that I didn’t really know who Straight No Chaser was, and had to look them up. When I found out that they were an a cappella group, I was excited to do something a little different. I met up with 7 other ladies, some old friends and a few new ones!
I hadn’t been to the Boch Center in quite some time. (Am I the only one who will forever just call it the Wang?) Here’s a fun tidbit about me, when I was a kid I was in the King and I at the Wang with Rudolf Nureyev and Liz Robertson.
I don’t go as often as I’d like these days, but growing up as a kid, I loved the theatre: the high ceilings, the grand staircases, the chandeliers – everything about it is just magical.
The concert was a blast! There were people of all ages at the show, young and old, some groupies and some newbies (like me). Not only was the singing amazing but there were moments that had the whole audience laughing hysterically. Head over to my Facebook page to hear some snippets of the show!
Thanks to Mom it Forward and Atlantic Records for the fun night!
- Leave a comment
- Posted under Events
December 5, 2016 Pier 6
November felt like October this year didn’t it? We had some beautiful fall days. One of them was recently spent having lunch with some friends at Pier 6 in Charlestown. I have to admit that I don’t generally go to Charlestown, and it’s a shame because it is so beautiful!
So I drive over and feel incredibly lucky, found a great spot on the street. Got to the restaurant in plenty of time. We are sitting and chatting before we order and Leah mentions that it’s street cleaning day. So THAT’S why there was so many free spots on the side of the street. I mad dash out of the restaurant to move my car into the pay lot next to the restaurant, only to forget my wallet in the restaurant (and you need it to enter the credit card only lot)… DUH. So Nancy, who is also moving her car, throws her car in park and sprints back into the restaurant to get our wallets…and then brings them back to the car (we were parked at the entrance of the lot, thank goodness no one came) WHEW!
So we feel like we deserve a cocktail (or 6) after that work out!
The second story restaurant has great views, I can imagine how great this place is in the summer. But you know what? It is pretty great in the fall too!
Leah loves oysters so of course they are on our must try list. They are $3 each and we try a couple of each: Island Creek, Malpeque and Umami.
I love a good cheese plate, this one comes with fresh fruit, mixed nuts, crostini and a cranberry mostarda ($17). The clothbound cheddar was my favorite.
The crab cakes here are baked so you feel good about eating them. They come on a bed of apple fennel salad. Super tasty, not too bready – which allows you to really get the crab flavor.
The fried pickles were on our list and I loved the presentation in the fry basket. They had just the right amount of breading and they were served with a spicy aioli.
I was really impressed with the quality of food at Pier 6. The short rib melt ($15) was served with creme fraiche horseradish and fontina cheese on marble rye. There was a healthy portion of French fries which we quickly devoured! (I mean all that running back and forth from our car to the restaurant MUST have burned off the same amount of calories, right?)
The lobster roll can be ordered hot with butter or cold with mayo. We went with the hot with butter (the only way to go in my book) and it was delicious. Hot with butter just kicks the lobster meat up a notch in my book!
Perhaps my favorite dish of the afternoon was the house made gnocchi ($19). Maybe not something you would normally order for lunch, but for me this is a must try dish! The gnocchi is served with wild mushrooms and roasted cherry tomatoes. Service was excellent, our server was attentive and great with suggestions.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest of Pier 6 for lunch. My meal was provided complimentary. All opinions are my own.
Pier 6
1 8th Street, Charlestown, MA
Tags: casual dining, charlestown, restaurant, waterfront dining
- 1 comment
- Posted under Restaurants
November 30, 2016 Pasta Flight at Terramia
Recently a childhood friend of mine got married in Italy. With a new baby at home, we unfortunately had to miss the wedding. So for the time being, the only Italian flight I’m experiencing is the pasta flight at Terramia. I loved the restaurant, it was cozy and inviting. While they have been recognized with awards for their food, Terramia still remains authentic (no tourist trap here!).
Every Monday night from 5pm -10pm, Terramia will be serving pasta flights for $25. Mix and match 3 pastas from the following list:
Rigatoni con Salsiccia
Baked rigatoni with sausage & broccoli rabe, San Marzano tomato & basil sauce & Parmigiano cheese
Spaghetti con Pomodoro
Abruzzi style, spaghetti, San Marzano tomato sauce, basil & Parmigiano cheese
Gnocchi Amatriciana
Potato dumplings, buffalo mozzarella, red onion, basil, smoked pancetta, spicy Collina tomato sauce
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Spaghetti, smoked pancetta, sweet peas, egg & Parmigiano cream sauce
Pappardelle alla Bolognese
Pappardelle pasta, traditional ground veal, beef and pork meat, tomato ragù, basil & Parmigiano cheese
Risotto
Chef’s creation of the day
We started something not included on the pasta flight menu, but it was just calling to us – the Frittelle di Aragosta. Fresh Maine lobster fritters (market price) topped with a mountain of sweet potato strings and leeks and a delicious balsamic honey glaze that we scooped up every last bit of! Those sweet potatoes were heavenly – not only were they great here but would also be a nice addition to a salad!
I can never make up my mind when it comes to pastas because they all sound so delicious. Give me all the pasta!!! So the flight is a great choice for me, I get all my favorites on one dish!
Of course I chose the bolognese! I liked that this was the real bolognese, with a blend of meat (not just ground beef).
I enjoyed the presentation of the carbonara and the cream sauce was just right, not too thick but still creamy.
The gnocchi was an untraditional shape for me but I liked the kick to the sauce and the smoked pancetta.
In addition to the pasta flight, we tried the Raviolone Aperto ($25). It’s a sheet of fresh pasta topped with shrimp and scallops and topped off with another sheet of pasta. The sauce is a lobster mascarpone reduction which we proceeded to eat the rest of with out bread! This is a can’t miss dish – over the top!
There VERY limited street parking. There is a lot just behind the restaurant on Cooper Street for $20. If you park at the Parcel 7 garage (just a short walk from the North End) the restaurant will validate you.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to Terramia for dinner. My meal was provided complimentary. All opinions are my own.
Terramia
98 Salem Street, Boston, MA
Tags: bolognese, casual dining, italian, north end, pasta, seafood
- 2 comments
- Posted under Restaurants
