Sparklefest is in full swing in Harvard Square. Artisan and craft fairs and holiday pop up shops are popping up rapidly like the bubbles in that New Year’s eve glass of Champagne. And, the kids might be seeing double, triple and quadruple as Santa finds his way all over town. This weekend is the weekend…
Author: City Living (Boston)
I am a writer and cook. I write about city living, travel, food, the arts and family. I raise my family in Cambridge & Boston and share tips for throwing cocktail parties, packing lunches, having fun on the weekend without going broke or losing your sanity.
Fashion Tip: The Beauty of a Scarf
Men have ties and bow ties. They have cravats and ascots, and pocket square. The amount of style that men can achieve with a little scrap of fabric without much effort is quite impressive. I suppose more and more women have chosen to take advantage of all these traditionally masculine wardrobe accents too -because “Why not?”. From…
Slow Down Santa: Holiday Hotel Stays in Boston
This year is coming to a close and Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are all fast approaching. Before we crash full speed into the coming year, I am pulling on the breaks. Over the last few years, I have learned to appreciate what a night away (it doesn’t have to be far) does for…
Gift Guide: Shopping Local
If you’re sitting by your computer shopping online, there may be someone bringing you a cocktail, and good cheer, but I bet it’s much easier to find by bundling up and skipping out your door to head to some of the local craft fairs, holiday strolls and some of my favorite little boutiques. We use Amazon.com…
Gift Guide: The Gift of Health & Beauty
It is true that for the holidays (or let’s face it any time) no one wants a gym membership or a gift basket of aluminum-free deodorant because it might be interpreted the wrong way. On the other hand, so many people have too much stuff they don’t really need or use, so gifts that help…
Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonette Celebrate 9 years of Toro: Chef Edward Lee Joins the Party
Happy 9th Anniversary Toro! Not only are Chefs/Owners Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonette celebrating 9 fabulous years with a party a cocktail party and special Bully Boy cocktails (available for purchase), but they’re inviting you to the party tonight, Thursday, December 4th. In addition, coming North for the celebration is Kentucky chef Edward Lee. This…
Whiskey Guide: Behind the Bar
(A copy of The North American Whiskey Guide from Behind the Bar was sent to me for review. As always all opinions are my own.) I never found myself behind the bar, well except for once serving drinks at a party hosted by my dorm, Royal Victoria College, at McGill and I don’t remember pouring too…
To Do Today: Cookies, Cyber Monday, Cocktails & Coughs
Today is usually what I call “my weekend”. It’s the day that my home office transitions back from being grand central station to just being my home (with the usual home chores) and my office (with my list of assignments and projects). I work on Mondays, but it feels like a bit of a weekly…
A Guide to Chocolate in Boston
Thanksgiving is all fine and good for those who enjoy pie. While everyone else is hmmming and hawing about which pie they will try after their Thanksgiving feast, the chocolate lovers are quietly pretending to be full because no fruit or nut filled, one layer, pastry encrusted pie plate holds what they really crave: chocolate….
Chocolate Lovers Guide to Boston: The Langham Boston Chocolate Bar
The Langham Boston’s Chocolate Bar is an annual outing for some and others save it for special milestones. I’ve brought pregnant friends out for this chocolate feast. I’ve come for a mother-daughter outing with my 7 year old. This year, I brought the whole family. When we have guests in town who are true chocolate…
Enter to Win a Pair of Tickets to Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a story of battle, fantasy, sugary treats, Christmas gifts, wizardry, snowy scenes, and not only the magic of the holidays but also the magic of childhood. It’s not just for dance lovers, it’s most definitely not just for girls or little dancers to enjoy. Seeing a full snow flurry on stage indoors…
Hosting for The Holidays (Sponsored by ShoeBuy)
Over the years I’ve hosted cookie swaps, dinner parties, cocktail parties, and holiday brunches. I enjoy hosting and I like to take the creativity and methodical ways of Martha Stewart, some recipes and the joie de vivre of Ina Garten, design and style from the world around me, my mother’s clever approach of making nothing…
Leah's Life: Pearls and Oysters 