Great job, team. Head back to base for debriefing and cocktails.
-621445308
  • Neighborhood
  • South End, Newburyport
  • Occupation
  • Stuck in the corporate whirl until I can make my escape
  • Website

About Me

I'm a writer, future shopgirl, current beer drinker, internet maven, champion shopper, and loud laugher.

-621111878

7 Ways To Ensure My Happy (Boston) Birthday

My birthday is coming up in just over a week and you might need to know what to get me. Or what to suggest that others get me. Or, maybe you know someone exactly like me and want to know what to get her. So many exciting possibilities. Let's begin!

-620704468

7 Ways To Kill Time During Your Commute Into Boston

Although I love the freedom of driving into work, the price of gas is killing me, and I often desperately wish that I could use my hour and 15 minute drive to do something productive or even fun. If I were to take public transportation, I could. Riding the commuter rail from Newburyport to Boston takes just over an hour. From Needham to Boston takes 40 minutes. Regardless of where you're traveling from, you've got ample time to yourself - a real luxury, if you think about it. Here are ...

-621019248

A Cat's Guide to Life in Massachusetts

As dictated to her owner, Guidespot writer mswen.

-618795308

A July 4th Picnic on the Esplanade: Fantasy vs. Reality

It's a choice all Bostonians must make at one time or another: whether or not to go see the Fourth of July fireworks show at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Some people are fanatics and go every single year; others wouldn't dream of putting themselves through a grueling day like this. And, for the naive or total newbie, you may have a different view of what it actually entails.

-619769798

All You Need to Know About Patriots' Day in Boston

Massachusetts residents celebrate a strange holiday known as Patriots Day. Growing up in Connecticut, I found it so incredibily weird that a holiday exisited for them that didn't for us. I became jealous and, at a very young age, vowed to someday move to this state so that I could take advantage of this extra day off. OK - so that's not why I moved here. It was for the four years of partying known as "college". But let's save that for another guide.

-620007998

Beauty Gone Bad

We've all made beauty blunders in our lives - sometimes we follow dumb trends; other times we just don't know any better. And while some "don'ts" are way worse than others, they're all funny.

-621165068

Be Your Own Boston Bartender: A Guide To Summertime Drinks

Summer is the time of year when you want to stay OUT of the bars and entertain (or be entertained). And as the heat rises, you'll want to ensure that you are drinking and serving cool, tasty, refreshing beverages - with, of course, a kick. Here are some ways to make it happen.

-618931178

Bicycles and Other Stuff for the Non-Biker

So, I enjoy a good bike ride. A leisurely, relaxed cruise, typically in and around my neighborhood of historical homes and right along the ocean at the end of my street. Therefore, you won't see me dressed head to toe in a sleek spandex outfit and special clip-on shoes. Heck, I'm lucky if I'm wearing a helmet (I do) and not a pair of heels (I don't). So if you're anything like me, here's how I take the more relaxed route.

-618605088

Boy, I love Ikea

If you want to see me completely paralyzed, overwhelmed, and giddy with glee, take me to Ikea. There's something about this brightly-lit, Swedish store chock full of stylish-yet-simple goodies at really great prices that hypnotizes me. Go ahead - take over the world, Ikea. You'll make it a better place, you with your Ektorp sofas and Pokal tumblers!

-621240408

Buffett in Boston: The Good and The Bad

I was never a Jimmy Buffett fan. Ever. But one simple factor lead me to end up at two different concerts in the Boston area, two years apart: free tickets. So, for about 48 hours of my life I was a Parrothead. And I'd like to get 24 of them back.

-620963378

Create An Outdoor Oasis In Your Little Boston Yard

If you live in and around Boston, your close proximity to the city means you've probably sacrificed a sprawling piece of land for a tiny yard. Or no yard at all. No worries - no matter what you've got, you can make something of it. Something cheery, pretty, and inviting. A spot to relax and enjoy on our own or a place to entertain friends on a warm night. Whether you have a small square of grass or just a concrete slab, you can create your own little garden with minimal cost but a hi...

-620950868

Create Your Perfect Home Office

These days, most homes have a computer. Many of us work from home, spend time on the internet, and even pay all of our bills online. And rather than sit on the couch or have everything spread out over the dining room table, your life will feel a hundred times more organized if you create a dedicated space for yourself. Think you don't have room? Or can't afford it? Think again - there are so many great ways to incorporate an office area into your home, no matter how big or small, regardl...

-619948758

Do You Like My Mustache?

It's making a comeback, folks. Gents? Prepare to turn into a more dapper, suave "you". Ladies? Don't fret -- you're meant to get in on the fun, too. And you're not going to want to wax this one off.

-620565408

! Elements For A Cinco de Mayo Bueno in Boston !

There were no upside down exclamation points for me to use throughout my guide, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before every computer keyboard is outfitted with one. Until then, we have Cinco de Mayo to help us get our Spanish fix. Here's how to celebrate, whether you're going out or having your own shin-dig.

-620112288

Everyday Dress Shopping in Boston

Dresses are ladylike and pretty and thankfully, not what they were in the 80's. Because I aspire to have a closet full of cute frocks, I require my dresses to be affordable and easily to find. Here are my picks for where you, too, can find the loveliest dresses in the Boston area.

-620919068

Extra Hot & Spicy in Boston

It's been unbearably hot out. So hot that yesterday I almost made like the Wonder Twins and melted into a puddle right there in my kitchen. But still, more than ever, my obsession with hot and spicy remains strong and steadfast: things with heat and passion always top my list of favorite things. So if you can't beat 'em, here's how to join 'em.

-619717468

Eyebrows for the Boston Girl. Yes, I Said Eyebrows.

Listen, Ladies. I'm going to help you, and you'll thank me later. If you do nothing else, pay attention to your eyebrows. Let me show you how.

-620174838

Father's Day: Your Boston Gift Guide

While it's pretty easy to pick out something that Mom will love for Mother's Day, Father's Day is typically a different story. And while most dads grumble "I don't need anything!" when you ask them for ideas, you still want to make sure that they have a special day, too. Here's a guide chock full of unique ideas for dear old Daddy-O.

-621616798

Feeding Your Shoe Fetish in Boston

My favorite thing about the warm weather are the shoes, shoes, and more shoes. Oh, and flip flops. But those don't belong in this guide - because today I'm talking about hot, high, and sexy shoes. They come super-pricey and way cheap, and I love them all. Follow me for the best Boston-area sources.

-619392298

First Oprah, Now Dooce: What Is This Cleanse All About?

So apparently there is a 21-day cleanse that some big names are publicly endorsing and following. Being the cynic that I am, I'm assuming this is another trend that all-knowing celebrites have jumped on and will fizzle just as fast as it's arrived on the scene. In the meantime, I'm curious as to what it's all about. Here's what I found out.

-620148528

Get One Well-Stocked Kitchen: For the Boston Cook

We all watch the Barefoot Contessa and covet her kitchen. We all want to look as smooth as Giada De Laurentiis while we dump our spa-gheee-ti into a hip-looking bowl. Right? Well, at least I do. Here's how I do it, on a non-Food Network star's dime.

-620185188

Get Ready to Get Addicted: Shopping Etsy

Do you know what Etsy is? Besides having taken ahold of me worse than a crack addiction? It's an awesome, awesome site selling all things handmade and vintage. It is not only my go-to gift resource, but where I buy cool, unique items for myself and my home. Here's a little tour of my favorite store on the web.

-620055938

Getting Fried in Boston

Don't act like you're above it: frying something - anything! - in hot oil makes it taste fantastic. And while it's certainly not the healthiest choice, fried food is a tasty treat and, lucky (?) for us Boston-area folks, readily available due to our proximity to the coast. There are also plenty of non-seafood spots to get your fix, too, including in your own home.

-620882848

Good eating and drinking in downtown Newburyport

Historic Newburyport, Massachusetts is a great place to spend the day, but at some point you'll want to eat. And maybe have a drink. Here's a look at some of the best spots in town to do just that.

-620483008

Have a Seat: Couches, the Greater Boston Guide

No matter where you live, you need something to sit on. Unless you're still living with Mom and Dad. In which case, you're got "your room" and mainly sit on your bed. Even so, at some point in your life, you'll be buying a couch. Or a sofa. Whatever. Just read the guide.

-620231468

How the Heck to Get a Good Night's Sleep in Boston

You're tired. It's probably hot out. Maybe you have a big day tomorrow. Maybe you don't. No matter what, everyone wants a good night's sleep, and there are all sorts of tricks and tips to help you try to get one.

-620264288

How to be a Boston Red Sox Fan

The history, passion, and emotion associated with the Boston Red Sox is unparalleled, and, as a result, their fans are a unique bunch. Here's how you can get in on the fun. (Or, heartache. Depending on the season.)

-620233478

How to be an Anglophile in Boston

Some of us are in love with all things British. Ironic, since we worked so hard to be break up with them well over 200 years ago. We don't want to get back together with them or anything, but we've been able to remain friends and will always admire and adore the charm that made us fall in love with them in the first place.

-621089198

How to be...in Boston

Ever wanted to step outside of that familiar comfort zone of yours and be someone else for a moment? Here are some random ways to try.

-620404718

How to Survive Wedding Season

It's no coincidence that from June through September your weekends may be booked with one wedding after another - this is the most popular time of year to get married. And, let's face it: whether you're single or long married, more than one wedding a year can become a drag - financially and socially. So, don't tell the bride, but here are my tips for coming out of it with your wallet and sanity in check.

-619916598

Indulging Your Beauty Addiction in Boston

At one point in my life, my bathroom looked like a CVS. The inside of my shower alone held enough scrubs, shampoos, deep conditioners, and body washes to stock a day spa. For a year. And although now that I'm married with a house and other priorities (and space contraints) that have curbed my purchases, I still go ga-ga for beauty goodies and can't resist lingering in stores or aisles chock full of product. I'll consider outlandish promises, try the "next big thing", and I'm easily sway...

-620489388

Let's Compare and Contrast: Your 2 Most Eligible New England Patriots Bachelors

The pretty-boy Superbowl MVP? The dumpy genius? Yes, ladies, these two polar opposite ends of the bachelor spectrum are both single.

-620255698

Lovely things with ruffles and scalloped edges

I realized one day that everything I liked in clothing and home decor seemed to have one thing in common: a ruffled or scalloped edge. Here's a roundup of some of my favorites.

-612681568

Migratory Habits of the New Bostonian: From School to Suburbia

Hundreds of thousands of people first move to Boston to attend college. And unless they're from New York, a great many of them stay and become residents of our fantabulovely state after graduation. After years of study, it appears that the residency path is quite similar for this particular group. Here's how it happens.

-620302868

My Chalkboard Obsession

I've got a thing for blackboards/chalkboard... it is the kids are calling them these days. (Do they even use blackboards in the classroom anymore? Or have they moved on to whiteboards? Are kids still even IN classrooms today? Or is everything done via the internet?) Oh, I digress. Back to the subject at hand. Blackboards are the symbols of our youth, of a simpler (and a tiny bit more old-fashioned) time. But they're also quite cool to look at, draw on, and incorporate into non-s...

-620451998

Not Your Average Mother's Day Gifts

Come on. It's your mom. Let's step up the giving this year and get her something special.

-620542918

Packing Your Bags for a Summer Weekend Trip

Splitting town for a short weekend getaway? If you're anything like me, you overpack, bring 23 pairs of shoes, and 12 outfits. For 2 days. You know - "just in case". Well, it's time to pare down and organize yourself a bit better than that.

-609619348

Perfect Boston Picnic Spots

Believe it or not, summertime in Boston is the perfect time to not only explore the city (goodbye, college students!) but also to take advantage of the suddenly-vacant grassy areas for an impromptu picnic. Here's where to go and what to do to make for a great al fresco lunch.

-621033468

Photography For The Boston Novice

Blogging (both writing one and reading hundreds) has totally piqued my interest in photography. So, after many months of dealing with an okay point-and-shoot camera that would run out of batteries after taking about 4 pictures, I sucked it up and dropped some coin on a new higher-end model. Sooooo...now what?!

-621011818

So you're getting married. Thank goodness for the Internet!

It's a great time to be a bride - these days, weddings are no longer held to the rigid standards of days past, and the web is overflowing with bridal resources and inspiration for you to make your day truly your own. On the flip side, the amount of eye candy out there may totally paralyze you. Here are some of my top picks to get you started.

-608578228

Suddenly, I'm into Sangria

During the past two weeks, I've drank more sangria than I ever have in my entire life. And now, I'm obsessed. It's the perfect summertime drink, and tasty as all heck. I have embarked on a quest to learn all I can about this delicious concoction and am determined to try every variation I can until I find my "signature" mix. Take my hand and come with me during this wine-soaked adventure.

-621106758

The Perfect Get-Outta-Boston Day Trip: Marblehead, Massachusetts

Drive only about 15 miles north of Boston and you will hit the adorable, quaint town of Marblehead and feel totally transported. Million-dollar yachts combined with colonial buidlings, narrow roads, and amazing coastline views make Marblehead a must-visit and the perfect destination for a day trip. We fell in love with this town, moved there, stayed for over 2 years, and cried when we had to leave. So pick a lovely sunny day and head into Marblehead. Though there are a ton of great plac...

-620811548

The Ultimate Brimfield Guide

Brimfield is a mega-flea market that happens three times a year in Brimfield, Massachusetts. And I'm not talking about the type of flea market where you can buy old makeup and XXXXXXL t-shirts: Brimfield is full of fabulous antiques and incredible vintage finds. For collectors, it's a must-visit.

-621003328

Throw A Fun Memorial Day Cookout At Your Boston Pad

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Set the tone for the new season by throwing a casual bash at your place. Here's how to keep it simple but fun.

-619873088

What To Do With A Million Dollars In Boston

I do this calculation weekly as I wait for my lottery ticket to spit out of the register. It's fun to dream when money isn't an object. And in case this ever becomes a reality for you, let me help you explore some of your options.

-619531988

WWMD (What Would Martha Do?)

Love her or hate her, Martha Stewart seems to have the answers for everything. And she's built quite a business behind it. From household chores to crafts to gifts to entertaining, Martha knows how to solve any problem you might have.

-620119038

Your Boston Guide To The Lost Art of Letter Writing

In a world where e-mail, instant messaging, and texting are the favored modes of communication, we've completely lost the art of writing (and waiting for) hand-penned correspondence. Don't you miss it? No? Well, pretend you do and read this guide. You may just become nostalgic for it.

-621968238

Your Guide To The Cape Cod Baseball League

The what? Yep - Cape Cod is more than just great beaches and souvenir shops. It's home to a really great baseball league where tons of big-name players get their starts. So take a break from the pizzazz (and prices) surrounding the Boston Red Sox and catch a game played by this good ol' down home dirt dog league. You won't be disappointed.

-619930668

Your Recipe For A Perfect Pizza Night At Home

Pssst...don't tell anyone. 'Cause I'm going to share a secret with you. Most Friday nights? We get really lame, my husband and I. We actually stay in. Wait, wait...stay with me here. Why? Because we make the best homemade pizza on the planet. And, considering that we're two people who enjoy going out for beers and bar food more than anyone else we know, it's our favorite night of the week. Because our pizza is fan-freaking-tastic. Here's how we do it.