Tired of Same Old Meals? Try a Cooking Class

Tired of “Taco Tuesday,” every Tuesday? Then head over to your local Sur la Table to learn a new dish to wow friends and family! Sur la Table offers a variety of classes from pastries to pasta and beyond in 20+ states across the US.

In each of Sur la Table’s unique classes “students” (18 and older) work with other students in a fun, hands-on environment led by a professional chef. Each class runs about two hours (unless noted otherwise) and allows each individual a generous sample of their dish! In addition, each student will receive a coupon good for 10% off in-store purchases on the day of the class.

Keep scrolling down for a sneak peek into a Sur la Table cooking class!

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Fall Trips: Nashoba Valley Winery

This past weekend my boyfriend and I took a mini trip 45 minutes north of Boston to Bolton, Massachusetts to Nashoba Valley Winery for some wine tasting and to enjoy the last bit of summer weather.

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Let me first start by saying this place is huge! Not only does Nashoba Valley produce a variety of award-winning wines but a wide selection of spirits and beers. If that’s not enough to keep your busy all day check out their gift shop, restaurant, or enjoy apple picking with over 10 different apples offered throughout their orchard. (I recommend packing a lunch and buying a bottle of wine and enjoying the picnic area which is situated on a hilltop overlooking Bolton.)

With the exception July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Nashoba Valley is open every day for tastings; with tours offered to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. (No reservation required for either, however, I recommend going early as the winery fills up fast!)

Guest can sample either 5 or 10 wines or 5 wines and a full glass. We decided on sampling 10 of their 20+ wines. After tasting 10 wines from their extensive wine list here are the ones I highly recommend buying a bottle or two:

  1. Cranberry Apple
  2. Riesling
  3. Dry Pear

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If wine’s not your thing Nashoba Vally brews a variety of handcrafted ciders,  flagship, fusion and seasonal beers (pumpkin lovers, no worries they got you covered too).

Nashoba Valley also offers a wonderful selection of distilled spirits. Combining their award-winning artistry of fermentation with years of experience in distillation, Nashoba Valley produces and sells some of the finest brandies and vodka (distilled from 100% apples).

Looking for the perfect fall activity? I highly recommend heading over to Nashoba Valley for a delectable brunch at their restaurant, apple picking, and wine tasting!

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4 Makeup Products I Swear By!!!

Makeup has been part of my daily routine since I could remember. From a young age all the way through my high school career I was always required to wear makeup at dance performances and recitals. (Meaning I’ve tried A LOT of different brands in my almost 25 years of life.) Not to mention my mom sold Mary-Kay products as a part-time job. So, some people may ask, “with makeup consuming most of my life what are my favorites?” Keep reading to find out!

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Smashbox Cover Shot: Eye Palettes, $29, available at Sephora.

With a variety of palettes to choose from go from classy to club seek all in one eye kit. Smashbox eye palettes are great for creating different looks from natural to bold at an affordable cost!

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash, $23, available at MAC.

If Va Voom lashes are your end game – look no further than to MAC’s Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash mascara. Perfect for day or night! I first discovered this particular MAC mascara in college and I’m not going back to anything else it leaves lashes full, flattering and dark.

REVLON ColorStay Brow Pencil, $7, available at Target.

Who says being beautiful has to cost a lot of money? Head over to your nearest Target to pick up REVELON’s ColorSay Brow Pencil great for adding an extra pop to your makeup routine! With contouring brows being a popular trend in beauty, this is an affordable way to keep up with the celebrities.

NARS Blush, $30, available at Sephora.

Looking for that Kardashian glow? Stop by Sephora for the NARS blush available in over 10 colors; leaving your skin simmering and glowing all day long!

 

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Clean, Fresh, Nail Salon Experience

When I first moved to Boston it was hard to find a clean nail studio with great customer service and a clean atmosphere. However, four years ago I stumbled upon MiniLuxe on Newbury street and instantly became obsessed with the brand.

At MiniLuxe, clean is their culture. That means clean business, clean ethics, and clean methodologies. It’s how they care for the team, the products, and their customers.

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With over 10 locations in four states no wonder MiniLuxe is taking the beauty industry by storm. I know when I want a manicure or pedicure I want a clean, relaxing experience with above and beyond customer service; and that’s just what clients will find at every MiniLuxe location.

The studios interior is very sleek with whites and accents of pink and purple making customers feel like they stepped into the nail salon of the future.

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Need your eyebrows done? Get waxed, threaded, or shaped at MiniLuxe’s signature brow bar. Waxers do a great job keeping your natural arch and cleaning up unwanted hairs.

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Personally, I love MiniLuxe signature polishes. Among their own polish line they also offer quick dry polish (performance polish), gel polish and a luxury brand line (for an additional fee).

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Massage chairs are a thing of the past. At the MiniLuxe’s Newbury street location relax in their private pedicure area. The studio offers five pedicure packages ranging anywhere from a simple color change to their signature performance pedicure.

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Looking to book an appointment? Book here to find a location near you!

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Brunch in the Meatpacking District – NYC

Looking for a place to brunch on your next trip to New York City? Look no further than Bubby’s. With two locations in the Meatpacking District and Tribeca locals and tourist alike will enjoy flavors of the south in the heart of the big apple.

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Opened in 1990, Owner Ron Silver began baking pies and selling them to restaurants and neighbors out of a small kitchen in Tribeca. Today, Bubby’s restaurant and pie shop celebrate’s 26 years of homemade southern cooking. (And of course pies!)

The exterior of the restaurant perfectly blends into the neighborhoods in which they each sit; while the inside excludes a warm welcoming southern atmosphere. Making guest feel like they walked into grandmas house.

If you like pancakes this is a New York must! The pancakes are fluffy topped with fresh fruits and sauces. WIth toppings like blueberry and banana nut good luck trying to pick only one!

The rest of the menu includes a southern fare with options like fried chicken and biscuits to biscuits & gravy to a cheese grits breakfast to your more traditional breakfast items like the house omelet or the Bubby’s breakfast.

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Not only does Bubby’s offer an outstanding brunch program, but the restaurant serves up lunch and dinner as well.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert as Bubby’s makes some of the best pies in Manhattan. Whether it’s a slice or a pre-ordered pie be sure to indulge in one of their pies including apple, peach, local blueberry and more.

Safe to say if you’re in the mood for some comfort food this is the place to be!

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Located at 120 Hudson St. (Tribeca) and at 73 Gansevoort St. (Meatpacking).

 

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