Category: Lifestyle

4 Essential Winter Jackets

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Surprise! Winter is still here. While we fight temperatures in the low 20s and brutal snowstorms I figured I’d round up some stylish, yet warm winter jackets to get you through the season.

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MACKPAGE Trish Fur Hooded Down Coat

Looking for a classy jacket to stay stylish and warm all winter long? Then this is the jacket for you! This knee length parka with fur v-neck trim is a classic winter coat making the perfect staple piece. The parka offers storm cuffs and hidden toggle at the hood to provide extra warmth.

Patagonia Tres 3-in1 Parka

A popular brand among millennials, Patagonia not only does a great job targeting 20 – 30 somethings in the northern region of America; but also boast positive reviews in their well-crafted jackets. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 parka is the jacket you need for wet, cold climates. With its waterproof exterior and insulated interior, this jacket will defiantly keep you dry and warm.

North Face Gotham Parka

If you walk into any New Englanders closet theirs a ninety-nine percent chance you will see a North Face jacket in their closet; as its wallet-friendly and durable (I had mine for five years!). Ranked best for warmth by North Face, the Gotham parka is crafted with two insulations, goose down and ample synthetic; perfect for cold conditions.

Canadian Goose Rossclair Parka Black

A popular household name in New England, Canadian Goose jacket’s are a must-have coat for any northerner. This mid-length parka is designed with Arctic-Tech fabric perfectly crafted for harsh winters. This is one of my personal favorites for its sophistic look and A-line silhouette.

Have a favorite winter coat? Share in the comments below and be sure to follow me on Twitter @tea_with_tina for all the latest travel, beauty and lifestyle news.

Tired of Same Old Meals? Try a Cooking Class

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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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Caffe Nero Opens Another Location in Boston

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London based Caffe Nero has opened yet another location in Boston just in time for college students to cozy up with a coffee and their laptop for the fall semester.

Gerry Ford, founder of Caffe Nero had the vision to create a place that served high-quality coffee and acted as a meeting place for the neighborhood. Since then the iconic blue coffee cup has made its way to the New England area with 10 locations in Boston.

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Their newest location at 1047 Commonwealth Ave. is located right on the Boston University campus and was carefully designed to fit the surrounding neighborhood of Allston-Brighton. With its rustic finishes, cozy atmosphere and beautiful light fixtures this coffee shop without a doubt makes for the perfect study spot. The layout is perfectly designed for large study sessions, an afternoon pick -me -up with a friend or an even spent tackling that English paper due at midnight.

From espressos to lattes to vegan to gluten free; Caffe Nero has everyone in mind with their extensive food & beverage menu. Whether you like your coffee hot or iced this Italian inspired cafe is sure to have student’s acing exams!

Not a student? No worries, stop on by for a cup of freshly brewed coffee on your way to work or enjoy a book and pot of tea during the weekend.

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After recently trying Caffe Nero, myself, I give this British owned coffee shop a 4.5/5. The coffee was fresh and the muffin was the perfect mix of filling but not too sweet! Be prepared to start seeing more blue cups around the Boston area.

Open daily Monday through Friday 6:30 am to midnight and Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am to midnight.

Guide to NYC Rooftop Bars

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Summer may be winding down, but the New York City bar scene is still in full swing! Below I’ve rounded up some of my favorite rooftop bars that are a must try before the end of the summer.

Mr. Purple: Situated on the 15th floor of the Hotel Indigo located on the Lower East Side; twenty somethings are calling Mr. Purple the “IT” spot for drinks and killer views of Manhattan! This swanky rooftop spot is blowing up Instagram with its roof top pool, drinks, lounges, and view (Don’t lie you’d go for the ‘Insta pic,’ too). Not into their extensive cocktail menu or craft beer list? Mr. Purple also serves up coffee and pressed juice. 180 Orchard St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10002

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Le Bain: Hands down my favorite rooftop in New York City! Located in the Meatpacking District, Le Bain at The Standard, Highline does an incredible job portraying a picnic like atmosphere 13 floors above the concrete jungle. The pink decor, turf grass, and crepe stand make you feel like you entered an exclusive party in The Hamptons. Kick-back and enjoy one of their signature drinks and breath taking views of Lower Manhattan. Looking to get your groove on? The lower level serves as a night club hosting some of the worlds most popular DJs. 848 Washington St., New York, NY 10014 

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230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: Looking for drop dead views of Midtown and the rooftop bar experience all year round? Then head to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar located on 5th Ave. At New York City’s largest rooftop garden and bar, guest will find palm trees, stellar views, tents to keep cool during hot summer days and heated igloos in the winter. Pro Tip: try the Raspberry Mojito (you’ll thank me later)! 230 Fifth Ave. (Corner of 27th) Manhattan, NY 10001

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Upstairs at the Kimberly: Whether you’re a guest at the Kimberly Hotel or looking for a lively bar atmosphere, Upstairs at the Kimberly is situated in the heart of Midtown with European like vibes open 365 days a year. Upstairs at the Kimberly makes the list for its decor, location, and remarkable views of the Chrysler Building. 145 E 50th St., New York, NY 10022

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Guide to New England Wines

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When most people think wine vineyards they think of Napa Valley, but if you’re from the New England area you know traveling out west can cost you a pretty penny. Lucky for all you wine lovers on the east coast, New England boasts over 20 wineries perfect for wedding venues, weekend getaways or day trips! Check out my top three picks below:

Truro Vineyards: Wine & spirit tastings, food trucks, and cape cod how much better could it get? Open daily Monday – Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday noon – 5 pm enjoy five of the vineyards 10 wines or partner up with a friend and try all 10! Tastings are  $10 and are held every half-hour in their outdoor pavilion and include a survivor glass. Pro tip: don’t pack up your glass too soon. After the tasting, if you want to continue drinking use the same glass for a discount!

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Truro Vineyards: 11 Shore Rd, North Truro, MA 02652

Russell Orchards: Located on the North Shore, wine lovers can spend the day picking fruit then head over to the barn to sample some incredible wines. Russell Orchards produces over 25 award winning wines, which are all fruit base and grown at the farm. Recently their Perry cider won Best Cider in Massachusettes at the BIG E Gold Cider Competition. For $5 guest over 21 get a wine glass and the opportunity to taste 4 wines. Tastings are held Friday -Sunday from noon till 5:30 pm.

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Russell Orchards: 143 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938 

Newport Vineyards: Settled along the coast of the Ocean State sits over 60 archers devoted to producing some of the best wines in New England. Locals and tourist alike can enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting followed by sharing a bottle on the outdoor terrace. Newport Vineyards produces a wide selection of wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. With a slogan, “Bring the Napa experience to New England” you know this place is the real deal!

 

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Newport Vineyards: 909 E. Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842

 

Blackbird Doughnuts a Local Favorite

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Located at 492 Tremont St, in Boston’s South End is a local favorite serving up fresh donuts and coffee.

If you love your morning Joe paired with a fresh donut then this is the place for you. Blackbird serves up unique gourmet donuts from scratch with all natural and local ingredients. It’s signature fluffy texture comes in a variety of flavors including Vanilla Glazed, Chocolate Sprinkle, Boston Cream, and more. If you’re more of a cake lover try one of their cake donuts. My favorites include The Blackbird, Blueberry Cake, and Mocha Chip. You can find the full menu here!

What’s really unique about Blackbird is they are a true Boston brand as they create special donuts around Boston holidays and sport’s teams. All while serving up their traditional flavors.

If you’re a die-hard foodie then this is a must stop location as Blackbird’s menu includes doughnut ice cream sandwiches. Yes, you read right – DOUGHNUT ICE CREAM SANDWHICIES! Customers can choose from any of the day’s doughnut selection then add vanilla, chocolate or swirl ice cream! Talk about the ultimate Instagram pic, right?!

Open daily Monday – Friday 7 AM – 6 PM and Saturday – Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM.

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What’s in My Bag?

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Some girls like small bags, others like cross bags, and some don’t like to carry a bag at all. As for me, I love big tote bags. The tote bag style is something I have grown up with, from high school through college it was always easy to just throw things in and go. Now as a working professional it still holds true! Here are just a few items I always have on me:

  • Agenda, because I’m a planner
  • Lip bum/ chapstick
  • Pens
  • Tide to Go (just in case)
  • Sunglasses
  • Work ID
  • Umbrella, perfect for all seasons!
  • Wallet
  • Gum
  • Headphones
  • Face wipes

What are your must-have items in your bag?

ClassPass Offers Luxury Gym Experience

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Tired of your gym, but can’t afford the luxury of going to yoga, spin and barre studios all in the same month? Now you can with ClassPass. With over 20 cities within the U.S. and eight cities international offering ClassPass, fitness gurus can now travel within their own city to different studios – allowing a variety of fitness options.

ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects members to over 1,000+ of the best fitness studios in your area. Allowing members to not only try new gyms but also enhance daily workout routines at any fitness level.

The ClassPass app allows members to view available classes through the upcoming week and book classes in advance or as late as an hour before a class. Classes offered include yoga, cycling, barre, pilates, strength training, dance, martial arts, boxing and more.

A great feature to ClassPass is members have the luxury of not only using their classes in their home city but as well as while they travel. (Giving members no excuse to not get their sweat on!)

ClassPass varies in price depending on your location and offers three class packages that get renewed monthly. Packages include 3 classes, 5 classes, and 10 classes with the option to add an additional three classes if individuals finish before a month is up. Keep in mind these packages can be changed on how frequent each individual is attending classes.

As a member of ClassPass, I really enjoy the luxury of having the option to bounce from studio to studio in addition to my regular gym membership. ClassPass gives me the opportunity to make my workouts more diverse and fun! Overall, I enjoy this program, the flexibility, and the price. If you’re looking to include diversity or an extra challenge into your workout routine I highly recommend joining. Pro tip: I do the 5 class package and feel it offers the perfect amount of classes per month with the option to travel to studios twice within a cycle.

Interested in becoming a member? Learn more here.

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Valentines Day DIY Ideas

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With Valentines Day weekend upon us, you may be wondering, “what do I get my sweetie?” The good news is everyone loves homemade DIYs. If you’re one of the many looking for last minute ideas, try one of these ideas.

  1. Decorate a beer (or soda) package with red wrapping paper/ hearts.
  2. Chinese take out carton filled with his/her favorite sweets
  3. Valentines themed vase
  4. Sharpie mugs – quick, easy, and cute
  5. Homemade cookies, cupcakes, or brownies – everyone loves baked goods!
  6. DIY brunch –heart shaped pancakes + mimosas
  7. At home movie theater – popcorn, movie, blankets, pillows, candles
  8. Deck of cards – write a fact you like about him/her on each card (can you think of 52?!)

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Union Square Donuts Opens in Brookline

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Boston is known for some popular donut shops; Kanes, Black Bird, and Union Square Donuts. The original Union Square Donuts located at 20 Bow St, in Somerville recently opened a second location in Brookline, MA.

With Brookline being a popular location for young adults, families and college kids shopping the boutiques they couldn’t have picked a better location for the new donut shop! A nice 15-minute walk from my apartment I made the journey over today to try one of Boston staple donut shops and they did not disappoint.

Although the line was out the door, the 30-minute wait was well worth it as the donuts are made fresh, from scratch daily! The menu offers a variety of flavors including a handful of vegan options. I got the Vanilla Bean and Brown Butte Hazelnut Crunch, both were moist, sweet and delicious.

Prices range between $3-$4 depending on the donut ordered (premium, original or vegan). I would recommend sharing one as they are large and filling! Union Square also offers a selection of coffees and teas offered at a reasonable price.

Looking to cater a work breakfast or an afternoon pick me up? Union Square offers catering and delivery to locations within the Boston area (Boston, Somerville, Allston, Brighton, Cambridge).

Whether it’s the Somerville or Brookline location I would recommend stopping by to try a donut and coffee.

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Location & Hours:

 Somerville

20 Bow St.

M-F 7a.m. – 1p.m.

Sat-Sun 7a.m. -3p.m.

Brookline

409 Harvard St.

7 a.m. -6p.m. every day