Tag: Boston

Wine Tour: Cape Cod Winery

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Located in the town of Falmouth, MA sits a fairly young winery growing light savory wines perfect to give as a gift or drink by the beach.

Opened in 2013 (at their current location), Cape Cod Winery is owned and operated by the Orlandella family who is growing some of the best grapes on Cape. The winery was originally founded in 1994 by Lazzari family to create premium wines for residents and tourist to enjoy with the finest seafood Cape Cod has to offer, and the Orlandella family is sure carrying on that tradition.

Grown with sandy gravel soil, which is ideal for grape growing has been compared to vineyards of Southern France and Italy. However, the carefully produced wines from Cape Cod Winery reflect the character of the Cape Cod soil and climate that embody a light, crisp, savory flavor which can be perfectly paired with the seasons freshest fish. (Did I hear perfect for a raw bar?)

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Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Must try: 

Chardonnay – Rich with flavors of toasted oak, vanilla & butter. It has a rich creaminess that surrounds you at each ship.

Nobska Light White – Semi-dry light wine has a wonderful fruity aroma with hints of citrus, peach & tropical fruits.

Vineyard Sound White Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp citrus with hints of tropical fruits perfect pairing with seafood!

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We had a lovely time at Cape Cod Winey! We can’t wait to go back during the summer season.

Open daily April – December, and January – March by appointment.

Address: 4 Ox Bow Rd. East Falmouth, MA 023536

 

 

4 Makeup Products I Swear By!!!

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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

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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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Escape to New Hampshire

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Situated two hours north of Boston you’ll find Alton, New Hampshire. Home to Lake Winnipesaukee and the popular mountain – Mount Major.

If you’re looking to escape the city, get in a great workout and take in the stellar views than the dive up is 100 percent worth it!

I recommend leaving as early as the lot at the mountain fills up fast! The hike up takes roughly two hours up and two down depending on your skill set. We took the blue trail, which was a moderate hike that had some large boulders to climb towards the top of the mountain.

After completing your hike stop by one of the local ice cream shops on the lake or fuel up with a fish dinner at Pop’s Clam shack.

Pro tip: If you’re new to hiking take the yellow trail. It may take you longer but there are fewer boulders to climb.

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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.

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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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

4th of July Weekend In Boston

~ teawithtinablog ~ 1 Comment

If you’re not escaping the city for the holiday weekend, here are a few things to check-out in the city this weekend.

  1. Red Sox Games 

What better way to spend the Fourth of July weekend than at the ball park watching America’s oldest sport. The Red Sox are slated to play the LA Angeles in this weekend’s home game series. With the Sox set for first pitch at 1:35 p.m. on July 4 against the Rangers. Below is a list of dates and times of this weekend’s Sox’s games.

July 1, Red Sox vs. Angeles @ 7:10 p.m.

July 2, Red Sox vs. Angeles @ 7:15 p.m.

July 3, Red Sox vs. Angeles @ 1:35 p.m.

July 4, Red Sox vs. Rangers @ 1:35 p.m.

 

  1. Freedom Trail

While spending the weekend in one of America’s historic cities take time out of the day to go on the Freedom Trail Tour. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile, red –line that leads guest to 16 historical sites in Boston. Enjoy the sites and people of Boston as you step back in time with a local colonial Bostonian. For more information about tickets, and tours click here.

 

  1. Boston Common/Public Garden

This weather is looking perfect for the holiday weekend! What better way to not spend a dime and enjoy the Common and the Public Garden. Whether its people watching, lying out on the Common, taking photos or feeding the ducks it’s going to be a great weekend to take advantage of Boston’s free parks.

  1. Swans

Located in Boston Public Garden, the Swan Boats are a Boston attraction you can’t miss. Whether it’s your first time visiting the city or a local, the Swan Boats are enjoyable to young and old alike. The Swan Boats are open daily during the summer from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with ticket prices set at $3.50 for adults and $2 for kids. I would suggest arriving early as the line gets long fast!

 

  1. Sea Port Bar Scene

Looking to celebrate America’s Birthday? My top pick to celebrate is in Boston’s Seaport! Below is a list of bars located in the Seaport:

  • The Atlantic Beer Garden
  • Whiskey Priest
  • Lookout Rooftop & Bar
  • Barking Crab
  • Lawn on D
  • The Envoy Hotel
  • Legal Harborside

 

  1. Boston Pop’s

The Boston Pop’s will be taking pace on July 3 & 4 at The Hatch Shell with guest appearances from Little Big Town, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas. On July 3, enjoy entertainment from the Boston Pop’s with a concert beginning at 8:30p.m. (no fireworks). On July 4, gates open at 9 a.m. and the entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m. with a Boston Pop’s performance. Fireworks beginning at 10:30 p.m., I recommend getting to The Hatch Shell early as the lawn fills up fast!

Remember to be safe & responsible 🙂

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Anna’s Taqueria

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Okay, I gave in! After a year of living in Allston, I decided to make the hop, skip and a jump over to Brookline to try the ever- so- famous Anna’s Taqueria and let me tell you it exceeded every expectation.

With six locations scattered throughout the Boston area, this Mexican restaurant is one you can’t pass up. As Anna’s is open Monday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Anna’s serves fresh, authentic tacos, burritos and bowls. As the prices are fairly reasonable I got two chicken tacos, which were very filling and tasty with a side of chips, guac and freshly squeezed lemonade (pictured below)!

If your every in the Boston area I would skip out on the Chipotle and try this local Boston favorite as it will leave you wondering why you haven’t tried it sooner.

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Locations:

Coolidge Corner-Brookline

1412 Beacon Street

 

JFK Corner- Brookline

446 Harvard St

 

Porter Square- Cambridge

822 Somerville Ave

 

MIT-Cambridge

84 Mass Ave

 

Davis Square-Somerville

236A Elm Street

 

A Cavity Waiting to Happen

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For those of you who are unfamiliar with Kane’s, Kane’s is a Boston staple donut shop with locations in Boston and the original in Saugus, MA. They have everything from coffee and tea to bear claws, pastry’s, cupcakes and their iconic donuts with flavors like Bacon Maple, Oreo and more made fresh daily.

More recently, Kane’s opened a pop-up location in Chestnut Hill from mid February to the end of March. After countless people posted pictures of these mouth watering donuts on my Instagem feed I figured why not give it a try.

I decided to go on March 27 the day before it closed. I got their at 7 a.m. right when they opened and within the time of me telling the man what I wanted, and paying the line was out the door and around the corner. I was shocked! I knew it was popular, but not this popular.

I was only going to get one I promise! It turns out the flavors that morning were too good to pass up! So I got six and figured I would bring them into work and share with my co-workers. With the donuts being large I thought we could cut them in half since I work in a small office. They were a hit.

Overall, I was a little disappointed. To be quit honest I didn’t expect these donuts to be as large as they were. I was expecting Dunkin’ Donut size. After a few bites I got full and they are extremely sweet Just one donut can be shared between two people.

Kane’s was a great experience, but it’s one of those places you only go once. Maybe Kane’s is only good for an Instagram picture and a cavity.