BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On The Town: Drinks at Clio

IMG_4664I’ll let you in on a little secret – Clio has some of the best bartenders in the city. Ok, so perhaps that’s not so much a secret as it is the truth. Clio is one of my go-to’s when I want to catch up with a good friend during the week (weekends tend to be too busy). Tucked inside the Eliot Hotel in the Back Bay, the space is small, but well-appointed.  There’s a massive drink menu to read through, or you can turn to one of the friendly bartenders. Simply describe your favorite flavors, spirits, etc. and they will make you a personalized cocktail. And by personalized, don’t be surprised if you see ice cubes made of beets or honeydew melon, or a random tool procured to muddle or torch various ingredients right in front of you.

Although I’ve enjoyed many different drinks at Clio, I do adore the Pimms Cocktail. It’s refreshing, has fresh fruit and instantly transports me to a tropical beach. Which, as we’ve seen with this terrible weather, is a gift in itself!

Clio is located at the corner of Massachusetts Ave and Commonwealth Ave. inside the Eliot Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay.

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On The Town: #DuckieRose at Highball Lounge

IMG_4873If you haven’t been to Highball Lounge yet – you should! Tucked inside the Nine Zero Hotel (a Kimpton property) on Tremont Street, Highball Lounge is the perfect mix of upscale and good old fashioned fun. The interior is upscale yet cozy, with modern features and a mix of classic games like Jenga, Connect Four, Uno and Twister. The theme also extends to the food and drink menus, from classic highball cocktails, to the adorable #DuckieRose, a blended wine cocktail which comes complete with a mini rubber duckie! If you’re feeling especially naughty, try the tater tot nachos. They are just as delicious and decadent as they sound!

Highball Lounge is located at 90 Tremont Street in Boston, MA.

RECIPES

Recipe: Vanilla Chai Protein Powder Chia Seed Pudding

IMG_4854Have you heard of chia seeds? You probably have and you don’t even know it – think “ch-ch-ch-chia.” Yep, crazy to believe, but the seeds behind your beloved Chia pet also have rockstar status in the superfood world. Nutrients found in chia seeds include omega fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, calcium and protein. Don’t believe me? Read this blog entry on chia seeds from Dr. Oz’s team.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media: How To Make An Exclusive Announcement on Instagram

Sochi-Molson_CanadianInstagram-Oscar3For my weekly Social Image of the Week column on Convince&Convert, I’m covering three examples of how to make an announcement on Instagram. Sure, you could issue a press release, but to learn how The Office’s B.J. Novak, The Calgary Zoo and Oscar de la Renta successfully generated awareness and news coverage through creative exclusives on Instagram, please click here to read the post.

To see more of my past Social Image of the Week columns on Convince&Convert, click here.

RECIPES

Updated Recipe: Apricot Almond Muffins via Choosing Raw

IMG_1002I previously wrote about this amazing grab ‘n’ go breakfast muffin recipe during May 2013, but made them again last night and couldn’t resist re-sharing!

I love experimenting with new cooking and baking techniques. While I’m an equal opportunity eater (e.g. meat, dairy), I have no problem going vegetarian or vegan for a meal or baked good depending on my mood and cravings. During an especially busy week, I made these delightful apricot almond muffins to grab & go for my morning commute. Discovered on the Choosing Raw blog, they are made with a mix of flour, almond flour, dried apricots, coconut oil and more. Let’s just say that I loved them and they also passed the roommate test!

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