GOOD READS, SOCIAL MEDIA

What I’m Reading: BabyCakes, How to Take a Month Off and Top Qualities in a Community Manager

It’s well-documented on this blog that I read…obsessively. From news sites, to books, magazines, a vast array of blogs, social media, public relations and marketing e-newsletters, my inbox is always jam-packed. And, it’s all my fault. But, before you call the producers of hoarders (the e-mail inbox edition), let me share a few unique articles that you may have missed over the past two months. From an interview with the founder of the BabyCakes bakery, to tips on how you can take a month off from work, and qualities essential in a community manager, I hope you will find these articles just as interesting an inspiring as I did.

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FASHION

Fashion: Deals, Steals and Under $30 Dresses at the Wrentham Outlets

Ann Taylor Factory Store Bracelet, $20.99

The President’s Day weekend sales were good to me. I took a chance and braved the crowds at the Wrentham Premium Village Outlets, and it paid off. From classic LBDs, to a $14 skirt, my favorite go-to cardigan’s from J.Crew and a few shiny baubles, I was happy with my haul.

It’s funny, because when I got home, I laughed a little at myself for bringing home three black LBDs. However, the older I grow, the more I gravitate toward simple, yet chic pieces that fit exceptionally well. I’ve also realized that I’m dressing up more when at work, or out on the town, so easy, yet inexpensive pieces that look anything but, are essential. Plus, there’s also something to be said for knowing that you scored an incredible steal! So, guess three LBDs, providing that my next bargains are a little more colorful, isn’t all that crazy….What do you think? Continue Reading

RESTAURANTS, SOCIAL MEDIA, TRAVEL

Travel: A Month of Planes, Trains & Automobiles in NYC, St. Petersburg & D.C.

Fountain Outside the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park

In January, after checking in at airports three weeks in a row, Foursquare told me I was “pretty fly.” I couldn’t help but agree! As an avid traveler, I cherish any opportunity to go out on the road for work or for play. Here are a few highlights from my month bouncing between New York City, St. Petersburg, Florida and Washington, D.C.

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ENTERTAINING, RECIPES

Easy Entertaining: A Cute DIY Bridal Shower Favor

Love Is Sweet Cookie Mix

As someone who has hosted a bridal shower, I understand how easy it is to overlook the shower favor. With so many details to stay on top of, who can blame the poor host?

If you’re looking for bridal shower favor inspiration, here’s a sweet idea. While a lot of people may not have time to embark upon a DIY bridal shower favor, I was super impressed with the “Love is Sweet” Cookie Mix my friends cleverly made for a recent shower. You see, the bride-to-be is known for her baked goods, so this was both sentimental and cute. Apparently, the ladies hosting the shower got together one evening and made the favors assembly line style, so it wasn’t too taxing. Once done, they added a cute label on the front, baking instructions on the back and a cute piece of fabric with a ribbon on top.

Here are a few recipes I found that look good for replicating this DIY Bridal Shower favor. As you’ll see, clever bloggers have adapted them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and more!

A Christmas take from Celebrating Sweets, but you could easily swap for one or multi-colored M&Ms: https://celebratingsweets.com/mm-cookie-mix-in-a-jar/ 

Crafting Chicks have an oatmeal M&M cookie mix, with printable labels too! https://thecraftingchicks.com/oatmeal-mm-cookie-mix-jar-neighbor-gift/

The Real Coake Family have an Easter cookie jar version with M&Ms and sprinkles that would be so cute for a Bridal shower: https://www.realcoake.com/easter-mason-jar-cookie-recipe/

The Happier Homemaker has a Valentine’s Day version with M&Ms and a printable label: https://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/valentine-cookie-mix-in-a-jar-with-prin/ 

Simple and sweet, you could easily use this idea for a holiday, baby shower, bridal shower or hostess gift. Enjoy!

BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE

On the Town: A Fabulous 29th Birthday at 28 Degrees

Photo Courtesy of 28 Degrees

Sometimes you don’t find the right birthday party venue, it finds you. Case and point with my 29th birthday celebration last month. I had what I thought was the perfect birthday celebration planned. A nice little soiree at The Beehive. I imagined being surrounded by friends savoring Beehive Juleps, live jazz and good conversation.

The reality? The Beehive is typically all of these things – and then some (do try the mussels for dinner sometime). Unfortunately, on the night of my birthday it was overcrowded with a long line outside on a very chilly night. Add in an unsympathetic door man and frozen friends and you have a not so happy birthday girl.

The solution? 28 Degrees! One phone call to 28 Degrees to confirm that there was no line or wait, and I was whisking my friends down the street. Inside, we found great music, delicious cocktails and plenty of space to command. C’est magnifique! In the end, I got exactly what I had wanted and then some. I couldn’t imagine a better venue to host a birthday party at than 28 Degrees.

The moral of the story? If you’ve got a large group gathering, don’t waste your time on a bar that has the potential to be overcrowded. Look for a venue that’s easy to get into with good music, good drinks and plenty of space to hang. I know I will from now on!

28 Degrees is located at 1 Appleton Street in Boston’s South End.